sony

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Sony has released two new E-Mount Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras. If you didn't catch that, it's Full Frame in a compact Interchangeable Lens camera body. With uncompressed HDMI output, HD Video shooters might find this interesting, but will probably appeal mainly to still photographers.

The new Sony Alpha A7 & A7R E-Mount Full Frame Cameras share many similar features between each other, but there are some obvious differences including new high-speed BIONZ® X image processor found only in the A7R. A few more Sony A7 / A7R brief specs are listed below, with more info following the jump to the product page.

Sony Alpha A7 E-Mount Mirrorless Camera
find-price-button Sony A7 Full Frame E-Mount Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera

• World’s lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera
Full Frame 24.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
• Fast Hybrid AF w/ phase-detection for DSLR-like speed
• Fast Intelligent AF optimized for full-frame sensor
• Fully compatible w/ Sony’s E-mount and new full-frame lenses
• Direct access interface for fast, natural shooting control
• High contrast 2.4-million dot OLED EVF for eye-level framing
• Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® or NFC
• PC control w/ remote video capture control
• AVCHD™:
• PS - 1920 x 1080/
[email protected]
• FX - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• FH - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• FX - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• FH - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ [email protected]
• VGA - 640 x 480/ [email protected]
• Full HD movie at 24p/60i/60p w/uncompressed HDMI output
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Sony A7R E-Mount Mirrorless Full Frame Camera
find-price-button Sony A7R Full Frame E-Mount Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera

• World’s lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera
Full Frame 36.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
• Fast Intelligent AF optimized for full-frame sensor
• Fully compatible w/ Sony’s E-mount and new full-frame lenses
• Direct access interface for fast, natural shooting control
• High contrast 2.4-million dot OLED EVF for eye-level framing
• Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® or NFC
• PC control w/ remote video capture control
• New high-speed BIONZ® X image processor
• AVCHD™:
• PS - 1920 x 1080/
[email protected]
• FX - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• FH - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• FX - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• FH - 1920 x 1080/[email protected]
• MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ [email protected]
• VGA - 640 x 480/ [email protected]
• Full HD movie at 24p/60i/60p w/uncompressed HDMI output
Read More Button

Purchase Sony Alpha A7 / A7R - via eBay

20 Comments


YouTube member PhoneArena

Today Sony has released an innovative idea that merges a complete camera system into two different lens bodies. Controlling the QX10 or QX100 is done through your smart phone.

IMG_334905
Controls not Inlcuded

The QX10 and QX100 may deserve the term innovative, but that might only be used to describe design. Every aspect of the QX10 and QX100 is working backwards from what Sony has praised themselves for previously.

IMG_334902

When Sony designed the NEX-7 they highlighted the fact that they've added more buttons and dials and an improved EVF electronic view finder. The new QX10 and QDX100 relies on a touch screen smartphone and a laggy display. Not to mention lag time when initiating the shutter to fire. Lagging displays played a major part with the slow adoption of mirrorless cameras. Some display like that of Fuji's EVF almost appear as if you're looking through the mirror of a DSLR camera, not an LCD screen.

Sony_DSC-QX100_1002614

The Sony RX100 and RX100 Mark II have been praised to bring a high quality sensor into a very pocketable camera. While the new QX10 and QX100 have sensors similar to the RX100, it can only be as comfortable as sticking a cup in your pants.

I think it's only fitting to share this next video from The Onion that spoofs such backwards innovation.

With a price tag of $499 and useless without a decent smartphone, the QX10 and QX100 brings image quality that can already be captured in a cheaper and more pocketable point and shoot system, and the only innovation they bring is to promote glorified 'selfies'.

Still, if you want more information on the QX10 and QX100 they are already available for pre-order via B&H (here).

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find-price-button Sony QX10 and QX100 Smart Lens Cameras

2 Comments

Sony has been on fire lately releasing new camera models almost every month it seems. Today Sony has announced two new cameras available for PreOrder - the Sony Alpha A3000 DSLR Camera and the new Sony Alpha NEX-5T Mirrorless Camera.

The mirrorless camera market has been a very hot topic lately and we'll see if the new NEX-5T is going to give them a bit more hold in this space. I don't know about you, but I personally feel Canon and Nikon had better start stepping up their game in this space.

Sony Alpha A3000
Sony Alpha A3000 DSLR Camera
Sony NEX 5T Sony NEX-5T
Sony NEX-5T Mirrorless Digital Camera

Sony A3000 DSLR Camera Overview:
The Sony Alpha A3000 DSLR Camera features the form-factor and familiar shape of an SLR within a highly compact and lightweight design. Its ergonomic grip, electronic viewfinder, and Multi Interface shoe offer a wealth of support for intuitive operation and stability while shooting. The A3000 utilizes a 20.1 megapixel APS-C-sized Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processor to produce high resolution still images and full HD 1080i/p video in multiple frame rates with marked low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 16000. The image processor also contributes greatly to minimizing overall noise levels and allowing for full-resolution continuous shooting up to 3.5 fps.
>> Continue Reading at BHPhotoVideo.com

Sony NEX 5-T Mirrorless Camera Overview:
The Sony Alpha NEX-5T Mirrorless Digital Camera is a versatile and compact mirrorless camera that features a 16.1 megapixel APS-C-sized Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processor to produce high resolution still images and full HD 1080i/p video in multiple frame rates with marked low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 25600. The image processor also contributes greatly to minimizing overall noise levels and also affords a wealth of speed throughout the camera for recording up to 10 fps in Speed Priority Continuous mode.
>> Continue Reading at BHPhotoVideo.com

Sony 16-70mm F:4
Sony 16-70mm F/4
Sony 18-105mm F:4 oSS
Sony 18-105mm F/4
Sony E 50mm 1.8 Prime Lens
Sony 50mm F/1.8 Prime

In addition Sony has 3 new lenses available, the Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS, E PZ 18-105 f/4 G OSS lens and the E 50mm f/1.8 Mid-Range Prime lens. Through the growing line of high quality E Mount lens options, this is just another reason many consumers can adapt quickly to Sony NEX mirrorless cameras over brands like Canon or Nikon. Yes I know you can adapt huge bulky full frame lenses, but that pretty much defeats the purpose of going with a smaller camera body.

8 Comments

If you've been following some of Sony's latest cameras, they've announced a new version of the Sony RX100 (Mark II). The new Sony RX100 Mark II camera offers just a bit more sensitivity in low lighting than the original, but the slew of new features make it worth upgrading for existing RX100 owners. Check out the YouTube video from imagingresource below.

For those who use the RX100 for video, the new frame rates (including 24fps) should be appealing. The multi hot shoe can now offer powerful external flash options, and with the ability to add an external EVF, the camera will be easier to use outdoors in bright lighting conditions. The built-in Wi-Fi feature will make it easier to instantly share your photos or videos to your social networks. There's a very long list of enhancements to this popular camera. I currently own (2) original Sony RX100 cameras, but i'm definitely looking to upgrade. So far most retailers remain out of stock, but several retailers (including USA retailers) have them available now via eBay (click here).

Sony RX100 Mark II RX100M2 Bundle Sale Stock
find-price-button Sony RX100 Mark II RX100M2 Digital Camera

[Update] B&H now has them in stock following the link.

rx100m2 mark II rx100
find-price-button Sony RX100 Mark II (RX100M2)

17 Comments

If you've purchased a Field HDMI Monitor, on-camera LED light, or even Studio LED Paanel, chances are you've had to buy a set of Sony NP-F series: NP-F550/F570/F770/F960/F970, NP-FM series: FM50/FM51/FM55H/FM500H, NP-QM series: QM50/QM51/QM71D/QM91D or similar type of battery.

Sony NPF battery L SeriesSony NP-F7704177VBY5W9L._AA160_Sony NP-F770 Camcorder Battery

These Sony style batteries are becoming more and more popular, and with plenty of aftermarket versions available at every online retailer, i'd like to hear which ones you've purchased recently and what your feedback is on the batteries you're using. I'm sure many of us could use some good information, so please share your comments and links below, thanks guys!

22 Comments

Sony NEX shooters rejoiced when Metabones announced a Speed Booster adapter that offered a Full Frame look on the NEX cameras, but also increased the F-Stop of the lens attached. Check out the quick review from ProCinemaTools.com about the Metabones Speed Booster.

So how does this work? In short, it's similar to a Telephoto Extension adapter that multiplies your lenses focal length. The reason why it's able to perform this same technique in 'reverse', is because it is using a lens designed for Full Frame cams, but is directing the image to a much smaller sensor (like the NEX). The Metabones supports electronic functions like Image Stabilization and aperture can be controlled directly from the Sony NEX cameras buttons and dials, but price ranges from $450-$600 dollars (found here).

Recently another Speed Booster'ish Focal Reduction adapter has been released, but it offers no electronic communication. This one is designed for Nikon manual lenses with manual aperture controls to mount to your Sony NEX cameras (metabones does not currently offer Nikon to NEX). You can use this to achieve a Full Frame look from of your Rokinon (Nikon mount) lenses as well. At less than half the price of the Metabones, this adapter is being listed at $198 via eBay (click here)

Not MetaBones Focal Reducer Speed BoosterSpeed Booster Focal Reducer
find-price-button Focal Reducer Speed Booster Nikon to Sony NEX

When is someone going to make one for the BlackMagic or MicroFour Thirds?

1 Comment

Meet the Cyber-shot™ HX50. The world's smallest and lightest camera with 30x optical zoom capability (24-720mm F/3.5-6.3), it features an advanced 20.4 MP “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor, Wi-Fi (for both transfer of images and remote control), along with GPS logging. Burst mode up to 10 frames per second, and should be available in May at a recommended price of $450. Preorders available now via Amazon (click here)

DSCHX50VBDSCHX50VB_2
find-price-button Cyber-shot Digital Camera HX50V

62 Comments

Just showing a quick video of me setting up the DJI Phantom Quadcopter designed specifically for the GoPro Hero cameras. The directions are a little weird, but I got through the user manual and was able to get it off the ground in less than an hour. The Phantom is Ready-To-Fly with no setup required except for a few AA batteries in the remote. Once you place the battery into the Phantom you go through a series of system calibrations and then off you go. Though many will not consider this a professional Quadcopter - THIS IS STILL NOT A TOY.

Video sample of GoPro Hero3 with Phantom

I've already modified a special mount for the Sony RX100 Camera because it has better video quality than the GoPro and built in Image Stabilization. I basically took an old GoPro mount and modified it with a little hacksaw. It fits natively to the Phantom, and the right angle mounts under the RX100 (upside down). The camera is short enough so that it doesn't touch the ground as the Phantom lands.

Cheesycam RX100 Phantom Quadcopter

DJI Phantom RX100 Cheesycam

Quadcopter RX100 DJI Phantom

The test flight was a success and the Phantom has no issues carrying the Sony RX100. It's dark right now so I don't have anything worth showing, but tomorrow i'll try to give her a test flight in an open field and share some of that footage. You can find the DJI Phantom Quadcopter following the link via eBay (click here).

GoPro DJI Phantom Quadcopter DJI QuadCopter
find-price-button DJI Phantom GoPro Quadcopter Kit GPS + NAZA-M - eBay

If you're lucky and they are still in stock, the DJI Phantom Quadcopter Ready-to-Fly kits are also available via Amazon (click here)

DJI Phantom QuadCopter GoPro Hero Flight
find-price-button DJI Phantom QuadCopter for GoPro Video Cameras - Amazon

DJI Phantom Quadcopters Currently on eBay



5 Comments

There has been quite a few articles about the Sony RX1, but I think this PhotoPlus 2012 video has some of the best insight about Sony's Full Frame compact camera, and why they couldn't make it an Interchangeable Lens Camera. The lens is actually recessed into the camera body, and the shutter is fit into the lens. There is some additional information in the video such as a comment about uncompressed HDMI output for external recorders. The new Sony RX1 should begin shipping in about a week and can be found for $2800 dollars via B&H (click here).

Sony RX1 Camera
find-price-button Sony RX1 Full Frame Compact Camera