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!

Leica 35mm Summicron Autofocus on the NEX-6

Leitz Wetzlar 35mm f/2 Summicron on a Sony NEX-6

Leica M 35mm Summicron Lens Autofocus via Contax G Adapter

MxCamera posted their video of a Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron lens from 1960 on the Sony NEX-6 from 2012. The 52 year gap is bridged by a Contax G 28mm lens housing which has been modified to allow autofocus on NEX cameras. If only Dr. Mandler can see what his Summicron can do now.

Thanks MXcamera HK!

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.

Sony NEX-6 Milky Way Time Lapse

Milky Way Time Lapse by David H.

Here are the settings David H. used on his NEX-6 with the help of PlayMemories Camera Apps.

Camera settings: 16mm, ISO 1600, f3.5, 30sec.To extend the battery life I made a cover to put over the EVF to trick the camera. This turns off the light on the back of the main screen and conserves a lot of power. I did this using the Time Lapse app on 40 second intervals (10 seconds longer than exposure time to allow the camera to process images). Still trying to figure out if you can use the Time Lapse app in RAW format.

Here is a video showing the NEX / Time Lapse App interface.

NEX PlayMemories Camera Apps Time Lapse

The Time Lapse App is available for $9.99 from the PlayMemories Camera App store. PlayMemories Camera Apps are compatible with Sony NEX-5R and NEX-6 cameras.

Sigma 19mm and 30mm Two For One Deal

Get Both the Sigma 19mm and 30mm EX DN Lenses for $199

Here's a great deal from B&H Photo for the Sigma autofocus lenses for the Sony NEX system. Get the Sigma 19mm and 30mm EX Digital Neo lenses for $199. Each are normally priced at $199. The kit shows as backordered but B&H states that they can be ordered and they will ship and charge when the Sigma lenses come into stock. Happy ordering.

Sony NEX-6 vs Fujifilm XE-1 by The Camera Store

Sony NEX-6 vs Fujifilm XE-1 Video

The Camera Store put up the $1000 Sony NEX-6 against the $1400 Fujifilm XE-1. They found that the NEX-6 was a better all around camera while the Fujifilm XE-1 was a step ahead in the still photo department.


Check out the spec comparison we did for the NEX-5R vs the XE-1 here.

Sony NEX-6 Infrared Conversion by IR-Photo.net

Sony NEX-6 Disassembled for Infrared Conversion

Wiebe from IR-Photo.net uploaded his Sony NEX-6 infrared conversion tutorial video and here it is. Check out 4:59 for a surprise.

Visit IR-Photo.net for a more detailed NEX-6 disassembly and infrared conversion tutorial.

Thanks Wiebe and IR-Photo!

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

Download Sony NEX-6 User Manual in PDF

Sony NEX-6 Parts Diagram

Here is the preliminary Sony NEX-6 user manual courtesy of the FCC filing. The NEX-6 has WiFi and had to go through FCC approval. The NEX-6 uses the NEX-5R's sensor, and the EVF of the NEX-7. It introduces hybrid autofocus (phase detect and contrast detect), the new mode dial, and multi-interface hot shoe to the NEX system. The camera also includes the ability to use PlayMemories apps which takes advantage of the WiFi interconnectability.

The NEX-6 Kit comes with the new 16-50mm Power Zoom lens - retractable and compact.

Sony NEX-6 Shooting Mode Functions

Click here to download the unofficial NEX-6 manual in pdf. This is subject to change without notice.

Sony NEX-6 with 10-18mm wide angle zoom lens

Thanks hot!

Three New Sony E-mount Lenses

Three New E-Mount Lenses Announced

Here are three new Sony E-mount lenses for your NEX-3 to NEX-7 Cameras. All provide automated function on your Alpha NEX Cameras. This fulfills the Sony NEX lens roadmap for 2012. Three new Sony lenses are scheduled for next year, a medium magnification zoom, a medium telephoto prime lens, and a pancake prime lens. *As Bilou pointed out below, a fourth lens is coming later this year, a high performance "G" standard zoom.

NEX-6 with 10-18mm f/4 OSS Lens

This would be a great travel lens where tight streets require a wide angle lens. The 10-18mm focal length converts to 15mm-27mm EFOV on the APS-C sensor. The wide angle zoom SEL1818 can be pre ordered for $849 with a delivery by mid November.

The SEL-1018 super wide-angle zoom lens is perfect for taking photos of sweeping landscapes and producing striking images with emphasized perspective. If you're seeking a wider minimum focal length than offered by standard wide-angle zoom lenses, the SEL-1018 is the ideal choice for you. Featuring a minimum focal length of only 10mm (15mm in 35mm camera equivalency), the SEL-1018 wide-angle zoom lens delivers highly-detailed, super wide-angle photos. With a constant maximum aperture of f/4 through the entire focal length range, you'll be able to use the widest aperture at every focal length. Even in low light, you can take advantage of the bright aperture to utilize fast shutter speeds without needing to increase ISO sensitivity.

NEX-6 with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PowerZoom Lens

A replacement for the standard 18-55mm OSS kit lens. The retractable powerzoom 16-50mm OSS lens provides an FOV of 24mm to 75mm. Good general purpose lens in a small package. The SELP1650 is priced at $349.

Sony 16-50mm PowerZoom in Action

Measuring just 3/16" (29.9mm) when fully retracted, this SELP-1650 retractable zoom lens is super compact and easy to carry so you can quickly whip out your camera and spontaneously grab shots as they occur. It's perfect for traveling and other scenarios that require a lightweight, compact camera and lens combo. It covers a 16mm to 50mm range (35mm equivalent = 24-75mm) for flexible shooting, and is equipped with one ED (extra-low dispersion) and four aspherical elements, resulting in a high-performance lens that is surprisingly compact.

35mm f/1.8 OSS E-mount Lens

This would be the perfect companion to the 10-18mm f/4 lens. The 35mm f/1.8 lens provides light when indoors or the sun goes down. The 50mm EFOV is the classic standard versatile focal length for street photographers. The SEL35F18 will cost $449.

High performance and a compact design make the SEL-35F18 prime lens an ideal second lens that's easy to carry around while capturing the action. It's perfect for a wide variety of photos, including snapshots while strolling, night shots (thanks to the bright maximum aperture) and portraits with beautifully defocused backgrounds. Newly-designed optics reduces spherical aberration and coma for sharp images even when shooting wide open. Combined with built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, your photos and videos will be crisp, clear and blur-free.

Pre order the new lenses from Amazon:

• Sony 10-18mm f/4 E Wide Angle Zoom.
• Sony 35mm f/1.8 E Prime Lens.
• Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E Power Zoom Lens.

Sony NEX-6 Hands On Video Specs and Images

Sony NEX-6 Hands On Video

NEX-6 with new 35mm f/1.8 OSS Lens

Here is a quick preview of the Sony NEX-6. The camera combines features of the flagship NEX-7 and the new NEX-5R.

• Built-in EVF 2.4 MP OLED - industry best.
• 16.1 megapixel APS-C sensor.
• New Mode Dial to select shooting modes.
• WiFi enabled with connectivity to PlayMemories Apps
• ISO Hot Shoe
• Built-in pop up flash
• $1000 for NEX-6 kit with new 16-50mm Power Zoom lens
• $850 for NEX-6 Body Only
• Delivery will be mid-November.

NEX-6 with the NEX-7's Electronic Viewfinder

Sony NEX-6 with Standard ISO Hot Show and new Shooting Mode Dial

Sony NEX-6 Specifications

Features	NEX-6
Type	Digital compact system camera with interchangeable lenses
Lens Compatibility	E-mount lens system. Can also use A-mount lenses with optional adaptor (continuous AF supported with LA-EA2)
Image Sensor	APS-C type (23.5 x15.6 mm) Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixels
Processor	BIONZ™ image processor
ISO Sensitivity Range	ISO 100 – 25600 (still images)
HD movie record	Full HD AVCHD Ver. 2.0 compliant / MPEG-4 AVC (H.264); MP4; up to 1920 x 1080 50p
LCD screen	7.5cm (3.0-type) wide type TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with approx. 921k dot resolution; tilts upwards approx. 90 degrees, downwards approx. 45 degrees
Electronic viewfinder	1.3 cm (0.5-type) OLED Tru-Finder™ with approx. 2,359k dot resolution; 100% field coverage; magnification approx. 1.09x with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1(diopter)
Digital Zoom	Clear Image Zoom: approx. 2x (still images) Smart Zoom: approx. 1.4x/2x (still images) Digital Zoom: approx. 4x (still images / movies)
SteadyShot™ INSIDE	(Optical image stabilisation available with selected E-mount lenses)
Autofocus System	Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF/contrast-detection AF); 99 focus points (phase-detection AF) / 25 focus points (contrast-detection AF); Object Tracking AF
Picture Effect	11 types (15 variations): Posterization (Colour, B/W), Pop Colour, Retro Photo, Partial Colour (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature
Continuous Burst Shooting	Up to 10 frames per second (in Speed Priority mode)
Battery life (still images)	Approx. 270 images (Viewfinder), Approx. 360 images (LCD screen) (CIPA measurement)
Built-in flash	GN6 (in metres at ISO 100)
Other features	Auto Portrait Framing; Face Detection and Smile Shutter; Superior AUTO; Sweep Panorama; Auto HDR; DRO; Hand-held Twilight mode; Creative Styles; Photo Creativity interface; ; Wi-Fi; USB Charge; PlayMemories Camera Apps
Media	Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 119.9 mm × 66.9 mm × 42.6 mm (excluding protrusions)
Weight	Approx. 287g (body only) Approx. 345g (with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo)
Supplied software	PlayMemories Home

NEX-6 with 35mm Lens (SEL35F18)

Pre order the NEX-6 now for a mid-November delivery.