Sony 6 Newcomers - A99, DSC-RX1, NEX-5R, NEX-6, Full-Frame Handycam @ KLPF 2012

Sony announced release of several new camera during KLPF 2012 @ MidValley Exhibition
Sony’s latest Alpha 99, the flagship A-mount 35 mm full-frame camera took the centre stage at the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2012 in October, along with the other 5 newcomers for Sony digital imaging product line-up. The new cameras include full-frame models – Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 and Handycam NEX-VG900; and NEX-5R, NEX-6 as well as Handycam NEX-VG30.    

I personally think that Sony launched too many products at one time. Which leads to my slow update and a super long article just to introduce all six Sony newcomers. It is good to launch everyone at one same day to save event cost, but I still hope next time it will be an event focus on just one range of product. A bit overwhelmed for me to process all the information ~

Among all 6 SONY newcomers, I personally more interested with Sony DSC-RX1 as it is a full-frame compact camera that's so small and easy to bring around and can deliver high quality photos. I will definitely need one when I go to my next concert shooting among the crowd =) However before that it is always better to review it first before purchase it right? After all, this newcomer did nto come with an affordable price.

Masahiko Ishida, Digital Imaging Product Marketing, Sony Malaysia
   
Product Presentation by John Shum, Head of Training & Workshop

Sony first 35mm Interchangable Lens Full-Frame handycam and NEX-5R

SONY DSC-RX1 and Sony Full-Frame handycam


[L-R]  Masahiko Ishida, Digital Imaging Product Marketing, Sony Malaysia and Kikuo Okura, Managing Director of Sony Malaysia together with Sony new series of camera products


 Click below if you want to see full details of Sony 6 newcomers!



Differentiation between NEX-F3, NEX-5R, NEX-6 and NEX-7



NEX-VG900
SONY NEX-VG900E
Video makers can embrace the limitless expressive power of full-frame imaging with the new Handycam® NEX-VG900E E-mount interchangeable lens Full HD camcorder from Sony.

Offering supreme imaging quality and generous creative options, it’s the first Handycam® with a 35mm full frame sensor to fully exploit the artistic potential of interchangeable lenses by Sony and Carl Zeiss.

With a resolution of 24.3 effective megapixels, the Sony-developed full frame Exmor CMOS sensor inside the NEX-VG900E is around 40 times larger than the equivalent in ordinary consumer camcorders. It’s also more than twice the size of the APS-C sized sensor found in other interchangeable lens Handycam® models.

As well as permitting beautiful ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects with the growing range of   lenses, its high sensitivity assures extremely clear, low-noise images. The large sensor size assures effortless reproduction of the finest tonal gradations, helping the most demanding cinematographer fully realise their creative vision.

The sensor also allows the NEX-VG900E to shoot full-frame 24.0 effective megapixel still photos, with all the quality you’d expect from a pro-class DSLR camera. Still images can be shot in RAW format for total post-processing freedom.

Beautiful, film-like results can be achieved by shooting video in 25p/24p progressive mode, with Cinema Tone Gamma™ and Cinema Tone Colour™ offering precise control over cinematic colour grading effects. AVCHD version 2.0 standard 50p/60p recording is additionally supported, maximising the range of creative options for movie-makers to explore. Even greater flexibility is provided by a choice of new Picture Effect modes, enabling easy creation of artistic ‘in-camera’ treatments whether you’re shooting HD video or stills.

Video shooting is further enhanced by a ‘seesaw’ lever that allows smooth, polished zoom control. The lever adjusts optical zoom when using compatible E-mount lenses that feature built-in zoom drive. The lever controls electronic zoom when using the camcorder with fixed focal lenses for impressive creative results.

As an extra refinement, the NEX-VG900E switches automatically from full-frame operation to APS-C mode when an E-mount or A-mount DT lens is attached. This allows users to get the most out of their collection of DT lenses that are optimised for cameras with a smaller APS-C image sensor.

The camcorder also comes supplied with the LA-EA3 adaptor that lets photographers use full-frame A-mount DSLR lenses at their designated focal length.

There’s a generous palette of control options and manual settings to satisfy the demanding video enthusiast. Aperture priority, shutter speed priority or manual exposure, are all selectable and white balance can be adjusted manually to suit the demands of any scene. Iris, shutter speed, and gain adjustments can be easily made via logically-positioned direct access keys. Accurate manual focusing is assisted by the camcorder’s pro-style display peaking function, complemented by a one-touch focus magnification button on the top of the grip.

Serious videographers will welcome the detail-packed XGA OLED Tru-Finder that offers high-contrast image monitoring with superbly natural colour rendition. Complementing the Tru-Finder, there’s an adjustable XtraFine touch-panel LCD monitor, with Sony’s unique technology for high contrast images with rich, deep blacks.

High-quality audio is a crucial part of the HD video experience with the NEX-VG900. A unique Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone features four omnidirectional capsules that can be switched for stereo or 5.1ch surround recording. Recording levels are adjustable, with accurate visual confirmation provided by an audio level meter on the LCD display. There’s also a headphone jack for direct monitoring of sounds being recorded.

To further enhance the accuracy of audio input during recording, the new Multi Interface Shoe provides compatibility with the optional XLR-K1M adaptor kit that includes a high-quality mono shotgun mic (ECM-XM1) and pro-standard XLR connections. This enabled user to have more meticulous shooting with a detailed audio control through this accessory.

SONY NEX-VG30EH
Sharing many of the pro-oriented enhancements of the NEX-VG900E, the Handycam® NEX-VG30EH succeeds the acclaimed NEX-VG20E. With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the new camcorder’s Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor assures outstanding image quality with the range of interchangeable E-mount lenses.

Like the NEX-VG900E, it’s possible to shoot smooth, cinematic Full HD video footage at either 50p, 25p or 24p (progressive) frame rates, supported by a palette of artistic Picture Effect modes.

The NEX-VG30EH also features the same XGA OLED Tru-Finder, comprehensive manual controls and ‘seesaw’ style zoom lever as the NEX-VG900E.

The NEX-VG30EH comes supplied as a kit with the new E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Power Zoom lens that provides a versatile range from wide angle to telephoto. Offering smooth, quiet AF operation and Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, the lens also features an additional ‘seesaw’ lever on the barrel for smooth, professional-style zoom control with adjustable speeds.

The Handycam® NEX-VG900E and NEX-VG30EH camcorders from Sony are available in Malaysia from November and December 2012 with suggested retail price of RM10,999 (body only) and RM8,999 (Kit lens) respectively.

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Sony NEX-5R and NEX-6 pricing with different lens package

SONY NEX-5R

Serious picture performance, style and portability are blended beautifully in the new NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony.

Combining big-sensor image quality with the freedom of interchangeable lenses, the hybrid mirrorless camera offers all the benefits of DSLR-style imaging with less to carry. A power-packed step-up from your point-and-shoot compact, it is also a perfect second camera for photo enthusiasts who won’t compromise on image quality or control when they’re travelling light.

With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the DSLR-sized sensor assures richly detailed still photos and crisp Full HD video. Teamed with the powerful BIONZ image processor, the NEX-5R ensures flawless, low-noise images – even when you’re shooting dimly-lit interiors at sensitivity settings up to ISO 25600.

In a first for interchangeable lens cameras by Sony, Fast Hybrid AF combines phase- and contrast-detection autofocus methods to suit the demands of any shooting situation. First, phase-detection AF quickly detects subject distance; then contrast-detection activates to confirm extremely fine, precise focus. In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5R switches automatically to phase detection tracking AF. You’ll enjoy DSLR-like focusing responses when you’re capturing fast-moving action with high-speed burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second.

From launch, Fast Hybrid AF is supported with these lenses: E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS; E 55-210mm F4-6.3 OSS; E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS; Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA. Firmware upgrades will steadily expand the range of lenses offering Fast Hybrid AF support.

Framing, adjusting, shooting and viewing images is a pleasure on the intuitive touch-screen LCD. It’s complemented by a fully-featured control dial and Function button: a versatile combination for any photographer who’s accustomed to the flexibility of their DSLR camera. There’s also a new Touch Shutter function that makes it easier than ever to pick your perfect moment.

The clear, bright touchscreen flips through 180 degrees for easy arm’s length self-portraits. Enthusiasts will also welcome the switchable on-screen digital level gauge that helps keep horizons level with landscapes and architectural shots.

Full HD movie shooting has also been enhanced with a new Auto Slow Shutter feature that adds extra sparkle to low-light clips. The camera detects dim interiors ¬¬and night scenes, automatically switching to a slower shutter speed to brighten up your footage.

The NEX-5R is the first interchangeable-lens digital cameras by Sony with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities for easy image sharing, saving and viewing. Photos and videos can be transferred wirelessly to any smartphone or tablet that’s running the free PlayMemories Mobile app.

Alternatively, transfer all those memories directly to a networked PC, simplifying image back-ups without having to fiddle with memory cards or connecting cables. Photos stored on the NEX-5R can also be enjoyed directly on any DLNA-compatible TV, with no HDMI cable needed. Share via your wireless access point, or bypass your router and send pictures straight from the camera to TVs supporting Wi-Fi Direct.

New accessories include the Screen Protect Semi Hard Sheet PCK-LM13 with anti-fingerprint coating beautifully protects your LCD screen.

The NEX-5R will be available in Malaysia from Mid November 2012 with suggested retail price from RM2,699.



Sony NEX-6
Step up to an imaging experience that’s in a class of its own. The new NEX-6 compact system camera from Sony packs the imaging power, shooting responses, handling and operability of a DSLR into a pocket-sized mirrorless camera.

Partnered with the growing range of E-mount interchangeable lenses, the NEX-6 appeals to committed DSLR users who need to travel light without compromising picture quality. Offering big-sensor picture performance in a compact body, the new camera also makes an ideal option for step-up photographers looking to significantly expand their creative options.

Crafted with discerning photographers in mind, the new camera also features the same precision electronic viewfinder and DSLR-style ergonomics found on the flagship NEX-7.

The large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor inside the NEX-6 offers 16.1 effective megapixels for true DSLR-quality images and detail-packed Full HD video. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ image processor that ensures flawless, low-noise images – even when you’re shooting dimly-lit interiors at extended sensitivity settings up to ISO 25600.

Similar to the recently-announced NEX-5R, the NEX-6 features an innovative new Fast Hybrid AF system that combines phase- and contrast-detection autofocus methods to suit virtually any shooting situation. Phase-detection AF that quickly analyses subject distance is complemented by contrast-detection AF to confirm extremely fine focus. In Speed Priority mode, the NEX-5R switches automatically to pure phase-detection tracking AF. You’ll enjoy DSLR-like focusing responses when you’re capturing fast-moving action with high-speed burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second.

From launch, Fast Hybrid AF is supported with these lenses: E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS; E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS; E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS; E 24mm F1.8 ZA Sonnar T*; E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS. Firmware upgrades will steadily expand the range of lenses offering Fast Hybrid AF support.

As with the NEX-7, the NEX-6 features an XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ for precision framing and focusing. This acclaimed electronic viewfinder gives a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with 100% frame coverage and a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines and a digital level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing.

Sony NEX-6

The OLED Tru-Finder™ is complemented by a 7.5 cm (3.0") Xtra Fine LCD that can be angled up to 90° up or 45° down (approx.) for easy viewing in virtually any shooting position. The LCD screen assures superb detail and contrast with significantly reduced on-screen reflections, aiding composition when you’re shooting outdoors or in direct light.

Despite its compact body dimensions, the NEX-6 offers instantly reassuring operation for DSLR enthusiasts. A strategically-positioned mode dial on top of the camera allows quick setting of shooting modes – including P/A/S/M and Sweep Panorama – just as you’d expect on much larger interchangeable lens cameras. It’s joined by a control dial located under the mode dial, plus a separate control wheel on the camera back for fine adjustments of exposure, ISO, white balance and other settings.

Also inherited from high-end A-mount cameras by Sony, the pro-focused Quick Navi interface allows fingertip adjustment of settings without taking the viewfinder away from your eye.

Full HD movie shooting is enhanced with a new Auto Slow Shutter feature that adds extra sparkle to low-light clips. The NEX-6 detects dim interiors and night scenes, automatically switching to a slower shutter speed to brighten up your footage.

Shared with the NEX-5R, integrated Wi-Fi allows simple wireless photo and video transfers to various smartphones or tablets running the free PlayMemories Mobile app. Images can also be transferred wirelessly to a networked PC, or viewed wirelessly on any DLNA-compatible TV.

Alongside a handy pop-up flash, there’s a versatile new Multi Interface Shoe that’s capable of ‘intelligent’ linkage with various accessories.

The NEX-6 will be available in Malaysia at all Sony stores and authorised outlets from Mid November 2012 with suggested retail price from RM3, 299.


SONY RX-1
The extraordinary new Cyber-shot™ DSC-RX1 from Sony realises the dream of photographers everywhere. Just 482g (with battery and memory card), it packs a 35mm full-frame sensor and wide aperture F2 fixed-focal lens into a camera body that’s perfectly proportioned for travel and street photography as well as portraits and day-to-day shooting.

Far smaller and lighter than any full-frame DSLR, the Cyber-shot™ RX1 offers superb imaging quality that’s previously been the domain of high-end professional DSLR cameras. The unified lens/body design assures razor-sharp alignment of the sensor and optical components. This brings out the full potential of the lens to deliver unprecedented image quality, right to the very edges of each frame. Full manual control options are complemented by effortlessly intuitive operation, making it easy for enthusiasts to realise their creative vision without sacrificing portability or operating comfort.

In a world first  for digital compact cameras, the Cyber-shot™ RX1 features a 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor. With an effective resolution of 24.3 megapixels, it’s more than two times larger than the APS-C sensors inside much bulkier DSLR cameras. Capable of resolving the finest image details and subtle textures, the full-frame sensor assures absolute fidelity, rich colours and an impressively broad dynamic range.

The large sensor size also helps boost the camera’s sensitivity range to a generous ISO 100 – 25600. Sensitivity can be adjusted as low as ISO 50 in expanded mode . Similarly, ISO settings as high as 102400 can be achieved using Multi Frame Noise Reduction. This allows the Cyber-shot™ RX1 to capture natural, low noise handheld images in near-dark conditions without needing flash.

Complementing the full-frame sensor is a fast, bright Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens with a fixed focal length of 35mm – a versatile choice for portraits, street photography and everyday shooting. Derived from the German word “Sonne” (“sun”), the Sonnar name reflects the ability of the lens to capture as much light as possible. This premium lens features newly designed optics including an Advanced Aspherical (AA) glass element. This contributes to the camera’s extremely compact palm-sized dimensions while keeping extremely high performance of the lens.

The lens’s wide F2 maximum aperture and 9-bladed circular aperture enable beautiful ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects to rival professional-class DSLR camera lenses. A Macro switching ring on the lens barrel instantly shortens minimum focusing distance to just 20cm (from image plane), making the Cyber-shot™ RX1 ideal for capturing small close-up subjects with exquisite detail.

Data from the Exmor CMOS sensor is handled by the evolved BIONZ engine that also powers full-resolution burst shooting at up to 5 frames per second. The BIONZ processor can output image data in 14-bit RAW format, giving advanced users immense freedom over developing, post-processing and managing RAW files to match their personal creative vision. Despite the camera’s extraordinarily compact dimensions, photographers are offered a virtually limitless palette of options for creative expression. The Cyber-shot™ RX1 offers a full range of manual control modes, just as you’d expect from a no-compromise DSLR camera.

Dedicated lens rings allow fingertip control of focus and aperture, while a DSLR-style Focus mode dial on the front of the camera allows easy switching between focus modes. Top-mounted exposure compensation and mode dials are ergonomically placed for easy operation, while custom function and AEL buttons fall comfortably to hand without interrupting your creative flow.

Accessed via the camera’s pro-style control dial and cross keys, Quick Navi mode allows fast, intuitive adjustment of camera settings: its ideal when using the camera with an optional viewfinder. As a further enthusiast-oriented touch, there’s a memory recall (MR) mode that allows storage and instant recall of up to three sets of camera settings.

Other refinements include a MF Assist function that magnifies a portion of your image to simplify fine focus adjustments. There’s also a pro-style Peaking function that highlights sharply-focused areas of the image on screen. Adding the optional FDA-EV1MK electronic viewfinder kit allows even greater manual focusing precision.

By Pixel Super Resolution Technology allows magnification of image size without sacrificing pixel count – maintaining far higher quality than achievable with conventional digital zoom. There’s also a Smart Teleconverter function that crops a central portion of the image sensor, boosting effective magnification by 1.4x or 2x. Thanks to the full-frame sensor’s extremely high pixel count, even zoomed and cropped images maintain generous amounts of fine detail when blown up at large print sizes.

In addition to flawless stills, the Cyber-shot™ RX1 can capture high-quality, low-noise Full HD movie footage at a choice of 50p/60p or 25p/24p (progressive) frame rates. 24p recording enables the Cyber-shot RX1 to transform everyday scenes into film-like movies. It’s easy to record beautifully atmospheric video in very low lighting, such as at dusk. There’s a full complement of PASM exposure modes to give photographers absolute creative flexibility during video shooting.

Artistically ambitious photographers can fine-tune images with a choice of 13 Creative Styles, plus a wide range of inspiring ‘PC-free’ Picture Effect treatments.

Even wider compositional possibilities are offered by Auto HDR and D-Range Optimiser, bracket shooting (Exposure, DRO or White Balance) and Auto HDR shooting modes. There’s also a Digital Level Gauge that indicates camera pitch and camera roll on the LCD screen for straight, even horizons and architectural shots.

The Cyber-shot™ RX1 is accompanied with a range of dedicated optional accessories to enhance the camera experience. The Optical Viewfinder (FDA-V1K) adds functionality with Zeiss optics. Also available are an Electronic Viewfinder (FDA-EV1MK), exclusive Jacket Case (LCJ-RXB), Lens Hood (LHP-1) and a Thumb Grip (TGA-1) for sure, comfortable handling.
      
Shooting possibilities for stills and video are further broadened by the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe  that accepts a growing range of accessories Options include a powerful flash (HVL-F60M), clip-on LCD monitor (CLM-V55) and many more.

The Cyber-shot™ RX1 comes preinstalled with PlayMemories Home (Lite Edition) software, allowing easy image transfers to a PC for managing, editing and printing. Available for free download, a full version of PlayMemories Home adds movie editing and disc burning.
The new Cyber-shot™ RX1 full-frame digital compact camera from Sony is available in Malaysia from December 2012 with suggested retail price RM9, 999.


SONY Alpha 99
Unsurpassed imaging performance and responses
Unique to the  Alpha 99, a newly developed full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixels is teamed with a highly advanced BIONZ image processing engine. This powerful sensor/processor combination guarantees unprecedented levels of imaging performance with still and video shooting.

The full-frame sensor’s resolving power is enhanced by a newly developed separate multi-segment optical low-pass filter. Assisted by an all-new front-end LSI, the BIONZ engine processes massive amounts of image signal data from the Exmor CMOS Sensor at very high speeds. Together with a powerful new area-specific noise reduction (NR) algorithm, this achieves a 14-bit RAW output, rich gradation and low noise.

Various characteristics of the image sensor, in addition to its size, have been dramatically improved to significantly enhance high-sensitivity shooting quality, reduce noise and expand the dynamic range. The result is the best image quality in α history.

These technologies enable saturation signal volume by twice or more. With its expended receptor surface, its sensitivity 1.5 times more, and the random noise is cut by half compared to  900.

The evolved BIONZ processor boosts maximum sensitivity range (in expanded sensitivity mode) as wide as ISO 50 – 25600 – a range of 9 stops. Its unprecedented processing power also enables the  Alpha 99 to shoot a burst of full-resolution images at up to 6 frames per second or 10 fps in Tele-zoom high speed shooting mode.

For the first time ever, the 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors is complemented by a multi-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor. With no less than 102 AF points, this additional AF sensor overlays the main image sensor. Harnessing the power of Translucent Mirror Technology, this unique Dual AF System permits ultra-fast, accurate autofocusing that maintains tracking focus even if the subject leaves the 19-point AF frame.

The  Alpha 99 also debuts an advanced new AF-D continuous autofocus mode that’s supremely effective with moving subjects. The 19-point AF system provides reliable depth focusing information. It’s complemented by the 102-point multi-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor that copes effortlessly with subjects traversing the focal plane.

From launch, new AF-D mode is supported by the SAL2470Z, SAL2875, SAL50F14, SAL300F28G2, SAL70400G and SAL500F4G lenses. More lenses will be supported via future firmware updates.

As a further focusing refinement, a new AF range control function allows users to set the distance range recognised by the AF system. This smart feature significantly aids operability if you’re focusing on distant sports action through a nearby wire mesh fence.


Crafted for videographers and movie-makers
The Sony Alpha 99 inherits the world-leading ‘cinematic DNA’ from professional movie cameras and high-end camcorders by Sony. The unmatched resolving power and sensitivity of the full-frame sensor is complemented by advanced features optimised for professional video production.

The Sony Alpha 99 supports the needs of professional movie-makers, offering full-frame Full HD 50p/25p progressive video recording to meet AVCHD Version 2.0 specifications. As introduced on the  77, Full-time Continuous AF Movie allows smooth, non-stop tracking of moving subjects. Other movie-oriented enhancements include real-time Full HD video output via HDMI, and uninterrupted ‘dual-card’ recording using both of the camera’s media slots.

For extra convenience during movie shooting, a silent new multi-controller is easily accessible via a dial on the front of the camera body. This allows smooth, silent adjustment of exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity and metering method, shutter speed, aperture and audio record levels during Full HD video capture. Shooting stamina is tripled by partnering the camera with the new VG-C99AM Vertical Grip that houses up to three batteries in total (see below). It’s even possible to exchange batteries ‘on the fly’ without interrupting movie recording.

Audio features have also been significantly enhanced to meet the exacting needs of serious videographers. An audio level display and adjustable audio record levels are joined by a headphone jack for accurate in-the-field monitoring. The optional XLR-K1M adaptor kit adds a high-quality mono shotgun mic and pro-standard XLR connections for dependable audio acquisition.

The new Alpha 99 full-frame Translucent Mirror camera from Sony will be available in the Malaysia from November 2012 with suggested retail price RM9, 299 (Body only).

Product Experience by Special Guest – Gary Friedman

Gary Friedman testing out Sony Alpha A99 on a model

The super clear texture photo of the model portrait with just one click.


Combination of high tech gadget with beautiful models

I always wanted to play with this kind of equipment for better control during video recording =)

Ending this post with a picture of Sony Models @ KLPF 2012


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