Sony’s CES announcements are headlined by a new APS-C E-Mount CSC, the Alpha a5000 and followed by the announcement of two new Cyber-shots, a new action cam and a compact 4K video camcorder.
The new Sony Alpha a5000, shown without a lens. (Source: Sony.)
The a5000 (also known as iLCE-5000) is similar in appearance to Sony’s previous NEX models and comes with a 20-megapixel APS-C Exmor sensor and BIONZ X processor. Claimed as the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens digital Wi-Fi camera it also features NFC and supports one-touch sharing/remote control with smart-phones & tablets. The monitor can be tilted vertically for single-handed ‘selfies’ and a handy lever on the camera body allows fingertip adjustment of the optical zoom. Sensitivity is adjustable manually up to ISO 16000, while Photo Creativity puts intuitive control over settings like Picture Effect and Background Defocus within easy reach. An on-screen guide is available for less experienced photographers.
Announced concurrently with the a5000 is a new version of the SEL55210 (E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS) telephoto zoom lens, which is now available in a matching black finish. The new camera and lens are scheduled to go on general sale from March 2014.
Sony’s new Cyber-shot W830. (Source: Sony.)
The latest addition to Sony’s Cyber-shot line-up is the W830, which features a 20.1-megapixel CCD sensor and Zeiss-branded 8x optical zoom lens. Designed for snapshooters, this model is simple to operate and features an advanced flash which optimally controls ISO sensitivity. A metallic coating on the body is available in four colours (black, silver, pink and violet). The W830 is due for release from February.
The new AX100E Handycam. (Source: Sony.)
Sony’s newest 4K AX100E Handycam is roughly 75% smaller and approx. 66ï¼… lighter than the FDR-AX1E and is the first 4K Handycam with a back-illuminated 1-inch-type Exmor R CMOS sensor. It can record Ultra HD images (3840 x 2160 pixels) with four times the detail of Full HD while also allowing soft bokeh background blur effects, thanks to a newly-developed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom that has been fine-tuned for 4K shooting. Dual Video Recording enables users to simultaneously record high quality movie clips and ready-to-share MP4 files. High frame rate recording can also capture action in HD quality (1280×720).
Other features include a bright, high-contrast OLED Tru-Finder with a wide angle of view, selectable Clear, 1/4 filter, 1/16 filter or 1/64 ND (Neutral Density) filters, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC and ergonomic controls. The FDR-AX100E is scheduled for release from May 2014.
Details of the new products will be posted on Sony’s website as their local release dates approach. Visit http://www.sony.com.au/productcategory/digital-imaging.
