Sony has clearly done quite a bit to shake up the camera world with the Alpha, which, as the name implies, strives to be first in photo technology and with consumers and pro photographers alike.

Interested in the Sony Alpha lineup of cameras and lenses? You can read more, including learn about the latest 600mm f/4 and 200-600mm f5.6-6.3 lenses, at the new Sony Alpha website.

Here's the link: https://alphauniverse.com/

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• Iranian photographer Asghar Khamseh wins L’Iris d’Or Photographer of the Year and $25,000 prize for powerful portraits of acid attack victims
• Kei Nomiyama, Japan, wins Open Photographer of the Year for best single shot
• Fourteen Professional category winners announced
• RongRong & inri honored with Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize
• Winners selected from a record-breaking 230,103 entries from 186 countries
• All winners and shortlist to be exhibited at Somerset House, London 22 April – 8 May
• Images available for publication at press.worldphoto.org or Image.net

 
“The Jury were united in their admiration of the Photographer of the Year’s
work and the light it sheds on the tragic practice it exposes.” 
Dominique Green, Chair, Documentary Jury

Sony introduced two new Alpha cameras today: the α7 and α7R. Sony notes that they are the world’s smallest full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless digitals for pro and advanced amateur. However, and someone please explain this to me, what pro would ever want face recognition in a serious camera? Lots more features of a similar ilk, many obviously geared toward JPEG capture. Again, in a pro camera? And lest you think that I'm misreading their intent, here it is from Sony:

"Highly anticipated by professional photographers and imaging enthusiasts alike, the two new cameras offer an unmatched combination of creativity, customizability and portability."

Sony's not alone in this - catering to the masses with features no one would spend this kind of money on just for the bragging rights to be called a pro by virtue of an expensive camera. (Now that I re-read this, it makes no sense to me either.) But hey, it sure beats calling yourself a "photographer" when all you've got to show for it are pictures off a cell phone. 

My minor quips aside, these two cameras look to be a serious contender in a field where the DSLR reigns supreme as the tool for professional digital imaging. They might even herald the downfall of the almighty DSLR as we know it, as we constantly follow a narrowing path leading toward smaller and lighter cameras and lenses, leaving medium format to hold the fort for the big guns. I might even be tempted to grab up one of these new Sony cams myself, although I would have been much happier had they also featured a built-in GPS.

The new Sony cams support Wi-Fi and NFC. Huh? If you're not familiar with the tech (I didn't know it had a name till moments ago), NFC stands for Near Field Communications. It's for the touchy-feely types who can't take the time to hit a few keys to transmit pictures but instead prefer to run clear across town so they can tap someone else's device with their own. And still keep it rated "G."

Anyway, here's the official spiel from Sony, from their website:

"The α7R model features a 36.4 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor – the highest resolution sensor in the history of Sony’s α line – with no optical low pass filter for added resolving power and increased image detail.  The α7 model boasts an impressive 24.3 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor and an innovative fast Hybrid AF system.

"Each camera is equipped with advanced imaging features including a powerful new  BIONZ® X processor; fast AF capabilities; a clear, bright XGA OLED Tru-finder, full HD 60p video recording, Wi-Fi® and NFC connection, dust-and moisture- resistance and more." 

For more, visit the Sony Store.

More Sony news, in their words:

Sony’s Action Cam Selfie Sweepstakes:  Post a “selfie” photo or video of a crazy, extreme moment to either Instagram or Twitter using #ActionCamSelfie hashtag, and be entered to win one of 5 Sony Action Cams.  Read the Sony blog for more details on contest rules.