Watch out Canon and Nikon! Sony is coming! The latest weekly BCNranking report shows how two Sony NEX-5 cameras made it into the top 4 of the most sold system cameras. A wonder where the [shoplink 3003]NEX-5[/shoplink]
would be if we would sum the black and white model sales numbers!

But how is the rest of the world doing? There are no such reliable rankings. But we can take a look at Amazon rankings:
In US Canon and Nikon are dominating the scene (Click here to see the US ranking). You can find the NEX and Translucent camera only one the second page. But please keep in mind the [shoplink 3617]A55[/shoplink] is not in Stock right now. That could explain the low sales.
In UK the Sony A290 is selling well (Click here to see the UK rankings). But for the rest we have the same US scenario….Canon and Nikon are dominating.
In Germany we have the same story. Canon and Nikon are on top (Click here to see the Amazon Germany ranking).
Also in France the Sony A290 is the best sold camera (Click here to see the Amazon France ranking).
Where Sony is doing very well is in Italy (Click hee to see the Amazon Italy rankings).

As you see the European and American market is less “mirrorless” oriented and very conservative. Classic DSLR cameras are still dominating the camera world.

Sony DSLR and David Bittner

Nikonos underwater lens adapter for Sony NEX ([shoplink 4931]eBay[/shoplink]).

Using the Sony NEX-5 with Leica Lenses by Paul Barclay (Steve Huff).

Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM Interchangeable Lens Review (ePhotozine).

Nikon D3100 vs Sony NEX-5 at Dpreview.

Image courtesy: Quesabesde

One of the most popular cameras on the world wide web is the Fuji X100 prototype (yes it’s not on market now!). And I just read an interesting Interview on Quesabesde where Hiroshi Kawahara, Operations Manager at Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Products Division talks about the FinePix X100:

“Question: It has been said that the sensor used is similar to that seen in some Nikon SLR cameras, and therefore manufactured by Sony. Can this information be confirmed?
Answer: The sensor of the FinePixX100 is customized to match its lens. We should point out that the most important thing is not who produces the technology but the technology in itself, and in this sense Fujifilm optimizes its technologies depending on the photographic result being pursued at any given time.”

So after Nikon and Pentax now even Fuji is using Sony sensors? It would be nice if Fuji could give us something back, would love to see a NEX camera with that cool Hybrid Viewfinder!

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 SSM review at Photozone: “The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 SSM G can give you very good results on a full format DSLR but it is not a lens without issues.”

DSLRmagazine tested the [shoplink 2998]Sony 16mm E-mount lens[/shoplink]. Interesting, they compared the pre-production 16mm lens with the final production version. Good news, the lens we buy is much better!

[shoplink 3003]Sony NEX-5[/shoplink] Digiscoping with Kowa TSN-884 (SonyAlphaNex).

Carl Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Biogon tested on the Sony NEX-5 (SLRgear)

Engadget’s Holiday Gift Guide: Digital cameras.

NEX-5 vs Leica M8 vs Canon 5d Mark II (SonyAlphaNex)

At this year’s Sony World Photography Awards there’s an open category for photographers of all levels to enter a photo. Sony thought it’d be a good idea to get more people shooting great photos, by running the Sony Photo Challenge. They contacted me to invite all SonyAlphaRumors readers to participate. And you won’t disappoint Sony or not? ;)
Here is what you need to do to participate. Every week there will be a new challenge theme. The first theme is “Nature”. To add your picture click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sonyphotochallenge/. Important! Tag every photo with “SonyPhotoChallenge” and “SonyAlphaRumors“. Why should you add the SonyAlphaRumors tag? Sony said the blogger that sends more people/pictures will be invited as special guest at the Sony World Photography Awards Ceremony on the 27th April 2011. And you won’t disappoint me or not? ;) I want to be there!!!

And the best part is you can win some nicePrizes:

Dear SAR readers!

Sorry if I didn’t post many news the last two days but I had connection problems (one) because I lost my iPhone which I usually use to be connected while I am working (two) because I am currently travelling from one place to another. I just solved problem number one because I just got my new iPhone…bye bye 649 Euros :(

Now that I am back I can share with you the next rumor from one of my very trusted sources!

The new Sony Flagship camera (we call it A950 but it could have another name) will feature a new Quad-Bionz processor. This is necessary to elaborate the new huge amount of data created by the over 30 mega-pixel(!) sensor. The camera should be able to shoot at least 8fps (frames per secondin jpg mode)! The source also told me the specs are not 100% defined although at that point he expects only slightly changes. He also confirms the new FF camera will not be announced before the end of the year (2011).

And a new source told us that Sony will discontinue the [shoplink 3028]A850[/shoplink] and sell the [shoplink 3032]A900[/shoplink] only starting by early 2011. I remind you that there are currently instante rebates on those cameras and many Sony lenses (Click here to read the full list of the ongoing rebates.).

That’s it for now! If you can help me to get more info about future Sony products (like the NEX-7, A77 and A950) feel free to use our contact form on the right sidebar. You can avoid to send me your name and email adress. All I need is your anonymous message ;)

I am also available at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com if you want to contact me! Thanks!

Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources (60-80% the rumor is correct)
SR5=almost certainly correct!