NEX-5R / NEX-6 Direct Upload Issues to Facebook

If you are having problems authorising Playmemories Cameras App on Facebook through your NEX-5R/6 cameras, I have found a solution to overcome this problem.

This solution worked for me and I have tried it using my two difference Facebook accounts and now I can upload to either from my NEX-6.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how I got mine to work:

Step 1. Press Menu and go to Application

Step 2. If you haven't downloaded the Direct Upload app, download it first.

Step 3. The Direct Upload app will show you the photos that you have on your memory card, press the square checkbox on the left to select the photos you want, press NEXT

Step 4. At the moment the only available Network Service is Facebook, Sony said that there will be more in the future.

Screen showing that it is trying to connect to Facebook

Step 5. You will be presented with the Facebook login page. Enter your Facebook credentials and press Login.

Step 6. This is the ISSUE.  You are presented with a blank screen (others have reported not seeing anything at all except a blank white screen).  Basically you're stuck on this screen.

This is where the programmer in me kicked in.  I know that FB apps have ID's and if I can find it, I can just use my browser and use that to authorise the app instead of Sony. I found the URL by logging in and turning off my Internet Connection :) The whole URL is about 341-characters long excluding my session-id.  I have shortened it for you

Jump into your browser and click this link.  I have written it down and tested it so the link should work for everyone. Authorise PlayMemoriesApp on FB using your browser.

Step 7.  Enter your username / password in Facebook. The site is the mobile site of Facebook, it doesn't really matter as we are only here to authorise the app and nothing else.

If you logged in succesfully, you will see this screen. Just press OK. This screen is asking you to allow the PlayMemories Cameras App to access your profile, friends list, News Feed, etc.

This next screen is asking you to allow the PlayMemories Cameras App to post on your behalf.  YES we do want it so press OK.

This screen appears afterwards.  I don't really know why it is coming up with a security warning but the text above it says SUCCESS. 

To check that it has been authorised, you should see it on your APP SETTINGS on your Facebook acount.

NOW BACK TO OUR NEX CAMERAS 

You will need to login again to FB but this time you won't see screen 6 (see above).

This screen allows you to place the photo you are uploading to a specific album! Good thinking Sony!

And that's it.  I have uploaded two photos already and have remove the app from my Facebook and did the same steps and it works.

I hope it works for you.  Please let me know by leaving a comment below

NEX-6 external mic solution

One of the things that's missing in the NEX-6 is the mic input jack.  Sony has introduced on CES2013 an  external mic, the Sony ECM-XYST1M that uses the new multi interface hotshoe.  It retails for around US$149.00

Sony USA is accepting pre-orders with a delivery date of March 15, 2013.

image from Sony USA website

I am not sure yet if the power is drawn from the camera or it can be powered on its own.  I would love to test this and try it against the Zoom H1 which I currently use.

a good zoom lens for your NEX - the SEL55210

If you are looking for a zoom lens for your NEX camera that is a native e-mount, you only have 4 options at the moment;

1. Sony SEL 18-200
2. Sony SEL 18-200 (LE)
3. Tamron 18-200
4. Sony SEL 55-210

I got mine as part of a dual lens kit for the NEX-6.

I won't waste your time in reading the technical specs as they are all over the internet. Just go to any Sony website and you can even do a comparison between the 3 Sony branded lenses.

The NEX SEL55-210 zoom lens is an underrated lens in my opinion.  The image quality I am getting from this lens is superb.  This is not a FAST LENS so when you want to use it in lowlight you have to bump up the ISO, which is not a problem with the NEX-7 and the newer and better High-ISO capable camera the NEX-6.

The weight of the SEL55-210 is perfect for the NEX camera compared to the 1st-generation SEL18-200.  Another advantage of the lens is the filter size which is 49mm, same as the SEL24F18 and the 18-55 Kit lens.  I have this lens on my camera instead of the 18-55!  

The SEL55-210 also has a OSS (Optical Steady Shot) which is great for both photo and video.  

Most of the photos taken were from the recent family holiday we had at Singapore and Hong Kong.  The only post processing done on the photos were to remove the sharpening in LR 4 and cropped.

Photos taken with the NEX-7:

Photos taken from NEX-6:

If you are in the market for a NEX Zoom lens and your budget is around $400-$500 USD, this lens comes highly recommended!  This is the ONLY ZOOM lens I have for my NEX system, the only thing that can replace this on my bag will be if Sony comes out with a G-lens for the NEX System!

a Busy weekend and week ahead - STAY TUNED

Hello everyone.  Sorry I haven't been updating this blog as much as I want to. 

But that is all about to change.

Yesterday my NEX SEL10-18 and the Sony RX1 :) was waiting for me on the front door.  Can't contain my excitement to be honest and there's more on the way..

I am still waiting for the NEX-6 from Sony Australia and hopefully it will get here by Friday (fingers crossed) as I have two Christmas parties to attend to on the weekend.

I will keep this short for now but here are the things that I will be testing (not scientific testing but more for what I need/want from a camera).

1. NEX-7 with SEL10-18
2. NEX-6 with SEL10-18
3. Sony RX1

But before I go, I want to say a big thank you to Sony Australia. Appreciate everything and getting the RX1 to me a week ahead and the other things ;)

And now, here's a side-by-side pic of the Sony RX1 and its little brother, the RX100.

Finally together!