Articles tagged "sony"

Sony's already had a busy year, and it just got even busier with the announcement of an update to its RX10 series and two new FE lenses: the 50mm F1.8 and 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 OSS. We got to take a first look at them at a press event in San Francisco. Read more

The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III boasts a 24-600mm equivalent zoom lens, 14fps continuous stills shooting and 4K video capture. We've had the chance to get hands-on with Sony's newest flagship compact camera today for a few hours, and we've put together some first impressions. Click through for a closer look at the Cyber-shot RX10 III. Read more

Sony has unveiled the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III, surpassing the zoom range of its predecessor with a 24-600mm equiv. F2.4-4 lens. The camera uses the same 1"-type stacked CMOS sensor which produces 20MP stills as well as 4K/UHD video, and does not replace the RX10 II, which continues in Sony's lineup. Read more

Sony is considering splitting off its imaging products business, according to a new statement from the company. Additionally, its previously announced semiconductor business split will take place next month, placing its image sensors under a wholly owned subsidiary. Read more

With access to Adobe Camera Raw support for the Sony a6300's .ARW files, we re-visited our real-world sample-gallery and have added Raw conversions to the existing out-of-camera JPEG files. Read more

The Sony a6300 is the company's latest mid-range mirrorless camera. Like the a6000 it still offers 24MP resolution but AF ability, video capability, build quality, viewfinder resolution and price have all been increased. Can it top its well-regarded predecessor with its upgrades? Our testing is well underway – take a look at our preliminary assessments. Read more

Sony has released firmware update 3.10 for the a7R II, a7R, a7S, a7 II, a7, a6000 and a5100 camera models. The update primarily brings new lens support and is available to download now from Sony's support website. Read more

Sony's new FE 24-70mm F2.8 G Master lens is as pro-level as pro lenses come. It offers some of the fastest AF speeds we've seen, especially when paired with the Sony a7R II, and impressive sharpness throughout its focal range, even wide open. Read more

We knew that Sony's FE 85mm F1.4 G Master lens was sharp, but after spending some quality time with it in Miami last week, we're even more impressed with its quality. See more

Sony invited us to come out to Miami and field test the company's new a6300 mirrorless camera. With 4K video capabilities, an overhauled AF system and new sensor, we were more than eager to put it to the test. Read more

The Sony a6300 has some sizable shoes to step into. With a 24MP CMOS APS-C sensor, 8 fps continuous shooting with live view, 425-point on-sensor phase detect AF system and 4K video capture it looks like a solid update to the a6000, at least on paper. We've been shooting with the a6300 for a few days and we've just added several images to our gallery of real-world samples. Read more

To kick off WPPI in Las Vegas, Sony has announced that it's developing a wireless radio flash control system for its range of flashguns. Consisting of the FA-WRC1M radio commander and FA-WRR1 receiver, the system will offer control over 15 flashes in 5 groups up to 30m away. Read more

Sony is unveiling its third in a series of 30x zoom compacts, the Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. It offers a 24-720mm equivalent lens, built-in pop-up EVF like the HX90V, and uses an 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor with Bionz X processor. Read more

Sony's α-series of full-frame and APS-C cameras allow for an incredibly diverse range of lens options. What's been missing is the full range of advanced autofocus options Sony offers on native lenses, but not adapted third-party autofocus lenses. Sigma's new MC-11 adapter changes all that with Sigma's DSLR lenses, and we've got the video evidence to back it up. Learn more

There are lots of new products vying for attention at CP+ 2016, including Sony's a6300 and new GM series lenses for its full-frame mirrorless cameras. And they are getting plenty of attention from show attendees, especially those eager to try out the FE 85mm F1.4 GM. We took another look at the a6300 and the GM lenses on display at the buzzing Sony booth in Yokohama. Read more

Just before CP+ 2016, we had the chance to get our hands on preproduction models of Sony's three new G Master lenses that sit above the existing G lenses in Sony's lineup. Our hands-on time on the show floor here at CP+ have allowed us to formulate a better opinion and one thing's becoming clear: we think Sony has good reason to make the recent claims they've made regarding the GM series. Read more

Sigma has announced an adapter for Sony E-mount cameras, making it possible to use Sigma's most recent lenses in Canon and Sigma mount on full-frame or APS-C E-mount bodies. The MC-11 is able to use phase detect AF with adapted lenses, and makes use of both camera and lens stabilization when present. Read more

Sony has announced a 22.5MP Exmor RS imaging sensor for smartphones. The new stacked 1/2.6" CMOS sensor, called IMX318, is smaller than most used by current smartphones and includes on-chip processing for AF and video image stabilization. Sony has used pixels measuring 1.0µm, allowing for a smaller sensor with higher resolution to be included in likewise slimmer mobile devices. Read more

In terms of processing power, look and feel the Sony Xperia M5 ranks below Sony's Xperia Z flagship line of smartphones. However, like the Z-models it's dustproof, waterproof and has a lot to offer in the photography department. The rear camera provides a 21.5MP Sony Exmor sensor with on-chip phase detection combined with an F2.2. lens, as well as 4K video recording. Scoring 79 in DxOMark's Mobile testing, it sets the bar as the best mid-range device in DxO's rankings. Read more

There’s no denying the appeal of Sony’s RX1R II. It promises high-resolution full-frame image quality that’s bolstered by an impressive autofocus system, reasonable depth-of-field control from its 35mm F2 lens and a compact form factor that encourages you to take it with you everywhere. But would you want to? Click through to find out what we think. Read more

Chinese lens adapter manufacturer Kipon has said it is producing a new model that will allow Canon EF lenses to fit on Sony A-series mirrorless bodies while maintaining their AF functionality. The Kipon EF-S/E AF ND lens adapter also comes provided with a slot-in four-stop graduated neutral density filter that can be fitted into the body of the ring. Read more

Chinese company Techart has produced an adapter that works with the AF system of Sony's A7 II and A7R II cameras to create an autofocus effect for Leica M mount lenses. The adapter ring sits between the body and the lens and uses a motor to drive the lens back and forth until sharp focus is found. Read more

The Sony Xperia Z5 currently shares the top spot in DxoMark's mobile rankings with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. With a 23MP BSI CMOS sensor, F2.0 lens and hybrid AF system it's easy to understand how it might have ended up at the top of the rankings. Our full review digs into image quality as well as our experience using the Z5 for photography. Read more

Sony has made some strong claims about its new G Master lens series. Unveiled earlier this week, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is one of three in the lineup to make its debut. We had a few moments to shoot with the lens at Sony's press event in New York. Sharpness is impressive, as is the lack of axial chromatic aberration. Take a look at a handful of samples. Read more

'We want to make lenses that can be used forever,' says a senior engineer of Sony's new G master lenses. At the launch of the ‘G Master’ range of high end lenses, we spoke to Motoyuki Ohtake, Distinguished Engineer in Sony’s Lens Design Department about the process and the philosophy behind the latest lenses. Read the interview

After Sony showed off its a6300 and trio of new lenses, our staffers were able to grab an a7R II and start shooting. In this gallery we have a small selection of images taken with Sony's new 85mm F1.4 GM portrait lens. View the gallery

At a press event in New York City, Sony unveiled a new mirrorless camera and three new lenses – but not just any mirrorless camera, and not just any lenses. The Sony a6300 is the much-anticipated followup to the very successful a6000. And for its full-frame range, Sony introduced a new lens class: G Master. We spent some brief moments with all of the new hardware – take a look. Read more

Sony has just announced the APS-C a6300, an update to the immensely popular a6000. Its technological advances seem poised to break down some of the last remaining strongholds of DSLRs. Sony has released a few videos demonstrating some of these features. Have a look

Sony has created a new lineup of lenses for its full-frame cameras known as G Master (GM). These are the company's high-end lenses that sit above its 'G-series' lenses and, as you might imagine, command a premium price. The first three GM lenses include FE 24-70 F2.8, FE 85mm F1.4 and FE 70-200 F2.8. In addition to the lenses, Sony also released a pair of 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Read more

Sony has introduced the long-awaited update to its popular a6000 mirrorless camera: the a6300. Featuring a newly developed 24 Megapixel APS-C sensor and a completely revamped AF system with 425 phase-detection AF points, the a6300 sits at the top of Sony's APS-C mirrorless lineup, and arguably addresses one of the biggest shortcomings of mirrorless by offering live view during 8 fps burst shooting. Click through for more details

Sony Corp. released its third quarter 2015 earnings report, in which the company discloses notable drops in both camera and image sensor sales. Revenue in the imaging products unit dropped by 5%, due to decreases in units sales of digital cameras. The devices unit had an even larger drop (12.6%) due mainly to a 'significant' decrease in sales of image sensors (as well as batteries). Read more

LensRentals' Roger Cicala has been his usual busy self, tearing lenses apart to work out how to repair and maintain them. The latest optic to fall prey to his toolkit is the Sony Zeiss 35mm F1.4 ZA: one of the company's latest designs for its full frame a7 series cameras. Peering inside reveals a radical design approach far removed from the one Canon uses for its latest 35mm lens. Read more

Sony has posted an advisory on its support website for owners of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II regarding reported 'light leak' issues. Those who have experienced photos with 'unwanted light' can send the camera to Sony for free inspection and repair if needed. Only a certain set of cameras are affected and currently shipping models do not have this issue. Read more

A team at Sony has custom designed and 3D-printed a rig that mounts onto a tripod and can hold 12 Xperia Z5 Compact smartphones, making it possible to record 4K video simultaneously for immersive video. Stitched together in post production, the clips create some impressive 48K 360-degree footage. To test and demonstrate the setup, Sony recorded various winter sports scenes at the Rise Ski & Snowboard Festival in Les Deux Alpes. Read more

Sony has announced new XQD and SDXC UHS-II memory cards at CES. This comes on the heels of Nikon's announcement of the D5 and D500, both of which can utilize the relatively recent XQD format. Read more

A sucker for 35mm, DPR Editor Barney Britton found himself drawn to 2013's Sony RX1 and R for all of the obvious reasons, but shooting with them left him cold. But just when he was about to give up hope on seeing an improved replacement, the RX1R II arrived. Find out why it's pick for Gear of the Year. Read more

Recently, the streets of Seattle were filled with revelers dressed as Santa Claus drunk on (at the very least) plenty of holiday cheer. We took the opportunity to give Sony's Cyber-shot RX1R II a merry shooting session, with the aim of stress testing its 399-point PDAF system. Read more

Sony has released Sky HDR, a new PlayMemories app for capturing landscape scenes that have wide ranging levels of brightness. Sky HDR aims to replace a graduated ND filter, with various adjustment 'themes' along with control over exposure and white balance of sky and landscape areas separately. Read more

Sony is bringing its Alpha SLT-A68 DSLR camera - announced in Europe back on November 5th - to the US and Canada this spring. The a68 uses the company's Translucent Mirror Technology, which allows for 8 fps continuous shooting with full-time autofocus. It sports a 24MP CMOS sensor, 79-point AF system (borrowed from the a77 II), a tilting LCD display, and Full HD video recording using the XAVC S codec. Read more

DPReview Editor Barney Britton has put some miles on the Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II, shooting it all over Western Washington and even bringing it to the Arctic Circle and back. Find out what's new and what isn't in this video overview. Read more

Back in October, Sony announced its intention to buy out Toshiba's sensor business, and today they've sealed the deal. Sony is spending ¥19 billion ($154 million) on the acquisition, which includes technology and a factory in Oita, Japan. Toshiba's 1,100 workers will be offered positions at Sony Semiconductor after the merger closes by the end of the first quarter 2016. Read more

In this video we take a look at the work of Cristina Mittermeier, a conservation photographer who has dedicated her working life to documenting our changing environment and the roles of human communities around the world in protecting it. Watch the video

For our latest Field Test video we went not-quite south of the border to Marfa, Texas. There, photographer Theron Humphrey and his internet-famous dog Maddie help us test the Sony Alpha 7R II and a collection of Sony FE lenses. Despite the oppressive heat and rough roads of Big Bend National Park, the impressive sunsets are well worth the trip. Read more

As far as advanced fixed-lens compacts go, it doesn't get much more enticing than the Sony RX1R II. Like its predecessor, it couples a full-frame sensor with a fast, wide-angle prime, but this time it's equipped with a 42.2MP chip to complement its 35mm F2 lens. We were pretty darn excited to get outdoors with the RX1R II and see what it can do. Read more

Earlier this month, Sony announced firmware v2.0 for its Alpha 7 II. This update gives the Sony a7 II uncompressed Raw and better autofocus performance with adapted lenses. Previously, the a7 II could only use Contrast Detect AF to acquire focus when using adapted glass, resulting in quite a bit of hunting. Read more

The Sony RX1R II is the kind of camera that turns heads. With a full-frame 42.2MP sensor, fixed 35mm F2 lens, optical variable low pass filter and a 399-point phase-detect AF system that's much improved over its predecessor, it's just about in a class of its own. We've had a full-production model for a few hours - just enough time to get it into the studio to see how it handles our test scene. Read more

The Sony a7R II is a 42MP full frame mirrorless camera with 5-axis image stabilization, featuring the world's first (and currently only) 35mm BSI CMOS sensor, and including a hybrid autofocus system and 4K video capabilities. It's the fifth in the company's a7 range of full frame cameras and the second high-resolution 'R' model. However, although its name and appearance are very similar to the first round of a7s, the R II arguably represents just as significant a step forwards as those first full frame mirrorless models did.

Though it's the fifth model in Sony's full-frame E-mount lineup, the a7R II arguably represents just as much of a technological leap forward as its first mirrorless full-frame predecessors did. Its 42MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, 399 on-sensor phase detection point AF system and 5-axis IS are just a few reasons why the a7R II is one of the most talked-about cameras of the last year. See how it performed in our comprehensive testing. Read more

Sony Europe has announced a new Alpha-mount camera, the a68. High on its list of features is a 79-point phase detect '4D FOCUS' AF module likely borrowed from the a77 II. With a 24MP APS-C sensor and Sony's translucent mirror technology, the camera is capable of 8 fps shooting with AF tracking. Read more

Sony's a7 II will receive a firmware update that will boost its AF performance with adapted lenses as well as adding support for uncompressed Raw. The update adds a menu option that pushes the camera to either use phase detection (for speed) or contrast detection (for accuracy) when using non-native lenses. Read more