This is how the future Sony (and Olympus camera?) sensor will work!

This is the detailed description of the new Sony APCS (Active Pixel Color Sampling) sensor. The first of these new generation sensor will be launched in early 2015 on compact smartphones. Larger sensors for Alpha cameras (and Olympus MFT cameras?) are supposed to be launched after.

The new sensor has an electrified color filter that moves horizontally. It takes three exposure pictures (Red-Green-Blue) and merges them into one. The advantages are:

– One single pixel has 100% full color info (Bayer sensors need more pixels)
– Pixels can be larger compared to current Bayer sensors. This means less noise (or more resolution) possible
– Sensor has also Global shutter with very fast frame rates (16,000 at 2K) and no jello effect
– Very high native sensitivity of around 5,000 ISO!

On paper the only drawback is the triple exposure needed to get the full color information. We don’t know how this will effect long exposure shots or shots on moving subjects!

Phase One makes a digital back for the Alpa and creates a “mirrorless” medium format camera.

Phase One launched the new A-series of digital backs. It can be used on an Alpa and therefore creates a “mirrorless” medium format system :)

Press Release: PhaseOne A-Series

Today, as part of their long-term partnership with Alpa of Switzerland, PhaseOne announced the A-series.

It should be noted that although the PhaseOne A-Series does contain Alpa components, it is being sold at all PhaseOne authorized dealers, even if they do not carry the full Alpa product line. My preferred PhaseOne dealer, Digital Transitions (digitaltransitions.com) located locally in NYC will be one of the first to have the new PhaseOne A-Series. I will be working extensively with Digital Transitions as well as PhaseOne to help bring more content about A-Series in the near future.

The A-Series is more then it appears at first glance. On the surface, it is an Alpa TC (travel compact), combined with a one of three flavors PhaseOne back and three Rodenstock lenses, and it is all of these things, however it is also a lot more.

While still usable, the PhaseOne A250 (IQ250), PhaseOne A260 (IQ260) or PhaseOne A280 (IQ280) sold with as part of the A-Series kit, will feature LCC’s for each specific lens applied in camera meaning that what you see is what you get on the back of the camera. This can be accomplished because the Alpa TC which the A-Series is based off of does not have movements. I believe that this is a huge boon for this as a compact travel system because there is much more certainty that you have got the shot, as well as the fact that it makes editing much easier. Most importantly however, it means that you can take pictures in rapidly changing conditions without having to worry about capturing an LCC (which requires a second exposure to be made, identical to the first in every way immediately after an image is taken). LCC’s vastly improve resulting images (especially with movements, but also for single-shots), however they are time consuming to capture. Being able to know that you have three lenses where your resulting images will be the absolute best on the planet straight out of the camera with no further steps required is huge.

The PhaseOne A-Series is pretty much the newest, latest and greatest “Most expensive point and shoot in the world”, not only does it capture this title, but it also captures the title of “most expensive mirrorless camera”. It does require manual focusing, however this is aided both by live-view on the camera’s rear screen (and live-view soon to be available in PhaseOne CapturePilot 1.8) as well as via image review on both the cameras rear screen and on iOS devices via CapturePilot. Further mitigating any complications presented by manual focusing are the PhaseOne IQ-series’ premium features including a focus mask available during image review that shows you which part of your image is in focus, as well as flashing highlight warning. Further, with all three of the lenses 23mm, 35mm and 70mm the PhaseOne A-Series can easily be set to a hyperfocal distance (http://www.dofmaster.com) where the focus distance can be calculated and set such that maximum DoF can be achieved at any aperture making shooting a breeze.

Since the PhaseOne A-series is sold as a package is has a number of other advantages. First, since it is delivered as a single package, its 5-year warranty is extended to all components of the package. The Rodenstock lenses are calibrated at the Alpa Factory with their HPF focusing rings which means that they will be as precise as humanly possible. Also the PhaseOne digital back will be shimmed by Alpa. Shimming is a very meticulous process where effectively an offset is created spacing the digital back and the lens just precisely to yield the sharpest possible image. Considering the extremely high-tolerences that Alpa products are manufactured too this is a process where changes are happening at the level of fractions of a millimeter with extremely thin pieces of metal being placed in the digital backs mount to create the required distance for the ultimate image quality for the PhaseOne digital back.

Another great thing is that, while this is a kit, the parts can be used with other camera systems. For instance, if you decide you want more control over your photography, you can opt for an Alpa body with movements, like the STC (stitch travel compact) or SWC (Super wide compact) as well as add additional lenses and accessories for more creative control. Also you can take the IQ2 series digital back off of the PhaseOne A-Series and put it on any Mamiya M mount medium format camera like the PhaseOne 645DF+ and enjoy the full range of autofocus and leaf shutter lenses from PhaseOne and Schneider-Krueznach.

Alpa’s are often compared to fine Swiss-watches or luxury performance automobiles because of their absolutely impeccable mechanics, finishing and attention to details. Alpa’s are well loved by commercial and fine-art photographers for their luxurious feel and absolute precision. Combined with PhaseOne digital backs they can produce some absolutely stunning results.

the PhaseOne A-Series is not a technical camera, it is a compact medium format digital travel camera. If you are looking for a technical camera, you can read my review of the Cambo WRC-400 or my upcoming review of the Arca-Swiss RM3Di. All of these cameras are distributed by my PhaseOne Dealer, Digital Transitions and comprehensive information as well as their proprietary online visualizer application for technical cameras can be accessed through this link.

 

—

via Fstoppers.

Sony to launch world’s first per pixel color sampling sensor in 2015.

SonyAlphaRumors posted that image of a new sensor that will be launched in early 2015. It does get rid of the common Bayer RGB pattern because each single pixel is capable of capture the full color spectrum. It does it by using an electrified moving filter.

SAR writes that design will be used for a 1.5 inch Z4 smartphone first and than used on larger photocamera sensors too. We can expect following advantages:
– Bigger pixels compared to same resolution Bayer sensor. This means more electrons captured and therefore higher dynamic range and lower noise (crazy ISO possible…even crazier than those of the Sony A7s).
– No moire issues anymore. No Anti Aliasing filter needed (increases per pixel sharpness).
– That tech also allows to make crazy high megapixel sensor. For example if you keep an Sony’s APCS pixel size same as the current Sony A7r 36MP RGB pixel size sensor you could in theory make a much higher resolution sensor with same noise level.
– Less pixels to read means also faster processing and readout.
– You actually can have a “full-monochrome” sensor

As usual with those kind of new stuff, we have to see them for real to see how good it works! ….But it looks good on paper :)

Double big rumors: New PRO Sony FE and new OMD Camera to be announced in January/February!

We are finally getting some clue about the next big new Mirrorless Camera Announcements:

Olympus:
Olympus will unveil a new E-M5 successor with new body design the first week of February!

Sony:
Sony will be the first camera maker to launch a new Sony FE A9 camera aimed for the professional market. The worlds first attempt to kick Canon and Nikon’s ass :)

Can’t wait to see new Sony!