Sony’s A7 range of full frame mirrorless cameras is growing like crazy. It’s quite expensive A7 models including the base A7, A7R and A7S were announced just a few months apart. And 7 months later after the 4K-capable A7S was introduced, the Japanese tech giant is already getting the second generation A7 out in Japan.

And while the A7S’s focus was on Ultra High Definition video capture and stellar ISO ranges, the new A7 II is taking stabilization at a whole new level. The camera packs a built-in 5-axis stabilization for photos and videos, which works wonders in reducing blur and shake regardless of what lens is used. In fact, the stabilization works even with lenses that have their own stabilizing system.

As for the rest of the specs, it looks like Sony didn’t really change a lot. The A7 II still has a 24.3MP sensor, a Bionz X image processor with 14-bit RAW support, a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, a 2.4 million dot view finder and a 3-inch 1.2 million dot display at the back.

What’s improved though is the camera’s autofocus system. The A7 II uses a 117-point phase-detection system and 25 contrast detection points, which according to Sony gives the device AF speeds 30% faster than its predecessor. Video capture capability maxes out at 1080P/60fps using XAVC-S or AVCHD while ISO range goes as high as 25,600.

The Sony A7 II will be available to the Japanese market by December 5 for $1600. There’s no information yet on international availability, but will let you know once more information pushes through.

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We’ve previously heard that Sony is already working on its next-generation flagship smartphone – the Xperia Z3. And last week the Japanese firm has introduced the Z3 alongside other Sony products in Berlin at this year’s IFA.
The Z3 carries the unmistakable Xperia DNA. It features a 5.2-inch Full HD display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with a 2.5GHz quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM. There’s also a 20.7MP camera at the back with a 25mm wide-angle G-lens.

The camera’s ISO range tops at 12800 and comes with a number of software improvements including an Intelligent Active Mode, an AR fun mode that lets users add 3D augmented reality effects in a frame, and a new live-to-YouTube streaming. There’s also a 2MP front-facing camera for self-portraits and video calls.
Sony has also added some nifty multimedia features to the Z3 including an upscaling engine called DSEE HX that improves low-res audio to near hi-res audio. The Z3 also supports PlayStation 4 Remote Play though this feature won’t be available until Q4 2014. There’s also a 3100mAh battery, which according to Sony can last up to two days on light usage.

The Z3 will also come with a Compact variant which boasts a 4.6-inch display with 720p resolution. There’s 2GB of RAM, a 2600mAh battery and 16GB of expandable storage. Just like its predecessor, the Z3 Compact will just be a smaller version of the Xperia Z3 and as such will bear almost identical specs including its chipset and its rear camera.
For those on a budget, Sony has also introduced the Xperia E3 that offers a 4.5-inch 480x854 pixel display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, Adreno 305 graphics, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage.

There’s also a 5MP camera at the back and a 1MP front-facing snapper. The unit will be powered by a 2330mAh battery, will run on Android 4.4 KitKat and will have LTE connectivity.
Also included on Sony’s announcement at IFA was its new line of QX line of lens cameras. The new QX lens cameras are a step up from last year’s models as they now have the ability to switch lenses or have powerful zoom capabilites effectively transforming any compatible smartphone into an Alpha compact camera system or an RX superzoom snapper.
The QX30 packs a 30x, 24-720mm f/3.5-6.3 optical zoom lens. This model also boasts a 20.4MP, 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS Sensor that has an ISO range that tops at 12800. Images can be stored either from the camera or on the smartphone. The device also comes with a replaceable battery that can last for 45 minutes of continues HD video capture or around 200 shots.

Meanwhile, the Sony QX1 comes with an interchangeable lens system much like Sony’s Alpha line of ILCs. The device carries a 20.1MP APS-C Sensor that is capable of recording 1080/30p video. The QX1 also sports a pop-up flash and a bigger battery compared to the QX30.
Finally, there are the new wearables – the Smartwatch 3 and the SmartBand Talk. The SmartWatch 3 is the Japanese manufacturer’s contender for the Android Wear market. The watch comes with a 1.6-inch display and features swappable wrist straps.

The Smartwatch 3 isn’t the prettiest of wearables especially if you compare it side-by-side to the recently launched LG G Watch R and the Moto 360, but nevertheless it does what it’s supposed to do. The watch will be powered by a 420mAh battery and will come with NFC, IP68 certification and an ambient light sensor.
On the other hand, there’s the Sony SmartBand, which is basically your activity tracker. The band comes with a microphone, a couple of speakers and a 70mAh battery. Unlike other smartbands in the market, this once uses e-ink making it more energy efficient than those that use OLED panels. The band is expected to sell for around $295 dollars while the SmartBand will go for roughly $200.
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Sony’s has definitely beefed up its Alpha line these past couple of months with various additions to the range including its top-spec’d A7 line. And now the company is extending the experience to more budget-challenged customer with the Alpha 5100.

The camera is meant to be the replacement of Sony’s NEX-5T from the company’s previous ILC line and is almost identical to the Alpha 6000 ILC that was announced last February at CP+.

The A5100 comes with the same 24.3MP APS-C sized Exmor CMOS sensor with Sony’s latest Bionz X image processor. It also comes with the same Hybrid AF system in the A6000 including its 179-phase detection points.

However, unlike the A6000, this camera doesn’t have an electronic viewfinder, but what you do get is a 921k-dot display with touch functionality that can flip 180 degrees in case you fancy doing a selfie with this ILC.

The camera also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, and is capable of recording XAVC S video at up to ISO 25600. Sony will be offering the A5100 starting next month for around $700 with a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power-zoom kit lens.

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After introducing a number of new models for its Alpha line, Sony is yet again adding another member of its range of interchangeable lens cameras. This time, the Japanese manufacturer is introducing an upgrade to a model released back in 2011.

The Sony Alpha A77 II is the much awaited update to the original A77. It features a 24MP CMOS sensor that is complemented by a Bionz X image processor – which is actually the same chip found on the Sony Alpha A7 and A7R compact camera systems.

Sony has bumped the sensitivity of the camera with an ISO range of 100-25600 (or 52000 when expanded). There’s also an improved OLED viewfinder at the back which has a 2.36 million dot resolution as well as a new tilting 3-inch TFT LCD screen that has a 1.23 million dot resolution.

However, the A77 II prides itself by having major improvements in its focusing over its predecessor. The camera boasts a new focusing system composed of 79 AU points with 15 crossing sensors that deliver a continuous burst shot that takes 60 full-res photos at a maximum of 12 frames per second.

The camera is capable of capturing 1080p60 videos with autofocus. It also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, stereo microphone and external mic socket. Sony will start shipping the A77 II by June as a kit with a 16-50mm  f/2.8 lens for $1800 ($1200 for the body only).

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