DXO published its full Sony a9III sensor test which you can read in full here or check out some excerpts below:
peak dynamic range of 13 EVs, still a good result but slightly down on the conventional progressively read BSI stacked CMOS sensors used in the Canon EOS R3 and the Sony a9 III, which offer over +1 EV more at their base ISO setting…. the computed value of ISO 3224 is high and on a par with the Sony A1
This sensor is highly optimized for operational speed, enabling not just high-speed capture while also supporting autofocus (AF), auto exposure (AE), but also flash synchronization up to 1/80,000 second shutter speed. However, there is a slight trade-off in terms of image quality, with a modest reduction in color depth and dynamic range. As this primarily occurs at low ISOs, it may not be a significant concern.
We found out about the 7Artisans 10mm f/2.8 II Ultra Wide-Angle Full-Frame Fisheye lens last month for E/Z/R/L mount. Now you can order your own from Amazon for $278. The lens has been improved over the previous generation lens by making it wider angled so it reaches 185° with a new design that can fully resolve 40MP and adds a fluorescent scale.
The Pergear 100mm F2.8 Macro 2X Full-Frame for E-mount was just released and can be purchased on Amazon for E-mount.
Main Features:
1.Durable All-Metal Design for Stability and Portability
2.Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.3m for Macro Photography
3.Full-Frame, 2:1 Magnification for Impressive Detail
4.Internal Focus Design for Stability and Reliability
5.Stepless Aperture for Smooth Adjustments
6.F2.8 Aperture with Advanced Optical Elements
Venus Optics announces a bite-sized ultra-wide-angle pancake-style lens for the full-frame camera. The new Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF Lens weighs only 158g but offers a remarkable 110° angle of view.
The lens offers auto-aperture for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, plus an additional silver version for those seeking a stylish option. It’s an ideal lens for photographers looking for a fun go-to option in casual street, landscape, and everyday photography. Simply grab this tiny ‘cookie’ and start capturing shots.
Compact and Lightweight Design The Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF lens exemplifies the convenience of pancake lenses with its super compact and lightweight design, weighing just 158g. It is almost like a lens cap but offers great performance for someone who needs to shoot ultra-wide occasionally. You can carry it lens everywhere without any burden, leading to more spontaneous shooting opportunities.
Wide Angle of View of 110° Despite its pocket-sized design, the Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie lens offers a remarkable 110° angle of view. This ultra-wide perspective is perfect for capturing breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of scenes, allowing photographers to tell compelling stories through their images.
Close Focusing Capability of 12 cm With a close focusing distance of just 12 cm, this Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF lens allows for impressive close-up photography. Easily create some interesting perspectives, especially with such a tiny lens size.
Auto-Aperture for E & Z mounts The inclusion of an auto-aperture function in both Sony E and Nikon Z mounts greatly enhances user experience. It simplifies the shooting process and allows photographers to focus more on their creative aspects and composition without the hassle of manual adjustments. Also with the electrical contacts, it effortlessly records detailed lens settings in the photo’s EXIF data.
39mm Built-in Filter Thread The lens features a 39mm built-in filter thread, photographers can easily attach screw-in filters directly on the lens for enhanced effects and improved image quality in various lighting conditions.
10-Point Sunstar Effect Aperture stunning Sunstar effects with the lens’s unique 10-point aperture design, creating beautiful starbursts in the images. It can be easily created when shooting towards a strong light source when stopping down the aperture. This would adds a creative touch to landscape and architectural photography, making the shots truly stand out.
Pricing & Availability The US price for Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF Lens is USD399 for all mounts (Both Auto-Aperture and Manual versions) and colors. Pricing varies in different countries.
It seems Sony isn’t trying to hide what is coming as much as they used to, with the Sony Alpha YouTube channel listing being called the Sony Alpha 1II event and B&H Photo listing the camera in advance of the event. The Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM will also be announced at this event in a few days.
Rumored Sony A1II Specs:
50MP full-frame Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor (same as Sony A1)
The body is like the Sony A9 III
New AI chip
Higher frame rate and faster autofocus
New CFexpress Type A with 4.0 standard (doubles the speed)
tilt-and-swivel display
Programmable C5 button
Four control dials, three of which are equipped with a position-locking mechanism
C2PA support for content authentication
Will go on sale in early 2025
More expensive than the current Sony A1: $7,500-$8,000 expected price
The Sony a7IV is deeply discounted on Amazon for a limited time. There is also a 0% interest payment plan option to pay for the camera over 5 months at $370 a month.