Everything points at a sound produces inside the camera bod (it can be heard from the outside, but it is mostly audible in the recorded sound taken using the internal mike of the NEX-5N). But it’s already a known problem of the NEX-5. Some would like to think that this is the beginning of a PR nightmare for Sony. But the past experience of the Nex5 and the overheating sensor video issues seem to have always been handled by Sony without grave problems in front of customers who only marginally worry about these (these are acceptable issues, somehow).

Features of the NEX-7:

• 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• 10fps continuous shooting
• Full-HD 1080p video recording (at 24-25-50-60fps)
• XGA (2,359k dot) OLED electronic viewfinder
• Built-in flash
• External flash hot-shoe

Features of the NEX-5n:

• 16.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• ISO 100-25600
• 10fps continuous shooting
• Full-HD 1080p video recording (at 24-25-50-60fps)
• 3-inch 921,600 dot capacitive touchscreen

http://www.sonycenter.lu/190-sony-nex-photo-reflex

For 699€ (or $699), you will soon be able to buy (as early as June) the new DSLR from Sony, the Sony SLT-A35, Sony Alpha 35 or Sony α35 (depending on the exact name you want to use – this is still fuzzy for me). The main features are:

• New APS HD CMOS 16.2 MP digital sensor
• Continuous shooting at 5.5 frames/s
• Continuous shooting at 7 frames/s on the condition of working on a reduced sensor zone (magnification/electronic zoom of about 1.4x)
• Continuous AF in all conditions (including in LiveView and Full HD video) – Thanks to the semi-transparent mirror coming from the Alpha 33 and Alpha 55
• Fun “special effects”

There is also a very small NEX-series compact hybrid camera: NEX C3 (from $599).

Press Release at the bottom.

Sony SLT-A35 – Press Release

Sony Introduces α35 DSLR Camera with Leading Video and Still Performance Powered by Translucent Mirror Technology

Light, Compact Camera Delivers 16.2 Megapixels and New In-camera ‘Picture Effect’ Creative Capabilities

SAN DIEGO, June 8, 2011 — Light, compact and easy to use, Sony’s new α35 (SLT-A35) interchangeable lens camera brings pro-style shooting speeds and diverse creative options to photographers of all abilities.

Building on the acclaimed α33 and α55 models, the α35 camera with Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology allows responsive, accurate continuous autofocus – whether shooting high-speed still photos or recording full HD movies.

“Our Translucent Mirror Technology continues to push the limits of modern DSLR technology,” said Kristen Elder, director of the alpha digital imaging business at Sony Electronics. “The new α35 camera combines this unique innovation with a newly developed APS HD CMOS sensor and a diverse, user-friendly interface, making it a compelling choice for experienced photographers and first-time SLR buyers alike.”

She added, “Amateur photographers will appreciate the on-screen Help Guide, which gives a clear explanation of selected functions and how they’re used. More advanced photographers will welcome features such as a top panel-mounted button that is fully customizable, allowing instant recall of any one of 14 frequently-used functions according to their preference.”

Premium, High-Speed Performance

Making its debut on the α35 camera, Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting magnifies a central portion of the image area providing an effective 1.4x magnification (appx) while shooting at up to 7 fps. Providing continuous tracking autofocus of still or moving objects, this feature is ideal for capturing fast-moving sports, children’s expressions at just the right moment or distant subjects with a high-speed burst of frames. There’s also a rapid up to5.5 fps drive mode that offers full-resolution continuous shooting with tracking AF.

With a resolution of 16.2 effective megapixels, the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor delivers stunningly detailed, low-noise still and HD video images. Complementing the sensor’s extremely high resolution and sensitivity, the camera’s powerful BIONZ® processor optimizes image data to assure flawless images with rich, natural color reproduction. A maximum sensitivity of ISO 12800 and extension to ISO 25600 makes it possible to capture beautifully natural still images and HD video in low light.

Advanced Quick AF Live View continuously displays a real-time output from the main image sensor during still or Full HD video shooting. Light is partially directed from the translucent mirror to an AF sensor to permit non-stop precision TTL phase-detection autofocus – a benefit not possible with traditional DSLR cameras.

Shooting stills or AVCHD video, users can enjoy a superbly detailed view on the high-quality 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display. Sony’s TruBlack technology assures high-contrast images with rich, deep blacks – even when shooting outdoors.

The high-resolution Tru-Finder display offers a precision alternative to framing shots on the camera’s LCD. Offering an extremely detailed, high contrast image with full 100% field coverage, it’s ideal for live preview of picture effects and exposure adjustments. Accurate composition of landscapes, architecture and other scenes is enhanced by 3 selectable grid line patterns.

Creative New “Picture Effects”

The α35 model offers a new in-camera ‘Picture Effect’ setting that lets users add extra impact to stills or Full HD video during shooting, without the worry of editing images afterwards. Effects can be previewed on the camera screen, allowing photographers to see the result of a chosen effect instantly rather than post-shooting. The inspiring palette of artistic treatments includes Retro Photo, High-key, Toy Camera and Posterization.

It’s also easy to produce dramatic Partial Color effects, with a single color highlighted against the rest of the image in monochrome. This popular effect is normally achieved through a series of painstaking steps using photo editing software. With the new α35 camera it’s both automatic and instant.

Improved Battery Life and Compatible α Accessories

Reductions in power consumption boost the camera’s battery life to a generous 440 still shots (approx.when using the rear LCD panel) between battery charges – a 30 percent increase over its predecessor.

The α35 model is compatible with the full range of 32 A-mount interchangeable lenses that includes six Carl Zeiss® lenses, as well as the full range of alpha accessories including flashes, carrying cases, LCD monitors and more.

The new camera is compatible with Sony’s full line of SD memory cards, including the newest Class 10 versions, as well as the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX series. Available in capacities up to 32 GB, both media enable higher read speeds for more stable and optimal performance by Sony hardware features such as high-speed burst shooting or HD movie shooting.

Firmware Upgrade for A33 / A55 Models

Available beginning June 20^th, a firmware update for existing α33 and α55 cameras adds several creative and operational enhancements.

Support for the ‘Picture Effect’ function featured on the new α35 model is now offered. High-Speed Synch is supported during wireless operation with a compatible external flash (α55 only). Ergonomics are further improved with revised menus and a new mode that lets users switch shooting parameters overlaid on-screen for clear, uncluttered composition. The a33 and a55camera’s Digital Level Gauge can also be displayed when shooting via the optional CLM-V55 external LCD monitor. Frequently used features can now be custom-assigned to the D-RANGE button for rapid, menu-free access.

The upgrade can be downloaded from: (www.esupport.sony.com).

Pricing and Availability

The new α35 interchangeable lens camera will be available this August with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $700. It will also be offered as a body-only (without kit lens) for about $600.

Sony NEX-C3 – Press Release

Sony Introduces World’s Smallest, Lightest Interchangeable Lens Camera with APS-C Sized Sensor

Easy-to-use a NEX-C3 Features 16.2 Megapixels, HD Video and Friendly New Interface

SAN DIEGO, June 8, 2011 – Sony’s new α NEX-C3 is the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor.

Offered in a range of stylish colors, the NEX-C3 brings the promise of DSLR-quality photography to the millions of consumers looking to take professional-looking photos without the size and bulk of traditional DSLR cameras.

The NEX-C3 features an attractive new body design that combines a satisfyingly solid metal top casing with an easy-to-use streamlined grip shape. Reducing the size of its internal circuitry visibly shrinks the camera’s size and achieves a body weight of just 225g (approximately 8 ounces) – nearly six percent lighter than its predecessor, the NEX-3 camera. Image quality, functionality and usability of the NEX-C3 camera also surpass that of the NEX-3 model.
The resolution of the camera’s large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor is boosted to 16.2 effective megapixels, capturing stills and 720p HD video with breath-taking clarity. The large, DSLR-sized sensor also lets users produce pro-quality background defocus effects, whether shooting HD video or stills.

“Building on the success of last year’s α NEX launch, the new NEX-C3 model takes the idea of ‘small camera body, SLR-quality photos’ to a whole new level,” said Kristen Elder, director of the alpha digital imaging business at Sony. “This camera’s brand new, large CMOS sensor and user-friendly interface will allow all photographers, regardless of experience level, to produce unique, custom-styled photographs. The NEX-C3 is a perfect combination of design, performance and creativity that fits a wide range of activities and shooting styles.”

Photo Creativity

The intuitive new Photo Creativity interface on the NEX-C3 camera puts sophisticated controls within easy reach, whether users are shooting stills or HD Video. Technical terms like ‘aperture’, ‘exposure value’ and ‘white balance’ are replaced with the friendlier and more intuitive ‘background defocus’, ‘brightness’ and ‘color’, allowing users to easily create custom-styled photographs. A traditional interface with Aperture/Shutter Priority, Manual and custom functions is always available for experienced users, along with highly customizable soft-keys for programming direct access to important controls.

With the NEX-C3 camera, users don’t need to dig into confusing menu options or guess their effect on a composition. They just need to turn the camera’s rear-mounted control wheel and instantly see the effect of their settings previewed on screen. Also, two or more different settings can be combined to create more sophisticated creative effects.

A new in-camera ‘Picture Effect’ setting lets users add extra impact to stills or HD video during shooting, without the worry of editing images afterwards. ‘Picture Effect’ options include Partial Color, Retro Photo, Pop Color, High Contrast Monochrome, Posterization, High-key and Toy Camera. There’s also a ‘Soft Skin’ effect that removes wrinkles and blemishes from portrait subjects.

Tilting for comfortable viewing at any angle, the high contrast 3-inch (measured diagonally) Xtra Fine LCD features TruBlack screen technology for high-contrast images with rich, deep blacks. This is an ideal way to compose shots and judge the effect of adjusting picture settings, even when viewing outdoors in bright sunlight.

Long-Lasting Battery
The NEX-C3 works even harder to capture amazing images and HD video between battery charges. Improved energy efficiency boosts battery life to a generous 400 still shots per charge – a more than 20 percent increase from the both the NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras.

Multi-Shot Imaging Technologies

Sony’s Advanced multi-shot technologies further broaden the possibilities of the NEX-C3 camera. 3D Sweep Panorama mode captures extra-wide images that can be viewed in 3D on a 3D television with compatible 3D glasses. Auto HDR “stacks” a high-speed burst of three successive exposures to capture extreme shadow and highlight details in a single frame. Similarly, Handheld Twilight and Anti-Motion Blur modes automatically combine six exposures to capture smooth, low-noise images. This avoids hand-blur and subject-blur when shooting in available light.

New E-mount 30mm Macro Lens and Other Compatible Accessories

The versatility of the α E-mount compact camera system grows with new style-matched accessories to expand shooting possibilities even further.

Joining the range of E-mount interchangeable lenses, the SEL30M35 is currently the world’s lightest life-size macro lens (approx 4.9 ounces) for interchangeable-lens cameras. This high-quality 30mm F3.5 macro lens features a 1:1 magnification ratio and minimum working distance of just 0.95 inches (2.4 cm), making it ideal for capturing detail-packed close-ups of small subjects like flowers and insects. Despite its extremely compact size, the SEL30M35 employs one ED glass and three aspherical lens elements for excellent optical performance, with minimized aberration and very high edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast. It also offers smooth, quiet autofocus operation whether shooting stills or HD video. The macro lens is supplied with a matching lens hood.

Also available as an option, the new HVL-F20S is a style-matching flash that clips onto the Smart Accessory Terminal of NEX-C3 and other E-mount cameras. Powered directly by the camera, the flash requires no batteries, making it ultra-compact and light weight for travelling. With a generous GN20 (50mm, at ISO 100, m) flash power rating and adjustable head, it’s ideal for creating natural fill-in and bounce flash effects with portraits and everyday shooting subjects.
The expanded range of coordinating accessories features a new body case/lens jacket and a soft carrying case.

The new camera is also compatible with Sony’s full line of SD memory cards, including the newest Class 10 versions, as well as the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX series. Available in capacities up to 32 GB, both media enable higher read speeds for more stable and optimal performance by Sony hardware features such as high-speed burst shooting or HD movie shooting.

Firmware update for NEX-5, NEX-3

A firmware upgrade (Version 4) adds the new ‘Picture Effect’ function to existing NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras. It also adds a Peaking function to assist with more precise manual focusing. This upgrade will be available June 20thand can be downloaded from: (www.esupport.sony.com).

Pricing and Availability

The new NEX-C3 ultra-compact digital camera will be available this August in silver, black and pink with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) and will cost about $650. It will also be offered in black only with a 16mm lens (model SEL16F28) for about $600.

The new SEL30M35 E-mount Macro lens will be available this October for about $250 and the HVL-F20S flash will be available this August for about $150.

The feature set of the next Sony NEX camera:

• 16.2 MP EXMOR sensor
• HD video recording (1280×720 or 720p)
• Sensitivity: ISO 200-12800
• New picture effects
• 19 or 25 AF points (with face detection)
• Shutter speed from 5s to 1/4000s
• 3″ LCD screen (921k dots)
• HDR mode
• New battery
• Less than $600/600€

The Sony NEX-C3 is still unofficial, but this is a pretty much probable rumor.

• Sony 30mm macro lens
• Sony 50mm f/1.8
• Zeiss 24mm f/1.7
• Sony 55-200mm f/4-5.6 zoom
• Sony medium telephoto lens
• Sony semi-pro standard zoom
• Sony wide-angle zoom

More details when they become available. For now, we don’t even have the maximum aperture for most of them (let alone prices and shipping dates).

And, there should also be a Sony NEX flash with 24-50mm coverage which will cost around $150/150€.

Source : SonyAlphaRumors.

Surprisingly for some, the Sony small inexpensive NEX-5 is giving pretty much the same results in quality even if the lens adapter is slightly reducing the field of view.

You can go and check the samples photos on the original post.

Thanks to Steve for an interesting comparison idea. It is showing that digital quality is improving in a way which is reducing the picture differences between cameras while leaving a lot to compare the other features of the cameras.

According to a leak published in a DPreview forum, Sony is about to launch a new photo camera in the NEX series (hybrid cameras distinguished by the combination of a small exterior size, interchangeable lenses and a large APS-C digital sensor).

The NEX-C3, as it will be known, will have a 16 MP digital sensor derived from the one in the Sony A55 and will be able to record 720p HD video (but not 1080p Full HD). It will include a large tiltable LCD screen on its back (whose characteristics are not known yet).

Clearly, from what the photos tell us -unfortunately they have been quickly removed from the web site- its appearance is an evolution from the previous NEX cameras with a slightly more serious design in a still-small format.

Also worth noticing: A new external flash designed specially for the NEX series.

The official announcement could be as soon as next week, but Sony may have delayed some product launches well into June and July to take into account the consequences of the Japan earthquake of 11 March 2011.

AP tells us that on the Japanese market, where Nikon and Canon together loose about 11% of market share, Sony reaches the 15% water mark. The two big brands do not lave their top positions, but Sony is now a clear third runner with a very aggressive range for small- and medium-sized systems (compact and NEX cameras).

Nikon is still very powerful everywhere in the world thanks to (little known fact) an impressive strength for point-and-shoot cameras (they ship as much as they can manufacture) and is nearly certainly preparing the launch in 2011 of a direct competition to Sony NEX (mirror-less cameras with interchangeable lenses). I stay convinced that the yellow brand is ready to fight.

Things are less easy for Canon. Having told clearly that they don’t want to see the SLR cameras competing against a new series, but ready to fight the price war, they are not easily perceived as having the impetus to blow new life into the whole photo Division, even if Canon is still totally unavoidable for SLR’s mainly because its policy of small but repeated increments succeeds in re-assuring more than revolutionary leaps (as difficult to understand as they can be elsewhere on the market).

More interestingly, but not necessarily credible, another camera, the NEX-7 so many people are waiting for,
(integrating more “expert” controls like direct access to some manual modes) would be based upon the the digital sensor of the future Sony Alpha 77. I’ve been told that it could well be a 24 or 25 MP (Dang! This is really big for an APS-C digital sensor if you want to keep some image quality and some ISO sensitivity) and the camera would be presented at the September 2011 PMA show (maybe a little early compared to the possible announcement of the Sony Alpha 77).

We’ll see…

• The lower key (advices) will allow:
  • Exposure modes
  • Guide/advices
  • Digital Zoom
  • Sensitivity (ISO)
  • White Balance
  • Metering Mode
  • Flash Correction
  • DRO / HDR
  • Creative Modes
  • MF guide
• The central key in the middle of the control ring will allow:
  • AF zone
  • Sensitivity (ISO)
  • White Balance
  • Metering Mode
  • Flash Correction
  • DRO / HDR
  • Creative Modes

Then, during video capture, it will become possible to change the aperture. This was a feature relatively easy to add and requested by many (some were very vocal about it).

Beware: You will have to wait 3 or 4 weeks to be able to download this v3 version. But I’m sure that the users of the NEX-3 or NEX-5 will be patient, since some people feared that these features would only arrive in a future NEX-7 (not disclosed at the Photokina) and they come to the existing models.

On top of this, the Alpha SAM or SSM lenses (equipped with an AF motor that the NEX bodies do not have) will become fully usable on the NEX via an adapter ring which will transmit the needed AF electronic data.

Finally, we learn that Sony is preparing 4 lenses for NEX, but they are short on details (I even feel cheated on this):

• A wide-angle Zeiss
• A tele-zoom
• A macro lens
• A lens for portraiture

We’ll talk about them later when we have something to discuss. For the time being, let’s appreciate the neat improvements that will come in a few days with this NEX firmware v3.

It is quite possible that Sony already is working on updates to the Sony NEX camera firmware to bring more controls in video capture mode (which is still quite limited). According to slashcam.de, this comes from Ichiro Takagi (Deputy President of the Imaging Business Group of Sony).

We would have to wait until the opening of the Photokina, but the specific feature set of this new firmware are still totally unknown up to now.

When they presented the new Sony Alpha 560 and Sony Alpha 580, yesterday, Sony published a family photo for the two Alpha and NEX ranges. Nobody is missing.

But two products are obviously absent:

• The Sony Alpha 700 has been removed completely from the photo.
• There no longer is any 500mm f/8 mirror tele-lens (which was from the Minolta portfolio of AF lenses).

I would predict that this is disclosing what comes next…

Can you find some more absent friends?

• Alpha 33 (a pellix camera with a 14 MP sensor)
• Alpha 55 (a pellix camera with a 16.7 MP sensor, 10 fps, ISO 100-25600, 15-point AF, EVF – all to be confirmed)
• Alpha 560 (with 14MP sensor, 5 fps, ISO 100-12800, 15-point AF, swivel display – near certain feature set)
• Alpha 580 (same as A560, with 16MP sensor)

Note: Pellix is the name usually applied to describe a camera where there is no mobile mirror, but a pellix semi-transparent mirror which is providing a simultaneous and continuous AF while bringing light to the photo/video sensor. For more information about it, see the Wikipedia articles in both English and German. The presence of Pellix should also allow to keep a LiveView operation during the photo/video capture (probably in association with an Electronic View Finder or EVF).

Images of the A55 and A33

Images from DChome

A33/A55 size

What is now certain is that the Alpha 33 and Alpha 55 will be very small indeed. They are smaller than the smallest existing Alpha cameras (the Alpha 290). They are nearly as small as the NEX-5 camera.

Thanks to SonyAlphaRumors, you can see a marketing-based and meaningful size comparison:

As was reported here about a month ago, Canon does not believe that it is necessary to leave the traditional APS-C DSLR format factor to compete with the EVIL cameras. Sony seems to have understood this too. But they decided to provide both the (still?) smaller ones (NEX series) and continuously shrinking ones (Alpha series). It will be interesting to see how this works in the end.

At least, Canon appears right and we can expect to see similar comparisons appearing with Canon bodies of the near future.

Compatible lenses for NEX

Additionally, some companies are rumored to be interested in providing a real competition in terms of lenses for the NEX camera range (Sony will no longer be alone). If Zeiss and Leica are actually present there in a few weeks, it will mean that this NEX camera series will certainly be a huge success, if only because of the large advertisement effort supported by several companies at the same time. However, it is nearly impossible to sort out the good information and the false rumors in what is said from all sides.

Sony just announced that this lens awaited as a key item in the Sony NEX range will be available from September 10th, 2010 at the steep price of 99,750 yens, or about 920 euros.

Optical stabilization, focal range equivalent to 27-300mm, aluminium alloy finish; This should be a nice object.

First, and this is very easy to predict, Sony is ready to add to its NEX range of photo cameras. Already noticed because of the originality of its concept (a very dense point-and-shoot-like body, very simple but able to hold not only the new lenses of the new NEX range, but also compatible with the existing Alpha lenses, to bring light onto an APS-C CMOS digital photo sensor brought in the Alpha SLR range). While NEX was received with an obvious interest, it still needs to prove that it fills the needs of a real public. And this may be easier when a few days before the Photokina show (in September) we will be able to see the new photo camera of the NEX range: The NEX-7, which should capture 1080p video up to 60 frames/s. This should bring it in direct competition with the Panasonic GH2 which is still the best digital video offer among the compact photo cameras.

On top of it, we already know that Sony just presented it NEX-VG10 video camera, which is the pure video solution in the NEX range (again with the same CMOS 14.2 MP digital sensor that Sony seems decided to apply to as many NEX and Alpha cameras as marketingly possible). Available in September (in parallel with the door opening of the Photokina), it will be sold around $2000 (probably a little less than 2000€ on the old E continent).

Of course, Sony will also present (and possibly make immediately available) some new NEX lenses. The one whose name is most often repeated, since the Yodobashi leak in May, is the Sony NEX 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 OSS.

Then, there is no need of a crystal ball to announce that Sony will speak a lot about 3D on the Photokina floor. All the company divisions (video games, movies, video, photography) have been committed to bring active product support to this technology defined as a key target for Sony.

But, will you say, where are the D-SLR here? I kept the finest morsel for this part of the meal I offer you. Sony is preparing a full overhaul of its Alpha range. The A290 and A390 are already here with a 14.2 MP sensor (but only in a-little-outdated CCD technology), here comes the flood. There’s no doubt that the successor of the Sony Alpha 700 is ready. It was nearly official in PMA 2010 (at the beginning of 2010):

I dream of having reliable information about its photo sensor, but it is nearly certain that it won’t be the ubiquitous 14MP CMOS sensor of NEX and A500 series. It will be an APS-C sensor capable of 1080p video capture at 30 fps (at least). Since Sony always repeated that they would never bring a photo camera with a half-thought video section (like some of the competition, they murmur), it will be worth looking into its detailed features. Moreover, I would bet a tidy sum that the camera will be named Alpha 750, even if it appears that A790 was a possibility during the design stage.

The Sony press photo for PMA2010 (above) also gave us an important bit of information: The Sony Alpha 750 will have a little brother also video capable (probably with a resolution limited to 14 MP). The rumor says –curiously enough– that it would be named Alpha 33, and I find this utterly surprising. We’ll see, but in the meantime, you could listen to what the Spanish DSLRmagazine has to say about its supposed semi-transparent mirror used to assist a good autofocus in LiveView mode (traduction française, English translation).

But there is another possibility to take into account. According to Réponses Photo, the French magazine, “Sony give [us] a rendezvous in September for other SLR news, but this time in the expert and pro ranges…” (emphasis is mine). It looks a lot like a leak out of a magazine already informed but held tight by the signing of an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). It would seem very surprising that anybody knowledgeable would place the Sony Alpha 750 in the “pro” range, it is the “expert” announcement. But, the, here is the last event: A pro camera! The Sony Alpha 900 (and its little brother A850) would prepare itself for a new offspring in the use of an Alpha 950 (no certainty about the name, of course)! And that could be thunderous if they announced (availability in early 2011?) the new 32 MP Full Frame CMOS sensor in association with a new quad-core BIONZ processor (aka Quattro Bionz).

The other option in this part of the product lien would be the arrival of an Alpha 820 (this name is heard in several mouths right now) which would be a new effort to popularize the Alpha 900 after the sub-2000€ Alpha 850. Credibility: Very low in my (not so) humble opinion.

You will have noticed that I did not go heavy on the conditional tense despite the long list of news. Be prepraed to see a Sony showroom of enormous size and density in Köln, next September for the Photokina. Alpha, NEX, 3D, video, Sony is alive and kicking.

After the launch of the first point-and-shoot (APS-C sensor) cameras in the Nex range (is it Nex or Alpha Nex? I am no longer sure), we start hearing that there will soon be a high-end NEX at Fall (September 2010). Its name? A very predictable NEX-7. It would bring much richer video capture modes like the following:

• 1080p at 60 frames/s
• 1080p at 24 frames/s
• 720p at 120 frames/s
• 720p at 60 frames/s

Moreover, the user interface should be optimized for easier control by enthusiast photographers who waited for manual controls. Maybe this will be a new candidate for the title of pro photographer point-and-shoot solution…

While staying on the video playground, and remembering that the Sony management insists on maximum sharing of developments between the various branches (Howard Stringer, Sony CEO, interview in Wired 18:04/Apr 2010) we can draw the easy conclusion that some of these video modes will also appear on at least one of the new SLR photo cameras under development for a 2010 launch in the Sony Alpha range.

Indeed, everything (including free commentary read in the May 2010 issue of Chasseur d’Images) points to a full shuffling of the Alpha range in the coming months. What should be expected? They will shoot first at the value level. Within a few weeks at most, we will see the Alpha 290 and Alpha 390, if only because -despite a very obvious market success- the digital sensor of the Alpha 230 started to look dated.

On the contrary, if you analyze finely what was just revealed by Toru Katsumoto (Senior General Manager at Sony) to the Spanish QueSabesDe web site, you will understand that it is not certain that even if video capture is coming fast, it will probably not debut on the Alpha 290. Maybe the Alpha 390 will be the first to benefit from this innovation. But if this is not the case, be sure (after the announcements done in February 2010) that the replacement of the Alpha 700 (Alpha 750 or Alpha 790) will be so equipped, along with a photo camera from the Alpha 4×0/5×0 line.

The rest of the year will also see the arrival of new lenses for the Alpha series. Of course, sports and wildlife photographers are listening to every date rumour for the arrival of the APO G 500mm à f/4, even if its price will certainly limits its public to those people endowed with very deep pockets. On the opposite or in complement, more affordable and also eagerly awaited, many existing lenses not yet featuring SSM or SAM focusing will be replaced/improved in the coming 12 or 18 months (according to David Kilpatrick); To my eyes, this will be a major improvement that is coming not too soon, even if the Minolta inheritance forced into some patience.

However, the very limited success of the Alpha 850 and Alpha 900 decided the Sony marketing not to push very hard for an immediate renewal or complement (the production volumes are small in front of customers -pros and enthusiasts- that are enthralled by Nikon and Canon). Sony will not leave this market of Full Frame SLR cameras, but we will have to wait until 2011 (maybe even at the end of the year) to see remarkable news on this part of the product line.

Now, if you want to see even further, think 3D. Sony invests a lot in 3D image and video. All the products from all the product lines (photo, video, video games, …) must convert to it quickly to build Sony again into the consumer electronics giant that is announced for us. For the photo cameras, it will come first from the point-and-shoot cameras (Nex should be first) but not all models will be so influenced.

All in all, 2010 will be an touchstone for Sony photography. A year with major news ahead.