The SR5 weekend rumors roundup: A3500 leaked, new FE lenses to come soon, and A77II and surprises too.

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There is going to be plenty of new Sony stiff coming soon. For A and E-mount lovers! In case you missed it this weekend we had some new rumors and leaks:

1) Sony Australia (Click here) already lists the new A3500 camera and new 18-50mm f/4.0-5.6 lens. I don’t know when Sony will announce them officially but I guess it will be very soon.

2) Mark Weir from Sony confirmed that new Full Frame E-mount lenses are going to be announced soon. And yes, Sony is working on very fast aperture lenses too. He also said new power zooms are in the work. The probably most intriguing news is that Sony will soon announce camera(s?) that have been never made before!

3) The A77II is coming for sure in very early May. And I am looking forward to post the first specs soon!

You have to stay tuned on SAR. If the rumors I am receiving in these days are correct there will be room for quite some surprises too!

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Message to sources: You can send me more info anonymously by using the contact form you see on the very right of your browser. You can also contact me directly at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com.
For readers: Subscribe the RSS feed (Click here) and Twitter (Click here) stream and the Facebook fan page (Click here) in order to not miss any news!
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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!

 

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$50 off on the Bower 85mm lens. Three NEX on top of sales.

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You can now grab the Bower 85mm T/1.5 Cine lens with a $50 discount at BHphoto (Click here). There are both. Native A and E-mount versions. If you don’t know it Bower is just another brand name from Samyang. And Adorama is offering free extras with the Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8 lens (Click here).

Interetsing to see that three NEX, pardon Alpha ;) are leading the mirrorless ranking at Amazon (Click here to see the list).

—Current Sony US deals:

Sony A99:
A99 with a free(!) grip for $2299 at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and Sony Store (Click bere).
Buy.com (now Rakuten) is selling the Sony A99 for $1,899.99 only. The offer runs out of time within the next couple of hours.

Sony A7 and A7r:
A7-A7r up to $650 savings are still running at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and Sony Store (Click bere).
You can trade it any camera you have (also a $10 cheap used compact) and get a $300 credit for the A7 or A7r purchase at Focuscamera (Click here) , Adorama (Click here) or BHphoto (Click here).

Sony RX10 and RX100II:
Save $240 on Select Accessories with the Purchase of the Sony RX10 Digital Camera at Amazon and SonyStore.
Save up to $550 on Select Sony Accessories with Sony RX1 Series Camera Purchase at Amazon.

“Old” NEX series:
Total of $398.90 free extras comes along the NEX-6 body at BHphoto (Click here).
Sony NEX-6 double lens kit for $869 via third party resellers at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony NEX-7 with two lenses and extras for $899 (substract the $100 gift card) at BHphoto (Click here).
NEX-3n with kit lens is again back in Stock for $299 only at Amazon US (Click here).

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(SR5) first images and full specs of the Sony A3500!

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These are the first images and full specs of the new Sony A3500 which replaces the current Sony A3000. It will come with a new Sony 18-50mm f/4.0-5.6 lens. Thanks MdB for sharing the info!
System
Camera Type Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash
Lens Compatibility Sony E-mount lenses
Image Sensor
Type APS-C type (23.2 x 15.4mm), “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensor
Effective no. of Pixels Approx. 20.1 mega pixels
Total no. of Pixels Approx. 20.4 mega pixels
Anti-Dust System Charge protection coating on, Optical Filter
Recording System (Still Image)
Recording Format JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format)
Image Size (Aspect Ratio 3:2) L: 5456 x 3632(20M), M: 3872×2576(10M), S: 2736×1824(5M)
Image Size (Aspect Ratio 16:9) L: 5456×3064(17M), M: 3872×2176(8.4M), S:2736×1536(4.2M)
Image Quality Modes RAW & JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard
Picture Effects Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Mono, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Mono, Miniature
Creative Style Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W (Contrast (-3 to +3steps), Saturation(-3 to +3steps), Sharpness(-3 to +3steps))
Dynamic Range Off, Dynamic Range Optimizer (Auto/Level), Auto High Dynamic Range: Off, Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1.0-6.0EV, 1.0EV step)
Color Space sRGB standard (with sYCC gamut) and Adobe RGB standard compatible with TRILUMINOS™ Color
Recording System (Movie)
Recording Format AVCHD format Ver. 2.0 compliant, MP4
Video Compression MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Audio Recording Format Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2ch, MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch
Recording Media
Memory Stick Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo
SD Memory Card SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card
Noise Reduction
Long exposure NR Available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec.
High ISO NR Normal/Low
White Balance
Modes Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, C.Tem , C.Filter , Custom
Focus System
Type Contrast-detection AF*1
Sensitivity Range EV0 to EV20 (ISO100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)
Focus Modes Autofocus, DMF (Direct Manual Focus)*2 , Manual Focus*2
Autofocus Mode AF-S: Single-shot AF, AF-C: Continuous AF
Focus Area Multi Point (25 points) / Center-weighted / Flexible Spot
Other Features Tracking Focus, Focus lock, Built-in AF illuminator (Distance: approx. 0.5-3.0m (with E 18-50mm F4-5.6 lens attached))
Exposure Control
Metering System Type 1200-zone evaluative metering
Sensitivity Range EV0 to EV20 (at ISO100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)
Metering Modes Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Modes iAUTO, Superior Auto, Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection
Scene Selection Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night view, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur
Exposure Compensation Still images: +/- 3.0EV (1/3EV steps), Movies: +/- 2.0EV (1/3EV steps)
Exposure Bracketing With 1/3, 2/3, 1, 2, 3EV increments, 3frames
AE Lock AE is locked when the shutter button is half pressed (ON/OFF is available in MENU)
ISO Sensitivity Still images: ISO100 to 16000, AUTO (ISO100 to 3200), Movies:ISO100 to 3200 equivalent, AUTO(ISO100 to 3200 equivalent)
LCD
LCD Monitor Type 7.5cm (3.0-type) wide type TFT
Total no. of Dots 230,400 dots
Brightness Control Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2), Sunny Weather mode
Display
Histogram Yes
Real-time Image Adjustment On/Off
Other Features
Face Detection Up to 8 faces detectable automatically
Smile Shutter Selectable from 3 steps
MF Assist Yes
Shooting Tips Yes
Help Guide Yes
Shutter
Type Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
Shutter Speeds Still images:1/4000 to 30 sec, Bulb, Movies: 1/4000 to 1/4(1/3 steps), up to 1/30 in AUTO mode
Flash Sync. Speed 1/160 sec.*3
Viewfinder
Type 0.5cm (0.2type) electronic viewfinder(color)
Field of View 100%
Magnification Approx. 0.70x with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m
Eye Relief Approx. 21mm from the eyepiece, 15mm from the eyepiece frame at -1m
Diopter Control -4m to +3.5m
Drive
Shooting Modes Single Shooting, Continuous shooting, Speed Priority Continuous shooting, Self-timer (10/2 sec delay selectable), Self-timer (Cont.)(with 10 sec delay 3 exposures), Bracketing
Self-Timer 10/2 sec delay selectable, 10 sec delay 3 exposures
Continuous Shooting (Approx.) Continuous mode:max. 2.5 fps*5, Speed Priority Continuous shooting: max. 3.5 fps*5
No. of Frame Recordable (Approx.) Fine: 6 frames*5 *6, Standard: 6 frames*5*6, RAW&JPG: 4 frames *5 *6
Playback
Single Yes (with or without shooting information RGB histogram & highlight/shadow warning)
6/12-frame Index View Yes
Enlarged Display Mode L: 15.1x, M: 10.7x, S: 7.6x, Panorama (Standard): 19x, Panorama (Wide): 29x
Image Orientation On/Off selectable
Slideshow Yes
Interface
PC Interface Multi/Micro USB Terminal, Hi-speed USB (USB2.0): Mass-storage, MTP
Compatible OS (USB Connection) Windows Vista*7  SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Mac OS X (v10.6-v10.9)
Audio
Microphone Built-in stereo microphone
Speaker Built-in, monaural, Volume settings in 8 steps between 0 and 7
Flash
Type Built-in flash
Guide No. 4 (in meters at ISO 100)
Flash Coverage 16mm (focal-length printed on the lens body)
Control Pre-flash TTL
Flash Compensation +/- 2.0EV (1/3EV steps)
Flash Modes Flash off, Auto flash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction (on/off selectable), Hi-speed sync.*4
Red-eye Reduction On/Off selectable
Recycling Time Approx. 4 sec.
Print
Compatible Standards Exif Prin, Print Image Matching III, DPOF setting
Power
Battery One rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50
Battery Performance Still Image: (Approx. 470 images(Viewfinder), Approx. 480 images(LCD screen)(CIPA standard))*8
Movies(actual recording): (Approx. 90 minutes(Viewfinder), Approx 90 minutes(LCD screen) (CIPA standard) )*9 *10, Movies(continuous recording): (Approx. 160 minutes(Viewfinder), Approx 160 minutes(LCD screen)(CIPA standard))*9 *11
External Power AC Adaptor AC-PW20 (sold separately)
Size
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 128 x 90.9 x 84.5 mm
Weight (Body Only) Approx. 353 g
Weight (With Battery & Memory Stick PRO Duo) Approx. 411 g
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
*1 When using phase-detection AF, limited lenses will be compatible initially. Expansion is planned by body firmware update.
*2 Only with lens sold separately
*3 With compatible Sony external flash
*4 With compatible external flash
*5 Varies according to shooting conditions or memory card used
*6 Continuous drive (Hi) in Drive mode
*7 Starter Edition is not supported.
*8 The LCD screen is turned on, shot once every 30 seconds, operate zoom alternately between W and T ends, flash strobe once every two times, turn power off and on once every ten times.
*9 Continuous movie recording is possible for approximately 29 minutes (limited by product specifications).
*10 Indication recording time, which is defined by repeating the cycle: Power on, start recording, zoom , stand-by and power off.
*11 The total movie recording time. When the limit of the continuous movie recording time (29 minutes) is reached, let the camera continue movie recording by pressing the MOVIE button again. No other operation such as zoom are performed.
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First SAR readers image quality comparison between old and new A7-A7r firmware.

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Courtesy: Tobias

SAR reader Tobias posted the full A7 ISO scale comparison on Flickr (Click here) before and after the firmware upgrade. There seems to be no noticeable difference. Another test at Talkemount (Click here) shows a major improvement on A7r JPG images taken with NR off.

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Firmware download links for A7R
Mac – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia
Windows – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia
Firmware download links for A7
Mac – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia
Windows – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia

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Specs and Store Links in US and Canada:
Dedicated Sony announcement page at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony A7r body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony RX10 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 24-70mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 35mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 55mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
70-200mm A-mount at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A to E adapter with mirror at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r leather case at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
A7/A7r vertical grip at Amazon, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony W Series Battery Charger at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe at BHphoto.
Semi-Hard LCD Screen Protector for A7-A7r at Amazon, BHphoto.

Specs and Store Links in Europe:
Sony A7r body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony RX10 at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE.
Zeiss 35mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,
Zeiss 55mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT
Zeiss 24-70mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, SE, PT
Sony G 28-70mm lens at Sony DE, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO.

Asia:
A7r at Digitalrev.
A7 at Digitalrev, Amazon Cina.
A7 with 28-70mm lens at Digitalrev.

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