Sony developed a 17.7MP sensor that can “convert multiple pixels into signals simultaneously” and achieve up to 75% reduction of the conversion time compared to existing sensors. Some more specs:
Sony also announced a 1/2.3″ 12.4MP BSI CMOS sensor that can provide 42fps at full resolution and 1080p/60fps video. See detailed specs at sony.net.
Image: Samsung
Over a month ago, WhatDigitalCamera visited Samsung HQ in Seoul and got some interesting information:
During a presentation is Zaragoza Spain, Sony representatives confirmed that all future Sony Alpha cameras will have translucent mirror technology (see also pellicle mirror).
Sigma SD1
This guest post is written by Bob van Ooik from X3magazine. You can visit also the original article “A wealth of Sigma SD1 info”.
As a long time user of Sigma cameras the introduction of the SD1 is something I look forward to very much. Recently the CP+ fair was held in Japan and there Sigma released more info into the world through a new microsite and several formal and informal sources. Most of the info below is confirmed by one or more sources but as they are still developing nothing is set in stone.
One big rumor I would like to squash immediately. There is a lot of talk of Sigma wanting to release the SD1 end of February. As far as I know they never made this promise but they do aim for a (late) spring release. The body is basically done and could go into production soon but the firmware (on the bodies at the show) is still at version 0.5 and still needs a bit of work.
Sony Japan lists the NEX 3 mirrorless camera as discontinued on their website. It seems that the NEX products are on a 12 months refresh cycle (Sony NEX 3 was introduced in May of 2010).
Samyang announced on Facebook that the new 35 mm f/1.4 AS UMC lens will start shipping next month (March, 2011):
Hands-on video review of the Fuji X100:
Tamron filed a patent for a teleconverter with a built-in image stabilization. This will allow to add image stabilization to any existing/old lens by just adding this teleconverter. The teleconverter range was listed as x0.9 – x1.5. The patent describes also a switch that can turn on/off the image stabilization.
Update: this patent was filed back in 2001 and Nikon had a similar patent filed in 2002.
AP reported today that Canon has pulled out of the biggest UK photography show Focus on Imaging that will take place in Birmingham (March 6-9, 2011). If I remember correctly, Canon also did not take part of PMA show in the US last year. The future of those photography shows doesn’t look very bright since many people can find all the information they need online. Last month the PMA show in the US was renamed to CliQ in an attempt to rejuvenate the show.
