Tag: Sony

The truth about 24 megapixels

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There is a rumour, which the ides of August may stab in the back or elevate to divine truth, that the coming Alpha 77 will have 24 megapixels.

Because of this rumour, there is a lot of very negative discussion going round to the effect that 24MP on APS-C is far too much and the results will be poor (etc).

Well, they may be, if you think Canon’s results are poor – you can judge that for yourself, try a Canon. But they do not have 24MP sensors!

They also do not have APS-C sensors, in the same way that Sony does. They have smaller APS-C sensors with lots of pixels cut off all round the edges. Sony has chunky big APS-C sensors with acres of extra pixels to spare. This is a slight exaggeration of the situation, but hey, I may as well join in the mood of unrestrained opinion!

Facts: Canon’s 18-megapixel sensor makes images 3456 x 5184 pixels in size (give or take a few, depending on your raw processor). Fact: their smaller 1.6X factor sensor measures 22.3 x 14.9mm. Fact: Canon states it is approximately a 19 megapixel sensor with 18 megapixel final output.

Facts: Sony’s 16.2 megapixel sensor measures 23.5 x 15.6mm and into this packs 3264 x 4912 pixels (active area).

If you made a current Canon pixel-pitch sensor the same 1.5X size as a Sony sensor, it would be around 19.7 megapixels active from a 21 megapixel total. If you put Canon pixels on an existing Sony 1.5X sensor, you would be up to 3618 x 5463 pixels and 24 megapixels needs to be 4000 x 6000.

Clearly it’s not the quantum leap some people think, just a quantum leapfrog over Canon’s back with the benefit of the larger sensor. And it’s worth considering that APS-C covers sensor sizes up to a true 24 x 16mm, for Super-35 video use, and that such sensors have already been made. A few wide-angle lenses and zooms might be a bit tight on the image circle, but that half millimetre one way, 0.4mm the other way, adds up to a surprising number of pixels, enough to take the 19.7 megapixels up to 20.7 megapixels without changing from Canon’s current pixel pitch.

So don’t panic. The chances are that 24 megapixels on proper, big Sony APS-C will perform very well. If you’ve got the glass and the technique to make it…

– David Kilpatrick

 

9
Cameras (DSLR), DK's ramblings, News

Free 30-page Photobook for Sony owners

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Sony UK today announces the launch of PR!NT, an online photo printing service for their e-community, powered by PhotoBox.

Users can upload, archive and share images and order from a wide range of PhotoBox photolab products ranging from straightforward prints to novelty items and albums. Simple to use, photos can be printed at the click of a button. The service will be found at:

www.sony.co.uk/print

and will also be accessible through the growing ‘Communities’ portal. There will be an introductory offer of a free 30 page photo book for all new registrants.

PRINT launches in time for the summer holiday season. The service will develop over time to provide new ways for customers to get the most out of features unique to Sony such as Sweep Panoramic images. It will also offer an unlimited online storage for a secure back-up of images and will compliment other services from Sony such as tutorial and community sites, and Personal Space for private photo and video sharing.

“We are excited to be able to offer a new print service for Sony customers, allowing them to print and bring to life exciting images taken on a Sony product. The service is an important addition to the Sony Digital Imaging range as it will offer consumers the ability to release the unique features in our cameras such as Sweep Panorama, and help them learn more about taking great photos”, said Neil Bowen, Proposition Development Manager, Sony UK, a subsidiary of Sony Europe Limited.

“This is a great match for us, two market leaders with unrivalled expertise in photography, now working together and creating a compelling offer to consumers. We’re thrilled at the prospect of working with Sony UK as we continue developing the service with more innovative products and features, making it a joy for everyone to free their photos”, concluded Lawrence Merritt, PhotoBox Managing Director.

Editor’s Comment: this is something of a scoop for Sony UK in hooking up with a UK fulfilment lab. The dominance of CeWe, the giant German photolab, in on-line as well as retail outlet and kiosk product fulfilment, might have suggested them as a logical European partner. PhotoBox, though UK-founded, is now a subsidiary of Photoways SA, a French group, and offers regionalised services in every European country – which could allow Sony Europe to extend this venture across the region. In April PhotoBox Limited announced that a stock market flotation was being considered within the next year.

The services provided by PhotoBox are generally considered to professional in quality, and are used by many websites such as www.theimagefile.com – a sample collection of my own regional images on theimagefile (with their PhotoBox ordering options) can be viewed here. – DK

2
News

Wait for the NEX SLT, folks…

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That is, the next slot in Sony’s programme of new product releases. Almost exactly five years after the Alpha 100 was launched to the world (also a Wednesday in the second week of June, back in 2006) Sony selected an auspicious date to announce the NEX-C3 and the Alpha A35. But these cameras, rather like the Alpha 100 in its day, are not what we are waiting for.

So – what’s new? 16.2 megapixels, 5.5fps native size, 7fps using a 1.4X crop (about 8 megapixels), no articulated rear screen, some candy functions in the menus for technophobes, and that accessible D-Range button can be made into a rapid custom control.

Everyone has suggested that a NEX-7 will be what they want. I rather think they will be get a NEX-C5, applying the same transforms to the 5 as the C3 (Compact 3) applies to the 3. That means it will have proper HD video, which the C3 lacks being restricted to MPEG4 HD720. Already, the rustle in the undergrowth is that the diminutive C3 misses the mark for this one single reason only. Sure, a 16.2 megapixel sensor (supposedly a new version, not just borrowed from the A55/580) is a welcome upgrade but NEX is a multipurpose system, and HD720 is back in 2006 not in 2011.

Nice mic slots, nice big CZ 16-80mm shown on the adaptor – but this, dear Sony, misses the point. We actually want the CZ 16-80mm to be updated to an SSM design so that it will focus on the NEX, and be better on the Alpha bodies, and so that its slightly manky mechanical design can be turned into something so smooth existing 16-80mm owners queue up to buy the replacement.

Good points – the shift in position of the stereo microphones to the front of the camera, the change to using a separate cover for the memory card instead of having to open the battery compartment. There’s a claim that along with a 20% better battery life, greater heat efficiency means the new cameras won’t cut out before 29 minutes is up when filming HD, even if you use SSS on the A35. Of course the NEX has no SSS but still managed to overheat, at least in the NEX-5, unless you were savvy enough to shift the rear screen away from contact with the camera back – in which case it generally keeps filming OK.

The operating times, startup, focusing speed are all reported to be much improved – by a factor of two or better. Only the image review time is worse due to the larger file size. Sony’s information makes it clear that very strong noise reduction is applied and this may affect raw files as well as JPEGs.

The new 30mm f/3.5 Macro SEL is theoretically interesting, but not so much for me personally as we have already got the 30mm f/2.8 SAM and the NEX adaptor. Eventually, you come to terms with the simple fact that a 2.5cm working distance for 1:1 shots prevents you shooting half the 1:1 shots which present themselves. You disturb the butterfly, hit bits of the plant, or cast the lens’s own shadow across the picture.

The firmware update (see end of story) to provide a ‘focus confirm’ overlay for manual focusing is actually of far more interest to the macro photographer – along with almost any other specification of macro lens except 30mm f/3.5. These lenses are fun, I love the SAM 30mm, but it’s not the answer.

The new HVL-F20S flashgun (based on the HVL-F20AM only in the design of its rotating reflector/diffuser) has changed a load since it was previewed with a mockup based on the Alpha model. Sony has decided to power it from the NEX battery, much as Minolta did with flashguns like the 316i in the early 1990s. That’s almost certainly because the NEX Smart Connector is simply not capable of holding the gun with a couple of AA cells in it, the weight would be too much.

In an ideal world, this new flashgun would do for the NEX system what its orginator does for the Alpha 900 and 850 – act as a remote wireless flash commander. But it does not, leaving NEX outside the main Alpha system still. If you want remote flash (or even just a more powerful flash mounted on a bracket beside your camera) the Nissin Di 866 MkII remains your best bet, programmable to fire correctly in synch with the NEX and to use its own auto-exposure cell for metering.

Alpha 35 – one step forward, two steps back

The Alpha 35 is similarly not earth-shattering news, especially if you own an Alpha 55 with GPS function and rather better overall performance in all respects except (perhaps) ultimate high ISO. The firmware updates for both NEX and SLT models, to be available from June 20th, add most of the benefits of the new models along with some of the child-friendly hipsta stuff. Again, wait until the next round. A higher end SLT camera is firmly promised, it’s been prototyped and mocked up and preproduced and somewhere as I write someone is actually using it.

Losing the articulated rear LCD (see above), not even replacing it with a tilting one, is a big sacrifice. The 7fps 1.4X digital tele conversion mode – with continuous AF tracking – is interesting and reminiscent of the sensor crop mode of Nikon’s first CMOS, the D2X, which was itself developed from a Sony sensor (the Cybershot DSC R-1). It shows that there are genetic traits in the Sony line that won’t be forgotten.

But is there really much point to this camera? Not much. Unlike the NEX-C3 which sees a significant body size reduction and style change, the A35 contrives to be a poor relation of either the A33 or the A55 because it lacks that excellent, reversible, twist and swivel rear screen.

Photoclubalpha has been a photographer’s thing not just a camera owner’s thing – a small difference, these days, but important. For photographers any reason to prefer the new models to what you’ve got may depend on small hidden differences which come to light as people use them. Certainly the provision of functions with changed names because no-one can be expected to understand what an aperture is, what a shutter speed is (and so on) is no reason to want the new models. Probably the reverse!

Video enthusiasts may like to note that the firmware update for the A55/33 allows all the overlaid text to be removed from the live view, which can be output from the HDMI port to surprisingly high quality. Recording devices to accept HDMI signals like this are just starting to appear at affordable prices. There’s some potential to experiment with the image provided for LV (Focus Check Live View more so than Quick AF LV) once fed into other systems free from overlays.

Version 04 firmware update for NEX-5, NEX-3
Available from June 20th, a firmware upgrade for existing NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras adds the new ‘Picture Effect’ function as introduced on the new NEX‑C3. It also adds a Peaking function to assist with more precise manual focusing. Available free to registered users, latest Version 04 firmware update for NEX-5/NEX-3 can be downloaded from:
NEX-3
Windows:
http://support.sonyeurope.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_NEX3_V04_WIN&site=odw_en_GB
MAC OS:
http://support.sonyeurope.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_NEX3_V04_MAC&site=odw_en_GB
NEX-5
Windows:
http://support.sonyeurope.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_NEX5_V04_WIN&site=odw_en_GB
MAC OS:
http://support.sonyeurope.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_NEX5_V04_MAC&site=odw_en_GB

Editor’s note June 9th: please note that these URLs will not work – they are incorrectly transcribed by Sony. The URLs should be similar to those for the A33, A55 with a hyphen between sony-europe. Unfortunately, Sony has issued press releases and web pages with the incorrect URLs. We have changed the link so that it will work when the time comes.

Version 2.00 firmware update for α33, α55
Available from June 20th, a firmware upgrade for existing α33 and α55 cameras by Sony adds several creative and operational enhancements. Support for the ‘Picture Effect’ function featured on the new α35 is now offered. High-Speed Synch is supported during wireless operation with a compatible external flash (only α55). Ergonomics are further improved with revised menus and a new mode that lets users switch off shooting parameters overlaid on screen for clear, uncluttered composition. The camera’s Digital Level Gauge can also be displayed when shooting via the optional CLM-V55 external LCD monitor. Frequently used features can now be custom-assigned to the D-RANGE button for rapid, menu-free access.

Available free to registered users, from the 20th of June the latest GB English Version 2.00 firmware update for α33 and α55 can be downloaded from:
A33
Windows:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A33_V2_WIN&site=odw_en_GB
MAC OS:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A33_V2_MAC&site=odw_en_GB
A55
Windows:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A55_V2_WIN&site=odw_en_GB
MAC OS:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A55_V2_MAC&site=odw_en_GB

6
Cameras (DSLR), HD Video, News, NEX System

Capture One 6.2 – A55/33, NEX-5/3

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The new Capture One 6.2 release includes raw conversion for the Sony Alpha 55, Alpha 33, NEX-5 and NEX-3. It offers enhanced options for local adjustments, additional camera controls for Canon and Nikon and improved XMP metadata functionality.

The release also adds camera support for the latest Samsung, Fuji, Ricoh, Panasonic, Canon, and Nikon camera models as well as camera support for Phase One IQ180, IQ160, and IQ140 including tethered support.

Capture One 6.2 includes the following new features and enhancements:
– Local adjustment of saturation and clarity
– Invert local adjustments mask
– Copy local adjustments mask from other layer
– Auto sync of XMP metadata (sidecars only)
– Additional camera controls for Canon and Nikon
– Improved OpenCL and 64 bit performance

Capture One 6.2 offer support for the following new cameras and ! hardware:
– Phase One IQ180, IQ160 and IQ140 including tethered support
– Canon 600D/Rebel T3i and 1100D/Rebel T3 including tethered support
– Fuji X100
– Nikon D5100* and tethered support for Nikon D-7000 (*preliminary)
– Panasonic DMC-GH2 and DMC-GF2
– Ricoh GR DIGITAL, GR DIGITAL II, GR DIGITAL III, GX100, GX200, GRX S10, GXR P10, GXR A12
– Samsung NX5, NX10, NX11 and NX100
– Sony SLT-A55, SLT-A33, NEX-3 and NEX-5

Learn more about Capture One 6.2 here

Download Capture One 6.2 here

0
Cameras (DSLR), NEX System, Software Reviews

Replacing NEX LCD cover glass

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The Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 both use the same plastic-framed, metal stamping mounted rear 3 inch 16:9 LCD display for composition, menus and image review. The original LCD has a multilayer structure claimed by Sony to reduce reflections, increase contrast and resist scratches. But in use, these rear screens have shown a tendency for the surface layer to delaminate, creating very ugly and distracting patchy reflections. It is easy to replace this surface film completely, with a new toughened glass surface. Continue reading »

12
Accessories - 3rd party, Equipment Reviews, NEX System

New HVL-F43AM Alpha flash with rotating design

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Sony has announced a new HVL-F43AM flashgun using the same type of rotating body design found in the top of the line HVL-F58AM, to replace the existing HVL-F42AM with its traditional bounce design. At the same time, some more Alpha system accessories have been rolled out.

HVL-F43AM ‘rotator’ flash

With a powerful output of GN43 (105mm ISO100 m), the compact yet versatile HVL-F43AM flash from Sony is optimised for superb results with all A-mount cameras.

As featured on the HVL-F58AM, the innovative Quick Shift Bounce system allows flash 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.

Smart flash functions open up even broader creative lightning possibilities. Wireless Ratio Control makes it easy to select light emission ratios for up to three separate flash units*. This allows quick creation of sophisticated multi-point lighting effects without the need for complex professional equipment.

Ideal for everyday shooting and more serious applications, its dust- and moisture-resistant design makes the HVL-F43AM ideal for demanding assignments, indoors or outside.

Flash power levels are switchable in 22 increments, from 1/1 through to 1/128 level in 1/3 steps. High output power is complemented by a quick 2.9 second (approx.) recycling time. Despite the flash’s extensive functions, operation is refreshingly clear and simple via the high-quality LCD screen and direction buttons.

Main specification for external flash HVL-F43AM
Guide Number – 43 (105mm, ISO100・m)
Flash Coverage – 24-105mm (15mm focal length covered with built-in wide panel)
Flash Control – Pre-flash control, manual flash control selectable, direct through-the-lens (TTL) flash metering
Bounce Flash – Click positions: up (30°/45°/60°/75°/90°/120°/150°); down (8°); right (30°/45°/60°/90°); left (30°/45°/60°/90°)
Recycling time (based on Sony measurement) – Approx. 2.9 seconds (with alkaline battery)
Battery performance (based on Sony measurement) – Approx. more than 200 flash cycles (with alkaline battery)
Power level switching – 22 levels: (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128), 1/3 steps
Wireless Ratio Control – Available to control by 3 groups when used with DSLR-A900/A850/A700
Other features
Auto WB Adjustment with Colour Temperature Info; Auto zoom control optimised for image sensor size; High-Speed Synchro; Modelling Lighting; Test Lighting; Multi Lighting. Supports camera’s Red-eye reduction feature. Built-in wide panel and bounce sheet. High quality LCD screen.
Compatible Shoe – Auto-lock Accessory Shoe
Included items – Mini-stand, Case
Dimensions (WxHxD) – Approx. 75 x 129 x 87 mm
Weight – Approx. 340g (without batteries)
Power source – Four AA-size cells of the same type, either alkaline or Ni-MH

VCT-55LH bracket
The VCT-55LH is a versatile mounting bracket that offers space for mounting additional ISO cold shoe accessories. A useful add-on for all A-mount cameras by Sony, the bracket can also be used with E-mount cameras such as the NEX-5, NEX-3 and the Handycam® NEX-VG10E HD camcorder.

Other accessories – like a shotgun microphone – can be securely mounted while the camera’s main shoe is occupied. The VCT-55LH is ideal for use with the CLM-V55 clip-on LCD monitor that offers a clear, high-resolution view of images during video and still shooting.

Soft Carrying Case LCS-AMB
The LCS-AMB carry case protects your A-mount camera and attached standard zoom lens while you’re travelling. A special suspended partition cradles the camera securely while allowing quick access. Finished in durable black polyester material, the case can be slung over a shoulder using the supplied strap, carried by the grab handle or attached to a belt. It also features handy pockets with space for up to two extra batteries, spare memory card and lens cap. (NB: Not compatible with DSLR-A900/A850).

Lens Hood ALC-SH111
Compatible with DT 35mm F1.8 SAM and 85mm F2.8 SAM lenses, this round-profile hood shades from direct sunlight to prevent glare and lens flare.

See all accessories by Sony for the α camera system here: www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr/accessories

The new HVL-F43AM external flash, VCT-55LH bracket, LCS-AMB soft carrying case and ALC-SH111 lens hood for α cameras by Sony are available from Spring 2011.

0
Accessories - Minolta/Sony, Bags, cases and trivia, Cameras (DSLR), Flash units, News, NEX System

Pro underwater housing for NEX-5

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Most underwater housings for compact cameras are basic items intended for use down to 10m or so. The NEX-5, with its magnesium alloy body and exceptional 16mm f/2.8 optic with fisheye and wide conversion options, is worth far more than that. It can be turned into the modern-day equivalent of the Nikonos rather than a modern day equivalent of that peculiarly unreliable subaqua Vectis which Minolta bowed out with…

Here’s something which we found in an email for B&H Photo Video. It is not exactly cheap – you are looking at a near-$2000 investment to take your NEX and lenses below the waves – but it’s got a specification to make serious subaqua shooters rush for that low-cost NEX-5 outfit to complete the kit. Especially as anything similar for DSLR cameras may cost 50%, 100%, even more than this.

There is a waiting list now – the Montreal manufacturer (reports Photoclubalpha forum member Javelin) is 4-6 weeks from delivery after a big rush following the product announcement. So if you want one of these for summer, get your order in right now, do not delay as all production is likely to be pre-ordered this year.

To complete this you need an extension and dome port front, of course

The Aquatica AN-5 Underwater Housing for Sony NEX 5 Camera is a compact (5.5 x 3.25 x 6″/14.2 x 8 x 15.4 cm) housing machined from a solid block of aluminum designed for the Sony NEX 5 camera. This lightweight (2.2 lbs/1 kg) housing has a baked-on powder coating and is fully anodized against the corrosive effects of sea water. It has replaceable sacrificial anodes, plus pad printed function labels that won’t peel off or fade. It has built-in dual optical connectors, and all controls are easily accessed, with the LCD screen at a more-comfortable 15° viewing angle. A variety of ports are available for the AN-5 housing.

Note: Requires Lens port
Also Note: Most zoom lenses require a close-up diopter filter to correct focus distance.

  • Accurately balanced ergonomic design – all controls are within easy reach.
  • Depth rating: 300′ (90 m).
  • Excellent balance underwater.
  • Replaceable sacrificial anodes protect the housing from electrolysis.
  • Precision machined from a single aluminum block
  • Lightweight and compact housing is fully anodized
  • Covered with baked-on powder coating to protect against the corrosive effects of sea water
  • All function labels are pad printed so they will not peel off or fade.

Pre-order from B&H

This is a new product, and B&H show it as available for pre-order, along with the accessory ports (to fit either the 18-55mm zoom, the 16mm f/2.8 alone or the 16mm fitted with the VCL-ECF1 fisheye converter) and accessory L-type hand grip. See comments above about production and orders. This is a hot product and likely to be hard to get.

The housing is compatible with the Sea & Sea Y110a slave-strobe underwater flash. This will set you back the better part of $1000 more, but it’s been tested synched with the NEX mini flash and apparently all works well. Flash is essential for good colour at depth, even down 5m or so and you’ll require it in many water conditions. The premium option is the twin Y110a dual unit (the housing has two optical connectors for the strobe’s fibre optic triggering cables).

If you are put off by the cost, maybe you can’t afford that two week trip to the Maldives to photograph manta ray convocations – the basic housing is $1399, a typical dome port as shown is $499 (for the 16mm lens alone, only $159 and the cheapest option), the L-grip is $59, there’s also an optional zoom control. But 90m diving with an APS-C live view autofocus camera with f/2.8 lens focusing down to a few inches, usable ISO to 1600 and then more, has to make this worth the cost. And if you want to match the combo, you can easily spend $10,000 on a DSLR with housing which will not get into the same space or handle anything like as well.

– DK

0
Accessories - 3rd party, News, NEX System

Nissin Di866 flashgun for Alpha

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Kenro, the UK distributor for Nissin, has announced that the powerful and fully featured wireless twin-head Di866 Professional Speedlite is now available in Sony hot shoe fit.

Initially launched in September 2009 with a Canon or Nikon fit, the Di866 is specifically designed for use with digital SLR cameras and comes with many ‘world’s first’ features. This new flash unit is simple to use and can also be fired wirelessly where it can be used as a master or receiver.

Check availability and price in your camera fitting from B&H Photo Video here

With a guide number of 60m (ISO 100 @ 105mm) the Di866 features Nissin’s original ‘My TTL’ user adjustable TTL light output level and is firmware upgradable thanks to an onboard USB port.

The gun also features high speed synchronisation and a fill in sub-flash (12m100 ISO), which is activated while the main flash is bounced and also has a built-in wide angle diffuser and catch-light reflector.

The flash gun comes with an auto-rotate colour display that stays upright whichever way the unit is tilted. The display utilises user-friendly icons to enable ease of operation.

“The Di866 has been a hit with photographers and journalists alike, with one reviewer describing the flash as ‘the most powerful hotshoe flashgun available,’ and I think everyone who uses the flash will agree with that statement,” says Kenro managing director, Paul Kench. “I’m delighted we are now able to offer this unit to Sony users.”

See www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more detail.


6
Accessories - 3rd party, Flash units, News
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