Sony has launched a slew of new cameras in India at the Consumer Electronic Imaging Fair (CEIF) 2013 in New Delhi, namely, three models in the Alpha series (Alpha99, NEX-5R, NEX-6), one in the Cyber-shot series (RX1), and two professional Handycam models (NEX-VG900 and NEX-FS700K). The Alpha NEX-7 was also introduced, though without pricing and availability details. We’d been expecting the Japanese giant to make a series of announcements at CEIF 2013, since last week.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX1 professional compact digital camera has been priced at Rs. 1,79,990, and is supposedly the first point and shoot camera to feature a 35mm full-frame 24.3MP Exmor CMOS sensor, along with a Carl Zeiss Sonnar T f/2.0 fixed focal lens. Other features of the Cyber-shot RX1 include a 3-inch 1.229k dot Xtra Fine TFT LCD, Sweep Panorama, face detection for 8 faces, SteadyShot Image Stabilization, intelligent auto, 13 picture effects, 1080p HD video recording at 60fps, BIONZ image processor and engine, ISO sensitivity up to 25,600, and contrast detection AF. It weighs in at 482 grams.
The Sony Alpha99 (or 99) has been priced at Rs. 1,79,990, and is the company’s mount flagship DSLT (translucent mirror) camera, featuring the same 35mm full-frame 24.3MP Exmor CMOS sensor as the RX1. It features a Dual AF System with 19 sensors (including 11 cross sensors) 102 AF point system (focal length) and a new AF range control function. The Alpha99 also features Advanced Full HD 50p progressive movie shooting with non-stop Continuous AF and pro-style audio features. It has a XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, and reportedly features enthusiast-class handling with a tough, light magnesium alloy body, weather seals and revised Quick navi Pro interface.
The Sony Alpha NEX-5R has been priced at Rs. 39,990, and features a 16.1MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. Other features include Fast Hybrid AF at up to 10fps shooting, integrated Wi-Fi, PlayMemories Camera apps, BIONZ image processor and engine, a 180° tiltable 3-inch LCD 921k dot touchscreen with touch shutter functionality, face detection up to 8 faces, Smile Shutter, Tracking Focus, Auto High Dynamic Range, Sweep Panorama, Burst Buffer up to 16 frames per second, and ISO sensitivity up to 25600.
The Sony Alpha NEX-6 is priced at Rs. 49,990, and also features a 16.1MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor plus high sensitivity up to ISO 25600. The NEX-6 also features a new Fast Hybrid AF for shots up to 10 fps, dual dials and Quick Navi interface, integrated Wi-Fi, Play Memories Camera apps, face detection up to 8 faces, Smile Shutter technology, tracking focus, anti motion blur, Auto High Dynamic Range, shooting tips, Sweep Panorama, high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder, 3-inch 921k dot LCD, built-in flash and new Multi Interface Shoe, and ISO sensitivity up to 25600.
The Sony Alpha NEX-7 has also been announced, but without pricing and availability details. It is Sony’s highest megapixel mirrorless camera, with a 24.3MP APS-C HD sensor, making it the highest resolution MILC in the category. Other features include face detection up to 8 faces, Smile Shutter technology, Auto High Dynamic Range, Sweep Panorama, new Fast Hybrid AF for shots up to 10 fps, Tru-Finder OLED electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, 3.0-inch TFT Xtra Fine 921k dot LCD with TruBlack technology, BIONZ image engine and processor, and ISO sensitivity up to 16000.
The Sony NEX-VG900E has been priced at Rs. 1,79,990, and is the company’s first interchangeable lens full HD Handycam with a 35mm full-frame 24.3MP APS-C HD CMOS sensor. Other features include A-mount (via supplied adaptor) and E-mount lenses, Full HD 50p/25p/24p progressive movie recording, extensive manual controls and ‘seesaw’ zoom lever, Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone for high-quality stereo and 5.1ch sound, a high contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder, and a 3.0-inch XtraFine touch panel LCD.
The Sony NEX-FS700K has been priced at Rs. 6,45,000, and is the company’s new Super 35mm model NXCAM interchangeable E-mount Full-HD Super Slow Motion 4K-ready (4096 x 2160) camcorder. It features a 4K-ready high speed read out Exmor Super35mm CMOS sensor (11.6MP for movie shooting, 8.3MP effective for still picture), Super Slow Motion (100/200/400/800 fps in 50i mode, 120/240/480/960 fps in 60i mode) recording, built-in ND filters, 3G-SDI output, still picture shooting, 18-200mm E-mount zoom lens, and a 8.8 cm 921k dot LCD.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Kenichiro Hibi, Managing Director, Sony India, said, “We are very serious about professional camera and video-camera business in India and would like to utilize this platform to showcase our strength in the digital imaging segment and reach out to photography & videography enthusiasts and professionals, who are expected to visit this fair.” He added, saying, “The new Full-Frame Imaging sensor camera range from Sony is very high-end and also, as an option for professional quality cameras, we have introduced new NEX range which has much more details with more creativity.”
