Sony Alpha a7

The Sony Alpha a7 Mirrorless Digital Camera is one of the most advanced mirrorless camera that Sony has ever produced. The a7 is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera and comes in two varieties: the a7 (with a 24.3 MP sensor) and the a7R (with a 36.4 million pixel sensor and no optical low-pass filter).

The Sony a7 (also named ILCE-7 in Europe) is the world’s first 35 mm full-frame compact system camera and incorporates a full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor into an E-mount magnesium-alloy body. The 24.3 MP full frame 35.8 x 23.9 sensor captures low-noise, high-resolution images with rich tonal gradation. The new BIONZ X image processor is also present on this camera, and offers the reproducing of textures and details in real time via extra high-speed processing capabilities. The front-end LSI (large scale integration) accelerates the earliest processing stages and enables more natural details and more realistic images.

The Sony a7 comes with an enhanced Hybrid Autofocus system that combines an 117-point phase-detection AF system with a 25-point contrast-detection system. The a7 can record Full HD 1080 video with 24p/60i/60p frame rates in AVCHD or MP4 codecs.

The Sony a7 also features a 3.0″ tiltable XtraFine LCD with 1.23 M-dot resolution and a high-contrast 2.4 M OLED electronic viewfinder that provides 100% coverage and that has the same 3-lens optical system used at Sony a99 DSLR.

Sony a7

Sony a7 specs:

• Sensor: 35mm full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) Exmor CMOS sensor, 24.3 Megapixels
• Lens compatibility: Sony E-mount lenses
• Recording format: Still image – JPEG, RAW; Movie – AVCHD, MP4
• Storage media: Memory Stick PRO DUO/PRO-HG DUO/XCX-HG DUO; SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-25600
• Viewfinder: XGA OLED 0.5 type electronic viewfinder, 100% coverage
• Microphone: Built-in, monaural
• Interface: HDMI Type D micro connector, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, headphone jack, microphone input.

Sony a7 body

Sony Alpha a7 reviews:

The a7 uses a hybrid AF system that allows the camera to ascertain not only the direction to move the lens to achieve focus, but also how far. More about these things you can read on dpreview.com website, that concludes:

The Alpha 7 is a nice step-up for current NEX owners, and will certainly tempt those who want something smaller than conventional full-frame cameras.

Another Sony Alpha a7 review comes from The Verge.

Also, you can find a lot of technical details about Sony a7 and tests results on Camera Labs website, that concludes:

The Sony Alpha A7 is a remarkable camera that delivers the full-frame DSLR quality of the Canon EOS 6D or Nikon D610, but from a body that’s considerably smaller and lighter, packed with more gadgetry and cheaper too, especially if bought with a kit zoom.

The Sony a7 produces images of outstanding quality with a very usable ISO range of 50-25600. ISO 50-1600 is noise-free, ISO 3200 and 6400 produce more than acceptable results, and ISO 12800 or 25600 are OK for emergency use. More about that you can read on Sony A7 review from Photography Blog, that concludes:

This camera really does deliver DSLR-like performance and image quality in a pocketable format, music to the ears of most enthusiasts, while the hybrid AF system, although not able to rival the best DSLRs and CSCs, is at least marginally faster than the more sluggish A7R.

You can also read the opinion of an expert photographer about Sony a7 on the stevehuffphoto.com website.

Alpha a7

Sony a7

Sony a7

Sony Alpha a7

a7 display

Sony ILCE-7

Sony A3000

The Sony A3000 is an entry-level mirrorless E-mount model of Sony that looks like a DSLR (except dimensions). The A3000 comes with a 20.1 megapixel APS-C-sized Exmor CMOS sensor and a Bionz image processor, that together produce high-resolution, well-detailed images with minimal noise and low-light quality. This camera has the same adaptive noise reduction technology like the Sony’s flagship DSLR.

The Sony A3000 (also named ILCE 3000K in UK) has a large and ergonomic grip integrated into the body, and also has a smaller and lighter weight design, reminescent of mirrorless camera. The A3000 is very similar in weight and size with the SLT-A37 camera.

The Sony A3000 digital camera comes with the TRU-Finder QVGA 0.5″ electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Of course, there is also a 3.0″ 230k-dot rear LCD monitor that is dedicated to menu navigation and image composition. Due to its sensor and image processor, the A3000 can record Full HD 1080i/p video at 60 fps or 24 fps in high-quality AVCHD codec with stereo sound (via built-in stereo microphone). The internet-friendly MP4 format is also suported.

This camera comes also with a pop-up flash and with a Multi Interface Shoe, that allows you to attach various accessories, like an external microphone, a more powerful system flash and a video IR light.

A3000

Sony A300 key features:

• Sensor: Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor; 23.2 x 15.4 mm; 20.1 megapixels.
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 16.000
• AF: Contrast Autofocus System; 25 points sensor
• Shutter: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse focal-plane type
• Screen: 3.0″ TFT LCD monitor, 230400 dot
• File format: Still image – JPEG, RAW; Movie – AVCHD/MP4
• Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card; Memory Stick PRO Duo/ PRO-HG DUO/ XC-HG Duo

A3000

Sony A3000 reviews:

The Sony A3000 produces photos of excellent quality with noise absent from ISO 100-3200. Colours are vibrant and the Dynamic Range Optimizer and High Dynamic Range modes work really well. More detail you can find on Photpgraphy Blog, that concludes:

While the excellent image quality and keen price are definite plus points, the Sony A3000 lags behind when it comes to handling and performance, especially when compared against the DSLR rivals that it’s trying to emulate. It’s not especially speedy to start-up, and shot-to-shot times and auto-focusing speed, while respectable enough, aren’t anything to write home about, and neither is the lackluster continuous shooting speed.

Another Sony A3000 review comes from Digital Photography School. There you can see a lot of sample images with different settings.

On Sony A3000 review from Techradar.com website, you can find details about the design, controls and features of the A3000.

The whatdigitalcamera.com website reviews the Sony A3000 and concludes:

As an entry-level model the A3000 is bettered by all of its rivals in terms of features, performance and value for money, including cameras from Sony itself.  It must be noted that it’s a simple easy-to-use camera that produces good results, and as long as you’re not in a hurry it works very well.

Alpha A3000

ILCE 3000k

Sony A3000 with lens

Sony NEX-3N

The Sony Alpha NEX-3N is an entry-level mirrorless camera from Sony and also it is one of the smallest interchangeable lens camera. The NEX-3N is the successor of the NEX-F3 and comes with improved handling and more classic design.

The Sony NEX-3N comes with an Exmor APS-C HD CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 16.1 MP, that works with a BIONZ image processor. The image processor enables up to 4 fps continuous shooting. The camera accepts Sony E-Mount lenses, including the Power Zoom (PZ) lens, which has an effective focal length of 16 – 50 mm. The NEX-3N also features a 3.0″ LCD monitor that has a resolution of 460,800 dots and tilts 180° up and 13° down. The monitor also features 100% coverage. The Sony NEX-3N can to record Full HD 1080i video at 60 fps or 1080p video at 24 fps at 24 Mbps or 17 Mbps, with stereo sound. A pop-up flash with pre-flash TTL metering is also present on this camera.

The Sony NEX-3N has an intelligent AF system that uses contrast-detect autofocus and 25 focus points. Along with this system, there is also the Superior Auto Mode. This mode lets camera to recognize the current shooting environment and automatically adjust settings for optimal results. The Auto HDR and Hand-hold Twilight modes are also present.

Sony Alpha NEX-3N

Sony NEX-3N key features:

• Sensor: Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm), 16.1 MP
• Display: 3.0″ TFT LCD; 460,800 dots; 100% coverage.
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, HDMI Type C mini
• Storage: Memory Stick PRO Duo/ Pro-HG Duo/ Pro-HG HX DUO; SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
• File format: still image – JPEG, RAW; Video – AVCHD/MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC H.264)
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 16000

Sony Nex-3N

Sony NEX-3N reviews:

A full expert NEX-3N review comes from Photography Blog website, that concludes:

The Sony NEX-3N is one of the cheapest compact system cameras on the market, but remarkably it’s also one of the more accomplished, providing an intuitive upgrade path for compact camera owners, or simply being a small and light camera that delivers great results. There aren’t too many bargains in the camera market, but the new Sony NEX-3N definitely qualifies as one of them.

A lot of information about quality, handling and performance of the NEX-3N you can read also in the Sony NEX-3N review from Expert Review website.

Another short NEX-3N review comes from ephotozine.com website. There you can find more technical details and also a lot of sample images.

Sony Nex 3N

Sony NEX-3N display

Nex-3N display

Nex-3N

Sony Nex-3N

Sony Nex 3N ports

Sony Nex 3N

Sony A58

The Sony A58 is a compact digital SLR camera that uses Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology and that offers a smaller body size and high-speed shooting. This interchangeable lens camera is a part of the entry level range of Sony’s SLRs and it is designed to replace both the Sony A37 and Sony A57 models.

The Sony A58 comes with a new 20.1 MP Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor and an improved BIONZ image processor to produce detailed and clear low-noise photos. The A58 includes SteadyShot system, which moves the sensor to counter-act any camera shake. The Translucent Mirror Tehnology provides two means for image compositions, menu navigation and playback: a rear LCD monitor and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The rear 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD monitor features a tilting design and it is able to turn 135° upward and 55° downward. The SVGA Tru-Finder OLED EVF provides 100% frame coverage and has a 1,440k-dot resolution.

The Sony A58 also can record 1920 x 1080 movies at either 60i/50i 24 Mbps, 60i/50i 17 Mbps, 25/24p in the AVCHD format or 1440 x 1080 at 30 fps in MPEG-4 format. Stereo sound is recorded during capture via built-in microphone.

Inttroduced with the Sony A58 is a new kit lens, the Sony DT f/3.5-5.6 18-55 mm SAM II (Smooth Autofocos Motor) that offers quick and quiet performance. This lens has two aspherical elements and one ED (Extra-Low dispersion) glass element incorporated to reduce chromatic aberration and to produce sharper imagery.

Sony A58

Sony A58 specifications:

• Type: Interchangeable Lens Digital SLT camera
• Lens: Sony A-mount lenses
• Sensor: EXMOR APS HD CMOS sensor; 23.2 x 15.4 mm (APS-C size); 20.1 effective MP
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 16000
• Image stabilizer: Sensor-shift mechanism SteadyShot INSIDE
• Viewfinder: electronic XtraFine, 100% field of view
• LCD Display: 2.7″ TFT Clear Photo LCD with 460800 pixels; tiltable
• Storage: Memory Stick PRO Duo/ Pro-HG Duo; SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
• File format: still image – JPEG, RAW; video format – AVCHD ver.2.0/MP4
• Interface: microphone input minijack; USB 2.0 High-speed; HDMI mini connector (Type D)

Sony A58

Sony A58 reviews:

The Sony A58 produces images of excellent quality. ISO 100 – 800 is noise free while ISO 1600 – 6400 produces more than acceptable results. The effective Dynamic Range Optimizer function extracts more detail from the shadow areas in an image, without introducing noise or other artifacts. More about Sony A58 performance you can read on photographyblog.com website, that concludes:

The new Sony A58 offers most of its predecessor’s design, features and performance at an aggressive price-point, which can only be good news for us consumers. Look under the hood and you do find a few corners have been cut to keep the cost down, but all things considered, this is simply a very good interchangeable lens camera at a very attractive price.

Another Sony A58 review comes from techradar.com website, that says:

We’ve been impressed by the detail, colour rendition and generally good exposures in the images the Sony a58 shoots. Watch out when you’re shooting in lower light, though, and remember to dial in some exposure compensation in certain situations and you’ll soon find you’re producing very pleasing images. As with any camera, spending some time getting to know its particular quirks will be rewarded well.

The Sony A58 has a large grip, complete with logical depression where you can rest your middle and ring fingers as well as a good selection of controls located around the body. More such details you can find on trustedreviews.com website.

The whatdigitalcamera.com website also reviews the Sony A58 and concludes:

The Sony A58’s AF performance is good for a camera in this class, with speedy AF acquirement most of the time, only hunting in low-contrast situations.

Sony A58

Sony A58

Sony SLT A58 controls

Sony Cyber-shot WX80

The popular WX-series of compact camera from Sony has been updated with a new ultra-compact point-and-shoot camera, the Cyber-shot WX80, that offers a qualitative jump at a low price, compared to previous models.

The Sony Cyber-shot WX80 measures only 3 3⁄4” x 2 1⁄8” x 29⁄32″ and it is equipped with a 16.2 MP 1/2.3″ Exmor R Back Side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for producing high resolution images with notable low-light performance. The Exmor sensor is paired with the Bionz image processor, which provides fast performance to the camera, including a 10 fps continuous shooting and impressive sensitivity to an expandable ISO 12800.

The WX80 also features a 8x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with a 4.5mm – 36mm focal length (25 – 200 mm in 35 mm equivalent). The Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation system is also present to compensate the effects of camera movement and to reduce blur when shooting with extended shutter speeds. The Cyber-shot WX80 can record Full HD movie (1920 x 1080/60i) in AVCHD format and can shooting high-resolution 360-degree panoramas.

At the features list is added, also, the 2.7″ 230k-dot Clear Photo LCD monitor that offers five brightness steps to aid in viewing in bright conditions. The photos and videos made with Sony WX80 are easy to be shared via the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Sony Cyber-shot WX80 is available in black, white and red.

Sony WX80

Sony Cyber-shot WX80 key features:

• Sensor: 1/2.3″ EXMOR R CMOS sensor, 16.2 MP effective resolution
• Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; 8 elements in 7groups
• Aperture: F3.3/F8.0
• Zoom: 8x optical zoom; 32x digital zoom
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 12800
• Monitor: 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD, 230k dots
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed; Micro HDMI
• File format: still image – JPEG; movies – AVCHD
• Storage: Memory Stick PRO DUO; SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card

Cyber-shot WX80 LCD

Cyber-shot WX80

Sony WX80

Sony Alpha a99

The Sony Alpha a99 is a premium 35mm full frame single lens translucent (SLT) camera, and it is first camera with this technology (SLT), so that the a99 carries the indicativ DSLT (Digital Single Lens Translucent), which replaces DSLR. The SLT technology means that instead of having a mirror that flips up to enable the exposure to take place, the camera has a fixed translucent mirror that allows 70% of the light reaching it to pass through the image sensor, and 30% of the light is reflected to AF sensor.

The Sony Alpha a99 comes with a 24.3 MP full-frame (24 x 36 mm) EXMOR CMOS sensor and has a great image quality and low-light sensitivity. The BIONZ Image Processor allows to record images at 6 fps in continuous shooting mode.

Other key features of Sony a99 include Dual AF system with a 19-point sensor and 102-point focal plane phase detection sensor, an ISO range of 50 – 25600, Full HD 1080p progressive movie shooting with non-stop continuous AF and stereo sound, an OLED Tru-Finder with 100% coverage EVF, a three-way tiltable LCD screen, built-in GPS and the unique Multi Control Dial on the front of the camera (taht allows adjust photo, video or audio settings without producing audible click or vibrations while recording).

The Sony a99 has an weather-resistant magnesium alloy body and a Sensor Cleaning integrated system. Also present on this camera is the Sony’s SteadyShot technology for image stabilization, that is compatible with any Sony Alpha lens.

The SLT technology

Sony Alpha a99 key features

• Lens: Sony A-mount lenses
• Digital zoom: 4x
• Sensor: EXMOR CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9 mm), 24.3MP
• Viewfinder: 1/2″ electronic viewfinder; 2,359k dots
• Display: 3.0″ TFT tiltable LCD
• Storage: Memory Stick PRO Duo/ PRO-HG Duo; SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
• File format: still image – JPEG, RAW; video – AVCHD, MP4; audio – Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4
• Microphone: built-in, stereo
• Speaker: built-in, monaural
• Interfaces: headphone 3.5mm stereo minijack; 3.5mm stereo minijack microphone input; USB 2.0 Hi-Speed; HDMI mini connector (type C)

Sony a99

Sony Aplha a99 reviews

The Sony a99 has a body that uses a combination of magnesium alloy and engineering plastic, and it is sealed against dust and moisture. More about this you can read on whatdigitalcamera.com website.

On Sony Alpha a99 review, the experts of dpreview.com website say, among other things, that photographers who demand immediate access to highly personalized shooting options will apreciate the high degree of customization possible with the a99’s numerous control points. These experts conclude:

There’s a lot to like in the Sony SLT-A99. It’s a camera that combines very good image quality with a high degree of camera customization and an ergonomically well-designed control layout. It incorporates all of Sony’s recent technology advances in both stills and video performance. A900 users who’ve patiently waited for an upgrade and are amenable to using an EVF will be hard-pressed to find much fault with the A99, as it represents a significant step forward in just about every respect other than output resolution.

Another Sony Alpha a99 review comes from techradar.com, that notes:

There’s no question that video is becoming an increasingly important feature for DSLR-style cameras. Sony’s DSLT design makes the new Alpha cameras more suited to video shooting than more traditional cameras with a reflex mirror.

The popphoto.com has tested the Sony a99 and writes:

The Sony A99 remains one of the best new cameras we’ve seen this year. It shows that the new perspectives being brought to photography by the likes of traditional electronics companies are having a positive effect on the progression of photographic technology.

A lot of features, performance and comparisons of a99 with other premium digital cameras you can find on Pocket-lint website.

Sony Alpha a99

Sony a99

Sony a99 with tilting LCD

Sony Alpha a99

Sony Alpha a99

Sony Alpha SLT a99

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710 is an entry-level highly compact point-and-shoot camera designed for the beginners. This budget-friendly digital camera is really for the whole family being compact and easy to use. The Sony W710 is equipped with a 16.1 megapixel CCD sensor and can record 720p HD movies with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.

The Sony Cyber-shot W710 also features a 28-140 mm lens with 5x optical zoom and a 2.7″ 230k dot Clear Photo LCD monitor. The camera has a built-in flash with a range of 2.7 meter at wide angle when using Auto ISO sensitivity. The reasonable and useful ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 3200 allows photos of acceptable quality in various conditions.

The 360° Sweep Panorama, Face Detection and Smile Shutter are just some of the camera amenities. The Sony Cyber-shot W710 has a price up to $100 and it is available in silver, pink or black body colors.

Sony Cyber-shot W710 specifications:

• Sensor: 1/2.3 Super HAD CCD sensor, 16.1 effective MP
• Optical zoom: 5x
• Digital zoom: 20x
• File format: still image – JPEG; video image – AVI
• Microphone: built-in, mono
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 3200
• Storage: MS Duo, SD/SDHC memory card
• Connectivity: Multi (AV/USB), Hi-Speed USB 2.0
• Display: 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD, 230k dots

Sony Cyber-shot W710 reviews:

Reviews of Sony W710 are not available yet. However, you can find more Sony W710 technical details and opinions of experts on digitalcamerainfo.com website.

Sony Cyber-shot W710

Sony Cyber-shot W710

Sony DSC-W710

Sony Alpha Nex-6

The new Sony Alpha Nex-6 is a compact interchangeable lens camera that it is about the size of an Nex-7 complete with pop-up flash and electronic viewfinder but with a simplified interface. The Sony Nex-6 mirrorless digital camera combines the built-in Wi-Fi and downloadable app feature of the Nex-5R with the phisical buttons and knobs of the Sony Nex-7.

The Sony Alpha Nex-6 uses an APS-C size 16.1 MP CMOS sensor that in addition to the BIONZ processor delivers high-resolution sharp and detailed images. The Sony Nex-6 also can records full HD 1920 x 1080 video in 60p, 60i or cinematic 24p.

The Sony Nex-6 is equipped with a large 3″ 921k-pixel TFT LCD monitor with adjustable angle. The Nex-6 has Fast Hybrid Autofocus that combines phase detection AF for quick response when tracking fast-moving subjects and contrast-detection for more precision. This feature is commonly found only in DSLRs. The Nex-6 also features a six-image layering technology that quickly takes six photos in low light and combines them into one photo. Auto High Dynamic Range is also built-in and the continuous shooting is available at up to 10 fps.

Sony Alpha Nex-6 specs:

• Lens: Sony E-mount lenses
• Sensor: EXMOR APS HD CMOS (23.5 x 15.6mm), 16.1 MP
• Sensitivity: Auto (ISO 100 – 3200), Selectable (ISO 100 – 25600)
• Display: 3.0″ wide type TFT (921,600 dots) with angle adjustment (up: 90 degrees, down: 45 degrees)
• Viewfinder: 1.3 cm Electronic viewfinder; 2,359,296 dots; 100% coverage
• Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory Card, Memory Stick PRO duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG DUO
• File format: still image – JPEG, RAW; video – AVCHD, AVCHD ver2.0, MP4
• Connectivity: USB2.0 Hi-Speed, HDMI Type C mini

Sony Alpha Nex-6 reviews:

The most substantial physical difference between the Nex-6 and its version 5 predecessors is the former’s inclusion of a viewfinder (a 2.3 million dot OLED panel with 1.09x magnification). You can find more about this on Sony Nex-6 review from dpreview.com website.

The images from Sony Nex-6 impress. They are well exposed, vibrant and full of detail. Noise is well controlled up to around ISO 3200. Colours are vibrant straight from the camera and the automatic white balance system copes well with most conditions. Other details about the performance of Sony Nex-6 you can read on NEX-6 review from techradar.com website. The author of this review concludes:

 Sony has produced a very likable, capable camera that is complemented well by the new powerzoom lens. Its controls can be customised to suit the photographer, it has helpful technology borrowed from a smartphone and it delivers images of impressively high quality.

The comments of some professional photographers about Sony Nex-6 can be found on stevehuffphoto.com website.

A plenty of images made with Sony Nex-6 in different conditions and with various settings can be seen on photographyblog and popphoto.com websites.

Just like NEX-5R, the Nex-6 has advantage of a combination phase detection plus contrast detection autofocus system. This technology is extremely rare in the mirrorless market and represents a competitive advantage for the Nex series. More about controls and menus of Sony NEX-6 you can find in Sony NEX-6 review from digitalcamerainfo.com

The Nex-6 is a solid and well-built camera. The hard grip is deep enough to get a good grip of the camera with, while the rubberised finish also makes it feel secure in the hand. More about NEX-6’s design you can read on trustedreview.com.