Author: David Kilpatrick

Professional photographer and journalist, founder and editor of magazines PHOTOpro, Photon, Freelance Photographer, f2 and Cameracraft. For 25 years director of the Minolta Club. Fellow of the BIPP and Hon. Fellow of the MPA.

NEX-VG900E full frame HD video – full info

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Sony introduces first 35mm full-frame Handycam®
 
NEX-VG900E interchangeable lens Full HD camcorder
 

  • 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor full-frame CMOS sensor
  • Compatible with full-frame A-mount lenses via supplied adaptor (also compatible with growing range of E-mount lenses)
  • Full HD 50p/25p/24p progressive movie recording
  • Extensive manual controls and ‘seesaw’ zoom lever
  • Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone for high-quality stereo and 5.1ch sound
  • High contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder
  • 7.5 cm (3.0”) XtraFine touch panel LCD

Video makers can embrace the limitless expressive power of full-frame imaging with the new Handycam® NEX-VG900E E-mount interchangeable lens Full HD camcorder from Sony.

It’s joined by the Handycam® NEX-VG30E that builds on the success of the NEX-VG20E, sharing the same APS-C image sensor as its predecessor while adding several enhancements.

Handycam® NEX-VG900E

Offering supreme imaging quality and generous creative options, it’s the first Handycam® with a 35mm sensor to fully exploit the artistic potential of interchangeable lenses by Sony and Carl Zeiss.

With a resolution of 24.3 effective megapixels, the Sony-developed Exmor CMOS sensor inside the NEX-VG900E is around 40 times larger than the equivalent in ordinary consumer camcorders. It’s also more than twice the size of the APS-C sized sensor found in other interchangeable lens Handycam® models.

As well as permitting beautiful ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects with the growing range of α lenses, its high sensitivity assures extremely clear, low-noise images. The large sensor size assures effortless reproduction of the finest tonal gradations, helping the most demanding cinematographer fully realise their creative vision.

The sensor also allows the NEX-VG900E to shoot full-frame 24.0 effective megapixel still photos, with all the quality you’d expect from a pro-class DSLR camera. Still images can be shot in RAW format for total post-processing freedom.

Beautiful, film-like results can be achieved by shooting video in 25p/24p progressive mode, with Cinema Tone Gamma™ and Cinema Tone Colour™ offering precise control over cinematic colour grading effects. AVCHD version 2.0 standard 50p recording is additionally supported, maximising the range of creative options for movie-makers to explore. Even greater flexibility is provided by a choice of new Picture Effect modes, enabling easy creation of artistic ‘in-camera’ treatments whether you’re shooting HD video or stills.

Video shooting is further enhanced by a ‘seesaw’ lever that allows smooth, polished electronic zoom control. The lever adjusts optical zoom when using compatible E-mount lenses that feature built-in zoom drive. The lever controls electronic zoom when using the camcorder with fixed focal lenses for impressive creative results.

As an extra refinement, the NEX-VG900E switches automatically from full-frame operation to APS-C mode when an E-mount or A-mount DT lens is attached. This allows users to get the most out of their collection of DT lenses that are optimised for cameras with a smaller APS-C image sensor.

The camcorder also comes supplied with the LA-EA3 adaptor that lets photographers use full-frame A-mount DSLR lenses at their designated focal length.

There’s a generous palette of control options and manual settings to satisfy the demanding video enthusiast. Aperture priority, shutter speed priority or manual exposure, are all selectable and white balance can be adjusted manually to suit the demands of any scene. Iris, shutter speed, and gain adjustments can be easily made via logically-positioned direct access keys. Accurate manual focusing is assisted by the camcorder’s pro-style display peaking function, complemented by a one-touch focus magnification button on the top of the grip.

Serious videographers will welcome the detail-packed XGA OLED Tru-Finder that offers high-contrast image monitoring with superbly natural colour rendition. Complementing the Tru-Finder, there’s an adjustable XtraFine touch-panel LCD monitor, with Sony’s unique technology for high contrast images with rich, deep blacks.

High-quality audio is a crucial part of the HD video experience with the NEX-VG900E. A unique Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone features four omnidirectional capsules that can be switched for stereo or 5.1ch surround recording. Recording levels are adjustable, with accurate visual confirmation provided by an audio level meter on the LCD display. There’s also a headphone jack for direct monitoring of sounds being recorded.

The new Multi Interface Shoe provides compatibility with accessories including the optional XLR-K1M adaptor kit that adds a high-quality mono shotgun mic and pro-standard XLR connections.

Handycam® NEX-VG30EH/VG30E

Sharing many of the pro-oriented enhancements of the NEX-VG900E, the Handycam® NEX-VG30E succeeds the acclaimed NEX-VG20E. With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the new camcorder’s Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor assures outstanding image quality with the range of interchangeable E-mount lenses.

Like the NEX-VG900E, it’s possible to shoot smooth, cinematic Full HD video footage at either 50p, 25p or 24p (progressive) frame rates, supported by a palette of artistic Picture Effect modes.

The NEX-VG30E also features the same XGA OLED Tru-Finder, comprehensive manual controls and ‘seesaw’ style zoom lever as the NEX-VG900E.

The NEX-VG30EH comes supplied as a kit with the new E PZ (Power Zoom) 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS (Optical SteadyShot) lens that provides a versatile range from wide angle to telephoto. Offering smooth, quiet AF operation and Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, the lens also features an additional ‘seesaw’ lever on the barrel for smooth, professional-style zoom control with adjustable speeds.

The Handycam® NEX-VG900E and NEX-VG30E camcorders from Sony are available in the UK from November and December respectively.
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HD Video, Lenses - Alpha Mount, News, NEX System

Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 full information

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Cyber-shot™ DSC-RX1 from Sony is world’s first1 compact camera with 35mm full-frame 24.3 effective megapixel sensor
 

  • Full-frame imaging from a compact camera that’s drastically smaller and lighter than any full-frame DSLR
  • Exmor™ CMOS sensor with approximately 24.3 effective megapixels for flawless, detail-packed photos and Full HD video
  • Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F2 prime lens; with Macro mode for 20cm minimum focusing distance
  • Extremely wide sensitivity range from ISO 100 – 25600
  • Intuitive manual controls with aperture and focus rings
  • New Multi Interface Shoe compatible with optional flash, electronic viewfinder, optical viewfinder etc.

The extraordinary new Cyber-shot™ DSC-RX1 from Sony offers photo enthusiasts the chance to explore the creative possibilities of full-frame imaging with a compact digital camera that fits easily in the palm of your hand.

At just 482g (with battery and memory card), it packs a 35mm full-frame sensor and wide aperture F2 fixed-focal lens into a camera body that’s perfectly proportioned for travel and street photography as well as portraits and day-to-day shooting.

Far smaller and lighter than any full-frame DSLR, the Cyber-shot™ RX1 offers superb imaging quality that’s previously been the domain of high-end professional DSLR cameras. The unified lens/body design assures razor-sharp alignment of the sensor and optical components, bringing out the full potential of the lens to deliver unprecedented image quality, right to the very edges of each frame. Full manual control options are complemented by effortlessly intuitive operation, making it easy for enthusiasts to realise their creative vision without sacrificing portability or operating comfort.

In a world first1 for digital compact cameras, the Cyber-shot™ RX1 features a 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor. With a resolution of 24.3 effective megapixels, it’s over twice the area of the APS-C sensor inside much bulkier DSLR cameras. Capable of resolving the finest image details and subtle textures, the full-frame sensor assures absolute fidelity, rich colours and an impressively broad dynamic range.

The large sensor size also helps boost the camera’s sensitivity range to a generous ISO 100 – 25600. Sensitivity can be adjusted as low as ISO 50 in expanded mode2. Similarly, ISO settings as high as 102400 can be achieved using Multi Frame Noise Reduction, allowing the Cyber-shot™ RX1 to capture natural, low noise handheld images in near-dark conditions without needing flash.

Complementing the full-frame sensor is a fast, bright Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens with a fixed focal length of 35mm – a versatile choice for portraits, street photography and everyday shooting. Derived from the German word “Sonne” (“sun”), the Sonnar name reflects the ability of the lens to capture as much light as possible. This premium lens features newly designed optics including an Advanced Aspherical (AA) glass element which contributes to the camera’s extremely compact palm-sized dimensions without sacrificing optical performance.

The lens’s wide F2 maximum aperture and 9-bladed circular aperture enable beautiful ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects to rival professional-class DSLR camera lenses. A Macro switching ring on the lens barrel instantly shortens minimum focusing distance to just 20cm (from image plane), making the Cyber-shot™ RX1 ideal for capturing small close-up subjects with exquisite detail.

Data from the Exmor CMOS sensor is handled by the evolved BIONZ engine that also powers full-resolution burst shooting at up to 5 frames per second. The BIONZ processor can output image data in 14-bit RAW format, giving advanced users immense freedom over developing, post-processing and managing RAW files to match their personal creative vision.

Despite the camera’s extraordinarily compact dimensions, photographers are offered a virtually limitless palette of options for creative expression. The Cyber-shot™ RX1 also offers a full range of manual control modes, just as you’d expect from a no-compromise DSLR camera.

Dedicated lens rings allow fingertip control of focus and aperture, while a DSLR-style Focus mode dial on the front of the camera allows easy switching between focus modes. Top-mounted exposure compensation and mode dials are ergonomically placed for easy operation, while custom function and AEL buttons fall comfortably to hand without interrupting your creative flow.

Accessed via the camera’s pro-style control dial and cross keys, Quick Navi mode allows fast, intuitive adjustment of camera settings which is ideal when using the camera with an optional viewfinder. In addition, the camera also features a memory recall (MR) mode that allows storage and instant recall of up to 3 sets of camera settings.

Other refinements include a MF Assist function that magnifies a portion of your image to simplify fine focus adjustments. There’s also a pro-style peaking function that highlights sharply-focused areas of the image on screen – adding the optional FDA-EV1MK electronic viewfinder kit allows even greater manual focusing precision.

Pixel Super Resolution Technology allows magnification of image size without sacrificing pixel count, maintaining far higher quality than achievable with conventional digital zoom. The camera also features a Smart Teleconverter function that crops a central portion of the image sensor, boosting effective magnification by 1.4x or 2x. Thanks to the full-frame sensor’s extremely high pixel count, even zoomed and cropped images maintain generous amounts of fine detail when blown up at large print sizes.

In addition to flawless stills, the Cyber-shot™ RX1 can capture high-quality, low-noise Full HD movie footage at a choice of 50p/60p or 25p/24p (progressive) frame rates. 24p recording enables the Cyber-shot RX1 to transform everyday scenes into film-like movies, making it easy to record beautifully atmospheric video in very low lighting. The camera also provides a full complement of PASM exposure modes to give photographers absolute creative flexibility during video shooting.

Artistically ambitious photographers can even fine-tune images with a choice of 13 Creative Styles, plus a wide range of inspiring ‘PC-free’ Picture Effect treatments. Furthermore, wider compositional possibilities are offered by Auto HDR and D-Range Optimiser, bracket shooting (Exposure, DRO or White Balance) and Auto HDR shooting modes. The camera even offers a Digital Level Gauge that indicates camera pitch and camera roll on the LCD screen for straight, even horizons and architectural shots.

Shooting possibilities for stills and video are broadened by the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe3 that accepts a growing range of accessories. Options include a powerful flash, electronic viewfinder, optical viewfinder, clip-on LCD monitor. Also available are a high-quality jacket case, lens hood and thumb grip for sure, comfortable handling.

Learn more about official accessories by Sony for the Cyber-shot™ RX1 here:

www.sony.co.uk/hub/cyber-shot-digital-cameras/accessories

The Cyber-shot™ RX1 also comes preinstalled with PlayMemories Home (Lite Edition) software, allowing easy image transfers to a PC for managing, editing and printing. Available for free download, a full version of PlayMemories Home adds movie editing and disc burning.

Also available as a free download, PlayMemories Studio allows game-like editing of photos and videos on PlayStation®3. Images can be shared easily via PlayMemories Online, the cloud-based sharing service from Sony that simplifies ‘any time, any place’ viewing on a wide range of connected devices.

The new Cyber-shot™ RX1 full-frame digital compact camera from Sony is available in Europe from December 2012.

1 Among compact digital still cameras. According to Sony research, as of September 12, 2012.

2 Recordable dynamic range is reduced at sensitivity levels below ISO100.

3 The Cyber-shot™ RX1 is equipped with Sony’s newly-developed Multi Interface Shoe. This is capable of accommodating various accessories for photo and movie shooting such as flash and microphones, while drawing power from the camera. It is also compatible with Sony accessories that use the standard ISO 518 accessory shoe. The Multi Interface Shoe was developed as a common shoe for imaging products by Sony – such as digital still cameras, digital video cameras and interchangeable lens cameras – promoting compatibility among accessories and offering an enhanced shooting experience for users.
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News, Sony Digital Csmeras

No AA filter for future Sony models?

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Pentax’s new K5 IIs – a 16 megapixel DSLR with a proper glass prism giving nearly 100% view and 92% scale – is a variant of the improved K5 announced overnight (British time) without an AA filter.

You might be interested in Pentax when you learn that their new SAFOX AF assembly goes down to EV -3 sensitivity, which is twice the low light sensitivity of any Sony AF unit so far made – and to date, no company has bettered the low light ability of Sony AF modules. You don’t get anything better than Sony even from Canon and Nikon, when it comes to operating in low light.

But now you do, you get Pentax at twice the sensitivity. You also get the entire SAFOX module offering f/2.8 accuracy, not just the centre spot. Bear in mind that the latest 15-zone and similar assemblies used by Nikon, Sony and others actually only offer a fixed f/5.6 accuracy. Pentax has just leapfrogged AF technology, moving (in theory) from a rather conservative SAFOX to a new design we’d say was more SAWOLF than mere FOX…

And then, from a company famous for softish images (the 645D is the softest medium format camera around) we get a Sony 16 megapixel sensor stripped of its AA filter.

Will there be a Nikon D7oooE or more likely D7100E? Will we get an A37E or – in our dreams – an Alpha 580E?

Got to say that if I was jumping ship Pentax would be the first rope this rat would look to be running up!

– DK

2
Cameras (DSLR), DK's ramblings

Sony aims for the sky – RX1?

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According to Sonyalpharumours, on Wednesday Sony will not only announce the Alpha 99 full frame SLT, but will reveal a compact bodied full frame fixed lens model with the same 24 megapixel sensor, called the RX1 and taking the concept of the RX100 zoom ‘one inch’ format model to a new height (photo – from Sonyalpharumours).

It’s a retro-appeal camera, with a mode dial, an over-ride dial, lens apertures set round the lens, a conventional hot shoe and a a manual focus ring which doubles as a fast means to switch between two AF ranges, 20-35cm and 35cm to infinity. It has no viewfinder, just a fixed positon rear screen, but apparently will have EVF and optical finder attachments.

Inside Sony, I think there’s been some serious divisional competition between the former Minolta Alpha group and the more powerfully connected Cyber-shot team. All the indicators are that sometime earlier this year the two divisions were put into a competing situation and there may ultimately be one winner, one loser. That’s how Sony culture is structured, according to every insider view I have heard since Sony acquired the Minolta camera brand in 2006. Groups, departments, teams and individuals are weighed against each other as well as against their industry rivals. The winners are rewarded with promotion and bigger budgets, the losers have to survive with diminished resources. It’s a deliberately competitive environment.

I believe the Cyber-shot team got hold of this sensor to compete head-on with the NEX team. This is part of Sony’s internal camera design Olympics and only Gold counts. The RX100 has been a sell-out success and given the division the authority to take Cyber-shot models to places where the DSC-R1 was once heading before Alpha and NEX arrived on the scene and shut that line of development down. They kept the RX100 under wraps to spring it on the world – including other Sony camera teams – as a blockbuster surprise. Now they have done the same with the RX1. Where next?

But, will a camera like this sell? Did it ever sell in the era of film – and why should anything be different today, give or take temporary fashions for the limitations of retro-style specifications?

Konica Hexar 35

In fact there were plenty of cameras with lens specifications around 35mm f/2 over the years, but very few survived after zoom lens compacts arrived. The era of Hi-Matics, Canonets, Yashica or Ricoh 35s saw apertures up to f/1.7 and focal lengths ranging from 35mm to 45mm. By the time 20 years of zoom lens SLRs and 10 years of zoom compacts had destroyed that market, it had moved in favour of boutique level pocktables like the Contax T2, retro Rollei 35, Minox 35 and their copies. The 35mm focal length won the day in the smaller bodies, but f/2.8 replaced faster apertures to keep size and weight down.

Minolta broke away with the titanium-bodied TC-1, one of the most expensive such cameras ever made. It had a 28mm f/3.5 G-series lens designed with a large rear element and a concave front surface, using new aspherical technology. Instead of a variable aperture, it used perfectly round laser cut Waterhouse stops which eliminated diffraction effects. This proved a valuable precursor to digital camera lenses later on, needing the same technology for ultra-short focal lengths and small sensors.

But it was left to Konica reintroduce the rangefinder-style body with a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, in the form of the Hexar 35, another very expensive and beautifully made design. The Hexar was the fin-de-siècle failure that bad design detail ensured it would be. No-one wanted a leaf shutter camera – even one with a near-silent slow winding mode for filmset and concert shooting – that was limited to 1/250th top shutter speed. Leaf shutters were perfect for synchro-sun flash, but plenty of focal plane shutters could do 1/250th. If the camera had been equipped with a 1/500th or 1/1000th top speed its hybrid electronic control system and Aperture Priority basis would still have missed the mark. Konica went on to show a full Hexar RF Leica M mount system at photokina 2002, finishing it off with some revolutionary additions at the same event in 2004, by which time Minolta and Konica had merged.

Within days of the close of photokina, the Hexar 35 and the RF system were discontinued. Whatever feedback they had received, the merged Konica Minolta dropped the Konica brand and with it the highest end Konica cameras. The fact was they had not sold, and had not sold profitably.

Which could be why the Cyber-shot division is aiming for the sky with the RX1, and pricing it at a rumoured $2799.

That’s over £2,000 in British money with VAT, for a fixed lens camera – even though it will shoot 5fps, 24 megapixels, and has a Zeiss Sonnar lens. It may also be the first time a Sonnar has covered this angle at f/2, previous incarnations have either been f/2.8 at 63° coverage or been longer relative focal lengths at f/2 (I stand to be corrected on this – the Contax G system used a 35mm f/2 Planar).

To that $2799 you can add a viewfinder and possibly other accessories. This is one camera for which I would expect to see both 0.7X wide angle and 1.5X tele lens converters (24.5mm and 52.5mm equivalents). Combined with intelligent cropping and resampling, the 24 megapixel full frame should also offer 1.4 or 1.5X and 2X digital tele, or perhaps a variable digital zoom, and a likely 3X/2X/1.4X range of video crops. Then again, Sony may be playing very clean and avoiding these options even if they would improve the experience of a fixed 35mm lens for many users.

35mm logic

I have to say that at this point, Sony has left me behind. It’s neat focal length in the Leica system because it’s been around in optically acceptable form and fast maximum apertures since the 1960s.

The classic lens sets for 35mm full frame started with the 35/50/85-90mm trio. This was because so many rangefinder cameras used interlens shutters and interchangeable front groups rather than entire lens in front of focal plane shutters. Anything shorter than 35mm was expensive and huge, anything longer than 90mm couldn’t be focused very reliably. So we ended up with launches like the Leica CL – just a 40mm and 90mm lens pair. But Leica had moved on long before in the M-series, starting with the M2 (35mm widest lens) alongside the M3 (50mm, anything wider needing ‘spectacles’ or a separate finder), then the M4-P which for the first time put 28mm on board. So the Minolta CLE Leica-mount kit appeared with 28/40/90mm as its kit, and fifteen years later the Contax G system came with 28/45/90 as an alternative to the more affordable 35/90. Konica offered their RF straight out with a 28/50/90mm set.

Fuji’s XPro-1 has been a success, and its launch lens set is 27/52.5/90mm. Now there’s a big gap from 18mm to 35mm (actual focal lengths) and they will fill it with a 35mm-equivalent. But would you want that on its own? I know someone who has a Leica M9 with just a 35mm f/2. That was a budget decision. Given enough money they would have the 24mm, 28mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm too!

Well-mannered and perfect though it has every chance of being, a 35mm f/2 on full frame is as uninspiring for me as the Fujfilm X100’s fixed 23mm f/2 on APS-C was. It’s a good focal length for small groups indoors, general house and garden shots, and street candids. It’s too short for conventional portraiture and too long for environmental editorial people pix. It’s easy to use and fairly boring.

Most of all, it is extremely easy to MAKE. The history of photo gear is one where lenses with a 60-65° angle of view have been good. Unlike early 28mms, 35mms were OK. The same angle of view on any compact digital, of any sensor size, is still good and many are f/2, even if they don’t offer the same lazy solution to defining the centre of interest in a shot.

I do not need to spend $2799 to get what the RX1 appears to offer. I didn’t even want it in the NEX-7 and have never felt tempted to buy the 24mm f/2.

I think, perhaps, that after a long time of ignoring photographers Sony finally listened. They may have listened to the wrong ones. The lens enthusiasts of dPreview represent a tiny minority. Those who will spend nearly $3k on a fixed lens compact – even with full frame – are even fewer.

Now, when do I get to apply for a job selling it into China? There is one place with new buying habits to match this camera perfectly!

– David Kilpatrick

2
DK's ramblings, News, Rumours, Sony Digital Csmeras

Canon USA – extreme price competition

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You may well ask how any other maker can compete when Canon USA is offering – througn a reputable dealer like B&H – a bargain like this. Photoclubalpha has not covered other camera brands much in the past, but this is such an extreme price deal we feel obliged to let readers know, and also to speculate on exactly what Canon is up to.

First, it’s photokina next week (from the 18th for the public). The big Cologne biennial show is always a time when the old makes way for the new. And we know that just as Sony is about to be forced to revise many lenses to handle on-sensor PDAF, Canon is about to convert most of its basic lens range to ‘STM’ – a stepper motor silent focusing mechanism which is compatible with contrast-detect, PDAF-on-sensor, and live AF during video. The present micromotor and original USM lenses won’t cut it with the EOS-M and adaptor even if they ‘work’ just as Minolta and early Sony lenses will with tomorrow’s bodies. Both companies now need to update the focus mechanism, exit pupil geometry, and protocols of their lens ranges.

Secondly, if you see the number of Sony models now on sale in major stores in the UK, the displays are for the first time matching Canon. We don’t have the figures but by the end of the year Sony will be showing significant market share gains in various regional markets. Canon may still be riding way above Sony sales, but they must also be worried.

That’s why you can get – now – a Canon EOS Rebel T3i (known as the EOS 600D outside the USA) complete with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S IS II kit lens, a 55-250mm f/4-5.6 EF-S IS II tele (correction to original post – B&H’s email gave the impression it was not stabilised), a spare third party Pearstone battery pack, a SanDisk 30Mb/s Ultra SDHC 16GB card, and the substantial PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II A3+ printer with 50 sheets of its biggest paper size – Canon’s own 13 x 19″ Photo Paper Plus semigloss…

For $599.

That’s ridiculous to anyone in Europe. The equivalent for the UK, bar the horrible taxes we have to discourage our economy here, of £375.99. This price depends on some sharp reductions, bundling, an instant in-store saving of $250 and a write-in cashback claim of $400. It’s a bit of hassle but this is a seriously good DSLR, even if it does have the name Canon on the front, with two useful stabilised lenses covering 18 to 250mm without a gap, plus a professional quality inkjet.

We’ve been testing the PIXMA Pro1 here, and it’s hard to fault, working well with Canon’s DPP software (take notice, Sony, that Canon users often actually USE their bundled software!) or Photoshop through two different printing methods, one of which offers full job management and lots of options for batches or runs or smaller prints on large paper. The Pro9000 MkII is a product at the end of life’s retail journey so you can consider this a kind of clearance offer, and the $400 payback is dependent on buying the printer. Guess that ink will make a big profit back over the next few years…

Here is the link to B&H’s offer with the rebate details. However long this lasts, whether you are a Canon user just visiting Photoclubalpha, an Alpha user looking for a complete second outfit to give to the dog to use with that new litter of puppies, or maybe a college student on a really strapped budget looking for a kit ideal to take you through to graduation – we would say grab it now.

And Sony, please do something like this for your user community and the unconverted yet-to-buy masses!

– DK

0
Cameras (DSLR), DK's ramblings, News

Cameracraft – a new quality photo quarterly

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STOP PRESS update: Cameracraft issue 1, Q4 2012, will mail out on Tuesday  September 11th. Subscriptions placed by the end of Sunday  9th will be included in the mailout. Subscriptions placed after this date may be mailed before September 14th if possible, but the week after that is photokina – and we will be unable to mail out between September 15th and 21st.

One year ago we took the difficult decision to end the publication of Photoworld, though Photoclubalpha continues as an active and well supported site. Thank you for visitng here to see our news posts, reviews of equipment and forum.

I’ve been missing making magazines with true editorial freedom for some time. So, a new quarterly – like Photoworld in quality, starting out with 44 pages and no advertising – is about to appear. The name is Cameracraft, harking back to the West Coast American title  (written as two words) which was published in the first half of the 20th century.

Cameracraft is an international magazine. Gary Friedman in Los Angeles is our US Associate Editor with a regular feature article. We’re looking for work of international interest, we have a small open picture gallery in each issue, and we are printing portfolios in classic style as an 8-page central section on heavier silk paper.

The first issue is scheduled for mailing before September 14th and has now gone to press. We will have a subscriber card, we plan a passworded private forum, and we offer optional magazine binders (fitting three years each). We plan to develop exclusive benefits for our readers in future. The subscriber card will be issued late 2012 and sent out with Issue 2 in December, once we’ve worked out a good way to ensure the right cards go to the right people…

        

Please take a look at the subscription page here:

http://www.iconpublications.com/cameracraft

On this page you will find a link to a downloadable PDF application form if you are interesting in subscribing and prefer not to use the Paypal payment method. At present the 3-year, 12-issue Cordex bookshelf binder is only offered on the webpage, but the address carrier sheet for the first issue has a form on the reverse for ordering. We expect to ship the binders mid to late October.

I hope you can join me on this new journey. It started over 30 years ago, in 1980, when Minolta Camera Co. of Osaka asked us to run the Minolta Club of Great Britain and upgrade their Photoworld magazine to a high quality colour title which became known as Minolta Image. When Minolta merged with Konica, we changed the name back. After Sony took over the camera brand, they asked us to stop publishing but didn’t offer to refund thousands of club members, so of course, we kept going independently. In Summer 2011 we printed the last copy of Photoworld.

At the time, we promised our remaining readers an Alpha Annual in 2012. For many reasons that has not been possible, and a return to publishing a magazine in quarterly form for a like-minded group of readers proves a more flexible offering. We do have Alpha content, of course, but from now on we can balance this. We’ve had comments along the lines that a 44-page magazine is too slim for a quarterly. Photoworld/Image was 36 pages, and in the last year or two, only 28. I have counted the editorial pages in magazines with 76 or 84 overall and find that most only have 44 (or so) with all the rest being advertising. We think it’s good value and if the readership grows we will take it as far as the printing and postage costs allow.

Best wishes – 

David Kilpatrick
Publisher and Editor, Icon Publications Ltd and Photoclubalpha 

0
DK's ramblings, News

Sony collapsible pancake zoom specs

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The Sony NEX system collapsible zoom will be an f/3.5-5.6 design focusing to 0.3m if specifications accidentally included with the information on the NEX-5R are accurate. And it will be a power zoom, we think.

The Sony.com info includes in the camera specification this line:

“AF Illuminator : Built-in, LED type (with a range of approx. 0.3-3.0m (with E PZ16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS attached))”

This is not the existing 18-55mm OSS lens shown on the camera product shots, or included in the list of compatible lenses. The clue is in the name, E PZ instead of just E or SEL. The 50mm could easily be a typo, but combined with the different focus range (down to 30cm instead of the 25cm minimum) we think this reference is definitely to a new compact, collapsing 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom.

Those who are hoping for an f/2.8 might indeed get one of a different type,  but this specification looks competitive as a replacement for the 18-55mm, and not unlike the Olympus/Panasonic Micro FourThirds 14-42mm collapsible power zooms.

All the stocks of the NEX-5R currently being offered, and all the samples apparently previewed by the press, have been fitted with the old (existing) 18-55mm OSS lens.

Here is the page on which you will find, under the specs for the AF illuminator only, the reference to the previously unannounced E PZ lens model:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666484205#specifications

Here is a page listing all the current compatible lenses (expand to view 10):

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666484205#compatability

It is worth noting that the Phase Detect PDAF system of the NEX-5R could reduce the true resolution of the central focus zone by as much as 20% locally (vertical) and raw image interpolation will restore the integrity of the images despite 99 focus points, each one of which uses three different sensel-based phase detect pixel pairs to cope with the range of exit pupil positions found on different lenses. Since the outer zone of any image is usually slightly lower resolution than the centre, the effect will be to make the NEX-5R more even in sharpness/resolution across the frame but lacking the very sharp centre zone normally found.

Added: we calculate that the PDAF uses 594 single pixels at the minimum based on three pixel pairs (one for each of three exit pupil positions) per AF point.

Effective PDAF depends on the camera knowing the actual design of the lens, because the focus distance and the rear exit pupil (rear nodal point and exit pupil diameter) are both needed for the camera to switch seamlessly to the correct pitch of on-sensor PDAF points. On-sensor PDAF is a bit like the old microprism or split image screens, it depends on a relative darkening of one side or the other of a pair of pixels as focus is changed. It works best close to the lens axis and over a specific range of apertures.

New lenses can be designed to be highly efficient with on-sensor PDAF. On-sensor PDAF has probably been designed to be usable with older lenses. What you probably can not expect from the 5R, or other on-sensor PDAF models, is reliable PDAF using SSM or SAM Alpha lenses on an LA-EA1 adaptor. It may be that it won’t work at all with some Alpha lenses even if they function with contrast detect focusing (and will still use that on the 5R).

– DK

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NEX System

ACR 7.2 and Lightroom 4.2 RC – RX100 compatible

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The good news is that you can now download, free, the Release Candidate versions (expire October 31st) of Adobe’s Lightroom 4.2 and Camera Raw 7.2, as well as DNG Converter 7.2, which will give you raw conversions for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX-100.

The bad news is that no camera lens profile is included, and until someone creates one, the distortions and CA of the RX-100 lens are not corrected by these programs. Also, we can confirm that no further highlight recovery is possible, beyond that already enabled in Sony Image Data Converter. This has not always been the case with ACR/LR. They have often enabled clipped highlights to be recovered with useful detail from KM and Sony raw files. The RX-100 raw files are right on the edge of overexposure and you just can’t pull burned out highlights back in.

But against this, the high ISO performance of the RX-100 is superior to, for example, the NEX-5n. That’s surprising and worrying, as the 5n is better than the NEX-7. ISO 3200 images from the RX-100, processed through ACR 7.2RC, are about as good as any APS-C camera currently manages and not far off what can be expected from a full framer.

Shot at f/1.8 on the RX-100, 1/30th, ISO 3200 – about as dark as it gets for hand held shots.

100% ACR 7.2 clip with NO noise reduction at all and no sharpening

On the Canon 5D MkIII, 1/3oth at f/2.8 using the 40mm pancake lens – twice as much light as the pub scene above, gold Olympic letterbox in Edinburgh seen by night time street lighting

Sure, at 100% under the same process conditions it is better – but once you apply NR to the Sony image, the difference is levelled considerably. And this is the world’s best full framer for low light, right now, over 20 megapixels.

Here is your download link for Adobe Lightroom ACR 4.2 RC:

http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/lightroom4-2.html

And here is your link for ACR and DNG Converter:

http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/cameraraw7-2.html

The results at speeds from ISO 80 to 400 are a match for any DSLR, with the exception of the issue of dynamic range above highlight clipping. There is no significant margin for highlight recovery. This is a marked contrast to the early KM Sony sensor such as the 8 megapixel used in the Dimage A2, which had almost two stops of clipping-free highlight recovery using the metered exposure in high contrast situations.

– DK

 

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Sony technology statement – new stuff all round

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Whether you like it or not – and some aspects are going to be useful – Sony is rolling out a whole new generation of gear including advances in digital imaging. This is a long statement made at a press conference. It would take a long time to edit it, so here’s their text in full.

Sony Accelerates Revitalisation of Electronics Business by Enhancing User Experiences with New Product Offensive
 
Sony Corporation’s President and Chief Executive Officer Kazuo Hirai unveils an array of Xperia smartphones, a new Xperia-branded Tablet, VAIO PC, Wi-Fi camera, NFC-enabled audio devices, new applications, new musical partnership, a Book of Spells and a showstopping 84-inch BRAVIA 4KTV at IFA 2012
 
 
Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today unveiled a portfolio of advanced next-generation products which will help accelerate the revitalisation of the electronics business.

Kazuo Hirai, Sony Corporation’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, speaking at Sony Europe’s press conference at the IFA electronics show in Berlin, launched a range of compelling products – each emphasising Sony’s stated strategic focus on Mobile, Digital Imaging and Gaming.

“This is an extraordinary company going through extraordinary times. It forces us to confront difficult realities and make hard business decisions. We must look at ourselves honestly and hold true to the values and purpose of Sony. I am determined to do this with a laser-like focus, speed and execution,” said Hirai. “The products I unveil today will show Sony’s long-standing ambition to deliver what customers value – a simpler, easier, more entertaining and user-friendly experience.”

The range of new products announced in Berlin includes three new Xperia smartphones – one featured in the forthcoming James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ – a new splash proof Tablet, a new hybrid slate/laptop VAIO PC, a new NEX camera with built in Wi-Fi enabling feature-adds post purchase, and enhanced NFC enabled headphones and audio devices.

Sony also unveiled a stunning 84-inch BRAVIA 4K TV, promising a totally immersive experience and building on Sony’s acknowledged professional expertise in 4K with acclaimed broadcast camera the CineAlta F65 and 4K cinema projection system.

Hirai vowed that each product would reflect the ‘One Sony’ ambition, the organisation’s drive to deliver technically-advanced products and compelling consumer experiences through greater synergies across all Sony’s businesses from electronics to games, movies and music.

“As “One Sony” we are joined together by a single vision, which I define with one particular Japanese word – Kando. It means to move people emotionally. Sony will bring a smile to the faces of a global audience” said Hirai.

MOBILE

Mobile devices are the gateway to Sony’s user experience. Adding to our acclaimed Xperia smartphones for providing premium entertainment experiences, Sony Tablets will be brought to market under the Xperia brand as of September 2012 to expand these great mobile experiences to the tablet arena.

The latest Sony mobile devices, including Xperia smartphones, Tablets and VAIO PCs, will boast Sony’s media applications, with the new interface designed to enhance the user experience in high picture and sound quality. It will enable users to enjoy and share music, photos, and movies in a simple and intuitive way. These features will be available across new Xperia smartphones, Xperia Tablet and selected VAIO PCs.

Furthermore, the new Xperia smartphones and VAIO PCs promise to bring consumers the ultimate cross-device connectivity. Through Sony’s One Touch function, which incorporates NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, users can easily and instantly enjoy their music and photos across an array of NFC enabled Sony devices by simply touching one device to the other without the need for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi set-up.

Introducing the new products, Hirai added: “Individual Sony products will entice and inspire people. But what’s also important is that by connecting and combining hardware, network services and applications, we will provide a truly remarkable and compelling experience.”

DIGITAL IMAGING

Sony’s mobile products are pioneering new ways to capture great digital pictures, whilst delivering an enhanced user experience through further, deeper convergence of hardware, content and services. The new NEX-5R model is the latest Digital Imaging product to deliver enhanced usability.

The NEX-5R compact system camera – with built in Wi-Fi – allows users to check the image, adjust camera exposure and control the shutter wirelessly from their smartphone. This makes it ideal for taking posed family pictures via the timer, where the image can be checked on the smartphone before the pose is broken. It also boasts “Fast Hybrid AF” giving DSLR-like focussing responses when capturing fast-moving action.

The NEX-5R is the first camera compatible with PlayMemories Camera Apps, a service for downloading new apps such as “Time-Lapse” and “Cinematic Photo” directly to the Wi-Fi enabled camera.

Sony is also introducing the new ‘wearable’ video camera, the HDR-AS15 with ‘ExmorR’ CMOS Image Sensor and SteadyShot image, great for skydiving or mountain biking.

GAMING

This autumn, Sony Computer Entertainment is due to launch Wonderbook, creating a multi-dimensional world using PlayStation Eye and augmented reality technology. It’s an experience like nothing else. The first Wonderbook title will be Wonderbook: Book of Spells, created in collaboration with J.K Rowling.

IN DETAIL

Detailing the product offensive at IFA, the Sony President and CEO highlighted the following innovations:

Xperia Smartphones

The integration of Sony Mobile Communications earlier this year was an important step for Sony. The company launched the first Sony smartphones to market earlier this year – the Xperia NXT (NEXT) series.

The next introduction is the Xperia T, Xperia V and Xperia J, building on the acclaimed arc design. They will be brought to the market over the next few months.

Xperia T is the new global flagship model that delivers the best high definition experience in a smartphone to date. It has a 4.6inch display powered by Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA Engine. Consumers can watch videos shot in Full 1080-pixel HD. The 13 mega-pixel fast-capture camera goes from sleep to snap in an instant with a single key press. The most amazing feature is how easily consumers can connect Xperia T to other devices to enjoy their content – with just one touch.

Xperia V is LTE enabled for super-fast network performance. It also comes with the highest level of water resistance in a smartphone, so users can continue using their Xperia V, come rain or come sunshine.

Xperia J is an eye-catching combination of stylish design and a stand-out screen size at a competitive price point.

Xperia Tablet S

The new Xperia Tablet combines a splash-proof body with high quality sound and a thinner, lighter design than its predecessor. It also offers a new app called ‘Socialife’ which enables users to enjoy SNS and news feeds in one viewer with a magazine-like layout. Together with new covers, stands and dock speaker, it is a communications device that will bring new style and fun into your life and appeal to customers of all ages and lifestyles. Running a NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor and Android 4.0.3 platform, it’s got all the power consumers will need to enjoy their favourite media, apps and games.

VAIO™ Duo 11

VAIO Duo 11 is a unique, Surf-Slider design hybrid PC which allows smooth sliding between slate mode and keyboard mode, ideal for being on the move. It features a thin, compact body with high performance, and a sophisticated stylus for the easy capture of handwritten digital notes, maximising the touch capability of Windows 8.

VAIO™ Tap 20

VAIO Tap 20, designed to leverage Windows 8, is a 20-inch, tabletop PC which tilts from desktop to lay-flat style. It can be a conventional desk top PC for personal use or a multi-media device – if used flat – for family use, for everything from playing board games to music editing or reading.

Audio Visual: ‘One Sony’ brings professional know-how and greater connectivity to consumer experiences

TV has always been part of Sony’s DNA, a symbol of constant innovation. It is the one product that still connects family and friends through shared experiences, more than any other.

Sony’s first 84-inch BRAVIA 4KTV

The new Sony 84-inch BRAVIA 4KTV boasts a 4K (3840 x 2160) LCD panel in the industry’s largest inch class (*1) and incorporates Sony’s ‘4K X-Reality PRO’ super-resolution high picture quality engine, meaning users will be able to reproduce a variety of content – including movies, TV programs, photos and games – to beautiful 4K picture quality ready to enjoy on the stunning 84-inch screen. This formidable combination seamlessly delivers a high-resolution large-screen picture with high-quality powerful sound to provide consumers with an immersive experience, unlike anything offered by existing televisions. The new BRAVIA 4K TV will be available worldwide, from the end of 2012.

*1: As of August 29, 2012.

Sony continues to take a lead role in advancing 4K technologies and is playing a leading role in professional 4K content creation through the CineAlta ‘F65’ camera, capable of shooting 4K content and beloved by leading film makers, and also the 4K digital cinema system used in the professional field. In the world of consumer electronics, the 4K home theatre projector for family use has been extremely well received since its launch last year.

The launch of the 84-inch 4K BRAVIA TV demonstrates the new and exciting consumer home-experiences made possible through professional technologies, advanced through the company’s ‘One Sony’ approach to hardware and content innovation.

HMZ-T2 Personal 3D Viewer

Lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor, the all-new Personal 3D Viewer from Sony is a head-mounted, High Definition 2D and 3D personal display with virtual 5.1 surround sound. It’s perfect for movies and gaming, with twin OLED screens that display vivid, super-sharp images (with zero cross-talk interference) to absorb consumers in a truly personal experience.

MDR-1 headphones

The new MDR-1 headphones are the result of collaboration between Sony Music artists and Sony engineers to deliver sound quality that accurately reproduces the original intentions of the musicians. The MDR-1 RBT is NFC enabled, and carries Sony’s One-touch function making it easy to share music across a range of NFC enabled devices by instantly setting up a wireless connection between devices, with just one touch. There is no need for any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi set up. 

SRS-BTM8 wireless NFC Bluetooth speaker

The SRS-BTM8 portable NFC Bluetooth wireless speaker from Sony lets you enjoy music from your smartphone or tablet in high quality audio, anywhere in the house. With its built in One-touch function from Sony, with just one touch to the top of the speaker with any NFC-enabled Xperia smartphone – including Xperia T and Xperia V smartphones from Sony – music will be streamed instantly. There is no need for Bluetooth set-up.

Partnership with Berliner Philharmoniker and Berlin Phil Media

Sony has extended its partnership with the world renowned Berliner Philharmoniker, and Berlin Phil Media, which offers the “Digital Concert Hall” streaming service. For the past two years, Sony has video-streamed Berliner Philharmoniker’s musical performances for customers worldwide to enjoy on Sony’s home entertainment products. Under this new partnership, Sony will also supply professional products, which incorporate its key technologies, whilst also providing technical support for the creation and streaming of Berliner Philharmoniker content through the service. This partnership will further enhance collaboration and innovation around audio development, and produce feedback which will be invaluable for Sony.

Sony HDR-AS15 action-cam

Ideal for sports lovers, the HDR-AS15 is a new type of camera; a ‘wearable’ video camera. It features Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilisation technology to deliver stunningly smooth footage which is ideal for filming sports scenes such as sky diving, mountain biking or snowboarding.

Equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, consumers can remotely control this video camera from smartphones and upload the recorded data online immediately. It also features a 170° wide angle Carl Zeiss lens.

List of all products and services launched at IFA 2012 for the UK market

 

  • BRAVIA 84” 4K TV
  • Head Mounted Display HMZ-T2
  • AV Receiver STR-DA5800ES
  • Speaker System SS-NA2ES, SS-NA5ES, SS-NA8ES, SA-NA9ES
  • VPL-HW50ES Home Cinema 3D projector
  • Wireless NFC Bluetooth speaker SRS-BTM8, SRS-BTV5
  • Headphones MDR-1 (MDR-1R/1RBT/1RNC)
  • NEX-5R – Wi-Fi enabled camera
  • Action Cam HDR-AS15– personal camera
  • PlayMemories Series (new Camera Apps functionality)
  • Xperia Splash/Water-proof Smartphone
  • Xperia Tablet S
  • Music Unlimited – New Subscription Tier, “Access” for PCs and PlayStation(R)3
  • VAIO™ Duo 11 (Slider hybrid PC)
  • VAIO™ Tap 20 (Tabletop PC)
  • VAIO touch range (VAIO™ Duo 11, VAIO™ Tap 20, VAIO T Series 13, VAIO L Series)
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Events, News, NEX System, Sony Digital Csmeras

New NEX models – downloadable apps for camdroids!

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The age of the camdroid is upon us! Sony has, as expected, announced a platform to flog unsuspecting owners small programs which are not even big enough to get the name of applet and are reduced to mere apps. Owners will be able to download new stuff to use the hugely powerful processors inside the new generation of WiFi equipped, net-browsing, smartphone friendly digital cameras.

The rear view of the new generation of Sony DSC (Digital Still Chimera) showing the PMCA App_store – well that’s how the picture is named, but we suspect that if Sony uses terms like ‘app’ and ‘store’ together the world’s most cash-bloated corporation will come in hot pursuit. Expect battle lines to be drawn up somewhere between San Diego and San Francisco. They could meet in LA to fight it out. The photo above is made using an app which applies orange fake tan to any hands shown holding a camera.

Here’s the press info from today’s conference:

More ways to enjoy the memories
 
PlayMemories family of apps and services from Sony gains exciting new features
PlayMemories from Sony keeps growing with a series of exciting new possibilities to enhance your digital imaging experience, before and after shooting.

PlayMemories is an easy-to-use family of services and applications that lets you enjoy photo and video memories across multiple devices – from cameras, smartphones and tablets to PlayStation®3 and compatible BRAVIA TVs.

PlayMemories Camera Apps

PlayMemories Camera Apps is the world’s first application download service（for interchangeable-lens digital cameras as of August 2012）that lets you install new functions on demand to boost the capabilities of your camera.

PlayMemories Camera Apps offers a variety of applications that expand camera functionality, personalising your photographic experience and enhancing your network connectivity. Just download the applications onto your camera and start enjoying even richer photographic expression.

PlayMemories Camera Apps is initially supported by the new NEX-5R interchangeable lens compact system camera. From launch, there’s a range of imaging apps to broaden your creative options and utilities.

“Picture Effect+” expands the range of artistic treatments available in the camera’s standard Picture Effect mode. “Bracket Pro” automatically shoots a rapid burst of three images at different ‘bracketed’ settings – for shutter speed, aperture or focus – allowing you to choose the best shot. “Multi Frame NR” captures a series of images in rapid succession. They are automatically superimposed by the camera to create one low-noise photo at the selected ISO speed. It’s ideal for capturing atmospheric night-time scenes, or shooting in dark conditions without using flash.

“Photo Retouch” adds a generous palette of adjustments like brightness, saturation and contrast plus Soft Skin, re-size and other post-shooting effects. Also available is the Auto Portrait Framing feature which detects the faces in images captured and intelligently applies the recommended composition afterwards.

Sony also plans to introduce more new apps, including “Time-lapse” and “Cinematic Photo”. “Time-lapse” automatically captures a series of still pictures at adjustable intervals. These images are automatically combined by the camera, and can be replayed like a video clip. “Cinematic Photo” captures a series of frames, creating fun animated picture effects where part of a static image appears to move.

Downloadable utilities include “Smart Remote Control”: remotely check the image on screen, adjust exposure and release the shutter of the NEX-5R with your smartphone1 or tablet (such as the Xperia™ Smartphone and Xperia™ Tablet). Captured pictures are also sent automatically to your smartphone or tablet. “Direct Upload” lets you upload images directly from the camera to PlayMemories Online and Facebook.

New PlayMemories Camera Apps will be initially available in the UK from October 2012.

PlayMemories Online

From this August, Sony’s compatible BRAVIA TVs will become able to view photos and video posted on PlayMemories Online directly, broadening the width of devices capable of enjoying the service.

PlayMemories Mobile

This Android/iOS app simplifies video and photo transfers to smartphones or tablet devices from the Wi-Fi enabled cameras such as the NEX-5R compact system camera. As detailed above, the app now lets you remotely control the NEX-5R and the HDR-AS15 Action Cam using your smartphone: it’s great for family group shots where you want to be in the picture, too. (“Smart Remote Control” app needs to be installed to the NEX-5R to use this feature.)

PlayMemories Studio

PlayMemories Studio makes organising, editing and viewing videos and photos on your PlayStation®3as easy and intuitive as playing a game.

PlayMemories Studio2 evolves with the brand-new ability to output images on Sony’s 4K TVs. 4K displays contain around four times more detail than Full HD. You can enjoy high resolution images taken by current digital cameras on Sony’s new 4K-enabled BRAVIA KD-84X9005.

Other enhancements include easy content uploads to YouTube and PlayMemories Online.

For further information on PlayMemories Camera apps, please visit: www.sony.net/pmca

1 Requires download and installation of PlayMemories Mobile™ app on Android smartphones and tablets as well as iPhone and iPad.

2 Available starting during current fiscal year ending March 2013.
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