Digital Camera News and Reviews

Updates from the camera world



Category: Sony

Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 camera test / review by CNET UK

7 August, 2010 (13:21) | DSLR, Review, Sony | By: Camera News

Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

CNET UK has reviewed a budget DSLR camera from Sony. The camera is called Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and is the successor to the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 DSLR. Let us hear if the Sony camera has improved much from the previous version

Some key features for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390:
-14.2 megapixel image sensor
-Image stabilization in the camera house
-2.7″ tilting LCD
-Liveview
-Up to 2.5 fps continuous shooting
-ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200
-Supports SD memory cards

CNET UK ends up giving the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 a mediocre review with an overall score of 3 stars out of 5 possible. The reviewer has some positive things to say about the camera like the tilting LCD screen, the liveview is very good and you get quite a bit of camera for your money. On the negative side we find that the A390 is very similar to the A380, awkward handling and the body feels very plasticky. It seems like Sony has cut down on their research money as the A390 is extremely similar to the previous DSLR so you should not bother upgrading your A380. On the other hand the A390 is a nice budget DSLR, but there are many other cameras in the same class so go to a store and handle the different cameras before you decide on one.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 camera here.

Sony announces Sony Handycam NEX-VG10E interchangeable-lens Full-HD camcorder with E-mount

14 July, 2010 (10:38) | Camcorder, Sony | By: Camera News

Sony Handycam NEX-VG10E
Sony Handycam NEX-VG10E

Sony has announced a new exciting interchangeable-lens Full-HD camcorder. The HD camcorder is called Sony Handycam NEX-VG10E and is able to use lenses for the new Nex system from Sony. The HD-camcorder is able to record videos in 1080i video quality at 24mbps, has an external viewfinder and is even able to take still photos with a resolution over 14 megapixels.

Some key features for the Sony Handycam NEX-VG10E:
-14.6MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
-Able to record 1080i video at 24mbps
-Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone
-Electronic viewfinder
-3” 921,000-dot LCD screen
-Able to capture still shots at 14.2 megapixels
-Uses SD and MemoryStick memory cards

The Sony Handycam NEX-VG10E camcorder will be released in September 2010 in USA and October 2010 in Europe and will cost about €2000 / $1999.95 with a E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens.

Press release:
“Camcorder Redefined” Sony unveils world’s first consumer interchangeable lens HD camcorder Handycam® NEX-VG10E captures cinematic Full HD movie and stereo sound with great depth
14 July 2010

• 14.2 effective megapixel ExmorTM APS HD CMOS sensor (19.5 times larger than conventional camcorder) for stunning HD movies with beautiful background defocus
• Accepts E-mount interchangeable lenses plus A-mount α DSLR lenses (via optional adaptor)
• High quality audio with Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone and external mic input
• 7.5cm (3 inch-type) Xtra Fine LCD and electronic viewfinder

Building on 25 years of continuous Handycam® innovation, Sony introduces the NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses. It’s also the first Handycam® featuring an extra-large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that allows the creation of exquisitely cinematic background defocus effects.

Targeting video enthusiasts and photographers, the NEX-VG10E opens up unprecedented artistic possibilities not achievable with conventional consumer video cameras.

Compatible with a choice of high quality E-mount lenses, it’s the first consumer camcorder that offers the same breadth of creative expression enjoyed by DSLR photographers. Alongside the three currently available E-mount lenses, users of the NEX-VG10E can experience a wide variety of A-mount DSLR optics by using the optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor. Picking from a choice of award-winning Sony G lenses, fixed-focal length Carl Zeiss portrait lenses and other models from macro to super-telephoto, videographers will have unprecedented freedom to explore an exciting world in movie creation.

At the heart of the NEX-VG10E is a 14.2 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that’s teamed with Sony’s powerful BIONZTM processor to capture very high resolution video and still images. Approximately 19.5 times bigger than the standard sensor found in other consumer camcorders, the APS-C sized imager also enables an extremely shallow depth of field. This allows videographers to achieve ‘cinematic’ results with beautiful background defocus (bokeh). In addition, the ability to capture DSLR-quality still images gives videographers extra shooting flexibility on assignment with less to carry.

Full HD 1920×1080 video images are captured in AVCHDTM format at up to the maximum 24 Mbps bit rate for superlative detail and clarity. Unlike many digital still cameras including DSLR that support HD video, there’s virtually no restriction on continuous shooting time. Just slip in your choice of either Memory Stick PRO DuoTM or SD media cards and capture Full HD video and JPEG still images for easy transfer into your existing PC storage and editing environment.

The NEX-VG10E comes supplied as standard with an image-stabilised E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that offers a powerful 11x optical zoom range. Because of its optimized design for video shooting, this high-quality E-mount lens offers smooth, ultra low noise autofocus and iris control. In-built Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation assures clearer video images when you’re shooting handheld. At wide angle settings, Active Mode enhances anti-shake performance even further, steadying jittery images even while walking. The lens also features a circular aperture for the creation of beautiful bokeh effects whether you’re shooting video or stills.

Reflecting the demands of serious videographers, sound quality matches the phenomenal imaging performance of the NEX-VG10E. The Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone uses advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four separate omnidirectional microphone capsules. The result is exceptionally clear stereo audio with a highly directional response: this allows videographers to capture more sound from the subject they’re shooting, and less of distracting sounds around them. There’s also a jack for adding an optional external stereo mic, plus a headphone jack for audio monitoring.

With a photo-realistic 921k dot resolution, the 7.5cm/3 inch-type Xtra Fine LCD features TruBlackTM technology for an exceptionally detailed, high contrast view of images and menu settings. The LCD is supplemented by a high-resolution (1152k dot) electronic viewfinder that assists easy framing and monitoring. The viewfinder helps operator capture clear images in bright daylight and its angle can be easily adjusted for comfortable operation.

Despite its groundbreaking creative possibilities, the NEX-VG10E is compact, beautifully balanced and easy to handle, even for novice videographers. An intuitive jog dial and hotkeys make it easy to navigate camera menus and adjust shooting parameters. Videographers can also enjoy precise manual control over Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain and White Balance for professional results.

A range of official accessories includes the ECM-CG50 Shotgun Microphone that attaches to the camcorder’s accessory shoe. There’s also a choice of rechargeable battery options, including the NP-FV100 that provides power for up to 330 minutes continuous HD shooting. A dedicated soft carrying case LCS-VCD is also available as an option.

Offered to customers as a free download, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 video editing software includes everything you need to produce spectacular HD movies. Powerful tools for video compositing, colour correction and sound mixing make it easy to achieve cinema-quality results in your own home studio. You can also upload movies to web, burn them to Blu-ray Disc™ or author DVDs with custom menus and graphics.

The Handycam® NEX-VG10E interchangeable lenses Full HD camcorder is available from October 2010.

Sony Alpha A450 test / review by Photography Blog – budget 14.2 megapixel DSLR camera

17 June, 2010 (14:20) | DSLR, Review, Sony | By: Camera News

Sony Alpha A450
Sony Alpha A450 DSLR

Photography Blog has reviewed one of the many DSLR cameras from Sony. This mid-range DSLR called Sony Alpha A450 contains a 14.2 megapixel sensor and is able to take pictures up to ISO 12800.

Some key features for the Sony Alpha A450:
-14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor
-2.7″ LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity from 200 to 12800
-Auto HDR mode
-7 FPS
-Live View
-9-point autofocus sensor system

Photography Blog ends up giving the Sony Alpha A450 a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars. The Sony DSLR scores highest on image quality and design, a little lower on ease of use and value for your money and scoring lowest on features. The camera from Sony seems to be able to take very good pictures, but it has some shortcomings like small viewfinder, no video mode and you do not really get many features when you look on the price tag. It can be confusing to understand the DSLR camera line-up from Sony and one got to wonder why they have produced this camera when they have so many other DSLR choices.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha A450 DSLR camera here.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 test / review by Photography Blog – camera with Optical Steady Shot image stabilisation

24 May, 2010 (16:13) | Compact Camera, Review, Sony | By: Camera News

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 is a new compact 10x zoom camera from Sony. Since the camera is so compact and has such a long zoom range it could be a perfect travel companion. Let us hear what Photography Blog has to say about the H55.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-10x wide angle optical zoom lens (25-250mm)
-Optical image stabilization
-3″ LCD screen
-720p HD movie recording
-Uses Memory Stick Duo and SD memory cards

Photography Blog ends up giving the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars. The camera scores highest on image quality, value for your money and features while scoring a bit lower on design and ease of use. The H55 is a good compact zoom camera, but there are other models like the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS that give the Sony strong competition. One factor that sets the H55 a part is the wider than usual zoom range which is a big plus for people who do landscape photography.
Read the full review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 digital camera here.


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