Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Interview with Pro Sports Shooter Delly Carr

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Sony UK was kind enough to help out with access to Delly Carr, who chaired the panel of judges for the Sony World Photography Awards, for a quick interview on sports photography, photo gear and the digital imaging revolution. I encourage you to visit Mr. Carr’s site, http://www.sportshoot.com.au/, and peruse his portfolio a bit before diving into the interview.  It’s good stuff.

I see plenty of football (or soccer as we call it) images in your portfolio; however, there are also many stellar images from swimming, tennis, and other sports. So, what’s your favourite sport to shoot, and why?

Favourite sports ……. that’s a tough one. I am the biggest armchair sportsman around, so I love shooting anything within the sporting world. Anything that has water involved tends to sway towards favouritism I guess. But if I had to call just one sport, then it would be Triathlon. Three sports in one … swimming, cycling, and running, and then throw in some guts and glory into that mix. That’s why I love it so much.

Are you shooting with the Nikon D3 now or still on the D2x?

Shooting with the D3 right now.

How has the low light performance changed your shooting with the Nikon D3 as compared to the D2x?

In sports, shoots are conducted in the whole spectrum of lighting. Sunlight, low light, nighttime, stadium lighting etc etc. Being able to shoot in low light, without sacrificing quality. without sacrificing shutter speeds, without sacrificing apertures, is an absolute blessing. I now know the reason for missing a pic lies solely with me. And that has added fire into my belly. [Read more…]

 

Sony’s New Alpha Lenses – Up Close

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Unfortunately, details are slim on Sony’s new super telephoto lens; however, I did manage to get some up close images of all of the new lenses from Sony.  No details on the focal length of the super telephoto lens or anything else, other than what you see in the mock up models.

Again, the new lens lineup is as follows:

Undisclosed Sony G Super Telephoto

28-75mm f/2.8

DT 30mm f/2.8 Macro

DT 50mm f/1.8

DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6

Expect some of these lenses to start hitting the market possibly as soon as this Summer.  Sorry, but that’s all the detail that Sony is giving us for now.

Plenty more images below. [Read more…]

Sony Cyber-shot H20 – Sony Cyber-shot W230 – Sony Cyber-shot W290 – Sony Cyber-shot T90 – Sony Cyber-shot T900

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Sony has added 5 more point and shoot digital cameras to its lineup.  The Cyber-shot models, without their DSC designation are: T900, T90, W290, W230 and H20.  As you can probably guess, Sony is keeping with the trend of an abundance of megapixels – most are 12 megapixel cameras, with one camera at 10 megapixels. The key features and images are below.

Sony Cyber-shot T900

  • 15.1mm thick
  • 12.1 effective megapixels
  • 3.5-inch wide Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen
  • Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
  • 720p HD movie clips
  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
  • Price $380

Check availability at Amazon.com.

Sony Cyber-shot T900 Reviews

Cameras.co.uk

There is a lot to like about the Sony Cybershot DSC T900. It scores highly for ease of use and build quality as well as more innovative and advanced features.

Sony Cyber-shot T90

  • 13.9mm thick
  • 12.1 effective megapixels
  • 3.0-inch wide Clear Photo LCD Plus touchscreen
  • Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
  • Records 720p HD movie clips
  • Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
  • Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
  • $300

Check availability at Amazon.com.

Sony Cyber-shot W290

  • 12.1 effective megapixels
  • Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom
  • 28mm wide angle lens
  • Record 720p HD movie clips
  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
  • Price $250

Check availability at Amazon.com.

Sony Cyber-shot W230

  • 12.1 effective megapixels
  • Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom
  • 30mm wide angle lens
  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
  • Price $200

Check availability at Amazon.com.

Sony Cyber-shot H20

  • 10.1 effective megapixels
  • Carl Zeiss 10x optical zoom lens
  • Record 720p HD movie clips
  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
  • Price $280

Check availability at Amazon.com.

Sony CyberShot DSC-H20 Reviews

Cameras.co.uk

The Sony Cybershot DSC H20 gets most things right. There is plenty of competition, but this camera provides a reliable alternative to models from Panasonic and Canon.

PhotographyBLOG

With this camera, Sony has demonstrated that it is a company which listens to user feedback, as most of the issues we criticised the H10 for have been addressed.

For additional info see the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 17, 2009 – Sony today announced five new Cyber-shot® cameras (models DSC-T900, DSC-T90, DSC-W290, DSC-W230 and DSC-H20) that make it easier to take the best pictures without changing settings.

The intelligent auto mode, available on the T900, T90, W290 and H20 models helps “think” for you and detect scene conditions then adjust settings, especially in difficult lighting scenarios.

“This camera provides a seamless experience,” said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging Division. “You can go from a walk in the park to taking pictures of a flower and then back to beautiful landscapes or indoor birthday parties, and the camera will know what to do to get the best shot.”

Additionally, intelligent auto mode enhances pictures of faces to capture natural skin tones, identifies when your subject has closed eyes, and helps reduce blur without damaging image quality.

Sony has combined three key technologies to make these cameras smarter.

Intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) detects up to eight scenes, recognizing objects, faces and lighting conditions (e.g. low light and backlight). Then, in one-thirtieth of a second, it changes the setting to get the best shot.

Face detection registers up to eight faces; adjusts focus, exposure, white balance and flash; and detects motion. This intelligent camera combines face detection with iSCN, featuring blink detection. It takes two pictures and saves the one in which the subject’s eyes are the least shut.

The W290 and H20 cameras also have selected-face memory, allowing you to zero in on the main subject’s face. The next time the camera detects the priority face in the frame, it will automatically focus on that person.

The W230 model has iSCN that detects up to five scene conditions, face detection with child and adult priority, and the Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization feature. You can turn on these features in auto mode to make the W230 camera intelligent.

All of the new cameras have the Optical SteadyShot feature and Smile Shutter™ technology. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature helps prevent blur due to camera shake without impacting image quality. Equipped with Sony’s Smile Shutter technology, these cameras automatically capture a smile the moment it happens.

Another advanced feature that sets these cameras apart from most digital still cameras is iSCN advanced. Noblecilla said the iAuto feature increases the chances of getting a great shot. You can also set up iSCN advanced as a permanent feature. When the scene has difficult lighting such as backlight or low light, the camera will take two shots within a fraction of a second using two alternative settings, so you can select which picture you prefer.

HD Movies

The W290, H20, T90 and T900 cameras feature wide and full-screen 720p movie recording at 30 frames per second in fine, standard and VGA recording modes. The 720p movie resolution is three times higher than VGA movies.

The movie function is based on the MPEG4 codec for video compression. Plus the T900 has a stereo microphone. Benefits of the format include high-quality video as well as PC-friendly files that are easy to download, upload and share.

Style and Color

With a compact design for easy on-the-go portability, the DSC-T90 and DSC-T900 cameras are 15 millimeters and 16.3 millimeters thin, respectively. 2009 line of W and T colors come in a pallet of colors to match your unique style.

Powerful Core Features

The W230 camera has 12.1 megapixels, 4x (30mm) Carl Zeiss® Vario Tessar optical zoom lens and 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen. The W290 model adds a 5x wide (28mm) optical zoom lens.

The T90 camera also has 12.1 megapixels and a 4x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom and 3-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch-panel LCD screen. The T900 camera adds a larger 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen that delivers high resolution images (921,600 dots), which is approximately four times higher than conventional LCD screens.

The H20 model features 10.1 megapixels, a 10x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen.

Easy navigation

Sony has simplified the display of options on most of these cameras to make it easier for customers to use them. The most commonly used features include shooting mode, zoom, play, delete and Smile Shutter. These are available at a click or touch of a button. More sophisticated users can select other shooting modes or change the settings using the menu button.

Tools to Edit, Archive and Share

These cameras are equipped with tools to edit, archive and share. They have in-camera retouch features like red-eye correction and image management to easily sort through thousands of photos in calendar view or album view. You can group favorites and filter by baby, adult, all faces or smiles. The PhotoMusic feature offers an HD slideshow mode with transitions and music for viewing on the camera or television.

The HD output feature lets you view images in high-defintion, although HDMI and component cables are not included. The T900 camera is bundled with a camera stand that allows HDMI connectivity, but the cable is not included.

Bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly organize images on a compatible PC and upload images to the Web. You can search and organize images by event, smile or face, including children and infants. Then you can display them in calendar or chronological views organized into folders.

Pricing and Availability

Consumers can start pre-ordering these cameras in March at www.sonystyle.com. They will be available for purchase in April online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail ), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

  • The T900 camera will be available in silver, black, red and bronze for about $380.
  • The T90 model will be available in silver, black, pink, blue and brown for about $300.
  • The W290 model will be available in silver, black, blue and bronze for about $250.
  • The W230 camera will be available in silver, black, blue and red for about $200.
  • The H20 camera will be available in black for about $280.

No New Sony DSLRs at PMA

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It seems like lately we’ve been reporting more about what isn’t coming to PMA rather than what will be there.  Sony has apparently confirmed to PDN that there will be no new Alpha DSLRs introduced at PMA 2009.  Sony plans to focus on point and shoot camera along with accessories instead.  Some of those accessories should be for DSLRs though.

Sony Announces Pro Photographer Program

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Sony has jumped on the bandwagon of offering something a little more special to pros, although we don’t know exactly what this is just yet.  As you may be aware, Nikon and Canon are already on this wagon with NPS and CPS, respectively. (Canon’s relaunching its program afresh in 2009.)  Stay tuned for updates on Sony’s pro photographer program as they develop. [Read more…]

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300 Review at Imaging Resource

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Imaging Resource has published an “Express Review” of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300.

Thanks to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300’s ease of use, intuitive design, and capable performance, I had a pleasant experience with the camera. The camera handles most normal shooting conditions well, and options like Smile Shutter, Face Detection, and its multiple focus modes help the Sony T300 cope with more difficult situations.

Sigma 4.5mm and 10mm Fisheye Lenses for Sony and Pentax Mounts

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The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR FISHEYE HSM the first Circular Fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras and 10mm F2.8 EX DC FISHEYE HSM diagonal fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras for Sony and Pentax fitting cameras.

The first Circular Fisheye Lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras

This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in all directions. It is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensor, it produces circular image within the frame. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch and maximum magnification of 1:6 make it particularly useful for close-up photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, Super Multi Layer Coating and inner focusing system provides superior image quality. HSM ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and includes full-time manual focus.

* AF will not function if the camera bodies do not support Supersonic Direct-drive Motor or Super Sonic Motor.

Specifications (For Sony mount)

  • Lens Construction:13Elements 9Groups
  • Angle of view:180 degrees
  • Number of blades:6pcs
  • Minimum Aperture:F22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance:13.5cm/5.3in
  • Maximum Magnification:1:6
  • Filter:Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
  • Dimensions:Ø76.2mm×77.2mm/3in×3in
  • Weight:480g/16.9oz

Fisheye lens with close up ability designed exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR camera

This diagonal fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras equipped with an APS-C size image sensor. It produces a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees. The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and distortion. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch, and maximum magnification 1:3.3. It allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7inch from the lens’ front element. The exclusively designed integral hood and the Super Multi-Layer Coating minimize flare and ghosting and create superior image quality.

* AF will not function if the camera bodies do not support Supersonic Direct-drive Motor or Super Sonic Motor.

Specifications (For Sony mount)

  • Lens Construction:12Elements 7Groups
  • Angle of view:180 degrees
  • Number of blades:7pcs
  • Minimum Aperture:F22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance:13.5cm/5.3in
  • Maximum Magnification:1 : 3.3
  • Filter:Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
  • Dimensions:Ø75.8mm×82.6m/3in x 3.3in
  • Weight:500g/17.6oz

Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Flash for Sony and Pentax

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The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG for Sony and Pentax cameras.
ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras. The EM-140 DG Macro Flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100. The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. A wireless flash function is also available, when the EM-140 DG is used as master and the EF-530 DG SUPER as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details. High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography.

Features

  • Ideal for Close-up photography, especially medical and scientific applications
  • Fully dedicated with the latest TTL auto exposure systems
  • Flash tubes can be switched on or off for creative flash control
  • Wireless Flash Control
  • High Speed Synchro Flash

Sony at Photokina

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This year, Sony has the largest stand at Photokina and will showcase Sony’s latest products from its digital imaging range. This is the first official public showcasing of the new flagship model – the Alpha A900, Sony’s 24.6 megapixel DSLR with full frame sensor – in Europe since its announcement. There will also be a selection of Sony’s new DSLR lenses with seminars held by professional photographers in the professional photo studio.

There will also be a chance to experience ‘Foam City’ – the Sony digital imaging ad which appeared across Europe earlier this year. A giant installation, a replica of Dade Courthouse in Miami (where the ad was filmed) with surrounding buildings, monorail train and terminal, has been built for the event. It will have five bubble machines and is designed by HotHouse IWG, a company which has previously worked on movie sets such as Batman and Nightmare Before Christmas.