First QX review (and first QX in Stock on eBay US!)

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Image courtesy: Cameras.reviewed.com

According to Amazon US (Click here) the QX cameras will ship in exactly seven days. But there is already a very first QX LensCamera now in Stock on [shoplink 21249 ebay]eBay US (only one left)[/shoplink]. The question is…does the LensCamera idea really work? Cameras.reviewed.com posted the first full QX10 review. And there is a surprising conclusion. They write the QX10 is “a dumb camera for your smart phone”

The QX10’s image quality is better than your smartphone’s, yes, but not by much. The biggest gain is in terms of optical zoom, but the camera’s awkward handling makes actually utilizing that 10x telephoto a challenge. And while the QX10’s pairing behavior and user interface are better (or at least less convoluted) than any other WiFi implementation we’ve seen, shooting with the app still felt arbitrarily limiting—almost like a chore.

A bit disappointing! But I think most of the issues (interface and limited APP) can be improved via firmware.

P.S: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 Sample Images (Photographyblog). Unboxing pics at SonyBlog.

Here are all direct links to preorders in USA/Canada:
QX100: Amazon (Click here), SonyUS (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here), SonyCA (Click here).
Soft Carrying Case for DSC-QX100 at Amazon (Click here).
Black QX10: Amazon (Click here), SonyUS (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here), SonyCA (Click here).
White QX10: Amazon (Click here), SonyUS (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
Soft Carrying Case for DSC-QX10 Amazon (Click here).
Xperia Z case with QX mount on Amazon (Click here).

Here are all direct links to preorders in Europe:
Black QX100 at SonyDE, Amazon.de (via DealsRunner), Amazon France (via DL), SonyUK, SonyES, SonyIT, SonyNL, SonyBE, SonyAT, SonyCH, SonySE, SonyFI, SonyNo.
Black QX10 at SonyDE, Amazon.de (via DealsRunner), Amazon France (via DL), SonyUK, SonyES, SonyIT, SonyNL, SonyBE, SonyAT, SonyCH, SonySE, SonyFI, SonyNo.
White QX10 at SonyDE, Amazon.de (via DealsRunner), Amazon France (via DL), SonyUK, SonyES, SonyIT, SonyNL, SonyBE, SonyAT, SonyCH, SonySE, SonyFI, SonyNo.
Xperia Z1 at SonyDE, SonyUK, SonyES, SonyIT, SonyNL, SonyBE, SonyAT, SonyCH, SonySE, SonyFI, SonyNo.

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A77 versus 70D. Or SLT tech versus on sensor phase detection.

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On sensor phase detection is the future tech. The NEX-FF and mirrorless ILCE camera will rely on that. As you know the Canon 70D has likely the most advanced solution called “Dual Pixel CMOS sensor”. In that case On-sensor phase detect AF is available on every pixel and adopted for initial subject acquisition.

DxOmark (Click here) posted an interesting Canon 70D vs Sony A77 comparison to see if the Canon tech is as good as it sounds on paper. The full test video page can be seen here. These are some of their findings:

Autofocus accuracy on fast appearance
– In Bright light conditions the Sony AF system is faster
– In Low Light conditions the Sony SLT-A77 performed nearly as well as the Canon, despite only 30% of the light entering the mirror-box being used for AF in the Sony.

Autofocus accuracy for tracking
– In Bright light conditions the Canon EOS 70D is slightly slower as we’ve seen before, while the Sony SLT A77 reacts quickly but displays lens breathing (a change of angle of view during shifting of focus).
– In Low Light conditions the Canon EOS 70D is clearly the better at focusing of the two on test.

DxO conclusion is:

For video enthusiasts, this camera is one of the best choices available on the market currently and at least is a viable option to the entirely likeable and very capable Sony SLT models.

Overall the A77 proves to be a better performer in normal shooting conditions and shows it’s limits only when it gets…dark. Note that the Canon 70D is a brand new camera that also costs $300 more than the two year old A77. It will be interesting to see how the soon to be announced NEX-FF and ILCE7/9 cameras will perform with their new on sensor phase detection tech.

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(SR2) First NEX-FF specs?

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The following rumor has been sent to me be a new source I am in contact with for a couple of months. He is a new source and we still have to see if he is telling us the truth or not. That’s why you have to take everything here with a huge grain of salt. I am sure the first NEX-FF photocamera is coming in October and I posted two SR5 rumors (read one and read two).

What you read now is ranked SR2 (20-40% chance it may be correct). The new source said he got it via “friends”, he is not directly involved with Sony. So even if he could be honest…he may didn’t get the right info. Anyway, it’s a rumor site and sometimes even new source proved to be correct. Let’s see in one month if that new source will become one of my trusted :)

This is what he writes about the NEX-FF:
– ibis /5 axis/ up to 4,5 stops gain
– similiar design with nex-7 but some 15% more massive /in terms of dimensions and some 20% more weight than 7
– 1400 focus points, much improved metering
– 3,5,8,12 fps modes, also something they called ‘mega fast mode’ 14 pcs
– 1 new flash unit
– 1/4000sec
– ‘improved video’ /whatever that means/
– new chip. Now, about chip, it will be decided which version will be implemented – 24, 32 or 36 mpix, the best results /speed and accuracy/ was achieved with 32 mpix chip, the most vivid colours and iso were with 24mpix and 36mpix is not so 10+ on tests. Also, this chip is little slower when put on ibis system.
– buffer – at least 1gb
– wifi – yes
– 3” screen, articulated in 3 axis
– 2 colours /black and some gray version/
– some new global software support
– new small adapter for a lenses
– New Oled EVF

 

I repeat, don’t take this too serious now. But if (I repeat “if”) he is sharing the correct specs that is definitely going to be a nice camera! I hope trusted sources can soon tell me if these specs are correct, close to correct or wrong. Thanks!!!

—

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!

—

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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Sony TidBits…

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An Introduction to the New Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2 and DSC-RX1R

Sony Cybershot RX100 M II – Full Review at Photographic Central.
Sony NEX-3n review at Imaging Resource.
Sony exercises their right to build a crappy camera (VisualscienceLab).
A3000 review at Pantip (google translation here).
Sony: Camera-centric smartphone trend is about users’ desire for fame (Trustedreviews).

Yannick: “I would like to share with you 2 videos I’ve shot with the Sony A99.
https://vimeo.com/72933536
https://vimeo.com/73059060
You’ll find a lot of video and pictures taken with the Sony A99 on my website or in my 500px gallery : http://500px.com/YannickBarthe
Have a look and don’t hesitate to share with other A99 users.”

Rawfa: “I´ve recently took the NEX-7 through Brazil´s northwest beaches (some of the most paradise like in the world) and the Amazon jungle and I´ve some great feedback from people. Anyway, feel free to post here if you want:
NEX-7 in Paradise http://www.talknex.com/showthread.php?t=1729
NEX-7 in the Amazon http://www.talknex.com/f18/manaus-amazon-2461/”

Anirban: “I’ve been following your blog for about a year now and find it quite informative. I recently took my Sony A99 for a journey up the Rockies. I’ve recorded my journey at http://www.eternallycreative.com/adventures/rockies
The entire journey was shot with a Sony A99 with a Zeiss 24mm f/2.0. The camera and lens combination has been my go-to choice for landscape photography. I would like to share this as I think it’ll help anyone in the fence about buying an A99.
Anonymous: Hi Andrea, hope you have managed to get some relaxing time with your family over these past days. Not sure if you are interested to know about this and share it with your readers. There is a brand new Sony Center openned in the beautiful Hungarian town of Gyor. The owner filmed the new store being built here http://vimeo.com/73910125 the same store manager also filmed Paul Genge (ex Sony UK) wedding in Hungary a couple of weeks ago. http://vimeo.com/72616351 thought you might like to see the films all shot on Sony a99 and a65”

 

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Adobe Lightroom 5.2 released. Sony NEX-3n for $398.

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Adobe released Lighroom 5.2 and DNG Converter 8.2 which adds support for the RX100II, A3000 and NEX-5T. Here are the download links (Click on the link to open the page):
Lightroom 5.2 for Windows
Lightroom 5.2 for Mac
DNG Converter 8.2 for Windows
DNG Converter 8.2 for Mac

New Sony deals:
Sony NEX-3N with kit lens for $398 at BHphoto (Click here).
$75.00 Mail in Rebate on the Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED Lens at BHphoto (Click here).
$75.00 Mail in Rebate on the Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 Lens at BHphoto (Click here).

Zeiss for E-mount NEX:
$200 off on the Sony 24mm f/1.8 E-Mount at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
Zeiss for A-mount:
$200 off on the 24-70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
$100 off on the Sony 16-80mm at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
$180 off on the 135mm f/1.8 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
$140 off on the 24mm f/2.0 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).

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(SR3) A99 will run out of production in late November?

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[shoplink 14165]

[/shoplink]

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I am really not sure if the rumor I got is correct. But if it is this means the A99 will soon be replaced by another model. According to a new source the A99 production will cease on November 30. As you know I got an info from a top source that Sony will launch an ILCE-9 or A9 E-mount Full Frame camera within the next 4-5 months. The big question is, when the A-mount A99 successor will be announced. Note: Sony officially said that the new E-mount DSLR shaped cameras will not replace the A-mount cameras (Source: Amateur Photographer).

Current A99 price check: [shopcountry 14165].

One more thing: Again an A77 Gold Box deal in Germany (more at DealsRunner.com).

———

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!

——–

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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Source talks about a surprise….

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Yesterday I wrote how Sony will announce the NEX-FF and likely RX10 and ICLE-7 (and ILCE-9?) in mid October. Now I got this rumor from another source:

“The big announcement will have even more than expected. Was informed something else “special” to appear as well, came from Sony-Japan.”

Maybe the source can just give us tony bot more info about the “special” thing? Thanks :)

Something else: The mobile theme of SAR has been fixed. Tablet owners can now surf this site way better than before!

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