As expected, Sony has unveiled the NEX-3 and NEX-5 mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The two cameras are both built around the 14.6 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor announced at the PMA 2010 exhibition in February and the new, mirrorless E-mount. Both offer high-resolution tilt/flip screens, fast continuous shooting and HD video capture, with 720p from the NEX-3 and 1080i, AVCHD from the NEX-5. Also announced are three E-mount lenses: a 16mm F2.8 pancake, offering a 24mm equivalent field-of-view, a standard 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 stabilized kit zoom, with a 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 stabilized superzoom to follow. We've been using both NEXs for a while and have delved beyond the raw specifications to prepare hands-on previews of both models.
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Press Release:
Sony’s compact, easy to use NEX-5 and NEX-3 with interchangeable lenses and HD video New a digital cameras with DSLR picture quality and responsive shootingWorld’s smallest and lightest* interchangeable lens digital camera (NEX-5) 14.2 effective megapixels Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor1080i HD movie recording (NEX-5) with stereo sound, fast and silent autofocus Intuitive new interface with Help Guide and Shooting TipsE-mount lens system compatible with a DSLR lenses (with optional Mount Adaptor) Sweep Panorama with 3D capability**
Now photographers can enjoy the superlative picture quality and shooting responses prized by DSLR users in two beautifully compact new cameras that are brilliantly easy to use.
Joining the a family, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 team DSLR-quality imaging with the convenience of interchangeable lenses in a sleek new design that slips easily into a jacket pocket or bag. In contrast with conventional DSLR models, the ‘mirrorless’ construction shrinks the thickness of both cameras to just 24.2mm (NEX-5) at their slimmest point. As a luxurious extra refinement, the NEX-5 features a tough yet light-weight magnesium body, making it the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera.
At the heart of both cameras is a newly-developed Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with a resolution of 14.2 effective megapixels. Far larger than the sensor inside conventional compact cameras, its key to the extremely low image noise and creative defocus effects that are familiar to DSLR users.
Still and video image quality is further refined by the powerful BIONZ processor that ensures speedy DSLR-style shooting reflexes with quick, precise autofocus and minimal shutter lag. Both cameras can also capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to 7fps (AF/AE fixed from first frame).
An elegant, uncluttered user interface – featuring a new ‘never get lost’ menu – makes the powerful creative possibilities of the NEX-5 and NEX-3 accessible to enthusiasts and step-up users alike. Shooting parameters are easily accessed via an intuitive control wheel and two soft keys. Turning the control dial, for example, allows depth of focus changes to be previewed ‘live’ on the LCD***, giving effortless control over beautiful, pro-style portraits. Further help for novice users is provided by on-screen shooting tips and a friendly help guide.
Images and camera settings are displayed on the big, bright 7.5cm (3”), Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology that tilts up or down for comfortable viewing in any shooting position. The screen features an auto-brightness function for excellent visibility, even when you’re outdoors. TruBlack screen technology enables an even more vivid, high-contrast view of images and camera settings.
Compatibility with a wide range of interchangeable lenses dramatically expands the artistic possibilities of the E-mount camera system.
Ideal for everyday shooting, the low-profile E 16mm F/2.8 ‘pancake’ lens (SEL16F28) minimises bulk when the camera is being carried in a coat pocket. Its field of view can be boosted even further by the VCL-ECU1 Ultra Wide Converter and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye Converter that deliver high-definition optical performance in a sleek, co-ordinated design.
Featuring in-lens SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld images, the E 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 zoom (SEL1855) is a perfect travel partner. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are available in kit form with either lens, or as a double-lens kit that provides even greater shooting versatility. The NEX-5 can also be specified as a kit with the optional E 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 zoom that offers a powerful 11x magnification range plus Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation with Active Mode at wide angle for steadier movie shooting.
An optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor extends compatibility to the a family of 30 lenses and teleconverters, plus a huge range of other legacy A-mount lenses (Manual Focus only).
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are also the first a cameras to offer the extra convenience of HD video recording. At the touch of a dedicated Movie REC button, the NEX-3 shoots HD video with stereo sound as compact MPEG4 files that are ideal for PC storage and web sharing. Full HD (1920 x 1080i) video captured by the NEX-5 as high-quality AVCHD files can be enjoyed on a connected HD television. As an option, the smart accessory terminal on both cameras accepts the compact ECM-SST1 Stereo Microphone that captures a high-quality soundtrack for your HD videos.
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first a cameras featuring Sweep Panorama. Just press the shutter button and swing the camera side-to-side or up and down. A high-speed burst of frames is stitched together automatically to create detail-packed 23 megapixel panoramas with a 226 degree effective angle of view****. Panoramic files can also be enjoyed in stunning 3D on compatible BRAVIA™ 3D televisions.*****
As previously introduced on the DSLR-A550, Auto HDR has been further refined. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 can now shoot a high-speed burst of three images at different exposure values that are electronically combined in the camera. This produces a single High Dynamic Range image with extended highlight and shadow detail.
Both cameras come supplied with a super-compact clip-on flash that attaches via the smart accessory terminal when needed for low-light shooting. Other optional accessories include the FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder plus colour coordinated cases and shoulder straps.
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 system cameras from Sony are available from summer 2010.
* As of May 11, Sony research. Among the interchangeable-lens camera bodies.
** Via firmware update available summer 2010.
*** Effective only when an E-mount lens is attached.
**** At maximum with E 16mm F/2.8 lens in wide mode setting.
***** 3D is only available via firmware update available summer 2010 at users' option.
Sony has unveiled the Cyber-shot DSC-WX5, DSC-TX9 and DSC-T99 digital compacts. The WX5 and TX9 incorporate the company's latest 12.2MP, 1/2.3" Exmor R back illuminated CMOS sensor. Both feature a 'Superior Auto' mode that shoots bursts of between 2 and 6 shots then combines them either to reduced noise or boost dynamic range, depending on the scene you're shooting. The WX5 includes a wide angle 5x optical zoom lens starting at 24mm equivalent and a 2.8" LCD, while the TX9 comes with a 3.5" touchscreen LCD and a 25-100mm equivalent lens. Other features include a Background Defocus mode, 3D Sweep Panorama mode and 1080i Full AVCHD video recording. The DSC-T99 features the same lens and body design as the TX9, a smaller LCD and a 14MP CCD sensor that cannot achieve the fast multi-shot shooting required for Superior Auto mode. All three cameras offer a Soft Skin mode that tries to smooth out wrinkles and other blemishes from the subject's skin. 
Sony has unveiled the SLT A55 and SLT A33, the first pair of cameras to incorporate the company's translucent mirror design. The Single Lens Translucent (SLT) cameras offer live view with full-time fast phase-detection AF whether in stills or movie shooting. This is achieved by having a fixed, semi-transparent mirror that redirects a small amount of light onto the AF sensor while allowing the rest through onto the main imaging sensor. The A55 is built around a 16.2MP sensor while the A33 features a 14.2MP unit. Both feature 3.0" articulated LCDs, full HD video recording and ISO sensitivity up to 12,800, while the A55 also features built-in GPS. Priced at $749 and $649 respectively, the A55 will be available from October, while the A33 will hit the markets earlier, in September.
Sony has released three prime lenses for its Alpha SLR system. First up is the eagerly-awaited Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM, which we saw in prototype form at PMA. Designed as a fast wideangle for full frame, it also offers a classic 35mm-equivalent field of view on APS-C. Second we have the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM, a fast normal lens for APS-C. Finally this is joined in Sony's newly-christened 'Easy Choice' range of inexpensive primes by the 85mm F2.8 SAM, a compact 'portrait' telephoto that works on both APS-C and full frame cameras. All of these lenses can also be used on the NEX mirrorless cameras via the LA-EA1 adapter, although in manual focus mode only. The 24mm and 85mm lenses will start shipping from late September at retail prices of €1,250 and €250 respectively, followed by the 35mm which will be available from mid-October at a retail price of €200. With regards to the US price and availability of the three lenses, the company says, “Announcement for US market is not being made at this time, but will be made closer to the products’ market introduction.”
Nikon has announced the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, a general-purpose zoom for full frame cameras. This lens covers a useful wideangle to telephoto range with a fixed F4 maximum aperture and features Nikon's latest VR II stabilisation system. This promises shake-free hand-held shooting at shutter speeds four stops slower than would usually possible, with both 'Normal' and 'Active' modes. Also on the menu are Nano Crystal coating, a 9-bladed diaphragm, and a degree of environmental sealing. The lens will be available from 22nd September 2010 at a price of £1049.99 / €1099.
Sony has announced the addition of the A580 and A560 to its consumer-level DSLR range. Both the 16.2MP A580 and 14.2MP A560 are based around the company's Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors and enhanced Bionz processors. Both cameras can record 1080p full HD movies and deliver 7 fps in continuous shooting mode. They also include Sony's two-mode live view system with a 15-point phase-detection AF or a Manual Focus Check mode. Other features shared by both cameras include 3.0" fold-out LCDs, an enhanced Auto HDR mode, sensitivity of up to ISO 25,600 and 3D Sweep Panorama mode. Priced at €900 and €800 respectively, the A580 will be available from October 2010, while and the A560 will arrive in the first quarter of 2011.
Canon has unveiled the EOS 60D mid-level DSLR, replacing the EOS 50D. However, following the launch of the EOS 7D, the 60D has been repositioned in the market, so isn't a simple upgrade to its predecessor. Instead the 60D is a smaller camera featuring an articulated screen and plastic body shell and utilizing SD memory cards. It combines the 18MP CMOS sensor and 1040k dot 3.0" LCD from the EOS 550D (Rebel T2i) with the AF system from the 50D. Meanwhile it gains the 7D's HD movie capability. We've had a chance to use a pre-production 60D so have prepared a hands-on preview, including sample images and movies.
Designed to provide power for those who wish to extend their creative vision, the EOS 60D features a host of new functions that help capture better images and in-camera effects to add an extra dimension. The powerful DIGIC 4 processor supports in-camera RAW image processing, allowing photographers to edit settings such as brightness, contrast, white balance or correct distortion or chromatic aberration. The edited image can then be resaved as a JPEG, ready to be printed or uploaded to a PC or the web. 
Nikon has launched an extended-range telephoto zoom for DX users: the AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. Offering an 85-450mm-equivalent range and VR II image stabilisation technology, it's designed as an accompaniment to the 18-55mm kit lens. It includes a Silent Wave motor for quiet focusing, and will be available from 2nd September 2010 at a price of £369.99 / €379.
Canon has introduced updated versions of two of its professional telephoto lenses, in the shape of the EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM and the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM. Both feature completely new optical designs, along with lighter weight construction employing magnesium alloy and titanium. Sub Wavelength Structure coatings are employed to minimize flare, plus water-repellant Fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. A new IS mode has been added that activates stabilization only during exposure, alongside a 'Power Focus' mode for video shooting. The upgrades are rounded off by the addition of repositionable AF stop buttons and a choice of tripod mounts.
London, UK, 26 August 2010 – Canon today enhances its premium L-series with the launch of the new EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM – two high quality super-telephoto lenses designed to meet the demands of professional photographers. Offering optical excellence and consistently high performance, the new lenses combine super-telephoto focal lengths, fast aperture and outstanding image quality, providing photographers with reliability and exceptional results.
Nikon's salvo of lens releases is rounded off by the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. Designed to provide FX format users with an equivalent of the company's popular 18-200mm for DX, this superzoom includes two-mode image stabilisation to the latest VR II specification, a close focus distance of 50cm and a zoom lock switch. It will be available from 2nd September for £869.99 / €899.
Pre-Photokina 2010: Pentax has announced the K-r, its latest mid-level DSLR. Initially sitting above the K-x in the range it offers more angular, K-7-esque styling. It offers 6 fps continuous shooting and HD movie recording and regains AF-point illumination in the viewfinder. It also features a high-res 920k dot (VGA) LCD display and the ability to shoot at up to ISO 25600. Unusually for a Pentax at this level it uses an rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack but can be used with AAs via an optional adapter. We've had a chance to get to grips with the K-r and have prepared a brief hands-on article discussing its features and additions.
Photokina 2010: Sigma has announced the SD1 digital SLR, which uses a brand new 46Mp 1.5x crop Foveon X3 sensor (4800 x 3200 x 3 layers). Designed as the company's flagship camera, the SD1 has a weatherproof magnesium alloy body, 3" 460k dot LCD, and new 11-point twin-cross AF system. Image processing is in the hands of a 'Dual True II' engine that promises improved speed and image quality, and the camera is compatible with the full range of Sigma lenses.
Flagship digital SLR with 48.1 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor 46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C sensor Lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body Weather-resistant O-ring sealing connections Dual ‘TRUE II' image processing engines 11 Point Twin Cross AF Sensor
Sony has released the DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A290, its latest entry level digital SLRs. As suggested by the images leaked on the internet, the cameras essentially add a new grip design to the existing A230 and A380 models. The other major change is that both now get the image-stabilized 14.2MP CCD sensor seen in the A380. As with the previous models, the higher-priced A390 features the company's fast liveview system and a 2.7 tilting LCD, while the A290 has a fixed LCD, no liveview and larger viewfinder. The rest of the features are shared by both cameras including on-screen camera guides and HD outputs. The A390 and A290 will start shipping next month at a retail price of $600 and $500 in the US market and €500 and €450 in the European market.
Pre-Photokina 2010: Samsung has announced the addition of the NX100 to its NX series of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. It features the same 14.6Mp sensor and 3.0" OLED screen as the NX10, which are built into a flat, 'compact camera style' body. It also offers the i-Function feature that allows the use of the focus ring to control various camera functions when using compatible lenses. To complement this feature the company has launched two lenses with i-Fn buttons - the 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 ED kit zoom and 20mm F2.8 pancake lens. There is also an electronic viewfinder, flashgun and GPS unit to accompany the NX 100. We've had a pre-production NX100 for a little while, so have produced a quick hands-on preview.