Sunday, January 31, 2010

Some Pictures from Putrajaya Wetlands

For those who intend to take part in the Putrajaya Wetlands photography competition, I had a list of places for taking some shots in Putrajaya.  But for the Wetlands, all I can think of would be the lake where the swans/pelican reside, the observation tower and the flamingo pond. Well, here are some shots taken recently.

Flamingo-CloseUp

A bunch of flamingos taking their afternoon siesta …

Flamingo-Sleeping

A view from the top of the observation tower … it was a hazy day and kinda frustrating, so I had to look at this “zen” like view to clear my mind =)

View-From-Tower

Why frustrating?  Well, it is not just the weather but the attitude of the people, both the visitors as well as the maintenance of this wonderful place.  You will see litter around, e.g.

Coke-N-Nature

Badly maintained picnic tables, e.g.

Broken-Picnic-Table

And even missing drain covers …

Missing-Drain-Cover

It can be a beautiful place and it actually is!  Just that these minor setbacks do get to my nerves from time to time.  I guess it is also due to the hot and hazy weather that amplifies the mood.

If you intend to go over, do be a little careful.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Jill-e Camera Bags for Ladies

(I realised that several of my readers are ladies and this post is meant for you :-)

I posted about Jack n Jill camera bags several months ago as an alternative to the boooorrrrriiiinnnggggggggg and unfashionable offerings from Tamrac, LowePro, Kata, Winner, ThinkTank and so on.  Jack n Jill do sell very fashionable camera bags that are definitely much cooler than the youthful ones produced for Gen X or Gen Y by Crumpler.  Would you ladies want a camera bag that looks like …

jill-e

Yes, they do exist and they are made for your DSLRs … and compacts too of course!  You can visit them at jill-e.com. Their latest press release …

Jill-e Press Release

VICTOR, New York, January 27, 2010 – New bags and some new ideas from jill-e designs, the maker of fashionable, functional camera and carry-all bags for today’s technology-rich, on-the-go lifestyle, will be on display during PMA’s 2010 Conference & Exhibition, Feb. 21-23, Anaheim Convention Center, in Booth # 2490/2492.

Two sturdy, stylish, female-friendly back packs, as well as three classy, colorful clutches suitable for today’s point-and-shoot cameras, join the company’s growing portfolio of unique fashion-conscious bags – specially crafted to protect users’ camera gear and fragile electronic devices, and look terrific doing it.  Today jill-e designs offers fashionable, highly functional camera and carry-all bags for women and men, and for every taste, budget and need.

In addition, Jill Wight, Co-Owner/Partner of jill-e designs, will deliver a presentation for retailers titled:  “Women are from Venus … So Why does Your Store Look like Mars?” This informative event is loaded with concrete examples of how retailers can increase sales by making some simple adjustments to take women’s sensibilities more into account.  It takes place at 2 p.m. (pst) Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the PMA Education Theatre, on the Convention Center floor near the Food Court.

“We’re continuing to see a broadening appeal for bags that both protect and flatter, so we continue to come up with

bags that make sense for the high-tech items a lot of busy people carry today – cameras, computers, communications and entertainment devices – and also deliver the style and sass which jill-e designs is known for all over the world,” Wight said.  “These new back packs and clutches are perfect examples of products that satisfy today’s customer, and we’re very pleased to introduce them to the photography community at PMA.”

The “right-sized,” female-friendly back pack, more suited to a woman’s dimensions, is made of high-quality nylon and comes in brown or black with an appealing graphic design on the front.  It features all the components – padded walls, configurable Velcro dividers, pockets, etc. – jill-e designs is know for to help ensure the safe transport of expensive, fragile equipment.  And it fits a full complement of photographic equipment, or other gear.

The clutches – perfect for a point-and-shoot camera, cell phone, and/or a few personal items – sport an eye-catching pendant-like jill-e designs icon and a detachable silver chain useable as a shoulder strap.  These bags are available in three rich colors:  red, black and cream.

Oh, they also do produce designer camera bags for Jack …

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Putrajaya Wetland Photography Competition

From time to time, there are some interesting happenings around Putrajaya.  For example the upcoming hot-air balloon festival which is an opportunity to take some creative shots as per last year. They are also organizing a photography competition for the appreciation of wetland and lake biodiversity.

image

Eligibility

  • This competition is open to all Malaysians.
  • Participation is divided into three (3) the categories:
    1. Secondary School Students (under age 18 years);
    2. University Students (aged between 18 to 25 years - please attach student card as proof) and
    3. Open Category

Conditions

  • Photos must be taken on 6th or 7th February 2010
  • Participants can submit more than one (1) photo, but is only eligible to win one (1) prize.
  • Only one (1) photo per entry form.
  • All photos must be in original digital form (at least 3 Megapixels).
  • No post processing of the photos are allowed.

Ownership of Photographs

Each picture submitted to this competition will not be returned and will become the property of Perbadaran Putrajaya. The pictures submitted cannot be used for any commercial activity or any other competitions.

putrajaya-wetland

You can get more details here.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Sony Alpha 4th Birthday!

Ok, it’s a day late as 19th January 2006 was the day that Konica Minolta announced the transfer of it’s DLSR business to Sony.

Alpha-Birth

Alpha-Birth2

They can now say that they are in the “Big 3” of the DSLR business (although some would probably disagree).  Well, happy belated birthday Sony Alphas …

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Healthy Food Anyone? Baked Vegetable Pasta …

Dinner

Something different to post today, it is not about photography, not about cameras, not about restaurant reviews, not about opinions on cars and definitely not about Sony!  Anyway, it is still about food, to be more precise healthy “universal” home cooking.  Universal?  I think it’s kinda food that can be accepted by most.  The menu was:-

  • Whole wheat buns
  • Beef burgers
  • Pasta with Baked Vegetables

Home Made Whole Wheat Buns

The buns were made according to most recipes that you can find in general for bread.  You just need to kneed the dough and put it into the oven.  Too many different types, so will no go into details about it.

Raw Burger Patties

The burgers were inspired when I went shopping at the village grocer and came back to create my own.  It’s just too expensive to buy it from the butcher.  The ingredients were:-

  • 300g of Minced beef
  • 1/4 Onions
  • 1/4 Carrots
  • Parsley
  • Bread crumbs

I forgot the Worchester sauce and pepper but it turned out ok without them.  They were fried in a stoneware deep pan which only required a teaspoon of olive oil to fry them.

Frying Burgers

I felt that the burgers were a little plain, so decided to sauté some onions and button mushrooms to garnish them.

Burger Garnishing

Raw Vegetables

The main dish was the pasta with baked vegetables which was simply a mixture of:-

  • Aubergines (or Eggplant or Brinjals depending on where in the world you are)
  • Zucchinis (or Courgettes or Japanese Cucumber depending on where in the world you are)
  • Pumpkin
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Button Mushrooms
  • Parsley

Baking Vegetables

Pre-heat the over to 220 degrees centigrade, baked them evenly spread out for around 25 – 30 minutes (until the edges of the vegetables are lightly browned) with a little olive oil.

Baked Vegetables

For the pasta, just boil the pasta (I used whatever was in the kitchen and it was Macaroni!), fry a little crushed garlic, add in about 400g of canned tomatoes (suppose to be fresh tomatoes but didn’t have any at that time), add a teaspoon of oyster sauce and a teaspoon of raw sugar.  Simmer until you get the required wetness and then add in the baked vegetables.  Cooked for a short while and serve!

Pasta with Baked Vegetables

Enjoy!  I did … and overate!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Initial Impression and Review of the Sony 50mm F1.8 SAM (SAL50F18)

Well, many moons ago, I posted briefly about the Sony SAL50F18 prime lens and mentioned that I intended to get one soon.  Well, I finally managed to get my hands on a used model and here are my first impressions of lens.  To keep it straight to the point, here are a few observations;

SAL50F18-Plastic-Mount

  • The lens mounting is made of plastic similar to the SAL1870DT kit lens.  This gave the lens a cheap feel to it. See image above.

SAL50F18-49mm

  • The ring size of the lens is 49mm, which is rather small and you can’t use the filters that fit your kit lens.  The lens is actually quite deep (far from the front) so you don’t really need a filter.
  • This lens does not have a hood, it has a rubberized front.

SAL50F18

  • The SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) is really silent!  I did not even notice it whilst I was testing the lens.  I only remembered about this after I changed my lens.
  • It’s a fast lens, I think this is obvious, it’s a F1.8.
  • It is rather small, less than half the size of the SAL1870DT kit lens.

I did some quick in-door shots with the lens wide open at f1.8 and at ISO100.  The depth of field is definitely much shallower than any of my other lens are capable of doing.  The picture below illustrates that the prawn is the only item that’s in focus.

Prawn-Mee

These shots are without flash and in-doors.  With the lens wide open, it allowed me to take the shots at shutter speed of 1/20 (below) and 1/60 (above).

Iced-Black-Coffee

The street price of this lens is around RM500 in Malaysia and around SGD200 in Singapore.  Although it is comparatively more expensive than the Nikkor and even more so than the Canon equivalent, the really silent motor compensate for the difference.  Personally, I think this lens is a very good value buy.  A much needed lens for most beginners and novices and especially those who wants to take in-door candid portrait shots.

Sony Ericsson Xperia 2a runs Windows Mobile 6.5?

I have always thought that the Sony Ericsson Xperia 2 will be an Android OS machine but Sony Ericsson’s US website has posted the specifications of the phone!

SE-Xperia-X2a

In a nutshell, it sports the following specifications:-

  • 8.1 Megapixel Autofocus Camera
  • Touch and QWERTY keyboard
  • 3.2” DVD quality screen
  • WiFi and Bluetooth
  • A-GPS
  • 155 grams

image

I am not sure if there will be an Xperia 2 which runs on Android OS, but I sure was looking forward to it.  Another disappointing things about it is that Windows Mobile 7 is just round the corner, can’t they just wait a little while more?

Monday, January 11, 2010

Sony World Photo Awards is coming to Malaysia!

The Sony World Photography Awards Global Tour 2009/2010 is making a stop-over in Kuala Lumpur.  A photography exhibition not to be missed, the details as follows:

  • Galeri Petronas, Suria KLCC, Level 3
  • 4th February to 28th March 2010
  • FREE Admission

SonyWorldExhibition

Except from the website;

The Kuala Lumpur exhibition is part of a global tour which has taken in leading photographic institutions in New York, Toronto, Mexico, Paris, Hong Kong, London. Shown in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, the exhibition is hosted by GALERI PETRONAS to provide a valuable window to the latest in world photography for Malaysian viewers, especially art and photography enthusiasts. Curated by 2009 Honorary Judge Zelda Cheatle, the exhibition presents 75 images across genres, from amateurs and professionals. Also on schedule is an exciting series of weekend photography sessions and workshops for art and photography enthusiasts, details of which will be announced soon.

See you there … !!! (Thanks to Shah Legno on sharing this information).

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Sony Bloggie, Video Camera for bloggers?

As well as those Cybershots, Sony also announced entry level video cameras, specifically aimed at casual videographers that intend to upload their videos online.  I guess that’s why it’s named “bloggies” … ermmm … I would like to think that the name blogman or videoman may be more appropriate to add on to their walkman series.

Anyway, the two cameras in questions are soberly known as the MHS-CM5 and MHS-PM5.  They are both video cameras (full HD resolution) and still cameras (5 megapixels) with different form factors.  The CM5 has a 5x optical zoom for around USD50.00 more.

sony-bloggie-mhs-cm5

The cheaper model, the BLOGGIE MHS-PM5 comes in multiple colours; 4 in total.  You can get them in purple, blue, pink and white.  This has no optical zoom capabilities but has a swivel head which can rotate around an angle of 270 degrees.

sony-bloggie-mhs-pm5

Sony seem to have admitted that SD or SDHC memory cards are the way to go and with most of their new digital offerings, they are capable of both Memory Stick and SD/SDHC.

True to it’s Web 2.0 (blogging specifically), the camera actually comes with built-in software that allows you to upload videos of still images to Picasa, YouTube and Photobucket.

Even more Sony Cybershots! Full HD capable HX5V and TX7 launched at CES2010.

Together with the mid-range and low-range Cybershots, Sony also announced 2 new high-end compacts at CES2010, the DSC-HX5V and the DSC-TX7.  Somehow or rather, I never really liked the design of the T-series.  Anyway, the highlights of the DSC-HX5V are:-

  • 10 MP (I believe that the megapixel race has kinda reached the end as most higher end compacts are not playing that game anymore)
    Full HD Video
  • 10fps
  • 10x Zoom, 25mm – 250 mm equivalent (nice range) – Sony G Lens
  • Up to ISO 3200
  • Sweep Panorama

Sony-Cybershot-DSC-HX5V-Front

Sony-Cybershot-DSC-HX5V

Official press release …

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2010 – Sony took the wraps off two new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras today that create a new standard of mobility with technologies that answer consumers’ on-the-go needs.

Sony has designed two new innovative Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-HX5V and DSC-TX7) that are the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include full HD (1920 x 1080 60i) Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) video capability. They are also the world’s smallest and thinnest AVCHD capable cameras.

These are the first Cyber-shot cameras with an in-camera Backlight Correction High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature for managing difficult lighting situations and TransferJet™ wireless technology for sharing, storing and viewing images. The HX5V model is also the world’s first still camera to include GPS + Compass and Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode technologies.

With Sony’s “Exmor R” back illuminated CMOS sensor technology, these cameras provide excellent low-light performance, 10fps burst shooting and the new Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature.

In addition to its cameras, Sony introduced three other devices with TransferJet technology at CES, including a Sony Memory Stick® memory card (model MS-JX8G) with a wireless transmitter/receiver, a Sony TransferJet Station (model TJS-1) and a VAIO® F Series notebook.

“Adding to the outstanding low-light performance and impressive Sweep Panorama feature, we are providing high-quality movies with full HD video, stereo sound recording when capturing movies on the go and an in-camera HDR solution for capturing high-contrast scenery. Sony can provide these solutions because of its expertise with other imaging products including Handycam® camcorders and α DSLR cameras,” said Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “Our goal is not only to make it easy for consumers to get the best shot—still or video—but also to have the best sharing experience.”

High-Quality Stills and Videos

With the AVCHD format, these new cameras record movies in 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution at 60i in 17Mbps. The AVCHD format captures a high degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to disc, it can be played back on your HDTV using most Blu-ray Disc™ players, Sony® PlayStation®3 systems and compatible Blu-ray Disc enabled PCs. In addition to the supplied PMB software for Windows users, it is also possible to edit recorded AVCHD file using iMovie® for Macintosh users.

The camera will also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.

Managing Difficult Lighting

The HX5V and TX7 cameras offer in-camera multi-shot High Dynamic Range (HDR), which combines highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image—even without a tripod.

HDR offers a solution for strong backlight situations which typically result in either dark shadows in the foreground or a washed out background. Sony’s “Exmor R” sensor and BIONZ™ processor help to correct these issues.

Impressive Panoramas

The HX5V and TX7 cameras have an Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature that captures wide landscapes or tall buildings in one easy “press and sweep” motion. Due to their “Exmor R” CMOS sensor technology, they can take up to 270 and 258-degree panorama shots, respectively, horizontally or vertically with an image size of 7,152 x 1,080 (horizontal wide panorama mode). In addition, these cameras’ Intelligent Sweep Panorama feature, which is comprised of up to 100 separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and intelligently adjusts the width of each picture while stitching them together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.

Relive the Experience

Ideal for travelers who take hundreds of photos, the in-camera GPS + Compass feature on the HX5V camera makes it easy to store and share the location and direction of where photos were taken.

With social networking sites becoming more popular, people want to share more details of their experiences. The GPS + Compass feature provides a fun new way to share where they were — beyond the location. Using the free online satellite imagery application, Google Earth™ mapping service, users can view the images from a bird’s eye view or from the direction in which the photo was taken. The GPS function automatically adjusts the camera’s internal clock by selecting the travelling area, without the hassle of setting the time manually.

A Wireless Way of Sharing, Storing and Viewing

TransferJet technology, which was developed by Sony and is supported by a consortium of other companies, allows you to transfer files between two TransferJet-enabled devices just by bringing the TransferJet marks on each product within one inch of each other without the hassle of hunting for cables or the complication of pairing. To transfer photos, TransferJet-enabled still cameras must each utilize the TransferJet Memory Stick media (sold separately).

TransferJet technology is perfect for sharing on the go. You can select up to 10 pictures and transfer them from camera to camera. For storing images, you can place the HX5V or TX7 cameras on the lower left-hand corner of the VAIO F Series notebook and import photos. For sharing at home on devices which do not have the technology, you can connect the TransferJet Station to devices with a type-A USB port, including your TV, digital photo frame or PlayStation®3.

Designed for Technology Enthusiasts

With the most innovative digital imaging technologies, the HX5V camera is ideal for everyone from travelers to party-goers.  The multi-occasion camera features a 10 megapixel “Exmor R” sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) and a 10x optical zoom with wide-angle 25mm-250mm equivalent high-quality G lens allowing easy group shots and close ups when on the move.

In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the HX5V camera has Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode, which lets you capture moving subjects such as kids walking or running. It allows a moveable lens element to shift with greater range of motion—10 times the range of the Optical Steady Shot™ feature at wide end in standard mode—during camera shake. The feature reduces camera shake so users can shoot smoother movie footage on the move. The cameras also have an HDMI™ output adapter for easily connecting to an HDTV for viewing pictures and movies (HDMI cable required).

Powerful and Stylish

For those seeking a sleek, compact camera, the 10MP TX7 model is just under an inch thin and is slim enough to slip into a pocket or purse.  The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) high resolution (921K) touch LCD screen offers easy image scroll by simply swiping your finger across the display. The camera’s high-performance Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x optical wide angle 25mm-100mm equivalent zoom lens brings distant subjects closer and Close Focus snaps close-ups in just under a half an inch from the subject.

The DSC-TX7 camera is also compatible with the Party-shot™ (model IPT-DS1) automatic photographer, which pans, tilts, zooms and adjusts composition to capture spontaneous images. Additionally, an embedded touch sensor located on the front edge illuminates when the TX7 camera is attached.  By touching the sensor, the camera goes into the “On-demand shot” mode, which allows users to select the shutter timing without losing the advantage of Party-shot’s built-in intelligence.

To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the TX7 and HX5V cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick® (PRO Duo™) and SD/SDHC formats. Sony is also expanding its industry leading line of consumer media with the addition of SD/SDHC memory cards.

Additional features found on HX5V and TX7 include iAuto, which detects eight and nine scenes, respectively, and optimizes camera settings and Easy Mode, which simplifies the camera menu. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization reduces blur without impacting image quality, Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology, which captures faces and smiles naturally.

A New Way to Share Photos and Videos Online

These models include Picture Motion Browser (“PMB”) software for viewing, editing, organizing and uploading images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites.

This spring, Sony will launch a new service and a new integration with Facebook® allowing users to easily and quickly share their photos and videos privately with friends and family. The service and the integration will be available as a downloadable update to the “PMB” and “PMB portable” software applications that are embedded with bloggie™ and Cyber-shot cameras and bundled with Handycam® camcorders, bloggie cameras, Cyber-Shot cameras and α cameras. The Facebook integration complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube™ and Picasa™ Web Albums.

Pricing and Availability

The HX5V camera will be available in black this March for about $350, and the TX7 camera will be available in silver, blue and red this February for about $400. The TransferJet-enabled Memory Stick media will be available in January for about $100, and the station will be available in February for about $150. Pre-sales begin in January.

The cameras, Memory Stick, station, and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony Cybershots here, there, everywhere! W370, W350, W330, W310 and entry level S2100 …

Everyone has been looking forward to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for new announcements of digital gadgets, but what actually surprised me was that Sony launched a very large range of new Cybershot cameras!

Sony-Cybershot-W370

The official press release …

Sony Cyber-shot Press Release

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2010—By developing the most innovative, stylish and high-quality digital still cameras, Sony has created a new standard of mobility with technologies that answer consumers’ on-the-go needs.

Sony today announced two new 14 MP Cyber-shot® cameras (models DSC-W370 and DSC-W350) with a CCD image sensor that provides the innovative Sweep Panorama™ feature in a slim, compact body, making it easy to get the best shot.

Sony also announced three cameras (models DSC-W330, DSC-W310 and DSC-S2100) that offer a new thin, stylish design with advanced features such as longer zoom and wide-angle lenses, which provide versatility when shooting.

“We’re expanding Sweep Panorama, which has been such a well received feature, to our more affordable models,” said Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “Allowing users to capture the impact of a full panoramic scene with an easy to use, practical camera provides a great value to our customers.”

Innovative Sweep Panorama™ Technology

Sweep Panorama mode, first introduced in Sony’s breakthrough Cyber-shot DSC-HX1, DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1 CMOS models, utilizes a CCD sensor to capture dramatic panoramic scenes. The W370 and W350 cameras shoot images continuously to capture wide landscapes or tall buildings in one easy “press and sweep” motion. They automatically stitch the images together to create one stunning panoramic photo.

The W370 and W350 Cyber-shot models can take up to 243 and 268-degree panorama shots, respectively, in one easy press-and-sweep motion with an image size of 7152 x 1080 (horizontal wide panorama mode).

Compact Design and Rich Technologies

The W370 and W350 cameras are designed for customers who seek Sweep Panorama technology at an affordable price. For those seeking a long zoom and a compact body, the 14 MP DSC-W370 camera has a 7x long zoom lens for capturing far-away subjects, a 3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) for scrolling through images, Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, 720p movie recording capability and HDMI™ output for easily viewing movies on compatible televisions.

For those looking for the ultimate in portability, the W350 is the smallest camera in height and depth in the Sony 2010 line. It has a 2.7-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) for viewing and sharing photos, a Carl Zeiss® wide angle 26mm equivalent lens for excellent close-up shots and a 4x optical telescopic zoom. With 720p movie recording capability and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization on the W350 camera, it helps overcome camera shake when taking photos and videos on the move.

With HD video capability, these cameras record HD movies in 720p high definition MP4 format  for stunning large-screen home movie playback. You can record up to 29 minutes (or up to 2GB file size) in the 720p format.

If sharing with friends and family is your first priority, the 14MP W330 camera has a large 3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) that makes viewing images easy.  Additionally, it has a 4x Carl Zeiss lens with a wide angle 26mm equivalent lens.

Designed with size and affordability in mind, the 12MP CCD W310 model has a 2.7-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) and 4x zoom with wide angle 28mm equivalent lens. For ultimate convenience and simple, straightforward image capture, the 12 MP S2100 model covers your basic camera needs with a 3x zoom, 3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally), and it is powered by AA batteries.

Auto Intelligence and Easy to Operate

All five cameras include core Sony technologies: Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode and Easy mode, which recognize scenes, lighting conditions and faces, and adjusts settings resulting in clearer images, faces with more natural skin tone and less blur. They also have Smile Shutter™ technology, which automatically captures a smile.

To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick® (PRO Duo™) and SD/SDHC formats. Sony is also expanding its industry leading line of consumer media with the addition of SD/SDHC memory cards.

A New Way to Share Photos and Videos Online

These models include Picture Motion Browser (“PMB”) software for viewing, editing, organizing and uploading images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites.

This spring, Sony will launch a new service and a new integration with Facebook® allowing users to easily and quickly share their photos and videos privately with friends and family. The service and the integration will be available as a downloadable update to the “PMB” and “PMB portable” software applications that are embedded with bloggie™ and Cyber-shot cameras and bundled with Handycam® camcorders, bloggie cameras, Cyber-Shot cameras and α cameras. The Facebook integration complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube™ and Picasa™ Web Albums.

Pricing and Availability (US)

The cameras and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide. Presales begin in January.

  • The W370 camera will be available in silver, graphite black, green and red this March for about $230.
  • The W350 camera will be available in silver, black, pink and blue this January for about $200.
  • The W330 camera will be available in silver, black, red and blue this February for about $170.
  • The W310 camera will be available in silver, black and pink this March for about $150.
  • The S2100 camera will be available in silver, black and orange this February for about $120.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Sony launches the … yawn … A450

Sony has recently launched a stripped down version of it’s A5xx offering in the form of the A450.  It is basically the same but without the tilting LCD which is replaced by a smaller 2.7” fixed LCD (as per the A230).  In brief, the features of the A450 are:-

  • 14.2 MP Exmor™ CMOS sensor
  • 95% coverage view finder
  • >1,000 shot battery
  • Steady Shot INSIDE (in-camera image stabilizer)
  • Up to 7 fps continuous shooting
  • Auto HDR
  • Memory Stick and SD Card slot

a450

Nothing really to shout about on this announcement.  In my opinion, in order to try to understand the Sony DSLR range, I would try to categorize them as:-

  • Models that are meant as upgrades from compact Point and Shoot cameras with as small a form factor as possible but yet with interchangeable lens – A230, A330 and A380.
  • Entry level DSLR for the enthusiasts – A450, A500 and A550.
  • Serious photographers – A750 (I think this is a real model), A850 and A1000 (ahem, just rumours again).

I guess I may try to look at the A750 sometime.  Meanwhile, you can read more about the A450 Press Release here.