Prediction from DK
Posted on: Sat, 01/30/2010 - 3:27am
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Prediction from DK
I think the following prediction from David Kilpatrick of PhotoClubAlpha might be interesting:
"In Spring or maybe even sooner, I think we will see the introduction of a new Sony EVIL system similar to the Samsung N-system. There will be a 'pancake' wide angle and a collapsible kit zoom like Olympus, because pocketability matters. There will also be an adaptor which allows the use of SAM/SSM lenses on the EVIL body with limited automation. I think the aperture may need to be set manually on the adaptor. Older in-body motor lenses will be usable in MF and fixed aperture setting mode.
"The new lens design will use an SSM type motor not SAM, and will have a new aperture mechanism capable of true continuous variation under electronic control. This will allow AE during video to work correctly. The existing Alpha lens design allows continuous variation, but it requires mechanical control. Canon is currently unable to offer its system for serious video use as the design only allows aperture adjustment in sudden 1/3rd stop steps, which makes any required exposure change in video a 'jump' or series of jumps. Sony will work to overcome this issue before releasing a 1080p capable EVIL.
"I'm basing this prediction mainly on information from Canon, not Sony!
"Where Sony could gain a huge market share would be in cross-system adaptors. Olympus/Panny get this to a degree now. Sony could design a body which was able to use Nikon AF-S, Canon USM and other similar lenses via dedicated adaptors with some degree of AF and AE. I don't think they will do that, but once they have a body and the SAM/SSM Alpha adaptor, third party makers will do so.
"If it doesn't arrive in Spring, there is photokina ahead in September.
"David"
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Alpha 700 w/grip; SAL 50 f1.4; SAL 18-250; CZ 85 f1.4
I can see that Sony would want to compete in the market with the new types DSL cameras coming to light. I myself was a pessimist of the m4/3 camera designs originally, that they wouldn't survive long term. Not enough time has passed yet to make the determination if I was correct or not, however, I do think they seem to be gaining popularity. Not too sure its about a particular design advantage though, yet- could be more of a fad that took hold and most people don't care about design advantages.. but I digress.
Watching this market is going to be interesting. Already, its getting "crowded". Pana/Oly/Samsung/Ricoh are already players in this market (Ricoh being really in a class of its own), and now Sony and talks of Nikon etc.
I guess I could get on with an EVF if, and only if, the design issues vs. the optical viewfinder advantage can be worked out. The amount of pixels aren't going to do the trick alone, there is going to have to be a major technological breakthrough- not only in the EVF lcd/amoled/whatever, but, in the low light reading ability of the main sensor (lack of noise that comes with it) and much much more.
I agree with David, I don't think Sony would come out with a mount that would allow cross compatibility... that's just not their style (nor really if you think about it, anybody else's - save m/43).
-C
AlphaMountWorld Chefferoni- "Pushing the boundaries of monotony" www.CarlGarrardPhotography.com