360Photography

Tag: Sony

  • Sony image sensor sales increase, camera and Xperia sales drop

    Sony has announced its financial results for Q4 2016 and the numbers show that the Japanese company’s image sensor division has performed well. Within the semiconductors segment, image sensor sales have increased by 40% year-on-year which is largely due to significantly increased sales of image sensors for mobile devices.

    Digital camera sales have slightly decreased from 1.8 to 1.6 billion units, resulting in a 9.6% revenue decrease. On the plus side, the company has noted a continued improvement in terms of product mix, with a shift to high value-add models.

    Sony upped its forecast for the financial year but the new figures would still mean a 34% fall in sales volume and a 17% fall in sales by value, compared with 2015.

    Things don’t look quite as good in the phone division. The company shipped a total of 5.1 million Xperia phones in the quarter, which is down by around 33% year-on-year. Total mobile revenue for the quarter was ¥249bn ($ 2.2bn). Sony blames lower than expected sales in Europe for the decrease. The forecast for the fiscal year, which ends in March, was also lowered from 17 million to 15 million units.

    You can find all of the details at Sony’s investor relations site.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony SLT a99 II first impressions review

    Photokina 2016 proved to us, with the announcement of the a99 II, that A-mount isn’t dead: it was just waiting for the right tech to show up for its next big release, like the 42MP BSI-CMOS sensor that debuted in the a7R II. So much more than an a99 with a new chip, the a99 II’s improved specifications aim to put it in the same company as DSLRs like the Nikon D810 or Canon 5D IV, and full-frame mirrorless cameras like Sony’s own a7r II.

    Key features

    • 42MP BSI CMOS Imaging sensor
    • 399 on-sensor PDAF points + dedicated PDAF sensor with 79 points
    • Dual SD card slots [UHS I]
    • 12fps continuous shooting in Raw with C-AF
    • 4K UHD 100Mbps recording, and 8-bit 4:2:2 4K output over HDMI
    • Picture Profile settings with Log gamma curves
    • 5-axis in body image stabilization
    • Wi-Fi with NFC

    The weather-sealed body features a dedicated PDAF sensor separate from the imaging sensor that has light directed to it via a mirror, like a traditional DSLR. Unlike a DSLR, this mirror doesn’t ever flip out of the way. Instead, it is semi-transparent and sends only part of the light to the dedicated AF sensor, and lets the rest of the light pass through to the imaging chip. The camera can use both of these AF systems where they overlap, creating a Hybrid Cross Type AF system that should deliver both speed and accuracy that Sony hopes will match the best systems out there.

    Also, the fixed mirror means AF readings can be taken with the dedicated sensor even while the shutter is firing, which should result in high ‘hit’ rates even at the maximum 12 FPS burst shooting. The downside is the loss of around 1/2 stop of light, something that the impressive 42MP sensor shouldn’t mind too much.

    The a99 II also boasts some impressive video specs, which should be enhanced both by the camera’s ability to continuously autofocus in video and by its in-body image stabilization.

    All of these features are controlled via a re-worked menu system that color codes sections and categorizes settings by which aspect of the camera they are adjusting, like Flash or Autofocus. Do all of these improvements transcend the inherent pitfalls of SLT technology?

    Review History
    31 Jan 2016 Introduction, Specifications, Body & Design,
    Operation & Controls, and Image Quality pages published.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Charge your devices with a USB station shaped like a Sony mirrorless camera

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    If you’ve searched high and low for the perfect USB charging station but come up empty handed, Fotodiox might have your number. It’s offering the Mirage Trio USB Charging Station, which is fashioned to look like a Sony a7-series mirrorless camera for no discernible reason. It offers charging for an Apple or Android phone, a USB port for another device and a compartment for an Apple Watch magnetic charging cable. 

    Here’s the kicker – the replica lens sold with the station can be removed and swapped out for any E-mount lens of your choice. And as Fotodiox points out, you can simply add an adapter (see what they did there?) to attach a beloved vintage lens so you can gaze upon it as you wait for your GoPro to charge. 

    Head to Fotodiox’s site to pick one up for $ 75.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • SLT strikes back: Sony a99 II real-world sample gallery

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    A-mount has returned with the a99 II, this time armed with the 42MP BSI CMOS sensor from the a7r II, as well as some tricks of its own. We hit the streets to see how the added tech makes this SLT behave.

    See our Sony a99 II
    sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony launches Cyber-shot HX350 with 50x zoom outside US

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    Sony has launched the Cyber-shot HX350 in European markets, offering a 50x zoom lens and 20.4MP BSI CMOS sensor like its HX300 predecessor. In fact, very little has changed compared to the previous model – as best we can tell, it adds an up-to-date BIONZ X processor, lock-on AF and a new blue ‘Zeiss’ badge on the same 24-1200mm equiv. F2.8-6.3 lens.

    It continues to offer a built-in EVF, optical image stabilization, 3″ tilting 921k-dot LCD, 1080/60p video recording and 10 fps burst shooting. Sony Germany lists the HX350 at €449 with availability in January 2017.

    Press Release:

    That’s so close! The compact 50x super zoom Cyber-shot™ HX350 is big on imaging power

    • ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 50x optical zoom and 100x Clear Image Zoom[i] for awesome close-ups
    • Shoot like a pro with manual controls and electronic viewfinder in a compact DSLR-style body
    • Back-illuminated Exmor RTM CMOS sensor with 20.4 effective megapixels and BIONZ X™ image processing engine
    • Optical SteadyShot™ and Intelligent Active Mode for smooth, stable stills and Full HD movies
    • Sharp, speedy focus of moving subjects with Lock-on AF and DMF (Direct Manual Focus)

    From expansive landscapes to exotic wildlife and family portraits: every scene’s covered with the Cyber-shot HX350 high-zoom camera from Sony.

    Discerning photographers graduating from smartphone snaps will love the mix of easy-to-use features and DSLR-inspired styling. Fitting beautifully in your hand, the HX350 packs big camera performance into a compact body – for limitless creative possibilities with a fixed lens.

    You’re good for any shooting situation, with the ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens offering a huge 50x optical zoom range – corresponding to 24mm wide angle to 1200mmsuper telephoto (equivalent in 35mm format).Clear Image Zoom doubles maximum magnification to a breathtaking 100xi, bringing distant buildings, people and animals jaw-droppingly close.

    Camera shake is the enemy of high-zoom shooting, as any pro knows. Optical SteadyShot cuts handheld wobbles for crisper stills, rapidly shifting a group of lens elements to correct for the slightest hand tremors. Intelligent Active Mode keeps Full HD videos equally sharp and blur-free with Sony’s proprietary frame analysis technology.

    Enthusiasts will be impressed by the high-resolution back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with 20.4 effective megapixels and speedy BIONZ X image processing engine. Even if you’re shooting handheld indoors or in low light, you’ll value crisp, low noise images and pristine Full HD video footage.

    The easy to use Cyber-shot HX350 is loaded with serious shooting options. There’s a manual ring for smooth adjustment of zoom/focus, plus an easily-accessible mode dial and custom button for quick adjustment of favourite settings. And with full P/A/S/M controls, you’ve got all the exposure options you need to craft stunning pictures and Full HD videos. Movie-makers will also welcome the extra detail of a 24p shooting mode that gives footage that authentically cinematic look.

    The choice is yours when it comes to framing shots with confidence. Look through the camera’s high-contrast electronic viewfinder – just like you’d expect on a DSLR – or switch to the manually tiltable 7.5cm (3.0-type) LCD with 921k dot resolution.

    Extra shooting refinements include Motion Shot Video that traces your tennis serve or golf swing as a split-second series of superimposed images. After shooting, connect the camera to your 4K television for a big, beautiful view of your photos. Support for TRILUMINOS™ Colour on compatible BRAVIA™ TVs ensures still shots bursting with vivid, vibrant colours.

    [i] At optical wide-end

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 specifications

    Price
    MSRP €450
    Body type
    Body type SLR-like (bridge)
    Body material Composite
    Sensor
    Max resolution 5184 x 3456
    Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
    Effective pixels 20 megapixels
    Sensor photo detectors 21 megapixels
    Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
    Sensor type BSI-CMOS
    Processor BIONZ X
    Color space sRGB
    Color filter array Primary Color Filter
    Image
    ISO Auto, 80-3200 (up to 12800 in Multi-Frame NR mode)
    Boosted ISO (maximum) 12800
    Image stabilization Optical
    Uncompressed format No
    JPEG quality levels Fine, standard
    File format
    • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
    Optics & Focus
    Focal length (equiv.) 24–1000 mm
    Optical zoom 41.7×
    Maximum aperture F2.8–6.3
    Autofocus
    • Contrast Detect (sensor)
    • Multi-area
    • Center
    • Selective single-point
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Face Detection
    • Live View
    Autofocus assist lamp Yes
    Digital zoom Yes (2x)
    Manual focus Yes
    Normal focus range 1 cm (0.39″)
    Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39″)
    Screen / viewfinder
    Articulated LCD Tilting
    Screen size 3″
    Screen dots 921,600
    Touch screen No
    Screen type TFT LCD
    Live view Yes
    Viewfinder type Electronic
    Viewfinder coverage 100%
    Viewfinder resolution 201,600
    Photography features
    Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
    Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
    Exposure modes
    • Program
    • Aperture Priority
    • Shutter Priority
    • Manual
    Scene modes
    • High Sensitivity
    • Night Scene
    • Handheld Twilight
    • Night Portrait
    • Landscape
    • Portrait
    • Soft Skin
    • Anti Motion Blur
    • Beach
    • Snow
    • Fireworks
    • Advanced Sports Shooting
    • Gourmet
    • Pet Mode
    Built-in flash Yes
    Flash range 8.50 m (at Auto ISO)
    External flash No
    Flash modes Off, auto, fill, slow sync, advanced, rear sync
    Drive modes
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Self-timer
    • Bracketing (Exposure, WB)
    Continuous drive 10.0 fps
    Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, portrait)
    Metering modes
    • Multi
    • Center-weighted
    • Spot
    Exposure compensation -2–3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
    WB Bracketing Yes
    Videography features
    Format MPEG-4, AVCHD
    Modes
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
    • 1440 x 1080 @ 30p / 12 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
    Microphone Stereo
    Speaker Mono
    Storage
    Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo
    Connectivity
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
    Microphone port No
    Headphone port No
    Physical
    Environmentally sealed No
    Battery Battery Pack
    Battery description NB-BX1 lithium-ion battery & charger
    Battery Life (CIPA) 300
    Weight (inc. batteries) 652 g (1.44 lb / 23.00 oz)
    Dimensions 130 x 93 x 103 mm (5.12 x 3.66 x 4.06″)
    Other features
    Orientation sensor Yes

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony Xperia XZ scores 87 in DxOMark Mobile testing

    It seems the DxOMark test engineers have been very busy in the run-up to Christmas. After the results for the LG V20 and Huawei Mate 9 they have now also published the test report for Sony’s current flagship, the Xperia XZ. The XZ combines Sony’s own 23MP 1/2.3” CMOS sensor with a 24mm-equivalent F2 lens but, unlike most of its direct rivals, has to make do without an optical image stabilization system.

    When testing the device the DxOMark team were particularly impressed by the XZ’s AF-system that is fast and accurate in all conditions. They also liked the target-exposure, color and reliable white balance system. However, the Sony scored low for photo artifacts, such as haloing, ringing, and over-sharpening and lacked dynamic range in some situations. Overall photo score was 87 points.

    Thanks to its efficient video stabilization and exposure adaption the XZ could achieve an even better 88 points for its video mode. However, like the still images, video clips lack dynamic range and show some noise in low light scenes. The Sony’s overall score of 87 points puts it on the same level as the Xperia Z5 and just behind the Samsung Galaxy S7. You can find the full report on DxOMark.com or read our own review here at DPReview.com.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro Sample Gallery

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    The Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro offers 1:1 magnification for a relatively minimal investment. We took it to our local conservatory and around the neighborhood to see how well it performs when getting extremely close to our subject. Click any of the images above to open them in our gallery viewer.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Action-packed: Sony a6500 review

    The Sony a6500 is the company’s top-tier APS-C mirrorless model, a 24MP stills and video camera with image stabilization. It sits above the similar-looking a6300 in Sony’s lineup, adding touchscreen capability and stabilization for enthusiasts willing to dig a little deeper into their pockets.

    Key Features:

    • 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with 425 phase detection points
    • 2.36m dot OLED EVF
    • Tilting rear touchscreen
    • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
    • 11 fps continuous shooting for up to 300 JPEGs / 100 Raws
    • 1/4000th sec maximum shutter speed

    As should be apparent, many of its core specifications are shared with the a6300 – itself a DPReview Gold winning camera. The biggest differences are the touchscreen, the image stabilization and a ‘Front End LSI’ (processing chip) to allow faster and more complex processing. There are also a few small tweaks, such as the addition of a highlight spot metering mode.

    The touch sensitivity of the rear screen can be used for your choice of two things: as an touchscreen for positioning the focus point or triggering focus and shutter, or as a touchpad, when the camera is held to your eye.

    The added processing oomph promises a more responsive camera: one that allows immediate image review even when shooting bursts of images. The a6500 also gains a much-needed update to Sony’s menu system, adding color-coding to make it easier to recognize and remember different parts of the menu.

    This change to the menu, and the addition of a quick way of setting AF point immediately address two of our biggest frustrations with the a6300. However, Sony is making no claims about improvements in terms either of rolling shutter or of recording longevity. With the most recent firmware, the a6300 can often record 4K video for the full 29:59 duration that the camera allows but this is not always possible in warm conditions or if you’ve just shot a long clip. Sony only claims ‘about 20 minutes’ of 4K recording for both cameras.

    The a6500 uses the same form factor as both the mid-range a6300 and the entry-level a6000

    Despite being positioned significantly further up the market, the a6500 uses the same form factor (and dial arrangement) as both the mid-range a6300 and the entry-level a6000. Although all three cameras have two control dials, they are arranged so that both must be controlled using the thumb and, for many people, requiring the hand to be repositioned when switching from one to the other. Such a limitation is reasonable at the a6000 end of the market but seems an odd fit for a $ 1400 camera.

    The other similarity with the 6300 that seems even more odd at this level is Sony’s decision to only offer lossy compressed Raw, limiting their processing latitude.

    This table compares how the a6500 compares with Fujifilm’s fairly similarly-priced X-T2 (probably the most capable rival in terms of stills and video shooting).

       Sony a6500 Fujifilm X-T2 Sony a6300
    MSRP (Body only) $ 1400 $ 1600 $ 1000
    Pixel Count 24MP 24MP 24MP
    ISO Range 100-25600 (51200 with multi-shot NR) 200-51200 100-25600 (51200 with multi-shot NR)
    AF Point control Touchscreen/touchpad Joystick 4-way controller
    Card slots 1 x UHS I 2 x UHS II 1 x UHS I
    USB USB 2.0 USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    Continuous Shooting rate 11fps 14fps (e-shutter)
    8fps (mechanical)    		 11fps
    Rear screen Tilting up/down touchscreen Dual tilt: Up/down/right Tilting up/down
    Flash Built-in Clip-on (supplied) Built-in
    Image stabilization In-body (+In-lens where available) In-lens In-lens
    4K video capability UHD 4K at 24/25/30p UHD 4K at 24/25/30p UHD 4K at 24/25/30p
    4K video crop

    24/25p Full Width
    30p 1.23x crop

    		 1.17x crop 24/25p Full Width
    30p 1.23x crop
    4K video duration Up to 20 minutes (temperature dependent) ~10 minutes
    (Up to 29:59 with optional grip)    		 Up to 29:59 (temperature dependent)
    Video log profile S-Log2 & S-Log3 with extensive video-focused Picture Profile settings F-Log (over HDMI only)  S-Log2 & S-Log3 with extensive video-focused Picture Profile settings
    USB Charging (USB Power?) Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/Yes
    Battery life – CIPA (Rear screen/EVF) 350/310 340 400/350

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Time’s running out to enter 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    Cash prizes and Sony gear are on the line as deadlines for entry to the Sony World Photography Awards are approaching. With a little less than a month left to enter, the competition has released some early contenders. Head to the competition website to learn more, and take a look at some of the early standouts here.

    Panopticon #1 The prison San Vittore Milan. © Jelena Kostich, Serbia, Entry, Open competition, Architecture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    The project named after social theory Panopticon, originally developed by French philosopher Michel Foucault in his book Discipline and Punish. The ìPanopticonî refers to an experimental laboratory of power in which behaviour could be modified, and Foucault viewed the Panopticon as a symbol of the repressive, disciplinary society of surveillance. I made photographs of the prison San Vittore in Milan, Italy. To show the boundary that is standing between those ones outside the prison, and those once inside the prison. That those outside the prison can’t actually see what is going on behind the walls of the prison.

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    Untitled. © Adit Merkine, Israel, Entry, Open competition, Wildlife, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    I was laying on the bank of Kerkini Lake, Macedonia, Greece on 27 January 2016. This lake is known as the most important wintering habitat of the Dalmatian pelican in Europe. At this time of the year the Dalmatian pelicans are in their breeding plumage. It was in the mid-morning. A group of five Dalmatian pelicans came closer and closer, probably looking for some fish from the fisherman on shore. They stopped for a short time in a lined row staring at my camera, like posing for a family shot. It was very exciting and I took the shot.

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    GOTHS. © Peter Dench, UK, Entry, Open competition, Portraits, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    Two Goths share a portion of chips on Southend promenade, UK.

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    Malaysia Independence Spirit. © Mohamed Shaiful Azre Allias, Malaysia, Entry, Open competition, Motion, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    Hundred of student hoisted flags during 59th Malaysia Independence Day celebration at Merdeka Square on 31 August 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia celebrates its 59th National Day on August 31. I took this photo using a telephoto lens and wait for the show to begin.

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    Waiting a Next Turn. © Mankichi Shinshi, Japan, Entry, Open competition, Culture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    After I heard that it is “one of the most crowded places in the world,” I decided to visit the beach in Qingdao, China. But Qingdao in May was chilly and foggyóit was still off-season. I could sense that this place had at one point been full of exuberant people, and in the subsequent emptiness, I felt a sense of loss.

    This photo is the scene of wedding photo sessions around the sea. Although It was very bad weather, maybe they had to do that because of the full reservations of the popular spot in China.

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    Al Ain City. © Andrzej Bochenski, Poland, Entry, Open competition, Architecture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    Lava, Etna. © Placido Faranda, Italy, Entry, Open competition, Nature, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    Solidified lava river vs Forest – Volcano Etna, Sicily. Aerial view from a drone.

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    Feeding Frenzy. © Noel Guevara, The Philippines, Entry, Open competition, Wildlife, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    Wolf Snappers feeding on plankton. German Channel, Ngemelis Island, Republic of Palau. Taken in miso soup visibility but one of my favorite shots from the trip. I took this while the three Mantas we were shooting were making their huge U-turn for another pass at the cloud of plankton. This was at around 3 meters and the energy was electric all around.

    2017 Sony World Photography Awards Last Call for Entries

    X-flies. © Peter Csakvari, Hungary, Entry, Open competition, Still Life, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

    Who killed the flies?

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Meyer-Optik-Görlitz reveals Nocturnus 50 F0.95 II lens for Sony E-Mount

    German lens maker Meyer-Optik has launched the Nocturnus 50 F0.95 II, a super-fast manual-focus standard lens for the Sony E-Mount that is optimized for use with full-frame sensors, but also works with APS-C cameras. 

    The lens comes with a focal length of 50mm and an aperture range from F0.95 to F22, offering lots of flexibility, both when shooting in low light and in terms of depth-of-field. The lens design features 10 elements in 7 groups and ensures high levels of sharpness in the focus-plane. Meyer-Optik says the 15 aperture blades with anti-reflective coating create a pleasant bokeh with circular highlights. The Nocturnus has a minimum focus distance of 50cm and weighs 680 grams. Manual focus control and the stepless aperture ring operate almost silently, making the Nocturnus an interesting option for video applications. 

    The Nocturnus 50 F0.95 II will be available from January 1st for €3000 (approximately $ 3225). More information is available on the Meyer-Optik-Görlitz website.

    Nocturnus 50 F0.95 II samples provided by Meyer-Optik

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    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)