Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Fotodiox has a new flash trigger system, the WonderBurst NEX, which features the unique NEX flash mount transmitter and a traditional hot shoe receiver. The wireless units feature 16 selectable channels and a 300′ range.
These are manual-only triggers and do not transmit TTL info and the manual flash sync speeds are limited to 1/160s. Still yet, it’s a very affordable system at only $40 for the transmitter and receiver package. Check it out here on Amazon.com.
Below you will find this week’s firmware updates. Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware. [Read more…]
It looks like several of Sony’s new cameras have surfaced in leaked product images.
Above, you can see the Sony NEX-7, NEX-5N, A77 Battery Grip, Sony 16-50mm lens, Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 lens and NEX E-mount 55-210mm lens.
Sony is expected to launch the following cameras and lenses on or around August 24: [Read more…]
According to Sony Alpha Rumors‘ tipsters, there are a couple of new NEX cameras inbound for an official unveiling next month. The new models are rumored to be named the NEX-5E and the NEX-7. [Read more…]
It looks like Sony’s newest NEX camera has surfaced. The new NEX-C3 follows last year’s release of the NEX-5 and NEX-3 is rumored to have a 16.2MP sensor and the ability to capture 720p HD video. Accompanying the new mirrorless camera is a new Sony NEX flash (pictured below).
Both products are expected to be announced in May 2011. Note that the NEX-5 and NEX-3 were announced on May 11, 2010 following several leaks of product photos in the days leading up to the official announcement.
More photos of the new NEX-C3 below. [Read more…]
In addition to the Sony A700 replacement, Sony had a number of mockup lenses for the NEX-3 and NEX-5 mirrorless cameras on display at CES 2011 (albeit behind glass). [Read more…]
If a recent patent application from Sony is any indicator of coming products, it looks like we could see a translucent mirror in future NEX-format cameras.
The obvious benefit of using this design in future NEX cameras is the ability to use a phase-difference autofocus mechanism (as typically found in DSLRs) instead of the slower, less accurate contrast-detection method that so-called “mirrorless” cameras have used to date.
Sony has already forged this technology in current Alpha “DSLR” models – Sony A33 and A55. The rapid live view and video autofocus in the A33 and A55 looks to be a hit among reviewers so far.
Essentially, this patent application presents the A55 in an NEX-5 body. It’s actually a design that should have been pretty easy to see coming. There’s nothing really new that’s not already in the A55 . . . Sony’s just taking out the parts that make it look like a DSLR and presenting it in a smaller package more akin to the NEX cameras we already know. And, it could very well be an Alpha mount camera in a compact shell, which would mean native functionality with Alpha lenses.
While I found the AF speed and accuracy in the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 to be quite acceptable, taking it up a notch or two wouldn’t hurt at all.
What do you think about this design? Would you be interested in an APS-C camera that is this compact and has DSLR-like AF speed?
[via PhotoRumors]
Below you will find this week’s firmware updates. Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.
Canon Rebel XS / 1000D version 1.0.7 – “Fixes a rare phenomenon in which “Cannot create folder” is displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor, after which shooting is no longer possible with the SD card in your camera.” [Canon Website]
Canon SX130 IS version 1.0.1.0 – “Fixes a phenomenon in which the audio and video get recorded out of sync when shooting movies with the image quality set to high definition (1280×720 pixels).” [Canon Website]
Sony NEX-3 / Sony NEX-5 version 03 – “Autofocus is now supported when using the NEX-5/NEX-3 with 14 lenses from the full range of A-mount optics by Sony and Carl Zeiss that includes telephotos, primes and zooms. Aperture settings can be maintained during HD movie recording, and system menu operation has been streamlined alongside other usability improvements. Registered NEX-5/NEX-3 owners will be advised of the free update via email.” [Sony Website]
The Sony NEX-5 is a 14.2MP mirrorless camera in an ultra-compact form-factor. If not for the DSLR-sized kit lens that attaches to the NEX-5, this camera would rival some of the consumer pocket cameras in size. And with the available 16mm lens (shown above), you could make a good argument that it does.
In addition to the great still images the NEX-5 produces with its large, APS-C format sensor, the camera can also capture 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at 60i. What’s more is the budget-friendly price tag that slides the kit under the $700 mark.
To get the full rundown on the Sony NEX-5, read on. [Read more…]
B&H has some solid deals in the form of a $150 rebate on the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 when you pick up the two-lens kit with the 16mm and 18-55mm lenses.
Hit the links below for the deal that ends this month: