Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon 5D Mark II Strikes Again, Captures Sony’s Official Cyber-shot Promo Images

By

Sony Cyber-shot EXIF 5D Mark II

Canon must really feel flattered with all the press that other camera manufacturers are providing.  Just last week, Panasonic released a behind-the-scenes video (subsequently taken down) that revealed its new Panasonic G2 commercial was shot with the 5D Mark II, although it appeared to be captured with the Panasonic G2 at first blush.

And, while Sony hasn’t gone to the amount of effort that Panasonic did to showcase Canon’s full frame camera, the EXIF data embedded in the promo shots for Sony’s new Cyber-shot cameras (WX5, TX9, T99) reveal that many were shot with the 5D Mark II (see top screen capture). [Read more…]

 

Sony Cyber-shot TX9

By

The Sony Cyber-shot TX9 is a 12.2-megapixel point and shoot camera.  The 12.2MP sensor is a backlit CMOS design and is powered by Sony’s BIONZ processor.  The TX9 features an ultra-compact design, along with a 3.5″ touchscreen display similar to what is found on the Sony Cyber-shot TX7.  Add on top of that, a 4x optical zoom (25-100mm equivalent), Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and a sensitivity range of ISO 125-3200. [Read more…]

Sony Cyber-shot WX5

By

The Sony Cyber-shot WX5 is the more traditionally designed sibling to the Sony TX9.  Like its touchscreen sibling, the WX5 features a 12.2-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and is powered by Sony’s BIONZ processor.  The WX5 features a 5x optical zoom (24-120mm equivalent) with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and offers a sensitivity range of ISO 125-3200.   [Read more…]

Sony Cyber-shot T99

By

The Sony Cyber-shot T99 is a 14.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with an ultra-slim design. The T99 has a CCD imaging sensor, instead of the backlit CMOS sensors found in some of the higher-end Cyber-shot models like the new Sony Cyber-shot TX9.  However, the T99 includes the same BIONZ processor that now powers the Cyber-shot and Alpha range of cameras.

The T99 offers a 4x optical zoom lens (25-100mm equivalent) and a broad sensitivity range from ISO 80-3200.  These features, combined with Optical SteadyShot, suggest better low-light capability for such a compact camera.

The T99 features a 3″ touchscreen display, much like the previous Sony Cyber-shot TX5.  Additionally, the T99 is equipped with Sony’s signature Sweep Panorama mode, which is capable of underwater operation as well.  Finally, the T99 will capture 720p HD video in MP4 format.

The Sony T99 will carry an initial retail price of about $250.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Firmware Friday: Sony NEX Goes 3D; Panasonic ZS5, ZS6, ZR3, TS2, FP3

By

Camera Firmware Update

Below you will find this week’s firmware updates.  Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.

Sony NEX-3 / NEX-5 firmware version .02 – “3D Sweep Panorama function has been added; Improvement of ‘normal’ 2D Sweep Panorama shooting; Decreased power drain when the camera is switched off; Quicker start-up in low-light conditions.” [Sony website]

Panasonic ZS5 / ZS6 / ZR3 / TS2 firmware version 1.1 – “Optimization of Light amount for INON external flash(S-2000/D-2000/Z-240)” [Panasonic website]

Pansonic FP3 firmware version 1.1 – “Improved reaction speed of the touch operation. Improved speed of the image forwarding at the time of the reproduction.” [Panasonic website]

Sony A290 & A390 Announced

By

Sony has announced two new additions to its Alpha series of DSLRs.  The A290 is the base model for the Alpha lineup, featuring a 14.2 megapixel CCD sensor.  The A390 offers the same image sensor, but adds Sony’s popular (and effective) quick AF live view function in combination with a 2.7″ tilting LCD.  Both cameras otherwise share the same body and controls, which (fortunately) includes a redesigned grip over the predecessor A330 and its siblings.

The A290 and A390 should be available in July 2010 at an initial retail price of $500 and $600, respectively.

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

Sony Touchscreen DSLR

By

A pair recent Sony patent applications reveal what is clearly an Alpha-system DSLR with a touchscreen display that is functional with both the standard grip and a vertical accessory grip.  (See US Patent Appl. Nos. 2010/0134676 and 2010/0134433.)  According to the patent application, the challenge with integrating a touchscreen on a DSLR is keeping your nose from activating it when looking through the viewfinder, while at the same time allowing you to access features mapped to the touchscreen controls. [Read more…]

Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM for the Sony and Pentax Mounts

By

Sigma 120-400mm

Sigma has announced that its 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens will now be available for Sony and Pentax DSLRs. The lens should be available for both mounts later this month.

Check availability on Amazon below.

Sigma 120-400mm DG OS HSM for Sony DSLRs

Sigma 120-400mm DG OS HSM for Pentax DSLRs

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

Sony A290 Surfaces in Vietnam

By

Sony Alpha A290

While there’s been no official word from Sony yet, it looks like the next entry-level DSLR from Sony has surfaced in Vietnam.  According to specs provided by tinhte.com, the Sony A290 is equipped with a 14.2MP CCD sensor, max sensitivity of ISO 3200, SteadyShot sensor-based stabilization and a frame rate of 2.5 fps.  The A290 appears to be a mild upgrade from the A230 and, keeping with the entry-level spec-list, still does not appear to offer the Quick Autofocus Live View based on the body design and roughly translated specifications.

[tinhte.com via Slashgear]