The lens review website Photozone tested the new E-mount 16mm and 18-55mm lenses. According to their tests the 16mm lens “technically it isn’t really an impressive lens“. They liked the 18-55mm which “is a very decent kit zoom lens“.
Sony redefines the DSLR category – a world first in Translucent Mirror Technology (via Pocket Lint)
Keep visiting that post! We will update you with all news previews image samples and more!
1) PRE-ORDERS (coming soon! Click on those links to see when it is available) Amazon US (still not available….coming soon!) BHphoto (still not available…coming soon!) Amazon Germany (still not available…coming soon!) Amazon UK (still not available…coming soon!)
4) TESTS Letsgodigital Sony A580 preview Dpreview Sony SLT Alpha A55 Noise and Noise Reduction (JPEG*). “Even at ISO 3200 the A55 is capable of producing very good image quality” and “the A55 offers the best performance in our measured noise tests” Dpreview RAW files for download! Dpreview “The Sony Alpha SLT A55 has an extremely capable metering system, which helps enormously to avoid clipped highlights”
5) INTERESTING NOTES
– The 24mm and 85mm lenses will start shipping late September at $1,250 and $250 respectively. The 35mm will be available from mid-October at a price of $200.
– The designation ‘SLT’ stands for single lens translucent
– The A580 will be available from October 2010 and the A560 will arrive early 2011.
– According to Sony the translucent mirror reflects 30% of the light to a large 15-point phase detection AF sensor. You have a 1/3EV reduction in light transmission for the sensor.
– Dpreview: “The EVF in the A55 and A33 is excellent.”
– Imaging Resource: “The Sony Alpha A55V, the version sold in the United States, has one standout feature not present in the A55 and A33: a built-in GPS receiver. This allows both still images and movies to be automatically tagged with information about the location at which they were recorded.”
– Imaging Resource: “Video capture is an area where the Sony A55’s translucent mirror technology makes a huge difference relative to pretty any other SLR currently on the market”
– Luminous Landscape: “And finally, there is eye detect, so that viewing switches between the LCD and the EVF automatically as you raise it to eye level. ” and “There is a Achilles Heel though, which needs to be understood. PDAF (phase detection autofocus) is done with the lens at its widest aperture. This means that if you want to shoot video with PDAF you lens will always be used at its maximum aperture.”
On Sony Japan you can also see the specs and pictures of the new external microphone for the new Alpha cameras (click here for the google english translation)
■ Microphone ECM-ALST1
Release Date: October, expected to release retail price: 15,750 yen (tax included)
Stereo microphone that can record sound realistic.
Spindle orientation angle formula – 90/120 switching time can be selected to suit the purpose of picking up the sound range.
■Microphone ECM-CG50
Release Date: September 17, suggested retail price: 24,150 yen (tax included)
You can record audio of the subject firm targeted, highly directional microphone.
1) The [shoplink 3617]Sony A55[/shoplink] and [shoplink 3620]Sony A33[/shoplink] will be in Stock by late September-early October
2) The A560 costs $649 body only and $749 with kit. the A580 $100 more.
3) Flash is very high (?)
4) metal func-dial (like A100)
5) less noise than Canon (and better video than Canon). That’s a result of tests made by some of our sources!
Very important, after tomorrow’s announcement there will be new rumors about next Cameras and Lenses. The NEX and the translucent cameras are the first part of Sonys revolution. After that it’s time to satisfy the pro market ;)