Holtphoto

Sony to release new NEX camera in 2012

2012-01-24T15:13:00.001+02:00

http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-three-new-nex-cameras-coming-within-the-next-eight-months/

http://www.sonyalpharumors.com has an interesting post today. Sony is apparently planning to release 3 new NEX cameras in 2012 and will also be focusing on the E-mount lens line-up. This isn't a bad thing considering the great reception that the NEX-7 has received I just hope that they will continue to expand on the Alpha line-up and lenses.

The E-Mount is a nice alternative but I just do not believe it is where the professional market will head and in my opinion if you do not start to enter the pro-market and take it seriously your fortunes in the camera business will turn on a dime. Ask Kodak!

Kodak, is this the end of the road?

2012-01-20T06:55:00.000+02:00

Yesterday various news sources and photography sites covered the announcement that Kodak was filing for bankruptcy. You can find more details regarding the announcement here http://www.kodaktransforms.com/ . For me though this announcement is more about the end of an era, long has been the debate around the digital vs film. True photography enthusiasts will always have a place in their hearts for film but there is no denying that photography has wholly shifted into the digital era and the Kodak announcement is just further confirmation of this.In my opinion the fight of digital vs traditional is still far from over. Recent announce by traditional tech companies who are players in the digital camera/ photography market have perhaps shown the best innovations in recent years and as cameras and photography continues to become more and more digitized the pressure will continue to mount on the traditional camera manufactures around the world. I am not sounding the death horn for the likes of the Canon's and Nikon's but I do believe that over the next 5-10 years they will face mounting pressure on their market share especially as the traction camera designs come under threat.

Gallery: Kruger National Park is flooding

2012-01-19T12:13:00.000+02:00

Gallery: Kruger National Park is flooding: See a selection of News24 Users pics sent in of the floods in the Kruger National Park and surrounding areas. Send your pictures to photos@news24.com and we'll publish them.

The law of the bush

2012-01-04T08:09:00.000+02:00

I was out on a game drive when we came across the following scene. The sequence of images to the left show a typically scenario in the bush.The first tel tale sign was a number of vultures in the trees. It was a rather wet day and overcast which typically means two things with vultures in trees. Either they were just nesting or there was a fresh kill that they were waiting to take their turn on. Most of the vultures were White Backed vultures, who nest in tree ( not good) but there were a couple of Lappet-Faced vultures mixed in with the White backs which helped in leaning the argument in favour of the latter scenario. Our misery was ended when while circling the area a Hyena made his appearance and ended our search for a carcass as with his superior sense of smell he simply led us straight to the wildebeest kill, The hyena was very nervous and constantly checked the surrounding bush giving a clue to the fact that the lioness had probably not gone far and was still in the vicinity. Showing the shrewd tact hyenas are know for the male dragged the carcass out into the open which was a major bonus for us. Time was not on his side though as after wolfing down a couple of chunks of meat the lioness made her return. I was quite surprised how see focused she was on the Hyena and locked onto the Hyena as if she was hunting. I would have thought that she would have simply roared or made a noise to scare off the hyena. Fortunately it did not take long until the Hyena spotted the approaching Lioness and bolted like an Olympic sprinter. The Lioness feeling I assume a little uneasy about the presence of the Hyena showed immense strength and simple disappeared with the carcass into the tickets. Ending our mornings excitement.

Boomslang

2011-12-29T09:37:00.001+02:00

Boomslang, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

We came across this boomslang just outside of camp. He had been trying to get to a Lilac Breasted Roller atop of the telephone pole and got caught in a wire loop on the pole. The poor guy had been there for a couple of days. You can actually see in the image where his body was caught in the wire loop on the pole. Protocol requires that the section ranger in the Kruger National Park be notified of any animals in distress and any actions needs to be taken by the section ranger. I have to admit that it seems a bit daft and is certainly not the most effective means of management as two days after the snake was reported to the section ranger nobody for SANparks had arrived to assist. You can see in the image that there is a drop of blood on the bottom of the snake. Thankfully the weather was cool and overcast with some rain which would have helped the snake. I am happy to report that eventually staff took matters into their own hands and freed the snake. Snakes have pretty remarkable powers of recovery so I am sure that this guy made a full recovery

Open Wide

2011-12-22T08:09:00.001+02:00

DSC00015.jpg, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Race for Victory 25.09.2011 07:25

2011-09-25T12:36:00.000+02:00

Completed my first cycle race today, great first 66km tough as hell last 6km

Race for Victory 25.09.2011 07:25

International rhino day

2011-09-22T14:10:00.000+02:00

today is International Rhino day.

Rhino poaching has reached epidemic proportions in Southern Africa with around 300 rhino's poached in South Africa this year alone.

Kruger, on it's last legs

2011-09-10T14:22:00.001+02:00

Hyena on a buffalo carcass, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Cycling 20.06.2011 14:04

2011-06-20T20:35:00.000+02:00

Cycling 20.06.2011 14:04

iPhone 4 going to make this a lot easier

2011-02-23T07:55:00.000+02:00

Just got an iPhone 4 and I'm hoping that this is going to make my blogging a lot easier. Going be be trying to blob a lot more often

Cops rough up Pta photographer

2011-02-05T08:07:00.000+02:00

Cops rough up Pta photographer: "Police officers have stormed the Pretoria News building in an apparent bid to arrest a photographer who had taken pictures of them arresting a suspected thief."

Logitech Revue with Google TV - Kevin Bacon

2011-01-13T14:56:00.001+02:00

Big Male

2010-12-07T18:50:00.001+02:00

Big Male, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Win with Logitech

2010-11-25T20:38:00.000+02:00

www.logitech.com/win

2010-11-10T12:42:00.002+02:00

www.logitech.com/win

Win awesome prizes

A sense of place

2010-10-24T20:22:00.000+02:00

One of the most surprising things to me in Photography is how often people forget to give the subject a sense of place. Have a look at this video from Art Wolfe

http://vimeo.com/15203471

wildlife photography tips

2010-10-07T13:25:00.001+02:00

Some useful tips on wildlife photography below

http://www.photoradar.com/techniques/technique/10-quick-wildlife-photography-tips

http://www.photoradar.com/reviews/product/sony-alpha-a55

2010-10-07T13:21:00.000+02:00

http://www.photoradar.com/reviews/product/sony-alpha-a55

Farm Labour Cottage

2010-09-22T17:23:00.001+02:00

Farm Labour Cottage, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Church

2010-09-22T17:22:00.001+02:00

Church, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

1937 Ford

2010-09-22T17:19:00.001+02:00

1937 Ford, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Big Guy

2010-08-03T19:51:00.002+02:00

Big Guy, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

It's sad that in the last year and a bit rhino poaching has taken a sharp rise. South African National Parks has lost 152 rhino this year alone, an alarming figure. At this rate it's likely that their destiny will be in Zoo's if we lucky and museums if we continue to ignore this threat.

Kruger Day 2

2010-07-22T08:20:00.004+02:00

Kruger day 1

2010-07-17T20:36:00.001+02:00

Pearl Spotted Owl, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

first full day in the park today, the start of an 11 day trip. The day was a little slow but to be honest we let it be a little bit slow. It's just a pitty that the rest of the visitors don't take the same attitude, speeding is still a major problem in the park.

Sightings on the first day consisted of the usual suspects. Elephant, buffalo, Kudu, Waterbuck, Zebra, giraffe, Impala, Wildebeest, hippo and crocodile. The highlight of the day was probably the sighting of a Pearl spotted owl. This bird is only around 15cm and is seldom seen out in the open.

Sony Alpha A290 emerges online

2010-05-14T16:20:00.005+02:00

Happy news in my opinion, not so much the fact that the A290 has emerged but rather the fact that the Sony Alpha range has a future on the A-Mount. This leak or rumour actually couldn't have happened at a better time for Sony as many users were questioning the commitment of Sony to the A-Mount. The rumoured specs for the A290 are as follows;

APS-C image sensor resolution of 14.2 megapixels BIONZ image processor.
maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200
2.7 inch LCD screen
sensitivity optimized DRO range
speed 2.5 fps continuous shooting
user interface with visual images, like the A230
memory card or MemoryStick Pro Duo SD / SDHC

Horse

2010-05-03T08:41:00.002+02:00

Horse, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Image taken with Sony 300mm F2.8, what a lens. I will be writting a little more about this lens this coming weekend. What an experience

Springbok on the move

2010-04-27T11:37:00.001+02:00

Springbok on the move, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Amstel

2010-04-07T17:18:00.001+02:00

Amstel, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

A little bit of fun painting with light... this is how it was done. Simple infinity curve created with green card board. 1 X Amstel larger fom SA (note Amstel here is in a green bottle and not a brown bottle). Ensure the room is dark enogh to slow down your shutter speed to about 5sec. Then take a maglight and move it around the bottle. It's really good fun and I would recommend trying it

A little bit of rough living

2010-03-16T07:44:00.002+02:00

I have had a bit of tough last 2 months and decided to get away from it all. So I packed my instant tent, have to love the modern world, and headed off to the Pilanesberg for the weekend.

The weather was great, 360, sunny and hardly a cloud in the sky. I have to say I'm quite excited about camping, a chance to be a man and make do with the meagre of supplies I had brought and face the elements. Having a look at the folks around me I now realize that camping can be pretty serious. I mean who knew you could get DSTV (Digital Satellite Television) for your tent. Anyway the real reason I'm here is to take photographs, today was pretty rushed so no luck as yet but we'll see how tomorrow goes.

Lying in bed and thinking of the sounds around me, the Pilanesberg is quite similar but yet so different to Kruger. It's 9:30pm and still there are campers arriving, camp life doesn't settle down as early as it does in Kruger and children certainly do not go to bed at their usual time. It’s also quite interesting that unlike me many of the people visiting the camping site have no intention of entering the game reserve. The Camps are situated at the perimeter of the reserves as to have as little impact on the animals and environment as possible, unfortunately for me that means that there aren’t any real bush sounds in camp. No Lions roaring and no laughter from a hyena just a lonely jackal calling for a mate and the mumbled ramblings of Afrikaans form the camp site near me, sigh, and as the Klipdrift kicks the ramblings get louder. Pilanesberg definitely doesn't have the same policy on noise as other reserves do.

Sony Strategy for DSLR's in 2010

2010-02-22T13:24:00.009+02:00

Sony has given a clearer indication to it’s camera business unit’s future. Sony announced a Ultra-compact new camera with interchangeable lenses, APS-size sensor and AVCHD; and is planning at least two new additions to α DSLR line-up

The Ultra-compact new α camera with interchangeable lenses is in development should launch in 2010, Sony is also planning to launch a mid-range successor to α700. You should also see the introduction of HD video into Sony’s entry and mid level DSLR camera’s

Sony also announced 3 new lenses currently in development including Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM 24mm, new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens and Sony Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G Lens. Hopefully this will be ready for the world cup but I don’t think we should hold our breath.

One annoyance I have with this announcement from Sony is the fact that they tend to show their cards a little too early, if the launch of these products is planned around the end of the year it once again, like the launch of the α900, allows Nikon, Canon and the rest to plan counter strategies and develop products to directly compete with the α’s. So if I have one request it is that Sony speed up the release to market. All in all though, as a Sony user I am extremely happy to see that movement has finally come in Mid range enthusiastic market and lenses areas.

Full press release

22 February 2010

Sony highlights digital imaging strategy at PMA:
Ultra-compact new camera with interchangeable lenses, APS-size sensor and AVCHD; more additions to α DSLR line-up
• Ultra-compact new α camera with interchangeable lenses in development for launch 2010
• Additions to mainstream α family and mid-range successor to α700
• New lenses in development including Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM 24mm, new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens and Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G Lens

At PMA this year, Sony confirms plans to further expand the appeal of its digital imaging range. Additions to the α (”alpha”) range of DSLR cameras will be joined by a new product concept that makes high-quality imaging accessible to an even wider audience of photographers.
Ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses and APS-C sensor

In 2010 Sony will introduce a new ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses that teams “any time, anywhere” convenience with DSLR picture quality. Exhibited in early concept mock-up form at PMA, the camera features a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. It will also support HD video recording using the efficient AVCHD format. Shown in mock-up form alongside the compact, easy-to-use new camera is a selection of compatible interchangeable lenses.

Mainstream DSLR range to grow further
Sony also confirms that the current α range will continue to grow with the introduction of further new mainstream DSLR models using the newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and integrating HD video function with AVCHD format.

New DSLR lenses from Sony
The α family of over 30 interchangeable lenses and teleconverters is set to grow with the addition of exciting new models. Shown in advanced pre-production form at PMA is the Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss wide angle lens. Scheduled for launch in 2010, this bright, wide angle prime is an ideal choice for reportage, naturally lit interiors and other quality-critical handheld shooting applications. Displayed as a mock-up on the Sony booth, the newest lens to carry the G Lens name is a bright, high-power Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G with class-leading optical performance.

High key

2010-02-03T09:23:00.002+02:00

High key, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

This image was taken in a home studio set up using two 300watt Linkstar studio flash units with soft boxes and a white backgroung. I will be doing a series of these images and experimenting with high key. I hope that you find these images intresting and please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

2010-01-28T06:50:00.002+02:00

Really need to get doing some projects around my passion photography

Sony releases A450

2010-01-05T09:48:00.005+02:00

Honestly you are telling me that Sony has spent it's time developing an A450 instead of address the urgent need for a replacement of the A700... I will not purchase another single Sony product until they show that there is a future in this system.

If for some reason you would like the specs of this cut down A500 follow this link to Dpreview http://www.dpreview.com/news/1001/10010506sonyA450.asp

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T09:14:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone,

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

A700 no longer available on Sony.co.uk

2009-12-10T16:04:00.003+02:00

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.

A700 replacemnet rumors

2009-12-01T15:32:00.005+02:00

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/

okay.. here we go again

2009-10-25T08:02:00.002+02:00

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.

New Sony DSLR's leaked

2009-08-11T13:07:00.006+02:00

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.

A little quiet

2009-08-05T17:05:00.002+02:00

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.

Sony releases 3 New Cameras and accessories

2009-05-18T13:54:00.003+02:00

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/

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

2009-04-22T20:13:00.003+02:00

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

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

2009-03-12T08:27:00.003+02:00

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.

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.

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.

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

400mm F5.6 ISO 400

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

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

2009-02-13T13:37:00.002+02:00

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.

Sex & Rock n' Roll

2008-12-04T15:00:00.001+02:00

Sex & Rock n' Roll, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

my little contribution to the fight against Aids

Sony Alpha Ad

2008-08-20T08:04:00.001+02:00

Leopard kills croc - Picture of Pictures

2008-07-29T18:48:00.001+02:00

Leopard kills croc - Picture of Pictures, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

Gautrain Malboro off ramp

2008-07-09T11:28:00.002+02:00

Sony Alpha A700 Review

2008-06-07T13:47:00.000+02:00

Sony Alpha A700 Review

Intro

I’m a passionate amateur photographer and the reason for writing this review is simply to give a layman’s view on camera equipment that I use.

The reason I purchased the Sony A700 was essentially as an upgrade to my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D (A great camera in its own right and extremely underrated). Sony purchased Konica Minolta back in 2006 and luckily for me they have continued the Alpha mount for the lenses thus all my lenses from my Konica Minolta 5D fit and work as per normal on any of the Sony DSLR Camera’s.

Sony currently has a reasonable range of DSLR cameras starting with the A200, A300 and A350 entry level DSLR’s and of course the A700 Semi-Professional DSLR. All of Sony’s current DSLR are APS-C size sensors meaning that a crop factor of X1.5 is “gained” on SLR lenses i.e. a 100mm on an A700 is equivalent to 150mm on a full frame SLR. In addition to the current range of DSLR’s from Sony there is also the earlier A100 and rumours abound of a pending Full Frame 24 mega pixel A900 to be released later this year.

So back to the A700. The A700 competes directly with the Nikon D300 and The Canon 40D. It’s quite interesting that the A700 is rumoured to have the same sensor as the Nikon D300. I say rumoured but it’s pretty much a given when you consider that Nikon gets it’s sensors from Sony and both sensors are 12.2 CMOS. So having seen the ratings of the D300 it’s a feather in the cap for the A700 and at less of a cost. The sensor is not the only thing in common with the Nikon D300 the LCD is pretty much identical and are the only two cameras currently offering a 3.0 inch Xtra Fine 921K Dot resolution. They also both offer HDMI output from the camera.

So essentially in a nutshell the reasons that I chose to upgrade to the A700 where simple, I had a number of A-Mount lenses, the value for the specs of the camera was extremely good, the features where fantastic and I wanted a camera that would allow me to experiment with setting and bring out some creativity.

Specs

Format SLR
Release Status Current
Max resolution 4272 x 2848
Low resolution 3104 x 2064, 2128 x 1424
Image ratio w:h 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 12.2 million
Sensor photo detectors 13.0 million
Sensor size 23.5 x 15.6 mm
Sensor type CMOS
Colour filter array RGB
Sensor manufacturer Sony
ISO rating Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (up to 6400)
Image stabilization Yes, Sensor shift
Auto Focus Yes
Manual Focus Yes
Auto focus type Yes, 11 area, dual-centre cross sensor and F2.8 sensor type
White balance override 7 positions, plus manual
Min shutter 30 sec + Bulb
Max shutter 1/8000 sec
Built-in Flash Yes, pop-up
Flash guide no. 12 m (39.3 ft) m
External flash Yes, hot-shoe
Flash modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Off
Exposure compensation -3 to +3 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 2/3 EV steps
Metering 40 segment, Center weighted average, Spot
Aperture priority Yes
Shutter priority Yes
Focal length multiplier 1.5
Lens thread Sony Alpha mount, Minolta A-type mount
Continuous Drive Yes, 5 / 3 fps
Movie Clips No
Remote control Yes included. Wire (Optional)
Self-timer 2 or 10 sec
Time-lapse recording No
Orientation sensor Yes
Storage types Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo
Storage included None
Uncompressed format RAW
Compressed format JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Quality Levels Extra Fine, Fine, Standard
Viewfinder Optical (Glass Pentaprism, 95% coverage, 0.9x magnification)
LCD 3.0 "
LCD Pixels 921,000
Video out Yes
USB Yes, 2.0
Firewire (IEEE 1394) No
Battery / Charger Yes
Battery Lithium-Ion (NP-FM500H) & charger
Weight (inc. batteries) 768 g (27.1 oz)
Dimensions 142 x 105 x 80 mm (5.6 x 4.1 x 3.2 in)

Body and Design

The A700 is constructed from an Aluminium alloy chassis with a magnesium body and controls that are sealed against dust and moisture. The body is slightly bigger than the A100 and in my opinion sits better in the hand than the smaller entry level type DSLR’s. The layout of the buttons and menu are a pleasure and although many people are taken back by the amount of dials and buttons on the A700 I really do believe that they add to making this an amazing camera to use. Now buying a new camera does not mean you will automatically take better pictures but what the A700 does offer you is the ability to experiment and the freedom to use manual function far easier and faster than competing cameras. It is often possible to access a button via three different means, the Fn button, a dedicated button or the menu and in my opinion this means that what every function you are looking for you cannot go wrong in finding it.

LCD screen

The 3-inch LCD screen on the A700 is truly amazing and with a pixel count of 921,000 it’s a leader in its class and is only matched by the Nikon D300. Reviewing pictures on the screen definitely gives you and huge advantage over other cameras as you are given a accurate display of what the picture looks like where as on other screens you my end up doing a bit of guess work. I also find it extremely useful when checking the finer detail of pictures I’ve just taken.

Key Features

• Sony 'Exmor' 12.24 effective megapixel CMOS sensor with on-chip A/D conversion and dual noise reduction
• High speed BIONZ image processing engine for superb image quality
• Ultra responsive operation with fast, high-accuracy 11-point autofocus and 5fps continuous shooting
• HDMI output for viewing on HD Ready display plus PhotoTV HD mode for optimised Full HD images on new BRAVIA televisions
• 3.0-inch Xtra Fine 921k dot resolution LCD screen for critical shot evaluation
• Compatible with full range of a-mount lenses from Sony and Carl Zeiss plus Konica Minolta lenses
• Enhanced Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation in camera body reduces camera shake with all lenses
• New Quick Navi function for fast, easy access to camera settings
• Rugged magnesium body with aluminium alloy chassis and controls sealed against dust and moisture
• Dual anti-dust system protects sensor during lens exchange

Image Quality

I have to say that I find the image quality of the A700 excellent even with a kit lens. Colour is fantastic and I shoot manly in RAW format so any JPEG issue are avoided (Although I personally do not see any Jpeg issues) and despite some of the negative reviews of the high ISO setting I find them personally to be excellent, being able to shoot quite usable images right up to 3200. I use the 6400 setting as a creative tool to add grain to images.

Something else that comes into play here for me is the Auto Focus (AF) which I find to be outstanding on the A700 even with my cheap lenses there is little searching in low light situations. AF is extremely quick and with the 5fps drive it is ideal for me taking sports and Wildlife pictures. Another bonus for me is the eye start AF, which basically starts focusing as soon as you lift the camera to your eye. When a split second can mean the difference between getting the shot or missing the action, this function is extremely handy. The eye start can be set to either simply start when it reaches your eye or else (What I prefer) is to set it up to only work with the grip sensor (your hand needs to be on the camera grip) and eye sensor, thus when the camera is on your lap or around your neck it isn’t focusing continuously. You can of course choose to turn both options off and use the shutter release button pressed half way down.

Lenses

My A700 came with the Sony 18-70mm AF DT kit lens, and for general use it’s pretty good with a decent focal range 18mm-70mm (27 – 105mm, 35mm Equivalent) and will work just fine for your family shots. You can get quite a lot out of the lens with a bit of work as seen here. If you have the money though I would recommend that you buy some top quality glass like one of the G series lenses or one of the Carl Ziess lenses. There used to be a rule of thumb in the days of film, invest in glass and not camera bodies. Nowadays, with digital, camera bodies do make a difference but I believe that the same still holds true, top glass will get you better results than the next best camera body. Unfortunately for me I’m not in the league of top end glass as its pretty expensive stuff. I shoot with the following lenses; Konica Minolta 75-300mm(D) 4.5 -5.6, Sony 18-70mm DT 3.5 – 5.6, Sigma 24-200mm 4.5 -5.6 and a Sigma 170-500mm APO 5.6 – 6.3 DG. As an amateur these lenses give me pretty much all I need.

Conclusion
I have to say that I am extremely pleased with the performance and functionality of the A700 and in my opinion it is an extremely good camera but unfortunately due to the Canikon monopoly, Sony (Like Olympus and Pentax) does not get the unbiased reviews they deserve. The camera is very capable, the AF is brilliant and with the great Sony, Minolta and the amount of Carl Zeiss glass coming onto the market the options are limitless. There has also been a noted uptake from the likes of Sigma and Tamron in producing to end Sony 3rd Party lenses which are often cheaper that lenses directly from the manufacturer. I am loving my A700 and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is considering purchasing a A700.

A comprehensive review can be read at Dpreview.com
For more of my photographs please visit my flickr site at link

Little Gift Boxes

2008-05-31T21:12:00.002+02:00

Little Gift Boxes, originally uploaded by holtphoto.

I have just returned from Mauritius and I will be blogging a couple of interesting observations about my trip shortly

Flickr

2008-05-31T21:10:00.001+02:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Sharks... more like guppies

2008-05-24T13:50:00.003+02:00

Wow what a dissapointment, I'm glad none of the boys got injured because it looked like that was all they were trying to do, avoid injury. That has to be one of the poorest perfromances this year. Way to go sharks save it for the semi's we as a Nation would have been better off with having the stormers in the semi's... oh well seems like SA rugby is back to normal

Zimbabwe

2008-05-06T13:16:00.000+02:00

I often sit and wonder why on earth we all just sit back and do nothing when it come to our good old uncle Bob and his cronies... day after day you see the stories coming in on the news and yet no one seems to give a dam...

Big Up to McDonalds

2008-04-24T09:50:00.000+02:00

Just sitting having breakfast at Mc Donalds, and I have to take my hat off to them. Dispite the rise in inflation in South Africa McDonalds continues to outprice it competitors by some distance and delivers superior service and food. Well Done Macky D's

Bad moon arising

2008-04-22T23:29:00.000+02:00

Eskom, doing there things and leaving us in the dark... luckly not me but sorry for you if you live in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

2008-04-21T11:47:00.001+02:00

Great so a new start with a new lens just got a Sigma 170-500mm APO DG and I'll be posting some pics from the Lens as soon as I made a trip to one of the reserves