02/07, 6:55am
Sony NEX-3N leaked ahead of official launch
The Sony NEX-3N has made an unofficial early appearance thanks to a Sony Alpha Rumors anonymous source. The site has proven reliable in the past, leaking what would be the NEX-3N predecessor, the NEX-F3 , around a month before it was officially released. Although the site isn’t completely sure when it will debut, it suggests that it could make an appearance at the same event that Sony is expected to unveil its PlayStation 4 console on February 20.
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10/13, 4:48pm
Hardware upgrade seems to match Galaxy Note II
A new version of the Samsung Galaxy S III has been announced in Japan. Appearing on Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo, the Galaxy S III Alpha is an improved version of the original, sporting hardware remarkably similar to that of the Galaxy Note II. A new color is also carried over from the Galaxy Note II, however the stylus does not.
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08/28, 8:21am
Sony A99 to push the technology envelope forward
The forthcoming Sony Alpha 99 is expected to be Sony’s first full-frame sensor camera that also utilizes the company’s single-lens translucent system, according to specs obtained by Sony Alpha Rumors. The new Alpha flagship camera will sport a 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor with an ISO range of 100-25,600. Additional key features include a 1/8000 maximum shutter speed, 14-bit RAW capability, 10fps continuous shooting and 102-point auto-focus system powered by a new Sony Bionz imaging engine.
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05/25, 11:00am
Nokia Alpha, Pure Phi, Phi, PureLambda handsets coming soon?
New images of a Nokia Lumia 800 handset running on wpbench revealed a list of Greek names for what we can only assume are codenames for upcoming Windows Phone-powered Nokia handsets. Shared by the My Nokia Blog, the images came from a user running the Windows Phone 7 benchmark on his Lumia 800. The names include Nokia PureLambda, Nokia Phi, Nokia Pure Phi and Nokia Alpha.
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05/17, 6:26am
Sony launches Alpha SLT-A37 with translucent lens
In more new Alpha camera news from Sony, the company has added the Alpha SLT-A37 to its line-up, which is also joined by a new telephoto lens. The camera uses Sony’s proprietary translucent mirror technology to deliver faster shooting, non-stop phase detection auto-focus and continuous live image preview even when shooting in 1080p video. To help keep action shots focused, it uses a precision 3-cross 15-point autofocus system.
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04/30, 5:00pm
Google Wave finally gets shutdown after weak adoption
As promised, Google has pulled the plug on its Google Wave online communications service. It launched in 2009 but never got off the ground, and development on the project stopped back in mid-2010. Support continued, however, due to the open-source nature of the undertaking.
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04/28, 11:25pm
Sony A37 and NEX-F3 explored in more detail
An earlier NEX-F3 leak was joined later on Saturday by two more giving large clues as to imminent plans. Yang Canggih has leaked the previously unseen Alpha A37, an entry counterpart to the A57. It now has a tilting screen like the NEX series, and has a more ergonomic grip than the A35.
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03/26, 10:55am
Sony A99 said to get 102-point cross-point AF
The upcoming Sony Alpha 99 (A99) may sport with a 102-point cross-point autofocus system, Sony Alpha Rumors learned from trusted sources. Prototypes of the Single-Lens Translucent (SLT) camera are reportedly equipped with the feature, which offers nearly twice as many autofocus points as some flagship DSLRs from competitors. The Nikon D800 has 51 points, for example, while Canon's EOS 5D Mark III has 61. Sony's own A77 camera has 19 cross points.
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03/13, 12:00am
Sony Alpha A57 ups entry level cameras
Sony unveiled a new entry level Alpha early Tuesday in the just leaked A57. It shoots at a typical 16 megapixels, but with an uncharacteristically fast mode, Continuous Advance Priority AE. By locking the aperture at f3.5 or smaller, it can capture 12 frames per second at 8.4 megapixels, even with autofocus and autoexposure.
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03/12, 12:40pm
Sony Alpha A57 image, specs leaked ahead of debut
The first image of Sony's Alpha A57 camera has been shared online by Gdgt. Very similar to the A65, the shooter is due for an official release early tomorrow morning in the UK, or midnight Tuesday in Eastern time. Its leaked specs include a 16-megapixel Exmor HD sensor and 10FPS shooting, or 12FPS in a tele-zoom mode.
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02/08, 11:30pm
Sony makes ambitious plans at CP Plus 2012
Sony took its time at the CP+ camera show to outline much of its future Alpha and NEX roster. The company promised a full-frame Alpha camera to replace its long-in-tooth A900. No details were given to DPReview or others at the show, although Sony's frequent sensor partnership with Nikon could point to a camera based on the D800's 36.3-megapixel sensor.
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02/01, 4:40pm
Apple takes Mac OS X 10.7.3 live
Apple on Wednesday afternoon posted Mac OS X 10.7.3 (release notes). The Lion upgrade adds several languages, including Catalan for Spaniards as well as Croatian, Greek, Hebrew, Romanian, Slovak, Thai, and Ukrainian. RAW photo compatibility has expanded to several new cameras, including the Nikon J1 and V1, Olympus' current PEN cameras, and current Sony Alpha and NEX cameras, such as the NEX-5N.
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11/15, 9:05pm
Production moved to separate facilities
Sony has reportedly resumed production operations for its Alpha and NEX cameras that were being manufactured in areas affected by the recent record-breaking floods in Thailand. To bring the operations back up to speed, the company is said to have moved production from the inundated Ayuthaya site to a plant located further south in Chonburi.
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09/16, 3:30pm
Noise renders audio useless for videos
Last month, Sony introduced the NEX-5N, an update to its 16-megapixel NEX-5 digital camera with interchangeable lenses. One of its benchmark features was its 1080p60 recording capabilities. Unfortunately, there is evidently a problem with Sony's implementation, and the camera makes a clicking noise that disturbs the audio while recording videos.
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08/25, 1:50pm
Sketchy on any real details
Sony has confirmed that it still intends to offer a full-frame camera in its Alpha cameras. The company tipped its hand to the BJP at a recent news conference in Athens when it unveiled the crop-frame, translucent mirror Alpha A65 and A77. The company declined to provide any further details.
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08/24, 2:50am
Sony A77 and A65 focus on speed
Not content with its NEX updates, Sony has also updated the Alpha range to bring its translucent mirror technology to the top of the range. The 24.3-megapixel A77 and A65 both draw on the sensor from the NEX-7 but, with a mirror and phase detection autofocus, can shoot at rates usually reserved for full-frame cameras. By not having to wait for the mirror to clear, the A65 and A77 shoot at 10 frames and 12 frames per second respectively, even with full-time autofocus.
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08/24, 2:10am
Sony NEX-7 and NEX-5N official
Sony matched Nikon on Wednesday by adding its own batch of cameras with a much stronger focus on professionals. The NEX line now has its first truly professional camera in the NEX-7. It has both the highest resolution of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, at 24.3 megapixels, but adds serious manual control with twin control dials, a wheel, and three customizable buttons.
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08/22, 8:30am
Sony Alpha A77 set for August 24 launch
The forthcoming Sony Alpha A77 DSLR has its press shots leaked ahead of its formal launch expected to be on Wednesday August 24. Although not yet released, the camera has already been nominated for an award for its unique design which includes a translucent mirror for quicker autofocus. Its CMOS sensor and double Bionz processor also enable it to shoot at a rapid 10 frames per second.
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08/12, 11:40am
YouTube ad arrives ahead of offical unveiling
Sony's upcoming A77 DSLR has surfaced in a commercial posted on YouTube. It is unclear if the segment fabricated, a genuine leak, or an official teaser released ahead of the camera's formal unveiling. The short video shows the A77 half buried in sand on a beach. The operator then picks up the magnesium-body camera, brushes off sand and takes a snapshot of the water.
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08/10, 8:00am
Sony's Alpha A77 already in line for an award
Sony’s forthcoming Alpha A77 has already been nominated for an award ahead of its launch. A nomination page from this month’s Good Design Expo (since pulled) has shown the A77 in the running to win an award for its innovative technologies. The camera incorporates a magnesium allow body, a 24 megapixel EXMOR CMOS sensor and a translucent mirror for quicker autofocus.
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08/05, 5:25pm
Launch expected this month
Specs of four new Sony cameras have leaked online, the APS-C A77 and A65, and NEX-5N and NEX-7 digital SLRs. The A77 and A65 will use a 24.3-megapixel Exmor HD CMOS sensor and a 19-point autofocus sensor. The A77 will feature a moisture- and dust-proof case, which the A65 lacks. The NEX-7 and NEX-5N will both be capable of 1920x1080, AVCHD 2.0 (28Mbit/s) video recording. The NEX-7 will also have the 24.3-megapixel Exmor HD sensor, but the NEX-5N will use the same 16.1 MP Exmor sensor as the Sony NEX-C3.
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08/02, 5:05pm
Sony NEX-7 and A77 may get August 24 intro
Sony is planning one large, multi-product launch to cover its pro- and semi-pro cameras on August 24, a scoop may have uncovered Tuesday. The highlight would be the Alpha A77, its frequently leaked 24-megapixel high-end DSLR. New to Sony Alpha Rumors' claims, however, was the addition of an A65 that would shoot at the same resolution as the A77 but at a slower frame rate to lower the price.
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07/31, 10:15pm
Our review of Sony's NEX-C3 mirrorless camera
Sony was a relative latecomer to mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, but when it arrived with the NEX line, it shot back with very small designs which were barely larger than compact cameras, although they sometimes controlled like it, too. The NEX-C3 is a second generation and brings a new 16.2-megapixel sensor, overall better performance, and an even smaller design. We'll examine in our review of the NEX-C3 if it's worth trading up from a point-and-shoot or as an alternative to rivals from Olympus and Panasonic.
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07/20, 8:00pm
Press renderings corroborate earlier rumors
Sony's upcoming Alpha A77 DSLR has allegedly surfaced yet again, with several press renderings appearing on the Dyxum forums. The successor to the A700 is shown with a battery grip, which was confirmed early this year in an official teaser at the CP+ expo. The redesigned housing also appears to offer a new OLED panel that mounts via two-axis swivel.
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06/22, 11:15am
New 24 megapixel cameras will debut late 2011
Photos of Sony's new APS-C cameras, the A77 and A65, have leaked online. Sources for sonyalpharumors also indicated that the launch date for the cameras has been pushed back due to production issues stemming from the twin tsunami and Fukushima disasters in March. The leaker said the A77 will have a magnesium alloy body, a new 24 megapixel sensor, a new double Bionz processor, and a 3 million dot OLED viewfinder. It also has an improved autofocus with 11 cross AF points, and is capable of shooting more than 10 frames per second or full HD video.
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06/10, 12:25am
Sony axes several DSLRs after less than one year
On the heals of Sony’s new NEX-C3 and Alpha 35 camera launches, comes news that it has cancelled the Alpha A850, A290 and A390. The full-frame Alpha 850 DSLR is due to be phased out this summer. The Alpha 290 and 390 DSLRs have already had their production ceased. This comes less than one year since the respective lines were launched.
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06/08, 1:00am
Sony NEX-C3 and Alpha A35 made official
Sony after a long run-up upgraded the bases of both its NEX and Alpha camera lines. The NEX-C3 is cast as the smallest camera to have both an APS-C sized sensor and interchangeable lenses with an even smaller frame than the NEX-3. Despite the size shrink, it should be easier to use for newcomers: a Photo Creativity mode, much like Canon's Creative Auto, puts concepts like aperture or white balance into simpler terms without sacrificing the full PASM controls or programmable shortcuts.
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05/27, 7:30pm
Developer tools and enhanced add-on manager too
Mozilla's development cycle dictates that three generations of its popular web browser Firefox must be in an active cycle. Thus, Firefox 4 is the current mainstream release (currently at 4.0.1), Firefox 5 has recently entered beta, and that means that Firefox 6, known as Aurora, has just begun its development cycle, now offering a rough alpha release for testing and feedback.
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05/26, 8:40am
Could Sony be exiting the high-end DSLR market?
Sony has likely discontinued its flagship Alpha A850 SLR camera. B&H Photo has posted a notice alongside the camera that "this item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available." The A850 is also no longer for sale on the SonyStyle site.
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05/17, 7:50pm
Leak paired with renderings
Sony is reportedly set to introduce a range of new photography gear early next month, including the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35 cameras, a 30mm macro lens, and a NEX flash. Leaked information posted on Photo Rumors suggests the A35 DSLR will integrate a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, with an ISO range up to 12800, while a new tele-zoom high speed shooting mode offers continuous autofocus. The camera is also said to offer 7fps shooting, 15 AF points, built-in HDR processing, and 1080p video recording.
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05/02, 6:10pm
Flash offers Quick Shift Bounce system
Sony has introduced an external flash unit, the HVL-F43AM, and several other accessories designed for the company's range of Alpha DSLRs. The flash accessory features GN43 output at 105mm/100 ISO and a "quick shift bounce" system, which enables users to maintain the flash head position while quickly switching between horizontal and vertical orientation. Wireless controls provide further options for managing light ratios across three separate units without additional equipment.
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04/24, 11:55am
Sony Alpha A35 spotted in advance
The same source that uncovered the NEX-C3 has also given out proof of a suspected sequel to the Alpha A33. The simply titled A35 is superficially a straightforward sequel to the translucent-mirror DSLR with a similar body. Photo Rumors couldn't obtain many details of the camera itself but did confirm an 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens.
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04/22, 2:55pm
Sony NEX-C3 shows up, NEX-7 due in September
The upcoming Sony NEX-C3 camera has now been spotted thanks to SonyAlphaRumors. It reportedly shares the same 16.2-megapixel sensor as the Alpha A55 and the ability to record HD video. The camera has been delayed due to the recent natural disaster in Japan, and a new ship date isn't yet known.
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04/01, 3:35pm
Sony Japan discontinues A33 digital camera
Sony Japan announced that the Alpha A33 introduced in August is now discontinued. The camera had a relatively short seven-month lifespan, and it's expected to be replaced very soon. The A33 shoots 14.2-megapixel images at up to 7FPS.
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03/31, 10:50pm
Sony Store LA opens with Apple influence
Sony said this week it would launch its first US store based on its new store template. Now just called the Sony Store, the shop in the Century City Mall in Los Angeles has a "new concept" with Apple-like bright, widely spaced areas instead of the dark spaces from Sony Style locations. The strategy includes a Premium Services area that duplicates the Genius Bar's technical help, though it goes beyond by offering in-home installs.
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03/04, 1:30pm
Olympus DSLRs may get single-shot HDR and more
Olympus is working to significantly improve the quality of its E-series DSLRs and possibly its Micro Four Thirds cameras based on slips from sources. It would add a single-shot high dynamic range function that would put more details in highlights and shots, the 4/3Rumors tipsters said. With the exception of a few newer DSLRs, many create HDR by compositing multiple shots and rule out action shots or many handheld situations.
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02/25, 12:40pm
Sony to equip Alpha DSLRs with fixed mirrors
Sony announced at a yearly expo in Spain that it will put translucent mirrors in its Alpha-branded DSLR cameras, Quesabesde reported on Thursday. All models will get the fixed mirror, including entry-level shooters. This should simplify the mechanism, as the mirrors will no longer move.
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02/09, 10:55am
Sony previews Alpha A77 again at CP expo
Sony in the absence of major new cameras for the CP+ expo provided a new teaser for its future Alpha A700 sequel. The camera, shown in a transparent body to prove it's a real design, is now known to shoot 1080p video. The design was already known to have a translucent mirror which, combined with a CMOS sensor, will let it autofocus extremely quickly.
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01/10, 11:35pm
Nikon and Sony may use 25MP APS-C sensor
Both Sony's future Alpha camera and by extension the rumored Nikon D400 could use a dramatically improved crop frame sensor whose resolution would enter medium format territory. Sony DSLR trainer Michael Bubolo said he had heard "rumors" the APS-C sensor on the Sony camerawould jump to 25 megapixels. While this detail wasn't as definite, Bubolo told Amateur Photographer it was certain the camera would use a new sensor, as its ISO light sensitivity would range into the "hundreds of thousands," a category previously occupied only by high-end, full frame cameras like the Nikon D3s and Canon EOS-1D Mark IV.
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12/24, 4:15pm
Sony NEX may get translucent mirror
Sony may bring the translucent mirror technology from the Alpha A33 and A55 to a more compact camera that might sit between the current Alpha and NEX lines. A recent US patent filing has shown a camera with the technology, which allows faster focusing in a mirrored camera, but without an optical viewfinder like a normal Alpha camera. The mirror could even have a dynamic reflectivity that lets in more or less light to trigger the autofocus sensor in low light conditions where it might otherwise not get a lock.
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11/17, 8:55am
Sony HandyCam NXCAM to have big sensor, NEX lenses
Sony Japan today previewed a new HandyCam that would combine a 35mm equivalent sensor with the same E-mount lenses as its NEX cameras. The NXCAM would use a larger, film-equivalent CMOS sensor that Sony said could achieve the same bokeh (shallow depth of field) as film and DSLRs but which would be optimized for movies. The design would be a more professional parallel to the NEX-VG10 with an optional grip and separate LCD monitor along with the built-in flip display.
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10/21, 2:30pm
Sony translucent mirror SLR gets low-noise 24MP
Sony was claimed by multiple sources late last night to be developing a new, very high-end DSLR using the same translucent mirror technology behind the Alpha A33 and A55. It would come with a new 24-megapixel crop frame sensor that would still have as little noise as the 14- to 16-megapixel sensors on the existing cameras. The camera would have a Bionz processor related to the A33/A55 design, Sony Alpha Rumors said in its details, and would have micro-adjustment of AF points as well as capture video up to 1080p30.
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10/14, 7:30am
Sony NEX firmware 03 brings new UI and lenses
Sony Europe on Thursday gave its NEX cameras firmware 03, its promised feature and interface upgrade to address some of the issues with the mirrorless swappable lens cameras. Both the NEX-3 and NEX-5 now support full-size Alpha mount lenses, with autofocus, when paired with an LA-EA1 adapter to fit the smaller body. Shallow depth of field is now an option in movie capture as the camera can use aperture priority to shoot videos.
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10/07, 10:10pm
Sony may have new NEX camera Oct 12
Sony may have a quick addition to its mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras in store as a business calendar lists a new model coming soon. The first 1PM entry on Sankebiz' October 12 page mentions only that "Sony unveils a new mirrorless SLR" on the same day. Other leaks haven't shown up so far.
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09/21, 2:20pm
Sony shows new camera gear at Photokina
At the Photokina show that kicked off on Tuesday, Sony showed off many new products, chief among them a new Alpha A-series DSLR along with software updates for the NEX-series cameras. The latest Alpha A-series on display could be the company's upcoming A77 camera, which is believed to have the ability to shoot HD video in AVCHD and have an optional vertical grip. It will use a translucent mirror, like the A55 and A33, while sporting an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor.
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08/24, 10:50am
Sony Alpha A560 and A580 become new entry level
On top of its translucent mirror cameras, Sony today put out two new conventional Alpha cameras to occupy the entry level. The 14.2-megapixel A560 and 16.2-megapixel A580 use a traditional flip-up mirror but still shoot AVCHD (H.264) video in 1080i. They shoot slower, at 7FPS maximum, but still have the advantage of a second, preview-only sensor to compose quicker in live view, zoom in while having a 1X view and get input on the focus before committing to the shot.
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08/24, 7:35am
Sony A33 and A55 promise 10FPS continous shooting
Sony kicked off a slew of Alpha camera launches today with its flagships, the A33 and A55. The two are the first to use translucent mirrors that let light hit both the autofocus and image sensors; the move allows the cameras to refocus even while the sensor is taking the previous shot. Using the mirrors not only improves the burst shooting speed, up to 10FPS for the A55, but makes the camera smaller as it doesn't have to have room for flipping the mirror.
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08/20, 2:45pm
Sony A550 DSLR camera replacements leaked
A pair of successors to Sony's Alpha A550 have been leaked thanks to Sony Alpha Rumors. The A580 is said to have a 16-megapixel sensor while the A560 would sport a 14-megapixel one. In comparison, the A550 had a 14.2-megapixel sensor, but all have an ISO range of between 100 and 12,800.
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08/18, 7:20pm
Release dates still unclear
Several leaked images show Sony's upcoming A55 and A33 DSLRs that recently surfaced in a separate report. The A55 is expected to get a 16 megapixel sensor with an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 and support for 1080i video. Users will also be able to take advantage of 10FPS burst shooting, a swivel LCD and integrated GPS for automatic geotagging.
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08/12, 3:15pm
Sony to have new Alphas in two weeks
Sony today teased its camera update plans today with word of a camera-related event on August 24, Electronista has learned. The gathering, at least in Canada, will focus on new Alpha cameras as well as other imaging hardware. The NEX-VG10 camcorder should also be on show.
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