I just woke up and found a couple of mails from SAR readers linking me to that mysterious Sony ad (Source: Sony UK). I honestly don’t know what this is, will now start to ask around. The hashtag #TheNewF suggest that this may be a new F camcorder (we currently have the Sony PMW-F3). And this may be also the day where the 4K upgrade for the NEX-FS700 will be announced…
Drop me a message at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com or use the anonymous contact form you find here on the right sidebar if you know more about that event. Thansk!
P.S: Tomorrow Sony will release the A77 firmware update!
Dpreview (Click here) posted an interview with Phil Molyneux, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sony Electronics. I am going ot highlight the most interesting info only:
– He said there is no need to have touchscreen on the NEX-6 because “We believe their interest in touchscreen capability is far less than the user who shoots with the camera held at arm’s length.”
– It is possible to make a compact mirrorless NEX with FF sensor. The real challenge is “building the lenses that can cover a full frame imaging circle at that flange back distance…But it is possible“. He also said that much of the RX1 design could be used for an interchangeable version camera.
– pre-orders of the RX1 have been overwhelmingly positive.
In sum, I really got the feeling that Sony is aware of the benefits of making a Full Frame NEX system. And I pretty much sure that we will get some nice surprise in 2013!
Dominic Fraser shot that nice Aston Martin video clip with the new Sony A99: “for now lets say very good indeed image quality. This particular camera is one of only three in the country without a final firmware version so things can only get better.”
And here are some new A99 and NEX-6 tests:
New A99 review at SLRlounge: “The A99 is not only superb, but I can consider it to be avant-garde and full of technology. The sensor itself can go pound-for-pound against Canon’s and Nikon’s full-frame sensors in regards to dynamic range, color rendition, and resolving power.” SLRclub posted a super long A99 review. As you know they post all the text as a jpg file so google translate tool will not help us to get some clue about their findings. But you can still watch their graphs and pictures. Fengniao posted a new A99 ISO test.
A99 test by a famous Chinese blogger “Chunjuan” at PChome (translation here). Fotopolis (translation here) posted a full NEX-6 review and earns 5 points out of 6.
I like it when I can start the new week with a good Sony news-rumor :=)
A source (Thanks!) sent us this text but don’t try to click on the download links. They will work form October 18th only!
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PRESS TEXT
Please be informed that the new firmware version 1.06 for SLT-A77 & SLT-A65, and firmware version 1.03 for SLT-A57 & SLT-A37 will be available soon.
Japan is going to make an announcement for this firmware update, but we will handle it as a download content for regional website as it’s only a firmware update.
2. Applicable Model & Version
Model Name
Firmware Version
SLT-A65, SLT-A77
1.05 or earlier
SLT-A37, SLT-A57
1.02 or earlier
3. Additional Features / Improvements
· Lens compensation function is extended to the following lenses
Ø SAL30M28, SAL50F14, SAL2470Z, SAL2875, SAL70400G, SAL70200G, SAL35F14G, SAL1635Z
· Addition of capability to enable/disable the MOVIE button (applicable to SLT-A77 & SLT-A65 only)
—–
I don’t know yet if there are more new features and fixes. Hope yes!
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For US readers. You save $100 on the A77 open box deal at [shoplink 14756 ebay]Beachcamera (Click here)[/shoplink].
No day is passing without some bloggers posting new Sony tests and images. But at least we have one real new and unseen test. Our reader Klaus sent me this text: “During the Alpha-Festival in Berlin I shot some sample shots with the 10-18mm. I have also included corner and center crops. http://www.sonyuserforum.de/forum/showthread.php?t=124123. At 10mm the lens shows some pink color cast which can be easily removed with Lightroom presets. The lens is damn sharp and brilliant for its size and prize. Stabilization works really good and AF is spot on. Good performer – will buy it ASAP“. Thanks Klaus for being the first testing this lens!
The lens can be preordered at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
And here are new RX1,A99 and NEX-6 tests: TheVerge had the chance to play with the RX1 and writes: “I got to try it this week, and frankly, it’s amazing. Shooting even vaguely usable 6000 x 4000 resolution pictures at 25,600 ISO with a camera this small is unbelievable, and the fixed Zeiss lens produces lovely results.”
Also Steve Huff posted some new thoughts and images about the RX1: “Sony is climbing a little but of an uphill battle with the rX1 due to the cost of the camera because the “masses” are not into a fixed focal length lens. Many enthusiasts are, and these are the ones Sony made this camera for.”
Sony Digital Imaging Press Event – Sony A99, NEX-6 & RX1 at Photographyreview. Also the Italian website Fotografidigitali posted a new A99 hands-on.
Our SAR facebook reader Emmanuel found a cute mistake made by the marketing guys at Sony Canada (Click here to see it). Just watch the fourth slider image. They put the image of the Sony A900 instead of that of the A99. Not the best way to promote the A99 :)
The only new A900 or A850 I found is on [shoplink 14714 ebay]eBay US (Click here)[/shoplink]. Probably one of the last ever Sony FF OVF model you can find in new conditions. Meantime the A99 shipping date differs and keeps changing from country to country. Now it’s late October for EU and Canada and early November for US. Check out all links at Alphacameradeals to get exact dates depending from the country.
Gary Friedman’s book about the Sony RX100 is now available for $21.45 at friedmanarchives.com. This the only Sony camera that managed to stay for months ont he top seller list of Amazon (Click here to see the ranking). Definitely the most popular Sony camera of the year and a camera that has zero competition yet. If I would have to pickup one camera only that this may be my top option.
