Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
The next round of cameras coming from Sony are rumored to be entry-level models. Specifically, the mirrorless Sony NEX-3N is rumored to fill in the place of the current (and excellent) Sony NEX-F3.
Additionally, a pair of SLT Alpha models – the A38 and A58 – should replace the current A37 and A57. Both of the current models feature a 16.1MP APS-C sensor. [Read more…]
Apple has issued Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.14, which adds RAW file support to Aperture 3 and iPhoto ’11 for the Canon Rebel T4i and the Sony A37.
Download the update from Apple’s website.
The Sony A37 was announced today alongside the NEX-F3. Both cameras are entry-level shooters feature 16MP APS-C CMOS sensors and capture full HD video.
The A37 features Sony’s trademark Translucent Mirror Technology to enable phase detection autofocus while maintaining live view on the A37’s 3-inch tilt/swivel LCD screen. This fast live view autofocus is available in both photo and video modes – something no other DSLR manufacturer has achieved yet.
The A37 also features sensor-based image stabilization, up to 7 frames per second with 8.4MP stills and a sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000. The camera also sports a 1440k dot resolution EVF with 100% coverage.
The Sony A37 should be available in June for $600 with an 18-55mm kit lens. Check availability at B&H Photo.
Alongside the Sony A37, the new 18-135mm zoom lens was introduced. It should be available in July for $500. It will also be sold as a kit with the current Sony Alpha SLT cameras beginning in August 2012. Check availability at B&H Photo.
More details and images below. [Read more…]
It looks like the full specs for the Sony NEX-F3 and A37 entry-level cameras are now out in the wild with a release date of May 17, courtesy of SonyAlphaRumors. Leaked images vis Yangcanggih. Check out the spec lists below.
One thing that doesn’t jive with the specs and the leaked images is the MP4 codec listed in the NEX-F3 specs. The images clearly showed the AVCHD logo on the camera body. Likewise, a 1080/24p and 1080/60i frame rate suggests an AVCHD 1.0 codec. If anything, I think the MP4 codec would be for a 720p option (like the NEX-C3) – although, the NEX-F3 appears to offer full 1080p HD video capture in addition to a possible 720p MP4 mode…
With the recent NEX models sporting the AVCHD 2.0 codec, it looks like Sony will differentiate the video capabilities on entry-level models by sticking with a max 30fps frame rate at full 1920 x 1080 resolution via the AVCHD 1.0 codec. This should make the NEX-F3 a perfect consumer camera with great 1080p video. And, if you want to get your overcranked footage on for smooth slo-mo, you’ll need to step up to the NEX-5N or higher.
The A37 looks to be very competent as well for an entry-level shooter. Frankly though, unless you have to have the phase-detection AF system of the SLT models, I would suggest most people to choose the NEX-F3 as an entry-level go-to camera over the A37.
I’ll have more concrete thoughts on these models once they are officially announced and I get my hands on them.
Stay tuned.