Product Reviews Net » Sony DSLR

Standard for Sony Alpha’s, Translucent Mirror

Peter Chubb — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:18:25 +0000

Whenever we think of DSLR cameras the first two brands that you think of are Canon and Nikon, but are things about to change? We say this because Sony Alpha’s, Translucent Mirror range is about to become their standard. As we know the technology is currently available in their a33 and a55 models, but will also be used in the upcoming a77, which we expect to see around August.

According to Photo Rumors Sony had held an event in Spain, which they learned from Spanish website Quesabesde. The Japanese consumer electronics company is committed to pushing their brand much harder in 2011, as they aim to become number one in a number of key areas. We have to wonder if they also plan to take a huge market share from the big two camera brands that we mentioned above?

We were told by a number of eager staff at a camera store that the Translucent Mirror Technology was a first for Sony, and made it possible for them to reduce the size of the body, as well as giving the camera ultra-fast continuous shooting. This idea is simple; the semi-transparent mirror allows a small amount of light through to the AF sensor, while the rest goes to the main imaging sensor. Being new to DSLR, this will be a nice transition from a compact – I should know.

Sony’s hope is to change the camera market, they believe that they have done so with their small-compact range, and looking at how they describe their α33 and α55, they could also succeed in the DLSR market as well. However, this will depend on a number of factors, having only three models in 2011 will not be one of them. They will have to increase the range by at least double that by the end of the year, but we have yet to know what other models they will make available – well apart from the upcoming a77 that is?

For those who are new to DSLR and want to step up from compacts, then the Sony Alpha Translucent Mirror Technology range offers a body that is 23 percent smaller and anywhere from 26 to 28 percent lighter. It is this and the idea of being able to shoot much faster, that Sony believe will be a deal breaker for consumers wishing to upgrade. For more details on the a33 and a55 visit the official Sony website.

Do you think that this new Translucent Mirror Technology will be enough for Sony to take on the Titans that are Canon and Nikon?

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Sony DSC-HX100V / HX9V: Official Release And Price

Peter Chubb — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:55:43 +0000

Both the Sony DSC-HX100V and the DSC- HX9V were leaked on the Internet a few days back, so seems like a hollow gesture now that Sony has finally made the new high-end DSLR cameras official. What makes the former 16.2-megalpixel cameras so special is how it is the first to come with the new a 27mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens, which packs a 30x optical zoom.

However, the HX9V still offers a 24mm Sony G lens and the compact even comes with a 16x optical zoom – things are certainly heating up in the compact camera market. Both the HX100V and the HX9V come packed with Full HD video recording, but is that really enough to persuade consumers to part with their hard-earned cash?

As with many other shooters on the market there is technology to help increase the amount of megapixels, these new models come with Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR mode; the end result is the possibility to capture 42.9 megapixel scenes. According to a press release sent to Engadget both models will be with us some time this month, with prices expected to be $450 and $350 respectively.

There are so many powerful zoom cameras like this on the market that promises much, but does not deliver – the DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V are very different though. Most give you a great super zoom range but the end result are blurry images; thanks to Optical SteadyShot and Active Mode image stabilization, you never need take a poor photo again – well that’s the theory anyway. More details on this can be found on DPReview.

One of our writers has wanted a new DSLR for some time now, and because he was new to this range he thought he would take the advice from our readers. You can see his hands-on with his new Nikon D3100 DSLR here. If you were just getting started what would you recommend?

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Sony A580 Review: A55 DSLR Alternative

Peter Chubb — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:55:10 +0000

The new Sony A580 DSLR was launched at the same time as the A55, and is certainly a great alternative to the smaller camera. Both are good at what they do, but offer different things; PhotographyBLOG says that the A580 is a more traditional DSLR, as it also comes with an optical viewfinder, as well as a tilt LCD display.

PhotographyBLOG has a detailed review of the new Sony A580, which offers 16.2-megapixel, 7fps burst shooting, 15-point phase-detection, 1080i HD recrding – so not Full HD then? There are also a number of other unique features, but the most important thing you need to know is its price – $800 for the body only and about $900 for it to include an 18-55mm zoom lens as well.

The camera is on the large side, so just remember before committing to purchase it, but you will be rewarded with some great shots – once you get the hang of the features that is. However, the review does point out a downside, the camera is “a little plasticly in hand.”

Looking on the Sony Style website, we can see that the A580 will ship on January 24, 2011. There is a choice of 5 lenses to choose from and two carrying cases – you just have to ask yourself how much you are willing to pay for an accessory?

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Sony DSLR A850 / A900 Firmware Update Launched

Jamie Pert — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:14:37 +0000

If you own the Sony DSLR A850 or the Sony DSLR A900 we have some great news for you, Sony has released new firmware updates for both of these models.

The firmware update will make both models quicker and more responsive, it also gives them a boosted EV compensation range, a new menu option to allow shutter release and an increase in exposure bracketing, you can find out fully detailed information regarding the updates here.

The new firmware versions and full installation instructions can be found here, the process looks pretty straight forward basically you download and extract the update, format your memory card, copy the update file to the memory card and finally update your camera’s firmware update by putting the memory card in the camera and then turning the camera on whilst holding the menu button, it should then ask if you want carry out the update, click OK.

Here are some screens showing the process:

You can find out how to utilize the new functions here. Have you installed the update? If so, are you happy with the new changes?

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Sony Alpha 390 DSLR: Release date and price

Peter Chubb — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:21:29 +0000

Sony does not sit still for long; this is evident with the range of consumer electronics devices that it managed to get onto the market. The latest device is the new Sony Alpha 390 DSLR camera with its 14.2-megapixel CCD image sensor – ideal for those first-timers to DSLR.

The compact body is lightweight – so should not weigh you down if you have to carry the device around with you for hours on end. The 390 comes with a 2.7-inch LCD display, which can be adjusted at a number of angles. Sony has packed in some amazing technology to stay ahead of the game.

SteadyShot is just one of these, making it easier to take a steady shot when you find it difficult to keep your camera still. The camera comes with an HDMI port, so is perfect when connecting to a HDTV or if you have a computer with the same connection port.

Techlogg explains that the Sony Alpha 390 DSLR camera will be released in July and will cost from $799, for those looking for the dual-lens kit – then this will cost an extra $200.

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Sony Entry Level DSLR: A290 and A390 announced

Gary Johnson — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:50:59 +0000

Sony has just added to their DSLR line-up with two new DSLRs aimed at the entry level sector of the market. The DSLR-A290 and A390 both come with 14.2 megapixel CCD sensors and integrated guides which are shown on their LCD screens.

Tim Stevens from Engadget.com is reporting that both models have a HDMI output, SDHC and Memory Stick storage, and 2.7-inch LCD screens. The A390 model has live view allowing the user to take photos without peering through the view finder.

The cameras will be great step up in picture quality for people that would normally use point-and-shoot cameras, but with the in-built user guides easy to use. The A390’s LCD screen can be tilted, and both models have an ISO range from 100 to 3200.

The Sony DSLR-A290 and A390 are expected to sell for $500 and $600 respectively, and be available sometime in the summer.

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Sony Alpha A450 DSLR: Release Date and Details

Peter Chubb — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:55:24 +0000

Sony knows that the DSLR market will hot up in 2010, which is why they have announced the release of the Alpha A450. This sub-$1000 DSLR comes with a 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, which is the same as its bigger brother, the A550. As this is a smaller a cheaper model a few things have been removed, such as the AF-live view system and the tilt and flip LCD screen.

The new Sony Alpha A450 DSLR will come with the same small 2.6-inch LCD display as the A230, which could hurt sales. This latest model does not have as many features as the A5XX series, this does help improve battery life, offering over a thousands shots on a full charge.

DP Review do worry that the Sony Alpha A450 will now be the sixth sub $1000 DSLR, adding to the already confusing range. They do point out that things are not all that bad and that this latest DSLR camera offers flawless imaging

In their review of the A450, DP Review states that it is, “Powerful yet brilliantly easy to use.” Sony has created a perfect all-round camera and will produce perfect images for the more advanced users. This camera is ideal if you are an active shooter who now wants to make the move to DSLR.

As we mentioned above, the Sony Alpha A450 DSLR will sell for just under $1000 and will be released in February 2010. Visit DP Review for more details.

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