Sony’s Cameras α7R II, RX10 II and RX100 IV: Sony’s Sensor Technology Enables Photographers to Take Detailed Photographs in the Most Challenging Low Light Conditions in Icelandic Ice Caves

Photographer Mikael Buck and renowned local guides Einar Runar Sigurdsson and Helen Maria explored the frozen world using Sony’s latest digital cameras including:

 

• The α7R II featuring the world’s first back-illuminated full-frame sensor which “brings together ultra-high resolution and ultra-high sensitivity.“

The following video presents α7R II – Product Feature | α | Sony:

See reality as your mind’s eye envisions it with the incredible new Sony α7R II. The world’s first*1 back-illuminated 35mm full-frame CMOS image sensor gives this camera capability to deliver 42.4-megapixel*2 resolution, high sensitivity and fast response that are apparent in every amazing picture. The Fast Hybrid AF system’s extra-wide dense focal plane phase-detection AF coverage keeps subjects in sharp focus, while 5-axis image stabilization reduces blur which otherwise tends to affect handheld shots. High-resolution imaging is further enhanced by 4K movie recording now featuring full pixel readout without pixel binning. With so much innovation packed into such a compact form, it’s clear that there is more to life than meets the naked eye.
*1 Among digital still cameras equipped with a 35mm full-frame image sensor. As of June 2015 based on Sony research.
*2 Approximate effective megapixels.

Also, both RX10 II and RX100 IV cameras feature the world’s first 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor that “truly shine in low-light and high contrast conditions.“

 

The following video presents RX100 IV & RX10 II – Product Feature | Cyber-shot | Sony:

The RX100 IV and RX10 II both feature the world’s first*1 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor with advanced signal processing and an attached DRAM memory chip which together enable more than 5 x faster readout of image data and are responsible for a variety of standout features that have previously been available only in a selected few professional level cameras. Visit Sony website for product details.

*1 The world’s first as 1.0 type sensor with memory attached design, as of the announcement date, based on Sony survey.

The images of the Icelandic ice caves were taken without the use of any external sources – just the natural light that filters through the ice caves.

PRESS RELEASE

Marvel at the beauty of breath-taking Icelandic ice caves

Nov 26, 2015 00:01 GMT

Sony camera sensor technology enables a closer look at some of Mother Nature’s rarest sights that could not previously have been photographed in this way

The enigmatic beauty of the caves of Vatnajokull, one of the largest glaciers in Europe, is revealed in all its frozen, icy splendour through astoundingly sharp and detailed photography.

The sensor sits at the heart of every camera and defines its capability to capture the amount of light and detail that goes into photographs. Advancements in Sony’s sensor technology are enabling photographers to take pin-sharp photographs in the most challenging low light conditions with the latest cameras from Sony, which formerly would not have been possible.

Stunning photo series heroes Iceland’s otherworldly ice caverns, with the cave’s bright blue and bubble-like walls resembling an almost underwater scene. Images also capture flowing waterfalls, and crystal clear crevasses and icy tunnels within the frosty fortress.

 

 

This incredible photo series displays the immense intricacies of never-before-seen ice caverns in Vatnajokull, Iceland – only made possible through Sony’s new sensor technology, allowing incredibly detailed low-light photography.

Each year, the Vatnajokull glacier shifts and changes, revealing complex cave systems that are there for only a matter of weeks before metamorphosing again.

Photographer Mikael Buck and renowned local guides Einar Runar Sigurdsson and Helen Maria explored the frozen world using Sony’s latest digital cameras including the α7R II featuring the world first back-illuminated full-frame sensor which brings together ultra-high resolution and ultra-high sensitivity, the RX10 II and RX100 IV which feature the world’s first 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor that truly shine in low-light and high contrast conditions. The images were taken without the use of any external sources – just the natural light that filters through the ice caves.

Within the photo series, barren caves have been brought to life, making visible the intricate curves of the natural sculptures, the delicate structure of its icicles, and the smooth and the marble-like texture of the cavern walls, which are formed through constant movement. Images capture the misty waterways that flow within the frosty fortress, as well as the ice-cold waterfalls that cascade down and transform the cavern’s bright blue walls. Buck has also captured images of a skilled local climber ascending the icy walls to showcase the scale of the majestic blue cave.

Helen Maria of Local Guide – Iceland’s oldest mountain guiding company – comments: “I have been exploring these ice caves for years with Local Guide. Being here in them is a truly wonderful opportunity. Knowing you’re experiencing such a fleeting phenomenon makes it even more special – the opportunity to help capture this nature in all its intricate glory and now in more detail than ever thanks to Sony’s sensor technology is a truly magical experience. This series of photographs has done it justice like never before, and I hope many more people will be spurred on to visit as a result.”

Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging for Sony Europe, commented, “These images wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago without having to take bulky kit, lighting and other accessories to the glacier – all of which would have weighed down a photographer. The sensors inside Sony’s α7 and RX cameras ensure that all a photographer needs is a small form factor camera and with its low light photography capabilities and they can then capture incredible images like these.”

As the global number one in Sensor technology and production with approximately 50% global market share, Sony is proud to continue to push through the perceived boundaries of sensor development and thanks to advancements in this field, images like this are now possible. Sensors are such a vital part of camera performance and being able to release two new advanced sensors this year is enabling Sony to continue its growth in the digital imaging industry.

In addition to being able to capture incredibly detailed low-light photography, sensor technology featured in the RX10 II and RX100 IV cameras also allows photographers, hobbyist and professionals alike, to capture moments not always visible to the human eye, with 40X super slow motion video capture at up to 1000fps.

Product Information

Sony α7R II camera:

The new α7R II interchangeable lens camera features the world’s first back-illuminated full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, which delivers high resolution (42.4 MP approx. effective megapixels), high sensitivity (expandable up to ISO 102400 and high speed AF response up to 40% faster than the original α7R thanks to 399 focal plane phase detection AF points.

The camera also includes a 5-axis image stabilisation system borrowed from the acclaimed α7 II model and can shoot and record 4K video in multiple formats including Super 35mm (without pixel binning) andfull-frame format, a world’s first for digital cameras. Additionally, it has a newly refined XGA OLED Tru-Finder with the world’s highest (0.78x) viewfinder magnification.

 

Sony RX100 IV camera:

• With its compact size, the premium RX100 IV camera features the world’s first 1.0 inch type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, 40x super-slow-motion video capture at up to 1000fps, and the ability to speedily read data 5x faster than previous models.

Sony RX10II camera:

Sony’s acclaimed high-zooming RX10 II camera contains a remarkable advance in photo and movie possibilities — the world’s first memory-attached 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor. Use it to create stunning 4K movies, up to 40x super slow motion, spectacular still images, and more. A new world of super-real photography emerges.

Sony World’s first 1.0”-type stacked Exmor RS sensor:

Featuring a stacked structure with quickly buffering DRAM chip (memory) attached, the new Exmor RS CMOS sensor realises over 5x faster readout speeds than conventional models. With the newly developed design, stacked under the pixel area, hi-speed signal processing circuit of the sensor is extended, and DRAM chip (memory) is attached to buffer huge image data. This breakthrough brings you cutting-edge new functions – including 40x super slow motion and Anti-Distortion Shutter – that used to be available only with pro-use gear.

New 35mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor with 42.4 megapixels:

The world’s first[i] back-illuminated 35mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor achieves approx. 42.4 effective megapixel resolution, widely expanded sensitivity up to ISO 102400[ii], and extra-low noise performance to reveal fine details even in enlargements of images. The back-illuminated structure enhances light collection efficiency and expands the circuitry scale — an advantage which, together with a copper wiring layer for faster data transmission, makes data output about 3.5 times faster[iii]. The result: lightning-fast autofocusing response and absolutely clear 4K movies with full pixel readout.

[i]Among digital still cameras equipped with a 35mm full-frame image sensor. As of June 2015 based on Sony research.

[ii]ISO 100-25600 expandable to ISO 50–102400 for shooting still images.

[iii] In comparison with the α7R.

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $68 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

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You can buy the above Sony cameras at B&H:

• Sony α7R II (model ILCE-7RM2), body only

• Sony RX100 IV (model DSC-RX100M4)

• Sony RX10 II (model DSC-RX10M2)