Cameras and Camcorders

Meet the Sony Cyber-shot HX400V & H400 High-Zoom Cameras With 50x & 63x Optical Zoom

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 13, 2014 | 0 comments

Sony has added to new models to the companies none DSLR camera lineup which falls inline with the companies new ‘High-Zoom’ series of Cyber-shot cameras. Knowing that the company needs to make its standalone cameras more appealing than just offering higher megapixels, something that many of the companies on Xperia smartphones already offer, Sony has turned its attention to better zoom and for that matter, optical zoom which is what matters. Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot camera business:

High zoom continues to be one of the key priorities for our Cyber-shot camera line, in both the compact segment as well the larger, more traditional ‘bridge’ models. With far-reaching zooms, extremely portable bodies and a series of competitive price points, this new crop of cameras offers advanced imaging performance to travel enthusiasts, weekend shooters, family photographers and more.

So what can we expect from these new cameras? How about 50x optical zoom for the Cyber-shot HX400v and an even more impressive 63x optical zoom for the Cyber-shot H400. Do we have your attention? Good, lets talk details now.

Sony Alpha A6000 Gets Announced; Offers World’s Fastest Autofocus

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 12, 2014 | 0 comments

Considering right now is usually the time frame where Sony begins its mobile assault with new Android phones like the leaked Xperia Sirius (Z2), the news about a new Alpha camera caught us off guard. Officially announced today, the Sony Alpha A6000 joins Sony’s growing line of mirrorless cameras, placing itself firmly between the NEX-5T and the A65. While the usual specs are top notch like a 100-25600 ISO range, what makes the Alpha A6000 amazing is its autofocus, which Sony claims is the world’s fastest at just 0.06 seconds. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Sony 3rd Quarter Financial Results: PS4, Xperia Strong, TV Divest, PC Sold

by Jonathan Nolan | Feb 6, 2014 | 9 comments

The financial results for the past three months of Sony Corp. were released today, forecasting a net loss of 110bn yen ($1.1bn) for the financial year ending March. This a revision downward from a previous prospect of 30bn yen profit.

The company reported a significant boost to sales and operating income, lifting the stock price. PS4 and Xperia smartphone and tablet sales were strong, as expected. All segments reported increased year-on-year sales and operating revenue, except for devices.

Sony has bit the bullet and sold of it’s PC business and is pushing out the TV division to a wholly-owned subsidary. This leads to impairment charges and write-offs with 5,000 job cuts planned before the end of the 2014 financial year. The PC business is sold to Japan Industrial Partners Inc. to “enhance the autonomy of the business”.

Read on the for full story.

Sony Releases QX10 and QX100 Firmware 2.0 With Higher ISO Support and 1080p Video Recording

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 30, 2014 | 0 comments

Promised in December and said to be delivered in January (and hey, January 30th is still January), Sony has finally released the QX10 and QX100 firmware 2.0. The new update which weighs in at 87MB brings full HD 1080(30p) recording to both cameras in MP4 format, versus the previous 720p. ISO is also seeing a big bump on each model with the QX10 ISO expanded from 1600 to 3200 and QX100 ISO expanded from 3200 to 12800. The QX100 is gaining a new Shutter Speed Priority (“S”) Shooting mode which grants you direct access to the lens shutter speed. Prior to the year ending, Sony also released a massive update for PlayMemories Mobile App which is required to control the attachable lens for your iOS or Android phone. The new update was able to improve connection start up time by approximately two folds compared to previous versions of the PlayMemories Mobile application. So how do you update your QX10 or QX100 to firmware 2.0? That step is a bit more complicated.

Sony Action Cam Accessories Preview (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 10, 2014 | 0 comments

While GoPro is still the go-to company when it comes to MP4 cameras for adventure seekers, Sony continues to improve its Action Cam with each generation. At CES 2014, Sony announced the 3rd generation Action Cam HDR-AS100V with a lighter body design and splashproof housing. Much like the iOS ecosystem, what makes GoPro units so appealing is the host of accessories that are available for them.

To help make the Action Cam more attractive, Sony is offering a slew of new accessories like a Head Lens Protector, Handlebar Mount, and more. All the announced Action Cam accessories can be seen in our video preview after the jump.

Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 Preview, “4K for $2K” (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 9, 2014 | 6 comments

One of the surprises from CES 2014 was the announcement of the Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100. What makes this Handycam special is that it’s the first consumer camcorder that offers 4K recording that fits in the palm of your hand. As with any high-end consumer camcorder from Sony, you get an array of features that include 5.1 surround sound, 14.2-megapixel back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor and Wi-Fi/NFC for easy sharing and pairing with Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app for iOS and Android which can remotely control the device.

While all those features are nice, what makes this camera special is its ability to record in 4K Ultra HD images (3840 x 2160 pixels) and fit in the palm of your hand with a price tag of $2,000 come this March. As Sony CEO Kaz Hirai joked, the motto for the Handycam is “4K for 2K.” After the jump, our video preview awaits you.

Sony Action Cam AS100V Preview (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 9, 2014 | 0 comments

At CES 2014, Sony updated their Action Cam line of MP4 cameras which compete directly with GoPro. This 3rd generation Action Cam (AS100V) contains the same design language as its predecessor but don’t be fooled by that. While it may look unchanged from years before, the HDR-AS100V offers a host of improvements like a new splashproof design which means that you can now record in the rain without worry of frying your unit. It’s worth noting that splashproof and waterproof are two different concepts and for those looking to do underwater recording or water activities, a waterproof case will still be required.

Another improvement this year is in what Sony hasn’t included which is weight. Compared to its predecessor and rival GoPro units, the Action Cam AS100V weighs next to nothing at 2.4oz. Other features include built in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy syncing with computers and mobile devices like iOS and Android via the PlayMemories Mobile app. After the jump, our video preview awaits you.

Sony QX100 and QX10 Comparison (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 7, 2014 | 0 comments

While not new for CES 2014, Sony was in full promotion mode of their attachable smartphone camera lenses which include the Cyber-shot QX100 and QX10. While the two lenses offer many similar functionalities, like being able to sync to an iOS or Android device and act as an improved lens with local storage and battery, there are certainly differences between the two models. While tech specs certainly differ between the two models, size is another varying factor. After the jump, we compare the QX100 to the QX10 and help give you a better sense of the attachable lens sizes.

PlayMemories Mobile App for iOS and Android Received Major Update

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 20, 2013 | 0 comments

After announcing plans to give the QX10 and QX100 a host of improvements via a new firmware update come this January, Sony released a new update for the PlayMemories Mobile app. The app which is available for iOS and Android devices is required since the lenses lack their own screen. So what does PlayMemories Mobile app version 4.0 bring? Lets talk details.

New Firmware for Sony QX10 & QX100 to Bring Full HD Video Capture and Improved ISO

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 19, 2013 | 0 comments

Come this January, Sony will be releasing a new firmware update for the Sony QX10 and QX100 attachable external lenses for iOS and Android smartphones. The new firmware update will bring with it a host of improvements which include a higher ISO for better shots in the dark. Video fans will also be happy to note that both lenses will get the ability to record full HD video (1o80p) versus the current 720p. After the jump, lets talk details.

Sony to Release “Surprising” Cameras in 2014

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 19, 2013 | 0 comments

You might not know it and blame Sony’s marketing heads but Sony has had a stellar year in cameras. While companies like Canon and Nikon have been taking part in the traditional upgrade cycle of cameras, Sony introduced a slew of new hardware with some fantastic results. This list includes the Sony RX1 and RX10 which include a 1-inch sensor, the full-frame Sony Alpha 7 and 7R, and the Sony DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 external lenses for Smartphones which add greater megapixels and zoom for your iOS or Android smartphone. As I said, you may not have known Sony released all these products, let alone in one calendar year but they’ve done just that and according to Sony, 2014 will be no different with some “surprising” announcements to come.

Sony Developing 54-Megapixel Sensor?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 12, 2013 | 0 comments

It’s believed that come 2015, the idea of having a 8-, 12-, or even 20-megapixel image sensor in a camera or smartphone will be obsolete. That is, if Sony has their way. According to a new report, Sony is developing a 54-megapixel image sensor that could launch as early as 2015. While Sony isn’t planning to abandon their current 24- and 36-megapixel sensors that are used in their newly announced full-frame cameras like the E-mount A7 and A73, it remains to be see which cameras would gain the new sensors. It’s also highly likely that Nikon will see these sensors used in their cameras as well. For those not familiar, Nikon is a big customer of Sony’s image sensors.

Adobe Lightroom 5.3 RC Updated with RAW Support for Sony A7

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 22, 2013 | 0 comments

Just a quick heads up for early adaptors of the full-frame Sony A7. If you’ve been using Adobe Lightroom, you may have noticed the lack of support for the cameras RAW photos. Now, thanks to a new update from Adobe, Lightroom 5.3 RC is being updated with proper RAW support for the Sony A7 and Fujifilm XQ1. In edition to the RAW support, there is always the mysterious bug squashes as well from this latest update.

Sony Receives 13 CES Innovations 2014 Design & Engineering Honoree Awards

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 12, 2013 | 1 comment

Sony may have a problems when it comes to marketing its products to consumers and conveying to them why they should buy a Sony but it doesn’t mean they face the same issue with critics. Today, the electronic giant was recognized with 13 International CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Honoree Awards, including four Best of Innovations honoree awards. These include products like the attachable smartphone lens, the Cyber-shot QX10/100 and VAIO Flip PC. Phil Molyneux, president and COO of Sony Electronics who was on hand to receive the awards said:

We’re honored to have won the most Innovation Awards among a competitive field of great consumer electronics. We feel this year’s winning products represent significant breakthroughs in our design and evolution of the fast-changing CE industry. Sony will continue to offer new experiences in both productivity and play while always incorporating the best technologies from our display, imaging, and audio groups.

While in the US Sony has struggled to gain mainstream traction while competitors like Apple, Samsung, and Vizio have dominated the mobile and home theater space, the company continues to pump out solid products with inspiring designs and features. In fact, Sony’s mobile line of smartphone and tablets, married with their NEX and Cyber-shot series of cameras may just be some of the most innovative and refreshing products out in the market while companies like Samsung continue to pump out generic products. So what other products did Sony receive awards for those? The list awaits you after the jump.

Sony Not Done with Alpha A-Mount Series Cameras

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 30, 2013 | 0 comments

Earlier this month, Sony announced the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R, their new mirrorless E-mount full-frame cameras. While bearing the name of the Alpha series, Sony’s traditional A-mount line of cameras, the A7 and A7R have more in common with the company’s growing NEX E-mount line of cameras. This, of course, got many wondering if this was a sign of things to come with Sony slowly leaving the A-mount market and giving its undivided attention to the NEX series and E-mount cameras. Not so quick, says Sony.