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A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Reviews of photography products that enhance the enjoyment of taking pictures. Published frequently but irregularly.
Sony Introduces A3000, NEX-5T, E-Mount Lenses
27 August 2013
Sony made three E-mount system introductions today, including an APS-C dSLR-style mirrorless camera using the NEX lens mount, an ultra-portable NEX-5T with WiFi plus a power zoom and three new E-mount lenses, including a power-zoom G-series zoom.
A3000 DSLR
The $400 a3000 dSLR features a 20.1-megapixel Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor, a bright electronic viewfinder, E-mount lenses, Full HD video and 15 different Picture Effect settings including Retro Photo, Miniature Camera and Partial Color. It will include an 18-55mm kit lens.
A3000 dSLR. Familiar ergonomics in a smaller package.
"The new a3000 represents the ultimate combination of performance and value in an interchangeable lens camera," said Mike Kahn, director of the interchangeable lens camera business group at Sony. "With a familiar, comfortable shooting design, impressive imaging capabilities and an outstanding price, it's the ideal choice for customers looking to experience the vast benefits of large sensor, interchangeable lens imaging for the very first time."
The a3000 will be available in early September, the company said.
THE NEX-5T, POWER ZOOM
The $700 NEX-5T combines an ultra-compact design and the creative capabilities of interchangeable lenses with large-sensor image quality, speedy auto focus and the convenience of near field communication one-touch for easier Wi-Fi connectivity.
NEX-5T. Power zoom and WiFi.
With a 16.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, the NEX-5T will be paired in a kit with a SELP1650 motorized zoom lens, which is about 1.2 inches thick when fully retracted. The lens features built-in image stabilization for clearer handheld images and has a smooth power zoom dial for video shooting.
"This new camera carries on the NEX-5 series' strong tradition of compactness and high performance," Kahn said. "Available in a convenient, travel-friendly package with the compact SELP1650 power zoom kit lens, it's the ideal choice for step-up point-and-shoot users, smartphone photographers who want higher quality images and even photo enthusiasts who are looking for a more portable alternative to replace their DSLR."
The company said the NEX-5T will be available in early September as well.
THREE E-MOUNT LENSES
Sony also added three E-mount lenses, bringing the total to 18 models from Sony, Carl Zeiss and now G lenses.
E-Mount Lenses. 16-70mm, 18-105 power-zoom and a black 50mm (approximate scale).
The new lenses include a $1,000 Carl Zeiss 16-70mm f4 mid-range zoom (late September), a $600 18-105mm f4 power-zoom G lens optimized for video (December) and a new black finish option for the $300 50mm f1.8 lens (late September).
Details in the press releases below.
Sony Introduces New a3000 dSLR-Style Interchangeable Lens Camera
New Entry-Level ILC Features Large 20.1 MP APS-C Sensor, Electronic Viewfinder and Comfortable Shooting Design
SAN DIEGO -- Designed to bring the benefits of large-sensor imaging to a variety of new customers, Sony's 3000 interchangeable lens camera combines dSLR capabilities with a comfortable, easy-to-use package.
The new camera features a large, high-resolution 20.1 MP Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor, a bright electronic viewfinder and the same lens mount as Sony's popular line of E-mount cameras, making it compatible with the system's ever-growing assortment of high-quality lenses ranging from telephotos, wide-angles and macros to versatile zoom and portrait lenses.
"The new a3000 represents the ultimate combination of performance and value in an interchangeable lens camera," said Mike Kahn, director of the interchangeable lens camera business group at Sony. "With a familiar, comfortable shooting design, impressive imaging capabilities and an outstanding price, it's the ideal choice for customers looking to experience the vast benefits of large sensor, interchangeable lens imaging for the very first time."
The powerful 20.1 MP APS-C sized image sensor in the 3000 is the same size sensor found in most traditional dSLRs and is the key to capturing crisp, highly-detailed still images and Full HD videos (1080/60i or 1080/24p). The large sensor also boosts sensitivity, grabbing more light and cutting image noise to produce better quality content in low-light conditions, where a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera typically struggles.
The new camera features a clear, bright electronic Tru-Finder viewfinder with generous 100 percent field coverage allowing for an effortless framing experience. The viewfinder can also display a variety of key shooting information and shows a live preview of the composed image to illustrate the effect of any setting adjustments. This same "Live View" shooting experience is also available through the bright rear LCD screen for those that prefer to frame and compose at arm's length.
The new 3000 model features a classic dSLR-style design with a standard P/A/S/M mode dial and several customizable control buttons for making common adjustments to settings. The grip is stable yet lightweight, giving shooters a strong, comfortable grasp of the camera.
Creatively, the new 3000 camera offers a total of 15 different Picture Effect settings including Retro Photo, Miniature Camera, Partial Color and much more. The camera also has Auto Object Framing, which neatly trims portraits, close-ups and even moving subjects for tighter, more professional results. When this feature is engaged, the camera saves both the original and cropped images for review, making it yet another practical learning and teaching tool for beginning photographers.
With the 3000's Multi Interface Shoe terminal, users can broaden their shooting experience by adding external accessories like flash, video lights or microphones. Compatible accessories include the HVL-F43M flash with Sony's unique Quick Shift bounce system for eliminating shadows as well an LED light for video, the HVL-LEIR1 Video IR light for brightening up dimly lit parties and indoor scenes, the ECM-XYST1-MB Stereo Microphone for capturing clearer dialogue and sound and much more.
Pricing and Availability
The new 3000 interchangeable lens camera will be available in early September for about $400, paired with a black 18-55mm zoom kit lens (model SEL1855).
The new camera is compatible with Sony's ever-growing assortment of E-mount interchangeable lenses. In total, 16 different lenses are now available including several premium models from Zeiss and G Lenses.
Sony Introduces Ultra-Portable NEX 5-T Compact System Camera With WiFi , NFC And Fast Hybrid AF
SAN DIEGO -- The versatile new Sony NEX-5T compact system camera combines a stylish, ultra-compact design and the creative capabilities of interchangeable lenses with large-sensor image quality, speedy Auto Focus and the convenience of NFC (Near Field Communication) one-touch for easier WiFi connectivity.
Inside the new camera is a large, high-resolution 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor -- identical in size to the sensors found in traditional dSLR cameras. The large sensor takes in more light during image capture, allowing for richly detailed dSLR-quality still images and full HD videos.
The new NEX-5T camera will come in a kit with the sharp, compact SELP1650 motorized zoom lens, which measures only about 1.2 inches thick when fully retracted. The lens contains built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for clearer handheld images and has a smooth power zoom dial that is particularly useful during video shooting.
"This new camera carries on the NEX-5 series' strong tradition of compactness and high performance," said Mike Kahn, director of the interchangeable lens camera business group at Sony. "Available in a convenient, travel-friendly package with the compact SELP1650 power zoom kit lens, it's the ideal choice for step-up point-and-shoot users, smartphone photographers who want higher quality images and even photo enthusiasts who are looking for a more portable alternative to replace their dSLR."
NFC and WiFi Convenience
The new NEX-5T camera is the first Sony interchangeable lens camera to feature NFC, giving the extra convenience of one-touch wireless connectivity with compatible Android smartphones and tablets1. A connection is activated automatically as soon as the mobile device touches the camera, allowing for immediate image and video2 sharing between devices. Content is then safely stored on the connected device and can be shared via social media and other common applications.
For devices without NFC one-touch capabilities, users can wirelessly transfer images and videos between compatible devices through use of WiFi and Sony's PlayMemories Mobile application, available for both the iOS and Android platforms.
Additionally, a "Smart Remote Control" feature on the NEX-5T utilizes WiFi to send a live image preview to a wirelessly connected camera or tablet, allowing it to act as a remote viewfinder, adjust common photographic settings and release the shutter button. It's a unique, fun feature that can be used for framing and shooting group portraits that include the photographer and can be activated using either NFC one-touch or WiFi connectivity.
Fast Hybrid AF
In line with last year's NEX-5R model, the new NEX-5T camera also features Fast Hybrid AF autofocus technology, which combines phase-detection and contrast-detection methods to ensure speedy, accurate autofocus in any shooting situation. The intuitive focusing system uses 99 phase-detection AF points arrayed on the image sensor to detect a subject's distance and quickly lock focus. Then, contrast-detection AF confirms extremely fine, precise details.
In Speed Priority mode, the camera will switch automatically to phase detection tracking AF to track fast-moving action accurately in each frame up to 10 frames per second3.
Expanding PlayMemories Camera Apps Platform
The growing range of downloadable PlayMemories Camera Apps4 add more fun and exciting features to the NEX-5T camera. Shooters can pick from a range of free and nominal cost apps to broaden creative options and experiment with new photography effects.
There are 15 apps currently available, including "Direct Upload," which allows photos to be uploaded directly to Facebook and now Flickr as well, with support for additional services scheduled for the future. Other fun applications include "Motion-shot," which can combine several different shots from an action-series into one creative photo, "Time-Lapse," which takes several photos over a series of time and stitches them together to create time-lapse photography and several other creative and teaching tools.
Design and Control
The new NEX-5T camera features a fully programmable control dial and Fn (function) button -- a versatile combination for photographers accustomed to the flexibility and direct control of a dSLR camera. The camera's intuitive touch-screen LCD can flip downwards for high-angle shots over crowds or upwards up to 180 degrees for easy arm's length self-portraits. It also has a touch-shutter function for added convenience.
New Sony Accessories
A range of optional accessories offers stylish protection for the camera. Designed in a range of colors to fit the NEX-5T and NEX-5R cameras including black, pink orange and green, the LCJ-EBA case is a thin, light body jacket that allows full use of the new camera's NFC function.
The new LCS-EMJ is a soft carrying case with an expandable structure that accommodates any E-mount camera and lens ranging from pancake prime lenses to longer telezoom models.
For convenient power supply, the new versatile BC-QM1 battery charger doubles as a handy power source for smartphones and cameras. This compact battery charger is ideal for travel with a retracting plug and universal voltage AC10-240V (50/60Hz).
Pricing and Availability
The NEX-5T compact system camera will be offered in silver, black and white for about $700 in a kit with a compact, versatile 16-50mm motorized zoom lens (model SELP1650) or as a body-only for about $550. It will be available for purchase in early September.
The new camera is compatible with Sony's ever-growing assortment of E-mount interchangeable lenses. In total, 16 different lenses are now available including several premium models from Carl Zeiss and G Lenses.
The new LCS-EBA body jacket, LCS-EMJ carrying case and BC-QM1 battery charger will be available this September for about $25, $40 and $60, respectively.
The new camera and all compatible accessories will be available at Sony retail stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.
Please visit http://www.blog.sony.com for a full video preview of the new NEX-5T compact system camera and follow #SonyNEX on twitter for the latest NEX camera news.
Sony Expands E-Mount Lens Family With Announcement Of Three New Models
New Offerings Include 16-70mm F4 Carl Zeiss Lens, 18-105mm F4-GB Lens and 50mm F1.8 portrait lens in black
SAN DIEGO -- Sony has announced three new additions to its line of E-mount interchangeable lenses, including a versatile mid-range zoom (16-70mm F4) by Carl Zeiss, a power-zoom G lens (18-105mm F4) optimized for video -- Sony's first ever G Lens for E-mount cameras -- as well as a new black finish option for the popular 50mm F1.8 portrait lens.
The ever-growing family of E-mount interchangeable lenses now totals 18 different models from Sony, Carl Zeiss and now G lenses, giving shooters an impressive selection of creative tools to enhance their photography.
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS Zoom
The new Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* 16-70mm F4 zoom lens gives photographers the opportunity to experience legendary Carl Zeiss optical excellence in a supremely compact, easy-to-carry zoom lens. A practical 4x zoom range of 16-70mm (24-105mm in 35mm full-frame equivalent) makes this model ideal for a wide range of everyday photo situations, from landscapes and portraits to informal snapshots and everything in between.
This premium lens provides outstanding contrast and resolution at all zoom settings and it has a renowned T* coating on optical surfaces that reduces glare and ghosting for natural color reproduction, superb definition and clarity. Lens size and weight are minimized thanks to Advanced Aspherical lens (AA lens) technology, which combines four aspherical elements with one ED glass element.
Additionally, the new Carl Zeiss E-mount lens maintains a constant F4 maximum aperture at all focal lengths, reducing the need for high ISO settings when zoomed in and allowing the use of high shutter speeds to freeze fast-moving action. It also has an extra refinement in the circular aperture which enables naturally smooth background defocus and features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for reducing the effects of hand shake.
Aesthetically, it has a stylish metal exterior and the premium look, feel and construction expected from Carl Zeiss.
E PZ 18-105mm F4-GB OSS Power Zoom
The new E 18-105mm F4-GB power zoom lens is the first ever G lens created for Sony's E-mount line of cameras. The premium all-around lens covers a generous 5.8x zoom range from 18mm -- 105mm (full frame equivalent 27mm -- 157.5mm) and is an ideal choice for travel photography as well as every day, general purpose shooting.
The innovative optical design of the new zoom reflects its G Lens pedigree. Two ED glass elements are combined with three aspherical elements for high resolution and contrast throughout the entire zoom range, minimizing distortion and color aberration.
Featuring a remarkably smooth, quiet autofocus and powerzoom operation, the premium G lens is particularly suited for video shooting. The conveniently-placed zoom lever on the lens barrel allows fixed or variable-speed power zooming, with easy fingertip operation to reduce unwanted camera shake. Further, the overall lens length remains unchanged during focusing and zoom operation, maintaining consistent handling and delivering a more natural shooting experience.
Like the new Carl Zeiss zoom lens, the E 18-105mm F4-GB model has a circular aperture that enables smooth, professional quality background defocus and maintains a constant F4 maximum aperture for plenty of brightness at all zoom settings. It also features Optical SteadyShot to cut the effects of camera shake while shooting.
50mm F1.8 Portrait Lens in Black
In response to user demand, the E 50mm F1.8 fixed-focal length lens is now available with a stylish black finish to match any black E-mount interchangeable lens camera. This bright, wide-aperture prime lens is ideal for capturing atmospheric handheld portraits with flattering background defocus. It also has Optical SteadyShot for reducing camera shake and smooth, quiet autofocus capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
The new Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* 16-70mm F4 zoom lens will be available in late September for about $1000. The new E 18-105mm F4-GB Series zoom lens will be available in December for about $600 The new E 50mm F1.8 portrait lens in black will be available in late September for about $300 The new lenses will all be available at Sony retail stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.