Sony News (Page 17)

Just posted: Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens Review

Is this lens right for your kit?

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Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens from B&H | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

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Check out the new Stash Master Camera Cubes at Think Tank Photo.

"Turn any backpack, roller, or duffel into a camera bag — or use as a photo storage cube that’s ready to go at any time!"

Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 2.00 is available for download. Read the instructions carefully.

Firmware Version 2.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Adds support for the Creators' App
   Note: The new Creators' App mobile application is available to replace the Imaging Edge Mobile app. The Creators' App allows you to transfer images from the camera to your smartphone, shoot remotely, and use various functions.
2. Adds functions that improve security when connecting for remote shooting and image transferring with Creators' App and Imaging Edge Desktop software
   Note: Please update the Imaging Edge Desktop software to the latest version (Ver.3.6 or later)
3. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.

Just posted: Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review.

Is this the next lens for your kit?

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Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

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Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens page.

This is a sharp lens. Check out these comparisons:

Compared to the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens

Compared to the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens

Build your own comparisons.

Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens from B&H | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens from Lensrentals.

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For a long time, I have been sharing my camera setup guides and including a link to them at the bottom of each relevant review page. These pages have become quite popular, so now a "Setup Guide" link is included in the top navigation for these camera reviews.

The guides are free, but please remember to support this site.

Here is the complete list of setup guides (as of this post):

• Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
• Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Canon EOS 5Ds R
• Canon EOS 6D Mark II
• Canon EOS 90D
• Canon EOS 80D
• Canon EOS 77D
• Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
• Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D
• Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D
• Canon EOS 5Ds
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon EOS Rebel T6s / 760D
• Canon EOS Rebel T6i / 750D
• Canon EOS Rebel T6 / 1300D
• Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / 200D
• Canon EOS R3
• Canon EOS R5
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II
• Canon EOS R6
• Canon EOS R7
• Canon EOS R8
• Canon EOS R10
• Canon EOS R50
• Canon EOS R
• Canon EOS RP
• Canon EOS M50
• Canon EOS M200
• Canon EOS M5
• Canon EOS M6 Mark II
• Canon EOS M6
• Canon EOS M100
• Nikon Z 7
• Nikon Z 6
• Nikon D850
• Sony Alpha 1
• Sony Alpha 9 II
• Sony Alpha 7R V
• Sony Alpha 7R IV, IVA
• Sony Alpha 7R III, IIIA
• Sony Alpha 7 IV
• Sony Alpha 7 III
• Sony Alpha 7C
• Sony Alpha 9

Image quality test results have been added to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens page.

Check out how Sigma's latest entry into the beloved, affordable 50mm f/1.4 lens category performs.

Compared to the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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As the dust from the Sony Alpha 7R V review is settling, I have a decision to make. Do I keep my Sony Alpha 7R IV / IVA or upgrade to the 7R V.

Check out the Sony a7R V vs. a7R IV specification comparison along with the visual comparison of these cameras.

What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 7R V and the Alpha 7R IV? Here is a summary:

• New AI processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition
• BIONZ XR processor, a significant upgrade to the BIONZ X
• Next-generation AF Real-time Recognition and tracking AF in still and movie modes utilizing detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems that only detect face and eye
• AI subject recognition subject types added, now including animals, vehicles, and insects (Human, Animal/Bird, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane available)
• 8-stop image stabilization system — most effective ever offered in a Sony Alpha camera, a noticeable improvement from the a7R IV's IBIS
• AF Working Range expanded to EV -4 – 20 vs. EV -3 – 20
• 0.64" (1.6 cm), 9.44 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder vs. 0.5" (1.3 cm) with 5.76 million dots
• New 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor that combines the utility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility
• 3.15" (8.2cm), Touch Screen with 2,095,104 dots vs. 2.95" (7.5cm) non-Touch Screen with 1,440,000 dots (the IVA has 2,359,296 dots)
• 8K 25/24p video, 4K 60p, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning vs. 4K 30p
• Breathing compensation
• Focus Bracketing
• Stacked mode dial and exposure compensation dial is customizable
• Movie start/stop button moved from back to top
• In-body Active mode image stabilization for smoother on-the-go recording (slight image crop in Active mode, Active mode not available when recording XAVC HS 8K or using a frame rate of 120 (100) fps)
• Improved heat dissipation for extended recording times
• Upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, taking advantage of the precision in-body image stabilization system
• Variable shutter function for stills and movies (higher than 100 Hz or 120 Hz)
• Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes for storage efficiency
• High-quality HEIF images with high compression efficiency
• Dual CFexpress Type A and SDXC compatible media slots
• New menu system with touch control and a wide range of customizable functions
• Support for UVC/UAC, allowing direct streaming of up to 4K (QFHD) with audio
• a7R V has shorter battery life — Viewfinder: 440 vs. 530, LCD: 530 vs. 670
• a7R V is slightly heavier: 25.6 vs. 23.5 oz (723 vs.665g)

The primary factor against this upgrade is that the 61.0MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, Sony’s highest resolution in an Alpha camera, remains the same. While there were surely cost factors involved with the decision to stay with this imaging sensor, it is a high-performing one, and the latest technology available may not warrant an upgrade.

If the acquisition cost, selling a used camera and buying a new camera, was not a factor, this decision would be extremely simple. For many, the improved AF performance alone justifies the upgrade and numerous bullet points are solid upgrade reasons, but my decision is further complicated by having a Sony Alpha 1 for higher performance demands. Thus, I'm still contemplating this decision.

Order the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H (save big on used models currently available) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Sony Alpha 7R V from Lensrentals.

Just posted: initial Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review.

It's time to share some initial impressions from this tiny, lightweight, affordable lens.

The RF 24-50's estimated ship date is Tue, Apr 18 per B&H and Canon.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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From Sony Electronics:

Sony's Creators' Cloud Opens Up to Individuals; Bringing Together the Power of Camera and Cloud to Creators Worldwide Through a Single Platform

Sony Electronics introduces an application ecosystem bringing together camera and cloud, designed to meet creators' needs from cloud storage to networking.

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sony Electronics announced the next generation of its Creators' Cloud platform, opening a host of new cloud-based applications and features designed for individual content creators and small content teams. This expansion comes after the initial introduction of Creators' Cloud in September 2022, intended for professional and enterprise users.

Sony's Creators' Cloud for Individuals: Merging Power of Camera and Cloud to Creators Worldwide Through Single Platform

The Creators' Cloud platform includes cloud storage, C[i] Media Cloud for collaborative media workflows, and Discover, a platform to discover and connect with peers[i]. The Creators' Cloud platform, aimed at independent professionals, will soon[ii] include Creators' App[iii], a content transfer application from camera to cloud[iv].

"With Creators' Cloud, we are building a unique space where content creators can blur the lines between hardware and software, online and offline," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "We know that content creators are looking for a one-stop shop, a place that integrates their content and creative tools, allows them to share and learn from other professionals and offers business opportunities and the expansion of Creators' Cloud is the first step in Sony's answer to this."

Content Immediately Available on Multiple Devices

As creators seek to view and share their content efficiently, Creators' Cloud will enable the transfer of images and videos to the cloud for immediate viewing and sharing. Sony offers 5GB[v] free for any Creators' Cloud account user and 25GB for owners of select Sony cameras[iv].

Creators' App will be the successor of Imaging Edge Mobile Plus and will act as an extension of a camera to upload, view, and manage photo and video content shot on select Sony cameras and stored in the cloud. With the upcoming launch[vi] of Creators' App, key features will include:

• Transfer content from select Sony camera to a smartphone[vii]
• Upload content from the smartphone to Creators' Cloud[viii]
• View content on the smartphone and in the cloud using the Creators' App viewer[iv]
• Connect to and control select Sony cameras remotely using the Creators' App[iv]
• Update camera and settings using the Creators' App[iv]

The cloud storage feature can be used with or without the upcoming Creators' App. All users can upload photo and video to Creators' Cloud via Creators' Cloud website. While camera control and file transfer to Creators' App will be available to limited compatible models at time of release, Alpha 7 IV and ZV-1F, all users will also be able to upload via Creators' App upon application. Other compatibility options will be available in Spring 2023. Direct upload from select cameras to cloud will be available at a future date. With the launch of Creators' App for individuals, "C3Portal App," a cloud gateway application currently being provided for enterprises, will be renamed as "Creators' App for enterprise."

Facilitating Collaboration

Ci Media Cloud, Sony's well-established online creative collaboration and media management service, supports over 150,000 professionals worldwide. Ci has opened its tools with new pricing and subscription plans built for how individual creators work and create. With Ci Media Cloud, creators and creative teams can simplify collaboration on media files from anywhere on any device, with a simple, intuitive user interface. From an Adobe Premiere Pro panel integration to mobile applications and an Apple TV app now available[ix], Ci continues to develop features and integrations to empower creative professionals to work simpler and smarter.

Creating A Global Community of Creators

Discover is a portfolio for global networking and collaboration opportunities and it is another stand-out feature of Creators' Cloud launching today. In Discover, images and videos will include detailed information including the camera operator's location, camera and lens models, settings, and genre.

Creators' Cloud will continue to expand in the future with new services and features added regularly based on user feedback.

For more information about Creators' Cloud, please visit https://www.sony.net/cc/.

Notes:

[i] Sony will roll out availability of Creators' App, Cloud Storage, Master Cut (Beta), Ci Media Cloud and Discover progressively in the U.S. and the rest of the world, thus availability timing of services will vary by region and country.

[ii] Targeted for Spring 2023.

[iii] Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted, or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration, and credit card information.

[iv] Coming soon, Creators' App will be compatible with Alpha 7 IV, ZV-1F. Spring 2023: FX3, FX30. Alpha7 IV, Alpha 7R V, FX3, FX30 will need software update. More information at https://www.sony.net/cca/

[v] 1 GB = one billion bytes. A portion of which is used for data management functions.

[vi] Targeted for Spring 2023.

[vii] Transfer using the new app require compatible camera with latest firmware.

[viii] Upon launch, supported formats are JPG, MP4, ARW, AQW.

[ix] Ci's MediaBox Screener app is available on Apple TV and at the date of writing, the Ci Media Cloud web app is available in Japanese and English, with further languages to be added in summer 2023.

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Introduces Newest Compact Addition to the Full-Frame Lens Line-Up with a 50mm F1.4 G Master

Latest Addition to Sony’s G Master™ Series Delivers Extraordinary Resolution, Beautiful Bokeh and Fast Autofocus in a Remarkably Lightweight Design

SAN DIEGO, CA – Feb. 21, 2023 – Sony Electronics has announced the 50mm F1.4 G Master (model SEL50F14GM) as the newest addition to its acclaimed G Master full-frame lens lineup. This e-mount lens expands the Sony lineup with a premium 50 mm prime lens packed into a remarkably compact and lightweight design. The 50mm F1.4 G Master delivers first-class image quality, including high-resolution and naturally rendered bokeh known to Sony’s top-tier G Master™ series. When paired with the latest Sony cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of uses in both still and video including portraiture, landscapes, travel, and weddings.

“At Sony, we are continually listening to the needs of today’s content creators and are proud to announce the newest innovative option with the 50mm F1.4 G Master lens, the latest addition to the E-mount lens line-up,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “This prime lens is a great option for both photography and videography use and delivers excellent image quality at 50 mm, one of the most popular focal lengths. Being able to pack our latest G Master technology into such a compact form factor brings ultimate versatility to a 50 mm for Sony.”

Sharp Imagery and Beautiful Bokeh

The advanced optical design and elements unique to Sony’s top-of-the-line G Master series brings outstanding image quality to the 50mm F1.4 G Master. Spherical aberration control at both the design and the manufacturing stages contributes to beautiful bokeh. The lens offers naturally rendered bokeh with an 11-blade circular aperture and sharp realism is offered throughout maximum aperture range. Deep, creamy bokeh at F1.4 is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios including making portrait subjects stand out from their surroundings.

The 50mm F1.4 G Master is packed with two XA (extreme aspherical) elements that effectively correct field curvature and most types of aberration. This lens is also designed with one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element that suppresses chromatic aberration to maintain clear and sharp images without color bleeding. The design combination of the XA and ED elements help achieve high-resolution throughout the entire frame. Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II on the lens suppresses reflections even in a backlit scene.

In addition, the minimum focusing distance of the 50mm F1.4 G Master is up to 0.41 meters and maximum magnification is up to 0.16x when autofocus is used ⁱ. This level of close-up performance provides extra flexibility when shooting both stills and videos.

Remarkably Compact Design for Maximum Versatility

The 50mm F1.4 G Master has Sony’s most advanced optical design technology including the precisely positioned XA elements, high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, and the latest compact circular aperture unit. These elements are critical for realizing a large-aperture, high-resolution lens that is only 80.6 mm in diameter, 96.0 mm in length, and approximately 516 grams in weight. These measurements allow for a lens that is up to 33% lighter and 15% less volume when compared to conventional models with the same specifications ii.

The compact size of the 50mm F1.4 G Master paired with a Sony camera body makes this lens extremely versatile in both still and video shooting situations. With this type of mobility and low-light performance, this lens is a great choice for everything from portraits, landscapes, weddings, and travel. The compact size also makes it an ideal lens selection for gimbal and drone operation.

Fast, Precise, and Reliable Autofocus

The 50mm F1.4 G Master’s autofocus is extremely fast and precise, making it an ideal choice for reliable content creation. The autofocus is as much as 1.9x fasterⁱⁱⁱ than conventional models with the same specifications ⁱⁱ. The lens’s focus group is driven by Sony’s high-thrust XD linear motors and incorporates an advanced control algorithm for smooth, responsive focus drive. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha cameras, this lens can quickly acquire focus and track subjects, even when using the shallow depth of field available at F1.4.

The XD linear motors and control algorithm optimize response to control signals so that focusing is precise, and vibration is minimized for refined, quiet AF operation. This is extremely advantageous when shooting movies allowing movie subjects to be smoothly captured and tracked even when shooting at 120 fps or other high frame rates. The ability to leave focusing to the camera when shooting solo or with a small team can dramatically enhance efficiency and creative flexibility. Also, the 50mm F1.4 G Master features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing to ensure that the highest quality images are captured. In addition, the 50mm F1.4 G Master supports the breathing compensation ^iv function provided in compatible Sony’s Alpha cameras.

Intuitive Operability and Outstanding Reliability

The lens has been designed intuitively to help provide creators maximum workflow efficiency while shooting. Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and repeatably to subtle control when focusing manually. As an exciting evolution to the premium G Master line-up, the 50mm F1.4 G Master also features an iris lock switch, which is the first to ever be offered on a Sony prime lens. Additionally, this lens features a 67 mm thread mount, allowing for a filter to be interchangeable with the FE 24mm F1.4 G Master and FE 35mm F1.4 G Master lenses.

Focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch provide extra shooting versatility for content creators. Customizable focus hold buttons are present in two locations, which can be further assigned to several other functions from the camera’s menus. The focus mode switch makes it possible to switch between autofocus and manual focus on the fly, to quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions.

The 50mm F1.4 G Master’s front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels and allows for easy removal of fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants. A dust and moisture resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions. These additions allow creators to use the lens with confidence in almost any shooting environment.

Pricing and Availability

The new 50mm F1.4 G Master lens will be available in May 2023 for approximately $1299.99 USD and $1799.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Orders

Preorders open at 10:00 AM ET on Wed, Feb 22. Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens from B&H or Adorama.

Notes:

ⁱ 0.38 meters and 0.18x when manual focus is used

ⁱⁱ Such as the Planar T* FE 50 mm F1.4 ZA

ⁱⁱⁱ Sony test conditions.

^iv Compatibility info at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/ Available in movie mode only. Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is used. Compensation may not be able to cover all situations.

^v Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

Just posted: Sony Alpha 7R V Review.

This camera is impressive.

Order the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H (10-rated used available for $3,507.95) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Sony Alpha 7R V from Lensrentals.

From Lowepro:

"While it takes a number of years and a lot of adventures to wear out a Lowepro bag, our Workshop Tips will guide you on how to take care of, repair, and refresh your camera bag and extend its life!"

Get your Lowepro bag at B&H.