Sony A560 and A580

Sony has announced the new A560 and the new A580. The 14MP (A560) and a 16BMP (A580) sensor is able to record 1080p video (full HD) and pictures with 7fps and will be released in October (A580) and 2011 (A560).

  • 7 fps
  • full HD video (1080p)
  • 15-point phase detection AF
  • ISO up to 25,600
  • Enhanced auto HDR mode and 3d sweep panorama mode
  • 3″ fold-out LCD
  • Two-mode life view
  • Enhanced Bionz processor

New Sony lenses: 24/2, 35/1.8, 85/2.8 – and a rumor

Sony has unveiled three new Alpha prime lenses:

  • Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f2 SSM
  • DT 35mm f1.8 SAM
  • 85mm f2.8 SAM

The 85mm will sell for only EUR 250, the 35mm for only EUR 200. The 24mm will cost EUR 1200 – for the US there will be an additional announcement. Note: if the lenses are used on the NEX system using the adapter you can focus only manually.

Additionally there are rumors floating around that Sony is thinking about dropping full-frame sensors. Read an interesting and detailled analysis at the well respected site of Thom Hogan about this issue. We will see…

Sonys new HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses

Sonys new HD camcorder NEX-VG10E features the 14.6 MP sensor of the Alpha NEX series and is the worlds first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses:

  • 14.6 MP CMOS sensor
  • 1080i video at 24mbps
  • accepts E-mount lenses plus A-mount α DSLR lenses via optional adaptor
  • Kit with E18-200/3.5-6.3 OSS lens
  • priced at $2000/EUR 2000

New Sony DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A290

Sony released new entry level DSLRs A290 and A390 featuring a new grip design, the image-stabilized 14MP CCD sensor from the A380.

Sony Alpha 550 review

Dpreview has posted a detailed review of the Sony Alpha 550. They state:

“It’s almost impossible to make a blanket recommendation regarding this camera: serious photographers will be put off by the paucity of high end features and controls, beginners will be frustrated by the rather uninspiring results you often get when everything is left on auto.”