(SR4) More than one Sony mirrorless cameras to be announced soon?

Hi!
I had the chance today to talk with two of my sources. Both sources do really know what Sony will bring next! We were talking about Sony mirrorless system and that’s what I can tell you:

Source ONE:
“The mirrorless product will definitely be Sony’s story for interchangeable lenses this year. Make no mistake. My understanding is that the A230, A330, and A380 will all be going away to be replaced by two cameras. One at the A230 level and one at the A380 level, to give a more distinct step up for the consumer. Having all three was really a bit redundant. For those who were not the biggest fans of the ergonomics of the current lineup, the new cameras will still be nice and small but will get a more standardized grip to work with, likely similar to the Pentax K-x or the Canon Rebel series… but I think Sony is aiming for a bit smaller if they can. No one’s said word one about dates to me but I expect there to be talk about it at PMA, if not something shown for it. Also the rumor about having two mirrorless products has been substantiated by people who truly would know because, frankly, they work that closely with the product. :)””

Source TWO:
“ I have seen the new Olympus E-PL1 and I can say Sony mirrorless camera will blow that camera away. The Sony camera will have the best from both MFT models EPL1+Panasonic GF1 and with bigger sensor and excellent lenses”

Very soon we will know more! Follow SonyAlphaRumors!

It’s Alpha Mount Birthday!

The Alpha 7000 - The first alpha mount camera

In January 1985, Minolte released the (which was called “Alpha 7000” in Japan and “” in US). It was the first SLR camera with built-in housing passive autofocus system on the basis of phase detection. And at the same time it came with the new A-type bayonet lens mount, which is still used in Sony’s alpha cameras is.
And in the same month Minolta also released twelve brand new autofocus lenses!!! Sony…you could learn from it :)
The lens were all optimized to the needs of the autofocus system. Five bayonet electrical contacts for the data transmission were installed. In 1991 three more contacts were added.

Nice history or not? Let’s hope Sony will soon announce new Zeiss Lenses!

(FT4) Sony new camera announcement before PMA (Feb 21)

Finally we were able to get some infos from our trusted sources. There will be definitely new cameras at PMA.

Expect an announcement shortly before the Feb 21. What’s sure is that there will ne new Sony DSC cameras.

One source wrote us “We know that two new point and shoots will be announced, the TX5 and one other that no one seems to know anything about.”

The big question is if Sony will announce new Alpha cameras and the new mirrorless camera/s. When I asked my sources about that they only answered me with a Big Smile on their face. They are torturing me and I am torturing you :)

I only received some pieces of infos but I am waiting for a confirmation from other sources…

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Let me express my “emotions” -> Running a rumor website like this is hard but also exciting. There is a lot of hidden work behind every rumor…and I feel there is something BIG coming from Sony!

No Sony announcements yet?

Many brands are now having press releases and new compact camera announcements. Until now we did not hear anything about possible Sony press releases. If they will launch new cameras they probably will do it shortly before the PMA (February 21). Stay tuned!

If you have some news and rumors send them to sonyalpharumors@gmail.com

(SR5) New Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 for Sony Alpha mount!

It’s fine to start the new week with good news! Tokina will launch the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 for Sony Alpha mount! Expected release in Japan on February 24. This lens is designed for APS-C sensors. Filter size is 77mm. Body size is 84.1 × 96mm (maximum diameter × length). Weight is 560g.

The price should be something around $630.00. Amazon has the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 for Nikon in Stock for $627.00

A review of the lens on a Canon camera is available here at photozone (it performs very very good!).

Source: DCwatch (in japanese)

(SR5) UPDATE -> New Sony patent shows a new lens

IMPORTANT: When you find a patent like this it doesn’t necessary become real. Sony could decide to not bring the lens on market. Anyway if they patented it… :)

One of our SonyAlphaRumors found a new Sony Lens patent.

Application Number:
12/457357

Publication Date:
01/28/2010

Filing Date:
06/09/2009
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UPDATE:
David Kilpatrick gave us some more details about the patent:

“The patent does not relate to simply making a 16-80mm f/2.8-3.5 – it relates to how the problem of keeping lens size down is tackled. The patent covers the concept of moving the position of aperture at ONE exact point in the zooming, so the lens has two apertures. From 16 to 24mm, it is a constant f/2.8 – from 25mm to 80mm, it is a constant f/3.5. Instead of the gradual change (reported by the lens IC as a series of 1/3rd or 1/2 stop steps, according to how your camera is set) this lens is like having two constant aperture zooms.

One of the problems currently being faced by Canon is their inability to use electronic aperture zooms, with variable apertures, for smooth changes in exposure during video filming. Unlike the mechanical aperture of the Alpha mount, which is analog in operation though the camera limits it to fixed settings, the Canon EF aperture is electronically set in 1/3rd steps and can not be varied smoothly. Constant aperture zooms are vital for video, and ISO variation is the preferred way to cope with light changes during video.

Sony’s patent may be partly connected with perfect smooth control (continuous) of aperture, which will be necessary to make the Alpha system match their exacting video standards. It could be accompanied by a zoom range limiter, to ensure that the user does not zoom through the sudden position-shift of the iris assembly within the lens described in the patent.

The benefits of using a variable position aperture (or in this case, a two-position aperture) are seen in a substantial reduction of the diameter and size required for the front zoom group – a negative group, like a retrofocus w/a – without aberration and vignetting issues.”