Sony RX1 lens performance test at DSLRmagazine.

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The JPG and RAW resolution graph (Courtesy of DSLRmagazine)

The Spanish reviewers from DSLRmagazine (translation here) focused their efforts on analyzing the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 performance. And as you can see from the graph on top the delivered image quality is excellent. DSLRmagazine writes: “We can see that the combination of lens and sensor paired brings dramatic results, the highest level achieved to date in our tests of digital cameras.

And the resolution is already superb at full f/2.0 aperture. Something you really don’t see often on fast 35mm lenses. The best quality can be reached at f/8.0 aperture although the gain is minimal. Of course shooting in JPG instead of RAW makes you loose a bit of resolution. Vignetting is low at f/2.0 and there is a bit of distortion. But these are really non issues because you can easily correct it in Post Processing.
Terrific what that RX1 sensor+lens combo achieved! But is that performance really going to boost the RX1 sales? Would love to know how good (or bad) the camera is selling in stores!
P.S.: Some sample photos at ePhotozine. Some nice RX1 images at RX1 files.

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RX1 at [shopcountry 15824].

RX1 Gariz accessories:

1) They made a new half leather case in Black and Brown ([shoplink 16437 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
2) The new lens cap ([shoplink 16439 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
3) The new entry is the anti loose button(!) ([shoplink 16438 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]). Don’t know if that will be really useful for you RX1 owners. Someone has it and call it how it works? Thanks!
4) And this is the really first time I see that. A special Leather skin hood! ([shoplink 16441 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).

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(SR5) This will make you happy: A57, A65, A77 and A99 firmware update coming soon!

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It’s always a pleasure when I have good news to share on SAR! That time top sources told me that Sony will announce a new A57, A65, A77 and A99 firmware update next week! The update will be available for download in early February!

I have no details yet about the specific improvements but I may receive them very soon: Stay tuned on SAR and spread the good news!

UPDATE: One new A99 is for sale for $2499 at [shoplink 16605 ebay]Cameraland (Click here)[/shoplink]. That’s the lowest price ever seen. To get notified when there will be more A99 cameras at that price or lower login and save this search on Slidoo.

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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Speed Booster in Stock on eBay. Sigma double lens deal back in Stock too.

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[shoplink 16589 ebay]

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For the first time the EF to E-mount Speed Booster adapter is in Stock on [shoplink 16589 ebay]eBay (via Hong Kong)[/shoplink]. Soon the adapter will be available in US and EU stores too. Save this search on Slidoo to get notified when it will. You can also preorder the adapter at Metabones directly.

And the super Sigma double NEX lens deal is back in Stock at BHphoto (Click here).

More deals: Keep in mind that soon the $100 saving on the NEX-7 will be over (grab it here at Amazon). And two new RX100 for $595 are in Stock via top rated seller [shoplink 16592 ebay]Aztecx California (Click here)[/shoplink].

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50mm f/1.4 Zeiss still marked as “Under Development”.

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Sony will display the Zeiss 50mmf /1.4 SSM A-mount lens at the upcoming CP+ show in Japan (start January 31). But it will be again displayed as “prototype” and not as final lens. Final lens specs and price will be announced in Spring.

That said let’s go back on the 20mm pancake news. As I told you I got the info about the lens weeks ago but I didn’t have the exact launch date and was waiting to get more bits about that. And with all that far more interesting rumors I am getting in these days (Zeiss FF, A78, new sensor tech) I somewhat missed to inform you about it, again sorry!

My sources told me Sony decided to make this lens because they wanted to achieve a higher image quality compared to the sub par performance of the existing 16mm lens. Yep, I do agree with most of you saying this isn’t really a big deal of a lens and many may prefer the bigger but better and cheaper Sigma 19mm f/2.8 lens which by the way you get for $99 if bought as double Sigma lens package at BHphoto (Click here). And in Europe for 99 Euro at Technikdirekt.

But I want to remind you…Sony’s path this year is to start from the very low end product release up to the Sony FF NEX in one year. So it will go better and better believe me :)  Also the 85mm f/1.8 E-mount lens will be in Stock by the second half of the year and so the new high quality E-mount zoom lens. Same product announcement philosophy goes for the cameras. NEX-3n and A38 are coming as first. Than new NEX-7 and A57/A77 successors later. I like that kind of product roadmap :)

 

New lens preorders at BHphoto: 20mm pancake (Click here) and powerzoom (Click here).

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Sony announces the 18-200mm Powerzoom and 20mm f/2.8 or NEX!

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Image of the 20mm pancake

Sony just announced the new 20mm f/2.8 pancake for NEX and released the 18-200 Powerzoom lens as standalone. Preorder is already up at BHphoto (Click here for 20mm pancake) and for the powerzoom (Click here).

Editor’s note. I knew about that 20mm lens since over two weeks but didn’t know the exact announcement date. Damn, missed to post the rumor earlier. Sorry :) I have been told by my sources that this lens has a much more acceptable image quality than the 16mm pancake.

Here is the press release:

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 22, 2013 – Sony is expanding its popular E-mount camera system with the addition of two new lenses compatible with all α E-Mount Cameras and semi-professional camcorders.

New 20mm F2.8 ‘pancake’ wide angle lens (model SEL20F28)
When mounted on any Sony α E-Mountcamera, the sharp new SEL20F28 ”pancake” lens creates an exceptionally versatile, portable package ideal for a broad range of everyday shooting opportunities ranging from interiors to landscapes, street photography, casual snapshots and more.
The new lens features an ultra-slim design approximately 20mm from lens front to back, and with its wide angle of view (30mm on 35mm equivalent) and bright F2.8 aperture, it produces excellent contrast, resolution and clarity across the frame for both still image and full HD video shooting.

New 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Powered Telephoto Zoom Lens (model SELP18200)
Originally offered only as a kit lens for the new NEX-VG30 camcorder introduced this past fall, the new SELP18200 powered telephoto zoom lens will now be available for purchase as a stand-alone lens.
Designed for serious videographers, the high-quality lens offers a generous 11x magnification range and whisper-quiet power zoom mechanics, focusing and aperture operation. This allows for smooth cinematic transitions when adjusting zoom level or manual settings during shooting.  It features a comfortably positioned zoom lever that works with a switch on the lens barrel, allowing zoom speed to be selected in three different steps – from slow, beautiful shifts in perspective to dramatic crash-zoom effects.  Zoom can also be controlled directly from compatible NEX-VG900, NEX-VG30 and NEX-FS700 (requires firmware update) video cameras.
The new lens also has built-in Optical SteadyShot™, which cuts the effects of camera shake and minimizes camera blur while shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds.  Additionally, Active Mode further enhances stabilization at the wide end of the 11x zoom range ensuring smooth, stable footage even if the shooter is in motion.
While the new SELP18200 lens is optimized for video, it’s also a flexible choice for shooting still photography – from expansive landscapes to high impact close-ups of wildlife or athletes – with Sony’s α E-Mountrange of interchangeable lens still cameras.

Sony α E-mount lens family expansion
These new models expand the Sony E-mount family to 13 native E-mount lenses plus two converters, covering virtually any shooting situation for photographers and videographers alike.
Spanning ultra-wide angle, powerful telezoom, macro and fast, bright primes, the range includes premium optics by Sony and Carl Zeiss, and offers refined performance and easy handling throughout the line.

Pricing and Availability
The new E 20mm F2.8 (SEL20F28) wide-angle prime lens will be available this April for about $350.
The new E PZ18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS (SELP18200) motorized telezoom lens will be available this March for about $1200.
The Sony α family of cameras, camcorders, lenses and accessories can be purchased at Sony retail stores, online at www.store.sony.comand at all other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.

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Speed Booster double test!

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Metabones Speed Booster – FS100 vs 5D Mark III from Andrew Reid on Vimeo.

That new Metabones Speed Booster adapter created quite a buzz on Internet. But the main question is…how good does it actually work? And finally we have two test to check out.

1) First Andrew from EosHD (Click here) wrote a long review and posted this short list of pros and cons list:

Pros

  • 1 stop increase in low light performance
  • Full frame look – wider field of view, shallower DOF, attractive vignette and light fall off towards corners
  • Extremely good value for money (look at the saving over buying alternative full frame video solution like Canon 1D X / 1D C)
  • Protects investment in existing glass
  • Match glass between full frame camera and Sony E-mount camera on multi-camera shoots
  • Corrects some optical defects in centre of the frame such as purple fringing and coma
  • In-camera electronic aperture control for Canon lenses on Sony body
  • Micro Four Thirds support in pipeline for March (and electronic adapter in June)
  • Turns Blackmagic Cinema Camera into Super 35mm (matching Alexa)
  • Every lens now has dual focal length and aperture (use with or without adapter to change crop)
  • More creative possibilities
  • Excellent build quality
  • Very small and light
  • Tripod mount
  • Infinity focus tuning built into the adapter and straight forward to use

Cons

  • Corner and edge sharpness a bit of a struggle with most legacy glass at fast apertures
  • Soft corners and edges most noticeable at infinity focus with fast apertures or wide open
  • Speed of auto-focus in need of improvement (painfully slow compared to same lens on a Canon body)
  • Some lenses are not yet fully supported by the electronics

2) And the second test has been done by Robert from Lensrentals (Click here). And he likes it a lot: “The Speed Booster does what they said it would do, much to my shock and surprise“.

You can preorder the adapter at Metabones directly. Or if you prefer save this search on Slidoo to get notified when it will be available on eBay too.

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