Sony announces Alpha 1, shoots 50MP 8K HDR videos

Sony Electronics, a global leader in imaging sensor technology and digital imaging, has announced the arrival of the groundbreaking new full-frame mirrorless Alpha 1 camera — asserting their commitment to leading the industry with a stunning combination of innovative new features.

The most technologically advanced, innovative camera that Sony has ever released, the Alpha 1 combines high-resolution and high-speed performance at a level that has never been accomplished in the world of digital cameras.  With a brand new 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS image sensor, up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second, 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video, and much more, the Alpha 1 will allow creators to capture what they’ve never been able to before.

“We are always listening to our customers, challenging the industry to bring new innovation to the market that goes far beyond their expectations,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “What excites us the most – more than the extensive product feature – is Alpha 1’s ability to capture that which has never been captured before. This camera unlocks a new world of creative possibilities, making the previously impossible now possible.”

The newly developed image sensor is built with integral memory and paired with an upgraded BIONZ XR imaging processing engine, making it capable of shooting 50.1-megapixel images continuously at an astounding 30fps with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second. The Alpha 1’s shooting capabilities are further enhanced by a 9.44 million dot OLED Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder, with a refresh rate of up to 240 fps, ensuring no black out.

Additionally, for the first time in an Alpha series camera, 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video is available. The Alpha 1 is also capable of 4K 120p / 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and includes S-Cinetone color. The Alpha 1 is also packed with features that support field professionals with faster workflow, including 3.5 times faster wireless FTP transfer speed and more.

Continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second

The Alpha 1 captures moments that would otherwise be lost thanks to its high-speed performance, providing any photographer the speed they require to capture fast-moving objects. High-speed readout from the 50.1-megapixel image sensor and a large buffer memory make it possible to shoot up to 155 full-frame compressed RAW images or 165 full-frame JPEG images at up to 30 frames per second with the electronic shutter while maintaining full AF and AE tracking performance.

At an astonishing calculation speed of up to 120 AF/AE per second, the Alpha 1 can maintain focus with high accuracy even for fast-moving subjects. It can automatically adjust exposure, even with sudden changes in brightness, with an AE response latency as low as 0.033 seconds.

Advanced Electronic Viewfinder with the world’s first refresh Rate of 240 fps

Complimenting the camera’s ability to capture images at an unprecedented speed, the Alpha 1 viewfinder features the world’s first 240 fps refresh rate, for a super-smooth display. The viewfinder does not black out when an exposure is made to offer an uninterrupted view and allow for seamless framing and tracking, even during continuous shooting.

The 9.44 million-dot (approx.), 0.64 type Quad-XGA high-definition OLED display and refined optics deliver the highest resolution in its class. It also offers 0.90x viewfinder magnification, a 41-degrees diagonal FOV, and a 25mm-high eyepoint for clear, low distortion viewing from corner to corner.

Advanced autofocus

Sony continues to push the boundaries of autofocus technology with the introduction of the Alpha 1, which can easily track complex, fast-moving subjects with high precision. The camera features 759 phase-detection points in a high-density focal-plane phase-detection AF system cover approximately 92% of the image area – ensuring accuracy and unfailing focus in environments where focusing might otherwise be difficult.

Sony’s advanced Real-time Eye AF improves detection performance by 30% over the previous system, thanks to the powerful image processing engine, BIONZ XR. It ensures accurate, reliable detection, even when the subject’s face looks away. In addition to improved Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, the Alpha 1 employs high-level subject recognition technology to provide Real-time Eye AF for birds, a first in an Alpha series camera. Optimized algorithms ensure that tracking is maintained even if a sitting bird suddenly takes flight, or the framing suddenly changes.

The Alpha 1 also features AI-based Real-time Tracking that automatically maintains accurate focus. A subject recognition algorithm uses color, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real-time at high speed.

Silent, vibration-free electronic shutter

High-speed readout from the new image sensor has made it possible to reduce rolling shutter by up to 1.5 times when shooting stills, compared to the Alpha 9 II. It also offers silent anti-flicker continuous shooting with an electronic shutter for the first time in the world. The electronic shutter operates silently, without mechanical noise, and is vibration-free.

Stress-free continuous shooting is now possible even when shooting in challenging lighting situations with fluorescent or other flicker-prone types of artificial lighting. And for the first time in an Alpha camera, electronic shutter flash sync up to 1/200 sec is possible. The advantages of the electronic shutter advantages can now come to life even when using flash for broadly expanded shooting versatility.

Dual driven shutter system for 1/400 flash sync

The Alpha 1 boasts the world’s fastest flash sync speed of 1/400 sec. with a mechanical shutter, making it even easier to capture dynamic action. In addition to a carbon fiber shutter curtain, the Alpha 1 features the newly developed dual driven shutter system utilizing spring and electromagnetic drive actuator, offering high durability and lightness at the same time.

High-resolution shooting enhancements

Even with this sensor’s high pixel count, the Alpha 1 offers high sensitivity with low noise, plus 15+ stops of dynamic range for video and 15 stops for stills, for smooth, natural gradations from shadows to highlights thanks to its cutting-edge processing system, throughout a wide ISO sensitivity range of 100-32,000 (expandable to 50-102,400, when shooting stills).

Additionally, the new camera features an evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode that composites up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of 796.2 million pixels of data, which are then composited into a 199 million pixel (17,280 x 11,520 pixels) image using Sony’s Imaging Edge desktop application.

With a flash sync of up to 1/200 sec. in this mode, it is ideal for photographing architecture, art, or any other still life subject with a level of detail and color accuracy that is simply stunning.

8K high-resolution movie shooting

For the first time in an Alpha camera, the Alpha 1 offers 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 XAVC HS recording with 8.6K oversampling for extraordinary resolution. Combined with Sony’s acclaimed autofocus technology, gradation and color reproduction performance, the Alpha 1 will help the user realize their creative vision with the finest detail. It’s 8K footage can also be used for flexible 4K editing during post-production.

Supporting various video formats for professionals

The Alpha 1 offers in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second which allows the user to shoot up to 5X slow-motion video. In addition to supporting 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, this feature can be used with efficient Long GOP inter-frame compression or high-quality Intra (All-I) intra-frame compression.

The Alpha 1 features S-Cinetone, the same color matrix that produces the highly regarded FX9 and FX6 color and skin tones. It delivers natural mid-tones, plus soft colors and gorgeous highlights to meet a growing need for more expressive depth.

The S-Log3 gamma curve makes it possible to achieve 15+ stops of dynamic range, while the S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3. Cine color gamut settings make it easy to match Alpha 1 footage with video shot on VENICE cinema camera, FX9, and other professional cinema cameras.

Heat-dissipating structure

A unique heat-dissipating structure keeps the image sensor and image processing engine temperatures within their normal operating range, preventing overheating while maintaining compact body dimensions. This makes it possible to record 8K/30p video continuously for approximately 30 minutes.

Supporting hand-held shooting

A high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors, plus optimized image stabilization algorithms, achieve up to a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, maximizing the quality of the high-resolution images derived from the camera’s 50.1-megapixel sensor. The Alpha 1 also features an Active Mode that offers outstanding stabilization for handheld movie shooting. When using Sony’s desktop applications Catalyst Browse or Catalyst Prepare for post-production, an accurate image stabilization function is available which utilizes metadata generated by the camera’s built-in gyro.

Other features that the Alpha 1 offers include; 16-bit RAW output to an external recorder via HDMI for maximum post-production flexibility, a digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe for clearer audio recordings from a compatible Sony external microphone, 5.8K oversampled full pixel readout without pixel binning for high-resolution 4K movies in Super 35mm mode and more.

Enhanced workflow with network technologies including connectivity to 5G compatible devices

The Alpha 1 has been designed and configured to support photo and video journalists and sports shooters who need to deliver stills or movies as quickly as possible with advanced connectivity options. It offers several features for fast, reliable file transfers. Industry’s fastest built-in wireless LAN allows communication on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with dual antennas to ensure reliable communications. 5 GHz includes 2×2 MIMO support offering 3.5 times faster wireless FTP transfer speed than the Alpha 9 II – a notable advantage for news and sports shooters who need to deliver with reliable speed.

There is also a provided USB Type-C connector to support fast data transfer when connected to a 5G mmWave compatible device such as Sony’s Xperia PRO and makes high-speed PC Remote (tethered) data transfer available for smooth handling of large image files. The Alpha 1 also has a built-in 1000BASE-T LAN connector for high-speed, stable data transfers, including remote shooting. FTPS (File Transfer over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS encryption for increased data security.

In addition to compressed and uncompressed RAW, the Alpha 1 includes efficient lossless compression with no quality degradation, Lossless Compressed RAW. There is also a new “Light” JPEG/HEIF image quality setting that results in smaller files than the “Standard” setting, allowing faster delivery for news and sports photographers who depend on speed.

Along with a versatile range of RAW and JPEG formats, the Alpha 1 includes the HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File) format for smooth 10-bit gradations that provide more realistic reproduction of skies and portrait subjects where subtle, natural gradation is essential. Images shot on the Alpha 1 can be trimmed in-camera to the desired aspect ratio, size, or position for versatile usage.

The Alpha 1 is also compatible with a variety of apps, add-ons, and tools. With Imaging Edge Mobile and Imaging Edge Desktop, professionals can easily transfer RAW files and files that use lossless compression and remotely control Touch Tracking and Touch Focus for convenient AF operation. The Transfer & Tagging add-on (Ver. 1.3 or later) can automatically convert voice memos attached to image files to text captions or transfer the files to an FTP server from a mobile device.

Desktop applications Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare allow professionals to browse and manage video clips shot by Sony’s camera. In addition, the Remote Camera Tool can remotely change camera settings and shoot from a computer connected via LAN cable and feature a number of refinements for the Alpha 1: faster transfer, touch response, dual slot, and HEIF support, and more.

Reliable and easy operability

Professional users need more than just refined features and performance. They also need the reliability and durability demanded of any professional tool. The Alpha 1 has two media slots that both support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards, as well as new CFexpress Type A cards for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds.

It also features a durable magnesium alloy chassis, long battery life with the Z-battery which can be extended using the optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip (sold separately), an improved dust removal feature, shutter close function on power-off to protect image sensor, plus dust and moisture resistance that maximizes reliability in challenging environments. It includes a durable, reliable HDMI Type-A connector, and USB PD (Power Delivery) support, allowing higher power to be supplied from an external source so that users can record for extended periods with minimal internal battery usage.

A revised menu structure provides easier navigation, and touch-responsive menu operation offers fast, more intuitive control with Touch Focus and Touch Tracking on its 3.0 type 1.44 million-dot (approx.) LCD monitor. For easy customization, a subset of the camera’s shooting settings now changes according to the selected shooting mode, making it easier than ever to use different aperture, shutter speed, and other settings for shooting stills and movies.

Pricing and availability

The Alpha 1 Full-frame Interchangeable-Lens Camera will be available in March 2021 for approximately US$6,500 and CAD$8,500. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

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realme GT Neo 3 review: A flagship worth getting?

10/05/2022

A few months back, realme introduced a flagship smartphone that not only looks unique, but also carries specs that should easily keep up with your gaming needs and sports a set of capable optics for mobile imaging in mind.

Priced originally at PhP 29,999 (currently discounted at PhP 25,999), we have spent a good amount of time with it, and here’s our take on one of realme’s supposed smartphone disruptors after months of usage.

Design

With its racing stripe running the entire back panel, the phone is quite an attention-grabbing piece. During my time using it, I’ve heard a couple of people mention how the phone looks unique so it’s been a great conversation starter as well.

This stripe design is actually inspired by the Ford GT40 that beat a Ferrari for the first time at Le Mans back in the 1960s. According to the company, this symbolizes the next-level speed that realme GT Neo 3 can provide its users.

Its back panel also feels nice to the touch. With a matte finish, it overall feels soft and smooth, and even minimizes fingerprints so that’s great news for those who are not into wiping their phones from time to time.

You have your usual power button on the right side while the left has volume buttons. Its top is devoid of any ports except an additional speaker grille and a pinhole for one of its noise-canceling microphones.

Take a look below and you’ll see its USB-C for charging and data transfer, microphone pinhole, speaker grille, and its dual SIM slot with no space for storage expansion.

At around 188 grams, this phone comes with a good heft to it, but more on the lighter side of things. Its slim form factor also makes operation easier on the hands, while its chamfered corners make gripping the device effortless.

The realme GT Neo 3 is available in two colors namely Sprint White and Nitro Blue.

Display and Multimedia

On to its display, we get a sizable 6.7-inch display with a nice OLED panel for that extra vivid colors. realme calls this its Reality Display which aims to provide lifelike colors and quality. True enough, it was able to produce nicely saturated images and color accurate hues.

I would even say its Full HD+ OLED screen is able to match color performance with top-of-the-line phones available today. Brightness could improve, though, especially for watching videos or playing games outdoors.

The display’s 120Hz refresh rate made things smoother to the eyes, but helps drain the battery faster. But my experience with it proved that I could be on 120Hz the entire time since charging the phone is very convenient. More on that later, though.

With its large screen, watching short videos and playing mobile games are such easy things to do on the GT Neo 3. Factor in the fact that it comes with stereo speakers that could go loud enough for an immersive gaming session and you have a compact multimedia device in your hands.

You’d also be glad to know that the audio system comes with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio certification if you want to go for a more immersive experience with headphones on. These are some things I enjoyed on this phone as I like getting lost in my music from time to time.

Cameras

realme has previously proven to have familiarized itself in hitting a balance between good camera hardware and useful camera software, and it’s the same case for the GT Neo 3.

Its 50-megapixel main sensor shoots clear images with natural color. Even in low light conditions, its 1/1.56-inch sensor lets more light in. Combine that with its built-in OIS or Optical Image Stabilization and you get detailed images even after the sun goes down.

You can also switch things up using its 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle shooter. With it, you can capture more impressive landscapes and play more with your shots. And when you want to get up close with your subjects, its 2-megapixel macro sensor is decent enough to produce details even with small objects.

In terms of software that improve its imaging capabilities, it comes with AI that helps analyze and determine its best settings for the current scenario all on its own.

Apart from that, it also comes with Street Photography Mode seen previously in other realme phones. In a nutshell, it’s your usual filters overlayed on the images. But realme made color profiles that are actually usable and look nice across different subjects. These filters instantly give a raw vibe to your images which I am a fan of. Check the following samples:

realme also boasts Dynamic Image Snapshot to be able to capture sharp photos even when the phone is shaking. True enough, even if you move the phone while taking a shot, the outcome is still pretty sharp and will definitely pass for social media uploads. It’s a nifty little feature that solves a lot of casual photographers’ problems.

On the flip side, taking care of your selfies is a 16-megapixel front camera that is more than enough not just for self-portraits, but also for video calls at work and even live streaming — if you’re into that.

Performance

Under the hood of this GT40-inspired machine is a MediaTek Dimensity 8100 5G processor. It’s partnered with Mali G610 graphics and a combination of 8GB RAM + 256GB storage.

With those working together, everyday processes like social media browsing, editing photos, and gaming are handled very well by the GT Neo 3 — even switching between them with multiple apps active.

Gaming for longer periods of time like Mobile Legends doesn’t cause the device to break a sweat. Just activate its GT mode and the phone automatically optimizes CPU, GPU, and RAM usage to deliver the best gameplay depending on the required configuration.

For compatible titles, you can definitely take advantage of its smooth 120Hz refresh rate which adds immersion to the games.

Running heavy games like Genshin Impact is also doable and almost lag-free as long as graphics settings are at a modest level. Over the time I used the phone, overheating has not been an issue thanks to its Stainless Steel Vapor Chamber Cooling System Max that help dissipate heat.

Finally, navigation throughout its menu and features has been a smooth-sailing affair with realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12. It does come with a couple of bloatware that you can uninstall if you don’t need them.

Battery life

Powering the phone is a 5000mAh battery and it easily lasts an entire day’s use. But if you’re more of a power user, topping up or refueling the GT Neo 3 is really convenient thanks to its 80W SuperDart charging technology.

With it, the phone is able to charge itself from 0-45% in 12 minutes and up to 100% in less than 38 minutes. This makes it possible to plug it in at empty, go for a quick shower, and have enough power to last you up to the entire day ahead.

Creature Feature

As always in our reviews, The Modern Creatures aims to find that special feature in a device that makes it stand out — its Creature Feature. And for the realme GT Neo 3, it would have to be its ultra-fast charging time.

We know that having power for your phone’s battery is as important as having the phone itself. After all, you can’t use a phone — no matter how advanced it is — if it’s out of juice. This is where realme’s 80W SuperDart Charge comes into play. Even with just short charging periods, you get to enjoy more of the device as you can use it longer.

Price and final thoughts

The realme GT Neo 3 is priced at PhP 29,999 but is currently available in Lazada for PhP 25,999. It is definitely an all-rounder phone that ticks the right boxes.

Although, of course, there are other options in the same price range, we’d still say that it’s a flagship phone worth getting for its performance and offerings.

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