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Sony Alpha firmware updates bring record button disabling on NEX-7, DSLR lens improvements
Sony's NEX-7 may be fast approaching its first birthday, but that doesn't mean the company's ready to give up on pushing out updates. The camera's first new firmware version, 1.01, should be hitting today, bringing with it the ability to disable the Movie Record button to avoid accidental taps (finally!), boosted image quality with a wide-angle lens, improved audio playback and expanded EV bracketing. An option to disable the EVF eye sensor doesn't appear to be included with this revision, unfortunately. Other updates hitting at the same time include E-mount lens firmware v.01 that'll enable NEX-5R/NEX-6 Hybrid AF functionality with older lenses, A65/A77 firmware v1.06 and A37/A57 firmware v1.03, both of which deliver the ability to enable/disable the movie record button while also adding a variety of lens compensation options for select Alpha optics. All of these updates should now be live -- head over to the source link below for the hook-up.
Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on
A full-frame camcorder for roughly 3 grand? Meet the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam -- the company's first 35mm HD video camera. Taking cues from its Alpha A99, which was just announced today, Sony brought that camera's 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor to a camcorder form factor, delivering shallow depth-of-field and much improved low-light sensitivity in a more practical package. The VG900 is compatible with E-mount lenses, and it's a fine stills shooter (like the A99, it's capable of 14-bit RAW captures), but it's best suited for high-end video production, where it offers 1080p recording at 24 or 60 frames-per-second through a sensor that features 45 times the area of a conventional camcorder. This model even adds some of Sony's picture effects from the stills line, such as soft focus and miniature mode, while certain filters, like partial color and high-contrast monochrome can even be added to video. Also on order for today is the NEX-VG30 -- the successor to the VG20 -- which offers many of the same features, but with a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor instead. If you're looking for a capable Handycam and don't want to spring for full-frame, this is your match. Both models include 270-degree swivel 921k-dot touch-enabled TruBlack LCDs and XGA OLED eye-level electronic viewfinders, along with Sony's new Multi Interface Shoe, which enables XLR microphone inputs through an optional accessory. The Handycams offer a new zoom seesaw level with multiple speeds for smooth, silent lens adjustments. There's also digital zoom functionality, which is likely to be more appropriate for the VG900, since that model's full-frame sensor has the pixels to spare. That flavor is quite costly, coming in at $3,299 without a lens, though an LA-EA3 mount adapter is included so you can attach full-frame-capable A-mount lenses. The VG30, for its part, will retail for $1,800 body only, or $2,700 when paired with Sony's new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens -- a $300 savings, considering that optic's $1,200 standalone price tag. The VG900 is slated to ship beginning in late October, while the VG30 will hit stores in November, but you can take a closer look right now in our hands-on gallery below.%Gallery-163055%
Sony NEX-6 mirrorless cam squeezes in between 5R and 7 with WiFi, EVF and dedicated mode dial (hands-on video)
Does the NEX lineup need another model? Sony reckons it does. Meet the NEX-6. The company's latest mirrorless camera looks nearly identical to last year's top-of-the-line NEX-7, with the exception of a new dedicated mode dial, that lets you switch between aperture- and shutter-priority, manual, or scene modes with a hardware control rather than a need to jump into the menu. It offers the same pop-up flash (with a bit more power), a 3-inch 921k-dot TruBlack tilting LCD, an identical 2,359k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a strikingly familiar design. And that's where the similarities screech to a grinding halt. The NEX-6 is a hybrid camera of sorts, merging the best of the NEX-7 and the new 5R into a compact ILC that Sony says is its first to offer "full DSLR functionality." You won't be able to snag full-frame captures, as with Sony's brand new Alpha A99, but the 16.1-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor should get you well on your way. There's also low-light shooting through ISO 25,600, 1080/60p video, a 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode, the new Fast Hybrid autofocus system first introduced with the NEX-5R and a new Multi Interface Shoe that lets you interface with a bunch of new accessories, including a hot shoe-mounted XLR mic input rig ($800). Join us past the break for our impressions and hands-on video.%Gallery-163053%
Sony NEX-6 spotted in the wild, electronic viewfinder and mode dial in tow
We've had furtive glances of Sony's upcoming NEX-6 before, but only in the very clinical space of a government test lab. Apparently, no mere agency can confine it: photography workshop director Vincent Kang has posted a photo of the pre-release mirrorless camera on Weibo for all to see. Posing next to 24mm and 50mm lenses, the NEX-6 looks to be very much the in-between camera we suspected it was, without as much dedicated control as the NEX-7 but still carrying an electronic viewfinder, a pop-up flash and a dedicated function key near the shutter release. The dedicated mode dial is also more conspicuous -- there's no question that Sony wants to free up controls on the back for the future camera's more experienced target audience. Between the new design and the already known inclusion of WiFi, it's looking as though the NEX-6 may hit the sweet spot for shooters who want more control than the NEX-5R without sacrificing all its newer features. We just need to wait for official launch details to make it all real.
Sony announces 16.1MP NEX-5R with Fast Hybrid AF, WiFi and downloadable apps (hands-on video)
Sony's entry-level NEX-C3 was recently updated with the NEX-F3, so it was only a matter of time before the company's mid-range mirrorless model scored a successor of its own. Keeping in line with its familiar naming scheme, the NEX-5R includes a new 16.1-megapixel sensor that's based on the version packaged with the 5N, and boasts low-light sensitivity through ISO 25,600. The new model offers a bevy of new features, however, with many stemming from its new-found ability to connect to the web, as Sony's first mirrorless camera with built-in 802.11 b/g WiFi. Standard remote functionality is included, via the Smart Remote Control app that lets you use an Android or iOS device to snap photos, as is Direct Upload for sending media to the web, and a typical suite of sharing features, including PC and DLNA access. The 5R takes connectivity leaps further with PlayMemories Camera Apps, letting you download applications directly to the device, including tools that assist with retouching and sequential shooting. (Sony hasn't confirmed whether firmware updates will be pushed wirelessly as well, but it's a possibility.) With the 5R, the camera maker is targeting current DSLR users who are ready to upgrade but would consider a switch to mirrorless. Digital SLR-like controls will help ease the transition, including a new dial near the shutter release. There's also a new Fast Hybrid AF, which pairs 99 phase-detect AF points with a 25-area contrast system, resulting in noticeable improvements with any lens. There's also 1080/60p video, along with a 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode (with AF tracking!). If you were fond of the front-facing self-portrait LCD mode on the F3, you'll be happy to know it's here as well, complete with the downward-facing option included with previous-gen NEX models, but notably absent from the F3. We took Sony's latest ILC for a quick spin, and noticed improvements immediately, especially when it came to the focusing system -- going side-by-side with the C3, the newer camera was able to focus much more quickly and accurately in low-light, even with the standard (and generally unimpressive) 18-55mm kit lens. Touchscreen functionality was present as well, just as it was on the 5N, though you can navigate all of the menus with dedicated controls, should you wish. We weren't able to test WiFi functionality, but it sounds promising in theory, especially considering the optional apps. We'll be taking a much closer look once Sony releases its NEX-5R in mid-October -- the camera will ship in black, silver or white for $650, or $750 with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. For now, you can take a closer look in our gallery below, or the hands-on video after the break.%Gallery-163052%
Kipon preps Canon EF lens adapters for Micro Four Thirds, NEX cameras with electronic control
Adapters to fit Canon's EF lenses on Micro Four Thirds and NEX camera bodies most definitely aren't new. Without any electronic link, though, that Lumix GX1 or NEX-F3 owner has had to focus by hand, sometimes without any aperture control -- what year is it, 1930? Kipon wants to make sure you'll never have to stoop to that level again through a pair of new adapters that keep the electronic controls working. As always with these parts, there's likely to be catches: we don't know the prices and ship dates, for one, and lens conversion can still hurt the autofocus speed. Even so, anyone who's been hoarding (or simply envious of) Canon glass now doesn't have to eye an EOS-M just to get a mirrorless camera with the lens adapter they crave.
Sony NEX-F3 review
Just shy of a year ago, we reviewed the Sony NEX-C3, a mirrorless camera that quickly became our benchmark when it came to entry-level interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs). We praised its excellent image quality, generally consistent performance, overall solid design and, best of all, its $600 price tag -- including an 18-55mm kit lens. Since then, the landscape has shifted drastically for this particular type of compact shooter, with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 raising the bar for focusing performance, Nikon's cute J1 winning the hearts of many (likely due to a heavy marketing budget and adorable design) and the Fujifilm X-Pro1 pushing the envelope when it comes to price and body size. For its part, Sony also attracted plenty of attention with its flagship NEX-7, which appears to have been the inspiration for the company's brand new NEX-F3. More Info Sony NEX-F3 hands-on and sample shots Sony NEX-C3 review Sony NEX-7 review Based on its price tag and release schedule, you might have assumed that the NEX-F3 is here to dethrone Sony's NEX-C3. That may or may not be the case (we're hoping for the latter) -- the F3 is much more a scaled-down version of the NEX-7 than an update to the C3. Sure, designs can change drastically from one year to the next, but we were quite fond of last year's model, and many of you were, too. From a specification perspective, the F3 has a new APS-C sensor (though resolution remains unchanged), with a higher top ISO setting of 16,000, a 3-inch LCD that can flip 180-degrees to face completely forward, a new NEX-7-esque pop-up flash and a bulkier design. But does bigger mean better in this case? Click past the break for our take.%Gallery-156455%
Sony NEX-F3 and A37 cameras hands-on and sample shots
Sony's newest NEX and DSLR have already graced these pages -- albeit in decidedly unofficial fashion -- but the time has come for this duo of shooters to be revealed to the world with the blessing of their maker. In case you didn't catch the earlier leaks, the NEX-F3 is the replacement for the much-beloved NEX-C3 as the entry-level ILC from Sony, while the A37 slots in the same place in the company's Alpha DSLR lineup. Sony's also rolling out fresh glass for each this July, in the form of an E-mount 18-200mm, F3.5-6.3 zoom lens for $850, and an 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 A-mount telephoto unit that'll set you back $500. Both the NEX-F3 and A37 will come with kit 18-55mm lenses and cost $600 when they go on sale in June, which makes them quite competitively priced as compared to their competition. An enviable pricing position, to be sure, but can they deliver the imaging goods? Well, we spent time with each on a tour of San Francisco recently, so join us after the break for our impressions and some sample photos.%Gallery-155474%
Hot shoe adapter for Sony NEX-5 and NEX-5N gets the hands-on treatment
The Sony NEX-7 we reviewed last month is the only cam from the NEX line to include a hot shoe for attaching an external flash, but NEX Proshop just introduced an unofficial workaround for the NEX-5N and NEX-5, a hot shoe adapter that will ship for $79.99. Engadget Chinese got to handle a unit and gave it a spin on the NEX-5N. In addition to allowing for an external flash, the adapter lets you automatically sync with the internal one, with the recommended max shutter speed being 1/ 250s. Our sister site's hands-on version didn't allow for tightening the screw position with a coin, which resulted in the adapter coming a bit loose -- so perhaps this isn't the exact model that will ship. Hop on over to the original post for more photos.
Lensbaby Composer Pro gets Samsung, Sony, Micro Four Thirds mirrorless mounts
Lensbaby faithfuls awaiting a mirrorless-compatible Composer Pro lens need not hold out any longer. The company's high-end creative optic is now shipping for mirrorless mounts of the Samsung NX, Sony NEX and Micro Four Thirds variety -- including the Panasonic Lumix G and Olympus PEN. These latest additions join Canon, Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax K and Four Thirds versions, which are all available for 300 bucks at the source link below.
Sony to launch NEX-FS700E 4K cinema camera for $9,000 at NAB?
What would you pay for the ability to capture cinema quality 4K video? $36,000? $18,000? Try $9,000. That's the expected price of Sony's rumored NEX-FS700E, which could launch at NAB next month with a June ship date. EOSHD reports that the camera will pipe 4K video to a dedicated external recorder over 3G HD-SDI. It will reportedly use the same NEX E-mount as its predecessor, the FS100, and may include a trio of neutral density filters to increase versatility. We haven't been able to track down an image of the rumored cinema cam (the model in that image above looks identical to the FS100), but we wouldn't be surprised to see another detail or two leak out before the broadcast community's annual Vegas gathering kicks off in a little over two weeks. For its part, Canon is also expected to announce a 4K EOS-format DSLR at NAB, as a less-expensive alternative to the $16,000 C300, while RED's Scarlet already has 4K capabilities, and a $9,000 price tag.[Thanks, Andrew]
Sony promises eight more NEX E-mount lenses by the end of 2013, doesn't elaborate
Have you been holding out on that NEX purchase because of the currently limited E-mount lens selection? Well, Sony's got some good news for you -- there will soon be eight additional lenses to choose from (for a total of 15), with all models making it into circulation by the end of 2013. That's still no match for the hundreds of optics available for Canon or Nikon DSLRs, but you'll at least be able to build a collection that covers (almost) all of your bases. Sony hasn't detailed any of these upcoming models, but the company's chart above lists a few categories, including a High Performance Standard Zoom in the pricey Zeiss category, along with High-magnification, Standard, Wide Angle and Mid-magnification Zooms. There will also be a trio of prime lenses, including a Large Aperture Standard lens, a Middle Telephoto and a "Snap" (pancake) optic. We're just as anxious as you to find out exactly what Sony has in mind for each of these categories, but you should at least take some comfort in knowing that the E-mount collection is far from complete.
Sony Alpha NEX-7 mirrorless camera review
Remember the NEX-7? Ever since a days-long shooting session back in September, Sony's prized mirrorless cam has eluded us -- and the rest of the world. As you may recall, the flagship Alpha ILC was hit by the Thailand floods, resulting in delay after delay, eventually missing the holiday shopping season entirely before resurfacing late last month. Another week later and our beloved Sony Alpha NEX-7 has finally arrived, ready to take on the streets of New York City. So what exactly is the NEX-7, and why does it cost as much as a mid-range DSLR? First off, the 24.3-megapixel APS-C ILC captures, well, 24.3-megapixel images, offering the highest resolution of any mirrorless model on the market. Its APS-C sensor is identical to the one found in Sony's A77 DSLR, measuring larger than Micro Four Thirds and on par with most full-size digital SLRs.If having the ability to capture mural-size images ranks fairly low on your digicam wish list, you may take comfort in some of the NEX-7's other features, such as its gorgeous and durable magnesium alloy body, built-in XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, 3-inch, 921k-dot articulating LCD and unique tri-navi control interface that enables direct access to key settings adjustments, including both aperture and shutter speed in manual mode. There's also 1080/60p HD movie capture with full manual control and microphone input support, a 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode (with exposure and focus locked) and a BIONZ image processor that's capable of delivering low-noise images all the way through ISO 16,000. These features combine to make the NEX-7 one of the most powerful mirrorless cameras to date, but are they enough to justify the $1,200 body-only price tag? Join us past the break to find out.
Kenko Tokina 400mm lens for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX hits Japan tomorrow
Looking for a zoom booster to flesh out your NEX or MFT kit? Then take a highly magnified gander at Kenko Tokina's 400mm f/8 mirror lens, which now comes with both E- and T-mounts to complement the manufacturer's existing SLR-compatible range. So long as you don't mind the light-sapping aperture and manual focus, you'll be able pick one up in Japan tomorrow for a price that should soon become apparent. Just bear in mind that other new MFT options from Tamron and Astrodesign are likely on their way too.[Thanks, Tibor]
Tamron unveils 18-200mm E-mount lens, ups your NEX glass selections
With a whopping total of eight official lens choices (and two wide angle converters), saying that Sony's NEX cameras could use a few more options in the decent glass category would be putting it lightly. Thankfully, Tamron today announced its latest zoom lens, the BO11 18-200MM F/3.5-6.3 DI III VC, which is made specifically for E-mount shooters. The BO11 weighs in at just over a pound and features a built-in stepping autofocus motor, along with Tamron's moving coil-equipped Vibration Compensation technology -- a must given that Sony's NEX shooters rely on their lenses for image stabilization. While there's no mention of price, the lens will be shipping to dealers starting December 15th and you'll have your choice of either black or silver. Of course, we'd be remiss not to point out the option of lens mount adapters, but if you're set on dedicated solutions you'll the full press release just past the break. Update: Tamron has announced pricing at $739.
Thailand flooding forces Sony to postpone Alpha NEX-7 release, curb A65 production
Sony has just postponed the launch of its new NEX-7 mirrorless camera, due to widespread flooding in Thailand. According to the manufacturer, the flooding has impacted operations at two of its three factories within the country, thereby delaying production of both the NEX-7 and Alpha A65. Reuters is reporting that one camera plant has been completely flooded, while operations at a semiconductor factory have been suspended due to supply shortages. The NEX-7 was originally scheduled to hit the market next month, though Sony now says it has been delayed indefinitely. "It is difficult for us to say at this time when production will re-start in Thailand," spokesman George Boyd told the BBC. "However, we are taking measures to move production to our third factory in Thailand which is operational and also to other sites."
IRL: Sony NEX-C3, Garmin Forerunner 110 and the Elgato Turbo.264 HD
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. It's been a hectic week, what with Amazon trotting out a little something you may have been expecting (along with a few things you weren't). We won't lie: some of us now know what we're getting our friends and family for the holidays, but gadgets we may or may not be purchasing doesn't cut the mustard for IRL, now does it? Until we pull the trigger, we'll keep on talking up and dressing down the stuff we're already using. This week, Jose from Engadget Spanish takes his newly minted NEX-C3 on vacation, Dana outgrows her Forerunner 110 and Darren shows you just how your hands-on video sausages get made.
Sony Alpha NEX-7 hands-on preview (video)
There are some cameras that we would be willing to use in a bind, some that we wouldn't hesitate to shoot with, and a very select few that would motivate a cross-country journey, just for the chance to spend a few days behind the lens. Sony's Alpha NEX-7 falls within that incredibly unique final category -- in fact, we've done just that, flying from New York to San Diego to go hands-on with one of only a half-dozen pre-production samples to have landed on American soil. After seeing a very early NEX-7 prototype a few months ago, it didn't take much convincing to get us on a plane. Sony's 24.3 megapixel APS-C masterpiece represents a giant leap forward for the interchangeable lens market, theoretically capable of capturing images identical in quality to its much larger Alpha A77 counterpart, but in a body only slightly larger than the NEX-C3. Pair that image quality with an XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, a revamped tri-navi interface, standard hot-shoe, 1080 / 60p AVCHD video, microphone input, and a built-in flash, and you have one very worthy compact DSLR replacement. That said, the NEX-7 kit's $1,350 price tag is far more than many are willing to spend on a camera. But is that premium pricing justified? Jump past the break to find out.%Gallery-133835%
Sony reveals three new NEX E-mount lenses, LA-EA2 A-mount adaptor with translucent mirror
Sony's NEX line of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (ILC) deliver quite a lot of bang for your buck, but a diminutive lens selection reduced appeal for advanced shooters. Today, the company is growing its E-mount family of lenses by three, now offering a total of seven compatible lenses. Shipping in October, the Carl Zeiss SonnarT E will take the helm as Sony's flagship optic, delivering a 24mm fixed focal length and f/1.8 aperture, with a minimum focus distance of 16 cm and a sky-high $999 price tag. Also packing a speedy f/1.8 aperture, the $300 E 50mm OSS doesn't sport Carl Zeiss branding, but it does include built-in image stabilization and a circular aperture, promising smooth defocus. Both lenses will ship in December. Hitting stores in October, a new telephoto lens, the $350 E 55-210mm compensates for its sluggish f/4.5-6.3 maximum aperture with optical image stabilization while offering 3.8x magnification. And finally, Sony's LA-EA2 A-mount adapter lets you use your full-size Alpha lenses with the NEX cameras without losing functionality, thanks to built-in Translucent Mirror Technology and a dedicated AF motor. NEX-3, NEX-5, and NEX-C3 owners will need a firmware update to take advantage of the adaptor, but if you already have a collection of A-mount lenses, $400 may be a reasonable price to pay for full compatibility when it ships in November.%Gallery-131067%
Sony unveils NEX-7: 24.3 MP sensor, OLED viewfinder, $1199 price tag (video)
During our trip to Sony HQ earlier this summer to check out the NEX-C3, company reps hinted that the best was yet to come -- and held true to their word. Today's NEX-7 release breaks a handful of digicam records, becoming not only the first mirrorless camera to pack a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, but the first APS-C cam of any shape and size to smash through this notable barrier -- potentially delivering unparalleled image quality for a camera of its size. Sony's new flagship mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) also features the same OLED viewfinder included with its brand-new Alpha A77, delivering XGA (1024 x 768-pixel) resolution directly to your eye. There's also 1080 / 60p AVCHD video capture, a full-size hot shoe, and a completely redesigned "Tri-Navi" interface. We spent a few minutes with a pre-production NEX-7 earlier this month -- jump past the break for our initial impressions.%Gallery-131063%