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Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope that all your photography dreams come true.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

A700 no longer available on Sony.co.uk

Just an interesting development that I've noticed, last week if you went to www.sony.co.uk and went through the process of allowing the website to recommend a DSLR to you it would still recommend the A700. This week if you go through the same process there is no way to find the A700, in fact the A700 has been removed entirely .

Personally I hope that this is a sign of the imminent release of a replacement for the A700 because if you go on Sony's advice the replacement currently is the A550. The problem is if you read the review posted on www.Dpreview.com you'll see that they still recommend the A700 over the A550. Not exactly a leap forward.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A700 replacemnet rumors

Rumors are out on the Internet that the A700 successor, which is likely to be unveiled in Q1 2010 should have one revolutionary features:
1) Pellix (or pellicle) mirror
Photonotes.org explains very well what a pellicle mirror is: “Also “fixed reflex mirror.” Essentially this is a SLR reflex mirror which is partially transparent and does not move.
One of the advantages of traditional moving-mirror SLR cameras is that the photographer can look through the viewfinder and see what the actual taking lens is seeing. The primary disadvantage is mirror blackout – when the mirror has flipped up to expose the film then nothing can be seen through the viewfinder. Mirror blackout, though brief at high shutter speeds, can nonetheless be a problem for sports and other action photography.
Cameras with pellicle mirrors have fixed half-silvered mirrors that both direct light to the viewfinder and to the film surface. They therefore eliminate mirror blackout whilst preserving the advantages of an SLR. They are also much quieter, as there are no mirror slap sounds or blur-inducing vibrations caused by mirror motion. Pellicle mirror cameras can also shoot almost instantly – unlike most SLRs there’s no lag time resulting from having to move the mirror out of the way. This rapid-fire capability also permits faster film transport mechanisms in some cases.
Pellicle mirror cameras have two drawbacks. First, the mirror must be kept scrupulously clean because light passes through it to the film surface. Second, because some of the light is being diverted up to the viewfinder there’s less light available to the film. Pellicle mirrors typically cost 2/3 stop of light and the viewfinder is also a bit dimmer.
A pellicle is a membrane or a thin film and refers in this case to the very thin reflective coating on the mirror.”
There are many film-cameras which do use the Pellicle Mirror. An example is the Canon EOS RT, the
Canon EOS-1N RS and the Nikon F3H.
Some other interesting specs on the rumor mill are
2) shoots ten frames a second
3) It also has an electronic view finder
4) 1920×1080 video (no details yet about frame rate and compression type but the video quality will easily beat the quality of Nikon/Canon cameras)
5) full AF in 1920×1080 video
the main advantage with the use of a pellicle mirror. The Phase Autofocus System works during video-recording?
6) takes SD cards??? Will have to see about this, I personally do not think that Sony will part with it's own MS format

Original post can be found at http://sonyalpharumors.com/sr4-the-sony-a700-successor-will-have/

Sunday, October 25, 2009

okay.. here we go again

Firstly apologises because the blog has been very quite lately and I need to step up to the plate. So I'm going to do just that . I have a couple of things planned up my sleeves to make things a little more interesting here.

On the camera front I'll be having a look at a couple of lens and doing a bit of an in the field report. The lenses I refer to will be the Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro lens, the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 and the Tamron 70-200 F2.8.

I will also have the opportunity to play around with the A200 over the next month or so. The A200 has become the camera of the Sony masses and I'll have the opportunity to give my verdict as to whether this is down to price or product.

I'm also doing a field trip off into the Kalahari desert where hopeful I'll get a good couple of shots. Should be a good field test for the A700 and the 70-400.

so keep your eye on this blog cause things are going to get interesting.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

New Sony DSLR's leaked


New Sony DSLR's seem to have been leaked into the market once again. In my opinion these leaks are quite deliberate and intended to create hype before the launch of the product. Nikon tends to use the same strategy. Rumoured specs are as follows


1. A950 with backlit 24.6Mp Exmor sensor @ $2999.95
2. A850 with 24.6 Mp @ $1999.95
3. A750 with 14MP backlit sensor @ $1200.00.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

A little quiet


Okay so I have to admit it's been a little bit quiet around thios blog for far to long... so here is whatt I'm planning on doing in the coming future. I will be doing a few lens reviews to follow on to the review I did on the Sony 70-400mm f4-5.6 G SSM. I recently aquired the Sigma 10-20mm Ultra wide angle lens and a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 both of these lenses I have been putting through there paces and will be posting feedback on their performance shortly.


so apologies for the lack of activity I will be trying to keep things a little more active in the future.


Monday, May 18, 2009

Sony releases 3 New Cameras and accessories


A230, A330 and A380

SONY INTRODUCES THREE MAINSTREAM ALPHA CAMERAS DESIGNED FOR FIRST-TIME DIGITAL SLR BUYERS


SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use α (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.

Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs

The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.

“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”



Light and Compact

The 10.2 megapixel α230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every α-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Quick AF Live View System

Both the α380 and α330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the α380 and α330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

Built-in Help Guide

The α380, α330 and α230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.

The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

Systems, Lenses and Flash

Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.

Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality.

The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.

To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens.
The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.

To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

The α380L, α330L and α230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The α380Y, α330Y and α230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

* The SAL-1855 standard zoom lens will cost about $200.
* The SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lens will cost about $230.
* The SAL-50F18 portrait lens will cost about $150.
* The HVL-F20AM flash will cost about $130.

SOURCE: http://news.sel.sony.com/en/image_library/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/pslr/

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Sigma 10-20mm F4.5 -5.6 Sony Alpha Mount

I have just purchased a Sigma 10-20mm for my Sony A700, the lens is intended to cover the wide angle for me and in the next couple of weeks I'll be putting it through it's paces. So Watch this space for the review shortly

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sony 70-400mm f4-5.6 G SSM (SAL70400G) review

I was fortunate enough to get a copy of the Sony 70-400mm G lens and these are my first impressions.

Headline features • 70-400mm focal length range
• Relatively fast f4 aperture (Fastest in this class of lens compared to competitors) at 70mm
• 3 Focus Hold buttons
• Fast SSM Auto Focusing
• G Quality lens coatings
• Focus limit buttons
• Tele-converter compatibility
• Widest coverage in class at 70-400mm (Compared to 100-400mm Canon and 80-400mm Nikon)

Vital Stats• Prod. code:SAL-70400G
• Year: 2009
• Coverage: Full frame
• Production: Current
• Max. aperture: f4-5.6
• D type lens: Yes
• Min. aperture:22-32
• focal range:70 - 400 mm
• Elements/group: 18/12
• Angle of view:34-6
• aperture blades: 9, circular
• Minimum focus distance: 1,5m
• Filter rotate when focusing: No
• Filter rotate when zooming: No
• Max. Magnification: 1:3.7
• Focus design: SSM
• Filter diameter: 77 mm
• Front hood: SH0010 petal shape
• Weight: 1500 g
• Colour: silver


Build Quality

The lens is extremely well built in my opinion, conduction in mainly metal Design

The 70-400m SSM is one of Sony's G series professional quality lenses, and therefore built to the very highest standards. The construction appears to be essentially of metal. The silver colour, which is not to everyone liking, is in my opinion a good move from Sony for two reasons. One the silver is a lot cooler in the direct sunlight than any of the black lens I have owned and secondly it serves as a good differentiator from Nikon and Canon and while it may take some time for Sony uses to warm to the silver colour I do believe that when the quality of these lens shines through the silver will be very much in demand.
The lens is pretty typical in size for its class, and therefore potential upgraders should appreciate that it's significantly larger and heavier than consumer telezooms such as the 70-300mm F4.5-5.6. This therefore may not be the lens you'll want to carry around all day when on a hiking or the sort.
On the camera
This is a sizeable lens but the balance of the lens in my opinion is excellent. The zoom ring is positioned towards the front of the lens allowing the combination of lens and camera body used and balanced at the same time. The focus ring is positioned toward the rear of the lens and when using manual focus generally requires a change in grip. If you are going to be using a tele-converter on the lens I would strongly recommend that you use a monopod or tripod to make your life easier.

Reported aperture vs focal length
70-100mm f4
100-150mm f4.5
150-250mm f5
250-400mm f5.6

Sharpness
I have to say that my first impressions with the lens really blew me away; I have been looking for a lens with some reach in it for quite sometime. I originally started out with a Minolta 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 and enjoyed the lens, especially the colours produced by the lens, however as mentioned I wanted something that was going to get me in a little bit closer. Thus I chose to purchase a Sigma 170-500mm f5.6-6.3 APO DG and although when you consider the price of this lens it performed okay I was disappointed at the 500mm end with poor image quality. So when I snapped away with the 70-400mm I was blown away the sharpness which really surprised me and impressed me. This lens is sharp, really sharp.
African Rock Python
360mm F8 ISO400

Image Colour
The colours and contrast produced by this lens are fantastic and extremely pleasing to the eye, although I have not had the opportunity or pleasure to compare this lens to something like the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 SSM G I can say that when compared to my Sigma 170-500mm the contrast and chromatic abrasions is not even comparable with the Sony being light years ahead.
Curious Greenbacked Heron

Weight
The weight of this lens is a touchy subject because depending on how you look at it or use the lens depends on your view. The lens is heavy at 1,5kg and this balances the camera well in my opinion but if you don’t have strong arms this lens my prove to be a challenge in the handheld department, you certainly want to make sure that the Supersteady shot is on as it really does get tested here but definitely makes a difference.

With Teleconverter X2
I have included a couple of pics taken with a X2 Tamaron Teleconverter, I was pleasantly surprised at the results and will let you be the judge of the outcome. A couple of things to note with the Teleconverter; you will be shooting in MF, you will loose some light (1 to 2 Stops) and your min aperture will be f11 (Not ideal if you going to handhold this lens.
Red Eyed Dove
800mm F11 ISO400

AF SSM
I was more than happy with the SSM Autofocus of the lens especially when you consider that I have not had the opportunity of previously using SSM lens. All I can say here is that the AF is pretty silent and a huge benefit compared to the screw driven AF of the standard lens. One note here though, I have found that SSM definitely eats the batteries so make sure that you own a spare battery or better yet a battery grip.

Hood
The hood for the lens is a bit of a mixed bag. I like the petal design of the hood and Sony have included a very clever little hatch/switch on the hood to allow access to a circular polarising filter. On the negative the inside of the hood is covered in a black velvet type covering and although it’s effective in stopping light reflecting in does attract dust at an alarming rate. One of the criticisms I’ve seen levelled at the lens is that the Lens hood is to light and not robust enough. I can only think that Sony were trying to add as little weight here to an already heavy lens. It has also been reported that the hood tends to unmount itself, I can only talk from experience and at this stage I have yet to experience this problem.

Negatives
- Weight
- AF SSM is quicker that screw driven AF but not lighting fast
Positives
- Image quality
- Image Colour
- SSM AF
- Tele-converter compatibility
- Very useful wide zoom range 70-400mm
- Excellent build quality


Image Examples
Baboon
400mm F5.6 ISO 400

Tree Frog
400mm F5.6 ISO 800


Rating out of 5: 4.83
Overall ratings: 5
Sharpness rating: 5
Colour rating: 5
Build rating: 4
Distortion rating: 5
Flare control: 5

Friday, February 13, 2009

Got my copy of Sony 70-400mm G lens yesterday

Sony 70-400mm G

Got my copy of Sony 70-400mm G lens yesterday, I must say that first impressions are extremely positive. The lens is very well built and a joy to handle. All though yesterday was not the day to test the lens as the weather was extremely overcast and by the time I got home the sun had pretty much set. I will be going on a photographic out for a couple of days next week so i will post a full review of the lens upon my return.

Sony 70-400mm G

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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