Sony has unveiled the α390 (DSLR-A390) and α290 (DSLR-A290) which are the latest additions to it’s α range of cameras. Both these cameras are designed to be light, compact and stylish unlike the usual DSLR cameras which are bulky and difficult to carry around.

Both cameras sport a 2.7 inch LCD display and have a 14.2 megapixel CCD image sensor and BIONZ image processing engine. They have an on-screen help guide, Graphic User Interface and user-friendly navigation menus which are similar to their predecessors. In addition to this they also feature an ergonomic grip, which makes it easier for users to hold.

Both the cameras come with SteadyShot INSIDE system which stabilizes blurred images due to camera shakes. The α390 and α290 are each equipped with a mini HDMI terminal, USB 2.0 and support PhotoTV HD. They are also compatible with BRAVIA Sync. They are equipped with a dual memory card slot for SD and SDHC memory cards, Memory Stick PRO Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo.

The difference between the two cameras is that the α390 offers a tilt and swivel LCD display. The cameras are set to hit stores next month. It remains to be seen how much they will cost.

source

UK photographic retailer Jessops have now got the new Sony compact system camera (CSC) in stock and ready for sale.

The NEX-5 is the smallest and lightest CSC in the world and it features:

* Impressive 14.2 MP EXMOR APS-HD CMOS (DSLR sized image sensor)
* Tilting 3” Tru black LCD screen for crystal clear framing at any angle
* Magnesium metal body
* E-Mount interchangeable lenses/ Alpha mount VIA adapter (sold separately)
* Full HD Movie mode 1080i AVCHD
* High Resolution Sweep Panorama mode for stunning landscapes
* High ISO performance for superior results in low light
* High Speed Shooting up to 7fps
* Background de-focus control for perfect portraits
* Auto HDR for creative exposure control options
* 3D panorama for playback on Sony’s 3D TVs (to follow via firmware upgrade)

Jessops are selling the NEX-5 ahead of other retailers who expect to have the camera in stock from tomorrow, with a 16mm pancake lens at £549 or with a 18-55mm zoom lens at £589. The NEX-5 with both of those lenses is available as a package at £679.

Sony seem to be busy with the OLED scene lately. We recently saw the rollable OLED panel from the company and have in the past, seen 11 inch TVs from Sony, which made use of the OLED technology. We’re still awaiting a larger screen but, we’re getting there. This time the OLED panel measures 11.7 inches, an improvement over the XEL-1.

As well as improving the size of the panel, Sony have managed to improve the lifespan of the display, which is described as one of the many challenges facing mass commercialization of the OLED displays. With the size being the biggest challenge. The OLED display has an estimated life of more than 10 years according to Sony. The resolution of the display is 960×520. Hopefully we’ll see this technology appearing on more devices in the future, with laptops being the perfect starting point, or even a 10 inch netbook.

Soon after the new NEX cameras were announced, Sony the technological trend setter revealed that it is currently working on developing a HD camcorder which features ‘Interchangeable Lens system’. The camcorder has not been provided a name, but Sony assures that it will be equipped with the same component as used in its NEX-5 & NEX-3, the ‘Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor.

It will also feature the ‘E-mount’ and ‘A-mount’ interchangeable lenses, where prior developed for the ‘NEX’ and the latter for alpha DSLR camera lineup.

With this, Sony aims to market a camcorder that is capable of inducing a variety of creativeness in the HD quality.

Watch the video here – Interchangeable HD camcorder

Sony have unveiled its two latest models of performance compact cameras, the NEX-3 and NEX-5.  The NEX-3 and NEX-5 are the world’s first cameras with an interchangeable lens and they come with an APS-C sensor to continuously adjust focus and exposure while recording video. The two models differ from each other in video recording, price and material of construction.

The NEX series of cameras are smaller and lighter when compared to Sony’s lightest and smallest D-SLR, the Sony A230. The NEX-5 is just 1.56 inches thick while the NEX-3 is 1.38 inches thick.

The NEX-3, with a polycarbonate casing, shoots 720p HD videos using the MP4 codec which enables sharing in HD on You Tube. On the other hand, the NEX-5 which is constructed from Magnesium alloy offers much larger 1080i video capture with the higher quality AVCHD codec.

The NEX-3 and NEX-5 are expected to release in the market sometime in July. The NEX-5 comes in silver and black colors while the NEX-3 will also be available in Red color. The price of  the NEX series is expected to range between  $549 – $699.