Photo Rumors » Sony

Sony will have another announcement at the end of February

PR admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:47:34 +0000

As you probably already noticed Sony did not release all of the previously leaked Cybertshot cameras. This is because they will have another announcement at the end of February, probably on the 28th. I do not expect any other products to be introduced on that date.

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Three new Sony Cybershot cameras announced: TX200V, WX70 and WX50

PR admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:10:54 +0000

Sony announced three of the previously leaked Cybershot cameras:

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX200V will cost $500, 18 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom, 3.3 in. LCD touch screen, waterproof, full HD video recording
Sony Cybershot DSC-WX70 will cost $230, 16 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 3.0 in. LCD touch screen, 5x optical zoom, full HD video recording
Sony Cybershot DSC-WX50 will cost $200, 16 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 2.7 in. LCD screen, 5x optical zoom, full HD video recording

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 29, 2012 – Sony’s newest Cyber-shot® digital still cameras make it easy to capture beautiful memories anytime and anywhere.

Three new models include the DSC-TX200V model from the ultra-thin Cyber-shot T series and the DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50 models from the stylish, traditionally designed W series, each featuring a high-resolution “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and an improved BIONZ™ image processor that together boost low light performance and enhance auto-focus speeds, among other benefits.

“We continue to innovate in the compact camera space, finding new ways to help consumers produce high-quality photos and videos as easily as possible, regardless of lighting conditions” said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics. “With new technologies designed to improve the overall imaging experience - including extended creativity, control and more - this new lineup of Cyber-shot cameras delivers impressive results with stylish, pocket-sized bodies.”

High-Resolution, High-Speed, High-Quality
The new TX200V camera features a newly developed 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the highest-resolution currently offered in the “point and shoot” market, and a new BIONZ™ processor, which work together to create images and video files with extremely low noise. The advanced model also offers lightning-fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daytime and 0.25 seconds in low-light situations (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions), helping to ensure you never miss the moment.

Additionally, the TX200V Cyber-shot showcases a new beautiful, reinforced glass design with a large, 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ TruBlack OLED wide touch-screen. It is also water-proof (up to 5m or approx.16 feet), dust-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14oF), and features a “Photo Creativity” interface that lets users easily adjust creative settings to produce unique, custom-styled photos.

The new WX70 and WX50 models each are equipped with a high-resolution 16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, with the WX70 featuring a 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch-screen and the WX50 featuring a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD screen.

All-Around Performance
Each of the new Cyber-shot cameras features a new “Extra High Sensitivity” technology, which minimizes unwanted noise in low-light shooting conditions. For consumers who want to get closer to their subjects without losing quality, these new models have “Clear Image Zoom” technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capability (i.e. 5x optical zoom to 10x virtual zoom) at full camera resolution.

The TX200V, WX70 and WX50 cameras also offer image stabilization during video and still shooting. Using technology borrowed from the Sony Handycam® lineup, the “Optical Steady Shot Active Mode” drastically reduces blurring caused by camera shake while on the move. All models can shoot video in Full HD resolution.
Additional notable features of the new lineup include nine “Picture Effect” options for expanded creativity, “Dual Record” capabilities, 3D shooting modes (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama and Sweep Multi Angle), fast shooting speeds (10 fps burst mode) and more.

Product Specs, Pricing and Availability
The new assortment of cameras and an expanded range of stylish accessories, including the new LCS-WM and LCS-THT soft carrying cases, will be available this March at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. Detailed specs are below:

The DSC-TX200V camera will be available in silver, red, and violet for approximately $500. Features include:

• 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
• 26mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
• “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
• Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.25 seconds in low-light (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
• Beautiful, slim reinforced glass design with 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ Tru-Black OLED wide touch-screen
• Waterproof (up to 5m,16 feet), dustproof and freeze-proof (up to 14oF)
• Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
• Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
• Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

The DSC-WX70 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, violet and white for approximately $230. Features include:

• 16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch screen
• 25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
• “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
• Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
• Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
• 9 total “Picture Effects” options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

The DSC-WX50 camera will be available in silver and black for approximately $200. Features include:

• 16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen
• 25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
• “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
• Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
• Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
• 9 total “Picture Effects” options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

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Sony to announce new Cybershot cameras on Monday

PR admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:42:25 +0000

On Monday (January 30th, 2012) Sony will announce several new Cybershot point and shoot cameras.Some of the models already leaked few weeks ago on a Belgium online store. The new models will be mainly entry-level cameras, I don't expect anything else interesting.

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Sony and Fujifilm seen as contenders for the newly issued Olympus stock

PR admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:14:43 +0000

In addition to Sony, now Fujifilm is also viewed as a contender for the newly issued Olympus stock. It seems that Panasonic did not make the cut.

Fujifilm to propose alliance with Olympus
Sony, Fujifilm top rivals for Olympus tie
Olympus to announce Q3 results on Feb 13th - maybe they will announce their final decision for the investment partner on that date.

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Sony to acquire newly issued Olympus stock

PR admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:01:30 +0000

Panasonic, Fujifilm and Sony were initially listed as the companies interested to acquire the newly issued Olympus stock worth $1.28 billion (100 billion yen). The latest reports from Reuters indicate that Sony is the leading contender for that deal (Sony supplies sensors to Olympus):

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Sony develops next-generation back-illuminated CMOS sensor with RGBW coding and HDR movie function, Canon files a patent for a large BSI sensor

PR admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:26:09 +0000

Today Sony announced their next generation back-illuminated CMOS sensor with "RGBW Coding” that will enabling clear shooting in low light conditions:

The new sensor features also a new HDR Movie function:

Canon recently also filed a patent (2012-15275) for a large size back-illuminated CMOS sensor.

Press release:

Tokyo, Japan - January 23, 2012 - Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that it has developed a new next-generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which embodies the continuous evolution of the camera. This image sensor layers the pixel section containing formations of back-illuminated structure pixels onto chips containing the circuit section for signal processing, which is in place of supporting substrates for conventional back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. This structure achieves further enhancement in image quality, superior functionalities and a more compact size that will lead to enhanced camera evolution.

Hereafter, Sony will position it as the next generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensors, and unwaveringly strive to further develop this image sensor and expand its product lineup, thereby contributing to the further development of user-friendly cameras and to shooting enjoyment.

Features of stacked CMOS image sensor

Large-scale signal processing circuits required for higher image quality and better functionality are built-in
More compact image sensor chip size
Even higher image quality of the pixel section by adopting manufacturing processes specialized for superior image quality
Faster speeds and lower power consumption by adopting the leading process for the circuit section

Background of development

The popularization of smartphones and other devices in recent years has been accompanied by an increasingly diverse use of camera functionality. This has brought heightened demand for more sophisticated cameras, to ensure adaptability to a wider range of scenes and Sony developed this stacked CMOS image sensor to meet such demand. In addition to the higher pixel numbers, superior image quality and faster speeds which conventional image sensors pursued, the newly-developed image sensors further achieve more highly-advanced functionalities and a more compact size, thus paving the way for enhanced camera evolution.

As the first step towards the commercialization of its new CMOS image sensors, Sony has developed a model with built-in signal processing functionality, an element that usually requires external embedment. Samples will be shipped from March, 2012. Accordingly, models have been developed with Sony’s unique “RGBW Coding” function, which facilitates low noise, high quality image capture even in low light condition, and the proprietary “HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie” function, which achieves brilliant color even when taking pictures against bright light.

About stacked CMOS image sensors

Conventional CMOS image sensors mount the pixel section and analog logic circuit on top of the same chip, which require numerous constraints when wishing to mount the large-scale circuits such as measures to counter the circuit scale and chip size, measures to suppress noise caused by the layout of the pixel and circuit sections, and optimizing the characteristics of pixels and circuit transistors.

Sony has succeeded in establishing a structure that layers the pixel section containing formations of back-illuminated structure pixels over the chip affixed with mounted circuits for signal processing, which is in place of supporting substrates used for conventional back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. By this stacked structure, large-scale circuits can now be mounted keeping small chip size. Furthermore, as the pixel section and circuit section are formed as independent chips, a manufacturing process can be adopted, enabling the pixel section to be specialized for higher image quality while the circuit section can be specialized for higher functionality, thus simultaneously achieving higher image quality, superior functionality and a more compact size. In addition, faster signal processing and lower power consumption can also be achieved through the use of leading process for the chip containing the circuits.

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Adorama now taking pre-orders for the new Sony XQD memory cards

PR admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:34:46 +0000

Adorama just opened their pre-orders for the new Sony XQD memory cards:

Shipping is expected to start next month. As of today, the Nikon D4 is the only camera that uses XQD memory cards. SanDisk and Lexar are officially not supporting the XQD standart yet.

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R.I.P. Sony a55

PR admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:03:28 +0000

After the a33, now also the Sony a55 camera ($799.99) is no longer in production according to DCWatch.

The Sony a33 and a55 translucent DSLR cameras were announced back in September of 2010.

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This new Canon EF lens smart adapter for Sony NEX cameras supports electronic aperture control

PR admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:29:42 +0000

Today Conurus (in a partnership with Metabones) announced a new smart adapter that will allow electronic aperture control of Canon EF lenses from a Sony NEX camera:

Vancouver, Canada, January 18, 2012 - Metabones forms a strategic partnership with Conurus of Vancouver, Canada to jointly develop, manufacture and market a new Smart AdapterTM series of products featuring electronic interfacing with the lens.

The partnership is shipping its first fruition of collaboration today, a Smart Adapter that integrates a Canon EF mount lens to a Sony NEX camera body. Electronic aperture is directly controlled by the camera body and all exposure modes are available. Image stabilization (if the Canon EF lens supports it) and EXIF are supported, but there is no autofocus. This new smart adapter is marketed under the Metabones brand name and may be ordered directly from conurus.com or from a Metabones distributor in Japan, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong or China for US$399.

Metabones is known for mechanical design that is already significantly ahead of the competition, as can be seen with the Contax G lens adapters for Micro 4/3 and Sony NEX with ultra-wide focusing rings and smooth manual focus action, and the ALPA lens to Leica M adapter with rangefinder coupling. Now, incorporating leading-edge electronic technology from Canada brings forth a new breed of adapters that not only truly integrates the lens with the camera body but offers the best workmanship, accuracy and reliability as well.

Via CanonRumors

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Several new Sony Cybershot cameras leaked online

PR admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:36:32 +0000

Several new Sony Cybershot cameras are currently listed on a Belgium online store:

The store claims that they got the information on those new cameras directly from Sony.

My guess is that those new models will be announce at the CP+ show in Japan next month.

You can get the basic specs from each of the listings:

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Sony at CES

PR admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:47:57 +0000

Sony's booth at CES was packed with visitors. On the imaging side the company announced only few new Cybershot cameras (pictured bellow) and a new Bloggie Sport Full HD camera.

Bloggie Sport specs (pictured on the very right):

Mobile HD snap camera shoots Full HD (1920x1080 30p) video and 5.1 megapixel still photos
Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof with tough, colourful sports styling
6.7cm/2.7" touchscreen LCD can be operated underwater
4GB memory stores approx. 2 hours HD video

Sony lens adapter LA-EA2 ($371.95) that allows you to use A-mount lenses on Sony NEX cameras:

Sony SAL 500mm f/4g lens prototype:

Third party lens adapters for Sony NEX cameras:

Inside the Sony a77:

Inside the Sony NEX 7:

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Sony unveils new, high-speed XQD memory cards

PR admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:14:05 +0000

Just in time for the Nikon D4 announcement:

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Jan 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Giving photo enthusiasts and professional photographers a new level of speed and performance, the new Sony XQD™ memory cards support the recently adopted XQD specification for high-speed, high-performance digital image capture.

Using the XQD memory cards, XQD compatible high-end DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera users can capture up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode. In addition to outstanding high-speed data transfer capability, the new cards are highly reliable to protect users' data and images.

"Advanced shooters want to capture the moment in the highest quality possible, and that often means dealing with massive files like RAW images," said Viviano Cantu, Director of Consumer Media for Sony Electronics. "Memory card technology has done a great job of keeping pace, but these new cards give an entirely new meaning to speed and performance."

The new Sony cards are based on the XQD memory card specification, which the CompactFlash Association recently approved and licensed as an open format. With its ultra high write-speed performance, and when using Nikon's new DSLR "D4," the XQD memory card can record up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode*.

The Sony XQD memory card achieves stable continuous shooting of RAW images and blazing fast data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps/125MB/s write and read (based on Sony tests and dependent on host hardware) through the PCIe interface, a computer expansion card standard for serial interfaces.

A unique controller and optimized flash memory enables high-speed data processing, resulting in faster write speed and performance that can't be achieved by conventional compact flash cards.

Sony is also introducing a USB 2.0/3.0 compatible XQD card reader (model MRW-E80) so users can quickly and easily transfer large quantities of very high capacity data to their PC. Also, an XQD ExpressCard Adapter (QDA-EX1) will be available for use with computers with an ExpressCard™ 34 card slot.

"As users' needs continue to evolve," Cantu added, "Sony will also continue to enhance the XQD memory card line-up to meet the future requirements of the high-end digital imaging market."

The new Sony products are planned to be available in February and are estimated to sell at the following retail prices:

QD-H16 card, 16 GB, $129.99
QD-H32 card, 32 GB, $229.99
Card Reader, MRW-E80, $44.99
ExpressCard Adapter, QDA-EX1, $44.99

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What to expect during PMA @CES 2012 next week?

PR admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:09:36 +0000

What to expect at PMA 2012 show next week?

Nikon will introduce their top of the line D4 + a new Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G lens.
Canon will probably announce new lenses and maybe a DSLR + compact(s).
Sony will show only few new Cybershot point and shoot cameras.
Panasonic may announce a new Lumix GH3 camera and will probably have their upcoming Lumix X lenses on display.
Fujifilm will have their new mirrorless interchangeable lens camera on display (see the latest leaked picture). The official announcement will probably happen in February 2012.
Samsung already announced one new compact camera. Expected is also a TL500/EX1 replacement and the mirrorless interchangeable Samsung NX20 camera. There could be a surprise from Samsung - they may introduce a second NX camera.
Update: Sigma will probably announce new mirrorless lenses.

Nikon and Fujifilm will basically steal the show this year. Olympus and Pentax/Ricoh also have new cameras scheduled for 2012 release (K-r is discontinued), but I don't think they will show anything new at PMA.

Sony, Samsung, Fujifilm and Panasonic have press conference scheduled for January 8th.

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Cybershot W610 and W630 compact cameras leaked on Sony’s website

PR admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:35:19 +0000

SonyStyle China leaked two new Cybershot point and shoot cameras - the W610 and W630 that will probably be announced at 2012 PMA in two weeks.

Sony Cybershot W610 specs:

14.1MP
4x zoom
26mm on the wide angle side
2.7 in. display
Sweep panorama function

Sony Cybershot W630 specs:

16.1MP
5x zoom
25mm on the wide angle side
2.7 in. display
Sweep panorama function
720p video

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Nauticam announces NA-NEX7 underwater housing for Sony NEX-7 camera

PR admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:01:04 +0000

Nauticam announced the NA-NEX7 housing for Sony’s top of the line mirror-less interchangeable lens camera, the Sony Alpha NEX-7 ($1,199.99). Nauticam’s leadership in the Alpha NEX arena continues as it brings the first NEX-7 underwater housing to market. With DSLR quality imaging and performance packed into a housing that is small enough to take anywhere, NEX-7 is now ready to explore the depths.

The Sony Alpha NEX-7 expands the Alpha NEX lineup by adding features and performance worthy of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Specification-wise, the NEX-7 might be closer to Sony’s flagship DSLR, the A77, but the body size is only slightly larger than the NEX-5N.

With a new 24 Megapixel CMOS APS-C sized sensor, ultra fast performance, new three dial user interface, built-in flash, magnesium alloy body, 190K dot LCD and stunning 2.4M dot electronic OLED viewfinder (EVF), NEX-7 is a photographic dynamo. Of course the basics are there as well, including RAW shooting, manual exposure, and automatic flash exposure compensation (TTL), even in manual shooting mode.

The camera is packed with additional features, including built-in High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, sweep panorama, anti-motion blur, articulating LCD, HDMI output, burst mode, custom white balance, Creative Style, Picture Effects, and more. Lens compensation (for chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting) is built in. Battery life is excellent.

Manual focus is often difficult with non-SLR cameras, but NEX-7 adds a key feature that will allow users of the EVF to fine-tune manual focus. Called “peaking”, it highlights in-focus area of an image in real-time, allowing the shooting significant control over what part of the image is in focus.

The NEX-7 also shoots 1080p 60fps HD video using the AVCHD Progressive format at up to 28Mbps for best quality, or MPEG4 for quick sharing. Where the NEX-5 and NEX-5N are limited to automatic exposure in video, NEX-7 allows for manual control including changing settings during a shot. Continuous autofocus is available as well, and even the Picture Effects can be active during video shooting. Thanks to the NEX-7’s fast processor, review is lightning fast with no delay scrolling through multiple photos.

NEX-7 comes standard with the excellent 18-55mm OSS mid-range zoom lens, a very useful focal range for all-around shooting, including underwater. Other keys lenses for underwater use include the 16mm pancake lens, 16mm + Fisheye Adapter, 16mm + Wide Angle Adapter and the new 30mm macro lens.

As mentioned when the NEX-5N was released, underwater photographers have long had to choose between the excellent image quality of a DSLR versus the compact size of point and shoot cameras. With the NA-NEX7 housing from Nauticam, that paradigm has now changed, and radically so. With NEX-7, you can expect image quality rivaling any DSLR in a housing that is incredibly small and light – plus fine control over all camera settings.

Building on the success of the NA-NEX5 and NA-NEX5N housings, the NEX-7 supports all of the new controls on the NEX-7, including the triple command wheels. Not only are all the key controls supported, but they are logically placed and easily reached without moving the hand out of position. The shutter release is sculpted right into the housing such that the hand naturally finds it. A choice of hand strap and left/right handle means the shooter can customize the housing to meet their specific needs.

Where the NEX-5 has a simplified user interface, the NEX-7 takes advantage of its 3-dial interface to make manual shooting changes as easy as turning a dial. The housing fully supports the 3-dial interface, and all 3 dials are easily reached with the right thumb. The NEX-7 also adds a programmable focus lock control, prominently placed on the housing right next to the thumb groove.

This housing also features optical correction for the excellent electronic viewfinder (EVF), letting the user dial in critical focus. An easy to reach, patent pending lever lets the user quickly switch between the EVF and the LCD. The housing takes advantage of the NEX-7 tilting LCD display and angles it up at approximately 15º for easier viewing.

The popup flash is controlled with a clever single lever that both pops the flash up and disables it to allow for silhouette shooting. Fiber optic flash is of course supported, as is, optionally, electronic sync cord flash.

The NA-NEX7 housing uses the same Nauticam patented locking port release system as in the NEX-5, allowing easy and secure port changes. Ports are available for the major lenses that are useful underwater, including the Sony 18-55mm, 16m pancake, 16mm pancake + FE adapter, and the 16mm pancake + WA adapter, and the new Sony 30mm macro lens.

Locking Rotary Latch

The housing back is sealed with an easy to operate safety clasp. A safety release button must be pressed in order to begin rotating the clasp, eliminating the chance of accidental opening.

Nauticam Build Quality

Only the finest materials and cutting edge manufacturing processes are used to make Nauticam housings. The housing body is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum, then hard anodized making it impervious to salt water. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips. The soft feel and ergonomic design make the housing easy to grip and minimize hand fatigue on long dives. Both single and double handle configurations are available for complete customization, and each handle can be adjusted laterally allowing the user to dial in perfect fit. A hand strap is also available for those wishing an even smaller profile.

Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTL

Reliable automatic flash exposure is available with Nauticam housings and a variety of optically fired flashes. Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, and YS-01 strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity. This system yields accurate TTL flash performance with no electrical sync cables to flood! With NEX-7, optical TTL is enhanced even more since NEX-7 can perform TTL in manual exposure mode.
Electronic sync cables will also supported via an optional bulkhead for Nikonos style connectors.
Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls on the handles or a single strobe mounting ball point on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for even more mounting options.

Specifications

Depth Rating: 100m
Dimensions: 183mm x 133mm x 81mm
Weight: 0.88 kg (1.9 lbs.)
Model Number: 17403
USA Retail Price: $1850
Estimated Shipping Date: Jan 15, 2012

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Better translation of the interviews with camera manufacturers about their future products

PR admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:19:02 +0000

Here is a better translation of the key points from the interviews with several camera manufacturers about their future plans (thanks Erik):

Olympus

Working on a new mirrorless camera that is very “Olympus-like”, but not PEN.
The viewfinder is the key.
E-5 replacement is in the works.

Canon

Does a mirrorless camera really need exchangeable lenses?
Can we make a compact or DSLR that can beat the mirrorless cameras? (they believe they have it)
Higher sensitivity rather than high resolution (probably refers to quality over megapixels)

Sigma

Expanding the DP-series line-up of cameras
SD-series cameras will use APS-C sensors
Mirrorless camera lenses in the works

Sony

Smaller E-mount lenses coming
One hundred mega pixels not a strange thing soon
Everyone will use electronic shutters

Nikon

Replacements for D3 and D700 coming
Specialize on High sensitivity, High resolution and high speed
Compact camera focused on how you use it to fight the smart-phone camera usage

Fujifilm

We will win with high-end cameras like the X100 and X10
Much faster autofocus and entry-level camera is coming
A mirrorless that beats full-frame cameras

Pentax

Once you have tasted high-resolution you can’t go back
100% viewfinders for low-end cameras too
Mirrorless for full-frame and 645

Ricoh

Sensor unit that can use Pentax lenses
GR digital with zoom lens
Compact made for black/white photography

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Panasonic, Sony and Fujifilm may acquire newly issued Olympus stock

PR admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:34:06 +0000

Reuters reported that Olympus is going to issue new shares worth $1.28 billion (100 billion yen) in order to stabilize its finances after the recent reports of massive fraud inside the company. Panasonic, Sony and Fujifilm were listed as the companies interested to acquire portions of the shares:

"Olympus Corp is preparing to issue about $1.28 billion (100 billion yen) in new shares to bolster its depleted finances, with Japanese high-tech stalwarts Sony and Fujifilm seen as possible buyers..
Panasonic Corp may also acquire some of the stock, the Nikkei report said, with details of the new share issuance due to be finalized by next month."

Update: Reuters just reported that prosecutors raided Olympus' offices and the homes of former executives in Tokyo.

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Recap of the Impress Japan interview with various camera manufacturers

PR admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:51:55 +0000

A Xitek forum member translated he key points from the Impress Japan interviews with various camera manufacturers about their future plans - see previous post about Olympus, Pentax and Nikon (Google translation):

Olympus

Olympus Imaging Marketing Division manager Ogawa Haruo topics: attention to the viewfinder of a single preparation of new micro-, E-5's successor is also made (see also this related article):

is doing with the new Olympus features a single micro-
lies in the form of the viewfinder
E-5's successor models are developed

Canon

Canon Imaging Rong Tian Ya manager: 2012 to launch micro-single, but also a powerful and portable digital SLR camera:

No anti-camera lens you really need to exchange
can be without the anti-camera SLR and compact cameras
The last year of high pixels to a high sensitivity

Sigma

Sigma Corporation President: being developed M43 mount lenses, Foveon in the APS-C format:

DP series lineup will be expanded
SD series of future development in the APS-C format
will launch a micro-single-lens

Sony

Sony's Tian Hong: E research and discussion is a small lens mount, there will be a half-mirror camera (see a detailed translation here):

NEX with a small lens
Even if there is a million pixels is not surprising
to manufacturers of electronic shutter will eventually be commercialized

Nikon

Nikon Imaging Marketing manager: D700's successor as the solution for high-pixel high-strength, D3 successor machine for high-speed sense:

D3, D700's successor
optimized for "high sense of high-power high-speed as the solution."
optimize the use of a portable camera

Fujifilm

Fujifilm electronic image business Higuchi Minister Wu Subject: new single will use micro APS-C sensor, the power level will be exceeded as the solution of the whole site:

the same with the X100 and X10, will take the high road to showdown
AF speed is quite fast, and future plans are low-end models
the level of force as the solution will exceed the full-size

Pentax

Pentax Ricoh Imaging Technology: study of 645 full-size and non-anti-air, the vision of the future rate of SLR models will be 100% (see detailed translation here):

as long as the once high-definition experience will no longer go back
The entry-level field of view would also like to be around 100%
no anti-full-frame camera will take into account and 645

Ricoh

Ricoh's Tomohiro Nagano: boot speed, battery, solid and, as a tool of the GR will be more evolution:

Pentax lens unit can be used
The zoom lens of the GRD
black and white photographs a dedicated compact camera

Does anyone have a better translation?

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How to destroy a Sony NEX FS-100 camera in 53 seconds

PR admin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:01:17 +0000

If you are planning to attach your camera to a R/C helicopter, make sure you have somebody who can navigate it, otherwise you may end up only with the memory card:

"I was looking to hire an R/C Helicopter pilot for something I was shooting when I found this guy. He seemed legitimate - but I was a little concerned about letting him fly my Red Epic Camera - so instead He went and got a Sony FS-100 from Abel Cine in Burbank, CA. What you see here is the results of allowing this newbie pilot to fly an FS-100 on his supposedly $20,000 OktoCopter. The Insurance Company has the remains for now. Who knows what will happen. We recovered the SD card from the camera and that is what you see here. This was shot with the 18-200mm @18mm."

FYI: the Sony NEX FS100 super 35mm camcorder body costs $4,999!

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SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm f/1.7 lens for E-mount

PR admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:57:20 +0000

This is the first picture of the SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm f/1.7 lens for E-mount. The estimated introductory price will be $379 USD.

SLR Magic is currently looking for volunteers to test this lens. If you are interested:

Send an email to sales [at] noktor [dot] com with the subject "SLR Magic 23mm F1.7 volunteer".
Include sample videos/photos or link to photo/video reviews you have done.

Currently SLRMagic/Noktor lenses are sold only on their eBay store.

Press release:

SLR Magic expands its E-mount lineup with a new HyperPrime 23mm f/1.7 wide angle lens

Hong Kong, China (December 8, 2011) - SLR Magic expands the E-mount lens lineup with the new SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm F1.7 wide angle lens. With this latest addition, the portfolio of lenses for the E-mount system is now comprised of three focal lengths. The world's fastest interchangeable camera lens with APS-C coverage in this focal length, the SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm F1.7 will be available in January 2012.

The field of view of this new HyperPrime Lens corresponds to a 35mm lens in 35mm format and this fast wide angle of view opens up many new creative composition opportunities, particularly in the fields of candid, street, and landscape cinematography and photography. A minimum focus distance of 0.15m allows for pleasing defocused backgrounds. Additionally, a fast max aperture of F1.7 makes the SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm F1.7 ideal for available-light photography.

We place our highest priority in the development of all HyperPrime lenses to fulfill the demands of professional cinematographers and photographers. The design and build of the SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm F1.7 is solid and reliable.

The SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm F1.7 will be available from authorized SLR Magic dealers by the end of January 2012.

Technical Data:

Lens Type: Fast wide-angle lens with five Tantalum glass elements to ensure superior cinematic performance.
Compatible Cameras: All E-mount cameras
Optical Design: 8 elements in 7 groups
Distance Settings: Distance range: 0.15m to ∞, combined scale meter/feet
Aperture: Manually controlled diaphragm, 12 aperture blades (circular), Lowest value 22
Bayonet: E-mount
Filter Mount: 49mm; filter mount does not rotate.
Surface Finish: Black anodized
Dimension: approx. 50mm (approx. 1.97in)
Largest diameter: approx. 61mm (approx. 2.40in)
Weight: approx. 240g (approx. 8.47oz)

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