Photo Club

Sony CyberShot S950 digital camera : The new CyberShot S950 digital camera from Sony makes unforgettable images beautifully affordable. When real value counts as much as great pictures, the colourful Sony CyberShot S950 puts unbeatable Sony quality within everyone’s reach. Available in a choice of stylish silver, pink or black finishes, the easy-to-use Sony CyberShot S950 is your perfect introduction to the world of beautiful digital images. Image quality stands out, thanks to a generous 10.1 effective megapixel resolution and powerful 4x zoom lens to bring your subject closer. The Sony CyberShot S950 is equipped with a large 2.7-inch screen for viewing your shots in comfort.

Sony CyberShot S950 camera features
First-time camera users won’t be confused by simple shooting menus and a choice of six easy-to-use Scene Selection modes. There’s also a Easy Shooting mode that simplifies operation while offering helpful on-screen instructions. Originally introduced on high-end CyberShot models, enhanced Face Detection can track up to eight faces in a scene, fine-tuning focus and exposure for beautiful portraits. SteadyShot image stabilisation compensates for camera-shake. In tandem with a special High Sensitivity mode (max. ISO 3200), it’s the key to crisp, beautiful images – especially when you’re shooting indoors or in low light without a tripod.

Sony S950 includes Picture Motion Browser
The Sony S950 includes Picture Motion Browser 4.0. The latest version of Sony’s image management application simplifies sorting, viewing and searching through photos and video clips stored on your PC’s hard drive. There’s also a wide range of optional accessories available to help you get even more from your CyberShot camera.

Sony CyberShot S950 accessories
There have been three new designs of soft carry cases introduced to protect the main unit against scratches and dust. The first a genuine leather case available in four colours (Black, Red, Brown & White) – LCS-CSVA. The second, a pressed leather case in a different design also in four colours (Black, Blue, Green & Pink) – LCS-CSVB and lastly a casual soft carrying case with six colour variations (Black, Green, Silver, Pink, Brown & Blue) – LCS-CSVC.

GPS unit kit for the Sony CyberShot S950
A newly developed GPS unit kit GPS-CS3KA can put geotag data to pictures taken by the Sony CyberShot S950, these can then be viewed on maps with Google Earth software and uploaded on major web sharing services. The key benefits over the previous model are higher sensitivity, built-in memory card and SD slots and an LCD display for enhanced usage. The Sony CyberShot DSC-S950 is available from February 2009. As soon as a full production sample will be available you can expect a full Sony CyberShot S950 review from us, including our usual test photos.

Sony CyberShot S950 specifications
• 10.1 effective megapixels with 4x optical zoom
• SteadyShot for reduced camera shake
• Face Detection for beautiful portraits
• Large 2.7-inch LCD
• Three colour options: silver, pink, black

The 24-70mm f/2.8 full-frame zoom is becoming the general-purpose standard for news, wedding, portrait, landscape, and event pros. (Everyone, in other words, except sports and close-up photographers.) Canon, Nikon, and Sigma all offer superb examples. Sony’s outstanding new entry ($1,750, street) isn’t based on any earlier Sony, Zeiss, or Konica Minolta designs, but — as the blue logo indicates — was codeveloped with Zeiss, and it paves the way for Sony’s soon-to-be-unveiled 24MP pro flagship DSLR. This lens was introduced along with an equally beefy 70-200mm f/2.8, now the fastest zooms in the Sony catalog. Both have the near-silent Super Sonic wave focusing Motor (SSM), and aspheric and ED glass elements for better control of linear distortion and chromatic aberration, respectively. A 36-105mm equivalent on Sony’s APS-C sensor cameras — such as the Alpha 350 tested in the May 2008 issue — the 24-70mm benefits, as does the 70-200mm, from Zeiss’ T* coating for suppressing reflections and flare from internal and external sources.

HANDS ON

Mostly metal construction (except for the felt-flocked, polycarb lenshood and outer barrel) and that bright f/2.8 maximum aperture make for a large, heavy lens that weighs almost 10 ounces more than the comparable Sigma. Its handsome, matte-black finish and finely ribbed focus and zoom rings are signature Zeiss.

With its T range of digital cameras, Sony has looked to do away with the four-way controller (and most other buttons), and rely instead on a touch-screen interface. The T300 is the latest model, offering 10.1 MP and a 5 X zoom in a distinctly un-camera-like format. We investigate whether you can take digital photos with just four external buttons and if the results are worth it.

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Sony A200 review : The moment Sony took the step to take over the photo division of Konica Minolta, the photo industry was holding back to see which way the cat was going to jump. One was aware of the fact that Konica Minolta had a lot of in-house know-how and this know-how would not get lost with the take-over. It was only a question of time before Sony would bring out the first products under their own brand name. With the introduction of the entry-level model, the Alpha 100, Sony established their name as D-SLR manufacturer. The CES 2008 offered the perfect moment to enhance the specifications of the Alpha 100. And with the Sony Alpha 200 introduced now, we bid farewell to the A100 that will always be recognized as Sony’s first DSLR camera. Read our Sony A200 review.

Sony Alpha 200 DSLR – CCD image sensor
First thing that is striking about the new Sony Alpha 200 is the image sensor. Competing brands are swapping from CCD to CMOS sensors but Sony swap to the CCD for the A200. Besides that, lacking of Live View is a surprising fact; I would surely have expected this feature on the A200. The resolution of 10 Megapixels remained the same and is a standard for nowadays entry-level SLR camera models.

Sony A200 SLR camera – 2,7-inch LCD monitor
Besides the aforementioned items the Sony Alpha 200 has been improved or simply offers more on various points. The LCD monitor has been increased to 2.7 inch, ISO is available up to 3200 and the AF has improved concerning speed. Moreover the BIONZ processor is supposed to ensure more effective noise reduction. The compact housing offers easily carrying the camera with you.

Sony A200 digital SLR review
All in all sufficiently interesting to speak of a new digital SLR camera that gives a fresh start to the Sony Alpha range in 2008. The upcoming PMA 2008 in Las Vegas could bring other surprises because it is clear the year has only just started, also for Sony. But let’s take a look at the Sony Alpha 200 first. I was able to put the camera to the test in practice and my findings can be read in the following Sony Alpha 200 review.

Sony has announced that it has developed a new CMOS sensor for digital SLRs that has the same imaging area as a frame of 35mm film and offers 24.81-megapixel effective resolution. The company says it will capture images with a broad dynamic range and high signal-to-noise ratios. Its full-frame 6.3fps scanning mode also promises to support fast digital SLR shooting modes.

The bottom line: Full-frame digital SLRs from Sony and other manufacturers that use Sony sensors — notably Nikon — are surely on the horizon. Sony plans to begin mass production of the new sensor in 2008, which puts it on track for implementation in cameras that could be announced at Photokina 2008 in the fall.

Press Release:

Jan 30, 2008

Sony Develops 35mm full size CMOS Image Sensor with 24.81 Effective Mega pixel resolution and extremely high signal conversion speed for use in Digital SLR Cameras

~ All-pixel scan mode of 6.3 frame/s ~

Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation today announced the development of a 35mm full size (diagonal:43.3mm/Type 2.7) 24.81 effective megapixel, ultra-high speed high image quality CMOS image sensor designed to meet the increasing requirement for rapid image capture and advanced picture quality within digital SLR cameras.

Development background

In recent years, the demand for digital SLR cameras featuring high resolution and wide graduation ranges capable of capturing every detail of the subject matter has continued to increase, particularly among high-end amateur users. Additionally, the increasing user requirement to shoot from the same focal length and angle as 35mm film cameras using interchangeable lenses has led to significant interest in the development of 35mm, full size CMOS image sensors.

However, there are a number of technical challenges to developing full (large) size image sensors, such as the propagation delay caused by using extended power circuitry and signal lines, and the difficulty of maintaining uniform sensitivity and signal saturation across the surface of the screen.

Furthermore, because current semiconductor exposure systems are unable to cover the entire chip surface of 35mm full size CMOS image sensors, multiple exposures are required. This results in the difficulty of accurately controlling exposure variance and matching circuit patterns.

Advantages of this device

The newly developed CMOS image sensor combines unique circuit design technology with Sony’s advanced fabrication expertise, including a system of joining multiple exposed patterns together and advanced planarization for minimizing fluctuation, to realize 35mm, full size, 24.81 effective megapixel resolution. Sony’s “Column-Parallel A/D Conversion Technique” also provides each column within the sensor with its own A/D converter, minimizing image degradation caused by the noise that arises during analog processing while at the same time delivering an extremely high signal conversion speed.

The enhanced image quality generated by the sensor’s 24.81 effective megapixel resolution, wide range of graduation expression achieved by its full size broad dynamic range, and the low noise, high resolution, ultra-responsive performance provided by Sony’s Column-Parallel A/D Conversion technique enable it to meet the ever-increasing requirements within high performance digital SLR cameras.

Sony will target for mass production of this CMOS image sensor within this year.

Major features

1) High picture quality in 35mm full size image sensor with 24.81M effective pixels

2) “Column-Parallel A/D Conversion method” achieves high S/N and high-speed imaging

• CDS/PGA(24dB)Circuit (PGA: Programmable Gain Amplifier)
• 12bit-AD Converter on chip
• Diversified readout mode
     • All-pixel scan mode 6.3 frame/s (12bit)
     • Window readout

3) High-speed digital output (12 channel parallel LVDS output)

Device Structure

Image size Diagonal width 43.3mm (Type 2.7) Total number of pixels 6236(H) x 4124(V) approx. 25.72M pixels Number of effective pixels 6104(H) x 4064(V) approx.24.81M pixels Number of active pixels 6096(H) x 4056(V) approx.24.73M pixels Chip size 41.0mm (H) x 31.9 mm (V) Unit cell size 5.94μm (H) x 5.94μm (V)    

Sony Ericsson has this week named Simon Garn from Liverpool as its Cameraphone Photographer of the year 2007.

Simon took the title with an image entitled ‘No Waiting’, captured using a Sony Ericsson K850i handset.

John Harber, MD of Sony Ericsson UK & Ireland, said: ‘Simon’s image really stood out for the judges and showed just how far cameraphone photography has come.’

Along with the title Simon wins a round-the-world trip for two.

Entries covered a range of subjects including adventure, fashion, news and sport.

Picture credit: Simon Garn

As part of the Sony Alpha Unseen Britain campaign Sony is inviting photographers to submit eye-catching images of Britain. Pictures submitted will be entered into a competition to receive a new Sony Alpha 700 (О±700) Digital SLR camera and full kit. The closing date for entries is January 4 2008. In addition renowned photographer and climber Mike Robertson will be scaling Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth), Blackpool Tower, Newport Transporter Bridge, Snowhill Plaza (Birmingham) and a London site armed with the Sony Alpha 700. Paul Genge from Sony says: “Through combining the advanced technology of the new Sony Alpha 700 (О±700) D-SLR camera with Mike’s expertise, skill and daring attitude, we aim to capture views of Britain that have not been shared with the public before.  We want individuals to be inspired and think about photography with a different perspective and encourage them to enter our competition.”

Sony UK Press Release

Unseen Britain – Sony Alpha Reaches New Heights

The Sony Alpha Unseen Britain Challenge has embarked on its campaign to capture never seen before images of Britain with renowned photographer and climber Mike Robertson.  Commissioned by Sony, Mike will tour the country scaling new heights and legendary landmarks to create totally new and exciting photographic images using the new Sony Alpha 700 (О±700) Digital SLR camera. 

Six structures across Britain have been selected by Mike, based on the challenge of the climb, the geographical location, the visual impact of their surroundings and the opportunity to capture a never seen before Britain.  These are Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth), Blackpool Tower, Newport Transporter Bridge, Snowhill Plaza (Birmingham) and a London site.

“Faced with crazy heights, unusual building structures and unpredictable weather conditions Sony Alpha Unseen Britain is a fantastic challenge for me.” said Mike Robertson. “Armed with the Sony Alpha 700 (О±700) Digital SLR camera, I’ll be testing the camera and its versatile range of lenses to the limit, and aim to shoot an amazing set of new and unique images depicting Britain.”

As part of the Sony Alpha Unseen Britain campaign Sony is also inviting enthusiast photographers to get snapping (with their feet firmly on the ground) with their own original and eye-catching images of Britain.  Pictures submitted will be entered into a competition to receive a new Sony Alpha 700 (О±700) Digital SLR camera and full kit.

The best entries*, together with Mike’s photographs, will be published on the Sony Alpha Unseen Britain online gallery and will be showcased in an exclusive exhibition in central London in the New Year. 

Paul Genge from Sony says: “Through combining the advanced technology of the new Sony Alpha 700 (О±700) D-SLR camera with Mike’s expertise, skill and daring attitude, we aim to capture views of Britain that have not been shared with the public before.  We want individuals to be inspired and think about photography with a different perspective and encourage them to enter our competition.”

The Product
The perfect accompaniment to the Sony Alpha Unseen Britain Challenge is the Sony Alpha 700 (О±700) Digital SLR camera featuring super advanced performance and image quality, combined with easy to navigate functionality.  The range of lenses available as part of the О± system make this a serious camera for any enthusiast looking to take their passion for digital photography to the next level.

About Mike
After spending several years developing his climbing skills, Mike became a full-time photographer in 1999 and has been in constant demand ever since. “As a climber myself it gives me a real advantage when capturing other climbers in action,” says Mike, “I can figure out the best routes up any climb, anticipating my subject’s next move and can factor in the best way to capture the backdrop, which is often stunning scenery.”

To find out more about Sony Alpha Unseen Britain, the sites that Mike is climbing and enter the competition visit http://www.sony.co.uk/unseenbritain.

*The closing date for entries is January 4 2008.

Megapixel reviews the Sony Alpha A700 and writes – ‘While the Alpha 100 was Sony’s first dSLR camera and the result of its acquisition of Konica Minolta’s camera division, the A700 is much more stamped as a Sony camera, and probably indicates the company’s intention to anchor itself solidly in the dSLR market segment. Still, although Sony products tend to command a premium, the A700′s price point places it in direct competition with very well established dSLR systems and lacks the Live View function adopted by most others, things that could hinder its success.’

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Trusted Reviews has posted their review of the Sony Alpha a700 Digital SLR where they write – ‘Having produced what is arguably the best entry-level DSLR on the market in the A100, Sony has followed it up with another outstanding camera. The A700 is a superb tool for the enthusiast or semi-professional photographer, providing high quality results in almost any conditions. The combination of rugged durability, fast performance, a class-leading AF system, on-board image stabilisation and great handling will prove hard to beat.’

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Sony A700 DSLR review : Finally Sony are making good their promise to bring a real Alpha system on the market that not only appeals to the amateur but the semi-pro and even the professional photographer alike with the introduction of the Sony Alpha 700. I do not wish to claim the Sony A700 to be the ultimate tool for professionals. These photographers most possibly use a DSLR of the same brand they already own as a second camera. However; a start has been made. And a third body, this time a professional one, is ready to be introduced in 2008, as Sony showed us during the PMA 2007 in Las Vegas.

Sony A700 digital SLR camera
Many people were eagerly awaiting the Sony DSLR-A700. Not only Alpha 100 owners felt ready to step over to a new semi-pro body, also consumers marking time looked forward to Sony’s next move. Personally I consider this new Sony Alpha 700 as Sony’s first real statement with its very own face. The Alpha 100 still showed clear signs of Konica Minolta but the Sony A700 is a D-SLR camera I would certainly expect to see from Sony.

Sony DSLR-A700 – 12.2 Megapixel CMOS image sensor
The Sony Alpha 700 is equipped with a newly developed 12.2 Megapixel CMOS image sensor and works with a focal length multiplier of 1.5x. The housing consists of a combination of aluminum alloy and polycarbonate and is mostly waterproof and dustproof thanks to extra attention that has been paid to the closure of covers etc. The weight of a tad less than 800 grams (778 grams without lens) is pleasant to work with and makes the camera lie stable in my hand. The beautiful large sized LCD screen on the back of the Sony A700 is definitely breathtaking. This 3-inch high resolution LCD screen surely adds a surplus value to this camera.

Sony Alpha A700 – Competitors Nikon and Canon
The Sony Alpha 700 can now prepare itself to conquer part of the heavenly competing segment in which brands like Nikon and Canon are ruling. Some weeks before Sony’s introduction of the Sony A700, Canon as well as Nikon have showed with what they will enter the digital battlefield and their weapons certainly cannot be ignored. Especially Nikon surprised me with a high quality DSLR camera with obvious professional features, but with the price tag of a semi-pro camera. One thing is for sure; the upcoming year will be an extremely interesting period for photography lovers.

Sony Alpha SLR-A700 review
During the presentation of the Sony Alpha A700 in Italy, I was able to work briefly with Sony’s new addition. Upon my return Sony contacted me to announce the availability of a full-production model to be used for our camera reviews. Thanks to Sony for a fast delivery, I was able to dive into the studio to make the necessary product photos and test images and to put the camera into practice thereafter. Read my experiences with the Sony Alpha 700 in the Alpha 700 review.