Image courtesy: Quesabesde.
It doesn’t happen very often but some camera rumors I do receive fall in the category “Mystery cam“. These are cameras having unique and yet unseen features. The Sony RX1 is one of these cameras. According to a trusted source Sony is working on a new “Mystery cam” that yet we haven’t seen realized by any other manufacturer. The source was so cruel (LOL) to not unveil me any bit of info about it. He only said that it is scheduled for a 2013 release. He is a top source, that’s why I post it now on SAR.
Anyway, I let you guess what this may be…
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The RX1 can be pre ordered at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK ,Wex Germany, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH and more links at Alphacameradeals.
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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!
115 Responses
I don’t know whether an RX10 (yes, ten) would qualify as a “mysterous” product, because the gap between a FF RX1 and a 1″ RX100 is too obvious to be left empty. So I suppose there will be an APS-C RX10 next year.
I also don’t think he were talking about the RX10…
Unique with unseen features… probably doesn’t mean another RX1-like camera then, but certainly the RX1 is unique. It’s just that another RX1 sibling wouldn’t be unique because Sony has been there, done that.
So where is the gap?
I doubt it would be a medium format camera, but that is an obvious gap. Prices would be very high and aimed at the pro market, but Sony needs to beef up its support for the pro market at the full frame (and APS-C) DSLR level before considering going to medium format, a speciality area that is continuing to be undercut by improvements in 135 format DSLRs. Nope, not MF.
… unless it were a medium format RX1. LOL
Honestly, I have no idea. Need. Coffee. Now.
I’d jump also on the RX10 horse.
What about my idea: It is an APS-C compact-zoom with something like a 20-60/2-2.8 or so?
Or Sony has licensed the Lytro technology and comes with a usable model compared to the Lytro one?
Zeiss 24mm f/1.4 fixed lens for RX10 APS-C compact is tempting enough!
Why APS-C? Make it FF then I’ll bite.
Sony RX2 with 2,0/90 mm?
I don’t think many would buy that.
I’ve seen lots of people asking for an RX1 variant with a standard 50mm. 35mm is too wide for some. Maybe they should release a 1.4x teleconvertor.
Speaking of (top) rumours, any news about that hybrid mount? Is it indeed comming?
modular FF mirrorless camera? that would be something. you could build cam from bits, for both left and right handed people, the core would be mount, display and sensor and to each side you could either attach grip or VF module – I’d love that
forget about modular mirrorless or dslr. It was proven over an over again that something like that stands against best economical business for any company. I suppose only Olympus could come out with something like that, simply because they have nothing to loose in 4/3 mount (as it’s nearly dead).
I hope a Rx3 with triple zoom like 35-50-70. In Jan I want to buy the RX1. Hope for more information about this rumor.
I guess the hybrid mount FF camera was VG900. It has an E-Mount AND an A-Mount adapter shipped with the camera.
yep.
It’s not a hybrid mount. It’s E mount with adapter supplied.
Well, that’s what they meant when they said “hybrid mount”.
Point is that: Adapter doesn’t make a hybrid mount. Otherwise my A-mount camera would be hybrid mount as well, cause it supports all the functionalities of some M42 lenses. And it’s not.
Hybrid mount camera, according to some other rumors, was suppose to be one that won’t require any external adaptors to switch between A and E mounts. Rumors said that it was to be released in late 2012, but it seems like it slipped to 2013.
Being pedantic is not a quality.
I want a new HX300 superzoom, 1″ type sensor with better dynamic range, 10-1500mm equiv angle of view, constant F2 bright lens, RAW, hotshoe, remote control for timelapse shooting plus hybrid focusing system for 12fps sport shooting ! must cost no more tian A57！
Could be SONY 6X6 CMOS camera with zeiss 80mm f/2.8 fixed lens?
Are you making this up or is there a rumor behind the usual rumors ? I’d buy that (if it had a grip and viewfinder 😉
nope…
Even better: take the Konica-Minolta DiMAGE A2 as a basis (this was a really good design, buttons and dials all over the camera). Put a 1″ sensor in this camera (you will porpably have to enlarge the camera a bit), and put a modern flip LCD on the back. Retain the tiltable EVF, no other current camera has this!
Could it be F828 kind of camera with modern APS-C sensor?
That would be awesome to me.
maybe this is RX10 with APS-C sensor 😀
hope that camera as good like RX1 and have hot shoe, tilt lcd, and viewfinder 😀
My Guess an RX1 but with a zoom lens
Xperia camera anyone? *drooling*
Either with optical zoom like Samsung Galaxy Camera.
Or with 1 inch sensor.
Camera with moving sensor that, allows you to use autofocus with manual lenses.
I love this site.
I have been thinking about his many times. I am pretty sure it could be done if Sony or any other camera maker really wanted to. For non believers, check up Contax AX, a SLR that could AF with all manual lenses. However, building a small and neat housing for FF or APS for that matter, with sensor shift focusing and stabilizing sounds like a real challenge.
I’m struggling to understand why Sony would have any interest in making a camera for old manual focus lenses.
I suppose you still struggle then why Sony released E-bayonet specifications and encourages 3rd party adaptors for MF lenses.
Hard life you must have…
That is entirely different to designing and releasing a camera specifically made for focusing manual focus lenses.
Please either post these “released” specifications here, or shut up.
Boooe – here’s the press release: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201102/11-018E/index.html
So have you tried getting specifications?
The link you posted contains marketing crap and nothing else. Moreover it talks about “basic” specs. What about full specs, for a fee maybe?
That would be too radical, even for Sony. Unfortunately, only symmetric lens designs will work ok with this solution.
Though, in theory, camera can use slow, and cheap movement in-lens (probably even manual) and fast, accurate movement of sensor for small adjustments. That is, reducing focus hunt of CDAF to only sensor, not massive lens.
Its simple, its the square sensor FF camera. Might also be medium format!!!
bit off topic here but what’s the lens hood in the picture and what’s the point of having holes in it? sry for being ignorant.
No harm in asking. A vented hood does the job almost as good as a normal hood. So why vented? It will not obscure the line of sight when used on a rangefinder or a camera with an attached OVF. And it is less prone to shade the onboard flash when used with wide angle lenses. The negative is it will not protect the front lens from dust and rain as efficiently as a normal hood, and it is also a tad more fragile.
Are we to understand that FF NEX no longer qualifies as “mysterious”?
I think he didn’t refer to the FF NEX.
An RX10 (with APS-C sensor) would be obvious. But it’s nowhere near in the “that yet we haven’t seen realized by any other manufacturer” category. Since there are already advanced P&S with APS-C sensors, like Sigma DP and Canon G1x.
You must be from another planet. Haven’t any heard of Fuji X100?
Going for the more impossible variant: an RX100 but with tiny collapsable interchangable lenses, E-minor mount.
Like the Nikon V/J series?
Something like that would be nice, but smaller in size, lens and body wise.
A gutted Zeiss Ikon stuffed full of the RX1’s electronics and software stack.
FF compact with fixed top level zoom 4/24-120, tiltable screen, hotshoe, EVF, price below 3000. (Well, all that is from my wishlist…;-))
5x zoom would decrease the IQ to an unacceptable level i guess
The NEX version of RX1 definitively….
Then it wouldn’t be Nex or Alpha
FF POV
this is unlikely as POV cameras needs to be small and with a very large depth of view but this would most like unheard of and would never be consider thus my speculation and my guess
square sensor 36×36 camera with electronic global shutter 🙂 … with possibility to use hasselblad glasses
Mystery or logic ?
I see no mystery in the launch of the RX1. It’s a logical response to how the market received the NEX 7. Some did not like the mandatory EVF, others complained about the lack of quality lenses. But more importantly; the end goal that many of us are waiting for is a FF, mirrorless, EVF machine with interchangeable lenses. If Sony didn’t have to worry about pleasing its image sensor customers they should introduce the above camera with a new universal lens mount that would accept third party fully automatic lens adapters for lenses made by Canon, Nikon, Zeiss and Leica. Whether Sony has that kind of balls remains to be seen.
a new camera with proper LiveView for video (before pressing REC) ?
oh wait, we have seen that realized by Canon. and Canon only, so far. (?)
correct me if im wrong.
well, if you have an a77/a65, turn your mode wheel on movie mode… the preview there is already cropped…
What is the interest of an RX10 eith APDC and fixed zoom…
When you have already a pancake 16-50 and very affordable and excellent Nex bodies and sensors?
Maybe Sony wants some attention…keep the discussion up now, because the big shows are over.
Ok, why not. As long as many people follow…:-)
Exactly. See no point to make a Similar size but with APSC Sensor. Or maybe many would call it ” RX 10 ”
Its just like existing Nex cameras with lens on it..
1 vote for 35mm square sensor ff.
Wish it was a foveon like full colour sensor,ff, compact design, interchangeable lenses
Well, my bets go:
1. Square sensor A-mount 36x36mm camera.
2. 3 CMOS camera. Kinda like camcoders – with beamsplitters in the middle and each sensor collecting different wavelength. I believe that was a patent for that while ago from Sony.
3. Interchangeable bayonet camera. AKA: Camera with no bayonet what so ever. In shape of Minolta DiMAGE, and option to attach A, M and E bayonets + ability to create bayonets by 3rd party developers (so you’d have full support for m4/3 and EOSM lenses as well – totally unlimited choice of lenses!)
4. Sony’s Foveon-alike sensor hits the shops sooner than anyone expected? I’d be delighted, especially for A-mount version, but hardly see this happening – too early for breakthrough like that.
5. Sony releases a FF DSLR! The A900Ti, with fully titanium body, A99 sensor, and completely new autofocus – OSPDAF for video, and standard PDAF for stills & low-light shooting. (ok…. ok… just dreaming)
Won’t you get more vignetting with a 36mm square? Or are we talking about a new mount?
Large sensor 3MOS seems like a packaging nightmare (for a still camera).
A900Ti? Perhaps an OVF/EVF hybrid DSLT is the mystery camera?
36x36mm square sensor would allow you shooting vertically without rotating the camera to vertical position with any desired proportions achieving higher resolutions then possible in any other way + it’d allow you to shoot 30mmx30mm squares.
“Large sensor 3MOS seems like a packaging nightmare” – without an OVF it might be doable. In best case scenario it should be in size of A900. But it really depends on technologies used. In worst case scenario we’d have Minolta RD-175 remake 😉
“Perhaps an OVF/EVF hybrid DSLT is the mystery camera?” – This would require nearly no lag from EVF and as that’s what Sony struggles most with right now – I don’t think there’s a chance to see any hybrid viewfinder camera (unless you mean DSLR with dynamic matte screen – this should be possible to do).
Well, an aps-c zoom cybershot, or a FF zoom cybershot. Once sony made an aps-c cybershot called R1, so i guess now we will see an FF zoom.
A pink RX100!
This site seems to be just like the bell in the pawlow experiment, with Sony as the investigator! 😉
bark bark bark
Drooling too; just like with pavlov
May be a FF mirror less Camera with Leica M Mount?
RX1n, an RX1 with a 50mm lens. Not so special, but I’d put money on it.
Sony will try to hit the Pro Market with a medium format camera
.Mirroless
.EVF
.Modular design
.Zeiss lenses AF
.Medium Format sensor, 70x56mm (aka 6×7), 80MP
Sony easily has the capability to put out a camera in MF range, with 50 meg + sensor that has iso range well above those of current MF cameras, and dynamic range that’d be competitive too. Pixel counts that high would end the need for AA filters, which would up image quality even more. The price could undercut MF cams so severely as to kill that whole market segment – really, it’s just inevitable. Sony’s recent release of cheaper 4k video cams caused Red to lower their prices by about 30% – and I suspect release of MF equivalent cameras would require MF manufacturers to drop their prices by 70% or more and wonder if they could survive! The D800E has got to make them have a lot of sleepless nights as it is… What will the next couple of years bring???
and lenses wouldnt be a problem, Zeiss already has plenty of MF lenses designs, Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Contax are all zeiss lenses, and being a mirroless with a shorter falange distance all MF lenses (or FF lenses in crop mode) could be adapted!
The new sony’s professional video cameras (F5 and F55) already adopted a modular design and interchangeable mounts, now if they made a professional line of MF cameras with the same philosophy maybe it would be a hit.
but who knows, this is just my geek side talking!
It won’t be 70 x 56 mm. Square sensor 36 x 36 would be an interesting size in the gap between 36 x 24 and so called medium format….If you are interested in square aspect ratio, 30 x 30mm might be more interesting due to ability to use 35mm lenses.
That, or RX10 with a 23mm-46mm f2.0 constant aperture zoom.
Ha! Ha! Ha! … Initially FF!
2013 is too far away…
* Medium Format won’t happen, Sony has enough trouble with lenses, as is.
* 36x36mm square sensor cannot fit in either E-mount or A-mount. And Sony won’t do a new mount!
* FF NEX or an RX10 won’t qualify as a mystery.
If we are talking about a “mystery” device, a consumer level device that records 3D movies would qualify.
uhh? You noticed that FF is 36mm wide? 36x36mm sensor would allow you to shoot vertical without rotating the camera (excellent feature with EVF) and shoot ~30x30mm squares.
IMHO 36mm x 36mm is a perfect size for revolutionary A-mount camera.
you would have to rotate the lens hood though!
Basic geometry. It. Can’t. Fit.
A rectangle of 36×24 can fit in the circle because the limited vertical height of 24mm. The circle is wider at only 12mm above below center than it is at 18mm. So unless the mount circle is significantly wider relative to the sensor width, you can’t expect to make the sensor height equal to the width inside the same circle.
must be NEX 1, 2, 4, 6N/R, 7N/R, 8(which is a 6 with touch screen) and a 9 (which is a 7 with touch screen). All come with the mighty 18-55 and 16-50 for the best optic available in the world. Also 7, 8 and 9 will be without AF as most of the users of these bodies use MF with their lens anyway. Wow….it is so cool!
As much as I don’t understand the idea that a hybrid mount can’t involve any adapters BUT it can involve different bayonets–which of course are NOT adapters because they are bayonets which is a different word. Sony does already have the ZF mount which I believe would allow for attaching an e-mount adapter–err, excuse me “bayonet”–or a-mount bayonet. It would also be large enough to allow for a native 36x36mm square sensor if you used native lenses. It is the same mount used on the F series pro cameras which means it could have a global shutter. A true global shutter would be game changing in the camera world.
I also like the idea of a NEX/hybrid camera with a high MP FF sensor (48-54Mpx) that bins down to 12Mpx for high-speed, low-light, or 4K video. I think that’s mostly just a personal fantasy camera spec that we’re not likely to see.
There is that whole 4K question, IMHO. The tvs are coming out within the next couple of months, and of course there is little content to feed them (some movies are now available going back over the last decade). While articles say that upconversion is reasonably effective, Sony’s gotta put production into the hands of the masses. Whatever the configuration, something 4k capable and priced for consumers must be released!
Sony already have E-mount camcoder capable of 4k. It’s FS-700.
You’d say that is priced for the masses? I make six figures, and it’s outta my range. C’mon – THINK before you post.
Go, look how much they ask for PL-mount 4K camcoder, and then come back complaining that FS-700 isn’t available for consumers.
I’m talking about absolute amounts, not relative amounts. High end, professional stills cams are in the $2-3k range – and are not consumer range. B&H has the FS700 listed at $7999 – and it isn’t 4k capable until an external hard drive, likely costly several thousands more, is added. You must be joking.
I say Sony has the ability to come up with a high end cam in the $3-4 thousand dollar range, without adding an extra module. THAT is a price point where people will start to sacrifice to get their hands on an item, because stuff recorded with it will be SO darn awesome!
Rob, you are living in a dreamland 🙂
You’d look at an $8000 camera that isn’t 4k capable with accessories, and call that consumer level, then question MY sanity? What a joke you are! It’s ok – I can’t respect you or your opinion, so say what you want. Idiot.
FF Hybrid mount NEX
I’m STILL more worried about lenses than bodies.
Another cam? What about the f**** lenses?! This is getting too ridiculous…
square sensor? xpan-like sensor? twin lens system? or sensor is normal types like FF, APS-C, 1″, etc but will do some unique purposes like medical-use (acquired Olympus), astronomical use? or to play PS3/PSV game in camera?? (that’s really Sony unique assets that canikon, samsung, etc dont have 🙂 ) haha~~
may be a new mighty FF mirrorless camera with P mode only and you need to pay and download the app be able to use A, S, M mode, and also focus peaking! Sony will make loads of money on focus peaking app alone as the potential buyers are all using MF lens….there are many excellent MF lens out there and Sony no need to develop lens anymore.
Imho NEX9 FF is coming…..
Maybe another 3400 $ fix-lens toy, this time with a 50 mm lens? Brilliant, the true innovation etc.
The 2013 camera will consist of 4/3 sensor w/ 5-axis stabilization, compatible with 4/3 Olympus lenses (since Olympus practically killed the 4/3 format), dual blank dials with separate flash & proprietary (minolta) hotshoe.
The model name is MX1.
Unicorn sold separately.
With the Hassy connection, I do think a MF camera is not unrealistic. So the sharing of technology and the rediculous Hassey rebrand Sony cameras might shift into a MF area for Sony.
I would like to see either square 36×36, which would work with all A lenses. Also if it could be shifted for 1. Image stabilization and 2. Shift lens like effect. You don’t need shift lenses, just get the sensor to do it.
Or A 56×56 square MF camera. Compatible with all the old Hasselblad 500 series lenses. Might happen.
A modular approach to DSLTs? They’ve already taken the modular approach with their recent pro cinema cameras (F5 and F55), maybe they thought, well hell, nobody is doing this for still camera. let efin do it.
So, a “brain” part, a cubic block containing a screen, a sensor, an- e-mount,and the processor. Then the grip is attachable on either side, which ever you prefer.(even on the bottom for an all day portrait mode), then the electronic viewfinder is also attachable on either side, which ever you prefer (side/top etc.). Then for the mnount, you can attache the EA3 for FF lenses AF, the EA2 for apsc, then metabones for Canon, and other smart adapters for everyone else to make. The PZ is their universal mount for pro video cameras, the e-mount if for the stills. Native emount lenses, will have OSS and power zooms, so theres the differentiation/ added-value for e-mount vs a-mount.
So there you go Sony..just gave you 10years worth of engineering ideas in there.:D
For an idea of how it might look, should be similar to this. http://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-11-at-8.12.19-PM.png
I want a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 90mm portrait lens. That would be something really NEW!!
So if RX10 & NEX-9 are e not it….
An RX1 spin off with zoom & with new sensor tech, either Foveon like or organic toppings,
I would like to see a 36×36 sensor, 4″ retina LCD, and a high magnification 5mp EVF, in a weather resistant body a bit bigger than the NEX-7 with more buttons and customization options up the wazoo(map any function to any button).
+1
That would do it 🙂
rx10, obviously
Medium format (40mm*40mm square sensor) EVIL/mirrorless with accompany Schneider 21, 28, 35, 50, 85, 135mm primes to take on Leica S and soon afterward badge engineered for Hasselblad.
The only original proposition that has not been tried so far would be an m mount camera with a square 30mm sensor.
Name it “Zeiss Ikon D”, put into rangefinder body, and sales will outnumber Leica 10:1 🙂
An a38 😛
A wild guess, modulated syste.m or medium format.
It’s their new xperia smartphone with e-mount -)
This new Camera will be a NEX FULL FRAME with interchangeables Lenses
Obviously it’s going to be a camera that does not do stills at all, video only!
Though that would not be a surprise from Sony. A still only camera would be.
sony should add hybrid autofocus in the rx10 or whtever the sony fixed lens aps-c cam is called with a viewfinder too, am sure thts easy to be implemented.
“Mystery cam” that yet we haven’t seen realized by any other manufacturer
my guess :
1. Full frame camera with global shutter
2. Full frame autofocus sensor (autofocus point in all sensor area)
Full Frame NEX – HOPING!
RX10/RX1000
A low-magnification HX9 in a largish RX1 body and 1″ sensor: 25-400mm, f2.8-4.0, Macro capability across all focal length (c’mon Sony, don’t lose out to Panny), made for wildlife, nature/hikers, macro folks and soccer moms.