Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Sony just released a new Alpha-mount lens – the Sony DT 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SAM.
The new lens is a consumer-oriented model designed for use on APS-C Sony A-mount cameras like the Sony A77, A57 and A37. It should be available in September for $300. Check availability at B&H Photo.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
The Sony SLT-A77: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide is a new book from Carol Roullard and Brian Matsumoto. In it, they “teach you how to obtain exceptional photographs and videos as they cover everything from the basics of using the camera’s automatic modes, to the more advanced aperture-priority, shutter-priority, program, and manual exposure modes.”
The Sony SLT-A77: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide retails for $34.95; however, it is currently available from Amazon for $19.06.
Apple has a released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.13, which adds RAW file support to Aperture 3 and iPhoto ’11 for the following cameras:
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.
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…]
Several Sony lenses are up for instant rebates ranging from $25 to $50 off. Full list of lenses and details here at B&H Photo.
It’s been a little too quiet on the Sony front since the introduction of the uber-popular Sony A77. So, it’s not really much of a surprise to hear rumors of a refresh to the full-frame Sony A900 and (even more so) the consumer-ish Sony A55. Both are very solid cameras in their respective categories; however, their age is starting to show. [Read more…]
This will be a live blog feed – with the newest updates at the bottom. (Hit the ‘Refresh’ button for updates.)
3:00PM PT – The Sony Press Conference at CES 2012 kicks off in a couple hours. I’m just laying the groundwork here and am making my way over to Sony’s booth.
I’ll have the latest news from the event soon, so keep watching. It kicks off at 5PM PT / 8PM ET.
UPDATES BELOW (Newest stuff at the bottom.) [Read more…]