(SR3) Zeiss to launch the three new primes along the new NEX-7n?

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In about one month Sony will have a new product announcement date. They will release new camcorder and likely a new NEX-7n too. The rumored 85mm f/1.8 lens is scheduled for a release in the second half of the year.  So will there be no new lens along the NEX-7n announcement?
According to one source Zeiss may launch the three new prime lenses for E-mount in April! As you know these lenses are the  12mm f/2.8, 32mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/2.8 lens. All with full electronic aperture control and autofocus. The lenses cover the APS-C sensor only and will not cover the Full Frame sensor area of the future Full Frame NEX. But they will of course work on it in crop mode (like it is on the VG900).

Price for each lens will vary between $1000 and $1400.

One more thing: Tomorrow I will post an important post about the future Full Frame NEX system. I have been asked by different sources to ask you about the price and marketing strategy of the camera. And we want to hear your opinion on that.

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!

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Now shipping: Contax G to E-mount adapter with full electronic control.

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The new Contax G to E-mount adapter with full electronic aperture and autofocus control is now available for sale at www.deo-tech.com. Original price is US$299 but pre-orders will get 20% off and there is a 1 year international warranty. Shipping…now!
Some early tests can be read on the Chinese Xitek forum.

May not all know that Contax lenses are actually made from Zeiss :) Superb quality for a great price!
Here is the list of great G lenses with links to eBay price:
Hologon 16mm; 1:8 on [shoplink 16235 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink] -> (will not work on the DEO TECHART adapter).
Biogon T* 21 mm; 1:2,8 on [shoplink 16236 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink] -> (will not work on the DEO TECHART adapter).
Biogon T* 28 mm; 1:2,8 on [shoplink 16237 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Planar T* 35 mm; 1:2,0 on [shoplink 16238 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Planar T* 45 mm; 1:2,0 on [shoplink 16239 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Sonnar T* 90 mm; 1:2,8 on [shoplink 16240 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Vario-Sonnar T* 35 – 70 mm; 1:3,5-5,6 on [shoplink 16241 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

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New Sigma lens, NEX-6 superkits deals.

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Sigma lens:
Sigma launched a series of new rebates on their A-mount lenses at BHphoto (Click here). The same deal is advertised on Amazon Gold Box page too (Click here). But for some weird reason their link doesn’t seem to work!

NEX-6 superkit deals:
There is a super “Ultimate Bundle” deal for $919 at [shoplink 17231 ebay]Beachcamera (official Sony reseller)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 17232 ebay]BuyDig (via eBay)[/shoplink].

A57 beats the rest:
Curious but the “old” A57 is selling better than the new A58 accoridng to the Amazon ranking (Click here).

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Plenty of IF awards for Sony!

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Many Sony products got awraded by the iF product design award 2013 (Click here). Here you can read the winners and the reason why the designers liked them:

Sony A99:
High-end DSLR featuring a 35 mm full-frame sensor. To offer the exceptional control that shooters demand, the designers focused closely on the grip shape, front-to-back shape and button layout. Taut-looking surfaces seem stretched over each element, from the body to the grip to the pentaprism, giving the camera body an aura of high performance and a sculptural, well-integrated appearance.

DSC-RX1:
Proofing that good things can come in small packages, this camera packs a 35 mm full-frame sensor and large f/2.0 lens into a compact, spartan body of magnesium alloy. For satisfying control and pride of ownership, the smooth, luxurious lens barrel and buttons were refined by repeatedly fine-tuning a universal layout. Subtly rounded ends support both form and function, creating a nicely squarish body that is easier to hold.
And there is also a special Jury-Statement on the RX1:
I love the quality of this camera lens. There are so many details and textures. It also has a very modern feel to it. Here Sony has imagined how to do things differently than anyone else. It is wonderfully designed. Every detail is appropriate. This is a mechanical piece with pleasantly surprising high-quality details.

DSC-RX100
The DSC-RX100 is small and light, but features a 1” image sensor. High-quality aluminum is used for the body, ensuring optimal rigidity and texture. The main controls are metal and the styling emphasizes the edges, giving users a sense of the camera’s reliability. The centrally positioned lens tube, with a diameter nearly equal to the height of the body, allows the camera to be held securely and makes the control ring easy to operate. The solid feel of the body – not seen before in this class – and the premium simple shape make this camera a joy to own, inspiring users to give free reign to their creativity.

NEX-5R
Innovative interchangeable-lens camera housing a large image sensor in a body as small as it can be – barely tall enough to accommodate the mount. Though compact, the camera offers welcome features, such as an LCD screen that tilts to include the shooter and enable high- and low-angle shots, expanding shooting options. A generous grip maintains usability even with larger lenses. Also designed for fast shootings, because a rapid settings adjustment is possible via a dial on the back.

DSC-HX30V:
Although a pop-up flash suppresses vignetting in shots applying the optical 20x zoom, the flash sits higher than the mode dial across from it. Fortunately, gently slanted surfaces provide a graceful transition and elegant design accent. Inside, the reassuring grip is a high-capacity capacitor for bright flash in zoomed shots. Subtly contrasting body and lens finishes, a nicely finished band around the body, a perfectly positioned power button and other details make this a highly polished camera.

via TalkNex.

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

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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]).

 

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Aptina-Sony agreement.

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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).

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