Just posted: Our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The RX1 is one of the most ambitious cameras Sony has ever built: a full-frame compact with a fixed 35mm F2 lens. Those specifications make the RX1 a high-end, niche camera, as its $ 2,800/€3,100/£2,600 price tag confirms. So how does it perform? We’ve run through the RX1 through our standard tests and looked into its performance and what this unique camera offers. Click here to see what we found.
US Underwater housing maker Nauticam has announced the NA-NEX6 for Sony’s NEX-6 interchangeable lens camera. Providing protection up to 100 meters depth, its body is made from aluminum with a scratch-resistant acrylic rear cover. It features a single-lock housing and a patented lens attachment mechanism which allows you to change lenses without removing the camera from the housing (presumably as long as you’re not underwater at the time). The NA-NEX6 will start shipping this month at a retail price of $ 1650.
Get your Sony HX9V from Amazon in stock today-6/18: www.amazon.com Here is the full review of the Sony HX9V which many of you have been waiting patiently (or impatiently) for. The HX9V seems to represent a real step forward for Sony from the HX5V. While some may argue it is an evolutionary upgrade rather than revolutionary, the HX9V is with out doubt one of the best digital cameras at its price point and size, especially when taking into account its16X G lens. For 9.99 or less, the HX9V makes a very compelling case for an upgrade…for full impressions, start watching! Enjoy! -TDD Fireworks video sample: www.youtube.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Get your Sony HX30V from Amazon today: www.amazon.com The Sony HX30V promises to be the all in one photographic solution that can still reside comfortably in a pocket. Like all point ans shoot cameras, it has its limitations but the HX30V (WiFi enabled unlike the HX20V), proves competent across its dynamic 25-500mm(35mm equivalent) Sony G lens. Its 3 point active steady shot image stabilization is yet another critical improvement from the standard set by the HX9V. The HX30V is a fast little beast that will also Geo-tag and transfer / share your photos with WiFi enabled devices. Sony has decided to redefine the photographic limitations of a compact ultra-zoom in this offering but the WiFi and PlayMemories software make the HX30V one of the most versatile and affordable compact cameras on the market to date. Enjoy! -TDD
The World Photography Organisation has announced the shortlists for the professional, open and youth categories of the 2013 Sony World Photography awards. This year’s competition saw the highest number of submissions to date with more than 122,000 entries from 170 countries. The shortlist offers an insight into an impressive gallery of images. Winners are scheduled to be announced in March and April. Click through for more information and a look at some of the photographs.
Sony has announced firmware updates for its SLT-A37, A57, A65, A77 and A99 digital SLRs. Firmware version 1.01 for the SLT-A99 adds Dual-AF compatibility with key A-mount lenses. Updates for the rest of the SLTs including the A99 add automatic lens correction with several A-mount lenses. Click through for more details and a link to the updates.
Sony has announced firmware updates for its SLT-A37, A57, A65, A77 and A99 digital SLRs. Firmware version 1.01 for the SLT-A99 adds Dual-AF compatibility with key A-mount lenses. Updates for the rest of the SLTs including the A99 add automatic lens correction with several A-mount lenses. Click through for more details and a link to the updates.
Sony has announced a series of firmware updates for its NEX-7, NEX-6, NEX-5R, NEX-5N mirrorless APS-C cameras and two E-mount lenses. Version 1.02 for both NEX-7 and 5N adds automatic lens correction with the 16-50mm E mount lens, as well as a number of other improvements and bugs fixes. Firmware v1.01 for NEX-6 and 5R provides Fast Hybrid AF support with multiple E-mount lenses. Owners of NEX-6 and 5R cameras who use the 50mm f/1.8 or 30mm f/3.5 E mount lenses must first update the latest lens firmware that adds the Fast Hybrid AF capability. Click through for more details and a link to the updates.
Now here’s another one: a deliciously tiny, mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera that can almost replace many DSLRs on themarket. Sony was one of the early entrants in this game and, in typical fashion, continues to refine the bloodline with this third generation product in the 5 series.
In a press release introducing the camera the company asked:
‘Are DSLR cameras too big and too hard?’
The NEX-5R attempts to make a reply and only NEX-5R users will be able to confirm the real answer.
In looks the camera is tiny and appears further dwarfed by attaching the f3.5/16-50mm kit lens (supplied for this review) but the bulk, handling and overall weight is far from intimidating. With this lens attached it is only just pocketable.
If you’re looking for external controls, stop right now!
Top deck: on/off switch, replay and Function button that accesses a customisable menu and, depending on which shooting mode you’re in, alters aperture and/or shutter speed; there’s also a control wheel that sets aperture value and shutter speed in the appropriate modes. Set back a little is the familiar red video record button.
Rear: to the right of the LCD screen (which dominates this area) is a four way control wheel that accesses continuous shooting, exposure, ISO and screen display options. This is accompanied by two assignable soft key buttons that access menu options.
Most camera controls can be accessed via the sensitive touch screen. Those who are thick-fingered amongst us will have trouble tho’!
A novel plus of the touch screen is the ability to take vertical format self portraits with the camera held at arm’s length!
For many the camera has an important add-on with its integrated Wi-Fi capabilities and in-camera apps. By installing the appropriate (Windows) app on your iOS or Android mobile device it allows you to transfer files from the camera to the device.
I had little difficulty in transferring my images to Facebook and my own Wi-Fi network, aside from the tedious finger work involved in the necessary data input.
By installing the Smart Remote Control application, users can do a remote check on the image on their camera display, adjust camera exposure, and even take a picture — all from their Xperia smartphones.
The 16.1 megapixel capture can shoot maximum 4912×3264 pixel images and make 42x28cm prints. The sweep panorama function will please many brave enough to search out suitable subjects and the patience and resourcefulness to take them to the print stage.
Full HD movies can be captured in either AVHCD or MPEG. Maximum res is 1920×1080 pixels. A good thing in one way is that you cannot capture a still whilst in record video mode, so no breaks in your movie!
I know I’ve said it before but the switchable on-screen level gauge is a mighty help when you’re shooting in a hurry and likely to miss this important factor.
For many, the deal breaker when considering this camera is the vari-angle screen that tilts up, down and even forward for self-portraits; however, the latter will not work if you attach an optional flash unit to the camera’s top deck.
Noise begins to creep in at ISO 3200. More so at ISO 6400. Images at ISO 12800 are useable. High noise level at ISO 25600.
Quality: above average.
Why you’d buy the Sony NEX-5R: compact, high quality picture maker.
Why you wouldn’t: too basic — you need more features.
Welcome to another in the NEX line!
Image Sensor: 16.1 million effective pixels.
Metering: multi zone, centre-weighted, spot.
Lens Mount: Sony E-mount.
Exposure Modes: iAuto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
Effective Sensor Size: 23.5×15.6mm CMOS.
35 SLR Lens Factor: 1.5x.
Shutter Speed (stills): 30 to 1/4000 second and Bulb.
Continuous Shooting: up to 10 fps.
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 4912×3264 to 2448×1376.
Movies: 1920×1080 (AVCHD), 1440×1080 and 640×480 (MPEG4).
Viewfinder: 7.5cm LCD screen (921,600 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW (Sony ARW 2.2), JPEG+RAW, AVCHD, MPEG4.
Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 200 to 25600.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini, Wi-Fi.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 111x59x39 WHDmm.
Weight: 276 g (inc card and battery).
Price: Get a price on the Sony NEX-5R(Body Only) or the Sony NEX-5R with 18-55mm Lens.
Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.
Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.
Sony NEX-5R Review
Went for a quick stroll in the neighbourhood to test out the night time / low light performance. One thing i noticed is that the LCD is much more grainy than the actual video, which is incredibly clean at iso1600 and even 3200. I didnt have to go to iso3200, but with a slower lens, it would have been no problem to do so. I also have a BW circ. polariser on front, which takes back about 1.5 stops. Settings: – 1080p30, 24mbps – 1/60, iso800-1600, 24mm, f1.4, 0ev, BW Circ. Polarizer (-1.5 stop) – Sony NEX-5N, ECM-SST1, Nikkor 24/1.4G, cheapo tripod