SAR reader Mohammed created that nice video with the new Sony NEX-5R. The camera is now shipping in Asia and Europe and according to Amazon US it will ship on October 21th in US. But I also found one camera in Stock and shipping on [shoplink 14788 ebay]eBay US (Click here)[/shoplink].
Frank Doorhof is testing the A99 and has a lot of good things to say about the A99: “Especially with the images you see above (SAR note: Check his website) this text I was very happy, they are shot while it was very dark outside and when you see the recovery in the highlights of the very bright billboards and the reflections in the dark stones and railtracks you can imagine this put a big fat smile on my face.”
Frank is a Canon 5DmarkIII shooter so it’s interesting to read his view of the A99. There are some quirks he mentions and Sony even forgot him to send the battery charger :)
But at the end he really likes the A99 a lot: “As mentioned before I would love to see a bit more speed with starting up the cameras EVF, but the dynamic range, the glass and the handling of the camera MORE than makes up for it.”
ThePhoBlographer is the first website making a short comparison between the two new “rangefinder” alike cameras with built-in EVF, the Sony NEX-6 and the Fuji X-E1. Both cameras have the same sensor size and Megapixel number. The Fuji is a tack sharper, and the Sony has warmer colors and captures more detail in the shadows. Note that the Fuji has no AA filter which helps to get more “per pixel sharpness“.
I just woke up and found a couple of mails from SAR readers linking me to that mysterious Sony ad (Source: Sony UK). I honestly don’t know what this is, will now start to ask around. The hashtag #TheNewF suggest that this may be a new F camcorder (we currently have the Sony PMW-F3). And this may be also the day where the 4K upgrade for the NEX-FS700 will be announced…
Drop me a message at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com or use the anonymous contact form you find here on the right sidebar if you know more about that event. Thansk!
P.S: Tomorrow Sony will release the A77 firmware update!
Dpreview (Click here) posted an interview with Phil Molyneux, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sony Electronics. I am going ot highlight the most interesting info only:
– He said there is no need to have touchscreen on the NEX-6 because “We believe their interest in touchscreen capability is far less than the user who shoots with the camera held at arm’s length.”
– It is possible to make a compact mirrorless NEX with FF sensor. The real challenge is “building the lenses that can cover a full frame imaging circle at that flange back distance…But it is possible“. He also said that much of the RX1 design could be used for an interchangeable version camera.
– pre-orders of the RX1 have been overwhelmingly positive.
In sum, I really got the feeling that Sony is aware of the benefits of making a Full Frame NEX system. And I pretty much sure that we will get some nice surprise in 2013!
Dominic Fraser shot that nice Aston Martin video clip with the new Sony A99: “for now lets say very good indeed image quality. This particular camera is one of only three in the country without a final firmware version so things can only get better.”
And here are some new A99 and NEX-6 tests:
New A99 review at SLRlounge: “The A99 is not only superb, but I can consider it to be avant-garde and full of technology. The sensor itself can go pound-for-pound against Canon’s and Nikon’s full-frame sensors in regards to dynamic range, color rendition, and resolving power.” SLRclub posted a super long A99 review. As you know they post all the text as a jpg file so google translate tool will not help us to get some clue about their findings. But you can still watch their graphs and pictures. Fengniao posted a new A99 ISO test.
A99 test by a famous Chinese blogger “Chunjuan” at PChome (translation here). Fotopolis (translation here) posted a full NEX-6 review and earns 5 points out of 6.
I like it when I can start the new week with a good Sony news-rumor :=)
A source (Thanks!) sent us this text but don’t try to click on the download links. They will work form October 18th only!
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PRESS TEXT
Please be informed that the new firmware version 1.06 for SLT-A77 & SLT-A65, and firmware version 1.03 for SLT-A57 & SLT-A37 will be available soon.
Japan is going to make an announcement for this firmware update, but we will handle it as a download content for regional website as it’s only a firmware update.
2. Applicable Model & Version
Model Name
Firmware Version
SLT-A65, SLT-A77
1.05 or earlier
SLT-A37, SLT-A57
1.02 or earlier
3. Additional Features / Improvements
· Lens compensation function is extended to the following lenses
Ø SAL30M28, SAL50F14, SAL2470Z, SAL2875, SAL70400G, SAL70200G, SAL35F14G, SAL1635Z
· Addition of capability to enable/disable the MOVIE button (applicable to SLT-A77 & SLT-A65 only)
—–
I don’t know yet if there are more new features and fixes. Hope yes!
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For US readers. You save $100 on the A77 open box deal at [shoplink 14756 ebay]Beachcamera (Click here)[/shoplink].
No day is passing without some bloggers posting new Sony tests and images. But at least we have one real new and unseen test. Our reader Klaus sent me this text: “During the Alpha-Festival in Berlin I shot some sample shots with the 10-18mm. I have also included corner and center crops. http://www.sonyuserforum.de/forum/showthread.php?t=124123. At 10mm the lens shows some pink color cast which can be easily removed with Lightroom presets. The lens is damn sharp and brilliant for its size and prize. Stabilization works really good and AF is spot on. Good performer – will buy it ASAP“. Thanks Klaus for being the first testing this lens!
The lens can be preordered at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
And here are new RX1,A99 and NEX-6 tests: TheVerge had the chance to play with the RX1 and writes: “I got to try it this week, and frankly, it’s amazing. Shooting even vaguely usable 6000 x 4000 resolution pictures at 25,600 ISO with a camera this small is unbelievable, and the fixed Zeiss lens produces lovely results.”
Also Steve Huff posted some new thoughts and images about the RX1: “Sony is climbing a little but of an uphill battle with the rX1 due to the cost of the camera because the “masses” are not into a fixed focal length lens. Many enthusiasts are, and these are the ones Sony made this camera for.”
Sony Digital Imaging Press Event – Sony A99, NEX-6 & RX1 at Photographyreview. Also the Italian website Fotografidigitali posted a new A99 hands-on.
