NEX-5R Tokyo Time Lapse by gsuraki

Miniature Tokyo by gsuraki

Here's an interesting use of the PlayMemories Time Lapse app available for both the NEX-5R and NEX-6.

Thanks gsuraki!

Discounts on Sony NEX Cameras

Image from Map Camera

The current line of NEX cameras are currently on discounts. It's a great time to buy and learn your cameras during the cold days of winter and be ready for spring.

$200 off Sony NEX-7 Cameras

Sony is offering a $200 discount on Sony NEX-7 cameras. The NEX-7 with 18-55mm OSS lens is now $1,148. The MSRP is $1349.

The NEX-7 body only is now priced at $998. The MSRP is $1199.

$100 off Sony NEX-6 Cameras

Sony is offering a $100 discount on Sony NEX-6 cameras. The NEX-6 with 16-50mm Power Zoom lens is now $898. The MSRP is $999.

The NEX-6 body only is now priced at $748. The MSRP is $849.

$100 off Sony NEX-5R Cameras

Sony is offering a $100 discount on Sony NEX-5R cameras. The NEX-5R with 18-55mm OSS lens is now $648. The MSRP is $749.

The NEX-5R body only is now priced at $548. The MSRP is $649.


The new Sony 20mm f/2.8 Pancake is also available for pre-order at $348.

NEX Cameras and Lenses Firmware Update February 2013

Sony has released seven firmware updates for Sony NEX cameras and lenses. Here is a quick summary of the changes.

Sony NEX-7 Camera Firmware v1.02

• Support for 16-50mm Power Zoom lens, image compensation and mechanical retraction
• Adds auto-exposure bracketing ranges of 1.0EV, 2.0EV, and 3.0EV
• Improves indication for using the "Flexible Spot" setting
• Improves image quality when using a wide angle lens
• Improves response for showing auto review images
• Adds the capability to enable or disable the MOVIE button

Sony NEX-6 Camera Firmware v1.01

• Support for hybrid af compliant lenses: SEL1018, SEL35F18, SELP18200, SEL30M35, SEL50F18, SEL18200LE

Sony NEX-5R Camera Firmware v1.01

• Support for hybrid af compliant lenses: SEL1018, SEL35F18, SELP18200, SEL30M35, SEL50F18, SEL18200LE

Sony NEX-5N Camera Firmware v1.02

• Support for 16-50mm Power Zoom lens, image compensation and mechanical retraction
• Updates the RAW data format version. After installing this update, distortion correction of RAW data is available with Image Data Converter version 4.2 or later
• Adds auto-exposure bracketing ranges of 1.0EV, 2.0EV, and 3.0EV
• Improves the AF response for situations where the distance of the subject changes considerably
• Improves stability when operating the camera using the [Lens Compensation: Distortion] "Auto" and [Picture Effect] "Miniature" settings at the same time
• Improves camera operations when using the [Exposure Compensation] and [Intelligent AF] settings

Sony NEX-F3 Camera Firmware v1.01

• Support for SELP1650 image compensation

Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens Version 02

• updates the firmware for the SEL-30M35 E-mount lens to version 02 which provides the Fast Hybrid AF function. Note: Only when attached to the NEX-6 or NEX-5R.

Sony 50mm f/1.8 Lens Version 02

• updates the firmware for the SEL-50F18 E-mount lens to version 02 which provides the Fast Hybrid AF function. Note: Only when attached to the NEX-6 or NEX-5R.

So there are seven new firmware updates for you NEX products. Go to the Sony eSupport website or your regional Sony support website, enter the part number of the product you want to update, navigate to the drivers and software tab, and click on Firmware. Read the instructions multiple times and have your NEX camera fully charged before starting the upgrade process.

Sigma 60mm DN Lens for Sony NEX Cameras Announced

Mockup of Sigma 60mm on NEX-7

Sigma is adding a third lens to their Digital Neo series for E-mount cameras. It is the 60mm f/2.8 macro in native E-mount. The lens is similar to the one found in Sigma's new DP3 Merrill.

Here is Sigma's description of the 60mm DN.

Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN- Featuring the natural perspective of mid-range telephoto lenses, together with a shallow depth of field, this lens allows the photographer to capture a single part of a subject with great bokeh effects. It has an angle of view equivalent to 90mm on the E-mount system (35mm equivalent focal length). The minimum focusing distance is 19.7 inches; the maximum magnification is 1:7.2. This lens also contains Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass, which helps minimize axial and transverse chromatic aberration.

Mockup of Sigma 60mm on NEX-5R

Sigma Corporation announces four new lenses at CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2013

YOKOHAMA, Japan — Jan. 29, 2013—Sigma Corporation of America a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the release of four new lenses for the ART product line, including three lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras and one lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C size sensors. This announcement comes at the start of the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2013 this week in Yokohama, Japan.

The new and updated Sigma lenses include the 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, which will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts, and the 30mm F2.8 DN, 19mm F2.8 DN and 60mm F2.8 DN lenses, which are available for Sony E-Mount camera systems. Pricing and availability on all of these lenses has yet to be announced.

The 60mm F2.8 DN lens is entirely new to the Sigma lineup, while the 30mm F1.4 DC HSM and the 30mm F2.8 DN and 19mm F2.8 DN lenses are existing focal lengths that have been redesigned with enhanced optical performance and included as part of Sigma’s new Global Vision category restructuring. All three DN lenses incorporate telecentric optical designs and a linear, auto focusing motor that ensures accurate and quiet focusing for video recording. They also boast metal exteriors and a simply shaped focus ring, with varying textures to distinguish each part of the lens. In addition, DN users can choose between a black or silver finish to match their favorite equipment.

“We’re really proud of the super sharp lenses we’ve produced in the past year and these new Art lenses will continue to impress our fans and critics alike. They’re ideal for the landscape, portrait, still-life, close-up and casual photographer who values creative, dramatic outcomes above compactness and multifunction,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The lenses are entirely made in Japan and they boast the new product line’s sleek design and enhanced quality control. We’re quite proud of these changes – and additions – to our lens lineup; they’re further evidence of Sigma’s forethought in this fast-moving industry.”

Mockup of Sigma Art DN Lenses on NEX-7

The Sigma 19mm and 30mm DN E-mount lenses have been upgraded and added to the Sigma Art line. The previous Sigma 19mm and 30mm are discontinued and were available at a discount. The improvements are a new metal body, quieter autofocus mechanism for videos, and enhanced optical performance.

Here is Sigma's description of the new 19mm DN and 30mm DN for Sony NEX cameras.

Sigma 19mm F2.8 DN – This high-performance, wide-angle lens has an angle of view equivalent to 28.5mm on the E-mount system (35mm equivalent focal length). As a wide-angle lens with excellent mobility, it is ideal for studio photography, architecture and starry skies. Its minimum focusing distance is 7.9 inches and its maximum magnification is 1:7.4.

Sigma 30mm F2.8 DN – This high-performance, standard lens has an angle of view equivalent to 45mm on the E-mount system (35mm equivalent focal length). This lens, which is perfect for casual and formal portraiture, documentary photography, travelogues and everyday shooting, includes a double-sided aspherical lens that enhances its optical performance. Its minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches and its maximum magnification is 1:8.1.

Sigma, we would love to see that Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM in native E-mount as well.

Thanks Sigma!

New 20mm Pancake Lens for NEX Cameras

New 20mm f/2.8 E-mount Lens for Sony NEX Cameras.

Here is the new E-mount lens from Sony. The 20mm f/2.8 pancake lens, part number SEL20F28, from Sony is a native E-mount lens which means full compatibility, autofocus and auto-aperture, with all the NEX cameras. The 20mm pancake is 20mm in depth, the 16mm pancake is 22.5mm in depth. This means a slightly more compact package on NEX bodies, see the NEX-5R with 16mm below. The lens will provide an equivalent fov of 30mm when used on the APS-C sensor.

The SEL20F28 20mm pancake lens will sell for $350 and will be available in April of this year. It makes the $250 16mm pancake seem like a bargain.

NEX-5R with 16mm Pancake.

20mm Pancake (SEL20F28) Technical Specifications

	Sony SEL20F28 20mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens
Lens Mount	Sony E-mount
Lens Configuration	6 groups, 6 elements
Focal length (35mm equivalent)	30mm
Aperture blades	7
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/16
Maximum magnification	0.12x
Min. focusing distance	7.9 in (0.2 m)
Filter Diameter	∅49mm
Dimensions Diameter x Length (max.)	2.5 x 0.8 in (62.6 x 20.4mm)
Weight	2.4 oz (69 g)
Other Features	Internal Motor, AF in Movie Mode, Direct Manual Focus
Exterior Finish	Aluminum Alloy

NEX-5R Kit for $649 on Black Friday

Sony NEX-5R Kit for $649 on Black Friday

Here is the only NEX specific Black Friday ad that we found. Best Buy will be selling the Sony NEX-5R kit, camera and 18-55mm OSS lens, for $649 next week on Black Friday. They are also including a bag and a memory card with the kit. It is a $100 over the standard price at Best Buy.

Amazon is currently selling the NEX-5R body only for the same price.

Here is the NEX-5R User Manual, a good read while you are plotting on how to acquire the NEX-5R on the US's busiest shopping day. Good luck!

Download Sony NEX-5R Manual in PDF

Sony NEX-5R Parts ID from User Manual

Here is the unofficial Sony NEX-5R manual from the FCC filing. The Sony NEX-5R is a NEX-5N with an additional control wheel and function button from the NEX-7. The NEX-5R also has a new 16.1 MP sensor, WiFi for PlayMemories Camera Apps, rear lcd touch shutter, and hybrid autofocus. The rear LCD touch screen flips 180° for self portraits similar to the NEX-F3.

Saving Images to Computer via WiFi using PlayMemories Camera Apps

Touch Shutter Function on Sony NEX-5R

Click here to download the unofficial Sony NEX-5R User Manual. This is subject to change without notice.

Sony NEX-5R Intro Video

Sony NEX-5R with 18-200mm OSS Lens

Create Cinemagraphs with Sony NEX via PlayMemories Apps

Create Cinemagraphs with Sony NEX Cameras

The PlayMemories Camera Apps website posted a new app teaser that will be coming out later this year. Sony calls it Cinematic Photo but it's widely known as cinemagraphs. Cinemagraphs are still photos with minor movement and is usually displayed as an animation. The video above shows a cinemagraph of pouring from the PlayMemories Camera Apps website. Everything is still with the exception of the flowing orange juice. PlayMemories Camera Apps are available on the Sony NEX-5R and the NEX-6.

Create Cinemagraphs with the Sony NEX-5R or NEX-6

Check out the PlayMemories Camera Apps teaser website and see the cinemagraph in action.

Here are some cinemagraphs from Jamie Beck & Kevin Burg - not made with the Sony NEX.

from Cinemagraphs.com

NEX Canon Lens Autofocus Adapters Coming?

Canon 50mm EOS Lens on Sony NEX-7 with Autofocus

Here is a second video showing a NEX camera controlling the autofocus drive of a Canon EOS / EF lens. The lens used was the Nifty Fifty, Canon 50mm f/1.8 on a Sony NEX-5 and a NEX-7.

The new NEX-5R with a hybrid autofocus system (Phase Detection and Contrast Detection designed for speed and accuracy) should improve the autofocus speed shown in the video. Canon's EOS-M mirrorless compact camera uses the same hybrid autofocus system.

Our assumption was wrong - the Canon stepper motor (STM) lens is not necessary for the NEX to control the Canon autofocus drive. The Canon EOS to NEX adapter with AF drive shown can control a standard EOS lens. The Canon EOS-M requires an EOS M Mount adapter to drive the same lens.

If you have Canon EOS lenses and want a light, compact camera to use them on - this seems to be the best option so far.

Canon 50mm EOS Lens on Sony NEX Autofocus Drive from MX Camera

It's only a matter of time when these Canon EOS to NEX E-mount AF Drive adapters show up for sale online. Thanks MX Camera!

Here is the first video.

Sony NEX-5R vs Fujifilm X-E1

Sony NEX-5R vs Fujifilm X-E1 (front view)

Fujifilm announced their new X sersies camera dubbed the X-E1. It shares the same 16.3 mp sensor with the Fujifilm X-Pro1. The X-E1 is a smaller, lighter X-Pro1 without the hybrid viewfinder. The X-E1 only uses the electronic viewfinder from Sony.

Let's see how the Fujifilm X-E1 compares to Sony's new WIFI wonder, the NEX-5R.

Combatants	Sony Alpha NEX-5R	Fujifilm X-E1
Number of effective pixels	16.1 million pixels	16.3 million pixels
CCD Sensor	APS-C CMOS Sensor 23.5 x 15.6 mm	APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor 23.6 x 15.6 mm
Crop Factor	1.5x (50mm lens = 75mm FOV)	1.5x
ISO Range	100 - 25600	200-25600
Lens Mount	Sony NEX E-mount	Fujifilm X Mount
Flange Focal Distance	18 mm	17.7 mm
Focusing	25 Point Contrast Detect AF 99 Point Phase Detect AF and Manual Focus	49 Point Contrast Detect AF and Manual Focus
Image Stabilization	In Lens - OSS (Optical Steady Shot)	In Lens - OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
Shutter Speed	30s to 1/4000 with Bulb Mode	30s to 1/4000 with Bulb Mode
Continuous Shooting Speed	10 frames per sec.	6 fps
LCD	Tiltable 3" Diagonal 921,600 Pixels Touchscreen	Fixed 2.8" Diagonal 460,000 Pixels
Viewfinder	Accessory Electronic OLED 2.4M dot	Electronic Viewfinder 2.36M dot (from Sony)
Video Capability	1920 x 1080 / 60p-24p AVCHD and MPEG4	1920 x 1080 / 24p H.264
Dimensions	4 3/8x 2 3/8 x 1 9/16 in. (110.8 x 58.8 x 38.9 mm)	5.08 x 2.95 x 1.5 in. (129 x 75 x 38 mm)
Weight	9.7 oz (276 g)	12.35 oz (350 g)
Battery Life (CIPA)	330 Shots per charge	350
Price	$748.00 with 18-55 OSS Lens	$1399.95 with 18-55mm Lens

Sony NEX-5R vs Fujifilm X-E1 (rear view)

Sony NEX-5R with Titltable Touchscreen

NEX-5R Smart Remote Control App in Action

NEX-5R Smart Remote Control App in Action from IDG

Use your tablet or phone as a viewfinder.

Here is a better look at the Smart Remote Control App for the new Sony NEX-5R. The app is available via the PlayMemories App store for the NEX-5R. The matching app will be available on iTunes and the Android Market for your phone or tablet.

NEX-5R PlayMemories Camera Apps Demo Video

NEX-5R PlayMemories Interface

PlayMemories Camera Apps Demo Video

So how does the PlayMemories Apps work on the Sony NEX-5R? Here is a video from Sony Australia showing the whole procedure from connecting to the PlayMemories store via WiFi, selecting a new PM App, downloading wirelessly, and installing the PM App on the NEX-5R.

Installing PlayMemories App on NEX-5R

Here are the PlayMemories Apps that we already need:

• Time Lapse - no need for an intervalometer, separate units from Canon and Nikon are over $100.
• Smart Remote Control - view what the camera sees from your phone or tablet and control the shutter.
• Bracket Pro - for the HDR (high dynamic range) junkies. Let's hope it allows for +3 / -3 EV range in multiple steps.

We hope that all the apps are available in all shooting modes. I can already see all the HDR time lapse movies coming from the NEX-5R with PlayMemories Apps.

NEX-5R Time Lapse Mode via PlayMemories App

Smart Remote Control for Wireless External Display

Check out the PlayMemories Camera Apps teaser site at www.sony.net/pmca.

The camera app is nothing new. Here are Minolta Expansion Cards first introduced in 1989 with the release of the Minolta Maxxum / Dynax / Alpha 5000i.

Camera Apps by Minolta from Grooved Ware People, on Flickr.

Pre order the NEX-5R at Amazon.

Sony NEX-5R Review by TechRadar

Sony NEX-5R Preview by DigitalCameraWorld

Here is summary TechRadar's review of the Sony NEX-5R.

• refinement of the NEX-5N
• downloadable apps enables customization
• new hybrid AF (phase + contrast detect) works well
• added dial and function button improves experience

Read the full Sony NEX-5R review at TechRadar

Pre order the NEX-5R at Amazon.

Sony NEX-5R Hands On Video and Images

Sony NEX-5R Hands On Video

802.11 b/g WiFi Enabled NEX-5R

Here are the new features of the Sony NEX-5R:

• 802.11 b/g Wifi Enabled camera which uses PlayMemories Camera Apps to upload and share photos, picture effects, camera control, picture editing, live view from a phone or tablet, and more.
• Fast Hybrid Autofocus system uses phase detection and contrast detection to acquire fast and accurate autofocus.
• Touch screen shutter, tap and shoot.
• Pre order the NEX-5R with 18-55mm Lens for $749

180 Degree Flip Screen fron NEX-F3

NEX-5R with Removable Flash

NEX-5R with 16mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens

Navigation Dial from NEX-7

NEX-5R Video by Sony

Pre order the NEX-5R at Amazon.