I read your comments on yesterdays article about the A-mount future. It’s correct to say that A-mount strategy will mainly focus on the High End market while E-mount will focus mainly on the entry level market. But I have to add one more info. The Sony digital camera world will not be that Manichaeist. It’s not all Black or White. Sony will also make two steps in a sort of “grey zone”:
1) There will be E-mount FF cameras
2) There will be hybrid A-E mount cameras
Both camera projects are quite innovative and it could be that Sony launch them just to see how the market reacts (like they did with the RX series). If there is a success they will expand the concepts. Situation is very fluid and like they did with the NEX,SLT and RX cameras they are willing to risk and release some innovative concepts. And for that we have to be grateful. Other companies keep being very conservative on the innovation side…h the
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STay tuned on SAR! RX camera announcement on June 27!
210 Responses
hybrid A-E mount.. gimme that sugar!
Hybrid A/E mounts have no interest for me as I have no A mount lenses, and do not expect to ever buy one.
My guess is that this is true of the vast majority of NEX users, and people who are considering buying a NEX.
but this hybrid mount could just involve an e-mount with a detachable a-mount adapter, like the current set up.
That would be awesome! Only make it FAST OnSensor PDAF and that detachable adapter for A-mount should be small and straitforward with full electronic controls. If Sony can make it happen – come to papa baby!
Thats bad news if its via an adapter. An adapter is never a very good solution in the long run. So many things can go wrong with such a solution.
imagine, the size of nex 5/7, with the possibility to attach an E or A mount lens on it. So when I go for a serious shooting trip I use A mount-size lens and when use for point and shoot I just attach the 1650 emount-size on it. Sweet!!
@dro
That have been imagined and available for some years now thru lea1/2.
yes lea1 sucks and lea2 is expensive nevermind speedbooster..need one simple hybrid body.. no bulkyness.. no adapters!!
I agree. I’d love a wide choice of cameras that support both a and e mount (built in or preferably via adapters) – flexibility is the real ‘killer app’ for mirrorless. Just hope Sony puts enough roadmap in place that I don’t end up waiting for my perfect camera only to find out I should have settled for good enough because my personal perfect camera isn’t in the plan.
If Sony really rolls out a good number of innovative, flexible cameras they will get a lot of people (like me) who are dabbling in NEX to commit to Sony.
If Sony can make the hybrid A/E mount with NEX-6 size & specs (or better specs!) that will be cool!
is “grey camera” is RX Series? i hope they develop that RX for wide angle, normal, and tele camera RX 😀
Doesn’t the RX100 do that ? 😉
RX100 is vario/zoom camera, not fix like RX1
i hope sony make RX fullframe in 3 type; wide (24mm or 21mm, normal 35mm now is RX1, and medium tele, 50mm or 85mm) that would be interesting 🙂
And your going to buy all 3 right? Instead of just a good camera and 3 lenses????
This is simply the wrong direction. The future should lie strictly with the development and prosperity of the E-mount. Why bulk up a mirrorless design, which by its very nature is extols portability and efficiency, with an antiquated large-mount lenses originally designed for old technology. Both the low and the high-end should be focusing on extending the breadth of the E-mount collection, with A-mount adapters offered for legacy users. Why Sony is moving in this direction is the wrong line of thinking.
BINGO!!!
LOL Squeezy what agenda are you trying to push here? Re read the Title of the post and get back to me. Sorry you invested in all those e-mount lenses but sony is not going to change their market strategy to suit your backward thinking. You bought into the e-mount system because they were smaller and were designed for more affordable enthusiast cameras. Enjoy !!
YOU are backward thinking, I 100% agree with Sqweezy
I’m OK if they focus on E-mount and provide adapters for the A-mount lenses. However I am not OK with Sony only making small compact cameras. In my experience the SAL70200 is a much better fit to an A700+VG than it is on an A55. It will obviously work with both but it is a fairly large lens and the larger A700 complements it much better than the A55 IMO.
There are times when a smaller cameras is more useful and times when a larger camera is more useful. Sony should cover all bases IMO.
For me it isn’t so much small vs. large. It is all the empty, wasted space on the A-mount mirrorless. It just seems silly.
Tele designs for the NEX add the same space, this time in the lenses.
Even if their new DSLRs are as amazing as they think they are, providing them with a healthy growth in a saturated market, the future is smaller.
Did Sony sales history show them that they sold more A mount cameras or that their market presence in the camera market is more to do with DSLR than with NEX? Something tells me not.
When Fuji and MFT are already manufacturing professional specced (think of tough bodies, weather sealing, fast AF) bodies and lenses, Sony is quitting this competition where they are in a comfortable position in that market share and focus on low end NEX?
Someone must have been smoking some serious crack at that company or Cheech Marin was just elected camera division president.
erm… no. Focusing only on E-mount means two big things: 1. retirement from DSLR segment which they cannot do because as of today it’s the biggest segment of digital photography (if you exclude smartphones). 2. It means a gigantic hit in their PR, basically meaning that they juggle with systems not caring about support for existing users at all. Noone serious about photography would buy E-mount after that as who knows what will be the next big thing in 10 years? Cause I’m sure it won’t have anything to deal with E-mount cameras.
you mistake E-mount cameras for necessarily-compact cameras.
Yes, but, there can be an e mount dslr. I know, big time lenses. Well, instead of having a new series why not big time e mount. Some of these already hit the market.
I agree. Nicely put. 🙂
Well you seem to think that you know better than Sony. For making such claims, you must have asked people from all over the world what they really want.
Because full frame sensors are impractical on E-mount sized bodies.
There is nothing saying that e-mount necessitates a certain sized body. Just look at the FS100 or VG series. YES, yes those are camcorders but right now there are no larger e-mount “still” cameras (what an arbitrary division these days) because that would encroach on the a-mount SLT line. If the SLT is going away and everything will be mirror less why not just build a bigger e-mount for those who want it? That way Sony can consolidate all the lens development and maintain backwards compatibility.
But then, I don’t see the problem with using lens adapters if they are high-quality. I’m not sure why there is such hate for them here.
+1 !
E-mount is an APS-C mount, why do ppl keep forgetting/neglecting this ???
I don’t care how big the VG-900 sensor is, show me your stack of FF e-mount lenses that would make an ‘almost FF NEX’ worthwhile.
Why does everyone want Sony to spread their development resources on even more lineups??? Do you feel that they are pushing new stuff out to aggressively???
I hope they will communicate more about the succes and future of these concepts. They sound very cool and while I am willing to invest a little in these things, I won’t go ‘all-in’ unless it is clear they’re here to stay and are receiving Sony’s continued support.
For now I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. Cool beans!
So, if A-mount is high end, does that mean no more A3x, A5x level cameras?
If e-mount is low end, does that mean no more NEX-7 level cameras after the NEX-7N? The NEX-7, and even NEX-6, is not what I’d call low end or entry-level. I wonder what Zeiss will think about this new strategy having just released the definitely not low end Touit lenses.
I know you said it’s not black and white, but points 1 & 2 in your post do not cover my queries about A3x, A5x and NEX-7 level cameras. The implications of this rumour are pretty significant to a lot of existing users and future buyers of Sony cameras.
again, I would definitely picture a larger E-mount camera to which you can comforably attach large A-mount lenses. with an APSC sensor, that would be the “new” A3/5x
I agree with The Lotus Eater. If the medium-term strategy of Sony is to make the NEX-system low-end then that would be quite significant. It would imply that they will not be launching any high-quality lenses either, which would be a very good reason to get out before it’s too late, not invest in additional lenses or bodies and switch to Fuji, since they clearly aims at a clientele that values high-quality cameras and is willing to pay for that quality. The Touit-lenses are nice but they don’t cover everyone’s needs and probably never will — and besides, you can get them for Fuji too 😉
I know. I’m pissed because I recently bought the 10-18 thinking Sony was devoted to improving the NEX. I was also thinking about getting a Touit. Those running the A-mount must have used their political pull inside of Sony. I’m halting all NEX purchases. I’m keeping my FF Nikon and buying FF lenses for it as a contingent plan unless Sony releases a FF NEX. I even priced out a Fuji system today, but the Zeiss 135 APO I’m planning on getting for my Nikon has taken that budget out for the time being.
The key is FF NEX. NEX survival depends on it. The NEX-7 and SAR’s rumors have given NEX owners hope, but the new rumors have shattered our hope. I am predicting low NEX-7N sales due to fears over the future of NEX. FF NEX will bring back hope. It will also shatter sales expectation and doom A and AE mount. I think the future of Sony’s camera division actually depends on FF NEX. RX and APS-C NEX have done well, but Sony needs that blockbuster.
If 10-18 is good and you enjoy it than what’s the problem
By the way do you think 10-18mm is worth the money? I am thinking of buying too
I like it quite a lot. There is occasional smearing in the corners if there is foliage, but it’s kinda expected of these ultra-wide. It’s relatively flare resistant. There is some CA, but lightroom cleans it up well. I’ve used it mainly for street shooting so far, and for that application it’s been a pleasure. I used to have the monstrous Nikkor 14-24/2.8. The 10-18 epitomizes the mirrorless dream. It’s only slightly larger than the 24/1.8.
I’m pretty much done with lenses for my aps-c NEX. I’ve got the 24/1.8, 50/1.8, and the surprisingly decent 55-200. I would love a portrait lens, but I think that is something best reserved for FF.
Me too, I enjoy the 10-18. Same as calxn, some smearing in the far corners (on a NEX-7 and more pronounced at the widest setting), but hardly a big issue. CA can be a bit annoying as ACR can’t always fix them completely.
Whether it’s worth the money is completely up to your usage. As I see it, the price is in the ballpark of most native wide angles, it is really light and has stabilization, which is extremely useful for video and occasionally for photos. I use it for landscape and the NEX-7 and 10-18 make for a much smaller and lighter package than the D80 and Tokina 11-16 which I used before.
I think ‘low end’ means ‘consumer’, rather than low quality. A Rolls Royce is ‘consumer’. ‘Pro’ vs ‘consumer’ is all about intended market, and not necessarily feature-set.
Interesting points, shamb.
By extension, that would mean high end is pro level, which could price new A-mount cameras out of reach of some existing A-mount owners. Does that mean they now have to buy e-mount based cameras (or hybrid mount cameras) that may not even have IBIS?
Current Alpha is 5 for low, 6/7 for mid/prosumer (both of which are really ‘low’ as they are both ‘consumer’), and 9 for prosumer/pro.
I have a feeling the alpha very low end will get lower (see the SLT-58… plastic mount ring, very cheap build, but also very cheap in price). But there is also expensive prosumer stuff in at the top that touches pro (RX/NEX FF, etc) coming, so ‘low’ is certainly not always cheap or nasty.
But I suspect the mid ‘low’ range (current Alpha 6/7) will effectively disappear, leaving the mid as NEX only (with a dual mount hybrid perhaps to replace the 77 and current NEX 7 APS-C in one go?).
I think that’s all for the good: Alpha has simply had too many models in the mid range with too narrow differentiation, and sluggish and sparse high end releases. Both need to be reversed, and the current strategy feels like it does that.
Feature set is about intended market. Consumer, low end or whatever you call it, means that there won’t be a full-featured camera that pros can use with an umbrella of adequate accessories and lenses. Strange move from SOny, I don’t see what’s the problem in advancing both systems, except resources.
Sales.
I don’t see this as being a problem currently, so why would that change?
I think the proper term here would be Volume, rather than Sales, even though they are synonymous in the context. Currently the A5x and NEX-5x, A6x and NEX-6x, A7x and NEX-7x are all capable of performing the same duties. Some will like a bigger body on A-Mount, others will like a smaller E-Mount, but quality of pictures is essentially the same. Removing redundancies, will improve volume for A or NEX model, effectively reducing manufacturing costs, putting Sony in a more competitive position. I know that it doesn’t help anyone’s pockets, but maybe in time, they can reduce prices on their products vs competition or maybe dedicate newly gained resources towards improvements of Lenses and other various accessories.
As far as High/Low end goes. I own A65, but i’m also looking for a NEX-3N with 16-50PZD for light traveling. I don’t think i’ll move away from A-Mount with APSC sensor, unless there is some big breakthrough in FF and its not as expensive. I’ve got only APSC lenses, so selling everything will be way more than a headache.
This is why I no longer can trust a complete move to NEX. The bodies and lenses are not robust enough. Robustness is not required in 90% of the cases so NEX is just fine. For that 10%, you’ll still want a Canikon DSLR with weather sealed lenses. A-mount toys with their lack of weather sealed lenses and accessory support is out of the question. I would like to see a robust FF NEX that can take a few knocks and weighs about 0.8-1.3bs. I’m willing to pay $4k for the body. If Fuji can make the X and Olympus can make the OMD, then Sony can make a more robust NEX. If the NEX-7N is not more robust, I will start to lose faith in Sony. Every other maker is upping the robustness of even their lowest end gear. Canikon is weatherproofing most of their aps-c DSLRs. m43 is moving toward more robust gear, where they used to be plastic jokes. NEX-7 and NEX-9 needs to be robust cameras.
Yes, a step up would be required for the system to take hold. I am starting to look seriously at Fuji lately. They seem to have an idea of where they are going. Even m43 looks appealing, except Olympus’ overpriced stuff.
the A3x series is already done. The latest Alpha 58 (a58) took over the very lowest entry model spot
Pretty strange move from Sony: On one hand they remove the lower-end Alpha bodies (A3X), and on the other hand they downgrade the mid-level bodies (A57->A58) to create a new low-end camera. There is nothing wrong with that, in the light of the upcoming A-mount revolution. At least Sony got the message that too much and too early successor releases doesn’t satisfy customers in the long term.
Honestly, in the alpha series they should eliminate anything with less features/quality than the A77.
I am happy to see the a-series getting some attention as it seems Sony is not trying to add in-body stabilization on the nex cameras ever.
My dream-setup will probably be something like this;
-high end Nex (though probably not FF), for using various 3rd party lenses/and my special hobby interests like UV, IR, Astro photography (I own a modified 5n now, but would like to upgrade later)
-RX1 for walk-around type situations
-FF Alpha with 3-4 high quality (maybe zeiss some of them) primes. I do own quite a few a-mount lenses but should probably start cleaning up my collection…
My big problem is that I also like to do video, and the A99 is not getting good reviews for this, so down the line, maybe a successor to the FS700 is in the plans.
A lot of money for a hobby though..
My take is that it will be aps-c= e mount, ff= a mount, regardless of nex or dslr body.
I personally believe that the difference in pro and low/mid rage cameras are build quality and extra features. As new sensor tech becomes available the so called low/mid range cameras get the older sensors. Photographers were and still are taking awesome pro pics with less tech. All you need is some skill and good glass. You can certainly make a living as a photographer with any nex camera if you wanted to and with a bit more effort than a pro camera. Most of this pro mid low talk is just marketing.Pro cams make life easier but if you can’t afford it then there is nothing wrong with a little extra work until you can. I know people with better cameras than my nex-6 but I am better because I know more than they do. My friend has a mark III with almost all the L glass and he still likes my pictures better than his and wants me to be his teacher which I find crazy since I am still learning so much. I love my 6 and will get the 7n and replace one or both of my 6 depending on my money situation. The nex will only get better since they are making so many sales so I would not worry about a high end nex because it will come and if they dont make one someone else will.
+1. The photographer makes the camera and not the other way around.
that’s even better, then. low end means it cannot be too expensive.
sony, just release it now, get my money and gtfo =)
As long as they a-mount continues with sensible size bodies and support for my legacy and third party lenses, I’ll be happy!
It would be awesome to get an DSLR-sized/typed A/E-mount camera that can take A, E mount lenses… AND Nikon/Canon/whatever with adapters. … if it has full aperature and AF support… Me like!
This A/E-mount grey zone should then however not only apply to some sort of “low end” part, but include A77/A99 replacement as well.
In the rumour for the E mount 85/1.4 it was said that lens isn’t a full frame lens. Why would they be releasing an E mount FF without any native lens apart from the rokinon ones. But this is good news to hear that it is still planned and hopefully it’s still being announced in jan next year.
Zeiss CP lenses also come in E-mount with full frame coverage. Expensive lenses but I expect a full frame NEX to be very expensive as well.
So Nex FF will not get higher than 24mp sensor?
Doubt it… Its a full fame compact.. What do you want a 50MP compact?
Hi Admin – any idea how this will work in terms of models? Eg will apsc a-mount only include the a77 replacement (semi-pro spec) or will there also be an a65 replacement (enthusiast spec). Likewise will the a99 replacement be the entry level ff, with additional high end models, or will we see a more basic ff model?
And thanks for keeping us in the loop – I probably wouldn’t have stayed with sony if it wasn’t for this site!
So they are going for ‘Start high end and percolate down to the low end’ instead of their current strategy of ‘start at the low end and work up to the high end’.
Better because that is the only way to build a brand in the tech space: if Somy cameras are seen as high end, the low end cameras will sell themselves because they become part of an aspirational brand. This works for Canikon: their low end cameras are merely adequate, but they sell on the back of ‘pros use this brand’.
What I would like to see though is some killer final firmware releases for current SLTs and NEX’s: better video bitrates, better jpegs, etc. Then they become sought after and can be sold at good prices for people looking to move up to the new Sony ‘pro’ range (as well as feeding the new brand reputation). Makes sense: the outgoing mid-level SLTs (for example) no longer have competing Sony products (including pro video as that is going 4k) so there is no longer any reason to cripple them to below the max hardware capable rates.
As an avid NEX user I’m a bit bummer by these news, as I read in them the abandon of any quality E lenses in the future save for Zeiss, which prices too high IMO. I desperately wanted a good 2.8 zoom and 2.8 tele, I would even have settled for constant F4, given they were smaller yet quality lenses.
I hardly can stand shooting the 18-55 anymore, and for my use the 16-50 proved even poorer. The SEL35 is the only native lens I care to use and it’s less than perfect in many ways. AF performance is still lagging very badle in the NEX family and PDAF was a cynic joke. As much as I LOVE my NEX 7 (I adore this cam) I will eventually grow tired of waiting for lenses covering my needs and will move on to some other system if 2014 doesn’t bring MAJOR improvements in AF and needed lenses.
Claire, you summed up my view exactly. Let’s hope Sony doesn’t “make us” to switch.
You are mistaken. They won’t abandon E-mount. Only this year Sony will produce 2 zoom lenses: fast G zoom and mid-tele (+ maybe even new 55-210). Fast 85mm is coming too. E-mount will only grow in 2014.
What Sony said is that there will be FF NEX! Call it prosumer or consumer, but that will be some camera! Consequently, FF NEX will need FF lenses – so there you go – even more E-mount lenses (FF this time).
Moreover, the similarities between NEX and Alpha cameras will be much more than today: no mirror for both and software + hybryd adapter to make possible use same lenses (even in crop mode) and so on.
Consider also such important details as: improved jpeg engine that is coming soon, more variety in camera models and sizes, more lenses for both mounts.
the 35mm works better on the nex-6 I had the 7 so i can confirm that. I am actually selling my 35mm as we speak for a 50mm 1.8 because 35mm on apsc is not wide enough but also not narrow enough for what I do at the moment.
I really do hope Sony does this. A FF NEX will be the end of A-mount and A-E hybrid. Sales of FF E mount will simply destroy the sales of the other FF crap mount that they release, and they will finally see the light. No one wants A-mount. No one wants A-E mount. Every NEX, m43, Fuji X, Leica, and Canikon owners are waiting for FF NEX. If Sony does release a FF NEX, you can count the months before A-mount dies on two hands. There will definitely be a change in strategy. Mirrorless A-mount is DOA even if FF NEX is not released. It’ll be more deader than DOA if FF NEX is released.
You paint with a pretty broad brush. I have absolutely zero interest in a nex camera. As I have zero interest in a multi thousand dollar a mount mirror less camera. If I have to either: A) buy a nex and an adapter to use my lenses on or B) buy a camera likely overpriced (such as the 99) to use my lenses on. Well, ill just do neither. The lenses will go on the bay and ill be the new owner of an omd olympus or Fuji setup. It’s really that simple for me. The last couple rumors have pretty much sealed the deal on mine and Sonys divorce and I hate it. I love the SLT models.
Sorry dude, you are in minority: NEX sales are better than ones of Alpha.
Slr sales are better than mirror less. Mirror less cameras are not nearly as popular as some folks like to think. That’s neither here nor there though. Nex are great cameras, I used to own one. Loved it. But not enough to start over with one and have to choose from a pretty bleak lens selection.
I’m afraid you are wrong. It is not SLR sales are higher, but Canikon sales of their SLRs. When we are talking about Alpha vs NEX: NEXes were and are more popular than both Alpha SLR and Alpha SLT. The same story will happen with mirrorless alpha.
Low-end gear always sells better than a high-end. Nothing new in that. Add to this a fact that Sony has virtually no competition in mirrorless market (m4/3 got tiny sensor and Fuji struggles with offering a wide choice of lenses and bodies) and you get the picture why NEXes outsell A-mount. Still though in a long run it’s meaningless. I’m quite sure that in last 2 years RX100 outsold ANY other camera Sony made. What you say on that? Abandon E-mount and focus on much more profitable large-sensor compacts?
I think not.
Emacs – are you referring to mirrorless vs DSLR in context of Sony’s sales or whole industry? Because I see more ppl with NEX cameras than with Alpha – at least here in London
and what’s wrong with VIM Emacs? 😀
vim sucks, of course 😀
@ Emacs – LOL!!!! that’s constant fight here at work between emacs and vim guys 🙂
Things are significantly worse at my job: some people are using proprietary Sublime Text editor. That’s really weird. 😀
No. I’m not wrong. I meant just exactly what I said. And you specified what I was talking about. But as I said, I never cared what the sales numbers are for nex vs a mount. You did. I was just saying I personally have zero interest in a nex camera. I like being able to photograph my kids sports indoors and at night, requires a long 2.8 tele and pretty quick af. Nex has neither. I’m not buying adapters to use my Sony lenses on sony cameras. If my only option is to spend a99 money or more to get what I need, then ill switch brands. Panny makes a m4/3 2.8 tele and the omd focuses quickly enough for casual use of kids snapshots. Nex doesn’t. I owned one. Nex cameras are fabulous used with legacy mf lenses in my view. That’s the only use I’d have for one though. I may very well be the minority, and that’s fine. I realize sony isn’t changing plans to suit me or any of us. Just throwing my 2 cents out there. This news sucks for me
Maybe I’m in the same boat as you are. I would sit tight and see what Sony comes up with next year. NEXes, while being good cameras, miss vital points before being a good photographic solution for me. We all know the AF performance is mediocre in comparison to the A-mount cameras. In addition, most NEX cameras are lacking in ergonomics. Another missing point for me is the lack of digital image stabilisation in movie mode.
It is said already so many times, but people will not listen: A-mount is not going away. All what matters is: will the new generation A-mount camera be good enough (for current A-mount users)? NEX and A-mount easily can coexist. There is no sane person (OK, there are a few) in the world which mounts a 70-200 f2.8 on a NEX to shoot sports. And nobody is going to stuff a Sony A99 in his jacket pocket, so both systems provide solutions for different customers. So I don’t understand all the quarrel between E- and A-mount users. Let us be happy with whatever we use, and appreciate all innovations which brings E- and A-mount to the next level.
+1 seeky i totally agree with you on this one.
NEX is severely lacking in too many fields, AF, lens, etc.
Something that does not work for alot of people.
And what’s with all the NEX people being unhappy about?
Sony is still releasing FF NEX in Mid 2014, so what’s with all the unhappiness of FF A-mount in Early 2014, when you guys are still getting a NEX 7 in 2013?
If FF A-mount isnt what you are looking for, just but your FF NEX later on.
Wow that Nex FF is an impressive camera! Maybe it will create world peace? Solve the climate change problem? Cure cancer?
When will you Nex people realize that Alpha/A-mount and Nex/E-mount complement and not replace each other? I love my a77 and wouldn’t trade it for any Nex. Not everyone care about and love Nex as much as you like to think so.
There is room for both A-mount and E-mount in this world!
You have clearly wrote, that A-mount is for HighEnd, yet you predicting the end of A. c’mon
calxn, you just delivered a killer argument AGAINST coming out with a FF Nex. If Sony shared your assessment, they would certainly NOT come out with a FF Nex, knowing full well that they would cannibalize their own market. I wouldn’t have anything against a FF Nex but chances are that it would be quite expensive and require them to develop a whole new set of lenses so I don’t quite see it as being the big A-Mount killer you make it out to be. (Just for the record: I have nothing against either mount, I hope they continue to coexist happily for a long time 🙂
I am confident that the new NEXes will be excellent prime material. It’s all about sensor and af-speed. If these are similar for NEX and a-mounts, more and more people – maybe except some pros – will chose NEX for the small size and light weight=portability, and flexibility=e.g. adapters for old lenses. There is already a trend where many people sell their heavy gear to go for the light NEXes. The lens availability for the NEX is endless. A-mounts will work on future NEXes via adapter. The only thing that we won’t have in the NEXes is IBIS. If SONY however chooses to withhold fast autofocus and good sensors from future NEXes just to keep them on a distance from a-mounts, they will simply lose market share to M4/3 or other dx mirrorless brands like Fuji.
My point, exactly ! In september I’ll chose what to do with my mirrorless system depending on what’s announced by then by Sony and Fuji. The 7’s successor had better kick some @ss !
NEX IS 4 WEAK GUYS WITH LITTLE HANDS!
LONG LIVE THE ALPHA!!!!!!!
Or: NEX is for the really strong guys that use heavy ancient prime lenses like the CANON L’s 🙂
ALPHA IS FOR ARROGANT GUYS WITH CLUMSY HANDS
LONG LIVE THE NEX!!!!!!!
lol
NEX is Alpha!
nice one and so true
I think what they mean isn’t low-end the way we know it to be right now. The way I understand it The A-mount cameras will be SERIOUSLY high-end, maybe breaking barriers between FF and higher-end format cameras.
That would leave much room for APS-C and even cheap FF NEX cameras. The lower end of the market will be filled by RX type cameras and of course, phones.
I like the idea of a Sony Medium Format beast. Maybe at a more realistic price than Phase One are asking.
Never gonna happen though is it?!?!
Why not? Sony will have a tough time fighting Canon/Nikon but Phase One is just asking for a tough cheaper competitor.
Hoi Admin, any news on NEX firmware update with “real fast PDAF”?
everyone is updating their algorithms (fuji, canon, pentax, even leica lol..
According to your sources, is sony still on the same route, ignoring existing customers? (the CEO sounded different on the interview)
ADMIN CAN YOU PLEASE ASK YOUR SOURCES ABOUT WHAT THIS WILL MEAN FOR THE VIDEO SHOOTERS OUT THERE????????????????????
Currently The Sony video cameras VG30, VG90 and more specifically the higher up FS100 and FS700 all use the E mount.. Could this change to the Alpha mount in the future? Like the Canon Cinema cameras using the EF mount are Sony start using the A mount for video cameras too as they market the A mount as higher end??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????///
I think you missed a few “?”. We didn’t quite get what you mean…
poos, this is sort of bleak outlook for E mount as someone who wants FF quality in pockable size, I guess its time to sell my NEX 6, 5R and some of my NEX lenses as I will be keeping my RX1 for awhile longer
Huh?
“1) There will be E-mount FF cameras”
Knee jerk reactions FTW!
Admin i just want a confirmation.
Will this full frame E-mount and hybrid A-E mount cameras be the high end products or just prosumer/semi pro?
A-high end. E- low end. AE- grey?
I’ll keep it like I’m doing today – the Alpha with all its accessories for project and studio work, my NEX as the vacation-camera and my RX as the everyday-everywhere.
So new Alphas being pro-oriented is ok for me.
I really can’t understand the release of a ff nex camera when there isn’t a single sony e mount ff lens. I doubt they are going to produce a camera for people to use old used lenses on. Seems fairly foolish to me.
Agreed. Only makes sense if a whole lens line is released at the same time.
1 lens is enough for the announcement day. 2-3 for the year ahead would be ideal. Remember, RX-1 sales is good despite the fact its lens is not interchangeable(good one though).
The rx1 is not comparable to a ff nex. It’s a fixed lens compact camera. The ff nex will be an ilc and will most lenses will be as big as the rx1 before mounting them on the camera body. If they existed that is. Which they don’t.
Admin : my simple question is :
When will Sony launch the FF Nex?
Simple answer. Mid 2014.
I`m sure Mid 2014 means some End 2014, or perhaps Early 2015, based on the experience with Sony
I´m 100 % certain that this interpretation that the Nex is low end and Alpha is
high end is NOT correct. The interepretation is rather… the nex is the small
version camera and the Alpha is the big version camera…… that means that
lenses like a 2.8 70-200 are made for the alpha and not for the Nex.. same as large primes and the smaller mount is used for smaller and slower lenses and small
primes…… heck its been that way since the NEX came out so where is the news… ?????
The news is that development of E-mount will focus on low-end cheap plastic gear. Development of A-mount will focus on high-end magnesium-alloy serious bodies. Of course from time to time we’ll see both: cheaper A-mount and more expensive E-mount, but that’s about it.
Lenses and accessories will also follow accordingly. (eg. I can’t imagine Sony releasing any serious flash gun for NEXes)
I dont see the Nex 7 as a cheaply buit cameera…. it surves its pupose quite
well… while the Lunar is tougher built it isnt quite as light and small
and isnt an alternative to an Alpha body like the normal Nexes are….
I know whern I need and use my Nex camera… if I dont mind the wheight I can
use something else….
“I can’t imagine Sony releasing any serious flash gun for NEXes”
Considering the new MIS hotshoe shared by A-mount, e-mount and now Cybershot, flashes won’t be limited to one particular type of Sony camera. A serious flash gun will be as much for NEX as it is for A-mount.
And than you end up with something that you need to hold by a flash gun? Oh wait… you can do this only with a smaller lens, cause anything bigger would break the flash mount due to sheer weight.
I don’t think you’ve ever held an NEX, have you? Some of the rubbish you spout is beyond a joke.
@ Sky_walker: you mean like Zeiss Touit? 🙂
For an aps-c mirrorless an A mount is probably needlessly bulky. E is the right size.
For an FF, e mount is on its limit, the present series cannot be used. Therefore they will not risk a model without lenses and they will go for an A mount, regardless of body (presumably). This is what they mean by high/low end (i suppose).
I guess Peter Korp is perfectly right. Having high end products in A-mount does not automatically mean there will be just crap in E-mount. The current NEX line has very good built qualitiy and I guess that this will not change. New quality lneses for NEX are already in the pipeline and lenses from Zeiss and Sigma are completing the setup.
It is great that Sony wants to put a lot of effort in A-mount. Sony does great in the mirroless compact camera market, but DSLR-size market is an order of magnitude larger.
I guess Peter Korp is perfectly right. Having high end products in A-mount does not automatically mean there will be just crap in E-mount. The current NEX line has very good built quality and I guess that this will not change. New quality lenses for NEX are already in the pipeline and lenses from Zeiss and Sigma are completing the line-up externally.
It is great that Sony wants to put a lot of effort in A-mount. Sony does very well in the mirrorless compact system camera market, but DSLR-size market is an order of magnitude larger and quitting A-mount would ruin their reputation.
even a “low end” NEX camera is a relatively high end camera regarding the overall market… so no problem.
Don’t worry, there is Fuji X-mount out there, especial a new body with swivel LCD monitor. All my lens are legacy manual lenses and just few are from the kit. I just need to change the adapter. Let me migrate to there. Hasta la vista, baby~~
But Fuji body is bigger and heavier. It’s in Leica’s territory. NEX competes with 43rd and other small mirrorless.
I like NEX and they have a place but the beef I have against e-mount (NEX) cameras is that the ergonomics of having a tiny camera hanging off the back of a significantly larger lens sucks; nothing to grip onto and the centre of gravity is way off. This matters when shooting action like sports, press or wildlife. Cameras are tools and they must interface with our hands well. Given this A-mount configuration fulfils a necessary function. I will admit that NEX is manageable when held out in front of you and using screen to compose but I would suggest that most A-mount users shoot with their camera held to the eye.
I have to say that the E mount makes more sense, long term, to me than then A.
It is good that Sony will continue to support the A mount for the next few years, but but it seems to me that something like the NEX series has more long term professional potential — the flexibility to use huge numbers of specialized lenses, including lenses from competitors, small camera size and of course the ability to adapt existing A lenses.
Maybe it makes some sense to begin full-frame mirrorless with the A mount, given the number of existing lenses, but long term the E series has more possibilities.
Well this much news has already been what I was expecting.
admin was kind enough to pull that out in blank.
NEX has always been low end to begin with, i serious wonder why some many people here are STILL refusing to see that.
NEX does not even have a complete system to begin with, and has a body so lacking in features compared to a dslr.
You do not even need to compare it to a-mount dslr, compare to ANY canikon dslr cameras.
And to those who said they dont need a-mount or hybrid-mount are just plain SELFISH.
Its like saying oh i have a mini cooper and i liked that! why are they releasing other cars when mini cooper is the only thing i need?
And to those who kept saying you will get out of sony system please do so and stop coming back here.
And to those who kept saying there’s always adapters for a-mount, i could say the same back to you guys.
Why not use adapters for e-mount, anything is possible since you guys loveeeeee adapters and disregard the size after adapters but regard the size of the body…
i love you
you can adapt A-mount lenses to E-mount, not the other way round.
Not having an existing adapter for it doesn’t mean its impossible.
it’s impossible.
If You have a large Alpha body without the mirror you have room to move the sensor close enough to fit e mount lenses. A super combo for both a and E lenses.
It sounds like Sony is confused and beginning to dismantle the E mount to save the A mount. The original plan was to have two separate systems. One would compete with the traditional DSLR market and one would create a new professional market (ala Leica)on the smaller camera market. The NEX 6 and 7 were bold moves in that direction. The Alpha 99 gave Canon and Nikon a run. But Canon and Nikon saw the mirrorless market as a toy market and it appears that Sony (just as they and others were coming out with decent E lenses) have given in to the Nikon/Canon vision. Why would I as an enthusiast (who always buys professional gear)invest in a system that Sony admits is for hobbyists. I will go with the Fuji line or maybe the micro 4/3 because of the lenses. If Sony has given up on E to save A, then everyone was right about Sony and I was wrong. Fuji film or Olympus here I come. (Maybe Lumix)
That’s unfortunate.
To my mind, the NEX is a range-finder style camera, and the A-mount is an SLR type camera.
There should be an entry level NEX, AND a pro level NEX.
There should be an entry level A-mount, AND a pro-level a-mount.
Regulating the NEX to ‘low-end’ isn’t very forward thinking, and may well kill the line. The NEX is an interchangeable lens *SYSTEM* (not a compact camera)
People don’t invest heavily in *SYSTEMS* that they won’t be able to grow, up to and including pro-level if they so choose.
That’s why you see more and more amateurs/enthusiasts buying D600s/800s, and 6Ds/5Ds.
Olympus knows this. That why they’ve hired Damien McGillicudy to show that their system can by used by everyone from the beginner, right up to the pro.
Fuji knows this. That’s why their coming out with an even more entry level system, but also cater to the pros.
Sony on the other hand seems to be simply reacting to current sales data and trends, rather than showing true insight that would allow them to get ‘ahead’of the curve, rather then be perpetually chasing it.
once you remove the mirror from A-mount cameras, what you get is an unnecessarily large camera with an unnecessarily long flange distance. what was once necessary will not be necessary anymore.
that does not mean it is impossible to have large cameras that look professional.
many of you guys miss the point and make a lot of confusion between quality/size/mount, linking the three when they are completely separate ideas.
assuming there will be no mirror, no translucent mirror, nothing, then E-mount cameras can be designed to do EVERYTHING (and more) current A-mount cameras do. just with much more choice.
I don’t really see why anyone would so strongly defend the A-mount.
unnecessary space?
where else are they going to host the 5-axis IBIS or maybe even better IBIS?
I am still trying to determine if they will be using the slow dual-AF module used in a99 in the new camera…
They have to fix the lag due to the dual-AF, hopefully they could work it out with oly’s input.
“where else are they going to host the 5-axis IBIS or maybe even better IBIS?”
Err… behind the sensor.
lol. fail. The A-mount is a win-win because it’s future-proof. If market switches they can instantly restore OVF, put better cooling inside, in-body filters, release next AF-D camera, whatever is needed. E-mount is extremely limited in that regard and NEXes always will be what they are, simply because of the very short flange distance. Yes, you can build GH3-alike body, sure, but you are always limited to sensor that nearly touches the lens and EVF (or rangefinder-alike setups).
On top of that A-mount means cameras in the DSLR-shape, something that was polished down to perfection over a course of the years. Meanwhile we all know countless issues with ergonomics on NEXes.
So – TL;DR: NO, the E-mount cannot do everything.
so we should all have backup typewriters because if the market fails, computer and printers will not be needed anymore.
or in other words, typewriters are future proof.
Computer vs typewriter analogy is not very correct. It is more suitable to digital vs film problem. Different technology time frame. I think tablet vs PC is more suitable representation of A or E problem.
Exactly. The new a-mounts will be just like the Pentax k-01: A mirrorless system with a unnecessarily bulky body only so that the old lenses still fit. Sony, look what happened to the Pentax k-01 and maybe you reconsider which line to prioritize.
Lots wrong with the Pentax K-01. No EVF, 1/4000 top shutter speed, only 6 fps. The point of a mirrorless camera is cheap fast frame rates, see A77 and good live-view. I think Sony with the A99 really dropped the ball here. The A99 should have had 10 to 14 fps. The real question is how good the focus is, to compete with the DSLRs it needs good focus abilities, it does not have to beat the D4 or 1DX, but it has to be as good as a Nikon D5200 or Canon 60D. If Sony can do that and the price is competitive with similar spec’d camera it has a good chance to stay in the business.
Thank you.
And to all the posters that called me an ” idiot ” for my previous posts prior to sony’s new roadmap going forward pushing A mount Pro gear…how salty does it taste?
Nex – rx1 – gimmick consumer cameras. <— say that part again.
A mount cameras like the A99 Pro cameras. and yes despite the quality of photos the compact cameras can take a Professional should never walk into a wedding or event with consumer gear. Why call yourself a pro when you rock consumer gear? youre that frugal?
a lot of pro photographers who shoot for a living including myself chose sony instead of canon and nikon and are depending on sony to stay competitive with the release of PRO glass PRO cameras to be able to do our jobs. we dont care about cameras that can fit in purses, we are pros. yes they are very nice, but we have to go to work, and know our cameras and be able to justify our choice of camera brand when everyone asks us, why you shoot sony?
anyone of you who says they have shot a wedding or smilar event with a rinky dink nex camera ..good for you !–i dont care how good you say your photos are just picture how you looked like directing and shooting with a rinky dink camera. ridiculous. who advertises themselves as pro photogs when they do not have pro equipment? and you know if you are a pro your photos would be that much better with a pro camera and pro glass combo.
thank you sony for taking the initiative to go forward with pro gear and not focus on the consumer gimmick gear.
there are so many kinds of pros. it all depends on what kind of images you make. an increasing number of pros come to the conclusion that they don’t need the bells and whistles of the ff dslr bodies, and switch to mirrorless, that’s a fact, and I believe that this trend will continue. of course dslr-lovers will still be around. why this whole debate pisses people off is beyond me. there really is nothing to argue about.
According to Sony the A99 isn’t a pro camera, so itis the type of camera that fits into this future hybrid grey area. I don’t get the derogatory comments about consumer cameras here as most people here will be using a prosumer camera which is still consumer.
As a super happy A99 and RX1 user, I’m happy to hear that the A-mount will remain high end, but all anyone and their brother is talking about is how much they want a full frame NEX, so for them to make E-mount an entry level-centric mount is a terrible idea. Both A- and E-mount should have great lenses,and I hope for their sake they make E-mount into a professional line, or Samsung will, and Samsung will also make it a phone, too, and everyone will love it! So c’mon Sony, don’t abandon the potential of E-mount already.
I think this A mount pro plan is Sony’s answer to not making a FF NEX body. They will just make FF Alpha bodies keyed off NEX tech. They will still looks like SLRs but, maybe thinner in a spot or two? But immovable distance from lens back to sensor front will still make the center SLR thick.
The mount should be multi-format, that is, capable of supporting m4/3, APSC, full-frame. Sony knows this, they show it in their promotion of the Metabones EF adapter.
The greater they leverage successful mounts, the greater the chance of selling the equipment.
It’s just one local division that made this promotion. I wouldn’t jump into any conclusions out of it. Just like I wouldn’t jump into any conclusion from the fact that in one country Sony does offer D2D warranty with A-mount camera replacements, multiple training sessions, road-shows and got very intense marketing.
Cause you see – one promotion made by one local Sony division is meaningless when there’s nothing to follow.
That one division sees also means that others could see it as well. No conclusions drawn, just an observation.
This will make me feel so much better when paying $3000 for my low-end FF NEX.
Why dont they (Sony) just do a modular design?
They might be working on it silently.
The reason for the move is simple, as I see it: there is no sensor neither AF lenses for the ‘rangefinder’ FF NEX and plenty of excellent glass for A mount. Go figure what will they do in the nearest future!
The market will determine the health and future of lenses for both mounts. For the short-term, Sony has to focus on A-mount if they intend to release a successful FF NEX given the lack of full-frame E-mount lenses for it. What would the point be of releasing a full-frame NEX camera tomorrow if all the lenses for it will give a cropped field-of-view and limit the maximum resolution.
Either Sony has to make the camera elegantly accept a-mount lenses natively in addition to e-mount or they have to start transitioning the e-mount lens line to full frame. The lenses may then increase in size, which may be less than ideal for consumers who are drawn to the NEX / e-mount system for it’s compactness.
Given the quality that one can now achieve with compact mirror less, it is not surprising that Sony will focus the SLR-style mirror less bodies to Pros, Prosumers and Enthusiasts who generally prefer the larger body, ergonomics, and advanced features. It’s a good thing for all users for Sony to focus on high-end / pro bodies because the features developed for it will trickle down to the more economical bodies for a greater return on R&D.
In the end, it’s a good thing if aXX users can use e-mount and nex users can use a-mount – more lenses and options for all to suit one’s needs.
Why buy higher resolution lenses.
Sony only plans to make “30+mp” cameras.
Current lenses are good enough for that. This entire new generation of higher resolution lenses is a waste because Sony does not want to make a high resolution camera.
Why do so many sar readers speak in favor of higher res lenses and against higher res cameras?
Current E-mount lenses on a full-frame nex will limit the achievable megapixels of a given full-frame sensor since the image circle will not cover the entire frame of the larger sensor. I’m not doing proper math here, but a 24mp full frame sensor with a crop e-mount lens would give you a 14mp image because the camera would have to enter a crop mode. Using the full-frame a-mount would give you full coverage and all your pixels. You know this. For a real world example, see using Nikon DX lenses on an FX body.
As for optical resolution…consumers tend to want their lenses to last through several camera body upgrades. So if what you say is true, the cameras can and will eventually catch up to take advantage of the optical resolution. Lenses are long-term investments, cameras – not so much in the digital age.
Primes are OK but zooms? High quality FF zooms have good resolution for current generation of FF sensors. But they do not take full advantage of 24Mpx APS-C cameras. Check it yourself at DXOmark. So it make sense to have FF body not only for better ISO performance but also to get high resolution while using zooms.
E-mount is CDAF optimized for video
A-mount Is PDAF optimized for still picture
So simple
High end Still camera can be a low end Video camera in terms of controls & operations
High end Video camera can be a low end Still camera in terms of handling & response time
All this just proves is that Sony is not real Pro Camera company. Dont’t trust them. They can’t seem to be able to make a real DSLR so they try to sell mirrorless as a pro option. And when they realize that there old lens system bodies are not selling (even as little as they used to) , they dilute the NEX series in favor of the Alpha. I won’t get fooled again by bull dinky marketing. Sony needs to realize that a real camera company is built on glass not sensors. I am going to invest in a real camera system that fits my requirements, not a clever marketing system. Screw Sony!
I am so pleased that I invested in the A mount and looking forward to 2014. With second generation G series lenses, new Zeiss glass and mirrorless bodies on the way exciting times ahead. I think 2014 will be a game changing year for Sony camera division.
Si
+10
I’m looking forward to playing with the successor to my trusty old A850 and seeing how my Zeiss A-mount lenses perform with it. I just wish we weren’t always waiting around for Sony to release the next big thing.
Stop waiting – go out, shoot and make great images.
Thank you for your heartfelt yet thoroughly facile and utterly irrelevant reply.
Any less relevant that stating you look forward to trying new lenses on an old body? Oh and all comments on a rumor board are irrelevant. Sony doesn’t give a f*ck.
Obviously the NEX sales couldn’t have been that amazing from them to still leave the E-mount, NEX as the lower end line,
So in reality.. nothing at Sony has changed, they just need better feature sets for the pro crowd and some better mid range lenses
I am really looking forward to the new Sony cameras (A-mount for me). I am sure that entry level, advanced and pro models will be available for A-mount. But Sony please, not only megapixel monsters. A mirrorless 24MP full frame model in combination with an APS-C 24MP (improved IQ over A77) for telephoto applications would be perfect. Of course, for those who like, offer a 36+MP camera, there is request for that too.
It is okay Sony, just make me a low end 30 megapixel entry level nex 5X, without AA filter, best with tri nav and hotshoe. Sell it US$600 since it is entry level. Thanks! : )
Hopefully this post title will help people understand which line is for what uses/market once and for all.. I’m sick of all the ‘Best Buy’ Nex owners complaining on here about Sony Alpha news and releases that doesn’t have anything to do with the Nex system or prohibit them from using their small (and affordable) Nex camera as they wish.
AND Nex has to compete with Fuji right now and simply cant do it so its a smart idea to focus on a system that has a longer/larger loyalist base right now… Minolta Maxxum users up to earlier Sony alpha a100, a300, a350, a850, a900, etc. users.
QUESTION FOR EVERYONE:
If you were to remove only a SINGLE removable feature from the coming top-of-the-line A-mount, which single feature removal would result in:
1) greatest absolute possible cost reduction;
2) greatest possible cost reduction per unit performance loss.
Complex question, I know, but I’d love to hear everyone’s opinions.
I also wonder what the price difference would be between the new top-of-the-line A-mount, and an identically-featured camera with a less expensive build–no sealing, plastic instead of metal, etc.
The Qs have a lot of presumptions. Ask ye how Nikon, Ricoh-Pentax, etc while using Sony made sensors come up with competitively priced cameras with, at times, better performing cameras. Once you (ie., Sony) do that answers/solutions can be found. 🙂
While I’m sure not many would agree, I would love it if any company made a modern camera, with zero video features or ability. Zero. None. And just average consumer build quality. I don’t need a tv built to last 40 yrs when ill throw it away in 6-10. Same with digital cameras. Why people obsess over having a body built to outlast the electronics inside is beyond me. They aren’t film cameras anymore folks. The technology changes faster than you can wear the paint smooth. I realize some actually use cameras in harsh conditions and need water proof bullet proof cameras, but I hate that I have to pay for that to get the good features. Things like mf adjustments, the better af modules and such can be put into cheaper bodies. I want a camera built to last 5 yrs. not 50. I don’t have any delusions that I’m a nations geographic pro on assignment when I’m at my sons football game. If it starts raining, ill put the camera in the car. Probably along with myself.
Ah, the NEX mount is used on professional video cameras. Based on that the OP statement is incorrect.
Did anyone stop to think about the reasons why the Rx1 was built the way it is. Not interchangable because if size constraints, no evf because of size constraints, small battery because of size constraints. The tech isn’t there yet for smaller camera bodies. The new A-mounts will at the very least be lighter and not piss off loyal customers that have spent thousands of dollars on A-mount lenses. The tech will eventually shrink enough for the nex ff at nex7 body size and turn Leica into a lens only company like Zeiss. Expecting amazing new bodies every year and then complaining about Sony focusing only on bodies and not enough on lenses doesn’t make sense. Remember also that Sony is making more money producing sensors for other companies than what they make selling camera equipment to us.
Mirrorless A-mount? What shall this good for? To combine the disadvantages of a DSLR (long registration distance) and a NEX (EVF)? And call this High-End?!?
Give us an A-mount camera with a viewfinder like the one of the good old SL2 — and then let’s talk!
I find it insulting that Sony considers the E mount to be a low end entry level camera. I own a NEX7 and rarely use my canon bodies any longer, just the lenses on my NEX. Sony must realize that the NEX system is the FUTURE.
People seem to misunderstand the grey area comment. I think it means, E mount will have consumer and Zeiss (pro) lenses on a variety of bodies (but probably not any body that could match what an A mount pro body could do).
Think of the A series plan as focused on enthusiasts and pros while the E could be for either of those if desired (with smaller lens selection) but the obvious consumer looking for a simple, smaller, interchangeable camera system, would go E.
E lenses are also probably never going to be sealed nor the NEX bodies. But A pro level bodies are sealed. All that is needed are some sealed lenses + other pro lenses.
I agree. Nobody is saying Nex is going to be the “cheap” line. It is a line for people who love to take great pictures (and will have cameras and lenses to back that up). It won’t be weather-sealed, and if you want Image Stabilization, you have to buy lenses that include it. Instead, it is more portable, easier to bring on vacation etc.
VG, FS, EA users just in ass, as always…
New “A” mount roadmap, sounds very exciting..
NO interest in FullFrame. NO interest in large DSLR style cameras. And now NO-MORE interest in Sony.
I’ve been using Sony Broadcast cameras since the 1980s, and I’d hoped that the NEX-7 would be the start of a DSLR KILLING line of NEX cameras and lenses. I was wrong, so the Sony gear is For Sale … and I’m out-of-here.
You know this is a rumor site right? Sony hasn’t stated anything about killing NEX or e-mount. It’s a really big company, they have supported multiple lines of lenses and mounts on the video side for decades. They can handle supporting two lines on the still side. Relax.
When I read this forum and the constant preoccupation with gear I wonder if anyone finds joy in photography. With all the beauty in this world and all the choices we have with equipment how is it possible that a photographer could be unhappy with their output. If you are then I think it is your fault not the equipment. There is so much more to good photography than gear. The subject and the skills of the photographer are so much more important. If you are shooting people then your relationship with that person and getting their best expressions from them is far more important. Having the subject express themselves freely is so much more important than gear. I am kind of tired of looking at pictures of models that technically are good but the models look lifeless. I am thrilled to be able to embrace the different camera formats; compacts, 4/3, APSC, and FF. I have them all. I am not looking for any one camera to be everything or any one camera brand to be everything. So when I am cycling I take a Panasonic FZ200, when just walking about an RX100, when traveling an Nex 6 and EM5, when shooting outdoor sports, wildlife, concerts and productions an a77, and when shooting portraits and weddings then an a99 and EM5. Since the a99 was my latest addition I have been examining it’s IQ with my AF Zeiss primes. I have been so impressed with the Zeiss 85 and 135 combos with it. Why should I be dissatisfied? When I think about getting better IQ I know that I am the limiting factor more so than my equipment. Perhaps we all pursue the quest of getting the perfect picture and not being not completely satisfied. I understand that but I want to read about more sharing about the art of photography and for this forum to be more of a supportive community rather than one where people are trying to be better than others. I would like us to acknowledge the efforts of the these imaging companies and their employees. How about showing some gratitude for what they produce. None of us can produce any of this equipment ourselves. The engineers are amazing. I think the technology is amazing. Because of them it will only get better. I am thrilled to be able to use it. I am tired of all of the put downs and vulgar references. Isn’t being a professional also about recognizing good work, even if it didn’t come out of your own camera and giving others respect, and having integrity and ethical character. I also try an remember that photography is an art form. So in a way I am an artist. And thank you to everyone that has made photography what it is today.
+1
A big +1
Nice, true, reasonable…foreign concepts amongst some of the commenters here.
+1 too 🙂 But…I love NEX system and I am a little worried about their future. This system have the almost-perfect combo for me and many people, and deserves to go VERY FAR.
A BIG +1
Again, NEX camera should get to the point that they can do almost everything current DSLRs are doing, including the A99, only with Wifi and apps and all that jazz (though probably somewhat smaller than DSLRs) and the new A mounts should be something else, something that isn’t on the market right now, that will make all other cameras seem really outdated.
So, the “Low End” is actually what we’ve come to expect from cameras like the A77. Effectively from what I understand from this roadmap, NEX cameras will actually replace all current SLTs, while lower end NEXs will cease to exist, making way for cellular cameras.
This sounds like a very sound strategy to me.
To all the NEX-loving DSLR-haters: remember that some folks like and even NEED the larger size: their hands don’t fit well onto the smaller cameras, controls are too cramped and fit under the knuckles rather than under the fingertips. Photography turns from a joy to a painful chore.
To all the NEX-hating DSLR-lovers: time to face the fact that the NEX line has the same sensors (and can mount the same lenses as) your beloved “pro” gear, and thus can turn in images just as good… and is smaller while doing the same job! While the 3 & 5 lines aren’t “pro-spec” the 7 surely is… just like in Alphamount!
So, if you’re hatin’ on EITHER line… just try to tone it down, ‘K? All that comes across is shrill whining, lightly saute’d with bias and dusted with a coating of ignorance. Is that REALLY how you want to be seen?
Just sayin’ …
Meanwhile: keep up the good work, Admin!
FWIW: I like the A-mount, mostly. Admire the tech in the NEX, but I’m one of those who just find smaller cameras uncomfortable to use for very long at a time. I can’t see buying into a CSC for the times when I want a “smalll camera” — I’ll get one of the high-end superzoom p&s models for that, and stick with the SLR (or SLT, or whatever they call the next generation) formfactor for the majority of my shooting.
+1
That’s correct
I tried a NEX, and I couldn’t handle it properly, I need larger buttons, larger handle
NEX= No IBIS = Not interested
Simple as that really
With electronics, today’s high-end is tomorrow’s low-end. The basis changes continually.
NEX can’t be a pro camera because it won’t be any use with big professional lenses like 24-70 or 70-200 and a flash unit. Besides, even if they make PDAF on sensor work, still no IBIS.
So, E-Mount is and always will be designed for casual shooting. Maybe more expensive / good IQ casual shooting with an FF NEX, but still.
my be sony can use the mirror space for a flip up ir filter or an flip up aa filter, sigma has a remove able ir filter
Never before or since have camera mounts been so thoroughly discussed and debated.
You obviously weren’t a photographer in the 80s then. This minor debate is nothing compared to that period.
Hmmm, have to think this must be a translation error. I can think of no reason why Sony would want to damage their best selling camera line. Certainly, Sony needs a camera that is seen as “Pro” in a way that the A99 – for all its strengths – is not. But as a professional using the NEX 7 (alongside full-frame Canon), I can say how ridiculous it is to say the camera is entry level. But hey, Sony has done many totally illogical things in the past. If this rumor is true – that Sony wants to cripple the development of their best-selling line of cameras – we will just add this to the list of Sony-what-were-you-thinking strategies. And as a commenter above stated, if this is true there is no way to feel confident about buying the Zeiss lenses now.
Grey Area again?!
DSLT-A99 Video optimized camera on a DSLR body?
VG-900 FF mirrorless camera on a Video Cam body?
NO Thanks, Sony.
I can accept something like:
High Quality/Pricey glasses for E-mount
High power walkaround zooms for A-mount
I’d love to see:
High end A-mount mirrorless camera that rivals D4 & 1Dx in terms of picture quality & performance
Low end E-mount mirrorless camera that rivals Panasonic/Samsung in terms of functions, size & price
I have the A57 if the new one comes out in the same “class” I might buy it depends on the lens. I have the feeling that older lens will not work with AF. Sony is renewing the whole line. Having innovations means you say bye to the old stuff.
I am not sure why Sony wants to compete with Canon and Nikon. They should find their place in between.
We will see!
1) There will be E-mount FF cameras
This is the only thing I need to know 🙂
Just remember folks how Sony strung along a700 DSLR folks on and on about what they were doing that in the end we found they were not doing any DSLR. So what Sony says now, what they feed the rumor machine can be just the same, smoke and mirrors, non of which will see the light of day in 2014 or any other year. NEX or A mount. The only thing that can be trusted to be real is what they are selling now, and that they probably will abandon that soon for some new sillyness that they will call revolutionary, but will be just ordinary and non-competitive at best. That’s Sony in photography. Keep shooting with what you have, there’s every chance it’s the best you will see out of Sony.
I doubt it, Walt. The A77 is better than the A700 in so many ways.
How much speculation. Nobody knows for sure what will happen, then no despair!
I think sony NEVER would drop its sales success), they are wanting is to get strong market comfortable canikon daring and causing the current DSLR’s cameras are obsolete and no future prospects.
Too eager to get their hands on the new cameras … If agreed with the A99, will not go wrong following ugly logo. 🙂
Perhaps Sony can launch some FF E-mount cameras exclusive for Hassel with a bigger camera body like the Fuji X-Pro1.
What lenses do you need for FF NEX?
Distagon 15/3.5
Distagon 21/2.8
Distagon 24/2
Distagon 28/2
Distagon 35/1.4
Sonnar 50/1.5
Planar 55/1.2
Makro-Planar 60/2.8
Planar 85/1.2
Makro-Planar 100/2
APO Sonnar 135/2
APO Sonnar 180/2.8
APO Tessar 300/4
Tri-Elmar type Multi-focal lens
28-35-50/4
50-85-135/2.8
28/4 Tilt & Shift lens
350/5.6 mirror lens
PS: Some of FF lens produced for Hassel can be fixed on a RX body to avoid direct competition (e.g. Panasonic/Leica).
The camera system without entry-level is rather dead camera system.