Sony Alpha

New NEX Out in April, the NEX-C3

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 17, 2011 | 9 comments

We now have confirmation that Sony will be updating their NEX series in the near future, starting with the NEX-3 in April and finishing off with the NEX-5 a few months later. Currently, all we have is that the new NEX dubbed the NEX-C3 will be getting a new housing to match the current NEX-5 for improved grip and quality. The other upgrade that we know about is an imaging sensor improvement, offering the same sensor that is used in the current NEX-5 which allowed for better video quality. No words yet on what changes will be in order for the NEX-5 but I for one hope for a GPS chip. I seriously love geo tagging my photos and viewing them in iPhoto and only my Cybershot HX5 currently offers that. For those are fine with the current offerings of the NEX-3, Amazon seems to be doing some price drops to clear inventory for the up coming unit.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Teams Up with Goldmember, Offers NEX-5 in Gold

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 28, 2011 | 3 comments

There is just nothing to stop Sony and their latest groove (see what I did there, another Austin Powers reference) when it comes to the NEX series. Hot on the heels of updating the series with a new firmware, giving them 3D capabilities and Autofocus for A Mount lenses, Sony has just announced that the NEX-5 will also come in Gold. Sony is no stranger to offering products in different colors as the NEX-3 got a taste of pink in months prior and the company has shown off the NEX lineup is a series of different colors, though they have yet to be released. Sadly, this new offering is only for Japan though depending on demand, that could change.

Hit the jump for a better picture of this unit.

New York Times David Pogue Praises Sony Alpha A55

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 20, 2010 | 22 comments

Recently, the New York Times David Pogue got his hands on the Sony Alpha A55 and he has nothing but praise for camera, calling it a game changer and declaring Sony has got its “mojo” back. Hit link to read the full article from NYT which does a really nice job breaking down what’s new and different about this camera. Now we might not be David Pogue but come on Sony, we would love to test out your camera too! Contact us?

[New York Times]

Sony Alpha A77 at CES 2011, E-Firmware Update Soon?

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2010 | 4 comments

Sony has recently been going around and showing off its prototype Alpha, dubbed “Advances Model”, though it wouldn’t be a hard stretch to assume from its features and designs that this will indeed by the Sony Alpha A77. Rumors put it that the camera will be officially unveiled at CES 2011 and on sale sometime after that. Building off the translucent mirror technology that Sony has used in its A55 and A33, the A77 is said to have full HD video mode, recording in AVCHD. Furthermore, expect an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, as Sony is noting that it will be “far more powerful than the a55,” with goals to target “serious enthusiast photographers.”

Now for all you NEX owners (and I hope to be one of them by CES), Sony is looking to release a new firmware update mid October to bring “autofocus support to A-mount lenses used on E-mount cameras, aperture control in video mode and customizable keys.” In order to give users even more flexibility, Sony is looking to introduce a total of 10 new A-mount lenses by 2012 and is said to be looking for some partners to offer even a more extensive lineup. More options can never hurt, right?

Sony Alpha A55/A33 Having Sensor Overheating Issues?

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2010 | 4 comments

Various websites are pointing out that the recently-launched Sony A55 and A33 are having sensor overheating issues while recording video. That is to say, if you are recording with Image Stabilization on for a continuous 11 minutes, with temperatures higher than 70F (20C), you will notice the heat from your unit and it will probably shut down on you. This is actually caused by the new translucent mirror technology that Sony is using which has a hard time in high usage. Nikon has the same exact issue, so their solution is to just limit your video shooting to 5 minutes clips. The solution for Sony users? There are a few, actually. First, there is no video recording limit, so feel free to record as long as you feel like it until you actually notice a heat issue, and remember, this is for continuous video recording only. Shooting in few minute bursts is not an issue at all. Second, if you turn off Image Stabilization, your camera can achieve 30 minutes of continuous video recording with no problem.

Sony Alpha A33 Auto Focus

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 13, 2010 | 5 comments

We recently posted a video showcasing the ability for the A33 to shoot in its burst mode at an insane speed. Now we have the follow-up video, courtesy of Engadget, of the amazing new capability of the A33; Auto Focus. In order to activate this, all you need to do is to place the camera in video mode and the camera takes care of the rest. It does not matter whether you are recording or not as the camera will continue to pull focus as need be, a true first in the DSRL world.

Sony to bring new Alpha DSRL on August 24th

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 16, 2010 | 6 comments

For anybody who is looking to buy a new Alpha in the up coming week, I would recommend that you hold off on that purchase and for anybody who just bought one, I would check your return policy. As typical, Sony on August 24th will be unveiling its new Alpha lineup for the fall. As reported from the guys over at sonyalpharumors.com, the new DSRL will be getting 10fps shooting capabilites, as well as “transparent mirror (if you don’t want to have the little light loss when using the mirror).” During this event, Sony will also be updating or tweaking some of its Cybershots as well, most likely to add further 3D capabilities.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sort Of Hands On With The Sony Alpha A390 and A290

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 28, 2010 | 55 comments

While we hope Sony one day gives us love by hitting our Contact Us page and offering us units to demo and review, we won’t neglect our readers from gaining some more insight on the new Sony A390 and A290 that we reported on. The guys over at Engadget got to spend some time with it and were so far impressed saying “we were certainly impressed by both cameras’ build quality” and “the 2.7-inch LCD looked sharp and served us well for all purposes“. So hit them up for some pictures of these new units.

[Via Engadget]

2 New Entry Levels Alphas: The Sony A390 and A290

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 10, 2010 | 3 comments

Today, Sony is updating its entry Alpha lineup with the A390 and the A290. While they both look similar, there are some noticeable differences between the two that some of the other blogs have missed.

Both units do indeed come with a 14.2MP sensor but while the A290 ($500) will come with a 18-55 mm lens and sport a 0.83x magnification with a slightly larger screen, its higher-end sister, the A390 ($600), will actually come with a 0.74x magnification and slightly smaller LCD. However, the A390 makes it up with its 2.7-inch Quick AF Live View. This will be a very familiar feature for those (including me) who owned the Sony-A717. This basically allows you to tilt the LCD down or up, so if you are looking to crouch or shoot over a crowd or object with your hand up in the air, you can just tilt the LCD to your given position and still take the picture you want. It’s easily worth the extra $100. Look for these units to hit in July.

Hit the jump for a spec sheet picture.

Sony Alpha Cameras To Gain 3D?

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 9, 2010 | 0 comments

Last week, during its annual Computex press conference, NVIDIA unveiled technology that would give DSLR cameras the capability to turn images into 3D with a post process conversion. This basically eliminates the idea of needing different lenses for your pictures although there isn’t a lot of detail whether this is done in camera or later on via a software. Of course the surprise (or now lack thereof) was that NVIDIA is teaming up with Sony to deliver this technology. Sony is of course going to be offering this feature in its high end Alpha series (sorry Cybershot fans). Beyond that, there is not a lot of information, but I think that this is a fantastic move on Sony’s end. Sony really needs to stick behind 3D and leverage its different brands. So far, its giving the PS3 3D capabilities, individual Blu-ray players, as well as its 3D televisions, camcorders and of course, its releasing 3D movies as well. This just expands the idea of 3D one more level and into the hands of the consumer.

[Via Engadget]

First Sony Alpha 290 Images And Specs

by Sohrab Osati | May 19, 2010 | 0 comments

It’s been a long time coming, but the successor to the entry level Alpha 230 looks to be the A290. Although there is no word on the pricing since Sony has not revealed the unit yet, there are quite a few specs that we can report on. The Alpha comes with:

14 megapixel CCD with a BIONZ image processor
a maximum 3200 ISO
2.7-inch LCD
2.5fps maximum shooting speed.

The Alpha 290 can use the Sony Memory Stick or SDHC and will come with a 18 – 55mm lens. Good time to upgrade to the new Memory Sticks huh?

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]