Sony Alpha digital cameras

Sony RX1 reviews by Top Photographers (Duncan Davidson, Peter Adams, John Vink…)

March 1, 2013
reviews
58 Comments

Ok ok, we all read the positive reviews written by the usual big photogrpahy websites. But what do real photographers think about the camera? Here are three links you have to check out:

Duncan Davidson (Click here) posted a superb review of the Sony RX1: “Put another way, there has not a single time that I’ve been out and about with only my RX1 and regretted not having my big SLR with me. That’s pretty much a first for me. Even though the X100 came close, it never quite met that standard. I can tell you that my RX1 going to spend a lot of time in my bag or on a strap while I continue to travel around the world in 2013.”

Magnum Photographer John Vink (Click here) is using the RX1 too. His only comment for now is: “The AF definitely needs to be much more snappier.” LOL :) But you can see some great pics from John on his webesite here (monochrome) and here (color).

Peter Adam (Click here) posted a very detailed review and says about the RX1: “The lens surprised me–I thought it would be more of a limiting factor than it was, but came to appreciate its versatility. Would I love it if this camera had removable/changeable lenses? Of course, I would. However, I have to admit, the 35mm f/2 worked great for 90% of the photos I wanted to take.”

Two more great reviews can be read at Minimallyminimal and in German at Digitalkamera.

Take your time to read them all because these are very good articles. The RX1 rocks and it is hard to resist the temptation to buy it when you have to wait at least one year until we can grab the interchangeable NEX version :(

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RX1 links roundup:
RX1 at [shopcountry 15824].
RX1 Gariz accessories:
1) They made a new half leather case in Black and Brown ([shoplink 16437 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
2) The new lens cap ([shoplink 16439 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
3) The new entry is the anti loose button(!) ([shoplink 16438 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]). Don’t know if that will be really useful for you RX1 owners. Someone has it and call it how it works? Thanks!
4) And this is the really first time I see that. A special Leather skin hood! ([shoplink 16441 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).

Aptina-Sony agreement.

March 1, 2013
news
44 Comments

As you know Nikon uses also Aptina sensors in order to become more independent from Sony. So it is interesting to read the latest news (Source: Engadget) about the Aptina-Sony agreement:

Here is the text:

Aptina Enters into Patent License Agreement with Sony

SAN JOSE, Calif.–Aptina today announced that it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Sony, which provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio.
Aptina and Sony have built industry leading patent portfolios that include seminal image sensor patents covering image capture and processing methods. These technologies are fundamental to the world’s growing image sensor industry, with sales of over two billion units annually, and found in almost every consumer electronics device including smart phones, automobiles, tablets, televisions, gaming platforms, medical equipment and digital cameras.
This cross-license agreement enables these two innovation leaders to operate freely and use each other’s patented inventions to advance the pace of development for cameras and other imaging applications. The cooperation fostered by the cross-license reinforces the ability of both companies to provide compelling imaging solutions to their customers.
“Patents and innovation are a critical component of Aptina’s strategy, and Aptina’s patent portfolio is the largest and strongest in the image sensor industry,” said Bob Gove, President and CTO of Aptina. “We believe that this powerful blend will advance technology to realize our goal of enabling consumers to capture beautiful images and visual information.”
Aptina, the foundational CMOS imaging company, began within Micron Technology in 2001 with acquisitions of early CMOS imaging companies Photobit and then Avago Technologies’ image sensor business. Aptina became an independent company in 2009. Aptina delivers advanced CMOS imaging solutions to all major imaging markets and is the leading supplier in many markets including the rapidly growing automotive market.

P.S:: Sony also announced the sale of their huge Sony building in Osaki (Source: Engadget).

Question: Zeiss overpriced? A58 wrong name?

February 28, 2013
reviews
278 Comments

Some of you still think SAR is a place for fanboys but it isn’t. It old you two days ago that the new Sony announced stuff didn’t get any sensible amount of preorders at Amazon US. None of the newly announced cameras or lens made it into the top 100 of the Amazon mirrorless (Click here), DSRL (Click here) and Lens (Click here) rankings. SO let’s take a look at two critics I found on the web that may explain what may be the problem:

ThePhoBlographer tested the new Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 SSM lens and writes: “So far, I was pretty impressed with that the lens had to offer, but not for the $1,498.00 asking price. Then again, I have yet to test it out on a camera. I absolutely loved the A99 when we reviewed it, and this 50mm should be able to take full advantage of its 24MP sensor.”

Carl Garrard shared his thoughts about the A58 at Alphamountworld: “Sure the A58 is a perfectly decent camera, and I’m sure for its price it’s quite a bargain. There’s no denying that. However I think Sony should have called the A58 a different name, because it is not a true upgrade overall for the A57. Sony had a really good thing going with that camera at that level. And instead of capitalizing on it by improving it, they let another fish go back to the sea gambling on a lower cost cut down model to supersede it. Unless there’s an A60 coming this year (doubtful) as a real successor and overall improvement to the A57 at that price point, I think Sony have made a grave error here which begs the question: Who is making these decisions at Sony?”

I want to hear your opinion in that. Is the Zeiss overpriced? Is the A58 wrongfully placed within the SLT range?

Something else: One of our readers spotted the new Pink(!) NEX-3n in Hong Kong. As you know pink camera sell pretty well in Asia.

And here are the European preorder links:
The Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 SSM can now be preordered at Wex UK.
The NEX-3n can now be preordered at Sony DE, Amazon DE, Sony UK, Wex DE, Wex UK, Sony FR, Sony IT, Sony ES, Sony NL, Sony SE.
The A58 can now be preordered at Amazon DE, Wex DE, Wex UK.

(SR3) New 3,8 Million dots EVF for the NEX-7n?

February 28, 2013
rumors
159 Comments

I got this from a new source (Thank You). I was not able yet to confirm it with trusted sources so please take that SR3 ranked rumor with a grain of salt for now ok?

Anyway, the source seems to know that the new NEX-7n has a stunning new Electronic Viewfinder with 3.8 Million dot resolution. That’s almost 60% more resolution than you have on the current NEX-7. The source said it’s very “bright and sharp“.

Reminder: The NEX-7n is rumored to be announced in early April and it may uses a new 24 MP sensor with 1/3 of stop improvement.

Subscribe the RSS feed (Click here) and Twitter (Click here) stream and the Facebook fan page (Click here) in order to not miss any news!

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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!

Sony TidBits…

February 27, 2013
news
30 Comments

A99 Handheld with Carl Zeis 16 to 35 F2.8, Steadyshot On from The Lightshapers Studios on Vimeo.

Sigma 35mm f1.4 review at CameraLabs and Photozone.
Informal Lens Comparison: Sony 35mm f1.8 (NEX) vs Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 (X Mount) at ThePhoBlographer.
Sony DSC-RX100 review by Admiringlight.
A superb Vario-Sonnar T* 2,8/16-35 ZA tets report by Paul James on Zeiss Blog.
Sony NEX-3n image gallery at Whatdigitalcamera.
Sony’s moment of truth (The New Yorker).
sony 500mm f8+sigma tc 1.4x ex DG+vivitar tc 2x mc4 DGII on the sony nex 5n. A 2100mm test(!) on Flickr.
Replacing the NEX-6 LCD at Hellyeahpictures.
German NEX-5r review at Heise.

RX1 and RX100 trade in deal.

February 27, 2013
deals
14 Comments

If somone is interested in buying an RX camera you may check out that trade in deal from Adorama. It is valid for the RX1 (Click here) and the RX100 (Click here).

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Reminder, new Sony stuff preorder links:

And here are the European preorder links:
The Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 SSM can now be preordered at Wex UK.
The NEX-3n can now be preordered at Sony DE, Amazon DE, Sony UK, Wex DE, Wex UK, Sony FR, Sony IT, Sony ES, Sony NL, Sony SE.
The A58 can now be preordered at Amazon DE, Wex DE, Wex UK.

Send your questions to Sony! (Camera Diner show)

February 27, 2013
news
210 Comments

Tomorrow (Feb 28th) at 7pm Thursday GMT (that’s 19:00 London time) there will be special Sony live show at CameraDiner.com. It’s a unique chance to get in direct touch with Sony UK manager Joe Asai. You can follow the live session and ask whatever question you want. Or if you prefer you can also write your questions here by commenting this post. Paul Genge is reading us and will collect your question list!

Really do it! It doens’t happen often you can talk with Sony managers!

P.S: Don’t ask them questions about non existent products like the NEX-9…he will not answer you :)

UPDATE: HireAcamera.com are offering Sony bodies and lenses when hired in combination at half price for month of march, including 2x a99 and 3x a77 and e-mount nex6 and nex7. UK delivery only, no overseas.