Sony has unveiled a new stacked CMOS image sensor for use in smartphones. Called the IMX230, it features 21 effective megapixels, on-chip phase detection AF and 4K video recording. The chip is a 1/2.4-inch type with square pixels measuring 1.12um x 1.12um each. Video of up to 4K (4096 x 2160) resolution is available with HDR function (also available in stills mode). Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Phottix has unveiled Sony versions of its Mitros and Mitros+ TTL flash units for that manufacturer’s multi-interface hotshoe. The Mitros+ offers remote radio flash control, with built in Phottix Odin and Strato II receivers. Both flash units provide a guide number of 58, with 180° rotation and tilt by 97°. Learn more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
It appears that Hasselblad has closed its Treviso design center in northern Italy. The facility was responsible for Hasselblad’s Lunar, Stellar and HV cameras, all re-badged Sony products aimed at ‘amateur photo-enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in both style and performance’. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Sony has launched a ‘Pro Support’ program with the aim of offering professional photographers the levels of support available from the big DSLR makers. The move presumably comes to help persuade pros to consider switching to the company’s SLT and mirrorless camera systems. The program, called Sony Imaging PRO Support, provides ‘superior support’ so that pros can ‘ensure their Digital Imaging products are always ready’. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Sony has introduced a new line of XQD format version 2 memory cards, the G Series. As with other XQD cards, the G Series promises fast read and write speeds that are able to match the demanding needs of select cameras, such as the Nikon D4 and D4s. In turn, Nikon has announced that the D4s will support Sony’s version 2 XQD cards, with improved write speeds and burst capacities. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Sony’s NEX and Alpha range of E and FE-mount cameras have a lot going for them, but some users have reported a ‘wiggle’ in the lensmount, especially when heavier lenses, or third-party optics via adapters are used. Fotodiox thinks it has the answer with its new ‘Tough E-Mount’ – literally a replacement lensmount for E and FE-mount cameras. With a single metal ring replacing the two (one metal, one plastic) originally attached to the camera, the Tough E-Mount should (according to the manufacturer) eliminate any movement between camera and lens. Click through for more details
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Chinese lens designer and manufacturer Shenyang ZhongYi Optical and Electrical Company has launched a new 42.5mm f/1.2 lens that is capable of covering an APS-C imaging sensor. Priced $ 359, and available initially in the Micro Four Thirds mount, the Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 appears to be aimed squarely at competing with Panasonic’s Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 for its Lumix G bodies. Read more
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Sony has introduced a new CMOS sensor, calling it the highest sensitivity sensor of its kind. Developed for automotive use, the new chip can capture color images in light conditions down to 0.005 lux. The sensor is 1/3-inch type with 1.27 effective megapixels, and supports a Wide Dynamic Range system that uses extended exposure times rather than using multiple exposures. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
We were so busy playing with new Leica cameras and giant telephoto lenses at Photokina that we totally missed Sony’s announcement of four upcoming full-frame E-mount lenses. Four FE lenses are coming in the first quarter of 2015, including three primes and one zoom. Sony didn’t reveal too much, but you still get the idea by reading this.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
At Photokina last week we sat down with Shigeki Ishizuka, the global head of Sony’s Imaging Business. As well as talking us through Sony’s current Alpha strategy, Ishizuka-san also explained why the name ‘NEX’ was dropped and told us a little about how Sony’s sensor business works. Click through for the full interview
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)