The QX100 and QX10 will be available later this month from the Sony website and will be priced at $500 and $250, respectively.

A7 BODY $1,698.00: http://www.samys.com/p/a7body/136306.html
A7 28-70MM KIT $1,998.00: http://www.samys.com/p/a7kit/136308.html
A7R BODY $2,198.00: http://www.samys.com/p/a7rbody/136310.html
DSC-RX10 : $1,298.00: http://www.samys.com/p/dscrx10/136240.html

I would say these are very good prices!

(SR5) Surprise: RX10 has 1 inch sensor (no APS-C!) and 24-200mm f/2.8 zoom


4


The RX100 1 inch sensor

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Answer that question: If the RX100 series has an 1 inch sensor and the RX1 series has a Full Frame sensor. What kind of sensor size should a new RX10 series have? 99,9% of SAR readers would answer: APS-C!

But here comes the famous Sony name confusion factor: After naming the NEX E-mount cameras ….Alpha (A300, A7 and A7r), the new RX10 camera will get the same 1 inch sensor of the RX100 series! Multiple trusted sources confirmed the RX10 will have an one inch sensor and a fixed 24-200mm f/2.8 lens! Don’t misunderstand me, this sounds like an amazing camera! A 24-200mm f/2.8 compact zoom on such a large sensor is an astonishing achievement. But they should have just named it RX200

UPDATE: I got some answer to your questions:
- Size is about same as the Sony HX300 for example.
- Lens does not collapse.
- there is an aperture ring that can be selected to be “smooth” or with “clicking steps”.
- The lens has a f/2.8 aperture through the full focal range!!!

Here are a couple of A7/A7r info I got from many sources:

1) AF is faster than the RX series but still not as fast as the best in the mirrorless world
2) A7 and A7r have focus peaking
3) eye tracking AF
4) they are about same size as the Olympus OMD series
5) There is an optional vertical grip
6) They have Wifi and NFC
7) no Tri Navi, They had scroll wheels in front and back (which were very much like nex-7′s) and an exposure comp wheel from RX1.
8) One source the body quality is very good and the camera had a Pentax LX feeling.
9) 1/8000 shutter speed
10) both have tiltatble screen



What we already know is. Both cameras have no IBIS, both have same body design, both have an integrated EVF on top (middle) of the camera. NEX-7 grip and a slihly OMD look. A7 has 24MP sensor with on sensor PDAF (and AA filter. A7r has 36MP sensor without PDAF and without AA filter. A7 with 28-70mm f/3-5-5.6 kit lens will cost under 2000 Dolalr/Euro. A7r body only will cost around 2300-2400 Dollar/Euro. There will be also three Zeiss lenses: 24-70mm f/4.0, 35mm f/2.8 and 55mm f/1.8. But I have been told they may show more lenses that are on roadmap.



Very important: Announcement next week on Wednesday October 16 at around 5-6am London time. You can follow the announcement live here on SonyAlphaRumors. As usual we will update you live with news, tests, first samples and early preorders links!

<aside> October 16, 2013 1 Comment



Jaron Schneider



</aside>Sony Aims for the Bleachers with Full Frame Alpha 7 & Alpha 7R

I’ve wanted to be impressed with Sony for a long time, and I think that time has finally come. The rumored full frame compact interchangeable lens camera is real, as Sony has announced the Alpha 7R and Alpha 7. Featuring full frame sensors, fast hybrid AF with phase-detection and a new image processing engine, these might be everything we’ve wanted in a compact camera.
Firstly, let’s set something straight: there are two cameras we are talking about here. One is the Alpha 7 and the other is the Alpha 7R. Major differences:
Alpha 7R:
Full Frame 36.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
Price (body only): $2,298.00
Alpha 7:
Full Frame 24.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
Price: (body only): $1,698.00
Yeah that’s basically what I was able to glean. One has more megapixels and costs more. So that aside, let’s take a closer look at the guts of both of these cameras, focusing primarily on the 7R.
Sony’s Exmor image sensor takes full advantage of the Full-frame format, but in a camera body less than half the size and weight of a full-frame DSLR. Sony is positioning the ALpha 7 camera against the Canon 60D and 70D and the Nikon D600 and D7100 and the Alpha 7R against the D800 or the 6D/5D Mark III. They don’t just want to be your second camera, they want to be your go-to.
The 36.3 MP effective 35 mm full-frame sensor has a normal sensor range of ISO 100 – 25600, and a sophisticated balance of high resolving power, gradation and low noise. The BIONZ X image processor enables up to 5 fps high-speed continuous shooting and 14-bit RAW image data recording.
What is a BIONZ X? It’s the camera’s new image processing engine, which faithfully reproduces textures and details in real time, as seen by the naked eye, via extra high-speed processing capabilities. Together with front-end LSI (large scale integration) that accelerates processing in the earliest stages, it enables more natural details, more realistic images, richer tonal gradations and lower noise whether you shoot still images or movies.

Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus combines speedy phase-detection AF with highly accurate contrast-detection AF, which has been accelerated through a new Spatial Object Detection algorithm, to achieve among the fastest autofocusing performance of any full-frame camera. First, phase-detection AF with 117 densely placed phase-detection AF points3 swiftly and efficiently moves the lens to bring the subject nearly into focus. Then contrast-detection AF with wide AF coverage fine-tunes the focusing in the blink of an eye.

The high-speed image processing engine and improved algorithms combine with optimized image sensor read-out speed to achieve ultra-high-speed AF despite the use of a full-frame sensor.
Even when capturing a subject partially turned away from the camera with a shallow depth of field, the face will be sharply focused thanks to extremely accurate eye detection that can prioritize a single pupil. A green frame appears over the prioritized eye when focus has been achieved for easy confirmation. Eye AF can be used when the function is assigned to a customizable button, allowing users to instantly activate it depending on the scene.
Quick Navi Pro displays all major shooting options on the LCD screen so you can rapidly confirm settings and make adjustments as desired without searching through dedicated menus. When fleeting shooting opportunities arise, you’ll be able to respond swiftly with just the right settings.

View every scene in rich detail with the XGA OLED Tru-Finder, which features OLED improvements and the same 3-lens optical system used in the flagship α99. The viewfinder faithfully displays what will appear in your recording, including the effects of your camera settings, so you can accurately monitor the results. You’ll enjoy rich tonal gradations and 3 times the contrast of the α99. High-end features like 100% frame coverage and a wide viewing angle are also provided.
The tiltable 3.0” (1,229k dots) Xtra Fine™ LCD Display makes it easy to photograph over crowds or low to capture pets eye to eye by swinging up approx. 84° and down approx. 45°. Easily scroll through menus and preview life thanks to WhiteMagic™ technology that dramatically increases visibility in bright daylight. The large display delivers brilliant-quality still images and movies while enabling easy focusing operation.
Connectivity with smartphones for One-touch sharing/One-touch remote has been simplified with Wi-Fi®/NFC control. In addition to Wi-Fi support for connecting to smartphones, the α7 also supports NFC (near field communication) providing “one touch connection” convenience when transferring images to Android™ smartphones and tablets. Users need only touch devices to connect; no complex set-up is required. Moreover, when using Smart Remote Control — a feature that allows shutter release to be controlled by a smartphone — connection to the smartphone can be established by simply touching compatible devices.

Remote Camera Control allows you to control your α7 from your PC using a USB cable. Feature control has also been updated to include video capture control.
14-bit RAW image data of extremely high quality is outputted by the α7. This data fully preserves the rich detail generated by the image sensor during the 14-bit A/D conversion process. When developed with Sony’s Image Data Converter RAW development software, these images deliver the superb photographic expression and rich gradation that only 14-bit data can offer.
Capture Full 1920 x 1080 HD uncompressed clean-screen video files to external recording devices via an HDMI® connection in 60p and 60i frame-rates. Selectable in-camera AVCHD™ codec frames rates include super-smooth 60p, standard 60i or cinematic 24p. MP4 codec is also available for smaller files for easier upload to the web.
When your subject is moving fast, you can capture the decisive moment with clarity and precision by shooting at speeds up to 5 frames per second. New faster, more accurate AF tracking, made possible by Fast Hybrid AF, uses powerful predictive algorithms and subject recognition technology to track every move with greater speed and precision.
Unlike conventional cameras, the α7 features the advanced Multi-Interface Shoe that dramatically expands compatibility with Sony digital imaging accessories, thus raising the potential for photo/movie shooting.
Enjoy Ultra High Definition slide shows directly from the camera to a compatible 4K television. The α7 converts images for optimized 4K image size playback (8MP). Enjoy expressive rich colors and amazing detail like never before. Images can be viewed via an optional HDMI® or WiFi®.
Advanced features enable manipulation, conversion and management of full-resolution RAW images. You can expertly adjust exposure, white balance, tonal curves, saturation, contrast, hue and sharpness — as well as apply DRO and vignetting compensation. Bundled Remote Camera Control software also lets you remotely activate and deactivate still/movie recording and control various camera settings from a PC.
Enjoy long hours of comfortable operation in the vertical orientation with this sure vertical grip, which can hold two batteries for longer shooting and features dust and moisture protection.
Both of these 35mm full-frame compatible adaptors let you mount the α7R with any A-mount lens. The LA-EA4 additionally features a built-in AF motor, aperture-drive mechanism and Translucent Mirror Technology to enable continuous phase-detection AF. Both adaptors also feature a tripod hole that allows mounting of a tripod to support large A-mount lenses.
That’s not all Sony announced. You might have caught the “new full frame lenses” bits above. Here they are:
Sony 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Lens, which will retail for $1,198.00
Sony FE 35mm F2.8 ZA Lens, which will retail for $798.00
Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Lens, which will retail for $998.00
Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II Lens, which will retail for $2,998.00





Impressed? I’m ready to try them out and look at the image quality.

First Look: the New Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10

By Bjorn Petersen
Published: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - 2:00am

Following the successes of the RX1 and RX100 cameras, Sony has just announced the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10, an advanced compact camera that borrows features and design from both cameras but differs in several significant ways. The RX10 maintains the compact form factor and professional-grade quality and extends itself through the inclusion of a high-performance, versatile Carl Zeiss zoom lens, an aptly performing image sensor, newly developed image processor, and support for a wide range of connectivity-related assets.
High-Sensitivity Imaging Sensor and Processor

Revolving around the core of a 20.2 megapixel 1" Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the RX10 is able to record high-resolution still imagery and full HD 1080i/p video with especially notable low-light quality and a native sensitivity range of ISO 125 to12800. The back-illuminated design of the sensor enables this broad sensitivity range and, with the aid of the image processor, achieves well-detailed imagery with minimal noise to better support working in dimly lit conditions.
An improved area-specific noise reduction technology analyzes specific zones of an image and automatically applies adaptive noise reduction based on detected imaging patterns for optimized clarity and detail in difficult lighting. The processor is especially beneficial in regard to producing an extended range of tones and smooth color gradations as well as enhanced detail through the reduction of overly sharp digital artifacts for more realistic-appearing image quality. Fully manual exposure control is possible and the ability to record images in Sony's ARW RAW format facilitate greater control over the final appearance of imagery during post production.
Versatile Zoom Lens and Intelligent Autofocus System

Greatly complementing the imaging sector of the RX10 is the inclusion of an 8.3x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/2.8 lens, which provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-200mm. The wide-angle-to-telephoto perspectives encompassed by this zoom range are significantly aided by the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture that allows selective focus control and suitable light-gathering abilities at any focal length position.
Additionally, diffraction-reducing technology benefits working with smaller apertures by applying aperture-specific filter processing to images to suppress and compensate for optical diffraction that typically degrades resolution, clarity, and sharpness. Also contributing to high optical performance is the inclusion of seven aspherical elements within the lens design, including one advanced aspherical element, which help to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion through the zoom range and enhance overall image resolution. The aspherical elements also help to keep the overall size of the lens to a minimum in order to pair well with the overall compact form factor of the camera. Seamless close-up shooting is also supported, which no longer requires the need to switch to a dedicated macro mode, for focusing on subjects as close as 11.8" away. Also benefitting full use of the lens and its broad coverage is the integration of Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which works to minimize the appearance of camera shake to avail the use of slower shutter speeds and longer focal length settings.
A newly designed Direct Drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) is used to drive the autofocusing mechanism in a quick, smooth, and highly precise manner. Due to the smaller design of the lens itself, the focusing motor can function in a more productive and precise way, even at the telephoto end of the zoom range. Extending the focusing performance, too, is the option to decide upon three concentric Flexible Spot frames for greater versatility and accuracy in how focus is determined when compared to more traditional fixed-position focusing frames.
When working with moving subjects, Lock-on AF can quickly determine focus on a recognized subject, alter the target size depending on subject-specific characteristics, and then maintain continuous focus while the subject moves; even if it briefly moves outside of the frame. In regard to portraiture, a newly developed detail-oriented focusing method, Eye AF, is available and can prioritize a subject's pupil and dedicate focusing performance on that for sharply rendered portraits. When working with Eye AF, a green confirmation frame will be displayed over the selected eye when focus has been acquired, ensuring critical focus on the most important subject within the frame.
High-Definition Movie Recording with Advanced Controls

Full HD 1920 x 1080 video recording is supported in both 60i/p and 24p frame rates using the high-quality AVCHD Progressive format with bit rates as high as 28Mbps. Recording in the Internet-friendly MP4 format is also supported for a more streamlined workflow if recording simply for web playback. For even higher-quality video recording, an optional external recorder can be used to record clear, uncompressed full HD video via an HDMI connection. Full manual control over exposure settings is possible during movie recording, as well as use of the optical zoom lens, and advanced audio control options are also available. External microphones can be utilized for higher-quality sound and a dedicated headphone jack is integrated into the design for real-time audio monitoring over controllable sound levels.
Rugged and Intuitive Body Design

Incorporated within the body design of the RX10 are both a high-resolution electronic viewfinder as well as a large tilting LCD screen. The XGA OLED Tru-Finder integrates four dual-sided aspherical elements into its optical design to promote greater visibility from edge to edge with a large 33-degree viewing angle. As an alternate viewing means, a 3.0" 1,228k-dot Xtra Fine LCD monitor is available and features a +84°/-43° tilting design for easier viewing from both high and low angles. The LCD also utilizes White Magic technology to improve the effective monitor brightness to better support working in sunny conditions.
Surrounding the two viewing options, a range of seven customizable buttons can be independently programmed to control up to 40 different camera settings depending on personal needs, and an intuitive Fn button allows you to pull up a list of the most frequently used settings for easier access. A manual control ring is also employed, surrounding the lens, for direct control over zoom or focusing, depending on the focusing mode in use. Aperture control can be handled on the control ring, too, and can be set to give a physical click-stop design for assurance or a silent, seamless design for quiet changing of f/stop settings. Exposure settings can all be viewed via a display panel on top of the camera for an expedited method of confirmation. A Multi Interface Shoe enables the attachment of external flashes or other accessories, including the XLR Adapter Kit or LED video lights, to facilitate an all-around workflow in a highly intelligent and controllable manner.
Aside from handling, the top and front casings of the body itself are constructed from magnesium alloy to lend a solid, robust feeling with enhanced durability. The RX10 is also design to be dust and moisture resistant to support its use in inclement conditions with assured performance.
Enhanced Connectivity and Accessories

Built-in Wi-Fi support with NFC (Near Field Connectivity) provides a seamless method for linking mobile devices to the RX10 for direct image transferring for instant uploading and sharing online. The Wi-Fi support also permits linked mobile devices to release the shutter from a distance, serving as a convenient remote control.
Ultra HD slide shows can be generated in-camera, too, for fluid playback on 4K TVs when connected via Wi-Fi or HDMI and support for TRILUMINOS Color Technology produces rich, vibrant, and naturally appearing colors when images are seen on a TRILUMINOS Display.
Further complementing the overall aesthetic and utility of the RX10 is the optional Premium Jacket Case; a contemporarily designed, yet retro-looking, slim-fit case that serves to protect the camera from dust, scratches, and dings. The camera remains fully functional, with support for using a tripod, while the case is in place.

"...One of the great things about Sony’s e-mount is the availability of lens mount adapters for virtually every lens mount from Alpa to Zeiss.

The first accessory that I picked up when the NEX-5 debuted, was an inexpensive Leica M to Sony e-Mount adapter off eBay. I delighted to discover that adapter works just as great with the new full-frame e-mount Sony Alpha cameras.

So it might just be time to dust off any vintage rangefinder lenses that have been collecting dust in your closet."