Tag: RX0

Move over beloved Sony DSC RX0, here is the RX0 Mark II. It’s even better!

Featured by davidhague178181403, posted in News, News: Camera Hardware, Press Releases General

We LOVE our Sony DSC RX0 (review here); there is no more versatile camcorder on the market we reckon – and we even gave one away in a competition.

But Sony today introduced the RX0 II (model DSC-RX0M2). The new model builds upon the waterproof/dustproof2, shockproof[vii], crushproof[viii] and ultra-compact qualities of the original RX0. The RX0 II offers internal 4K recording, an up to 180-degree and down to 90-degree tiltable LCD screen that even works underwater[vi], and new image stabilisation solutions for video recording.

At the heart of the RX0 II sits a 1.0-type stacked 15.3-megapixel1 Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor and an advanced BIONZ X™ image processing engine that offer enhanced[ix] colour reproduction including beautiful skin tones. This power packed combination has been optimised to deliver lightning fast performance and exquisite image quality for both stills and movie shooting across a wide sensitivity range of ISO 80[x] -12800. The ZEISS® Tessar T* 24mm3F4.0 fixed wide-angle lens has a shortened minimum focusing distance of 20cm, making it perfect for selfies or table-top photos. 

A camera for all conditions

The RX0 II is truly a ‘worry-free’ camera that can be taken into places that no other camera can go. Measuring just 59mm x 40.5mm x 35mm[xi] and weighing just 132g,[xii] the RX0 II fits easily into a pocket and is ready for whatever the elements can throw at it. It is waterproof2 up to 10 metres deep, dustproof2, shockproof7 up to 2 metres and crushproof8 up to 200KG force.

“The original RX0 was designed to enable new forms of creative expression through its form factor and technical capabilities,” said Jun Yoon, Head of Digital Imaging, ANZ. “The new RX0 II has built on this with added features and functionality that make it the perfect camera for any type of travel. This ultra-compact camera is also ideal for capturing stills or video across a huge range of shooting and vlogging scenarios.”

Movies and more

The RX0 II offers 4K 30p internal movie recording4 with full pixel readout and no pixel binning to collect approximately 1.7 times the amount of data required for 4K video. This oversampling reduces the appearance of moiré and jaggies and delivers smooth, high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. Using the recently introduced Sony “Imaging Edge™” mobile applications, this footage can be transferred to a smartphone[xiii], edited and shared easily across social networks.

The RX0 II introduces in-body electronic stabilisation[xiv] for steady footage, even when shot handheld. This can be enhanced even further when footage is exported to a smartphone or tablet running the ‘Movie Edit add-on’[xv] application where the additional information captured during filming can be processed to produce a video with gimbal-like smoothness[xvi]. An additional new feature that can be accessed via Sony ‘Movie Edit add-on’ is ‘Intelligent Framing’ where the selected subject is kept in the centre of the frame and image distortion is corrected in a final edit. Depending on where the video will be shared, the required aspect ratio can then be selected.

Additional movie features of the RX0 II include Super Slow Motion recording at up to 1000 fps[xvii], uncompressed 4K HDMI output and simultaneous proxy movie recording.  Users can utilise Picture Profile, S-Log2 and Time Code / User Bit functions to ensure a final result that exactly matches their creative vision.

Precision photography

The versatility of the RX0 II means that it offers a host of stills photography features in addition to its video capabilities. It boasts an Anti-distortion Shutter of up to 1/32000 sec. and can shoot at up to 16 fps5 to capture any fleeting moment of emotion that passes across the subject’s face. In an upgrade from the original RX0, colour reproduction has been enhanced to reproduce natural and vivid colour of human skin, and the optional ‘Soft Skin Effect’ can be applied to cover minor blemishes and wrinkles.  Rating and Protect functions can be applied in camera and a grouped display of continuously shot images can be viewed on the camera.

Sony’s Eye AF, that is proving hugely popular with portrait photographers across the world, has been upgraded on the RX0 II. The speed, accuracy and operation of the Eye AF has been improved to make it even easier to capture a stunning portrait; a simple half press of the shutter button will lock-on to the eye of the subject. The focused eye can be selected (left / right / auto) in the menu or assigned to a custom button, allowing the user to concentrate on composition.

The camera can be set for interval shooting, the results of which can be edited with Sony’s “Imaging Edge” desktop application ‘viewer’ into stunning time-lapse videos[xviii].

Multi-camera options

Up to 5 RX0 II cameras can be controlled wirelessly[xix] using the Sony ‘Imaging Edge Mobile’[xx] application and between 6 to 50 cameras will be able to be controlled via an access point (scheduled for winter 2019).The RX0 II is also compatible with the Camera Control Box CCB-WD1[xxi] which enables up to 100 cameras to be connected and controlled in a wired multi-camera setup. Both of these multi-camera solutions unlock a whole new world of shooting opportunities and free video expression from any viewpoint that the user wishes to pursue.

For more information on the new RX0 II camera, please visit its product page here

The RX0 II will be available in Australia from April 2019 for SRP $949. The RX0 II kit with the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip and bracket will be available in Australia from June 2019, pricing TBC.

  • [i] Approximate effective megapixels
  • [ii] Depending on usage conditions and circumstances, no guarantee is made regarding damage to, malfunction of, or waterproof/dustproof performance of this camera. Water and dust resistance equivalent to JIS protection level IP68. Under water, the minimum focusing distance is increased, and angle of field is narrower. This camera sinks in water — please use a strap to prevent loss
  • [iii] Converted from angle of view (35mm equivalent)
  • [iv] Wi-Fi does not operate.  QFHD:3840×2160.  A Class 10 or higher micro SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) micro SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps recording
  • [v] In Speed Priority Continuous mode.  Focus and exposure settings are fixed at first frame
  • [vi] Among fixed lens digital camera with 1.0-type sensor and tiltable monitor.  As of March 2019, based on Sony research
  • [vii] MIL-STD810G C1 Method 516.7 shock test onto 5cm plywood cleared.  Applies when LCD monitor is retracted
  • [viii] Sony test condition. Applies when LCD monitor is retracted
  • [vi] Wireless functions cannot be used underwater
  • [ix] When compared with DSC-RX0
  • [x] ISO 80, 100: when expanded.  For still shooting only
  • [xi] width x height x depth
  • [xii] Approximate weight with battery and media included
  • [xiii] Availability of video transfer and playback varies depending on smartphone in use
  • [xiv] For video shooting only
  • [xv] Add-on mobile application for ‘Imaging Edge Mobile’
  • [xvi] Angle becomes narrower than actual shot. The frame area of the picture becomes narrower than the original image. The movie footage can be rendered to up to Full HD quality
  • [xvii] Sound cannot be recorded. A Class 10 or higher micro SDXC or SDHC memory card is required
  • [xviii] Wi-Fi does not operate during interval shooting.  The latest version of Imaging Edge ‘Viewer’ and PlayMemories Home desktop applications is required
  • [xix] Not available during 4K video, FHD 120p (NTSC)/100p (PAL) video or interval recording.  DSC-RX0 and DSC-RX0M2 models cannot be used with radio control at the same time.  Depending on the specifications of the access point, smartphone, and tablet to be used, and the radio wave environment of the installation location, the number of devices that can be connected may change.
  • [xx] Refer to the following page for details of compatible Imaging Edge Mobile

https://www.sony.net/iem/

  • [xxi] When using the CCB-WD1, please update your software to the latest version (Supported with ver. 2.00 or later.) Up to 100 pairs of DSC-RX0M2 and Camera Control Box can be connected, according to Sony’s internal testingAttachments area

Review: Sony CyberShot RX0

by davidhague178181403, posted in News: Camera Hardware

Whilst looking for all the world like a souped up “action camera”, don’t be fooled

The first question you are invariably asked when you show someone the Sony CyberShot RX0 and you have told them the price, is “why so expensive when I can get a GoPro for $500 or a knock off for even less!”

The answer dear reader, is that the RX0 is not an action camera. Well it is, but it is much, much more as well.

Instead, think of it as a miniaturised grown up camera, with all the attributes to boot and then a bit more besides.

Build

The waterproof and shock proof design gives the RX0 a wide range of flexibility; the high rigidity of the extra super duralumin chassis enhances the reliability of the RX0, especially under tough conditions. Sony says it has put the camera under rigorous, repeated testing to ensure that its performance is consistent, especially when shooting scenes of land, sea and air.

To be exact, the RX0 rated at 10 metres depth in water, shockproof for a 2.0 metre drop and can withstand a crush weight of 200Kg

Specifications

Like it’s larger CyberShot siblings, the RX0 boasts an Exmor RS CMOS Sensor and BIONZ image processor. Super slow motion is available with frame rates up to 960 fps and an anti distortion shutter speed of up to 1/32,000 sec. For fast continuous shooting, the RX0 can perform at 16 fps to capture moving objects in high detail and Picture Profile and S-Log2 gamma settings enable pro-style movie expression.

Uncompressed 4K footage can be shot and recorded to an external recorder only sadly.
The inbuilt lens is a ZEISS Tessar T 24mm with a fixed F4 aperture. Focal length range is from 7.7mm to 30.7mm depending on settings. ISO can be dropped as low as 125 and up to a maximum 25600.

On the rear is a 3.8cm colour TFT LCD screen. It is not a touch screen, but is quite readable in sunlight, albeit with very small text as you’d expect. To the left of the screen is a lift off panel underneath of which is the slot for the microSD card, USB and micro HDMI port. NFC is not supported but WIFI is as is Bluetooth.

highres-Sony-RX0-7_1506699016.jpg

Dimensionally, the RX0 is 59mm wide, 40.5mm tall and 29.8mm deep.
One thing we did not like was the pop out panel covering the interface ports is removeable, and as we found, easily dropped. Hopefully a future model will have this panel on some sort of hinge or with a restraining device to keep it attached to the camera. (We have since discovered this part should be tethered, but on the sample unit it had snapped somehow)

The full specifications of the RX0 can be found Specificationsincluding the complete range of recording modes (of which there are lots, as well as a whole bunch of shooting modes, picture effects, drive modes and dynamic functions.)

Multiple Cameras

The RX0 has been designed not only as a standalone camera, but to be used in concert with other cameras thus opening up the gamut of the potential of the camera. Sony says that for multi-angle shooting with multiple cameras is made easy as “… Respective optical axes of multiple RX0 cameras used together can be properly aligned for flexible setups, thanks to the cameras’ minimal symmetric design”.

Cameras can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet and the Sony PlayMemories app installed.

Accessories

The RX0 appears to have been designed as its own little ecosphere with a range of accessories available to make the camera suitable for different environments and shooting conditions.

For example, there is a cage, underwater housing (to go beyond the 10 metre depth limit of the standalone camera), a camera control box for a wired network and multiple cameras, filter adaptor kit, external microphones and more on the Sony website. No doubt there are more on the way, but for mounting, thankfully a standard thread is on the underside of the RX0.

Price

When placed against a GoPro or similar, the price tag of $1049 does look steep, but after delving deeper into the capabilities and functionality of the RX0, it’s easy to see how this, as I said at the start, is much, much more than a relatively simplistic “Action Camera” style of beast.

Indeed, Sony make its own Action Camera which is a very capable and cost-effective animal on its own, so the RX0 is not even needed as a GoPro competitor.

Sony seems to be treating and marketing the RX0 more as an “artistic” camera if the samples on the website are anything to go by. And it can be said the results they show are quite stunning and worth a look. I have reproduced one here to give you an idea.

Would I buy one? I feel there is a specific place for a camera such as the RX0 and in that sense, I cannot see a place for it for my day-to-day usage. But I can certainly see that in the right hands, some beautiful imagery can be created with it, and I can think off the top of my head a number of photographers and videographers who would make very good use of the RX0.

I understand that well known photographer / cinematographer Pieter deVries ACS has already put the camera through its paces and called it “brilliant”. You couldn’t get a better testimony than that.

Sony RX0 Camera News

by davidhague178181403, posted in News

Sony introduces dual-camera shooting solution for RX0 with launch of new release cable

Sony today announced the latest addition to its family of RX0 solutions with the launch of a new Release Cable, the VMC-MM2. Helping to break down barriers toshooting style and image expression, the VMC-MM2 is a new solution for convenient dual-camera shooting, freeing the user to capture two different forms of content simultaneously.

The ultra-compact dimensions and superb image quality offered by the RX0 make it the ideal accompaniment to other cameras for dual-camera capture. Combining the RX0 with other Sony α™ or Cyber-shot® cameras[i] via Multi Interface Shoe™[ii] or via bracket/rig, photographers can use the RX0 as a sub camera to concurrently shoot high quality images.  VMC-MM2 realises simultaneous photo/movie shooting[iii] with just a single press of main camera’s release button. It enables the user to capture one moment in two different ways, with a variation of angle of view, depth of view or frame rate amongst other things, delivering two different forms of expression and thus increasing the amount of content captured and extending the potential offering to customers. Its coiled cable design with right-angle connector keeps the cable tidy, and clear of the EVF whilst shooting.

This form of dual-camera shooting is especially useful for wedding, event and press conference photographers and journalists. It offers the opportunity to capture multiple perspectives using different angles of view that can be edited and packaged into an impactful series of work.

The new VMC-MM2 will be available in Australia late April 2018 for RRP$99.00.

Sony marries overwhelming continuous flash performance with advanced operability options and wireless control with launch of new flagshipGuide Number 60 HVL-F60RM Flash

Sony today announced a new flagship addition to its digital imaging range with the launch of the

HVL-F60RM Flash. Addressing the needs of the increasing numbers of professional photographers switching to the Sony α system, the HVL-F60RM offers high-power flash output, reliable continuous performance and advanced control features with integrated radio control options.

 

The HVL-F60RM has a guide number of 60[i] and covers illumination angles from 20mm[ii] to 200mm,[iii] providing uniform wide-range zoom coverage without shading with continuous shooting up to 220v flashes. The use of heat resistant materials and the deployment of new advanced algorithms means that heat resistance has been increased by as much as 4x[iv] compared to the previous model,

HVL-F60M.
Further improvements have been made to the recycle time which has been reduced to 1.7 seconds[v] or just 0.6 secondsv with the new External Battery Adaptor, theFA-EBA1. One of the star features of previous Sony flashes, Quick Shift Bounce, is again a feature and allows the photographer to quickly shift from horizontal to vertical orientation, 90 degrees left or right, upward by up to 150 degrees, and downward by 8 degrees for flexible positioning and optimum lighting for a wide range of scenes.

 

Independent light output level (LEVEL -/+) buttons allow direct control of output or compensation, supporting an efficient workflow. A comprehensive display facilitates adjustments and flash output level confirmation, and also provides intuitive access to flash output settings for paired wireless flashes.

 

Functions can be freely assigned to the unit’s four-way controller, centre button, and control wheel for easy access when required. Furthermore, TTL flash output can be memorised and recalled in manual mode when needed for immediate use or use after minor adjustment. This is another feature that can simplify manual workflow and save time.

 

The dust and moisture resistant design[vi] of the HVL-F60RM allows flash shooting, even in challenging environments and a new optional Rain Guard[vii], the FA-RG1, minimises ingress of water dripping into the flash and camera[viii].  Another example of the complete attention to detail that has gone into the design of the HVL-F60RM, is the metal foot of the Multi Interface Shoe™ connection which has been re-designed to minimise damage and increase reliability.

 

A pre-requisite for leading-edge studio set-ups, the wireless radio communication is non-directional so receiver flash units can be positioned anywhere up to approximately 30 metresiii away from the camera, even in situations where reflectors or other obstacles would interfere with optical communication. A HVL-F60RM mounted on a compatible camera[ix] functioning as transmitter can be paired with off-camera units functioning as receivers. Multiple flashes are supported with the user able to use up to 15 flash units, assigned in to up to 5 groups[x] or wireless flash control and the use of a pairing system effectively prevents interference from other electronic devices.

 

In addition to an auto white balance function that automatically adjusts for light colour in the scene being photographed, amber and green colour filters are supplied as standard and can be used to match or complement existing lighting in order to achieve natural white balance or create a specific atmosphere.

 

All products will be available in Australia in late April, 2018:

HVL-F60RM – RRP$799

FA-EBA1 – RRP$449

FA-RG1 – RRP$29