Sony's New Shoe and Micro USB

Besides the new hotshoe that Sony will be incorporating on its new line of NEX and SLT's. 

The hotshoe according to the specs has 20-pin and uses Sony Intelligent signals and IS mechanically compatible with competitors accessory.  Does this mean we can use Canon/Nikon speedlites? If this is true, then this will be good news for Sony Alpha strobist.

Another technology included is a Micro USB Port, 15-pin and uses Sony Intelligent Signals and mechanically and functionally compatible with other manufacturers Micro USB accessory which are 5-pins.

What the Sony Intelligent Signal means are a bit vague at the moment, this might be them doing some translation of the signals from other manufacturers into Sony's own interpretation.

Whatever it is, it is a good time to be a Sony NEX / SLT user. No one has done more ground-breaking technology in the photography world than Sony.

Rumored NEX bodies

Just thought I'd share this news from Sony Alpha Rumors.  Sony will be launching two new NEX bodies; NEX-5R, an update of the NEX-5N and NEX-6, a more affordable NEX-7.

NEX-5R

Like the NEX-5N, the successor still doesn't have any hotshoe.  This will probably have the same sensor used on the NEX-7 albeit smaller megapixel count.

NEX-6

The NEX-6 has an EVF, if this is as good as the NEX-7 then this will definitely sell, there is also a dial selection on top compared to the previous NEX where the Mode is selected using the MENU on the back of the camera.

This one have the new hotshoe that Sony will be introducing on the NEX and future SLT cameras.  Will this be the 'death' of the Minolta hotshoe? I think so and it's about time as Sony got 'stuck' on that old technology.

The movie record button has also been moved to avoid it being press accidentally. Personally, I prefer the Canon implementation where you have to switch the on/off to dedicated movie mode.

One thing that I like about the new NEX camera's is that they now have the Fn button next to the Shutter.  This feature comes from the NEX-7 and was well received because of the quick access it gives you.

September seems a long time but it's only a few more weeks and then we'll see what this cameras can deliver and more importantly, the PRICE!