Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

New Sony Full Frame Camera in 2012?

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Sony A850 and A900

As Sony continues to tease the coming A700-replacement camera (presumed to be called the A77), rumors are building for a full-frame camera to follow-up the 24.6MP Sony A900 and A850.  Sony Alpha Rumors writes that its “trusted sources” have indicated an “amazing” full frame camera will be available from Sony in 2012.

Additional comments suggest that the full frame camera will use the translucent mirror technology found in the Sony A33 and A55.  Of course, the new A77 model will feature the translucent mirror; however, putting a full frame sensor behind the translucent mirror will be a first for Sony.  Given the recent developments with Sony’s SLT models, we should expect the coming full frame model to also capture at least 1080p HD video using AVCHD compression.

[Sony Alpha Rumors]

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens

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The Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens is the third lens that Nikon has announced since February of this year (and I’ve been told they’re just rolling their sleeves up).  The new lens serves as an update to the original 200-400mm f/4 lens.  As was the case with the previously announced lenses (AF-S 16-35mm f/4 VR II and AF-S 24mm f/1.4), the new 200-400mm lens carries on the trend of lenses compatible with Nikon’s growing FX-format line of DSLRs.

Like the AF-S 300mm f/2.8 VR II lens released near the end of 2009, the new AF-S 200-400mm lens gets more of a facelift in updates, as opposed to a complete redesign.  Obviously, the VR II feature is one of the headliners, which Nikon claims delivers an additional 4-stops of handholdability.  The new 200-400mm also receives a new nano-crystal coat on the glass to reduce ghosting and flare.  The lens also gets a third focusing mode, A/M, which prevents slight and unintentional movements of the focus ring from canceling the autofocus while shooting.

The 200-400mm VR II lens includes 4 ED elements for what should be exceptional image quality, if we assume the results of the updated 70-200mm f/2.8 and 300mm f/2.8 will transfer to this lens as well.  The increased resolving power of the ED elements should pave the way for future, higher-resolution Nikon DSLRs, which are sure to come.

The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens will carry a retail price tag of $6999.95, which is about $900 over the current street price of the existing model.  The new lens should be available sometime in late May 2010.

Check availability on B&H Photo, Amazon and Adorama.

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

Sony A850 and A900 Review

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Sony A850 and A900

The Sony A850 and A900 are full frame cameras that pack in 24.6-megapixels on that big sensor.  The cameras appear at the top-end of the Alpha system line up.  At first blush, the A850 appears almost identical to the pricier Sony A900.  After delving deeper into the A850, you’ll discover that there’s really not a whole lot of difference between it and the A900.

Because of the similarities between these two cameras and the fact that I reviewed them simultaneous, I decided to publish one review for both cameras rather than than two separate reviews with only minor changes in the text. [Read more…]

Sony Bringing 2 Full Frame DSLRs Soon

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We fully expect to see the Sony A500 and A550 soon; however, Photo Rumors received a tip that Sony is bringing two new DSLRs this Summer that will have full frame sensors.  Whether or not these two models are represented by the A500 and A550 leaks, we don’t know yet.  The tipster also points out that the new full frame cameras from Sony will cover both the high-end and low-end price spectrums.  He goes on to note that one model will be situated above the current A900 as a pro-level model.  The other . . . under $1,000. [Read more…]

Nikon D700 Officially Announced

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Nikon has just officially announced the new full frame D700 DSLR, which we’ve all been expecting since leaked images and rumors began piling up a couple of weeks ago.  The Nikon D700 has the same high ISO capabilities as the D3, with sensitivity up to ISO 25600.

The key specs to the new Nikon D700 are as follows:

Nikon D700 Key Features

  • 12.1 megapixel FX (full-frame) CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range, and built-in self-cleaning sensor unit that minimizes dust.
  • ISO 200 – 6400: extendable up to 25600 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent).
  • 5fps continuous shooting (8fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack with lithium-ion battery EN-EL4a or 8 AA batteries).
  • EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb detail and tonal gradation.
  • Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
  • Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
  • Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling the pre-set customization of image parameters such as sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.
  • 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
  • Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images by use of the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
  • DX Crop Mode can be automatically enabled when a DX format lens is attached.
  • Quick response: approx. 40 ms shutter-lag.
  • Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
  • HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
  • Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
  • Durable Magnesium alloy body: moisture and dust resistant.
  • Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.

The Nikon D700 is expected to be in stores within a month or so. We will have more coming very soon on the D700, so stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D700 page for the latest. For now, you can read Nikon’s press release below for a complete overview of the new D700.

Nikon D700 Press Release

Nikon FX-format digital SLR – exceptional performance combined with superior mobility and functional versatility to provide serious photographers with outstanding value

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of its newest FX-format digital SLR, the Nikon D700.

The D700 features an FX-format first introduced with the Nikon D3. Highly praised for its outstanding features, the D3 established a new level of professional performance in terms of overall image quality, extraordinarily low noise, ISO sensitivity range, continuous high-speed shooting, color gradation, image crispness, durability, weather-resistant operation, system versatility and more. [Read more…]

Cheaper Nikon Full Frame DSLR on the Horizon

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Amidst the recent discussions of the rumored Nikon D3X, insights on a cheaper full frame DSLR from Nikon surfaced again.  The exchange between a couple of forum posters occurred on DPReview’s forums; however, one of the forum posters was Thom Hogan.  The original poster noted that a cheaper full frame Nikon DSLR was in the rumor mill.  Thom replied with:

Yep. But I still hear this as being further out than the D3x.

(via)

As you may know, Thom seems to have his ear keenly to the ground regarding Nikon news, rumors and equipment developments.  I’m sure Nikon users would love to see a mid-range FF DSLR that’s in the same price range as the current Canon 5D.  We’ll keep you posted with the latest on this rumor and the Nikon D3X.