Sony displayed some very exciting concepts at the 2010 PMA show.
Sony teased Alpha photographers with several interesting “concepts” at the latest PMA show. As these are concepts, there is no definite word on when or if these cameras will appear. Still, the concepts Sony has shown at previous PMA shows have come to fruition, and Sony has already hinted about the new lenses they showed off at Anaheim.
Sony’s new concepts include:
- Concept model of an ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera system that packs the quality of a DSLR camera in an extraordinarily small body, along with interchangeable lenses
- Mid-range concept camera for advanced users (a successor to the α700) as well as concept mainstream models
- Prototype of a Super Telephoto Lens (500mm F4 G) with class-leading optical performance
- Prototype of a Distagon T 24mm F2 ZA SSM, new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens for superior shots of landscapes and sweeping vistas
The new “mirrorless” concept is NOT a 4/3 type camera, but appears to be Sony’s own design. It will offer interchangeable lenses on a tiny body similar to a larger point and shoot. It will carry the Alpha name, but I can’t be sure it uses A-Mount lenses. I hope Sony will not attempt to produce two separate lens lines.
New mirrorless interchangeable lens Alpha cameras are coming; will they use A-Mount lenses?
The other two dSLRs are look more conventional. Neither model has a model name engraved on it, and it is difficult to see where Sony could actually add a model name, as there doesn’t appear to be any room between the grip and the prism.
The A700 successor appears smaller and more rounded than the original A700. I don’t see a PC sync port, but there is a top mounted LCD panel. No word if the new model will have video, but it does appear to have a pop-up flash.
Also on display, the successor to the A700 and a new very compact ALpha model.
The other dSLR is much smaller. Based on the comparison between it and the A700 replacement, it is possibly the smallest dSLR on the market. Sony hasn’t provided an indication of the sensor size or megapixels, but I think it might create a lot of interest for those who want a compact dSLR that still has an optical mirror.
4 Comments
It looks like the a700 replacement will do video. The closeup photo shows the AVCHD text above the LCD.
http://www.sonyinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/PMA_DSLR_onp_lg.png
I hope they don’t go too nuts with the lenses. Sony did us a favor by trimming out almost all the cheap zooms and unnecessary overlap that had accumulated in Minolta’s line. And thankfully, they’ve added a 50/1.7 with APS coverage, which is already taming the ridiculous prices of used, full-frame 50/1.7s.
One lens that was sadly missing is the excellent 28/2. I bet the 24mm is meant to rectify that situation.
The interchangeable-lens minis look they have a mock-up mount. I was going to suggest the Vectis mount, but the sensor seems much too close to the mount.
The mini is proberly a more pro looking version of a sony NEX with E-mount.
The A-700 replacement looks very much like a mix between a nikon3000 and a sony alpha 550. Ik hope it wil be a real pro APS-C like the nikon 300D or Canon 7d. Fast, Magnesium weather sealed body, 50 or more AF points, 100% viewfinder, 8 fps, and at least noise free op to ISO 3200 in RAW. I’m not interested in filming. And it would be great if the A-700 vertical grip would fit.
Hmm, there looks being some difficulties with the very first link, since it returns a 404 error