Availability and holiday season price

DxO Optics Pro v5.3.6 for Mac, both Standard and Elite editions, are immediately available from both DxO Labs’ e-store and selected resellers at an exceptional 30% discount until December 31, 2009:
Standard edition: £ 69 instead of £ 99 (or a savings of £ 30)
Elite edition: £ 139 instead of £ 199 (or a savings of £ 60)
DxO Optics Pro 6 for Mac is scheduled for release during the first quarter of 2010 and will be available as a free upgrade to customers who purchased version 5 after June 1, 2009.

www.dxo.com

Catch the moment in perfect detail with responsive new DSLR cameras from Sony
Easy-to-use Alpha α500 & α550 offer enhanced Live View shooting and superb image quality

* New 12.3/14.2 effective megapixel (α500/ α550) Exmor™ CMOS sensor and new enhanced BIONZ processor for detail-packed, low-noise images with high sensitivity up to ISO 12800
* High-speed continuous shooting up to 5fps (with optical viewfinder) and 7fps in Speed Priority mode (α550 only)
* Auto HDR mode for high dynamic range exposures created effortlessly in camera without the need for a tripod
* Enhanced Quick AF Live View captures fast-moving action, with Face Detection for beautiful portraits
* Manual Focus Check Live View mode for precise, convenient adjustment of focus and composition
* 180º tilt-angle high resolution 3” Xtra Fine LCD (α550) and intuitive new interface for clear, simple shooting
* Class-leading shooting stamina (1,000 shots – α500)
* HDMI™ output and BRAVIA™ Sync for control from TV remote

Two powerful, feature-packed DSLR cameras from Sony make it easier than ever to capture beautiful pictures, carefree family portraits, stunning holiday memories and action-packed scenes.

The DSLR-α500 (12.3 megapixels) and DSLR-α550 (14.2 megapixels) are packed with advanced Sony technology that combines the spontaneity and freedom of Live View shooting with exciting new features that help to realise your creative vision.

At the heart of both cameras is a new, unique to Sony, Exmor™ CMOS sensor that ensures crisp low-noise images, packed with fine detail and vibrant colours.  Sharing powerful on-chip noise reduction techniques with the full-frame DSLR- α900, this advanced sensor works with processing algorithms handled by the newly developed high-speed BIONZ™ engine to deliver premium images plus razor-sharp shooting responses. Dramatically reduced picture noise now allows super-sensitive shooting at up to ISO12800, achieving great results when shooting handheld in challenging situations like candlelit interiors.

Thanks to the powerful BIONZ image processing engine, Quick AF Live View now supports even speedier shooting responses with rapid, precise autofocus. This makes it easier than ever to capture beautifully relaxed portraits, dynamic action shots and more.

Powered by the BIONZ image processing engine, fast-moving action can now be captured effortlessly with faster continuous shooting speeds. Sustained shooting speeds of up to 4 fps can be achieved in Live View Mode, rising to 5 fps with the optical viewfinder. New Speed Priority mode on the DSLR-α550 raises the bar further still, shooting at an incredible 7 fps (with AF and AE setting maintained from the first frame ). It’s a powerful creative tool for capturing the nuances of a portrait subject’s changing expression or dynamic action sequences.

Creative options are broadened by new Auto HDR mode that captures a huge range of shadow and highlight detail in landscapes, interiors and other scenes. Previously accessible only to enthusiasts equipped with a tripod and image processing software, HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a specialist technique that combines two or more frames shot at different exposure settings. The α500 and α550 use powerful algorithms to combine and optimise two successive frames in only 2 seconds, correcting any misalignment between frames when shooting handheld, which is Sony unique technology. The result is a single HDR image emulating the huge natural tonal range of human vision – with no PC or tripod needed.

The D-Range Optimiser featured in previous DSLR models has been enhanced for even better results with backlit portraits and other tricky high-contrast scenes. The powerful BIONZ engine now optimises image data in real time even in continuous shooting mode, processing brightness and contrast in individual areas of each exposure for balanced, natural looking results. Optimisation can also be selected manually from 5 processing levels.

The α500 offers a crisp, high-contrast 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with the same tilt range for clear, comfortable composition and reviewing shots.

The α550 features a superb (921k dot) 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen for critical focusing and photo-quality viewing with class-leading colour, contrast and detailing. The screen tilts up or down over a full 180 degree range, allowing uncompromised ‘free-angle’ live view shooting in any position. An ambient light sensor automatically boosts LCD brightness for extra screen clarity when surrounding light levels are high while both cameras also feature a clear, bright optical viewfinder with wide 95% field coverage for framing and focusing as an alternative to live view shooting.

In a DSLR debut, Quick AF Live View now features Face Detection, prioritising AF on people’s faces and fine-tuning exposure/white balance settings for crisp, beautiful portraits with natural skin tones. Another DSLR first by Sony is Smile Shutter, already featured on many Cyber-shot™ models, Smile Shutter detects faces in Live View mode, automatically firing the shutter at just the right moment to capture happy, relaxed smiles.

A special new Manual Focus Check Live View mode assists with fine-tuning your composition. Low-noise images can be previewed directly from the CMOS sensor, allowing critical assessment of focus and fine detail, even in low light. The live image offers 100% field coverage, assisted by framing grid lines for precise composition. There’s also a selectable 7x/14x zoom function for a close-up confirmation of focus.

Operation of both cameras is brilliantly simple, thanks to a redesigned on-screen interface that provides easy access to functions and settings during live view operation. A unique Graphic Display gives a clear, intuitive indication of how shutter speed and aperture adjustments will affect the final image.

A Smart Teleconvertor button instantly boosts image size by 1.4x or 2x to extend your camera’s zoom lens range further for frame-filling close-ups.

Like all DSLR cameras by Sony, both new models feature SteadyShot™ INSIDE, the powerful optical image stabiliser that cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4 EV steps while shooting handheld with any lens.

After shooting, it’s easy to connect both cameras to your BRAVIA™ television via HDMI (requires optional cable) for a stunning big-screen view of your shots. Compatible BRAVIA™ models automatically switch to PhotoTV HD mode for optimised still image playback with incredible detail, colour and clarity. BRAVIA Sync lets you control image slideshows in comfort via your TV’s remote.

Both cameras let you capture even more incredible moments without the worry of running out of power. The InfoLITHIUM™ rechargeable battery pack (NP-FM500H) of the α500 allows up to 1000 shots (CIPA test, approx. figure) – the highest capacity of any α series digital SLR camera battery to date. The battery of the α550 delivers up to 950 shots from a single charge.

If you’re hungry for even more shooting stamina, the new VG-B50AM Vertical Control Grip holds up to two NP-FM500H batteries. This premium grip gives α500 users an incredible 2,000 shot maximum capacity (α550: 1,900 shots), with automatic switchover between batteries and accurate display of power remaining in % increments on the camera’s LCD. An additional shutter release and dual controls support comfortable, accurate shooting in either portrait or landscape positions.

Also, with Memory Stick™ at the heart of the Sony alpha, you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX (4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB) is the perfect tool for continuous shooting mode, with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 270* photos (in RAW+JPEG/L (12M). Delivered with USB Adaptor, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB is ideal for users who want to transfer data in high speed: approx. 1700[1] pictures in L (12M) size at RAW+JPEG mode in 26 minutes.

The DSLR-α550 and DSLR-α500 digital SLR cameras are available from the end of October 2009.

Specification tables follow on the next page.

It’s the very last word in HD picture quality, smart shooting features and stunning looks. The new flagship of Sony’s HD camcorder line-up, the Handycam® HDR-CX520VE/505VE is packed with latest innovations to help you capture better-looking video and still images, whatever you’re doing. Press release from Sony, July 7th 2009.

Inside the chic, compact body of the CX520VE is a massive 64GB internal memory with space for a generous 25 hours of detail-packed Full HD and 5.1 channel surround sound (at LP mode, 32GB for CX505VE stores 12 hours). Want to keep shooting for even longer on that holiday or weekend away? Just slip in an optional Memory Stick™ and capture even more memories, with no need to worry about packing extra discs or tapes.

The Handycam® CX520VE/505VE is a showcase for the latest in Sony sensor, lens and processing technology. The roles of these three critical components are perfectly balanced for best-ever imaging performance under any shooting conditions.

Key to incredible picture quality is an ultra-high resolution Exmor R™ CMOS Sensor. This Sony-developed sensor features a highly efficient ClearVid array with back-illuminated technology that captures more light than conventional sensor designs. The result: crystal clear, detail-packed Full HD video and still images up to 12 effective megapixel resolution, with superb contrast and vibrant colours.

Thanks to a dramatic 2x increase in sensitivity, you’ll enjoy phenomenal picture quality in low light with dramatically reduced picture noise compared with ordinary CMOS models. You’ll really see the difference in dimly-lit interiors and atmospheric twilight moments.

Realising the full potential of the Exmor R™ sensor is the latest version of Sony’s BIONZ imaging processor. This further reduces picture noise, while ensuring superb image detailing and lifelike colours.

A premium-quality G Lens complements the incredible imaging capabilities of the Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ processor. Showcasing Sony’s unique optical design concept, G Lens is precision-engineered to the highest standards.

The advanced optical design features refinements like aspheric glass elements and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for crisp, clear images with high contrast and reduced colour fringing. Shared with premium lenses from the Alpha DSLR still camera range is a high-quality 6-blade iris diaphragm, allowing the creation of beautiful circular defocus effects.

Cutting the effects of camera shake by up to 10x compared with standard Optical SteadyShot, Active Mode now gives even clearer, wobble-free images even when you’re walking along. In addition, it’s the world’s first camcorder to reduce camera shake in 3 directions during video shooting (as of July 2009). Camera roll is now corrected as well as up/down and left/right tremor, contributing to an overall improvement in picture stability.

Face Detection is enhanced with ‘Face Touch’, giving priority to your chosen subject. Just touch your favourite face on screen: focus, colour balance, exposure and Smile Shutter are automatically optimised for beautiful results. Autofocus precision and speed is also improved by a new Face Detection algorithm.

While you’re travelling, the GPS receiver inside the CX520VE/505VE logs your location with satellite-linked precision. Map View shows your position on the clear, bright 3” wide Clear Photo LCD plus screen. Back home, supplied Picture Motion Browser software makes it easy to view all your ‘geotagged’ video clips and still images, helping you retrace your travels.

A friendly new on-screen interface features ‘My Menu’ for even simpler operation. Up to six commonly-used functions can be assigned to the main display screen for quick, easy access. Secondary Record and zoom buttons are now represented as on-screen icons, only appearing when the screen is touched for a cleaner, neater appearance.

After shooting, Highlight Playback automatically creates polished ‘mini movies’, blending selected clips and still photos with professional-looking effects and a choice of background music. It’s a fun, easy way to show off your memories in style, with no need for a PC or video editing skills. Up to 8 Highlight Scenarios can be stored in the camcorder, so you can always enjoy your favourite movies anytime you want.

In a Handycam® first, the CX520VE/505VE automatically upconverts interlaced video signals for 50p (progressive) playback on a 1920×10980/50p compatible TV via HDMI connection. You’ll see the difference with incredibly smooth, satisfying, cinematic images.

Supplied Picture Motion Browser software makes it beautifully simple to browse and manage clips on a PC, or upload them with a few clicks to YouTube ™ and other sharing sites. CX520VE/505VE are also certified by Apple for the compatibility with iMovie for Mac users.

‘PC-free’ disc burning

The HDR-CX520VE/505VE is the first HD flash memory camcorder from Sony that’s compatible with the optional VRD-P1 DVDirect Express. This ultra-compact disc burner connects to Handycam® via a single USB cable. Just touch a button and footage is burned at super-speed to DVD for safekeeping and sharing with friends – either as High Definition AVCHD discs or Standard Definition DVD discs.

Joining the VRD-P1 is the brand new VRD-MC6 DVDirect. This sleek, compact DVD burner is a great ‘universal archive’ solution that’s perfect for transferring video clips, digital photos and old videotapes to DVD. Just hook up virtually any camcorder (analogue or digital), camera or VCR. Preview images on the LCD screen, then press a button and everything’s burned to disc – with no PC needed.

Stylish new carry cases

There’s a choice of eye-catching new carry cases to protect your Handycam® against dust and everyday scratches.

Available in four fashion colours (off-white, black, dark red, lime green), the LCS‑AX1 features a semi-hard ‘jewel box’ design with funky, pared-down styling. The LCS-AX2 is a soft carry case that slings comfortably over a shoulder, keeping your Handycam® safe while it’s not being used.

32GB Memory Stick

With Memory Stick™ at the heart of the Handycam you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX is the perfect tool for handling HD digital video, with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 16GB is already available and we are pleased to announce that 32GB is coming up. Using the supplied adaptor, the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will transfer 225 minutes of Full HD video to a PC in under 26 minutes, which is 3 times faster than Memory Stick PRO Duo.

The Handycam® HDR-CX520VE/505VE Full HD Memory Stick™ Handycam® is available from August 2009.

For more information on the product, please click on this link : http://content.hmxmedia.com/sony/hdr-cx520v/SonyCX520_2009_07_06_360p_X264.mov

All the features of the Exmor R CMOS sensor will be utilised to the full when the Handycam CX520VE/505VE is used at Sony’s Twilight Football events in September. For more information on Twilight Football, please visit: http://www.sony.co.uk/twilightfootball.

Editor’s note: all the superlatives, ‘incredibles’ and stuff like that are Sony press release original language. Good PR writing dictates that a company should not use this type of language as it sounds like advertising copy and not a product announcement. Hopefully it’s all true and not so much over-adjectived cookery.

The Lite version of PhotoTools 2 Standard Edition is available for immediate download from the onOne Software website. PhotoTools 2 Standard Edition is a flexible yet powerful plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3 and CS4 that uses Photoshop Actions to provide a range of imaging tools including effects, corrections and production automation in a full-featured interface.

Based on the same feature set as PhotoTools 2 Standard Edition, PhotoTools 2 Lite includes 14 of the most popular effects found in both PhotoTools 2 Standard Edition and PhotoTools 2 Professional Edition.  The 14 effects available in PhotoTools 2 Lite range from reproducing classic photographic effects like Bleach Bypass and Cross Process, to reproducing film stock such as Kodachrome and Fuji Velvia, to modern effects including automatic skin smoothing. You requires CS2, CS3 or CS4 and the download will not install with Elements.

The Skin Smoothing plug-in is worth the money for the full package alone so it’s very good value free

Here is a shot by Shirley Kilpatrick (Alpha 200, 18-250mm Tamron lens) taken at the Fogueres de San Joan in Alicante last year. This is a festival well worth visiting – really the best week’s holiday we have had in many years, we missed a flight to Brittany and had to book a quick replacement within 8 hours, and ended up staying in the heart of Alicante during the midsummer festival week. Non-stop, night and day, fireworks, parades, music, dance, street shows, fairs, performers, fast food, slow food – the lot. Get yourself to Alicante June 20-28th and you will have no shortage of superb photo opportunities.

This shows Photo Tools 2 professional edition with effects such as the Luminizer A4 action which creates glowing colours on portraits (this one action is why the Photo Tools 2 package can sell for as much as many editing programs). As you will see, the GUI which PT2 uses to take over Photoshop is beautifully designed with mini preview images included (not your own pix, the one in the bottom right corner is part of the program as a preview). You can stack effects, remove them from the stack, control many of them by parameter or strength, and apply your presets to many images.

You can see two full size before and after images from this simple exercise in skin-tone enhancement:

http://www.pbase.com/davidkilpatrick/image/113229503

http://www.pbase.com/davidkilpatrick/image/113229535

These photographs are by Shirley Kilpatrick, retouching by David Kilpatrick, although they are hosted in the Alpha 200 images gallery of David Kilpatrick’s pBase.

You can read David’s review of OnOne Photo Tools 2 which appeared in the British Journal of Photography:

http://www.bjp-online.com/public/showPage.html?page=853335

Availability and Pricing

PhotoTools 2 Lite is offered at no cost and is only available as an electronic download direct from onOne Software.  To receive the product, please visit www.ononesoftware.com/pt2lite and request a free download with a valid email address.

For users who wish to access the full database of effects that come with the Standard or Professional Editions of PhotoTools 2, they will need to purchase a copy of the Standard or Professional Edition. PhotoTools 2 Professional edition is available for £199.00 and the Standard edition is available for £129.00. You can purchase these direct from onOne Software at www.ononesoftware.com, or from UK distributor Colour Confidence at www.colourconfidence.co.uk or by calling 0800 735845.

Sony Style pages are starting to show this header picture, which shows three new models all sharing an unusual handgrip design and using the new lenses:

Note – the new models have handgrip sensors or appear to – maybe the nickel problem has been conquered. Also note the radical shift in position of the front control wheel and shutter release. The A380 is next to the A900, followed by the A330, and then the A230 at the end. All are smaller than the current A200-300 series. The A330 and A380 have what look like Live-View switches next to the prism, the A230 does not. This indicates that the viewing method has not changed, and we will almost certainly not get off-sensor live view or video. This does not rule out some kind of improved 720p LV of the focus screen, combined with electronically switched markings that could be turned off for recording video ‘off the groundglass’.

The chances are that these are simply much smaller, more cleanly designed new versions of the A200, 300 and 350 using exactly the same sensors (10.1 and 14.2 megapixel) and with the same basic functions, but release with new-style motor-AF lenses. Everyone is hoping they do not remove the AF drive from the body, but in the interests of smaller size and lighter weight, this seems a distinct possibility. So, with the change to the right hand-grip, does a new battery type. If so that would break the continuity of one cell (NP FM-500H) fitting all Sony Alphas from 100 to 900. Another real possibility is a shift from CF card to a smaller media format, and here the big question would be – if they have done, is it MS Duo Pro, or SD?

The silver-grey top plate seems to belong to the 300 series, the black to the 200. There is an AF/MF switch on the body, which bodes well for in-body AF motor remaining present (it is duplicated on the 18-55mm lens, which is why this is thought to have an in-lens motor). There is also a hint of something below the AF/MF switch on the mount, but this may just be a shadow. In the camera group shot, something appears on the right-hand grip side which might be a small grip to prevent fingers sliding down. But it could be something else (such as a microphone positioned NOT to catch the wind…)

A further header pictures shows a small flashgun and some interestingly ambiguous looking lenses:

Unless these cameras contain anything remarkable, it looks as if they belong to the Family series – not the Advanced series – and may well not be of all that much interest to photographers. They may be of great interest to people who want to take pictures, but of course, that’s not the same thing…

Read our original post below:

Thanks to Kevin Barrett for originally finding this on May 2nd in the drop-down product list of the Sony UK support site:

Just in case it is thought from this screen shot to be a typo for the A350, it is not – the A350 appears next:

Of course this offers no clue as to what the A330 might be – nor does clicking on the support link:

Because the result is:

When the A330 will arrive, who knows? But it must be pretty soon or this leak would not have occurred. Your guess is as good as ours, as to what the specification might be – but an A300-350 series live view models seems likely, and the 12 megapixel sensor of the Nikon D5000 would seem to be a logical step for true live view and video capture in a Sony model while keeping the same overall design with the articulated rear screen.

The codes for Y and L will indicate lenses. Since two new lenses – presumed to incorporate focus motors because of their design – are also shown on the support website, 50mm f/1.8 and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, it can be assumed the camera will be sold with these lenses as no existing models have the codes Y or L when used in kits. There is a possibility that these budget lenses are not SSM, but use a cheaper internal micromotor. It may also be fair to assume to the body could lack mechanical focus drive support. There is one very good reason for omitting this on HD-V SLRs, which is the noise of the motor transmitted to the internal microphone. While the high frequency sound of the SSS stabilisation can probably be noise-cancelled, the complex sounds of a motor and lens combined would be audible. When filming with the Canon EOS 500D and the Nikon D5000 alike, the stabilised lenses made odd purring or grunting sounds occasionally.

However, it would be a mistake for Sony to follow in Nikon’s footsteps – consider the amount of criticism from existing Nikon system owners that the ‘new’ bodies get.

I’ve been testing the Nikon D5000 with 18-55mm kit lens and can only say that this short, wide-angle biased range is almost useless for video shooting. There’s a good reason why ciné and video cameras rapidly acquired 8X, then 10X then 20X zoom lenses – and a good reason why Canon shipped me a 500D review kit with an 18-200mm last month. So if video was involved, the 18-250mm would become the lens of choice. So far no Tamron-based lens – whether under the Tamron label or not – has incorporated a focus motor in any mount other than Canon. It is clear that Tamron must follow Sigma and move over rapidly to an ultrasonic motor based line-up, but they show no sign of leaving the starting grid.

A thread on Dyxum includes claims that this camera has been seen, and that other models due for release include the A230, A380, A800 and A1000.

Update May 3rd: this has now been found on Sonystyle Canada – references to each of the levels, 200/300/700/900, being a ‘series’ – even the 700 and 900 which can not be called a camera series at present:

This may mean nothing (just a poorly written site layout) or it may mean the higher end models will be A730 and A930 (since 30 seems to be the increment chosen). It’s worth checking this site, and others, in the coming days as changes like this usually precede launches. Sony traditionally launches cameras either before the summer holiday season for its various worldwide markets, or at the start of the ‘return to work’. Past launches have been early June (with pre-release information in May to dealers and some press under NDA) and September (with the same in late August).

- DK

A Photoworld Day has been arranged for Sunday 22nd March in the premises of the Edinburgh Photographic Society at 68 Great King Street, Edinburgh. Athough primarily aimed at subscribers to Photoworld, former Minolta Club members and users of Sony digital cameras, the meeting is open to others interested in photography.

Doors will be open from 10.00am, with coffee served until 10.30 am. The meeting will run from 10.30am until around 4.00-4.15pm, with a one hour break for lunch. Packed lunches can be eaten on the premises for those not wishing to go out.

The cost of the meeting is £4.00, payable on entry, and no prior booking is necessary. A map/directions can be sent, on request, to those not familiar with central Edinburgh. In Great King Street, there are no Sunday parking restrictions, even in residents’ bays – this does not apply in surrounding streets.

THE PROGRAMME

ALAN THOMSON (Edinburgh) – Alan is senior designer for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and has been photographing zoo animals for the last 18 years. His presentation will highlight zoos as venues for photography and he will include tips and techniques for making the most of a visit.

PAUL MURPHY (Cramlington) – An enthusiastic member of Cramlington Camera Club, Paul will show dramatic images take in his native Northumberland and further afield as well as describing some of his current photographic projects and aspirations.

DUNCAN McEWAN – a presentation comprising a selection of images, mainly landscape, taken in Scotland and New Zealand using Sony Alpha 100 and Alpha 900 equipment.

DAVID KILPATRICK – Editor of Photoworld. David will have all the latest information about the Sony DSLR system and have an A700 and A900 on hand. He will also demonstrate the Sony HD digital projector EW5 which he describes as “the ultimate tool for viewing and discussing photos”.

CRITIQUE SESSION
This year the critique session will be restricted to Digital Images only. You are invited to submit a maximum of 5 digital images for appraisal or which demonstrate camera features, techniques, or simply images you wish to share. Depending on the response, the number may have to be restricted to 3, so you may wish to number your images in order of priority. Images must be in jpeg format with maximum pixel dimensions of 1024 (horizontal) x 768 (vertical) at 72dpi. Images must be submitted in advance, by email or on CD to me at the above address. Please mark your CD or email to indicate that the images are for the Photoworld Day.

Any offers of help on the day will be greatly appreciated. I look forward to seeing you on 22nd March.

Yours sincerely
Duncan I McEwan (Regional Organiser)

Duncan’s contact details are:

Tel/Fax: 01505-612673
Email: mcewan@dunarden.fsnet.co.uk
Web: www.dmcewanphotography.co.uk or contact:
Duncan McEwan
Dunarden, Horsewood Road
Bridge of Weir
Renfrewshire PA11 3AT

To quote one importer: “In 2008 the Yen went up by over 40 per cent against the pound. It’s still rising. In order to cover a 35 per cent increase in landed costs the SRP of our products may have to rise as much as 50 per cent”.

Already, in January, the dealer price of Alpha 900 bodies has increased enough to put the street price back to its original level and a further increase should return it to almost the original SRP by March.

Be warned – the 10-15% increases implemented by Canon, Nikon, Sony and others this month will be followed by equal installments. Even if the pound makes dramatic gains against all other currencies there will be a period of high prices and some reluctance to drop them as rapidly.

Our advice to anyone who has been waiting for prices to fall as the recession cuts deeper, is grab anything you see which appears to be a fire sale price and fits your planned system building. There will be bargains – several large chains will be forced to realise the value of stock in hand rapidly or go out of business. Those bargains will not be repeatable and will not last for 2009 or until “the economy picks up again”. In Britain at least you have a window of a month or two, and some things you planned to buy in 2008 but didn’t will already cost you more if you can find them.

- DK

Duncan starts his picture show

I have been using Minolta cameras and lenses since 1970 with great satisfaction and success. The acquisition of a KM Dynax 7D marked my entry point to digital imaging, replacing this with a Sony A100 about 18 months ago. I still love film and have been reluctant to let go of it completely – I guess I shoot about 50/50 film and digital, appreciating the relative merits of each medium.

In early September I had the privilege and pleasure of using the Sony A900 for a couple of weeks with the Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f2.8 SSM – a real cracker of a lens.  The only other lens used was my own Minolta 70-200mm f2.8 SSM which has a direct Sony equivalent.

Why me? I cannot claim to represent top end professionals, but I do think I am representative of a significant sector of the market that the A900 will appeal to.

So how does the A900 offer what I need from a camera? I want a camera to capture faithful colour, light quality and crisp detail/definition leaving me to concentrate on compositional aspects.

Glen Clunie, near Braemar

COLOUR – the rendition of colour impressed me greatly. The range of colours encountered in the Scottish landscape were handled in a most pleasing manner. Blue flowers have always been notoriously difficult to record accurately on film and I was amazed at the accuracy of the colour produced (note: for this comment, Duncan showed a shot of a blue flower).

Glen Coe

The Creative Style Menu provides the opportunity for in-camera processing of colour to suit specific situations and subjects. Although many will prefer to apply these at the RAW conversion stage the excellent in-camera processing will be welcomed by many users.

Deeside Pine Woods

Very overcast conditions gave lovely accurate muted colours, portraying scenes accurately.

Glen Coe Light

CAPTURING THE LIGHT – The quality of images made in less than ideal lighting conditions was most impressive as was the performance in more dramatic lighting situations where the contrast range is often much greater. I was left in no doubt that here was a camera that could deliver all I required for my own photography.

Knapps Loch, Kilmacolm

EXPOSURE ACCURACY was very good with only minimal adjustments at times – much less than I have been accustomed to with the Alpha 100. A third of a stop either was about all that was needed to produce perfect histograms, even with night time exposures of 15 to 20 seconds. The exception was for light toned subjects such as mist but was no more than expected for this type of subject.

Blair Horse Trials

AUTOFOCUS was easily the best I have used.   It was fast and positive.
The continuous AF was up to the task of following moving subjects and coupled with a drive speed of 5 frames per second, the Alpha 900 is well equipped to serve the needs of sport/action photographers. Focus hunting seemed was rarely encountered and only in situations that were entirely predictable, such as mist.

The ISO RANGE. Although the range is from 100 to 6400, 100/200 ISO were mostly used for landscapes but mid-range values of 400/800 were excellent for sporting subjects. The higher ISO settings were not extensively explored, although on floodlit buildings at ISO 3200, the performance was outstanding in terms of sharpness with low noise levels and less saturated colours. ISO 200 ISO is reputedly the optimal setting for the camera.

Scottish Parliament Facade

FINE DETAIL – it is amazing what fine detail can be recorded by a 24.6mp sensor especially when using quality optics such as the 24-70 CZ lens.

D-RANGE OPTIMISER was found to have value in contrasty situations and has a choice of settings from standard to various advanced settings. The standard setting produced subtle changes and could safely be left switched on.

Scottish Parliament Reflections

I feared at the outset that it would take me time to get to grips with the camera, but I need not have worried. The A900 is easy to use, and a delight to use.  It felt really good to hold from the moment I first picked it up and it no heavier or bulkier than you would expect for a professional camera. Processing and transferring so much information requires a lot of battery power and I quickly found that CF cards bought for the 7D were no longer adequate for a full size sensor.

The brightness of the viewfinder is exceptional – subjects looking almost as bright through the viewfinder as in reality, a fact made obvious when shooting in dull light or when taking night time shots.  Indeed, dull weather photography became quite inviting. It also makes one appreciate detail at the taking stage, which should be very useful in macro work, and also when manual focusing is being used.

Glen Coe Rainbow

The Alpha 900 has a fantastic range of functions and with the CZ lens and the 24.6mp sensor, delivers amazing quality. All the features I would expect in a professional camera are there – a mix of innovation and tried and tested ones.  The key functions are button operated by very well positioned buttons and the multiselector has a real positive feel. One button is left for the user to assign a specific function which is very useful. The Custom button has a dual function depending on whether you are in shooting or viewing mode – in the latter it brings up the histogram display. A lot of flexibility has been built into the custom functions, accessed through user friendly scroll-down menus.

The high resolution 7.5cm LCD screen gives the best display that I have used.

In such a high tech piece of equipment, it was refreshing to find that simple ‘traditional’ features such as a true mirror lock-up and a built-in eyeshield had been included. The mirror lock-up is in addition to a 2 second mirror lock-up delay and is a feature that will be particularly useful in macro photography.  The eyeshield makes life easier than using clip-on protectors and its use contributes to much more accurate exposures when bright light is striking the rear of the camera.

First light, the Knapps Loch, Kilmacolm

At the end of the trial period I was left with the feeling that my attachment to film was considerably weakened due to the superb quality of the images captured.  The Alpha 900 certainly fulfilled my photographic requirements and expectations – big time!

Be prepared to be impressed!

Duncan McEwan

Duncan McEwan is Scottish Region Organiser for the Photoworld Club (photoclubalpha). He lectures throughout the UK, is a much-requested competition judge, has a fine track record with stock libraries and his calendar and postcard views can be found used in publications sold by throughout Scotland. He organises a number of courses, leads workshops at the Inversnaid Photography Centre, and organises an annual open day for the club in Edinburgh. See: http://www.duncanmcewan.co.uk

Next: transcripts from the press workshop on the Alpha, if anything clear can be deciphered.

To start reading this coverage of the European Alpha 900 launch from the start click here.

Here’s Sony’s release on the new Cyber-shots – I apologise for leaving the hyperbolic advertising style adjectives (unusable editorially, and just a waste of words) in place:

7th August 2008 – Two gorgeous new T-Series Cyber-shot™ cameras from Sony are bursting with amazing features to help you take great pictures. Slim, colourful and easy to carry, they’re the perfect partner for any occasion, from fun-filled nights out to holidays, parties and family moments.

Cyber-shot™ T77: World’s slimmest camera with 4x optical zoom

The breathtaking Cyber-shot™ T77 proves that less really is more when it comes to beautiful pictures. Just 15mm thin (13.9mm at thinnest point), the stunningly styled T77 won’t spoil the lines of a jacket or shirt pocket. It’s available in a range of five mouthwatering colours including black, silver, pink, green and brown.

Sleek, chic looks are accentuated further by the big, beautiful 3-inch touchscreen LCD. All functions are controlled with a touch of the screen, cutting down on fiddly controls while giving you a widescreen view of your pictures.

Inside its super-svelte lines, the Cyber-shot™ T77 is crammed with smart Sony technology to help you shoot, share and enjoy better-looking pictures. There’s a crisp, clear Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens to ensure peerless image quality, with a powerful 4x optical zoom range for detail-packed close-ups. Additionally, the T77 is the thinnest Cyber-shot™ ever to feature a powerful 4x optical zoom range for detail-packed close-ups.

Now even easier to use, Smile Shutter lets you capture more happy moments. Just select Smile Shutter mode and aim the camera: the Cyber-shot™ T77 automatically fires the shutter when someone smiles. Face Detection has also been improved for even better results, allowing you to prioritise children or adults for natural portraits with spot-on skin tones, exposure and focus.

Brand new ‘Anti-blink’ technology cuts the risk of closed eyes spoiling portraits of friends and family. Portrait Mode shoots two images in quick succession, automatically throwing away pictures where the subject’s eyes are closed.

Itelligent Scene Recognition has been further refined. Now it will automatically adjust settings for great results over an even wider range of common shooting situations like portraits, landscapes and close-up macro pictures.

Complementing the powerful BIONZ processor, High Sensitivity (maximum ISO 3200) and Clear RAW Noise Reduction help to ensure beautifully natural results indoors or at dusk without the help of flash. There’s also a Dynamic Range Optimiser (DRO) that ensures a better balance between bright highlights and deep shadows. It’s great in tricky situations like taking portraits against the sun. After shooting, bring all your memories back to life as a slideshow with music soundtrack. If you want an even bigger picture, just connect the T77 to your HD television for spectacular results in your living room.

Also available, the genuine leather soft LCS-THP carry case protects your Cyber-shot™ from dust and scratches.

Cyber-shot™ T700: the photo album in your pocket

Now it’s easy to take your precious photo collection everywhere you go. Just 16.4mm slim (15.2mm at thinnest point), the amazing new Cyber-shot™ T700 can store up to an incredible 40,000 images in its huge 4GB internal memory.

Like the Cyber-shot™ T77, the T700 is available in five up-to-the minute colour options. Choose from black, silver, gold, pink or red to suit your individual style.

You won’t find any buttons on the camera’s back – just a 3.5-inch widescreen Xtra Fine LCD. Displaying your pictures with photorealistic quality, the super-size touchcreen makes it a breeze to browse through your image collection and adjust camera settings.

The T700 is smarter than your average photo album. All your pictures are stored in handy folders, so it’s easy to manage your memories and track down that special shot in moments. If you’re on holiday or taking a business trip, the camera will recognise when shots were taken, indexing them automatically for easy reference. Album mode organises your pictures into folders containing babies, children or adults – or even smiling faces. It’s also brilliantly easy to select shots and upload them to your photo blog or favourite image sharing website.

PC sync allows easy synchronising between the Cyber-shot and a PC . With a single click, Easy Exporter in Picture Motion Browser transfers full-sized images to the computer for storage and transfers smaller, resized copies of the images back to the Cyber-shot to allow mobile viewing enjoyment of thousands of photos. The original full-sized data remains stored on the PC.

Like the T77, the Cyber-shot™ T700 features enhanced Smile Shutter, improved Face Detection, anti-blink technology and refined Intelligent Scene Recognition.

The Cyber-shot™ T77 and T700 will be available from September 2008.

From pillar to post

This is an example of a situation that has stock image sales potential; couple on holiday, using a payphone in Benidorm, Spain – right next to another means of contacting home, the yellow post box used to send postcards. Two forms of communication in one scene. That kind of storytelling juxtaposition is what makes saleable editorial photography.

But those roadside posts are in the way, there’s an unattractive guy in a wrinkly sports top in the background, and the post box is rusty with litter round the base.

I was sitting having lunch, and did not intend to move much from my position – certainly not to get up, move close and shoot a picture. That would only have puzzled the couple at the phone box (why would I want to photograph them?) and even worse, they might have looked at the camera and stopped just being people going about their everyday business.

So I continued to observe the scene without moving, and when the background guy got up and went, took a second shot from a slightly shifted angle (just a foot or so to one side with the camera):

Still not right...

My freedom to move was limited (there were other obstacles in the way) and immediately this shot was taken, my subjects moved on. Back in the editing stage, I could see that by using Photoshop‘s Clone Stamp tool, data from one shot could be used to repair the other and remove the offending bollard entirely.

To make life easy, I did not work from a full copy of the first shot. The second shot contained the parts I could not ‘make up’ using random or fractal-nature detail – the girl’s leg. Stonework can be invented in seconds from other bits of stone. It is easy to clone out anything on a wall, street, grass, beach, sea, or other relatively consistent texture. A very soft-edged stamp is used, and care taken never to have repeated details (the eye sees these straight off in the final picture) but to ‘damage’ each cloned area with bits of another. The process is very fast once learned. I clone in small, fast bites using a mouse and never work with a graphic pad; I find the mouse far more controllable and intuitive, and I don’t even look at my mouse hand, just at the screen.

Using a small clip (above) of just the area I wanted to repair from shot 1, floating it over shot 2, I aligned the source with the target by picking a definite geometric feature (the corner of one of the wall stones). The bollard was removed in a couple of minutes, and data from the ‘master’ picture was also used to repair the corner of the dress and tidy up detail. It is much easier to work from a small clip like this, and reduces memory load by having just one large image open. If you use Layers, Photoshop‘s appetite for memory use and scratchdisk space increases greatly (even the History function uses plenty) and I prefer to keep things running as fast as possible on a relatively underpowered iMac 24″ machine.

Finally, yellow from the clean parts of the postbox was used to repair the rusty bits, but with care not to destroy some of the ageing. The soft-edge tool was allowed to go just close enough to the edge of the rust area to leave the outline of the patch. This made the box look naturally weathered still.

Here is the result:

It’s cropped too, which creates a much larger thumbnail when seen in a photo library website (panoramics have skinny thumbnails, square images have the biggest and the most impact). The shadows are not fully repaired but that doesn’t matter – they are just shadows and uninformed viewers will not see anything wrong.

The actual image is 55.5MB. Using the Sony Alpha 700 and CZ 16-80mm lens (an extremely sharp lens) there is no problem exporting the raw file using ACR 4.5 to the 25 megapixel fixed interpolation provided by Bridge/ACR (a 70MB+ filesize). Even at this scaled-up size very fine detail is retained, and images pass the quality control process of photo libraries. It is frustrating to read about some libraries/agencies which will not accept A700 images, but accept Canon 400D and Nikon D80 shots. I have used both of these, and I know where the A700 is positioned relative to them – and it certainly is not ‘below’ in any sense, especially final image quality.

The total time taken on a quick repair job like this is under 10 minutes. I’ll do something similar with maybe one in every 100 shots, sometimes using detail from a second shot taken on purpose, sometimes using detail from another area of a single shot.

Such pictures are marked as ‘digitally altered’ for library sales purposes. Are they dishonest? I don’t think so. Photographers used to use retouching inks, scalpels and even cut up layers of emulsion from one print to float on to another. Images were being combined to overcome the limitations of dynamic range by the 1860s (Gustave le Gray’s wonderful seascapes with dramatic skies) and by 1900 companies like Bamforth in the UK were creating postcards of scenes which never existed at all!

- David Kilpatrick