Sony published this video that contains two parts: The first is an interview with the engineer that lead the Sony A1 sensor design. The second part is with another engineer talking about the new 2 layer sensor. This new architecture approximately doubles saturation signal level relative to conventional image sensors, widens dynamic range and reduces noise, thereby substantially improving imaging properties. The new technology’s pixel structure will enable pixels to maintain or improve their existing properties at not only current but also smaller pixel sizes.

I wonder if we will get this new kind of sensor on the future A1II :)

Doing More w/ the Sony a7IV: Episode 1: Sony a7IV Video by Patrick Murphy-Racey

200-600; any way to lock at 600 mm? (SonyAlphaForum).
1950s preproduction Helios 40 85mm F1.5 double-gauss on the A7c (Steve Campbell).
Best Camera Settings for Street Photography (42West).
Announcing Sachtler 100mm flowtech Legs and FSB 10 Tripod System (Explora).
Review: Laowa 9mm 5.6 FF-RL (Phillip Reeve)

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

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The new OM-1 features the Sony 20MP Quad Pixel sensor. It has 80 million individual photodiodes, 40m of them are green pixels and the rest is split in half between red and blue pixels. This tech was only used on smartphones until now.

GSMarena writes:

Image sensors, especially ones with small pixels like in smartphones, feature an on-chip micro lens array to help guide all the arriving light to the sensor’s photo diode. Right now, each pixel gets its own lens, but Sony has developed a way for four adjacent pixels to share a lens.

This is aimed at Quad Bayer sensors where the four pixels already share a color filter. Differences in the sensitivity of pixels prevented such designs, but Sony says it has figured it out and calls its technology 2×2 On-Chip Lens (OCL).

The question now is if we will see the same tech on future APS-C and Full Frame cameras too.

SONY FE200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens EXPLAINED by Patrick Murphy-Racey, Sony Artisan of imagery

5 Tips for better B&W photos (Peter Forsgård).
Viltrox 24mm 1.8 better than Sony 24mm 1.4 GM for video? – Review + Testfootage w/ Sony A7SIII (PicturePulse).
How to Take Outdoor Portraits with Just One Light (42West).
How to Protect Your Camera Against Nearly Anything (Explora).
Viltrox 35mm F1.8 test at SonyAlphablog.
Vignetting Graphs Explained (Phillip Reeve)

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

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We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony A1 group.
Sony A9 series group.
Sony A7r series group.
Sony A7s series group.
Sony A7 series group.

Nick Didlick was able to track the story of this camera. He asked the Sony Repair Center:

Did you receive the Camera?

“Yes, we suspected what Camera it was from NBC’s Social media coverage, but we don’t routinely ask photographers what happened to the gear unless they offer an incident report. We immediately loaned the photographer a replacement Alpha 1 and 24-70mmGM lens so he could continue to his next assignment, while we assessed the damage.”

What was the Camera’s condition when you received it?

“The Camera and Lens were not severely damaged. The lens was in fine shape other than a broken lens hood and the rear LCD of the Camera needed to be replaced.”

How long did it take to repair and clean the Camera?

“Sony has learned a lot about the damage to cameras in the hands of photographers covering worldwide significant events. So here in Beijing, many of the parts needed to service cameras like this one are stocked here. The repair was quickly done and took under an hour to complete, and the photographer and his Camera were reunited the next day.

.-

Sony cameras are tough enough to compete at the Olympics ;)

Tamron published the full 2021 financial results. And it confirms that it will stick on their policy “of launching about 5 new products every year”.

UNlike other company financial reports Tamron really shares deep insights into the market. Here are some key info:

• Despite an uptick in economic activity, there were resurgences of COVID-19 around the world and the effects of semiconductor shortages became serious in the second half of the year.
• The markets for interchangeable lens cameras and interchangeable lenses saw positive growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Interchangeable lens cameras ⇒Up 1% in terms of quantity; Up 21% in monetary terms
• Mirrorless cameras: Up 6% in terms of quantity; Up 31% in monetary terms
• SLR cameras: Down 6% in terms of quantity; down 6% in monetary terms
• Interchangeable lenses: Up 6% in terms of quantity; Up 35% in monetary terms

And this is their forecast:

• Economic environment: A gradual recovery is expected, but effects from the semiconductor shortage will continue.
• Market environment :-Markets for interchangeable lens cameras and interchangeable lenses are expected to remain flat in volume terms, but increase in monetary terms thanks to strength in high value-added products. -High growth will continue in the surveillance and automotive markets.

Tamron sees a bright future for the market!

Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM II First Look

Does IMAGE STABILIZATION Really Matter? (Robin Wong).
Which Camera Manufacturer Makes The Best Lenses? (Matti Sulanto).
5+ Newborn Photography Ideas and Props (42West).
Sony FE lenses: The honest Guide for the A7/A7II/A7III A7rII/A7rIII/A7rIV A7c A9 (Phillip Reeve)
The Lens Every Photographer Should Have and Use: The 35mm (Explora).
Lomography Atoll 17mm F2.8 tested by SonyAlpha.blog⁠

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

Join the new Sony Alpha Camera Facebook group.
To get news from our Forum subscribe that RSS feed.
I kindly invite you all to follow our RSS feed, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to not miss news and rumors

We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony A1 group.
Sony A9 series group.
Sony A7r series group.
Sony A7s series group.
Sony A7 series group.