SONY Alpha Super Workshop@JB
Sony camera faithful and members of the media gathered yesterday at the Bayu Marina resort in JB for a 2 day photography workshop to showcase Sony's latest offerings. But the main idea was to learn a thing or two in terms of photography techniques from Sony's digital image capture sifus.
Mr Mun Hoo as well as Mr Shaiful Baker, who is Sony Malaysia's product specialist, were on hand to instruct us on the finer points of Bokeh and potrait photography. Nothing like having some hot women to shoot! And that is exactly what we got for our photography lesson today.
In the evening we were impressed with a
presentation for Sony's 2 new action cams. I won't get into these as I have already covered these devices a few days before. We then proceeded to JB town to undertake lessons in night flash photographic techniques. the hardest part was learning how to adapt to not using a flash and imrpovising the use of lighting from your surroundings. we actually used a car's headlamps to light up our bridal couple. it was very cool to learn some nifty techniques and settings from sifu Mun Hoo.
Apart from the training we got to touch, feel and play with Sony's new ɑ99 II as well as other Sony models. This is Sony's flagship ɑ A-mount model, the ɑ99 II, successor to the highly acclaimed ɑ99. The new ɑ99 II combines the best of Sony’s latest digital imaging innovations including a new Hybrid Phase Detection AF system with exclusive Sony A-mount features such as Translucent Mirror TechnologyTM (TMT). What that means for you and me is a pro-level camera well suited to sports and wildlife photography.
Low light conditions are not an issue for this monster. The precision AF system will function properly down to EV-4 brightness levels where most other cameras struggle. Pixel pushing through the ɑ99 II has been redesigned to allow for high resolution and continuous shooting at high frame rates. A new front-end LSI works with the image sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, as well as a newly designed shutter unit, to enable continuous shooting at up to 12fps with AF/AE tracking, all whilst tapping into the sensor’s monster 42.4MP resolution across an ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to ISO 50 – 102,400! If that wasn't enough there is a 5-axis SteadyShot™ INSIDE Image Stabilisation system that detect and compensates for shift blur that can occur on the X and Y axes when shooting close-up, and roll blur that is often apparent in still images and movies that are shot at night.
Movie maker needs are not forgotten as the ɑ99 II enables internal 4K movie recording featuring full pixel readout, without pixel binning for ultimate high resolution video in the pro friendly XAVC S format. It is capable of recording high quality footage at 100Mbps for 4K recording. A new ‘Slow and Quick’ mode (S&Q) supports both slow motion and quick motion. Frame rates from 1 fps to 120 fps (100 fps) can be selected in 8 steps for up to 60x (50x) quick motion and 5x (4x) slow motion recording. A number of features designed for a professional movie production workflow are included such as picture profiles, time code and HDMI clear output and the new ɑ99 II now also offers gamma assist for real time S-Log monitoring and a zebra mode for easier exposure adjustment. S-Log3 and S-Log2 gamma are now included, making wide dynamic range shooting possible with blown highlights or blocked shadows. The new ɑ99 II will start shipping in November, priced at approximately €3600.
We were also introduced to the G Master lense series, sony's super premium lenses that produce some ridiculously magnificient images. Sony’s new flagship brand includes three new E-mount full frame lenses including a 24-70mm constant F2.8 standard zoom, an 85mm F1.4 prime and a 70-200mm constant F2.8 telephoto zoom. Representing the ultimate blend of high resolution and beautiful bokeh, the new lenses feature Sony’s innovative optical element technology, design and calibration. This allows them to produce still image and video content with a level of detail and expression that has never before been possible. Our journey continues today as we visited a charcoal factory to improve our potraiture technique.
