Sony Alpha

Sony Announces Alpha A35. We Have Specs and Details

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 20, 2011 | 24 comments

If you’re looking for something a little more professional than the newly-announced NEX-C3, then the just announced Sony Alpha A35 might be just the DSLR camera for you. Here to replace the A33, the Alpha A35 sports a 16.2 MP chip that can shoot at up to 5.5 fps and 7 fps mode at 8.4 megapixels. Adding what the higher end Alphas have had now for nearly a year, the A35 also gains Sony’s Translucent Mirror live-view mode, and an electronic viewfinder, enabling you to see more and adjust more right from the viewfinder. Of course, there will be the 3-inch LCD screen to help you get even more out of your shooting experience. Taking a cue from the NEX-C3, the A35 will also feature a new Help Guide to aid both professionals and newcomers.

“Amateur photographers will appreciate the on-screen Help Guide, which gives a clear explanation of selected functions and how they’re used. More advanced photographers will welcome features such as a top panel-mounted button that is fully customizable, allowing instant recall of any one of 14 frequently-used functions according to their preference.”

Hit the jump for full details, including additional pictures, specs, price and the official press release.

Sony Alpha A77 to Receive USB 3.0? We Have Additional Details

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 14, 2011 | 19 comments

Though the Sony Alpha A77 is still a product in deep development, that doesn’t mean that there are not a lucky few out there who’ve had a chance to play with the device or whatever version of it that happens to exist at the time. One of the more interesting tidbits that we have learned is that the A77 will be USB 3.0 compatible. If this is true, this will be the first of any camera or camcorder that I’ve heard of that has a next generation cable option and it really makes sense. Seeing how USB 3.0 is about 10 times faster than USB 2.0 and the A77 is set to be a 24-megapixel camera, it would be nice to be able to transfer the gigabytes upon gigabytes of pictures at a faster pace so we can spend more time editing and less time waiting. Now if they will only offer Thunderbolt as well and I’d be a happy camper.

Now, lets talk Alpha A77 specs and details. In addition to what is being described as an “insanely fast” automatic focus, even in “Tracking Mode,” users will be presented with a gorgeous OLED screen which should make taking and viewing photos that much more enjoyable.

What do you guys and gals think? Do you welcome a transition to USB 3.0 or would you prefer Thunderbolt?

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Announces NEX-C3. We Have Pictures, Details and Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 8, 2011 | 3 comments

We’ve known for months now that a new NEX-3 would be coming sometime from Sony. After all, the NEX-3 was discontinued a few months back and Sony wouldn’t let such a hot line to just sizzle away. Also, all the leaked pictures gave us a further indication that we weren’t crazy to expect a new model. And now, Sony as expected as announced a new successor, the NEX-C3.

Using the same APS-C image sensor and 16.2 megapixel offerings that are found in the current NEX-5, the NEX-C3 is able to provide them with a small footprint, giving users a smaller and more light weight camera at 225g (approximately 8 ounces) which makes the camera six percent lighter then the NEX-3. The camera which is able to shoot in 5.5fps (720p) will do it while sporting a 3-inch LCD screen with the same tilt display that we come to expect from the series. Other note worthy details include the support for both Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD card slots. 3D fans will also have a few features dedicated to them like 3D Sweep Panorama which allows you to capture wide images and then play them back on a 3D television or computer.

Hit the jump for full details, official press release and pictures.

Sony Alpha A35 and NEX-C3 to be Announced on June 8th

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 3, 2011 | 16 comments

Just a small little update. Based on previous information, we had originally pegged the Alpha A35 and NEX-C3 from Sony to be announced on June 3rd. Seeing how today is June 3rd and there has been no news, the information was obviously wrong but not by much. Sources now are pointing towards June 8th which puts at mid next week. Seeing the date shuffle is of course no surprise, seeing that Sony and may Japanese companies are still coping with the devastating events that took place in Japan a few months back. We will report back with more news and hopefully announcements on the much anticipated cameras, as soon as we get some more information.

Between the two cameras, is there one that you were looking forward to more then the other? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Alpha A850 Officially Discontinued

by Sohrab Osati | May 26, 2011 | 33 comments

Fans of the Sony Alpha A850 need to act fast if they want to snatch up the remaining stocks of the now discontinued camera. As Sony removes these models from their online store and begins to prepare for upcoming models, you can bet that you will find some nice prices on the A800 series. Rumors also have it that the Alpha A900 will take a drop in price to $2,000 down $700.

New NEX-5 to be Revealed? (NEX-C5?)

by Sohrab Osati | May 13, 2011 | 2 comments

I’ve been eyeing the Sony NEX-5 for a long time now and the more I wait, the more weary I got about purchasing. Nothing hurts more then pulling the trigger on a gadget and new piece of tech gets announced a few weeks later. Now the following could be just a typo or really mean nothing but over on Sony’s UK site, the NEX-5 was referred to as the “previous model.” If this is indeed true, this could play directly into the June 3rd announcement where Sony is looking to announce the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35 and mow, maybe they will also have an NEX-5 (NEX-C5?) in store for us as well. You should note that since then typo or leak, whichever word you like, Sony’s UK site has changed their wording and there is no longer any usage of the word “previous.” I’m not sure if I buy into this as Sony is generally horrible at containing any surprises but if it is true, all I ask for is for a built in GPS chip. My current Cybershot HX5 has a built in GPS for geotagging photos like my iPhone 4 and being able to pull up a map and seeing exactly where you took a photo is a feature I would like to keep, once I upgrade to a larger camera like the NEX series.

How about you guys and gals? What kind of features would you like to see to the next NEX-5 model? Also, is geotagging something that you do or something that interests you?

[Via SonyAlpahRumors]

Sony to Announce NEX-C3, A35 and more on June 3rd

by Sohrab Osati | May 12, 2011 | 8 comments

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been reporting and bringing you leaked photos and specs of up coming devices from Sony. For even longer, we’ve been speculating the release date for the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35. Now, we are pleased to be able to report with confident that besides the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35, Sony will also be announcing their new 30mm Macro lens and flash accessories on June 3rd. With it being a mere few weeks away, we do wonder if there are any more unannounced products and surprise. But whether or not that holds, we can finally know the proper specs and launch date for these much anticipated products. What do you guys think about the new NEX-C3 and A35?

Hit the jump for some more leaked pictures.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony 30mm Macro Lens Leaked

by Sohrab Osati | May 11, 2011 | 26 comments

Though there isn’t much to go off of here, we know that Sony will eventually be releasing the NEX-C3 and a long side of it, some new NEX (E-mount) lenses. Now, we have a good idea on of those lenses and that is a 30mm macro. Thanks to a leak, we know that this 30mm f/3.5 macro lens is priced at €259, though we don’t have a specific launch date to report. We will have more for you on this as more leaks or official news come.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Holds Second Highest Camera Market Share, Closing In On Canon for the Number One Sport (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 20, 2011 | 37 comments

With the turn of the century that came to be, there was a shift in the professional and consumer electronic world and a digital one at that. No, I’m not talking about the internet, instead, the focus this time is on the transition from film to digital. In the world of film camera, names like Nikon, Canon and Kodak ran supreme. Many of these giants have been in the camera business for over 50 years and had an established name and user group. All that however changed as companies began to shift over to this new digital revolution. Now whether it that they simply did not want to believe this shift would take place or if they had no idea how to deal with it is not the focus of this article. The fact is, with the digital revolution at hand, the camera market group was in limbo which gave way for companies like Sony who had no presence in the professional and consumer segment to enter and make a name for themselves.

Less then 10 years later, the balance has shifted completely in the DSLR and Point and Shoot market. When we consider the entire camera landscape, long time champion Canon has held a 19% market share for 2009 and 2010, while Sony has gone from 16.9% to 17.9% in the same period. Sony, now with its second place position is well ahead of Nikon which holds the 3rd place spot with 11.1% in 2009 and 12.6% in 2010. With camera sales up 10% in 2010 for a total of 141 million units sold, Sony still has a lot of room for growth, especially in the emerging markets like China and India where there might not be a lot of legacy ownership from other camera brands. With a largely untapped market and introduction of 3D digital cameras that start at just over $200, its easy to see how Sony should and will top Canon in the near future.

Sony Introduces External Flash for Alpha and DSLR Cameras with Quick Shift Bounce, the HVL-F43AM

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 14, 2011 | 8 comments

Announced for Europe and we’re guessed head to other territories in months to follow, Sony is releasing a new external flash, the HVL-F43AM. Designed to be dust and moisture resistant, this new rugged flash also has a few neat tricks up its sleeve like working Sony’s Wireless Ratio Control and will come with the Quick Shift Bounce system. This new feature allows “lash head position to be adjusted instantly when switching between horizontal and vertical compositions. This maintains consistent shadow positions regardless of camera orientation, allowing easy creation of natural-looking ‘bounce’ effects.” This Alpha and other branded DSLR based flash is priced at $350 and will be available in Summer.

Hit the jump for additional photos and a press release from Sony.

Sony Ends Alpha A33 Production

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 4, 2011 | 25 comments

After being on sale for only 7 months, Sony has decided to end production of their entry level, translucent mirror based DSLR. As we reported back in October, Sony was experiencing some troubles with the A33, specifically an over heating issue which was caused if the camera’s Image Stabilization was turned on and the user recorded video a continue video for over 11 minutes. During that time, it was believed that the translucent mirror’s in the camera were the culprit though a confirmation of cause was never given. Furthermore, Sony has other translucent based camera’s in the market currently which none poses these problems so we are not entirely sure what the true culprit was. Regardless of that, Sony of Japan has indicated that production for the A33 is over. Fear not though, fans of the A30 series as we’ve heard rumors that a replacement will be coming shortly, though the reported dated is indeed off.

[Via Sony]

Sony Discontinues A33? A35 Just Around the Corner for an April 4th Release?

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 15, 2011 | 11 comments

Our friends over at SonyAlphaRumors always have the juicy rumors when it comes to Sony and their Alpha lineup, and today is no different. They report that Sony is discontinuing the Alpha A33 in addition to the A290, A390, and NEX-3. The latter three do not come as a surprise as they are aged units and we have had plenty of heads-up time, especially when it comes to the NEX-3. The fact that the A33 might be going away in favor of an April 4th release of a successor, the A35, does however come as a surprise, seeing how that camera is not that old. However, with the NAB show in Las Vegas right around the corner and plenty of refreshes coming from Sony, the timing does make sense if the company wants to grab some additional attention.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

NEX-C3 to be Release on May 26th? (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 2, 2011 | 18 comments

Though we don’t have much to report on, the folks over at SonyAlphaRumors are reporting that the NEX-C3 might be released on May 26th though they don’t have much more then a tip. As we previously reported, the NEX-3 is currently discontinued as Sony starts production on the NEX-C3 which can take a few months to reach appropriate levels for a product launch. A late May time frame also gives Sony’s retail partners ample time to clear their inventory levels before the next NEX release.

Updated:

The guys at SonyAlphaRumors gave us a little clarification. The NEX-C3 is still expected to ship in April for what I presume is the US with a worldwide launch date of May 26th.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony to Use Translucent Mirror Technology in all Future Alphas

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 24, 2011 | 18 comments

Sony Electronics has finally gone on record about the future of the Alpha family lineup and fans of translucent mirror technology will be happy. From here on, all future Alpha cameras (APS-C and Fulflrame) will use translucent mirror technology which allows for an optimized shutter speed (10 frames per second) and video recording with autofocus. This means that the Sony flagship A700, A800 and A900 series will be losing out their current OVF for the new EVF technology which gives you 100% frame coverage, offers better low light conditions, and on-screen information.

“In our range Alpha the future is to replace the mechanical electronics.”

What do you think? Are you a fan of Sony’s translucent mirror technology? Let us know in the comments.

[Via Quesabesde]

NEX-3 Officially Discontinued in Japan, NEX-C3 Release Imminent?

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 23, 2011 | 24 comments

The pieces continue to fall in place with Sony discontinuing the popular NEX-3 in Japan. As we reported last week, Sony is looking at an April time frame to release the next generation NEX, currently dubbed as the NEX-C3. With the current model being officially discontinued in Sony’s home turf, we can only imagine that the same well happen over the next several weeks in other countries. We’ve already seen retailers offer discounts on the current NEX and would advise you to either pick one up because of a great deal, assuming you are okay with the current features, or hang tight for another month as Sony clears out its current inventory channels and prepares for the new model.

[Via DC.Watch]