Digicaminfo found that picture showing a brand new A99 with 24-70mm lens package. The mark clearly says A99 and “SAL2470Z” which stays for the [shoplink 6050 ebay]24-70mm f/2.8 Zeiss[/shoplink]. The good news here is that we can expect to save some bucks on that combo. There are already some A99 and 24-70mm combos for sale on [shoplink 15428 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink] but these are two separated packages and you don’t save a penny on them.
UPDATE: As noticed by our reader JVS the package is sold by Sony Australia!
The Sony NEX-5r has been testd by Digitalcamerainfo: “While the most heavily publicized features (picture effects, self-portrait LCD, Wi-Fi uploading to Facebook) might paint this camera as an entry level model, the hardware and performance are more high-end than you may have guessed. And since Sony has plans to improve the E-mount family this year (cross your fingers), the 5R is an easy recommendation as a first system camera, or even an inexpensive backup camera for pros.”
Initial A99 review at Chromasia: “As I guess you’ve already worked out, I’m seriously impressed with the SLT-A99. The image quality is superb, it has a great range of features, and no real negatives, at least none that have any major impact on my style/type of photography. As such I have no problem recommending this camera.” SonyAlphaLab keeps testing the NEX-6
Sony E PZ 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 OSS E-mount lens review at Camerahoarders.
SAR reader James (Thanks!) spotted the UK’s “Guardian” top 10 digital cameras article. And they picke up the NEX-5R and the RX100.
Steve Huff just got his brand new Sony RX1 and the video on top shows all his excitement :)
The camera shipment in Asia just started. And if you want to save some money avoid to buy the expensive original Sony RX1 hood ($179 at Adorama). A $6 cheap chinese metal hood will do it ([shoplink 15410 ebay]there is one here on eBay[/shoplink]).
Sigma: Sigma (Click here) just posted a set of image samples taken with the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens. The image samples have been taken on the Sigma SD1 camera but as you know the lens comes with A-mount too. Don’t know what you think but I think this lens delivers a great performance! Consider also that it costs $600 less than the Sony 35mm f/1.4 lens (here at Amazon). And this lens is now available for preorder at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (click here).
NEX lenses: Sony China (translation here) just posted posted the info about new firmware version 02 for the SEL1855 / SEL18200 / SEL55210 / SEL24F18Z NEX lenses. It’s a firmware upgrade for the NEX-5R or NEX-6 only! It enables the phase difference AF using the pixel function “Fast hybrid AF”.
Focus Numerique (translation here) just posted the RX1 JPE. FN noted that the Sony RX1 has significant overexposure (about 2/3 EV in too). They are surprised with the high image quality: ” Even ISO 3200 images retain an excellent outfit with a little grain present, light-colored and very gentle smoothing. ” and “Even at ISO 12800, there or Alpha 99 start to lose its pixels, the RX1 is still very powerful, even if smoothing is naturally more sensitive.It is possible to push the compact with up to 25600 ISO image quality quite amazing. ”
And Imaging Resource posted the RX1 studio test too and you can use the comparometer to compare th image quality with other cameras. I have to say I am impressed and you? I am very tempted to buy the RX1 now…very tempted! Problem is the price in Europe is much higher than in US :(
Today Sony finally started to ship the RX1! It is in Stock right now at Amazon Japan! The RX1 can be pre ordered at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK ,Wex Germany, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH and more links at Alphacameradeals.
Shawn (Click here) made this video to proof how the aperture limitation removal trick from Portreti is working. There are some limitations with the hack:
1. Your lens will be wide open all the time. You cannot stop down at all. If your lens is soft wide open, you might be better off manually focusing.
2. Leaving the spring stretched out could damage your lens over time.
3. Be careful when you do this.
If you read the latest Financial report analysis on Bloomberg you really get the idea what a tough time Sony is facing right now. Particularly that sentence gives you an idea of the recent company history: “Sony, worth more than $120 billion in 2000, is now valued at about $11 billion. Apple Inc. (AAPL) is valued at $511 billion and Samsung Electronics Co. is at $184 billion.”
The good news is that Sony will increase the investment in the digital imaging business: “Sony will use 60 billion yen of the proceeds to invest in CMOS image sensors”
TheVerge writes: “In recent years the imaging division has been one of Sony’s top performers, and was identified by CEO Kazuo Hirai as one of the company’s pillars for future growth when hetook the reins in April. The proliferation of camera phones and corresponding drop in point and shoot sales have hurt Sony’s Cyber-shot line, but it remains a strong competitor in other arenas with its NEX line of mirrorless cameras, its more DSLR-like Alpha line, its professional cinema gear, and its expanding medical imaging business. During the Q&A following Sony’s recent Q2 earnings call, CEO Hirai reinforced the benefits of the division’s diversified nature, pointing out that the company makes money both from the cameras it manufacturers and the sensors it produces for competitors’ products, including smartphone cameras.”
