Nigel Barker Endorses SONY A900

Source – Nigel Barker.tv

The All New Sony Alpha Lines – A230, A330 & A380

SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use α (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.

Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs
The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.
“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”

Light and Compact
The 10.2 megapixel α230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every α-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Quick AF Live View System
Both the α380 and α330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the α380 and α330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/DSHC media (sold separately).

Source – DPReview

My Gears – Elinchrom EL Skyport on My Sony A900 System

Elinchrom Skyport Transmitter on My Sony A900

Elinchrom Skyport Receiver

Well it took me less than a week to decide on the wireless trigger system for my Sony gears. Decided on the Elinchrom EL Skyport system and got it yesterday. Put it on a few range test and the results were more than satisfactory. Reasons for picking the Skyport is because it is way cheaper solution than the Pocket Wizard which is not legally sold here in Hong Kong due to some stupid radio frequency/broadcast regulations. For the universal radio trigger set (1 transmitter and 1 receiver), it cost less than HK$1,400 (US$180). Got myself couple extra receivers for HK$790 (US$101); great bargain. Way better than the PT-04 from Shamshuipo.

In order for the Skyport to work on the Sony system, a cable is needed and so far I only found these from FlashZebra. It’s the Sony/Minolta proprietary hotshoe to Skyport and it also work with Pocket Wizard and Cybersync. The price at US$46.50 is a bit steep but the construction is awesome. Too bad I’m not good at DIY or else I’ll make myself couple.

Sony/Minolta Proprietary Hotshoe to Elinchrom Skyport

The Hotshoe to Elinchrom Skyport Cable Itself

My Gears – Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro (Sony Mount)

Front view with my Sony A900

Side view

Top view

Got this lens for two weeks now and been out shooting a bit the past two weekends. Initial feeling towards the lens – great F/2.8 lens at this range, not a fast lens, great for portrait but okay with sports. Tamron Hong Kong now offering firmware upgrade to the lens but they can only do so by sending the lens back to Japan and it will take up to four weeks in doing so. Reviews on the firmware upgrade from the local forums indicated that the lens focus a lot faster and more quiet. Think I’m going to check it out after my two trips next month.

Will post up some pics over at my photo blog, Phooey Pics, later this week. So far I can say, for a third of the money in getting the G lens from Sony, I’m happy with this Tamron.

My Gears – Really Right Stuff L-Plate for Sony A900

The Really Right Stuff L-Plate for Sony A900

Ordered my Sony A900 L-Plate (US$140) from Really Right Stuff last Friday and received it yesterday, nice and fast service (well, US$33.74 shipping, LOL). Slipped it on today and took some pics. Initial feeling: nicely built, sturdy and works perfectly when switching from landscape to portrait. No more resetting the ball head and recomposing. Well worth it.

In Landscape Mode

In Portrait Mode

The Sirui G-20 BallHead

As for the ballhead, Really Right Stuff’s BH-40 seems to be the best fit but given the US$300+ price tag, too steep for me. Went down to Sham Shui Po today for a spin and found the Sirui G-20 ballhead for HK$550 (US$70) at Ying Kee, and it worked perfectly.

Source – Really Right Stuff

First Look Video – Sony Vaio P Series

Don’t they look small?

Source – Shiny Media

First Look Pics from the Sony Carl Zeiss 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM

[Update: 8:30pm] Finally have time to take some more daytime shots, well afternoon shots to be exact, again of the Victoria Harbour. The distortions on the edge of the frame does not look too shabby at all, what do you think?

1/500 sec @ F9.0, ISO 200, 16mm

1/80 sec @ F8.0, ISO 200, 16mm

1/80 sec @ F8.0, ISO200, 16mm

1/60 sec @ F5.0, ISO 200, 35mm

[Posted: 11:53am]

5.0 sec at F14, ISO 400, 16mm on Sony A900 (click on pic to see full view)

Got the lens last night and hopped right out to the harbour side to take a test shot of the Victoria Harbour. The above pic was shot in RAW, straight out, no post-processing. Will try to shoot some daytime landscape pics today. Below I attached some closeups of the lens together with the other Carl Zeiss lenses I have.

The 16-35mm and 24-70mm side by side

the 85/1.4 on the left, 16-35/2.8 in the middle and 24-70/2.8 on the right

The hoods though look alike, are in fact different in size, ALC-SH106 on the 16-35mm and ALC-SH101 on the 24-70mm

My Gear – Sony Carl Zeiss 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is in DA House

Woot, loving the lens. Will post some test pic tonight or tomorrow, stay tuned.

Phooey Pics – Preview – Sony DSLR-A900

New post over at Phooey Pics on the preview of the Sony DSLR-A900. Hop over for the read and check out the demo video, link here.

More Xperia X1 Specs Revealed

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X1’s White paper is finally out and we now have pretty much the final specifications. To download the White paper, go to the following link, http://developer.sonyericsson.com/site/global/docstools/phonespecs/p_phonespecs.jsp.

Features include:
•3-inch Wide-VGA (800×480) TFT 65K color LCD
•XPERIA™ panel concept
•Unified Media Experience
•3.2-megapixel camera with Touch auto focus
•Video capture and playback up to 30 fps
•Integrated WiFi and A-GPS
•Mobile broadband
•Handsfree headset with a 3.5 mm audio jack, USB charger, USB cable provided in the kit
•Internet Explorer Mobile browser
•HSDPA 7.2Mbps, HSUPA 2Mbps
•Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
•YouTube support (3GPP playback)
•FM radio, streaming audio/video
•Video telephony
•Bluetooth™ 2.0
•HW 3D Graphics
•Supports microSD™ High Capacity memory card
•Exchange /IMAP4/POP3 e-mail
•Quad-band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
•Tri-band HSPA X1a:(850/1900/2100 MHz) X1i:(900/1900/2100 MHz) )

What also interesting is the following technical data on the memory.

Sony Carl Zeiss 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM Portrait Shots

Following my previous post on the test portrait shots on the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM lens, I’ve been asked to post up some more test shots on my other lenses. Took some model shots in a studio over the weekend with the Sony Carl Zeiss 24-70mm F2.8ZA SSM and posting here for those interested. Click for larger image.

1/125sec, F8, ISO 100, Lens Focal Length 70mm

Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM Portrait Shots

Finally got the chance to go out and shoot some portraits with the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM out that Chung Hom Kok today.  Weather a bit overcast but still managed to take some decent pics. Click the following pics for a larger pic.

1/400sec, F5.6, ISO 800, Lens Focal Length 300mm

1/320sec, F5.6, ISO 800, Lens Focal Length 300mm

Test Pics from SONY 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM

Some test pics I took with the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM. Click pic for full picture view. They are not the best test pics, but hope it can give you some insights as to how the lens perform.

@ 300mm, 1/60 sec at F5.6

@70mm, 1/100 sec at F4.5

SONY 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM is in DA House

Woot, the long-awaited SONY 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM lens finally arrived here in Hong Kong last night and I got mine this morning. Initial feeling, light, way lighter than I anticipated. Price is HK$5,480 (US$703)(cash price, EPS would incur additional 1% service charge) at Citicall. For now, let’s look at some pics (included measurement comparisons), enjoy.

Posted some test pics up, link here.