Cameras and Camcorders

Sony to Announce New 4K NEX-FS700R Camera and Next Generation Action Camera Soon?

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 15, 2013 | 0 comments

Thanks to the Taiwan’s NCC Agency, we learned late last week that Sony would be soon announcing the NEX-5T. While not a lot of details are known about the camera, a registry like that points to a near future release. Not to be outdone, a Korean Agency has let it slip that Sony has just registered the NEX-FS700R and NEX-FS700RH. If those models sound familiar, that’s because the NEX-FS700 is a current 4K camera from Sony that also happens to be priced far below the industry darling RED cameras. Like the NEX-5T, we have no details to go off of, other than the camera does exist and is likely being announced in the coming weeks. What we do know, however, is that, judging from their names, the two new models very carry over the 4K tradition with improvements and not a radical shift as the series model number has stayed the same.

Sony DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 External Lenses for Smartphones Leak

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 12, 2013 | 2 comments

In mid July, rumors began to circulate that Sony was looking to get into the camera business for smartphones. If you think that Sony already produces a great many sensors for its own fleet of Xperia smartphones and for competitors like the iPhone, you’d be correct. However, this news came with a twist that Sony was looking to make an external camera for smartphones, that would house an image sensor, battery, and memory and attach to the phone via small magnetic mounts. With sales of compact cameras declining ever since the debut of the original iPhone, Sony sees this as a solution for those who might not want a DSLR or even a compact NEX camera but still want something more than their smartphone’s camera. Thanks to leaks, it looks like Sony will indeed be delivering on this vision with the DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100.

Sony NEX-5T to be Announced Soon?

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 8, 2013 | 0 comments

All the GoogleFu in the world won’t get you much information but if rumors are to be believed, Sony is on the cusp of announcing new NEX cameras. In addition to a refresh, it’s believed that Sony will be announcing the NEX-5T. While there isn’t a lot of information to go off of, there have been talks of a full frame NEX camera which this could be. Beyond that, all we know is that the Taiwan’s NCC Agency registered the Sony NEX-5T camera.

Sony to Make External Cameras for Smartphones?

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 22, 2013 | 0 comments

Chalk this under the rumor mill but according to recent chatter from the ever elusive anonymous sources, Sony is looking to expand its presence in the camera and smartphone world with a single product. Well, two to be exact as it is one product with two different models but I’m getting ahead of myself. It seems that Sony is interested in expanding the capabilities of smartphone cameras by attaching a new camera lens to the given camera. It remains to be seen if this is a product that will be Xperia-exclusive or compatible on a range of products. With small smartphone marketshare and a huge upside from selling to the masses, it’s more likely the latter, especially when you hear how their looking to do this.

Sony RX1R and RX100MII Press Images Leaked

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 27, 2013 | 0 comments

Just yesterday we reported on some of the changes that would be coming to the Sony RX100MI, the next generation of the high-end Cybershot camera. Now thanks to leaked press images, we’ve learned that the Sony RX1 will also be receiving an update and will be dubbed the Sony RX1R. Starting things off is the above image from the Sony RX100MII. At first glance, nothing seems too different though we know the camera will feature many improvements. Next comes the Sony RX1 which is Sony’s extremely high compact camera that offers a full 1-inch sensor that matches and beats most DSLR out there. With lots of leaks in the past two days, it’s only a matter of time till we learn the full details about the two Cybershot cameras. After the jump, a shot of the Sony RX1R.

Sony RX100MI Leaked, Includes Tilting LCD and Wi-Fi

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 26, 2013 | 0 comments

The Sony RX100 is one amazing compact camera. In fact, we were so impressed by it that we decided to buy one, just so we could review it and in doing so, we called the Sony RX100 “nothing short of a revelation.” So how can Sony followup the 20.2 megapixel camera which features a full 1-inch image sensor with 1.8 f-stop? If you say more megapixels then you’d be wrong. Thanks to a recent leak from the devices Japanese manual, we’ve come to learn some of the tidbits that will be going into the Sony RX100MI, the next generation in the series and so far, we’re quite pleased.

Sony Brings 1080p 60fps Record to Action Cam via Software Update

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 30, 2013 | 0 comments

Software updates can be a magical thing and make it feel like it’s Christmas all over again. Over the past few years, we’ve seen software updates turn the PS3 from a hardcore gaming machine to a rich media hub with a host of new apps. Now, Sony is applying a bit of the same software update magic to Action Cam, their take on the Go Pro. Thanks to the latest update, the Sony Action Cam (HDR-AS15) will be able to record at 1080p 60fps versus the previous 30fps. Those who like to adventure under the sea and own the underwater housing will want to listen up as the new update allows for better white balancing when submerged. But Sony didn’t stop there.

Sony’s 2nd Generation Digital Recording Binoculars (DEV-50V) Gains a Host of New Features

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 29, 2013 | 0 comments

During CES 2013, Sony quietly introduced their 2nd generation 3D Digital Recording Binoculars. Not a lot was known about the units at the time but Sony has since opened the floodgates and there’s plenty to like this time around. The DEV-50V is a followup DEV-5 that was announced and released nearly two years ago. While keeping true to its core by offering a technology packed digital recording binoculars that can capture video 1080p 3D, the DEV-50V has improved upon its predecessor in every way. Those familiar with the previous model will note the sleeker and much smaller design which helps bring down the weight to 1.14 lb, a 30% reduction. The new housing is also water- and dust-proof, allowing the unit to be used in rain and other wet circumstances without fear of frying your expensive binoculars. However, the real magic of DEV-5V is all under the hood.

Sony HX50V Photo Gallery and Video Preview

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 26, 2013 | 0 comments

It was just yesterday that we brought you news about the Sony Cyber-shot HX50V that houses a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor with 30x optical zoom. Like previous HX models, the HX50V provides a large LCD screen, high megapixel count, and a zoom that will make you think twice about shooting with your smartphone and gives you doubts on whether you really need that DSLR. Another feature that makes the HX50V stand out from other Cyber-shot models and competitor compact cameras is the hot shoe it sports on the top, which allows you to connect powerful flashes, OLED view finders, and stereo mic to name a few. While you might look a bit silly carrying around such a small camera with such a big accessory, after you import your pictures, its guaranteed that you’ll have the last laugh. After the jump, we have a gallery of the Cyber-shot HX50V with accompanying accessories and a video preview, straight from Sony to whet your appetite before the camera’s arrival at retailers later next month.

Meet the 20-Megapixel Sony Cyber-shot HX50V with 30x Zoom

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 25, 2013 | 3 comments

While it’s true that compact cameras are fading away as smartphones and tablets continue to offer more powerful and feature rich cameras, there is still a part of the population that requires them. Compact cameras also offer a host of benefits that smartphones still can’t match like higher megapixel count, better low light sensitivity and greater zoom. Cameras like the Cyber-shot also have the benefit of being less personal, allowing you to pass them around without getting tied in lock screens, requiring the owner’s computer to export pictures and allowing for easy swap of battery and memory card. If you find yourself attracted to any of the mentioned benefits, then you need to consider the Sony Cyber-shot HX50v.

So what makes this Cyber-shot a winner over your smartphone or other compact cameras? The Cyber-shot HX50V houses a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor with 30x optical zoom (note not digital). This allows for rich images with a zoom thats typically found in DSLR cameras. Interested? Lets talk details, after the jump.

Sony Action Cam Dog Harness Gets Price, Release Date

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 19, 2013 | 0 comments

Remember the Action Cam Dog Harness that was shown at CES 2013? Well Sony is finally revealing details about the pet accessory that will surely add many more videos to your YouTube channel, all from the perspective of your dog. Come April 26th, those who reside in Japan will be able to get their hands on one for ￥5,250 (about $53). The Action Cam Dog Harness is designed to fit the Sony HDR-AS15 and weighs only 128g, making it a light commitment for your dog. Cat owners are out of luck though it’s doubtful your feline companion would have any of this anyways. No word yet on a US release date.

Sony Counters Red Lawsuit With Own Patent Claims

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 11, 2013 | 0 comments

Those who’ve been following the Red vs. Sony lawsuit will recall that Red, creator of Red digital cameras, sued Sony in the ever-escalating patent wars between companies. In the suit, Red specifically targeted the Sony F5, F55 and F65 cameras for violating patents that they believe they hold. Besides the normal financial award that they can gain from this, Red is also seeking sales injunction on the mentioned cameras and wants them destroyed. As expected, Sony has wasted no time and is now countersuing Red with their own patent claims.

Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X for 4K Sony XAVC Codec

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 28, 2013 | 0 comments

With more a then year under its belt, Final Cut Pro X has become quite the editing tool and a ridiculously affordable price. While criticized during its initial release for lacking some key features from previous iterations, Apple has achieved quite a bit during the time to continue to update the program to grow out its list of features. This task is that much more impressive when you consider that Final Cut Pro X was built completely from scratch where previous iterations of the program have had years to mature into their form. With its latest set of updates, Apple is also going on the offensive by launching a new marketing campaign, intended at winning back some of the professional users who may still have doubts. According to the LA Times:

Now, after updating the software seven times since its release in 2011, Apple is launching a campaign Thursday aimed at winning back skeptical professional users.

That campaign, timed to coincide with the National Assn. of Broadcasters convention that starts April 6 in Las Vegas, will feature users like Julian Liurette, who followed the firestorm from his video editing desk in Toronto at the Globe and Mail newspaper.

After waiting a year as Apple gradually released updates, Liurette finally gave it a try and was surprised. So Liurette began moving the newspaper’s video operations from the old version to Final Cut Pro X.

So what’s changed and what’s new? That list, after the jump.

Sony HX300, WX300, and TX30 High Resolution Image Gallery

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 20, 2013 | 0 comments

Last week, we reported about the upcoming Spring refresh to Sony’s Cyber-shot family which consists of the HX300, WX300, and TX30. As a recap, the HX300 offers an all new 20.4-megapixels sensor and 50X zoom zoom lens among other goodies. The more pocket friendly WX300 and TX30 opt for a smaller 18.2-megapixel sensor while the former gives you a 20X zoom lens and the latter offers a waterproof up to 33ft, dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof casing. After the jump, we’ve compiled a beautiful high resolution image gallery from these cameras.

Should You Buy the Sony RX100?

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 15, 2013 | 0 comments

Let’s get one thing out of the way; if you’re looking for the most in depth Sony RX100 review, then the following isn’t probably going to fit the bill for you. There are lots of review sites who will break down this and other cameras ISO by ISO and compare them against 10 other models. While that is a wonderful and perfectly acceptable way to approach things, chances are, that’s not how you shop for most things. Comparison is good and understanding a devices feature are smart but the reality of it is, most don’t utilize their cameras full potential. This is especially true when it comes to point-and-shoot cameras which are often just left on automatic. With our review, we set out with that criteria in mind. How good of a camera is the RX100 when all we want it to be able to pull the camera out and start capturing.

I’ve long been the family and friends memory keeper by being the person who’s always has had the camera with him, be it a party, movie night, or vacation. It’s just too bad that not all my photos are worth posting on Facebook, let alone printing them out and/or creating a booklet from like you can from iPhoto or Shutterfly. This problem will continue to manifest itself with the advent of Retina displays on all of our devices and eventual transition to 4k televisions. With the right camera at your side though, not only will your pictures turn out great for your personal viewing pleasure, but you can also be sure that their quality meets the upcoming technological changes that are either around the corner or have already happened. I’m here to tell you that the Sony RX100 is the best point-and-shoot camera I’ve ever used. After the jump, our RX100 review breaks down the super-camera’s photo/video capabilities and its retro design.