New Sony RX100 III Camera introduced

Sony Adds New Pocket-Sized RX100 III Camera to Acclaimed Cyber-shot® RX Line 

New RX100 III Model Features Large-Aperture ZEISS^® 24-70mm lens¹, Built-in OLED Viewfinder with ZEISS T* Coating, BIONZ^® X processor and more 

SAN DIEGO, May 15, 2014 – Building on its lineup of acclaimed compact cameras, Sony Electronics has introduced a new addition to its popular Cyber-shot RX series - the pocket-sized RX100 III camera.  

Based on the same sleek, stylish design as the existing RX100 and RX100 II models, the new RX100 III features a specially developed ZEISS^® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm¹ F1.8-2.8 lens and adds a built-in OLED viewfinder with ZEISS T* coating.  The camera utilizes the same high-resolution 20.1 MP 1.0-type back-illuminated CMOS image sensor as the existing RX100II model, and adds the powerful BIONZ X processor featured in several high-end Sony cameras including the full-frame α7, α7R and α7S models. 

“Sony continues to push the modern limits of engineering and innovation with our Cyber-shot RX family of products” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics.  “With the new RX100 III model, we’ve added a brighter, wider aperture lens and an impressive retractable OLED EVF, while also utilizing the latest Sony imaging technologies to boost the camera’s processing speed and efficiency.  And we’ve done this without sacrificing any of the true ‘pocketability’ of our RX100 line, creating an especially unique compact camera unlike anything else in market today.” 

New ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm¹ F1.8-F2.8 Lens

The unique new ZEISS lens on the RX100 III camera covers the popular 24 -70mm¹focal length with a wide F1.8 – F2.8 aperture.  This is particularly noteworthy at the 70mm telephoto end of the lens, where the maximum F2.8 aperture allows it to gather about twice as much light as the RX100 and RX100 II models (at 70mm), ensuring that portrait subjects can be captured against beautiful background defocus.  The wide aperture also allows the lens to capture moving subjects clearly without any blur due to camera and/or subject shake. 

The versatile new lens is capable of capturing dramatic landscapes or large group photos at the wide 24mm length while also boasting impressive macro shooting capabilities throughout the focal range.  For example, it can still focus accurately as close as 30cm from the front of the lens (working distance) when fully extended.  There’s also a built-in 3-stop (1/8) neutral density filter that adds to shooting flexibility in a wide range of outdoor conditions.

The new ZEISS lens realizes outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness, with nine total aspherical glass elements including two advanced aspherical elements that have been cemented together – a world’s first in lens manufaturing².  This results in an ultra-compact physical footprint while maintaining a wide maximum angle of view.  Additionally, the 24-70mm lens¹ features ZEISS T* coating that minimizes flare and ghosting and a seven-blade circular aperture that enhances ‘bokeh’ background defocus.

Clear, High-Precision Built-in EVF with ZEISS T* Coating

            Largely based off of customer feedback on existing RX100 series cameras (RX100 and RX100II), the new RX100 III adds a versatile, high-quality OLED Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder.  The EVF has an impressive 1.4 million dot resolution, adding exceptional brightness and clarity to the overall framing and viewing experience, and handily pops in and out of the top of the camera body based on shooting preferences.  This allows the camera to operate in the traditional ‘rangefinder’ style without sacrificing any of its portability or compactness. 

            The unique new EVF also features a specially-designed eyepiece lens with ZEISS T* coating, dramatically reducing reflections that can interfere with clear viewing.  The viewfinder achieves exceptional corner-to-corner clarity, and includes an eye sensor that automatically switches between viewfinder and monitor display.

Exmor R CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Processor

The powerful new RX100 III camera shares the same critically acclaimed 1.0-type back-illuminated 20.1 MP Exmor R CMOS image sensor featured in the RX100 II and RX10 cameras.  With approximately four times greater image capture area than the 1/2.3 type image sensors commonly used in compact cameras, the sensor takes in significantly more light, translating into brighter, clearer images and sharper Full HD videos that capture all of the finer details of a scene.

The high-resolution sensor is paired with the evolved BIONZ X image processor introduced in the α7, α7R models this past fall.  Around three times faster than the BIONZ processing engine in the RX100 and RX100 II models, it employs detail reproduction, diffraction-reducing and area-specific noise reduction technologies that allow the camera to produce amazingly detailed images and Full HD videos in all types of lighting conditions. 

Pro-Quality Full HD Video Capture

The new RX100 III model is equipped with a host of HD video capabilities to satisfy the most demanding enthusiasts. 

The new compact is the first Cyber-shot model to offer high-resolution HD video recording in the XAVC S format, which allows for full HD recording at a data rate of 50 mbps with lower compression for improved video quality.  Additionally, with the power of the BIONZ X processor, the camera is able to read, process and output data from all of the sensor’s pixels during video recording, ensuring that it produces the highest quality video possible by eliminating aliasing, moiré and false color artifacts. 

Other video features include a ‘clear’ HDMI^® output for reviewing footage on an external monitor, 120 fps recording at 720p HD resolution and zebra pattering on the LCD and built-in EVF.  The camera also has dual video recording capability (XAVC S / AVCHD files⁴ along with MP4 files), which allows users to shoot a high bit-rate video for storage or editing purposes while also recording a lower bit rate video that’s optimized for sharing via Wi-Fi^®.    

The camera also has Intelligent Active Mode – another first for Cyber-shot RX series cameras – which utilizes Sony’s frame analysis technology and 5-axis compensation to dramatically reduce the effects of camera shake while shooting movies.

Camera Design, Customizability and Control

            Despite its small “pocketable” size, the new RX100 III features many opportunities to adjust common shooting settings, including a ‘Fn’ key, customizable control ring and a “C” custom button with more than 40 assignable functions.

New to the RX series, the RX100 III model features an articulated LCD that can tilt upward by about 180 degrees for self-portraits and all the way downward to approximately 45 degrees for high-angle shots.  The camera also can output still images in 4K resolution⁶ with full wide-gamut TRILUMINOUS Color support when connected to compatible 4K televisions.

Wi-Fi^® and PlayMemories™

The RX100 III camera has built-in Wi-Fi, giving consumers one-touch connection with Xperia^® or NFC-compatible Android™ smartphones or tablets for instant image transfer and sharing².  A single touch also activates Smart Remote Control, linking the camera with a smartphone or tablet for a live image preview, to fire the shutter from a distance and to review shots instantly. 

For devices without NFC one-touch capabilities, users can wirelessly transfer images and videos and activate Smart Remote Control through Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile™ application, available for the iOS and Android platforms.

The camera is also the first Cyber-shot RX series model to feature compatibility with Sony’s growing assortment of downloadable Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps⁵, adding a range of exciting and creative capabilities.  Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca .

Pricing and Availability

The Cyber-shot RX100 III compact camera will be available in June for about $800.  The camera and a range of compatible Cyber-shot accessories will be sold at all Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide. 

The camera will be showcased to the public for the first time this weekend at the PMA Big Photo Show (www.thebigphotoshow.com ) in Los Angeles at the LA Convention Center.  Show hours are 10 AM – 6 PM on May 17^th – 18^th, Sony Booth #301.  

For a full video preview of the new RX100 III camera, visit www.blog.sony.com, and please follow #SonyCamera on twitter for all the latest Sony Electronics camera news and updates. 

###

Notes to Editors:

¹ 35mm full-frame format equivalent

² As of the official May 16, 2014 release date. Based on Sony survey of of glass aspherical elements used on digital cameras.

³An SDXC memory card with a Class 10 or higher speed rating is required for XAVC S recording.

⁴ Dual Video Recording is not available when the Intelligent Active Mode is ON, or when XAVC S 120p/60p/50p or AVCHD 60p/50p is selected.

⁵ The latest version of the PlayMemories Mobile application must be downloaded and installed on your smartphone or tablet computer.

⁶ QFHD (3840 x 2160).

GoPro Hero3 Black Edition

Spend just a few minutes on the GoPro Hero3 Black Edition web page and you’ll see some of the most fabulous shots taken by GoPro users – surfing, underwater swimming, biking through treetops, motorcycle riding, you name it. So what could I do with my new GoPro to top those guys?

Hmmmm…still thinking…

Considering that I’m now approaching retirement, probably nothing quite that strenuous or exhilarating. What I’m really looking for now is an assistant to make things easier – not harder. You know, somebody to carry an extra camera, who can capture those shots that I might miss while I’m shooting something else.

After being inspired by all the shots of riders with multiple cameras affixed to their helmets and handlebars, it occurred to me that I could attach a GoPro to the DSLR camera I’m already carrying. It sure doesn’t weigh enough to impede my shooting. When things get interesting, it’s a simple thing to press the Record button on the Hero 3's remote and just let it roll until the battery runs out.

While I’m waiting for the peak of the action, or just the right expression, the GoPro is recording it all in 1920x1080 high-definition video at 30 frames per second. If I miss the smile or the peak action, it’s sure great to know that my assistant – let’s call him Hero 3 – has grabbed the shot for me.

Earlier this month, I had a chance to jump on the Press Boat to cover the re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Erie between Ohio and Canada. We had no idea of how the action would unfold or what type boat we’d be sailing on. Turns out, we got put on the most fabulous tall ship ourselves, but we wouldn’t be sailing up close to any of the other “combatant” ships in the re-enactment.  That meant I’d be shooting all day with my biggest telephoto.

Using an off-camera flash bracket, I mounted the GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition slightly above and to the left 

of my DSLR. That way, between shots, while I was changing positions, my GoPro was running and capturing some of the beauty of the ship we were sailing on. It was also recording wide angle shots that I can use for backgrounds later when doing page layouts for a photo feature.

This was my first experience using the GoPro so I was anxious to see the quality.  The day started out rather dreary, so I honestly wasn’t expecting too much. As the sun began to break through, things began to look up. It turned out to be a beautiful day and I was incredibly impressed with the images recorded on the GoPro, both during the light rain and in the intense mid-day sun.

The attached video should be labeled: Photos and video by Hero 3, since I never touched the shutter to take any of these.  They were all taken with the camera running while I was concentrating on other things. But hey, assistants don’t get bylines, so it remains: Photos by Doug. 

The stills are all just frame grabs I did while reviewing the video playback. The sharpness, contrast and color I think are amazing.  I can’t wait to use this for other situations.

This was all made possible with the LCD Touch BacPac accessory. With a real time video screen showing you what’s being captured, I could align the GoPro very easily with my DSLR. It also told me that if I wanted to use my giant f2.8 300mm lens, I would need to jack up the GoPro to avoid getting the lense in the shot.  Conversely, when I use a small point and shoot, even at widest angle on my GoPro, the camera is not in the way.

The camera’s specs are amazing, with as many different video shooting modes as you could ever want. Pick anything from WXGA up to 4K Cin.  I used 1080p and was quite happy. What you are looking at on YouTube or Vimeo is a compressed and reduced version of what I see on my desktop, but it still looks awesome.

In still camera mode, you can shoot resolutions from 5 to 12 MP, bursts up to 30 per second, continuous shooting at 3, 5 or 10 frames per second or time lapse at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 second intervals.  This assistant has got it together.

Hero 3 also lets you control any all video/camera settings from your smartphone using the free GoPro app available for iOS or Android.  While the Hero 3 Black Edition comes with a remote control, you can also control your camera with full live video preview using the app. Watch the video below for all the details – very full-featured and works amazingly well. 

With all the mounting options available for GoPro and now with two additional batteries charged and ready to go, I can see lots of other opportunities to use it. I can even monitor the action and record it from around the corner, in the next room. Maybe I'll call my assistant James Bond.

Follow Doug Bardwell on Facebook ,  Twitter,  LinkedIn and Google+

RX100 II AND RX1R -TWO HOT NEW SONY CAMERAS

This morning, Sony has just released two new compact cameras good enough for any pro.  Enhanced resolution for more detailed pictures is the name of the game for both these models. The RX100 II adds a new 1-inch back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor for incredibly beautiful imagery.   The RX1R is geared for the enthusiast that wants the most detail possible and removes the low-pass filter to realize the full resolution potential of the image sensor. Both cameras will be available the beginning of July.

RX100 II

RX100 II (a.k.a. RX100 Mark 2)

Sony’s backlit sensor is the world’s first 1.0-type back illuminated sensor, (with 5.9 um pixel size) making it 40% more sensitive in dimly lit situations than the existing RX100 model.  In conjunction with an f1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, you can get great photos and video – from sunlight to dark evening shots.

The RX100 II also comes with Wi-Fi built in along with a first for Sony – NFC (near field communications). Now, with one touch, you can wirelessly transfer content between compatible devices. With Smart Remote Control functionality you can preview images and control shutter release directly from your connected phone or tablet.

The RX100 II features a  LCD display that tilts upwards (up to 84 degrees) and downwards (down to 45 degrees), allowing those high or low level shots. (No 180 degree flip however.)

A Multi-Interface Shoe on the RX100 II allows users to add optional accessories including an electronic viewfinder, powerful external flash and clip-on LCD monitor.  A Multi Terminal lets users add a shutter-release remote control.

In video mode, you can now also shoot at 24P for those Hollywood looking shots. A stepped zoom is also new. By revolving the front control ring, you can instantly select 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm or 100mm focal lengths.

MSRP is scheduled to be $750.00.  Click here for a full spec sheet of the Sony RX100 II.

RX1R

The ultimate sharpness RX1R

Designed primarily for the landscape photographer who wants MAXIMUM detail in their shot, the RX1R is designed to deliver.

In most high end digital cameras, there is a “multi-segment optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in front of the sensor to suppress unwanted moiré and color artifacts.  The enthusiast-oriented RX1R model removes this low-pass filter to realize the full resolution potential of the image sensor and bring new levels of realism to landscapes and other finely-detailed subjects,” says Sony. “Additionally, to take advantage of the OLPF removal, the camera’s processing functions have been optimized to maintain image sharpness without compromising lens/sensor performance.”

While the size and weight of the new RX1R is the same as the former DSC-RX1, the new update comes with TRILUMINOS Color technology, allowing for the ultimate image playback on compatible BRAVIA televisions.

MSRP is scheduled to be $2,799. Click here for a full spec sheet of the Sony RX1R

HVL-F43M

A new flash, the Sony HVL-F43M will also be available this July for about $400.

 PHOTO GALLERY - Click on any photo to see larger version, then use left and right arrows to see more.

GeoPic II offers GPS tagging without the headaches

Anyone who takes a lot of travel type photos is always happy to have geo-tagging done so they can tell exactly where a photo was taken. After a seven-day cruise, those ocean shots all look the same and who knows whether you were in the Caribbean or the Pacific.  

There are many GPS solutions on the market and each has their own positives and negatives.  My recent test of the GeoPic II leads me to believe there are a lot more pluses to like about this unit The unit locks onto a GPS signal relatively quickly and lets you start shooting as soon as possible.

According to their documentation, it takes 40 seconds to acquire a signal on a cold start, but I’ve had much quicker response on most occasions. Reacquiring a signal can be as quick as .1 seconds.

One of the major drawbacks to on-camera GPS units is the constant power drain. Some units suggest you set your camera’s automatic shut-off to 30 minutes so they can maintain their GPS connection. That really kills your battery life.

With GeoPic II, that’s a concern you won’t have. It has a mode of operation that allows photos to be geotagged without contacting the satellites for each shot.

There are actually three modes selectable by the user: continuous, low power and freeze. In low power and freeze modes, you’ll get almost the same number of shots as you would have had there not been a GPS unit attached to your camera.

Continuous  In this mode, your location is constantly monitored and sent to the camera from the satellites.  A slow flashing red indicator means searching for signal and steady red means the signal is locked on. This mode takes the most power but is the most responsive when shooting and changing location frequently. I’d use this if I was on a tour bus or doing aerial photography from a helicopter. Just keep an eye on your battery as it’s going to lose power probably 3 times as fast.

Low Power Here, the GPS location is sent to the camera if the green light is on and it will be sought if the green light is slowly flashing green. Pressing the shutter half-way down tells the unit to get a GPS location. When the light comes on and the unit beaps, the signal is locked in and you can take your picture. This is the most efficient outside mode, resulting in almost normal battery life.

Freeze This is the mode to use if you are going to be taking photos inside where a signal can’t be read. Before you go in, set the GeoPic II in the blue Freeze mode and take a photo outside to lock in your location. The internal buffer maintains the location and each time the shutter is depressed while inside, the location is recorded on your photo. This is your most battery efficient operation, requiring almost no power. 

The GeoPic II works on all cameras with a 10-pin connector including Nikon D200, D300, D300S, D700, D2HS, D2X, D2xS, D3 and Fuji S5 Pro.

The unit slips into the hot-shoe mount atop the camera and can also clip to your camera’s shoulder strap. The camera strap is the preferred location if you will be using either the cameras built-in flash (like the one on the D300) or an external flash like the SB800 or 900.

Two cautions when using any hot shoe mounted GPS. The cord connecting the GPS unit to the 10-pin connector is just one more thing that’s liable to snag when hurriedly placing your camera in your camera bag. Also, if using it on a camera with a built-in flash, it will prevent the flash from automatically raising when needed. If there’s a case where you’ve set the camera to have the flash automatically pop up, you better to remember to mount the GeoPic II on your shoulder strap.

Once your photos are embedded with the GPS metadata, you can access that information through a variety of programs like: Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Expression Media, Nikon ViewNX, Apple "Preview" standard software (v5 and up) and  "JetPhoto Studio" for Mac and PC.

The GeoPic II can be ordered in the US through B&H Photo in NYC or in Europe at the Custom Ideas website.