Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
The Sony NEX-C3 rounds out the bottom end of the NEX line; however, it’s still quite the full-featured camera. I’ve already raved about the Sony NEX-5n (aside from a now-fixed problem with the audio capture in movie mode). The NEX-C3 is just as impressive of a camera to me. [Read more…]
First, a rant. Then, the footage. [Read more…]
Sony has released preliminary information on the upcoming NEX-FS700, and it looks like a killer camera out of the box if the price comes in around the expected $8k mark, available in June.
The FS700 will ship as a 1080p camera that utilizes an 11.1MP EXMOR CMOS sensor, which will later receive a firmware upgrade to enable the 4K functionality. It’s not clear whether or not this upgrade will come at an additional expense like the initial S-LOG upgrade for the Sony F3.
More so than the 4K, the feature that really excites me is the ability to capture 10x slow motion in full 1080p. The record times are limited to 8 seconds for 240fps and 16 seconds for 120fps.
Another big boon is the built-in ND filters (up to 6 stops) that we all missed on the FS100, along with 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs for external capture devices. It will also come with expanded focus magnification up to 8x out of the box – something the FS100 will get via a firmware update later this month. Another expected update for the FS100 is the ability to store camera profile settings on memory cards – and, thankfully, Sony will put this on the FS700 from day one.
I’ll have more coverage on this new camera as additional details emerge. For now, check out the rest of the new features below. [Read more…]
Sony has posted a notice on the FS100 firmware upgrade page noting that the NEX-FS100 will not receive the previously-expected upgrade until April 19. [Read more…]
The Sony A57 is the latest Alpha model utilizing Translucent Mirror Technology – and it steps up the game from its predecessor, the Sony A55.
Priced at $700 for the body, the A57 piles it on in terms of features, offering a 16.1MP resolution CMOS sensor (APS-C format) and the AVCHD 2.0 progressive codec, which allows the A57 to capture 1080p video at a full 60p frame rate – a feature both Canon and Nikon HDSLR shooters have been screaming for on the high-end models (let alone entry-level cameras in the A57 price range).
Sony continues its tradition of fast live-view AF thanks to the Translucent Mirror Technology, which allows users to view the image on the rear LCD or in the electronic viewfinder – all the while maintaining the rapid and accurate AF acquisition that DSLR shooters are accustomed to.
Alongside the A57, Sony announced the HVL-LE1 continuous light for $250, which comes complete with an Alpha shoe mount and barn doors.
The Sony A57 should be available in March at an initial retail price of $700 for the body only, or $800 with the 18-55mm kit lens.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Leaks are well underway now with the above unofficially official product shot for the new Sony A57. Rumored specs are also out with what’s believed to be a 16MP CMOS sensor and up to 1080p video with the AVCHD 2.0 codec for 60p capture. [Read more…]
DSLR News Shooter has confirmed a firmware upgrade for the Sony NEX-FS100, which will add some long-awaited features to the camera. Among the new features:
I can’t express how happy I am to see that the expanded focus will get a bump from the lowly 2x that it shipped with. Likewise, the camera profile loading from memory cards will be welcomed to those of us who hate customizing the profiles one variable at a time. Loads of other worthwhile upgrades makes this one seem like Sony has been reading users’ wishlists.
The firmware update should hit on March 22. I’ll be sure to update as soon as I see it available.
Alongside several other compact cameras, Sony has updated its solid Cyber-shot H-Series with 5 new models.
Sony Cyber-shot HX30V: 18.2 MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor with 20x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD
Sony Cyber-shot HX20V: compact, powerful and perfect for travel with 20x optical zoom and effective 18.2 megapixel Exmor R® CMOS Sensor
Sony Cyber-shot HX200V: ultra 30x optical zoom with effective 18.2 megapixel Exmor R® CMOS Sensor and manual controls
Sony Cyber-shot HX10V: 16x optical zoom and effective 18.2 megapixel Exmor R® CMOS Sensor
Sony Cyber-shot H90: 16x optical zoom and effective 16.1 megapixels
Sony has launched 4 new point and shoot cameras. The new WX150 and W690 are super thin cameras sporting a 10x optical zoom and offer 18.2MP and 16.1MP image sensors, respectively. The WX150 captures 1080/60i video, while the W690 captures 720p HD video. The WX150 retails for $250 and the W690 retails for $180.
The Sony TX66 is a rugged compact with an 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor. It’s got a 5x optical zoom lens and captures 1080/60i HD video. Retail is $350.
The TX20 is another rugged compact camera with a 16.2MP CMOS sensor and a 4x optical zoom lens. It retails for $330.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Sony’s long-teased (over 2 years now) 500mm f/4 super-telephoto lens is finally available for pre-order. According to B&H Photo’s listing, it is set to ship around April 23, 2012.