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OK all,

Below is the full Sony Press Release from PMA in all its glory! Also are some photos of the new kit.

We are going to to get Evil cameras and 2 new DSLRs.  Interestingly the EVILs are Logo'd as Alpha.

Well, maybe the Canikon people are now right....Alpha's are EVIL!   APS-C in what will basically be a pocket camera, what a great idea.  I'm looking forward to playing with one of those as it will make a great camera for when I don't want to have the A900 with me with all the kit.  By using an APS-C sensor effectively I think Sony are producing a new class of camera, at the very least the are blurring even further the distinction between compact and DSLR.  These are using the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor according to the blog on DPreview, so maybe HD recording from not much larger than a compact?  This hasn't been stated, but I imagine will happen eventually.

So, we are going to have HD capability on the A700 MkII or whatever they end up calling it.   Along with what is presumably a lower spec HD model.  The A700 MkII is shown with a Zeiss 16-80 on it, so the sensor is going to be APS-C despite easlier suggestions that it might be APS-H. 

There is no release date or other specs with the cameras, but I can respect Sony for that as they don't want to give Canikon info about what they are releasing later in the year.  My expectation would be showing the cameras at Photokina (anybody else going?).

Regarding the lenses, the Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM 24mm that is apparently in "Advanced Pre-production form" and will be released in 2010.  Apparently it's aimed somewhat at the press as they talk about reportage. 

The 500mm f4 (yes I'm drooling).....I want one!  They are NOT saying when it will be released, they may be waiting for the economy to improve before tooling up for what will likely be a high cost low volume item.  I'm guessing it will likely be hand build like the 300 f/2.8

President of Personal Imaging: Masashi Imamura has said that 'Sony still sharply focused on DSLR business - we will reinforce this business too. For mainstream working on fastest response in class, also using Exmor APS HD CMOS with its AVCHD Full HD shooting.'  So we don't have to worry that Sony are abandoning the DSLR Market!

Cheers

Mark


Press Release

PMA, 22nd February 2010


Sony highlights digital imaging strategy at PMA:
Ultra-compact new camera with interchangeable lenses, APS-size sensor and AVCHD; more additions to α DSLR line-up

•   Ultra-compact new α camera with interchangeable lenses in development for launch 2010
•   Additions to mainstream α family and mid-range successor to α700
•   New lenses in development including Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM 24mm, new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens and Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G Lens

At PMA this year, Sony confirms plans to further expand the appeal of its digital imaging range. Additions to the α (”alpha”) range of DSLR cameras will be joined by a new product concept that makes high-quality imaging accessible to an even wider audience of photographers.

Ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses and APS-C sensor

In 2010 Sony will introduce a new ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses that teams “any time, anywhere” convenience with DSLR picture quality. Exhibited in early concept mock-up form at PMA, the camera features a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. It will also support HD video recording using the efficient AVCHD format. Shown in mock-up form alongside the compact, easy-to-use new camera is a selection of compatible interchangeable lenses.


Mainstream DSLR range to grow further

Sony also confirms that the current α range will continue to grow with the introduction of further new mainstream DSLR models using the newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and integrating HD video function with AVCHD format.

Shown in concept mock-up form at PMA is a successor to the α700, Sony’s acclaimed mid-range camera body that has found favour with ‘prosumers’ and enthusiasts.


New DSLR lenses from Sony

The α family of over 30 interchangeable lenses and teleconverters is set to grow with the addition of exciting new models.

Shown in advanced pre-production form at PMA is the Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss wide angle lens. Scheduled for launch in 2010, this bright, wide angle prime is an ideal choice for reportage, naturally lit interiors and other quality-critical handheld shooting applications.

Displayed as a mock-up on the Sony booth, the newest lens to carry the G Lens name is a bright, high-power Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G with class-leading optical performance.


- Ends -

Any guesses on the model number and pricing of the smaller new DSLR? Maybe a 500 series around $700-800? 

Mark,

Thanks for the links and heads up. Sony's continued interest in SLRs is encouraging.

Thanks,

Clive

So what are these lenses again?  Is this on the right a pancake?  Any news on specs for these?

I'd certainly buy an EVIL - assuming all Minolta lenses work with an adaptor

just think what the 500 mirror would be liike pr more seriously the 50mm 1.4 ¬

I'd probably put a wide angle on it - save changing lenses and it would make a great backup   

Mark,

Thanks for the links and heads up. Sony's continued interest in SLRs is encouraging.

Thanks,

Clive

Clive,

You are welcome, glad to help.

Cheers

Mark

I'd certainly buy an EVIL - assuming all Minolta lenses work with an adaptor

just think what the 500 mirror would be liike pr more seriously the 50mm 1.4 ¬

I'd probably put a wide angle on it - save changing lenses and it would make a great backup   

Agree- but it all depends on the price. I actually expect a professional camera to be brought out soon- conisdering that Sony does not consider the A900 a "professional" camera.
Stef.