Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony NEX-VG20 APS HD Camcorder Announced

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Sony NEX-VG20

The Sony NEX-VG20 is a follow-up to last year’s groundbreaking NEX-VG10.  The new NEX-VG20 includes “comprehensive manual controls, improved imaging quality and upgraded sound” according to Sony’s press release – all of which are welcomed for this prosumer camcorder.

The NEX-VG20 captures 1920 x 1080 AVCHD video at 60p or 24p frame rates.  The 24p mode offers the ability to use Cinema Tone Gamma and Cinema Tone Color presets for richer color out of the camera.  The NEX-VG20 also continues the use of the Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone; however, it now supports stereo and 5.1 channel surround.

Sony has also improved the access to the camera’s controls, allowing access to the manual control dial even when the flip-out LCD is closed.

In addition to its video capture features, the NEX-VG20 also captures high-resolution still images with its 16.1MP CMOS image sensor.  It even offers the option to capture RAW image files – something that its predecessor did not do.

The Sony NEX-VG20 should be available in November for $1599 (body only) and $2199 when equipped with the 18-200mm kit lens.  Check availability on B&H Photo.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

 

Canon 5D Mark II for $2279 – Deal Alert

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Canon 5D Mark II Deal

Canon 5D Mark II Deal on Buy.com

Buy.com has the Canon 5D Mark II in stock for $2279 with free shipping.  It’s $2499 at most other retailers right now – although B&H Photo is giving $500 worth of video production Red Giant software with the 5D Mark II at that price, which probably makes the B&H deal worth it if you are going to be doing any serious amount of video shooting with it.

Sony A77 and A65 Officially Announced

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Sony SLT-A77

Sony SLT-A77

The day is finally here.  The long-awaited Sony A700 replacement has arrived.

The Sony A77 and its little brother, the A65, are the latest in DSLR-alternatives from the consumer electronics giant.  Packing an APS-C format 24.3MP CMOS sensor, the A77 and A65 use Sony’s translucent mirror technology to keep the autofocus fast while displaying a live feed to the rear-panel display screen or the electronic viewfinder.

 

Sony SLT-A65

Sony SLT-A65

Check out the key specs and press release for these new cameras below. [Read more…]

Sony NEX-5N Announced

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Sony NEX-5N

The NEX-5N, along with the NEX-7, are the latest mirrorless cameras in the NEX line.   The NEX-5N upgrades last year’s popular NEX-5.

The NEX-5N features a 16.1MP CMOS sensor and improved shutter lag down to 20 milliseconds.  The NEX-5N offers a max sensitivity of ISO 25,600 and 1080p HD video capture with both 60p and 24p frame rate options.

Sony NEX-5N Back FDA-EV1S

In addition to the NEX-5N, Sony has also introduced the LA-EA2 adapter for using Sony Alpha lenses on NEX cameras.  Also, the FDA-EV1S is an electronic viewfinder for the NEX-5N.

The NEX-5N should be available in September for $700 with an 18-55mm lens or $600 for the body only.

Sony NEX-5N Availability

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Lightroom 3.5 and Camera Raw 6.5 Release Candidates Available

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Lightroom 3.5

Adobe has made release candidates of Lightroom 3.5 and Camera Raw 6.5 available for download in Adobe Labs.  These versions add RAW file support for the following cameras:

A number of new lens profiles have also been added, along with several bug fixes.  Additional release notes are indicated on the respective download pages for each product.

Remember, these are release candidates, which means they’ve been pretty well tested and Adobe thinks they are ready for full release; however, it’s recommended that you keep production work to prior versions until the official releases drop.  Expect those to come soon though.  Release candidates mean that the final versions are just around the corner.

Lightroom 3.5 release candidate can be downloaded here.

Camera Raw 6.5 release candidate can be downloaded here.

Nikon Coolpix P7100 RAW Shooter and AW100 Rugged Cameras Leaked

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Nikon Coolpix P7100 and AW100

Nikon Coolpix P7100 and AW100

The Nikon Coolpix P7100 and AW100 surfaced this afternoon on Nikon Rumors a little while before their anticipated unveiling later tonight/tomorrow.

The P7100 looks to be the replacement for the rather sluggish Coolpix P7000.  However, Nikon may very well have boosted the performance of the P7100 so that its a viable option for those who want an advanced compact.

The P7100 is rumored to included the following specifications: [Read more…]