It starts with a very ambitious top sensitivity at ISO 204,800. The race for high-ISOs is pleasantly replacing the race for more pixels, and the Nikon D4 is quite happy with a comfortable 16 MP figure (but, really, who needs more? The Nikon D700 had already demonstrated this).

But, first and foremost, it is a brilliant show of what pro photography is becoming and how it starts to integrate some features from commoners cameras.

• Finally, video is fully integrated. Pros were already exploring seriously this field.
• The AF system is ever more powerful (no pro wants to miss a shot to fuzziness) and Nikon keeps this feature at stratospheric levels. But offering 11 sensors working up to f/8 (the usual limit is f/5.6) will allow to exploit very big tele-lenses x2 converters while some photographer were limited (provided they could purchase the optical monsters).



• the Compact Flash card replacement is now among us: The XQD format (and this is no random fluke in the information flow that the first to sell the cards is Sony; What do you believe will be in the next Sony Full Frame photo cameras a little later this year?)
• Yes! It’s still possible to enlarge the LCD screen on the back of the camera body. Here comes the 3.2″ era (while we were still in the 3″ prehistory). But bringing this on consumer cameras may be limited by the size of the camera body.
• the virtual horizon is now standard. But there is no GPS.
• Face recognition is included in the exposure computation, but who cares about displaying those annoying little squares in the viewfinder? The customers are not bragging little boys, real pros don’t flash their displays!

There is no space for fun here (even the price makes everything look serious around 6000€), but most of these improvements are bound to percolate down into consumer cameras (but not this year, though).

Those features left out (e.g. no SD card, no GPS) are clearly considered as uninteresting for serious photographers.

So, dream on.

Videos

∓

Let’s be clear, at 6000€/US$6000, the Nikon D4 is not a real concern for most photographers. But like all professional cameras, it represents some advanced picture of the possible progress that we may see come to us… in some future time.

Main features

• 16.2 MP sensor sized as FX (or Full Frame)
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-12800 (ext. ISO 50-204.800)
• Video: Full HD up to 30 i/s, at ISO 200-204.800
• Continuous shooting at 10 fps
• Professional shutter designed for 400,000 shots
• Exposure driven by a new 91000-pixel sensor, including advanced features like face recognition
• Autofocus: Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX / 51 points
• Autofocus: 11 zones are able to operate up to f/8
• Viewfinder: 100% coverage
• 3.2″ LCD screen (always bigger) with 921,000 pixels
• Virtual horizon
• Memory cards: new XQD format, and Compact Flash slots
• Magnesium alloy body

Available from February 2012.

Nikon D4 Press Release

The next-generation flagship Nikon digital-SLR camera with the ultimate in versatility and functionality

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D4, a Nikon FX-format camera that serves as the new flagship model in Nikon’s lineup of digital-SLR cameras. Nikon will be exhibiting the D4 at the 2012 International CES, to be held Tuesday, January 10 through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This electronics exhibition is open to the public.

The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (imaging size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital-SLR cameras, making it the next-generation flagship Nikon digital-SLR camera with the ultimate in versatility and functionality that offers superior image quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance. It has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and offers superior image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions with its image sensor supporting an incredible range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO 204800.

The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which is able to recognize human faces even when images are framed using the optical viewfinder. In addition, the Advanced Scene Recognition System offers significant improvements in AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance (AWB) control accuracy. The 51 focus point AF system has been improved with faster initiation of autofocusing and the ability to detect and focus on subjects with less lighting. In addition, 11 focus points are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used. All of this means more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with teleconverters (2.0x). The Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie movie recording function is capable of recording full-HD movies at 30 fps, and offers three movie recording formats for selection according to recording conditions or creative intent.

What’s more, the D4 records images to memory cards faster with built-in support for high-speed, UDMA 7-compatible CompactFlash memory cards and next-generation, high-speed XQD memory cards. In addition to built-in wired LAN features, the D4 also supports high-speed image transfer via wireless LAN when the new, compact, easy-to-use Wireless Transmitter WT-5 (available separately) is connected to the camera. The D4 is also equipped with a number of new functions that support a more efficient workflow for professional photographers, including one that allows users to add IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) information to images.

Development background

In 2007, Nikon released the D3 digital-SLR camera as its flagship model equipped with the new FX-format CMOS image sensor developed by Nikon. With its new image sensor, the D3 established a new level of image quality, speed, and support for high sensitivities. In December of 2008, Nikon released the D3X with an effective pixel count of 24.5-million pixels, which enabled superior imaging performance equal to that possible with medium format cameras. In the following year, the D3S proposed new possibilities in imaging expression with its expanded range of standard sensitivities from ISO 200 to ISO 12800 and a built-in movie recording function. The superior performance of the Nikon D3 was recognized with three of the most prestigious domestic and international awards—Japan’s Camera Grand Prix Camera of the Year and Europe’s Technical Image Press Association’s (TIPA) Best D-SLR Professional and the European Imaging and Sound Association’s (EISA) Professional Camera of the Year. The D3X and D3S continued the success of the series introduced with the D3, being recognized by the camera industry for their superior performance with a number of awards of their own as well as extreme popularity with professional and advanced amateur photographers alike. In addition, the superior durability and reliability of the cameras has also been recognized by NASA, which ordered several models as-is, with no special modification, that are currently used aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Nikon based development of the flagship D4 on the basic performance achieved with the D3 series, which has led the industry in imaging expression since its release. In addition to this high level of basic performance, a number of new functions and features were added in response to the needs and demands of professional and advanced amateur photographers, resulting in this next-generation digital-SLR camera that stretches the boundaries of functionality and performance with superior versatility.

D4 primary features

New Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor

Support for an incredibly wide range of sensitivities, from ISO 50 to ISO 204800
The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (imaging size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm) developed by Nikon. The superior performance of the FX-format CMOS image sensor with its effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels offers excellent resolution and image quality under an incredible variety of lighting conditions. Despite the increase in pixel count, the D4 reads out data faster than the D3S. The range of standard sensitivities has been expanded to ISO 100 to ISO 12800. What’s more, support for ISO 50 and additional expansion up to ISO 204800 is also possible, enabling effective shooting under a variety of lighting conditions without concern for any sacrifice in image quality.

New EXPEED 3 image-processing engine with superior, high-speed processing capabilities

The new EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into the D4 offers better image quality and even faster processing speeds for vivid yet faithful color reproduction, a broader dynamic range, and rich expression of tones. It also effectively suppresses noise with advanced noise-reduction processing for images captured at high sensitivities under dim lighting, all while preserving definition and sharpness. Noise-reduction processing designed especially for movies maintains crisp, clear outlines in movies recorded in low-light situations. EXPEED 3 has high-speed processing capabilities for a variety of task, and it uses power effectively, contributing greatly to the camera’s power-saving design.

91K-pixel RGB sensor for the more accurate Advanced Scene Recognition System

The D4 is equipped with the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which supports face recognition* when images are framed using the optical viewfinder. The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor recognizes human faces for more frequent focus acquisition on human faces when Auto-area AF AF-area mode is used. When a human face is detected in the frame, 3D Color Matrix Metering III bases exposure control on the brightness of that face so that the face is optimally exposed even with backlighting. In addition, the high resolution of the metering sensor with its roughly 91,000 pixels enables extremely precise analysis of the scene for more accurate control over autofocusing, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance.

* There is no display in the viewfinder that shows when a face or faces have been recognized.

Faster and more accurate AF with 51 focus points

The 51 focus point AF system built into the D4 utilizes the new Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module for faster, more accurate autofocusing that performs extremely well under dim lighting.
The 15 focus points at the center of the frame are cross-type sensors that detect phase differences both horizontally and vertically. All 51 focus points are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of up to f/5.6 are used, and the cross-type sensors make the most of this capability. Precise focus can be quickly acquired with autofocusing using all AF NIKKOR lenses, even under lighting as dim as -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F), the level at which the scene through the viewfinder can just be made out by the human eye. What’s more, 11 focus points (five at center with an additional three to each side) are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used. This enables very precise focus acquisition with sports photography and the like when super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with a teleconverter (2.0x) at a combined aperture value of f/8.
In addition, adoption of a new algorithm enables faster autofocus initiation for even more certain and sharper capture of defining moments especially necessary when shooting sports scenes. The new high-speed AF system also supports high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 10 fps* in FX format with AF and AE tracking.

* Measured according to CIPA guidelines. Value with shooting in AF-C autofocus mode, [S] or [M] exposure mode, shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, all other settings at their default values.

Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie with three image area options

A dedicated movie-record button has been positioned near the shutter-release button for smooth starting and stopping of movie recording with a feel similar to that of still-image shooting. Full-HD movie recording at a frame size of 1920 x 1080 and frame rate of 30 fps is supported, and the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video compression method has been adopted. Movies up to 29 minutes 59 seconds*1 can be recorded. Image sensor sensitivity begins at ISO 200 and can be expanded to the same ISO 204800 equivalent possible with still-image shooting.
Full-HD movies can be recorded with the D4 using one of three image areas: FX-based movie format*2, DX-based movie format, or 1920 x 1080; 30 fps/25 fps/24 fps crop. FX-based movie format makes full use of the large image sensor, enabling movies with an emphasis on pleasing blur characteristics. When a DX lens is attached, DX-based format is automatically selected. This format is useful for creating an extension to the local length of an existing lens. For an even stronger telephoto effect, the 1920 x 1080 crop format brings an approximately 2.7x crop of the picture angle while delivering outstanding video quality and detail, obtaining 1080p Full HD. By choosing the movie format appropriate for the particular scene, the three image area options available with a single camera enable more flexible imaging expression through collaboration with the entire NIKKOR lens lineup, including DX lenses.
The D4 is equipped with a connector for external microphones that enables stereo recording. The camera also offers a headphone connector that supports stereo headphones, convenient for checking sound recorded with movies.

*1 20 min. depending on frame size/rate and movie quality settings.
*2 Movies are recorded with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 regardless of the format selected. Aspect ratio is 3 : 2 with recording at a frame size/rate of 640 x 424; 30 fps and 640 x 424; 25 fps.

Smooth workflow from initial setup to image transfer

The entire photographic workflow is faster with the D4. Superior, high-speed response with a power-up time of approximately 0.12 s*1 and a release time lag of roughly 0.042 s*1. In addition, support for high-speed, next-generation XQD memory cards enables a continuous shooting frame rate of 10 fps for up to approximately 100 shots even with shooting in RAW format*2. The camera is also equipped with dual memory card slots, one for XQD memory cards and one for CompactFlash memory cards, for smooth handling of images. What’s more, professional photographers can work much faster with high-speed transfer of images to a computer when an XQD memory card reader supporting SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0)*3 is used.

*1 Measured according to CIPA guidelines
*2 When a Sony XQD memory card H-series (QD-H16G, QD-H32) is used with capture of compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW) images (based on Nikon testing standards)
*3 Sony MRW-E80 (based on Sony testing standards)

The new compact Wireless Transmitter WT-5 with simple connection to the camera (available separately)

The D4 is equipped with an Ethernet port and functions for wired LAN connections. In addition, it also supports the new WT-5 (available separately), a compact wireless transmitter that is easily connected to the camera for high-speed transfer of images over a wireless network.* The D4 is also equipped with a number of new functions that support a more efficient workflow for professional photographers, including one that allows users to add IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) information to images.
The new WT-5 is powered by the camera, making a more compact size possible. In addition to IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards, the WT-5 also supports the new IEEE 802.11n (1 x 1) standard, enabling data transfer at twice the speed possible with the WT-4. The camera’s HTTP server mode can be used to display a list of images stored on the memory card, and also enables basic camera control, live view, movie recording, etc. using the Web browser on a computer or smartphone. Synchronized release (WT-5 only) mode enables synchronized shutter release of up to 10 cameras D4 cameras, each with its own WT-5) with the D4 used as the controlling “master”.

* The Wireless Transmitter WT-4 can also be used.

Other D4 functions and features

• Extremely durable shutter that has passed testing for 400,000 cycles
• Magnesium alloy adopted for the very strong, durably body that is very resistant to dust and water
• Effective sealing using O rings and packing make the camera more resistant to dust and water
• Silent shutter-release mode for live view photography that almost completely eliminates the sounds of the mirror and shutter operation
• A time-lapse photography feature, with which the camera automatically takes photos at selected intervals to record a time-lapse movie, which can be played back at 24–36,000x normal playback speed
• Operation optimized for both horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) shooting
• Button backlights (illuminators) for increased visibility when working in dimly lit or dark situations
• High-performance viewfinder, utilizing a glass pentaprism, with a frame coverage of approximately 100% (FX format) and magnification of approximately 0.7x
• Four image area options for still shooting—FX (36 x 24), 5:4 (30 x 24), 1.2x (30 x 20), DX (24 x 16)—with viewfinder indicator that identifies the current image area
• A 3.2-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with reinforced glass and wide viewing angle; integration of the glass and panel reduce internal reflections
• A virtual horizon that shows the degree to which the camera is tilted sideways (roll), forward or backward (pitch) with display in the monitor and viewfinder
• White balance that can be adjusted in units of 10 K; white balance can be specified separately for shooting (white balance applied to images) and monitor display with still-image shooting in live view mode
  Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3 for significantly faster processing
  A

• trial version and free upgrade for Capture NX 2, Nikon’s image editing software, were released on December 20 to coincide with release of the D4. This latest version is Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3. In addition to offering image editing functions that allow users to achieve the intended results with intuitive operation, a faster image-processing algorithm has been adopted for much faster processing. What’s more, operation is smoother and more natural with the addition of native compatibility with 64-bit operating systems.

photo credit: Edur8

There is currently a Full Frame digital sensor being developed by Sony. Or more precisely, Sony currently works on a 24 mega-pixel technology in the Full Frame form factor (FX in the Nikon local language) and the two applications actually forecast are at Nikon for building the Nikon D800 and at Sony for the successor of the Alpha 850 and Alpha 900 (the name has certainly not been fixed right now). I’m told that there is also another brand talking to Sony right now about the opportunity to share this technology (another 24 MP in Full Frame clothes).

For the time being, it seems that (faithful to the Nikon tradition- the Sony digital sensor will be modified according to the needs of the yellow brand. It’s true that Nikon is never perfectly satisfied with what Sony offers in terms of sensors (but that the sensor core does not change, justifying completely the “same sensor as…” mention often repeated in the past around this issue) but that Nikon does not totally share the intensity of the Sony commitment for video in this part (the high-end) of the camera range.

Right now, Sony works to optimize the digital sensor sensitivity (given a Full Frame surface size, they try to bring the best image quality, the lowest digital noise and the highest ISO sensitivity). According to the data we got here, the cameras based upon this new digital sensor would be announced at the end of Summer 2011 with availability in the last quarter of 2011.

Actually, the most important of his issues was with ISO sensitivity and general behavior of the Canon EOS 5D MkII in low light (including digital noise and AF). Despite that the Canon is still a very strong seller, the reduced sensor resolution of the Nikon D700 has been superbly exploited to provide maximum sensitivity and minimum noise. I cannot help but agree with Allister.

A visit to his post will also show a nice set of pictures made during a wedding in the Gosfield Hall in Essex (England) and showing his excellent documentary style.

As a matter of fact, an online Chinese eCommerce web site published a product page for the Nikon D800. A photo, some features somewhat far from what is expected from Nikon, but after all, why not?

First and foremost, the resolution would (fast) climb to 24 MP, or near to the current maximum for Full Frame digital sensors, indicating a possible use of the Full Frame photo sensor from Sony (already used on Sony Alpha 900 and Alpha 850, but with some video-capture ability added).

Next, we find a shutter with speeds from 30s to 1/8000s for continuous bursts of 7 frames/second, video recording in 720p and 1080p, ISO 200-6400 (ext. to ISO 100-25600) light sensitivity, exposure metering using a 1005-RGB-point sensor and system, Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX AF 51-point AF system, a fixed LCD screen attached to the back of the camera with a 3″ (7,5 cm) LCD with 921.000 pixels.

Clearly, this would build a relatively easy to predict kind of camera (apart from the high resolution of the sensor which would indicate Nikon is leaving the lonely track of low resolution Full Frame to go and catch up with Canon and Sony where they already succeed).

But this is still surprising. If this is more than an unfounded rumour, it will allow a prediction of the direction Sony is taking in terms of FF sensors and the successor to the Sony Alpha 900 and Alpha 850 would keep their resolution at 24 MP while video capture would be added like on the Nikon D800.

Digital Rev, which is not used to propagating false rumours (or any rumors at all, by the way) up to now, just published a small article explaining why there will be no Nikon D700s (a minor improvement over the current Nikon D700 Full Frame DSLR camera): It would not be powerful enough to kick the very successful Canon EOS 5D Mk II (Sony probably has the same issue in order to provide a sibling to the Alpha 900/Alpha 850 offering; Pentax solved the issue by looking at a larger format in the 645D).

Instead, they would be preparing a new and better Nikon D800 with a much more powerful set of features:

• Full Frame FX CMOS 16 MP photo sensor
• Sensitivity: ISO 200-12800 (ext. to ISO 102400)
• Continuous shooting at 9 fps (or 11 fps in DX mode)
• Autofocus system: Based on the 3500FX 51-point Multi-CAM
• Full HD video
• 3″ (921,000 dots) VGA LCD

In any case, I would not expect this for the short term. Not before beginning of 2011.

We are promised two new models for the next Photokina (in September 2010 in Köln):

• A Pentax K5 will come and locate itself just under the current Pentax K7 insisting on filling the gap between it and the Pentax K-x (many photographers have been rightfully convinced and need to be push to more ambitious cameras).
• The Pentax K7 has had a nice shelf life and is worth replacing now, but this requires a lot of investment that has not been fully completed. Pentax would only be able to bring one better model still very similar to the K7 (addition of a video capture mode, better sensitivity, maybe a faster AF system).

But if all Pentax lovers keep dreaming about a Full Frame D-SLR camera, even when they believe that they spotted the right sensor in the Cypress catalog (unfortunately, this 25MP sensor is really not adequate yet), all we hear tells us that there is at least 6 months to a year of waiting. The time lost there will be used by the Research and Development teams to work on improving the auto-focus algorithms and the speed of the shutter.

Now it’s official! Sony released information about the Sony Alpha 850, it’s second Full Frame digital SLR camera. Now, the price is right.

Below 2000€, the body is essentially the same as the Sony Alpha 900 (including the excellent 24 mega-pixel Full Frame sensor with its in-body image stabilization). The designers reduced significantly the costs following a reasonably easy path:

• Simplification of the viewfinder which goes down to 98% field coverage (the A900 still has its superlative quality viewfinder)
• Reduction of the continuous shooting speed (allowing to remove one the 2 BIONZ processors that endowed the A900)
• The IR remote control is now optional

Great move. Good implementation of a strategy to bring Full Frame resolution and quality at an Expert/Enthusiast photographer level.

The camera is unveiled along with a new 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom that should make a pretty nice standard zoom for such a camera.

Nota bene: The data that we published here during the recent weeks are thus proved exact since the technical description of the Sony Alpha 850 was right for a couple of weeks.

Press Release

Full-frame DSLR shooting for a wider audience

New Sony Alpha α850 with 24.6 megapixels and pro-style features

* Full-frame 24.6 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor and dual BIONZ processors for detail-packed, low-noise images with high sensitivity up to ISO 6400 (with expanded ISO range)
* Bright optical glass pentaprism viewfinder with 98% coverage
* SteadyShot INSIDE offers up to 4.0 steps anti-shake performance with all lenses
* Photo quality (921k dot) 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD
* Fast, high-accuracy 9-point AF with 10 focus assist points

The new DSLR-α850 from Sony offers serious photo enthusiasts a  compelling step up to the creative possibilities of full-frame imaging.

Ruggedly built for unflinching pro-style handling and performance, the α850 shares the same 24.6 megapixel sensor and virtually all features of the flagship DSLR-α900, introduced last year. Like its full-frame sibling, the α850 fully exploits the creative possibilities of the α family of lenses that includes premium full-frame optics from Carl Zeiss, plus five high-performance G Lens models.

At the heart of the α850 is a full frame 24.6 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor that captures flawless, detail-packed images with vibrant, lifelike colours and fine textures.

The purity of high-resolution image data captured by the full-frame sensor is optimised by two-stage noise reduction in both analogue and digital domains. Noise reduction is first applied as the full-frame sensor converts light to electronic signals. Dual BIONZ image engines process large amounts of digital data, applying finely-tuned noise reduction during image processing to deliver pictures with extremely high level of sharpness and minimal noise level. This combination of high native sensor resolution and powerful noise control techniques ensures superlative image quality, even at high sensitivity settings up to a maximum ISO 6400 (with expanded ISO range).

The camera’s optical glass pentaprism viewfinder aids accurate shot composition, offering an extremely bright view with minimal distortion and an approximate 98% field coverage.

Serious enthusiasts will also prize the camera’s fast, high-accuracy autofocus system that provides excellent framing freedom while making it easier to achieve optimum focus with moving subjects. The 9-point AF system is supplemented by 10 focus assist points to assist subject detection, improved out-of-focus detection to reduce focus hunting and a dedicated f/2.8 sensor for enhanced AF accuracy with wide aperture lenses.

Shots can be viewed on the large, high contrast 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD that offers an exceptionally high  resolution (921k dot) for critical evaluation – even outdoors or in bright ambient light.

For greater creative control, an Intelligent Preview function indicates the effects of exposure, white balance, and D-Range Optimiser adjustments prior to shooting. This Preview is invaluable when composing complex scenes that may typically combine multiple light sources with different colour temperatures.

Touching the Fn button switches the display to Quick Navi mode, allowing convenient one-handed adjustment of key shooting parameters. A secondary backlit LCD panel on the top of the camera body gives useful confirmation of major settings, even when the main LCD is turned off.

In common with all other DSLR cameras from Sony, the α850 features SteadyShot INSIDE. This in-body optical stabilisation system delivers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with all compatible lenses, opening up even greater creative possibilities when shooting handheld.

Like its full-frame sibling, the α850 is ruggedly built for dependable performance in gruelling conditions with a high-tensile aluminium chassis and all-magnesium alloy body shell. Viewfinder, card slots, controls and other sensitive areas are protected from dust and moisture by rubber seals. In addition, an anti-dust system guards the full-frame sensor from the effects of dust entering the body during lens exchange.

The supplied high-capacity InfoLITHIUM rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FM500H) delivers power for up to 880 shots (approx.) per charge. Battery levels can be monitored in precise 1% increments, eliminating uncertainty about remaining shooting time.

The camera can be connected to your BRAVIA or any HD TV (requires optional HDMI cable) for a big-screen view of your shots. On-screen image quality is optimised for superbly lifelike reproduction on BRAVIA models supporting PhotoTV HD. On-screen playback can be controlled via an optional wireless remote commander (RMT-DSLR1).

The α850 is fully compatible with the range of official accessories by Sony for the flagship A900.

The choice of full-frame lenses to complement the α850 is enhanced with the new 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM. This compact, easy-to-carry lens is ideal for photo enthusiasts looking to add a bright, general purpose zoom to their collection of full-frame optics. Delivering excellent imaging quality, this zoom offers a wide f/2.8 aperture. Ideal for day-to-day shooting tasks, its bright maximum aperture makes the 28-75mm F2.8 SAM particularly valuable for interior scenes and available-light portraits.

Also, with Memory Stick at the heart of the Sony alpha, you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX (4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB) is the perfect tool for continuous shooting mode, with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 160* photos (in RAW+JPEG/L (24M)).

Delivered with USB Adaptor, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB is ideal for users who want to transfer data in high speed: approx. 660[1] pictures in L (24M) size at RAW+JPEG mode in 26 minutes.

The DSLR-α850 full-frame digital SLR camera is available from September 2009 and the 28-75mm lens will be available from November 2009.

But it seems that these relatively small improvements to the mid-range of Sony SLR cameras will be joined soon with two new Full Frame cameras.

More details coming soon, right here.