Sony has gone official with three new digital cameras today, including the previously leaked RX1. The RX1 digital camera does, in fact, get a full-frame image sensor along with a 24.3 megapixel Exmoor CMOS sensor and uses a Carl Zeiss 35mm F/2.0 fixed lens in a portable and lightweight camera body.
The compact camera measures 4.5 inches wide by three-inches tall and weighs just over a pound. Sony says that the small dimensions mean it's significantly smaller than any full-frame D-SLR on the market while sacrificing nothing in image quality, HD video quality, or manual control.
The camera supports ISO 100-25,600 and can shoot as low as ISO 50 with expanded sensitivity or as high as 102,400. The camera uses an enhanced BIONZ processing engine and can output image data and 14-bit RAW format. The camera is packed with automated modes and has full manual controls as well. The camera is capable of recording full HD resolution video at 60p or 24p frame rates with full manual controls.
The RX1 also has several accessories that fit on the hot shoe, including an OLED XGA Tru-Finder viewfinder and others. The camera will sell for $2800 and will be available this November, the electronic viewfinder is launching in November for $600, and an optical viewfinder accessory is launching for $450.
Sony also unveiled a new a99 full-frame D-SLR camera with translucent mirror technology and a dual autofocus system. The camera has a 24.3 megapixel resolution and dual phase detect autofocus system. It can record full HD video and it has an articulating rear LCD. The camera supports an ISO range of 50 through 25,600 and is able to shoot bursts at up to six frames per second in full resolution.
The a99 is also capable of recording full HD video and 60p or 24p on using the camera's full autofocus system. The camera also features a XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder, and is sealed against weather and has been ruggedized. The camera will ship in October "body-only" for $2800.
Sony NEX-6
The final new camera is the Sony NEX-6 promising the full D-SLR experience in a pocket-sized package. The camera features a mode dial for fast navigation between settings and integrated Wi-Fi. The image sensor has 16.1-megapixel resolution and can record full HD resolution video. The rear LCD on the camera measures three-inches and can be angled 90° up and 45° down for comfortable viewing. The camera does feature interchangeable lenses.
The NEX-6 digital camera will launch in November in kit form including a SELP1650 power zoom lens for about $1000 or as a body only for $850.
