This is an update list of the current rebates on photo equipment, now including up to $200 off Sigma lenses:

Sigma:

Sony:

Canon:

Nikon:

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1. The latest rebates from Olympus, Sony, Canon and Nikon
2. April’s rebate programs from Sigma, Tamron, Panasonic, Nikon and Canon
3. The latest lens patents from Sony, Sigma, Panasonic, Pentax and Canon

Sony just announced their new mirrorless NEX-F3, SLT-A37 cameras and a new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.

Sony NEX-F3 specs:

• APS-C size image sensor with 16.1 effective megapixels
• 180° tiltable LCD for easy self-portraits
• Built-in flash helpful in low-light conditions
• Auto Portrait Framing for easy, top-quality portraits
• AVCHD (50i/25p) ensures smooth, high quality video
• Clear Image Zoom doubles effective focal length while maintaining full pixel count
• Great results made easy with Superior Auto mode
• Long 470 shot battery life and easy USB charging

Sony A37 specs:

• 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor
• High-speed shooting up to 7fps with Full-time Continuous AF in Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode, thanks to the Translucent Mirror Technology
• Responsive, accurate 3-cross 15-point phase detection autofocus
• High-resolution Tru-Finder™ with 100% coverage
• AVCHD (50i/25p) ensures smooth, high quality video
• Auto Portrait Framing for getting a top-quality portrait
• Tiltable LCD making low/high-angle shootings easier
• High sensitivity with wide ISO 100-16000 range
• Clear Image Zoom doubles effective focal length while maintaining full pixel count
• Great results made easy with Superior Auto mode

Sony NEX-F3, A37, 18-135mm pre-order options:

• Sony NEX-F3 with 18-55mm lens (Black)
• Sony NEX-F3 with 18-55mm lens (Silver)
• Sony A37 with 18-55mm lens
• Sony A37 with 18-135mm lens
• Sony 18 - 135 mm f/3.5 - 5.6 Lens

Coverage from around the web:

• First impressions: The Sony A37 in Santa Monica
• First impressions: The Sony NEX-F3 in Santa Monica
• Sony NEX-F3 hands-on at Gizmodo and The Verge.
• Sony NEX-F3 and A37 cameras hands-on and sample shots
• Hands-on videos on the new Sony products:

Press releases:

Sony’s New α NEX-F3 Camera Packs DSLR-Size Sensor and Advanced Feature Set into Small, Stylish Body

Lightweight Model Features 16.1 Megapixel APS-C Sensor, 180° Tiltable LCD, Built-in Flash, Auto Portrait Framing and more

SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2012 – Sony’s α NEX-F3 digital camera delivers professional quality photos with a compact, pocket-sized body, allowing consumers to explore the creative world of high-quality, interchangeable lens photography in a refreshingly fun and entertaining way.

The new NEX-F3 camera features the same space-saving mirrorless design as other models in Sony’s E-mount family as well as an advanced, 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor, identical in size to sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras. The large sensor takes in more light during image capture, resulting in flawless, low-noise photographs and crisply detailed Full HD videos (60i/24p). Photographers can also easily create images with beautiful defocus effects, where the subject is focused sharply against a smoothly blurred background.

“Sony continues to redefine digital photography with our E-mount series, packing a large APS-C size sensor into a small, lightweight camera body to produce professional-quality images with ease,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony. “Featuring a diverse set of imaging technologies and offered at a great price, the new NEX-F3 model reinforces our commitment to this rapidly growing compact system camera market.”

The NEX-F3 camera adds a whole new perspective to self-portraits with a 180° Tiltable LCD screen, a first for Sony’s E-mount camera line. By simply holding the camera at arm’s length and flipping the LCD screen vertically, users can adjust the on-screen preview image and properly frame photos.

Additionally, the new model features a useful built-in flash to broaden shooting options indoors or in low light situations. Already introduced on Sony’s acclaimed NEX-7 camera, this pop-up flash handily brightens portraits and other shots without the need to carry an additional flash accessory.

The new NEX-F3 camera also includes the new Auto Portrait Framing feature for creating top-quality portraits quickly and easily. This innovative feature identifies a subject’s position in a composed image, and follows the “rule of thirds” to trim the scene appropriately around the subject’s face, creating a beautifully composed portrait. The cropped portrait is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo. Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.

By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the “Clear Image Zoom” feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera. Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it’s a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.

Other convenient essentials added to the new NEX-F3 camera include the Superior Auto mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically. Battery stamina has been boosted to an industry-leading 470 shots (approx.) on a single charge – an approximate 18% improvement over its predecessor, the NEX-C3 model.

The camera is compatible with the FDA-EV1S viewfinder accessory (sold separately), which offers a high-contrast, high-resolution OLED viewfinder display and a wide viewing angle. The NEX-F3 model also features a high-quality, premium-feel grip for more comfortable handling and can be charged via either USB or a standard AC outlet.

New Model Features High-Quality 16.1MP APS-C Image Sensor, up to 7 fps Shooting, High- Resolution Electronic Viewfinder and more

SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2012 – Lightweight, easy to use and packed with a variety of useful features, the new Sony SLT-A37 camera is an ideal choice for consumers eager to explore the world of interchangeable lens DSLR photography.

The new α37 camera is the latest to feature Sony’s acclaimed Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting.  This innovative technology also allows the new α37 camera to grab split-second action with a burst of sharply focused images.  Shots can be captured at up to seven frames per second in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode, where the central portion of the sensor’s image is magnified by approximately 1.4x.

The camera has a precision 3-cross 15-point AF system with tracking autofocus that keeps faces and fast-moving subjects in sharp focus.  From action-packed sports to spontaneous family portraits, it will ensure that all the drama and beauty of that special moment is captured.

“Delivering lightning-fast shooting speeds and autofocus plus advanced full HD video capture, our innovative Translucent Mirror Technology continues to serve as the backbone of our A-mount line of cameras,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony.  “Featuring this unique technology plus a host of exciting new features and an attractive price tag, our new α37 camera brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘entry level DSLR’.”

Framing and focusing is easy with the camera’s high-resolution Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder.  With a high 1440k dot resolution, excellent contrast and 100% field of view, it matches or exceeds the abilities of many optical viewfinders.  Adjustments to exposure and other creative picture settings can be previewed in real time, either via the Tru-Finder™ EVF or the tilt-angle 6.7 cm (2.7") Clear Photo™ LCD screen, making it easy to create shots with a customized, professional finish.

Additionally, the Sony α37 camera helps inexperienced photographers create top-quality portraits with ease.  The new Auto Portrait Framing mode identifies the subject’s position in a composed image and follows the “rule of thirds” to trim the scene and create a beautifully framed portrait.  The cropped photo is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo.   Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.

By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the “Clear Image Zoom” feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera.  Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it’s a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.

The 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor inside the α37 camera captures finely detailed, low noise stills and Full HD video. It’s teamed with the latest BIONZ® image processor that extends sensitivity to an ISO 100-16000 range, broadening options for low-light shooting without flash.  Shared with all α A-mount cameras, SteadyShot INSIDE™ stabilization cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4.0 stops for clearer handheld images with any A-mount lens.

The new α37 camera also features Superior Auto Mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically.

New Lightweight 18-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony α NEX

An ideal travel partner for the NEX-F3 camera, the new SEL18200LE E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE telezoom lens offers a powerful 11x zoom range and superb resolution in an easy-to-carry package. Smaller and 12% lighter than the SEL18200 lens, the new E-mount model features Optical SteadyShot to compensate for the effects of hand-shake. It also features Direct Manual Focus to give users precise control over focus settings, resulting in crisp, beautiful images.

Pricing and Availability

The new NEX-F3 compact digital camera will be available this June in silver, black and white with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $600. The new SEL18200LE telezoom lens will be available this July in black for about $850.

The camera kit, new lens and a variety of compatible accessories including the LCS-EJC3 carrying case, STP-XSG1 shoulder strap and STP-WS2 wrist strap will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

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2. Next week announcement: Sony a37 and NEX-F3 cameras
3. More Sony rumors a week before the official announcement

Some rumored Sony A99 specs found on xitek.com:

• The Sony A99 camera will have 24.3 MP full frame sensor.
• The A99 will have 102 focus points.
• Two different A99 prototypes are being evaluated - one of them has a flip and touch screen.
• The A99 will have 3 million pixel high-definition EVF.
• To be announced in September 2012.
• Price: 18,000 yuan (around $2,800).
• The A99 will  support 24 video recording formats and a variety of screen style filters.
• The body of the A99 will be larger and heavier than the A77.

And few other interesting points:

• Sony A77 and NEX7 will be updated in 2013. The A77 replacement will have a new processor and new CMOS sensor.
• The first ZA lens update will be the 135ZA SSM.
• A new version of the 50 f/1.4 SSM will also probably be announced.

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Next week, on May 17th, Sony will announce their new Sony a37 and NEX-F3 cameras. You can find the detailed specs in this post. Images of the new cameras can be found here and here.

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Those are the latest rebates on photo equipment:

Olympus

Sony

Canon

Nikon

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Listed bellow are the detailed specs of the already leaked Sony a37 and NEX-F3 cameras. The official announcement will be on May 17, 2012 and will include a new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM lens priced at around $500. Sony is also planning to announce a new 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS lens this summer.

Sony a37 specs (replacement for the a35):

• 16.1 MP sensor
• ISO range: 100-16,000
• Steady-shot: 2.5-4 stops of image stabilization
• 15 points autofocus with 3 cross sensors
• Tiltable LCD
• 100% coverage view finder
• 1080 24p HD video with face detection (60i option also available)
• 7fps
• Weight: 448g
• Price: $599 with 18-55mm lens | $799 with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM
• Shipping will start in June

Sony NEX-F3 mirrorless camera specs:

• 16.1 MP sensor (same as a37)
• Latest Bionz processor
• ISO: 100-16,000
• 1080 24p HD video (60i option also available)
• MP4 Codec
• 3:2 in MP4 mode
• 180 degree LCD for easier self portraits (no touchscreen)
• Built in flash
• Battery capacity: 470 images per charge
• 3fps
• Three colors: silver, black and white
• Kit price: $599
• To start shipping in June

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The Indonesian website yangcanggih.com published a series of new images of the upcoming Sony a37 and NEX-F3 cameras. The official announcement should be on May 17th, 2012:

Via dpreview

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This is the first picture of the upcoming Sony NEX-F3 mirrorless camera. As I reported earlier, some of the NEX-C3 kits are already discontinued and will probably be replaced with the NEX-F3 in the next few weeks. According to the source of the image, one of the new features is "Peaking Level" for better manual focusing.

Via dpreview

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In addition to the Sony a900, the NEX-C3 + 18-55mm lens kits is also listed as discontinued at B&H.

Based on the recently discontinued products, Sony should be announcing a replacement for the following cameras in the next few months:

• NEX-C3
• a900
• a35

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• New ThinkTankPhoto Retrospective bags.

• Canon suspends 5D Mark III shipping.

• Sony A57 delayed to April 27th in Japan.

• Olympus has a new board.

• Canon filed four patents for DA (Diffractive Optics) lenses: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6, 14mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4.

• The new Blackmagic cinema camera is already listed at B&H for $2,995.

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After the Sony a900 was already discontinued in Japan and Hong Kong, now B&H has also listed the camera as discontinued. The a900 was announced in September, 2008. RIP.

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The talk of the NAB show this year is the new Blackmagic cinema camera (priced at $3000):

"Blackmagic Cinema Camera features an amazing 2.5K image sensor with a wide 13 stops of dynamic range for a true digital film camera. You get a built-in SSD recorder, popular open standard uncompressed RAW and compressed file formats, compatibility with quality EF and ZE mount lenses, LCD touchscreen monitoring plus metadata entry..."

Few more video reports after the break.

Sony NEX-FS700 hands-on:

Canon's 4K display prototype hands-on:

Ted Schilowitz from RED talks about the new Dragon 6K sensor upgrade for Epic and Scarlet cameras with 15 stops of native dynamic range:

RED also had their new 4K cinema laser projector and media player plus some new module updates.

Panasonic announced the AG-HPX255, Apple revealed the 2012 Final Cut Pro X update... for detailed NAB 2012 show coverage check theverge, dslrnewsshooter and photographybay.

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3. The rest of the 2012 CP+ show

Rayqual announced nine different Fuji X-Pro 1 adapters for various lens mounts. You can see some samples taken with the Kipon L/M-FX adapter on LeicaRumors.

Fujinon 19-90mm T2.9 motorized lens for Super35/APS-C cameras.

Sharp announced the development of a 20MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor for compact cameras.

The Lomographic Society launched La Sardina Splendour 35mm film camera with Fritz The Blitz flash designed for street photography.

Adobe Production Premium CS6 is coming to NAB 2012 and will include the following products: Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Story, Media Encoder, Photoshop, SpeedGrade and Prelude.

Motorized zoom handgrip for Canon DSLR cameras.

Sony to cut 10,000 jobs as part of 'One Sony' initiative.

Canon issued product advisory for the EOS 5D Mark III camera.

Canon EOS-1D X delayed until June.

New online gallery dedicated to images captured with Sony NEX cameras:

Following on the success of Zeissimages.com and LeicaImages.com, the Portland development team has just launched a new online gallery at www.JustNEX.com dedicated to images captured with Sony NEX series cameras. Taking into account the high demand for the NEX, it only seemed logical that a new free online gallery be setup for photographers to share their images on.  Below are just some of the features that make www.JustNEX.com unique.

• The ability to search images by specific lens used and not just focal length.
• Create your personalized lens list from the pre-loaded database and assign to your photos.
• Follow other photographers and be alerted when they post new photos.
• Receive notifications when comments are made about your photos.
• Erase inappropriate comments and have them reviewed by an administrator.
• Establish friends like in a social site and browse their photos or communicate in groups with each other.
• Create multiple albums.
• Switch display modes between padded or spaced thumbnails.
• Use the online Market to sell your gear.
• Assign a single picture to multiple albums without needing to reload.
• Create private photos that can be shared with specific members or via an encrypted link.
• Direct users to your galley by just appending your username to the url.
• Batch edit photo details
• And much more …..

The Site has just gone live so content is minimal now. Please register for free and start publishing your photos at www.JustNEX.com

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A month ago Sony announced their new a57 SLT camera. The Sony a35 model has already been discontinued and is expected to be refreshed soon. An Irish online store had a listing for a Sony Alpha SLT-A37 camera kit priced at €649.99 and body only for €499.99. Sonyalpharumors was able to get a screenshot before the listing was removed.

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When I broke the news about the upcoming Sony lens price increase on April 1st two months ago, many readers thought that this was an April Fools' joke. The price increase was real and the new prices are now active online:

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Sony announced a new HXR-NX30U camcorders with a built-in projector.

Sony HXR-NX30U

Sony also announced the previously rumored NEX-FS700 NXCAM interchangeable E-mount camcorder. Here is the full press release:

Sony NEX-FS700

PARK RIDGE, N.J., April 2nd, 2012 – Sony is pushing the creative boundaries once more with the new NEX-FS700 Full-HD Super Slow Motion camcorder, the latest in Sony’s line-up of NXCAM interchangeable E-mount camcorders. The new Super 35mm model is designed for high-speed shooting and is capable of capturing footage at up to 960 frames per second. The camcorder also features a range of capabilities such as 3G HD-SDI output and built-in ND filters. Additionally, it also offers several creative options, shooting styles and enhanced ergonomics – all based on customer feedback – to deliver a flexible production tool that fits seamlessly into a variety of shooting applications.

“The NEX-FS700 opens the door to a new world of creative shooting,” said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Europe. “You can record beautiful high speed Full-HD movies with the freedom of choosing interchangeable lenses. The NEX-FS700, with its super slow motion mode, is ideal for pop promos, commercials and documentaries as well as sports and a variety of events productions.”

The camcorder delivers Full-HD quality images at 120 and 240 frames per second in an 8 or 16 seconds burst mode respectively. The NEX-FS700’s high sensitivity and low noise shooting capability makes super slow motion shooting more convenient without additional equipment. 480 fps and 960 fps rates at reduced resolution are available for faster frame rate recording.

The NEX-FS700 camcorder uses a new 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor (total 11.6 million pixels). This high-speed readout chip is optimised for motion picture shooting, giving high sensitivity, low noise and minimal aliasing.

The NXCAM’s E-Mount flexibility is designed to accept virtually all SLR and DSLR 35mm lenses, with the use of simple, inexpensive adapters without optical degradation. FS series owners can make use of their existing lenses and add more lenses without being forced on a brand or mount.

Users can capture high-quality still images with the NEX-FS700. The camcorder also includes face detection and auto focus to help ensure the subject is always kept in focus.

NEX-FS700 operators can take advantage of the camcorder’s built-in ND filters, with a newly designed wheel that rotates across the sensor like a turret. The wheel includes positions for Clear, 1/4 (2 Stop), 1/16 (4 Stop), and 1/64 (6 Stop).

The camcorder is 60/50Hz switchable to give people the freedom of working in any geographic region without being restricted to only PAL or NTSC recording.

The NEX-FS700’s 3GHD-SDI and HDMI connectors can output Full-HD 50p and 60p, in addition to standard HD 60i, 24p, 25p or 30p frame rates with embedded time code and audio. 3G HD-SDI can output native 23.98, 25, 29.97 progressive signals; users can choose to output PsF over the 3G HD-SDI. Thanks to flexibility of the digital ports virtually any external recorder can be connected.

Users can save up to 99 camcorder profile settings on a memory card and can copy the same setting to multiple units. Compatible media includes MS and SD memory cards and Sony’s HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit that attaches to the camcorder.

The NEX-FS700 features include a robust detachable top handle, secured by a pair of screws (a cold shoe, plus two sets of 1/4 and 3/8 inch holes) that allow heavy accessories to be mounted. The handle is attached with a rosette mount.

A key element of the handle is an “active grip” that features four buttons for commonly used functions – expanded focus, auto iris, still capture and Recording Start/Stop – so users can easily operate the camcorder while holding it. Function buttons are also enlarged to make operating easy, even while wearing gloves.

The camcorder’s enhanced durable design also includes anchor points for compatibility with third party accessories.

Sony is planning a future firmware upgrade that will enable the NEX-FS700 to output 4K bit-stream data over 3G HD-SDI when used with an optional Sony 4K recorder.

The NEX-FS700 is planned to be available in June 2012.

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3. Video shot with the new Sony PMW-F3 Super 35mm digital motion picture camcorder

Sony Europe leaked a picture of the upcoming Sony 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (Super Sonic Motor) lens. This will probably be a DT (Digital Technology) lens for use on cameras with APS-C sensors.

Via Digicame-info

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Just a reminder that Sony will be increasing the prices of some of their lenses with $20 to $700 on April 1st, 2012 (that's not an April Fools' joke). If you are planning to buy some of the glass listed in the table below, it will be a good idea to do it now:

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Some additional Sony a57 coverage:

• Sample images at dpreview
• Detailed features description at IR
• Sony a57 vs. a55 (plus "Auto Portrait Framing" feature explained)
• Sony a57 hands-on video:

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This is the full press release for the new Sony a57 SLT camera. B&H is already taking pre-orders for the a57 body only for 699.99.

SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2012 — A wider palette of creative options is now accessible to more shooters with the α57 camera, the newest addition to Sony’s popular line of A-mount cameras employing Translucent Mirror Technology.

The innovative Translucent Mirror design directs incoming light to the CMOS image sensor and the AF sensor at the same time, allowing full-time continuous AF during both still and video shooting. Users can also frame, focus and preview shots in real-time on the high-resolution Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder, which offers a wide viewing angle and 100% field of view. This allows photographers to capture exactly what they see on the screen.

A natural successor to Sony’s acclaimed α55 camera, the α57 is positioned for a wide audience of DSLR users. It can shoot still images at up to 12 frames per second, full HD video at 60p, 60i or 24p frame rates and has a variety of creative modes including Auto Portrait Framing, a world’s first technology.

“Today’s DSLR consumer is looking for a higher level of control and flexibility in their camera,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha camera business group for Sony Electronics. “With the introduction of the new α57, we’re bringing blazing fast response rates, enhanced artistic capabilities and other advanced features to the mainstream DSLR marketplace, offering professional-grade performance at affordable prices.”

With the α57 camera, shooting speeds of up to 12 frames per second are achieved in new Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode, maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure with fixed aperture. Magnifying the central portion of the sensor’s image by 1.4x, it’s perfect for capturing split-second action close-ups with a burst of sharply focused images, even when the subject is moving. In this shooting mode, aperture is fixed at either f/3.5 or the maximum aperture of lens in use (whichever is smaller) and image size of photos is about 8.4 megapixels.

Additionally, the α57 camera lets people create powerfully expressive Full HD movies. Responsive full-time continuous phase detection AF ensures that moving subjects stay sharply focused, just like with still shooting. Support for the AVCHD™ Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) format means that Full HD resolution movies can be captured with 60p frame rate: ideal for capturing smooth, blur-free action. Shooting in 24p is also available to give footage a rich, cinematic look. Movie-making options are enhanced further with full control over P/A/S/M shooting modes for virtually limitless creative expression.

The α57 model shares the α65’s 15-point AF system with three cross sensors delivering fast, accurate TTL phase detection autofocus. Newly enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or other selected objects in sharp focus – even if a target is obscured momentarily by another passing object.

Even the novice photographers can now easily create pro-style portraits with the α57 thanks to new Auto Portrait Framing, a world’s first technology. Using face detection and the compositional ‘rule of thirds,’ the camera identifies a subject’s position, trimming the scene to create tightly framed, professional-looking pictures in portrait or landscape orientation while maintaining a copy of the original image. Saving both the original photo plus the adjusted version allows for easy comparison between the two images, offering photographers inspiration to refine their portrait skills.

To get closer to the subject, 2x Clear Image Zoom digital zoom technology doubles the effective magnification of your lens and is a highly practical alternative to travelling with a bigger, bulkier telephoto lens. The camera uses Sony’s “By Pixel Super Resolution Technology” to ensure that cropped and zoomed images retain full pixel resolution.

Additionally, the model’s range of popular in-camera Picture Effect modes includes 11 different effects and 15 total variations – offering a generous palette of ‘PC-free’ artistic treatments, including Pop Color, HDR Painting, Miniature Mode and much more. Results can be previewed directly in live view mode on the LCD screen or in the new Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder while shooting either Full HD video or stills.

Still and video shooting, framing, focusing and real-time preview of exposure adjustments are a pleasure with the new Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder. With ultra-detailed 1440k dot resolution and a 100% field of view, it rivals quality optical viewfinders. There’s a choice of selectable high-resolution information displays with a wide viewing-angle to help consumers shoot with confidence, including a digital level gauge and framing grid. Information can be displayed either directly in the viewfinder or on the angle-adjustable 7.5 cm (3.0-type) Xtra Fine LCD™ display.

Ensuring detail-packed images, the 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor is teamed with a latest-generation BIONZ® engine. Refined by Sony during the development of its flagship α77 and high-end α65 cameras, this powerful processor effortlessly handles large amounts of image data for flawless, low-noise images and Full HD video.

Thanks to the BIONZ processor, creative shooting opportunities are boosted by an outstanding sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000. Users will experience consistently natural, low-noise images – whether shooting at fast shutter speeds to freeze dynamic action or handheld without flash in low light.

Pricing and Availability

The new α57 interchangeable lens camera will be available this April with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens for $800 (model SLT-A57K). It will also be offered as body-only for about $700 (model SLT-A57).

Sony will also be introducing a new battery-powered LED video light, model HVL-LE1, which broadens options for recording video indoors or in low light. This new accessory will be available this month for about $250.

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