Cameras and Camcorders

4K Video from Sony A7r II is Simply Magnificent

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 13, 2015 | 4 comments

The Sony A7r II is the newest, full-frame camera from the electronic giant that offers a magnitude of features for professionals. Offering a CMOS 42.4-megapixel sensor, the A7r II takes image resolution, sensitivity (up to ISO 102400) and speedy response to new heights while a 5-axis image stabilization reduces blur which otherwise tends to affect handheld shots. With 4K video and uncompressed RAW photos, there’s little the A7r II can’t capture in the purist form.

In short, this camera, appropriately priced at $3,200 for just the body, on paper has everything a videographer would dream of, but does it translate? In short, an astonishing yes. After the jump a 4K sample video (at night, nonetheless) that shows what the Sony A7r II can deliver and it’s simply magnificent.

Sony RX100 IV Slow Motion Video

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 29, 2015 | 0 comments

Just yesterday, we brought you sample video from the newly released Sony RX100 IV. For those unaware, the RX100 IV has a few unique features like the ability to shoot HFR videos in super smooth (960 fps) that’s capable of showcasing a spinning firework in vivid detail like never before. After the jump, we have a different kind of sample video – slow motion up to 1000 fps and simply breathtaking.

Sony RX100 IV Sample Video (960 fps)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 28, 2015 | 0 comments

Early previews of the Sony RX100 IV are already praising the camera’s incredible 1-inch stacked sensor alongside its ability of

high frame-rate video at up to a staggering 1,000 frames per second.

Specifically, thanks to the camera’s ability to capture HFR videos, users can shoot frame rates of 960/1000fps, 480/500fps, or 240/250fps (NTSC/PAL), depending on which is most suitable for them. After the jump, we have a Sony RX100 IV sample video in 960fps. In short, fireworks plus smooth video equals a thing of beauty.

Sony RX100 IV Preview Roundup

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 24, 2015 | 0 comments

To a great many, every point-and-shoot camera has been practically the same thing in the last decade with little innovation. In the past few years, Sony has been hard at pushing the boundaries of what a portable camera is and the amount of technology it’s able to give to would be photographers. The Sony RX100 IV is one such camera that offers a 1-inch sensor in your pocket.

This not only is a great achievement on its own, but one that even many DSLR cameras don’t yet rival. Before giving this a further read, I’d recommend that you look over our RX100 IV feature guide and picture gallery for some context. Once finished with that, you can find a few preliminary reviews on the RX100 after the jump.

Sony Gets In the Drone Business for the Right Reasons

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 22, 2015 | 0 comments

You’ll likely often see me shaking my head or flat out disagreeing with the direction that Sony takes or lack of direction. When it’s not the the former, it tends to be about another missed earnings report or layoffs which unfortunately leads to very sober coverage of Sony without much room for celebration or excitement. Today’s news about Sony getting in the drone business, while odd at first, not only makes sense for company, but in fact might be a brilliant move.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising to know that Hiroki Totoki, the new Sony Mobile CEO and President, is the mastermind behind this vision, a person we’ve covered in great detail these past two weeks. After the jump, the full story behind Sony’s drone ambitions.

Sony A7r II US Release Date Revealed?

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 16, 2015 | 1 comment

While come July 28th, those in Europe will get to enjoy the new and insanely powerful 42-megapixel Sony A7r II, those of us who live in the US will simply have to be content with reading the 104 page owners manual or, at best, pre-ordering the new full-frame camera. While still unconfirmed by Sony, two major retailers have let the camera’s ship date slip – and it’s not that far off!

Sony A7r II Manual Available for Download

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 15, 2015 | 0 comments

The Sony A7r II is already available in Europe for pre-order with orders being fulfilled by months end and a North American release in the next month. The powerful new mirrorless DSLR provides an extensive amount of features that are aimed for the most dedicated of photographers. That is to say that the A7r II isn’t aimed at pro-consumer photographers, and its $3,200 price tag reflects that. As a quick recap, a few of the A7r II highlights include

World’s first Full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor – 42.4MP
5-axis in-body image stabilization optimized for 42.4MP full-frame
4K movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning
Fast Hybrid AF with 399 focal plane phase-detection AF points
2.4-million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder w/ ZEISS T coating

Luckily, if you want to know the ins and outs of this new beast from Sony, you won’t have to own one.

Sony A7r II and RX10 II Now Available in Europe

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 10, 2015 | 0 comments

If you’ve been waiting for Sony’s latest, the A7r II or the RX10 II and live in Europe then listen up. Both cameras are officially available for purchase with the A7r II carrying a £2,799.00 ($3,199.99) for just the body. As a recap, the Sony A7r II offers

World’s first Full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor – 42.4MP
5-axis in-body image stabilization optimized for 42.4MP full-frame
4K movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning
Fast Hybrid AF with 399 focal plane phase-detection AF points
2.4-million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder w/ ZEISS T coating

More details, including the RX100 II after the jump.

New Sony FE Lenses On the Horizon?

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 8, 2015 | 0 comments

There isn’t a ton to go by yet but according to rumors, new Sony FE lenses could be announced within the next week or two. Just recently, the Sony RX100 IV was announced along side other DSLR cameras. After their reveal Kimio Maki, Senior General Manager, Digital Imaging Business Group, Sony Corporation talked discussed all manors of Sony’s digital imaging business going forward, including the 42-megapixel A7R II and RAW support.

Sony RX100 IV Feature Guide

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 24, 2015 | 0 comments

With each new iteration, a multitude of new features and spec upgrades tend to come to Sony’s camera lineup. The RX100 IV is no different, now offering 4K and super slow-motion video recording a super fast shutter which allows for extra crisp photos when shooting moving objects and the ability to capture great detail in the sun. But there’s a lot more to know about the RX100 IV.

After the jump, our Sony RX100 IV feature guide fills you in on 23 things that Sony wants you to know about their latest camera.

Sony RX100 IV Gallery

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 22, 2015 | 0 comments

The Sony RX100 IV is gearing up to be a monster compact-camera that offers some robust features like 4K movies, slow motion videos at 960fps and super high speed photos on the other end, thanks to its 1/32000 sec. super-high-speed shutter. Because of its high speed shutter, the RX100 IV is also capable of recording in the brightest conditions without your pictures looking overblown. For those wanting more details, you can read about the Sony RX100 IV specs here.

After the jump, a picture gallery awaits you which shows off the camera from different angles.

Sony Talks 42-Megapixels, Uncompressed RAW & 4K Video in A7R II

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 16, 2015 | 0 comments

E3 aside, where Sony had what some are already calling the best press conference of all time, Sony Electronics has been busy as well with new cameras. Just last week, the Sony RX100 IV was unveiled which features a world first 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor which offers 40x super slow motion which allows you to record movies up to 960fps or super-high-speed 1/32000 sec. which is ideal for sporting events and moving targets.

Alongside the RX100 IV, Sony also unveiled the A7R II, a 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R full-frame CMOS sensor powered monster of a camera. After the event, Sony sat down for some interviews where they discussed topics like uncompressed RAW, 4K video, and why 42-megapixels was selected over say a more round number like 50-megapixels.

Those answers after the jump.

Sony RX100 IV Announced; Offers World’s First 1-inch Stacked Sensor

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 12, 2015 | 0 comments

If you’ve been contemplating purchasing a Sony camera then I’d say hold off just a bit longer. Sony has just announced an array of pro-consumer cameras that will be sure to catch your eye. The first of them is the Sony RX100 IV. Following in the footsteps of the original models which brought a 1-inch sensor to your pocket, Sony is at it once again with another world first, a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor.

Details about that after the jump.

Sony’s 4K Vision Goes Beyond Consumers and Broadcast

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 2, 2015 | 0 comments

It’s been obvious for some time that Sony sees 4K as part of their path towards recovery and growth. The new video format, which is here to replace HD (which in turn replaced SD), is already being offered in a variety of form factors from Sony. In fact, Sony is one of the few companies, if not the only one, that gives you options to not only record in 4K, be it with their Handycam FDR-AX100 which is priced at just $1,000, but consume it as well via their 4K televisions. Heck, even Sony’s smartphones now can capture in 4K. Ultimately, in order for Sony’s 4K vision to be successful, they need to offer a range of products that are compelling to professionals and consumers.

All the products I mentioned above are primarily targeted at consumers with price tags that are fairly affordable. Just two years ago at CES 2014, Sony announced the first consumer 4K camcorder which they dubbed “4K for 2K,” referencing the price which at the time seemed extremely low and now this year, we already have a model for half the price. The other part of this equation is for professionals. Sony Pictures is already using the format in a variety of their movies and shows like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Breaking Bad, and Powers. But in order for 4K to become ubitiquous, Sony is looking to other markets as well to expand their 4K vision.

Sony to Focus and Expand E-Mount Ecosystem; Will Have 20 FE Lenses by 2016

by Sohrab Osati | May 27, 2015 | 0 comments

Thanks to an internal document from Sony, we’ve learned a few things about their camera strategy and how they see things going forward. Compared to years prior, Sony is selling fewer fixed lens cameras, like their Cyber-shot series. Though Sony still releases new cameras like the Cyber-shot HX90V and WX500, it’s not a surprise that sales have declined. With the rise of smartphones and their ever-improving quality, Sony is in the same boat as other manufacturers like Canon and Nikon. Luckily, Sony has been improving its high-end camera sales where they’re seeing continued growth.