This page gets continually updated! Keep checking for news (latest added news on top of each category).
You can already preorder the new stuff!
Sony NEX-C3 BLACK at Amazon (Click here).
Sony NEX-C3 SILVER at Amazon (Click here).
Sony NEX-C3 PINK at Amazon (Click here).
Sony A35 body at Amazon (Click here).
Sony A35 with kit lens at Amazon (Click here).
Sony 30mm macro at Amazon (Click here).
Previews
Sony A35: toma de contacto (Quesabesde).
Sony NEX-C3: toma de contacto (Quesabesde).
NEX-C3 First look at Amateur Photgrapher.
Full NEX-C3 review at Focus Numerique (Click here ot read the google english translation).
First look on Photoreview.
HOT: Sony NEX-C3 preview at DPreview.
HOT: Sony A35 preview at DPreview.
Image samples
A35 image samples at Dpreview, Imaging Resource (Studio test).
NEX-C3 image samples at Dpreview, Focus Numerique (ISO comparison with the Panasonic G3 and Olympus E-PL2), Imaging Resource (Studio test).
Highlights
HOT: Sony officially announced that the new NEX-3/5 firmware will come on June 20th!
“A firmware upgrade (Version 4) adds the new ‘Picture Effect’ function to existing NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras. It also adds a Peaking function to assist with more precise manual focusing. This upgrade will be available June 20thand can be downloaded from: (www.esupport.sony.com). ”
And so for the A33/55:
“Available beginning June 20th, a firmware update for existing α33 and α55 cameras adds several creative and operational enhancements. Support for the ‘Picture Effect’ function featured on the new α35 model is now offered. High-Speed Synch is supported during wireless operation with a compatible external flash (α55 only). Ergonomics are further improved with revised menus and a new mode that lets users switch shooting parameters overlaid on-screen for clear, uncluttered composition. The a33 and a55camera’s Digital Level Gauge can also be displayed when shooting via the optional CLM-V55 external LCD monitor. Frequently used features can now be custom-assigned to the D-RANGE button for rapid, menu-free access.”
See the picture effects at Dpreview.
NEX-C3 ships in late July or August, and will be offered with those familiar 18-55mm and 16mm kit lenses for $649 and $599, respectively. Bodies paired with the zoom will be available in black, pink, and silver, while the camera in the fixed-lens kit will only ship in black.
The A35 will hit stores in August for $699 with an 18-55mm kit lens, or $599 for the body. There’s also a new 30mm f/3.5 macro lens ($249, October) and a larger external flash ($149, August) for the NEX series
Sony says the new NEX-C3 cam is designed to fill the gap between point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras, and is the smallest body to pack an APS-C sensor.
Price in Europe: Alpha 35 body 600 €. With 18-55mm lens 700 €. With 18-55mm+55-200mm 900 €
Price in Europe: NEX-C3 + 16mm for 580 €. With 18-55 mm for 630 €. Double kit for 730 €
The flash costs 150 Euro.
Links to Press release
NEX-C3, A35 and macro lens at Photoscala.
Sony NEX-C3, 30mm Macro Lens & F20S Flash Announced (Photographybay).
A35 article on Amateur Photographer.
NEX-C3 article on Amateur Photographer.
Article on Engadget.
Sony NEX-C3 at Imaging Resource.
Sony Alpha NEX-C3 : fiche technique (Alpha Numerique).
A35 at Alpha-Photo.at.
Sony A35 at Imaging Resource.
Sony Alpha 35 : fiche technique (AlphaNumerique)
HVL-F20S pour NEX : et le flash devient accessoire pour 150 euros (Focus Numerique)
Youtube-Vimeo
Sony NEX-C3 video at Quesbesde.
Sony A35 video at Quesabesde.
Japanese NEX-C3 commercial (Youtube).
Hands-on video on CNET.
Sony Alpha NEX-C3 Hands-On Preview (Youtube).
Sony Nex C3 Alfa 35 primi scatti test (Youtube).
Poll
[poll id=”57″]
123 Responses
Silver, black and pink, but no white? Surprising.
Wheeeeeeee!
wwhat..??? we have to pay 150 euros only for the flash..?? does it means that the flash does not include in the NEX 3C box..?? OMG..
btw..any news for NEX 7, admin..? 😀
It’s the more powerful flash that’s $150. You’ll probably still get the weak clip-on flash.
Wow….finally!
so june20 for the FW update, huh? bummer!
Many thanks for the good news Andrea 🙂
June 20 for the FW. Wonder why it is taking so long.
So firmware updates to both the NEX3/5 and A33/55! Yay! considering I have both that makes me very happy. I knew the new peaking/effects FW update coming for the NEX but am glad the SLT’s are getting an upgrade as well – sounds like improved output over HDMI, wonder if it is uncompressed or at least full resolution?
Where does it say anything about the firmware updates?
Still nothing….
Any word on the firmware update for nex5?
According to what i read, it will be available at 20th June..
Even a Cyber-shot HX9V P&S have Full HD 1080/60p video capabiliy but not the NEX-C3 or A35? All my hopes are crushed!
The A35 didn’t even have Swivel or Tilt screen. I bet it didn’t even have Full HD 1080/60p video capabiliy?
I’m so disappointed! I guess I’m gonna go get the Canon 60D.
Because the 60D does 1080/60p of course?
Nex-C3 Video preview on YouTube…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clU0jhd14dY
Well not 60p but it has a nice swivel lcd. I been waiting and hoping for either NEX C3 or A35 to have 1080p video and a swivel lcd but all my hopes are crushed.
Both on June 30th
Sorry June 20th. Both SLTs (a33 and A55) and Both NEX 3 and 5. Not sure about VG10, haven’t seen it mentioned but assume it is coming then as well.
It’s a conspiracy man!! Seems like the cameras have been out for quite some time and people have already gotten time to do Videos and previews! Not complaining though. 😀
NEX-C3 is $650. A35 is $700. Sony made the decision very hard…
Sony blew it with the C3. No remote. No bracketing. Silly picture modes. It’s like their test team were children.
They could have made a camera that had wide appeal to serious photographers. Instead they made a toy.
The weird thing about the picture modes is that they aren’t copying the most popular picture modes from the iPhone. They really should. There’s one that looks like a pinhole camera which is very common on Twitter updates from iPhone.
the loss of the articulated screen!!!!
too bad!!
No announcement of the A700 and A55 successsor ?
That’s coming in July.
A35 – no tiltable screen? that’s total FAIL 🙂
A77 countdown again!
waiting for a57
Focus peaking on NEX-5 means the camera will be even more of a manual lens user’s dream. I may not upgrade for quite a while, thanks to the firmware update coming. 🙂
Why would you say that? Do you really want Sony to know that so they don’t make firmware updates and force us to buy new cameras every year?
Sony clearly put focus peaking in the firmware to appease manual focus users, and their Photokina booth last year promoted the use of manual lenses heavily. This isn’t a secret to them.
I’m not talking about the peaking. Obviously Sony would rather see sales than making old customers happy. It’s up to them to dismiss a firmware update and just release a new camera a year later. I mean, the a33 came out last year and there is already a replacement? That worries me. So if people start saying that they were going to upgrade until the new firmware update changed their minds then why would they release an update? So far there is no word of an updated firmware for older Nex and a33/55 models.
Dear Sony, please have killer video with full manual controls in the Nex 7 and A77.
Yes please.
There seems to be subtle upgrades in the a35. 29 minutes of video, better power consumption, and redesigned chip are all great news. A few have mentioned the negatives like no tiltable screen and no 60p.
I’m waiting to see how the redesigned chip performs along with the performance of the processing times for RAW. I would like to use RAW without having to wait around for the camera to catch up.
I don’t understand how the focus peaking works. Also, will it work with all manual lenses?
The edges of things highlight with a bright color, so you know what is in focus. It is pretty cool. As you turn the focus, the color jumps from object to object, like magnetic dust to iron.
Thanks Will. So wherever an edge is highlighted, that is what’s in focus?
Yes, though bear in mind it is not always an “edge”, it could just be a smattering of sharp-enough details that the camera decides to highlight. Here’s what it looks like on a different brand of camera:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5nEz6oMGBU
Dear Sony,
Please have a swivel articulated screen and some killer video feature with full manual control in the NEX-7, A57, A77 or whatever you call it. By then, you got my business!
Yes Vincent, I agree! Sony could crush the GH2 or Canon when it comes to video in their consumer cams- but so far they’ve been unwilling to do so. Unfortunately I don’t think that’s gonna change with the A77 or Nex7.
By doing that, sony is afraid to kill their own products, like the higher specced NEX pro and semi-pro…
I’m with Vincent on the manual video control.
But Sony want my business in the form of 5k for the FS100. And they may get it, after I have seen what is up with the next canon 5D. (and i’m a Sony users with several a900 and a55 bodies and zeiss lenses.
And I have to admit, that if i was in Sony shoes i would not care about video makers worth 700 bucks. 🙂
That is actually not a business.
let’s be honest, who is really meant business in video, even a small one, can spend 5k for the real video camera.
All the rest are students and moaners like the EOSHD guy. they mean nothing as a business.
Wait, so what changes wiil be availale in new FW? Just picture effects or something else?
Why did they remove the articulated display?
Amateur Photographer reports that the screen has been removed to cut costs and the A35 will be considerably cheaper than the A33 bringing SLT to the masses.
So, now I will take a 30min break for my Cappuccino 🙂
Please send me the bill, I would love to buy it for you 🙂
Come visit me and you can pay me one 😉
People. Kindly read the press release and all the links admin listed above before asking questions.
And seriously, comparing a35 with 60D?
WHEN COMES THE FW UPDATE?
What comes with them?
Whoa the macro lens is quite small actually! 55mm in length!
At amazon.com…it says a35 is 12 mp!
Sony alpha SLT-a35 12 MP Digital Camera Kit with CMOS Sensor and 12x Optical Zoom (Black)
Wait…no OSS for the Macro???
Haha, of course not, too cheap (and too wide).
Nope.. no OSS for the little macro
Dear admin, could you kindly add in the post that there will be new firmware updates for the older NEX models as well as a33/55 on June 20th because there are many busy people here who doesn’t have time to scroll through the whole press release. 😀
hahaha…good one folks..! everybody asking that without read the article first..hahaha.. 😀
Where is the source of that info? Need the link 🙂
it’s from your link above.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1307505735.html
Forth last paragraph:
Firmware update for NEX-5, NEX-3
A firmware upgrade (Version 4) adds the new ‘Picture Effect’ function to existing NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras. It also adds a Peaking function to assist with more precise manual focusing. This upgrade will be available June 20thand can be downloaded from: (www.esupport.sony.com).
😀
Thanks Chris!!! 🙂
you are very welcome.. 😀
Still waiting for NEX 7 info……… lols.. ^^
30mm macro in october…..puh
i dont see how they will manage to be ready with the two other lenses (of the three promised) in 2011!!!
A big thumbs up to Andrea’s successful prediction 😀
Yeahhhh! 🙂
yeeeahh..bigg thhummbss upp..!! 😀
I hope Sony can include more shortcuts for the center key instead of only 3 but looks like this is not happening in FW ver. 4….
I mean for Nex-5….
A33/a55 update:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1106/11060820sonyslta35preview.asp#press
Second last paragraph.
Thanks!
Much kudos to Andrea for being the first on so many of the announcements. I appreciate the hard work (labor of love) that you put int SAR.
A question, if one pre-orders from Amazon, can you cancel if it shows up locally before amazon ships it to you?
I would like to support SAR by buying through your Amazon link if that is the case.
Yeah I agree, kudos to Andrea! bring us more rumors! 😀
From Amazon “Sony alpha SLT-a35 12 MP Digital Camera Kit with CMOS Sensor and 12x Optical Zoom”
12Mp? lol and wtf is “12x Optical Zoom”? It’s not a compact! 😀
Epic Amazon fail! XD
Been waiting for this announcement long time, now after seeing the specs my question is whether to buy the NEX5 or the NEX C3. Any tips?
How about the obvious one. Size. 🙂
tough one, you can’t decide unless you hold one.
I think the NEX 5 still has the better handling.
I’m very disappointed that we won’t see the NEX macro lens until this October. If the Zeiss lens is to be announced with the NEX-7, we likely won’t be seeing either of them until 2012. After all, what’s the point of a professional body when you don’t have the lenses to back it up?
I like the price though.
NEX c3 is a professional body? Wow that should be a compliment right. 😀
Maybe you can buy other macro lenses from other brands with an adapter if you really need one. 🙂
Read it again, I’m talking about the Nex7.
The updates are much appreciated, Andrea, but I’m extremely disappointed that only one new NEX lens was announced. Sony asks us to support a new camera format, but they don’t even provide a decent focal range, unless you count that monster 16-200 mm lens (which I feel is too large, and defeats the purpose of absmall camera).
18-200mm…
It’s more suited to the VG10 line-up of video cameras (which I can understand). I agree with you on everything else 😀
Hear that Sony? MORE LENSES… on BOTH A/E mount.
Yay, Firmware update that ignores wireless syncing on the A33 and doesn’t give manual control during video capture.
This captain is so jumping ship if the A77 turns out to be junk.
The A33 isn’t aimed at people who want wireless syncing and manual video control. With the A55 I’d agree though.
It’s a 100 dollar price difference…
Either way the Canon Rebels support wireless syncing and have manual control over video. As my friends all continue to film alongside with their Canons at 24p, full manual control, no overheating, and longer battery life…
I begin to wonder if i’ve invested in the wrong company.
canon screw up live view AF, even worst in AF video tracking, no HDR build in, no panorama build it. i just like it 24p.
24p doesn’t even do it for me, shutter speed on the other hand is neat
No, you have just invested in the wrong camera.
Compare your friends crappy Canon video autofocus and live-view to yours. Compare your friends crappy dark OVF to your 100% coverage bright EVF.
24p is vastly overrated and you get 29 minutes on the A33 without SSS. If you are shooting more than 90 seconds of continuous video you are doing it wrong anyway, people get bored of watching one scene and it should change at least every 90 seconds.
Why are you concentrating on the few negatives of the A33 when compared to a Canon Rebel it blows it away in terms of functions and performance? Or are you just falling into the trap of Canon=Better?
Another great job feeding Sony Alpha (NEX) rumors. Everything you have said turnout to be true.
Much of the rest of the noise came from readers putting forward dreams, wishes and paranoia.
Again THANK’s
Now, what did we get?
The much awaited announcement of two bottom-of the-line consumer cameras and a questionable macro lens for the NEX platform, plus a few odds and ends.
WOW
I understand that we are all waiting for the A77 and the next NEX camera and we think a few new lenses will or could be part of this July announcement. Let’s just hope.
As many others have pointed out over the weeks, Canon and Nikon along with Sony replace the bottom cameras yearly, adding a few new features and change the name/number on the product and do a big marketing announcement. Firmware updates are also done routinely, and this is what we just got.
For me as a someone who has been a Minolta/Sony shooter for a longtime now I’m still hoping to see if and how Sony plans to support the me and the other photographers that need/want pro consumer and professional grade equipment.
The jury is still out.
Not at all, totally Sony fanboy for the most part.
Manual control of video was the single most requested firmware update and Sony just ignored it. I live in Florida and the camera overheats in the summer with ISS turned off in just 6 minitues then I cannot record for more than about 30 seconds or put in in AC. I help film skate competitions for a publications website with an 18-250mm and in the contest atmosphere you must continually shoot for the duration of the run.
Compared to all of the problems, the Live View and OVF darkness are meh.
If your A33 is overheating in 6 minutes with SSS off, it’s broken. However 6 minutes with SSS ON is right. You should be getting 20 minutes in a hot environment without SSS.
It’s rated at 22 minutes with ISS turned off at 86 degrees, in the summer here is is regularly between 96-98 degrees. That is from a flat start. The 6 minutes might be exaggerated, but by the time I’ve captured some B-roll warm-ups the camera is overheating and I would have to go let it cool for some time before it is able to be used. These are all day events.
Bottom line is that they get forgiveness since this is their first video hybrid, but if the a77 doesn’t just destroy the 7D for video than I’m selling hardware + lenses and rebranding.
Hm…I just read something that the nuclear fallout in Fukushima is twice as high as previously expected.
How about that regarding delays…?
Sony has lose in the miniature b@ttle for nex vs gf3. even the leica lens super compact than sony lens 😀
so you mean they lost the lens battle.. i doubt the gf3 is smaller then any NEX 😉 ..the lenses for M4/3 can naturally be smaller as the sensor is smaller. its similar to saying the gf3 has lost the miniature battle against compact cams(or if you want a interchangeable lens cam:the ricoh gxr) 😀 but i doubt you`ll find a more compact APS-C system
also read the Macro lens part to see its not bad at all: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/sonynexc3/page3.asp
where is the firmware updates for a560 and a580?
they should have the picture effect also.
NO update for A560 & A580. They are last digital SLR in SONY range.
D-SLT is the future for SONY only !
Hoorayyyy!
Firmware update for a33/55
The NEX family needs a 24mm F/1.4 from the likes of Zeiss. $900 or so on good optics is a good investment in my books. You can also use this on the NEX 7 when it comes out or throughout the NEX range.
Sony has the right sensors, but can’t match them with the right lenses. We need a new A-mount Pro lens line (that actually work with the NEX!!) just like Canon with their L range.
Sony show us the NEX 7 already!
With the improved sensor and processor of the A35 giving better low light ISO performance and greater detail and colors, solving the overheating problem and gaining a 30% improvement in battery life, this is not the time to buy a new A55.
The firmware update will be welcomed by A33/A55 owners but that’s not the same as improved performance.
Is there a timetable for an A55 replacement this summer?
I want an A55 but with the new sensor and processor.
EPIC FAIL!
Sony *Still* has not fixed the studio usage problems with the A33/A35 and A55 where there is not an option to gain up the EVF so that you can see what you’re shooting.
How clueless can this corporation called Sony be? There have been very many complaints about this problem and after all this time, they still refuse to fix it.
I guess if you’re buying the latest DSLRs from SONY, SONY does not believe you should be allowed to shoot with studio strobes. After all, soccer moms don’t know how to use strobes, right?
Also the flash delay problem is still not fixed either!
What a useless company!
^^^ a35 is NOT for you, it’s for entry level users, like soccer moms as you have mentioned. You get what you pay 🙂
I agree about the A33/35, but the A55 should work 😉
sony blows it again in video dslr world
Huh? You mean by having the fastest video AF there is?
AF is for your grandma’s video camera.
AF is for people who aren’t anal.
Sure glad that I hung on to my Maxxum 7D! I’m buying another used one today from Adorama. SONY has really put nothing out to make me want to “upgrade”.
That’s because they haven’t replaced the 7D/A700 yet. Do keep up at the back. :p
Is there somewhere where I can find video files directly out of these cameras already? I’d like to check the resolution
Sony is really consumer-based! If you’re a pro-shooter buy a CANON, NIKON, PENTAX,… .
Cheers
Seppes – “Sony is really consumer-based! If you’re a pro-shooter buy a CANON, NIKON, PENTAX,…”
Well, I hope no one tells Pinup Perfection Magazine that my photos were shot with a Sony…they’ll know I am an amateur.
Stupidest thing you could possibly say. There are plenty of pro shooters using Sony cameras.
Yeah because the badge on your camera makes you a “pro”…yawn…
I hope my client’s don’t hear this….I will most definitely loose them – NOT xD …..there are tons of canikon shooters looking at my back and eating my dust…..and I still shoot with a700
Being a pro is about vision and creativity. A Canon fullframe doesn’t make any individual closer to being a professional.
Based upon the new gear Sony is putting out, they are placing themselves in the pole position of enhancing creativity on the fly. Narrow-visioned folk may call this “consumer-based” or gimmick based. This is the same type of arrogance that was around during the change from film cameras to digital cameras.
The a35 is definitely a step up on the competition. I hoping for newly designed lenses for the A-mount on the regular Sony and Zeiss lines. I’m happy with my 1680z, but would welcome a newly designed Sony 18-55mm f/2.8, preferably with SSM.
What’s considered “Pro” and “Consumer” are merging in the market place as technology improves and professionals look to cut costs on production. It’s getting harder and harder to justify the high cash outlay for “Pro” gear, whether it’s $5K for a pro camcorder or pro full frame camera.
NEW TELEZOOM High Speed Shooting mode is digitally 8MP, 7fps burst mode. (2:22)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoCQdqINCJ8
I think Sony really blundered on the A35 by “saving cost” and omitted the articulated rear screen.
Gone now is the ability to frame creative shots from different angles with FULL VIEW of the rear screen.
I hope the A55 replacement or the new A77 still has the ability of a articulated rear screen. Even the new Nikon D5100 went to an articulated rear screen!
I’m a Nikon D90 owner thinking to jump ship to Sony. I like the A33/A55 but want a more serious DSLR. The A77 better have an articulated rear screen, otherwise I’m out.
Sony really botched the A35 by omitting the articulaed rear screen. I think its a physical downgrade from the original A33. Feature wise its just OK, but physically I thnk its a BIG thumbs down!
The A35 competes with the D3100 and 1100D. You can’t compare the A3x to the D5100, that is the A55.
The only APS-C body suitable for an ex-D90 user will be the A77, don’t bother looking at any other Sony, they will disappoint you.
I’m not comparing the Nikon D90 to the A33/A55.
I just stated that I like the A33/A55 physical design (small with articulated rear screen) but I want a more serious DSLR – the A77.
My point is I think Sony made a bad design decision on the A35 by saving cost – by omitting the rear articulated screen.
Gone now is the ability to frame creative shots from different angles with FULL VIEW of the rear screen. The new A35 now has limited itself to framing only shots that you can see behind – just like the rest of the standard DSLR’s out there.
Poor design call from Sony. I hope the A55 replacement doesn’t loose the articulated screen like the A33 did. And the A77 better have an articulated screen, else I’m out.