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 Thursday, August 29, 2019

From Sony UK:

Sony today announced two new additions to its a(Alpha) APS-C series of mirrorless cameras with the launch of the Alpha 6600 (model ILCE-6600) and Alpha 6100 (model ILCE-6100). These new additions to the range integrate Sony’s advanced technologies into compact and lightweight bodies including leading-edge autofocus performance, superb image quality and the very latest video technologies. The new Alpha 6600 has been designedtoaddress the needs of the most demanding photographers and videographers with its versatility making it suitable for multiple types of shooting scenarios and users. The Alpha 6100 is targeted at users who are looking to make the step-up to shooting with interchangeable lens cameras and wish to shoot high-quality photos and videos in a variety of different situations.

The Sony APS-C range has been further strengthened by the launch of two new lenses, the E 16-55mm F2.8 G standard zoom lens and the E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens. With this announcement, Sony’s versatile E-mount system now features a total of 54 lenses.

“Our ‘One Mount’ strategy to continually expand the E-mount system, cameras and lenses with complete inter-compatibility between full-frame and APS-C, means that we want to offer the widest range of exciting products that customers can select from when choosing the right tool for their needs,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The APS-C market is extremely important to Sony and the Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 are both cameras that pack-in the very latest technology breakthroughs and whether you shoot stills, video or a combination of the two, we are confident that users will be very happy with the results.”

At the heart of both the new Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 sit a24.2MP[i] Exmor CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ X image processor and a front-end LSI implemented in Sony’s full-frame cameras. This powerful trio combine to deliver all-round enhancements in image quality and performance across all areas of photo and video capture.

The Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 offer a lightning fast autofocus acquisition time of 0.02 seconds[ii]. With 425 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 84% of the image area and 425 contrast-detection AF points, the high density and wide coverage of the AF system ensure reliable AF, even in the most challenging light conditions. Both new models benefit from Sony’s ‘Real-time Tracking’ which utilises Sony’s latest algorithm including AI[iii]-based object recognition to ensure that subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. In addition, the new models offer ‘Real-time Eye AF’, the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology, which employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF for both humans and animals[iv], and allows the photographer to concentrate exclusively on composition[v].

An Eye for Detail

Based upon feedback from users of existing Sony APS-C camera users, further features have been added to the Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 to fine tune the user experience. These include:

  • Improved colour reproduction; Algorithms inherited from full-frame models deliver natural colour reproduction, particularly in skin tones
  • Hi-resolution internal 4K[vi] movie recording with full-pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm format with easy smartphone transfers via the Imaging Edge Mobile application[vii]
  • Interval shooting[viii] for stunning time-lapse videos
  • 180-degree tiltable, 3.0-type 921k-dot (approx.) LCD touch screen
  • Integrated Microphone input for clear and crisp audio on video recordings

Alpha 6600

Across an ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to ISO 50 – 102400[ix]), the new Alpha 6600 offers superb low-noise performance and delivers extremely high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. By applying noise reduction and sharpness processing optimally in each area, Area-specific Noise Reduction and Detail Reproduction Technology greatly reduce noise while preserving high resolution contributing to fine reproduction of subject textures and shadow details.

The Alpha6600 packs in many of the technology breakthroughs that are attracting praise on Sony’s high-end full-frame cameras. These include:

  • Sony’s innovative 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system that results in a 5.0-step[x] shutter speed advantage
  • Implementation of the industry-leading[xi] long battery life with Sony Z Battery for the first time on an APS-C camera, enabling extended power performance; approx. 720 still images using viewfinder, approx. 810 images using LCD monitor[xii]
  • A tough magnesium alloy design that is dust and moisture resistant[xiii]
  • Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting[xiv]. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not in focus. Touch Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected
  • Integrated headphone jack which allows the user to connect high-quality headphones for accurate monitoring of recorded sound

4K Recording [vi]

The Alpha 6600 boasts internal 4K movie recording in Super 35mm format with full pixel readout without pixel binning, to capture approximately 2.4x[xv] the amount of information required for 4K movies (Also available in Alpha 6100). This oversampling results in stunning footage, delivered in the XAVC S format with unparalleled resolution. The Alpha 6600 equips an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)[xvi]picture profile that supports an instant HDR workflow. Recorded movies played back on an HDR (HLG)compatible TV will appear true-to-life, with no blocked shadows or blown highlights, without the need for colour grading. For users who want to colour grade their footage in post-production, S-Log3 and S-Log2 Gamma profiles are provided.

Pricing and Availability

The Alpha 6600 will ship in Europe in October 2019 priced at approximately €1600 body only or as a kit with the SEL18135 lens for €2000.

The Alpha 6100 will ship in Europe in October 2019 priced at approximately €900 body only, as a kit with the SEL1650 lens for €1000 or as a kit with the SEL1650 and SEL55210 priced at approximately €1250.

Preorders Begin at 10:00am Eastern Time Today:

Sony Alpha 6600 - B&H | Adorama | Amazon US
Sony Alpha 6100 - B&H | Adorama | Amazon US

[i]Approximate effective megapixels
[ii]Based on Sony research, CIPA-guideline-compliant internal measurement with an E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens mounted, Pre-AF off and viewfinder in use
[iii] AI (artificial intelligence) including machine learning technology is used
[iv]Real-time Eye AF for Animals supports still images only and cannot be used in combination with tracking. Does not work with some types of animal. Focusing may not perform well depending on scene and subject conditions
[v]Both right eye and left eye are selectable, either via the menu or by the touchscreen panel
[vi]3840×2160 pixels. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps
[vii] Imaging Edge Mobile Ver. 7.2 or later is required
[viii] Wi-Fi does not work during interval shooting
[ix]Only on still images
[x]Based on CIPA standard. Pitch/yaw shake only. With Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA lens mounted. Long-exposure Noise Reduction off
[xi]Among mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital cameras equipped with an APS-C image sensor. As of August 2019, based on Sony research
[xii]CIPA standard compliant
[xiii]Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
[xiv] This function does not track animal eyes
[xv]24p recording. Approx. 1.6x at 30p
[xvi] Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 8/29/2019 6:15:22 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Friday, July 26, 2019

From Sony Europe:

Highlights:

  • Newly developed 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP[i] Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and latest generation BIONZ Ximage processor
  • Alpha 9-level speed performance with up to 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second[ii] and 20fps[iii] blackout-free shooting[iv] with AF/AE tracking
  • World leading[v] 357-point focal-plane phase-detection AF + 425-point contrast-detection AF with world’s fastestv 0.02 sec[vi] high AF speed
  • Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals[vii]
  • ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm[viii] F2.8 – F4.5 Large Aperture High Magnification Zoom Lens
  • New ‘Single Burst Shooting’[ix] Drive Mode at up to 90fps[x] speed
  • Pro-level movie functionality including 4K[xi] HDR (HLG)[xii] , Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting, 4K Active SteadyShot,Vertical-position data recording for movies and integrated microphone jack

July 25, 2019 – Sony today announced a new addition to its award-winning series of RX cameras with the launch of the RX100 VII (model DSC-RX100M7). Utilising technologies developed for Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera Alpha 9, the RX100 VII achieves new levels of performance in a compact camera, in both stills and movie shooting, inspiring the user to feel confident that they are armed with professional-level power in their pocket for spontaneous shooting in everyday life.

The RX100 VII is powered by a newly developed 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and the latest generation BIONZ X image processor. This combination delivers new levels of autofocus performance and achieves speed breakthroughs that have previously only been seen on the Alpha 9. Flexibility of shooting is ensured by a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmviii F2.8-4.5 high magnification zoom lens, making the RX100 VII a versatile choice for all types of shooting scenarios and users, from photo enthusiasts to professionals.

New Standard for AF Performance in a Compact Camera

The RX100 VII offers a world leadingv 357 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points. In addition, thanks to a newly optimised lens drive control, world’s fastestv 0.02 secviAF acquisition time is realised. A major leap in AF/AE tracking performance during continuous shooting[xiii] means the camera performs AF/AE calculations up to 60 times per secondii and captures fast moving action at 20fpsiii with AF/AE tracking, ensuring that each moment is shot with swift and accurate focus.

In addition, the image sensor realises blackout-free shootingiv for a completely live view, even when continuous shooting at 20fpsiii; the same experience as the Alpha 9.The RX100 VII also debuts a new drive mode, Single Burst Shootingix, for capturing the perfect high-speed shot at up to 90fpsx in JPEG/RAW format utilising the anti-distortion shutter. ‘Single Burst Shooting’ix allows the photographer to frame fast moving action and shoot as if taking a single shot but the camera will actually deliver 7 still images, taken at 90fps, 60fps or 30fps, so the user can select the perfect moment.

For the first time in a compact camera, the RX100 VII introduces advanced ‘Real-time Tracking’ and ‘Real-time Eye AF’ capabilities. ‘Real-time Tracking’ utilises Sony’s latest algorithm including artificial intelligence-based object recognition to ensure that subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. ‘Real-time Eye AF’, the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology, employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF for both humans and animalsvii, and allows the photographer to concentrate exclusively on composition[xiv].

Movie-Making Marvel

The compact and lightweight characteristics of the RX100 VII (approx. 302g / 102mm x 58mm x 43mm[xv]) mean it can always be carried around and can be mounted in places that larger cameras cannot. But its small factor belies a multitude of pro-level movie-making capabilities perfect for on-the-go shooting such as vlogging:

  • 4K in-body movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high bit rate XAVCSxi
  • Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for video
  • 4K Active SteadyShot that is 8x more effective than 4K Standard SteadyShot[xvi]
  • Integrated Microphone input[xvii]
  • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3/S-Log3
  • Compatibility with ‘Movie Edit add-on’ from the ‘Imaging EdgeTM’ mobile application for movie stabilisation and editing
  • Vertical-position data recording for movies[xviii]
  • Interval Shooting[xix] for stunning time-lapse videos
  • Super Slow Motion[xx] recording at up to 1000fps
  • 180-degree flip screen for ease-of use whilst vlogging

“The RX100 VII sets new standards for both photography and videography in a compact camera and we are confident that its phenomenal speed and AF capabilities will be very well received by customers,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “Users will feel the reassurance that that they have the power of an Alpha 9 in their pocket, in compact form, so they can trust this camera in any given situation.”

New Jacket Case for the RX100 Series

Sony has also introduced a new black leather-look body case for the RX100 series(LCJ-RXK) which includes a lens jacket and shoulder strap to protect the camera from bumps and shocks. It provides easy access to the microphone jack and USB terminal which enables charging and image transfers without the need to remove the case.

Pricing and Availability

The RX100 VII and LCJ-RXK will ship in Europe in August 2019 priced at approximately €1300 and €85 respectively.

Preorders
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII Digital Camera - B&H | Adorama

[i] Approximate effective megapixels
[ii] When using the electronic shutter; effective when the shutter speed is 1/60 or above
[iii] When using the electronic shutter with "Continuous shooting mode: Hi". Effective when the shutter speed is 1/60 or above
[iv]Effective when using electronic shutter. The slower the shutter speed, the lower the refresh rate of the screen
[v] Among fixed-lens digital still cameras with 1.0-type sensor. As of July 2019, based on Sony research
[vi] CIPA standard, internal measurement, at f=9.0mm (wide-end), EV6.6, Program Auto, Focus mode: AF-A, Focus area: Centre
[vii] Real-time Eye AF for Animals supports still images only, and cannot be used in combination with tracking. Does not work with some types of animal. Focusing may not perform well depending on scene and subject conditions
[viii] Angle of view (35mm format equivalent)
[ix] Seven still images are shot per burst. Focus and exposure are fixed at the first shot
[x] When Drive Mode is set to “Single Burst Shooting: Hi”
[xi]3840×2160 pixels. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps. When “Auto Power Off Temperature” is set to “Standard”, continuous shooting is possible for about 5 minutes
[xii] Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable to display HDR (HLG) movies
[xiii] Compared to RX100 VI
[xiv] Both right eye and left eye are selectable, either via the menu or by the touchscreen panel
[xv]Width x Height x Depth
[xvi] Image compensation angle at wide-end (Comparison with 4K standard mode)
[xvii] Attaching a mic without the Shooting Grip Kit requires an optional accessory
[xviii] In-camera movie playback is in the horizontal position. Whether or not movies are displayed in the vertical position depends on your device
[xix] Wi-Fi does not work during interval shooting
[xx] Audio recording is not available. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required
[xxi]One included with RX100 VII body

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 7/26/2019 5:53:30 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Tuesday, July 16, 2019

From Sony:

Sony Electronics Introduces High-resolution Alpha 7R IV Camera with World’s First 61.0 MP Back-illuminated, Full-frame Image Sensor

Unprecedented Highest Resolution and Widest Dynamic Range for a - Alpha System, Combined with High-speed Performance and a Lightweight, Compact Body

Sony Electronics Introduces High-resolution Alpha 7R IV Camera with World’s First 61.0 MP Back-illuminated, Full-frame Image Sensor

  • Unprecedented Highest Resolution and Widest Dynamic Range for a - Alpha System, Combined with High-speed Performance and a Lightweight, Compact Body
  • World’s first[i] 35mm full-frame 61.0 MP[ii] back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with latest-generation BIONZ X™ image processor
  • 15-stop[iii] dynamic range at low sensitivities, resulting in smooth, natural gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights
  • High-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps[iv] with full AF / AE tracking for approximately seven seconds [v] in full-frame mode with an increased buffer memory, and approximately three times as long in APS-C mode
  • 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering 74% of image area and 425 contrast AF points
  • Debut of Real-time Eye AF for movie recording[vi] and advanced Real-time Tracking[vii] plus Real-time Eye AF for still image recording
  • Features an APS-C crop mode delivering stunning high resolution images of 26.2MP[ii]
  • 5.76 million dot UXGA (Ultra-XGA) OLED Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder with outstanding detail, brightness and contrast
  • Upgraded connectivity and operability including high-speed Wi-Fi support, wireless PC remote connectivity[viii], FTP wireless transfer, faster data transfer via USB and more
  • Professional 4K movie recording functionality including full pixel readout with no pixel binning in Super 35mm mode[ix], S-Log3, HDR workflow support
  • Multi Interface Shoe™ with digital audio interface delivers the high-quality sound recording with Sony’s new microphone and XLR microphone adaptor
  • Additional enhancements to the body design include an improved grip and button layout for improved control with compact, lightweight body

NEW YORK — July 16, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the latest addition to its acclaimed Alpha 7R series full-frame mirrorless camera line-up: the extremely versatile, powerful Alpha 7R IV (model ILCE-7RM4).

Sony’s highest resolution full-frame camera ever, the new Alpha 7R IV delivers stunning image quality with high resolution and wide dynamic range while maintaining outstanding focusing performance, high-speed continuous shooting and much, much more.

“We are continuing to drive innovation, break boundaries and redefine the expectations of digital camera performance,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Product and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The new Alpha 7R IV combines medium format-level image quality with high-speed shooting, extremely fast focusing and an extensive list of upgrades to design, connectivity and usability. This will allow professional photographers, videographers and all other types of creators to capture content in ways that were simply not possible before.”

A New Level of Image Quality

The new Alpha 7R IV features a newly developed 35mm full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61.0 MP[ii], the world’s first[i] of its kind. The new sensor’s back-illuminated structure and effective noise reduction techniques combine to deliver extremely low-noise and high-sensitivity performance, ensuring the absolute maximum image quality. The camera also boasts an impressive 15-stopiii dynamic range at low sensitivities, resulting in smooth natural gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights, and utilizes algorithms from many of the latest Alpha cameras to maintain outstanding color reproduction.

This new full-frame model is equipped with an innovative 5-axis, optical in-body image stabilization system that has been fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity, resulting in a shutter speed advantage of 5.5-steps[x]. Additionally, the shutter unit assembly has been carefully redesigned to reduce even the slightest movement that may cause blur.

The Alpha 7R IV also includes Sony’s highest resolution viewfinder ever, a 5.76 million dot UXGA OLED Tru-finder EVF. About 1.6x the resolution of the EVF in the Alpha 7R III, this new viewfinder provides an extremely accurate, true-to-life depiction of the scene being framed. The display quality can be set to ‘Standard’ or ‘High’ mode, and to either 60 fps or 120 fps refresh rate to best match the subject and shooting conditions.

Additionally, the new camera features an evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting[xi] mode that composites up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of 963.2 million pixels of data, which are then composited into a 240.8 million pixel (19008 x 12672 pixels) image using Sony’s “Imaging Edge™” desktop application[xii]. Ideal for photographing architecture, art or any other still life subject, this enhanced mode produces photographs with a level of detail and color accuracy that is simply stunning.

Shooting and Focusing Speed

The innovative new Alpha 7R IV full-frame mirrorless camera can shoot full resolution images at up to 10 fps[iv] with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to approximately seven seconds[v] in full-frame, full-resolution mode (JPEG / RAW), and approx. three times as long in APS-C crop mode delivering 26.2MP[ii] images. These high-speed options ensure that fast moving subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and incredible image detail.

The upgraded focusing system of the Alpha 7R IV is comprised of 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 74 percent of the image area. There are also 425 contrast AF points that add extra precision and reliability for low light and other situations that are best served by contrast AF. The higher AF sensor density and refined tracking algorithms of the new camera produce a notable improvement in tracking performance, allowing complex subject motion and sudden subject movements to be reliably tracked with greater precision than ever.

The Alpha 7R IV also supports Real-time Eye AF, which employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye location data in real-time, locking and maintaining focus on the subject’s eye with extreme precision. This is available for both animal and human subjects, with either animal or human Eye AF mode selectable depending on the shooting situation. Real-time Tracking[vii] is available as well, which utilizes a newly developed subject recognition algorithm to ensure the ultimate subject tracking and persistence of the focusing system. There is also an anti-flicker shooting[xiii] mode, which automatically detects the presence of fluorescent or artificial lighting in a shooting environment to minimize any impact on the final image.

Enhanced Connectivity for Professional Workflow

Sony’s new Alpha 7R IV full-frame camera is equipped with a variety of advanced connectivity features designed to enhance professional workflow. The new model includes wireless LAN functionality to support the conventional 2.4 GHz band, as well as a high-speed 5 GHz[xiv] band for faster, more stable data transfer. Wireless PC remote connectivity (wireless tethering shooting)[viii] is also available on the new Alpha 7R IV, a first for Sony cameras. Requested by many working professionals, this allows for much more freedom in studio and location shoots, letting the photographer move around freely and without restriction.

In addition to high-speed Wi-Fi® and wireless PC connectivity[viii], the new full-frame camera is equipped with a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.2 Gen 1) USB Type-C™ connector that supports extremely fast wired data transmission, with almost doubled data transfer speed achieved in combination with Sony’s Imaging Edge software (compared to the Alpha 7R III). It also supports FTP data transfer with background transfer capability, allowing photographers to send images to a specified FTP remote server while they are still shooting or reviewing images.

To support an efficient, high-speed, connected professional workflow, Sony has announced version 2.0 of its “Imaging Edge” desktop applications (‘Remote’/’Viewer’/’Edit’)[xiii]. The ’Remote’ application allows users to control cameras and monitor live shooting on their PC screen; the ‘Viewer‘ application is used to quickly preview, rate and select photos from large libraries; and the ’Edit‘ application can develop RAW data into high-quality photos for delivery.

To maximize convenience in image transfer, when utilizing the latest version of Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile™ application[xv], the camera can now transfer images to a connected smartphone even if the camera’s power is set to OFF[xvi].

High-resolution 4K and Professional Filmmaking Features

In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the new Alpha 7R IV performs exceptionally well as a serious filmmaking tool, offering 4K (3840x2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the image sensor, and full pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode[ix]. This ensures high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 are also available to maximize color grading flexibility, with S-Log 3 offering a total of 14-stops of dynamic range. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)[xvii] is also available on the Alpha 7R IV to support an Instant HDR workflow.

For video autofocus, the versatile new full-frame camera utilizes a refined Fast Hybrid AF system that achieves faster, smoother, more stable autofocus during video shooting – even if an object temporarily moves in front of the intended subject. The camera also includes Touch Tracking functionality during movie shooting, allowing the user to simply touch the screen on their intended subject for instant acquisition.

The new Alpha 7R IV debuts Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting, a first in any of Sony’s cameras. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not. The aforementioned Touch Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected.

Another notable video feature is the addition of a digital audio interface to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe), allowing a direct, digital connection from the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit for clear, low-noise and high-quality audio recording. Interval shooting for creating time-lapse videos is available, as well as full HD recording at up to 120 fps, Slow and Quick Motion[xviii] functions and much more.

Enhanced Build, Design and Customizability

The new Alpha 7R IV has several upgrades to its design and usability, with many adjustments being implemented directly from the voice of Sony’s professional community.

To maximize durability, the new Alpha 7R IV features upgraded dust and moisture resistance[xix], with additional sealing provided at all body seams, battery compartment cover and media slots. The camera is built with an extremely lightweight and durable magnesium alloy and also has an upgraded six screw, extra-firm lens mount.

Additional enhancements to the body design include an improved grip for greater comfort and a more sure hold within the hand; an increase in the diameter and feedback for the ‘AF-ON’ button; a new multi-selector joystick design for improvised control; an exposure compensation dial lock button; and a redesigned shape and new position for the rear dial. A strong request from many professional users, the new camera also includes two UHS-II compatible media slots, allowing for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds.

For added convenience, camera setting registration is expanded. Now, almost all camera settings can be saved to, and read from, an inserted memory card. Up to 10 combinations can be saved to any individual card and loaded into any camera body of the same model.

Despite its increased pixel count compared to the Alpha 7R III, the battery life has been improved with a CIPA measurement of up to 670 still images per change using LCD monitor, or 530 images with EVF. For even more uninterrupted operating time, the new optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries, and the optional Multi Battery Adaptor (NPA-MQZ1K) can hold up to four Z batteries. The body can also be powered via the USB connector[xx].

New Accessories

Sony has also released a variety of new accessories to compliment the new Alpha 7R IV camera, including:

  • VG-C4EM Vertical Grip – Provides same operation, handling and design as the Alpha 7R IV camera, including upgraded dust and moisture resistance[xx]; doubles battery life and allows USB battery-charging via the camera body
  • ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone[xxi] – Eight high-performance mic capsules and advanced digital signal processing provide three selectable directivity patterns in one compact microphone of approximately 99.3mm (4 inches) in length with Super-directional pick up; when connected to the Alpha 7R IV via its Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface support, audio is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that the highest possible quality is achieved without noise or degradation
  • XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit[xxii] – Two XLR/TRS combo connectors and one 3.5mm stereo mini jack for microphone and line input, with extensive control that helps facilitate the post processing workflow; connected to the Alpha 7R IV via its Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface support, audio is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that the highest possible audio quality is achieved without noise or degradation; supplied extension cable for Audio provides extra flexibility for camera attachment with rig, cage or bracket
  • SF-M series TOUGH – Ultra-Tough UHS-II SD card with ultra-fast speed up to 277MB/s (read) is ideal for shooting under severe circumstances, and streamlines the post-shooting workflow; supplied with file recovery software (supports both mac OS and Windows)
  • MRW-S3 – Fast USB for PC hub with UHS-II SD/microSD reader, supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 and 100W USB Power Delivery (USB PD), contributes to efficient workflow by ultra-fast, stable backup to PC or SSD

Pricing and Availability

The new Alpha 7R IV Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will ship in September 2019 for approximately $3,500 US and $4,500 CA. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

The new VG-C4EM Vertical Grip will ship in September 2019 for approximately $400 US and $530 CA.

The new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone will ship in September 2019 for approximately $350 US and $470 CA.

The new XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit will ship in October 2019 for approximately $600 US and $800 CA.

Preorders

Be sure to support this site by using our links to place your preorder. Preorders for the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera will begin at 10am ET, Thu Jul 18: B&H | Adorama | WEX

Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip: B&H | Adorama | WEX

 
[i] As of July 2019, based on Sony survey of digital cameras with a full-frame image sensor
[ii] Approximately, effective
[iii] Still images. Sony test conditions
[iv] Up to 10 fps in continuous “Hi+” mode, and up to 8 fps in continuous “Hi” mode Maximum fps will depend on camera settings
[v] In JPEG (Extra fine / Fine) or compressed RAW mode
[vi] This function does not track animal eyes
[vii] “Tracking” in the menu. This function does not track animal eyes
[viii] Image Edge desktop application Ver. 2.0 or later is required
[ix] Super 35mm 4K recording results in a slightly narrower angle of view
[x] CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off
[xi] The Imaging Edge (Remote/Viewer/Edit) desktop application Ver. 2.0 or later is required for compositing. Image compositing may not be successful if camera or subject movement causes blur. Some restrictions apply to flash and other device
[xii] ‘Remote’/’Viewer’/’Edit’ version.2.0 will be released in August 2019
[xiii] Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording.
[xiv] Models sold in some countries/regions support IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN only. 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions
[xv] Imaging Edge Mobile version 7.2 will be released in July 2019
[xvi] Imaging Edge Mobile Ver. 7.2 or later is required. “Cnct. during power off” setting in camera must be turned ON and the camera and smartphone must be paired using Bluetooth® technology via the Imaging Edge Mobile application
[xvii] Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies
[xviii] Sound not recorded. Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card required
[xix] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
[xx] A battery must be installed in the body when power is being supplied via the USB connector
[xxi] Refer to the Sony support page for details and camera compatibility information https://www.sony.net/dics/b1m/
[xxii] Refer to the Sony support page for details and camera compatibility informationhttps://www.sony.net/dics/k3m/

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 7/16/2019 10:20:55 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan Carnathan
 Tuesday, July 9, 2019

From Sony:

Sony Electronics Boosts Full-frame Lens Line-up with Introduction of FE 35mm F1.8 Lightweight Prime

SAN DIEGO —July 9, 2019 —Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the latest addition to its E-mount full-frame lens line-up with the introduction of the FE 35mm F1.8 wide-angle prime lens, model SEL35F18F.

The compact dimensions and lightweight of this full-frame, large-aperture lens provide mobility and convenience for shooting a wide range of subjects, such as everyday snapshots, food photography, landscapes, night scenes and more. The new lens provides outstanding corner-to-corner image quality, while its quiet autofocus and tenacious tracking performance make it a great choice for both stills and movie shooting. Additionally, its compact form makes it an appealing choice for both APS-C body users, offering a 52.5mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras.

“Our E-mount lens lineup now includes 34 full-frame models and 52 lenses in total,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The new 35mm prime combines outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness with a compact design, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of shooters. Sony will continue to develop and expand its imaging lineup, giving creators more options than ever before to realize their vision.”

Product Highlights

High-resolution and large-aperture, full-frame performance in compact and lightweight lens

  • Large F1.8 maximum aperture, weighing in at just 280 grams and measuring 65.6 mm (diameter) by 73.0mm (length); this new lens sets a new standard for portability
  • Advanced optical construction, including an aspherical element to suppress aberration and deliver high resolution throughout the entire image frame; 9-blade circular aperture enhances beautiful bokeh
  • Minimum focus distance of 0.22m and maximum magnification of 0.24x offer easy access to the world of close-up photography

Versatile control and handling for a wide range of imaging needs

  • Conveniently placed, customizable focus hold button and a focus mode switch for instantaneous switching between auto and manual focus
  • Linear Response Manual Focus for fine, responsive manual focus control
  • Dust- and moisture-resistant design add to the versatility and reliability of this new lens and invoke a feeling of confidence in the user

Quiet AF with excellent tracking for movies as well as stills

  • Fast, precise and quiet linear-motor AF drive system for both stills and continuous focus control

Pricing and Availability

The FE 35mm F1.8 will ship in August 2019 for approximately $750 US and $800 CA and will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Preorders

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens preorders start at 11am ET on Thu, Jul 11th (be sure to preorder using our links): B&H | Adorama | WEX

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 7/9/2019 10:07:56 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan Carnathan
 Tuesday, June 11, 2019

From Sony:

A new native full-frame Sony 200-600mm super-telephoto zoom with Optical SteadyShot (OSS) brings a powerful and versatile new option to Sony Alpha mirrorless shooters. The new lens expands the Sony native mirrorless full-frame lens lineup and is set to be a favorite for sports and wildlife photographers as well as other photographers looking for the extra reach of a true super-telephoto zoom.

SAN DIEGO — June 11, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced another new lens for their expanding full-frame FE lens lineup, the new FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens (model SEL200600G).

Sony’s furthest reaching E-mount zoom, the new G Lens™ series model utilizes many of the company’s most advanced lens design technologies to ensure excellent image quality, high-performance autofocus (AF) and outstanding control. When paired with any of the latest, fast Sony E-mount camera bodies, it will reliably track and accurately capture all types of moving subjects, including birds, wildlife, athletes in motion and much more.

“We will continue to innovate and expand upon our E-mount lens lineup, which now features 33 full-frame models and 51 lenses in total. The new 200-600mm super-telephoto zoom lens gives Sony’s camera users yet another powerful tool to realize their vision,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging and Professional Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “For wildlife or bird photographers, sports photography enthusiasts and many others, it offers a new level of creative freedom, striking the ultimate balance between performance and portability.”

Key Features – New FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

Extended reach with built-in stabilization

Versatile tele-zoom range from 200mm telephoto to 600mm super-telephoto

Compatible with Sony’s E-mount 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, extending the reach to a maximum of 840mm at f/9 or 1200mm at f/13 with outstanding image quality and AF performance

Built-in optical stabilization with three different mode settings, enabling images that are sharp and in-focus at extended super-telephoto focal lengths

High resolution and corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entire zoom range

Five extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and an aspherical element, arranged in a new optical design that minimizes chromatic aberration

11-blade circular aperture mechanism that ensures beautiful bokeh

Coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress unwanted reflections, glare or ghosting in images

Fast, precise & quiet autofocus (1)

Equipped with Sony’s Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) focusing system, which has the power and precision needed to drive the lens mechanism for remarkably fast, accurate focusing

Advanced focus system for exceptionally quiet operation, avoiding any unwanted noise that can disrupt an unpredictable subject like a resting bird or other forms of wildlife

Internal zoom mechanism for reliable & stable handheld shooting

Overall lens length does not change while zooming, maintaining consistent balance and distance between the front of the lens and desired shooting subject

A fixed-length structure – internal zoom mechanism – retains high resistance to dust and moisture in order to deal with difficult outdoor conditions

Quick zoom operation with light zoom ring torque

Refined control & reliability for use in the field

Focus ring featuring Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control

Three customizable focus-hold buttons, plus a Focus Range Limiter

Dust and moisture resistant design (2) and fluorine coating on the front element to resist dirt and fingerprints

Pricing & Availability

The FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS will ship in August 2019 for approximately $2,000 US and $2,600 CA. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Notes:

When the NEX series, ILCE-3000/3500, ILCE-5000/5100, ILCE-7/7R/7S, is attached, the autofocus function is limited. For details, please visit our support site.

Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

 
The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens is available for preorder starting at 11am ET, Thu Jun 13 (be sure to support us by using our links if making this lens part of your kit!): B&H | Adorama

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 6/11/2019 12:54:44 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan Carnathan

From Sony:

Sony introduces the new 600mm f/4 G Master lens, further expanding the Sony native mirrorless lens line which are designed from the ground up for Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras. Matched with the Sony a9, the new lens is poised to become a mainstay of professional sports and wildlife photographers.

SAN DIEGO — June 11, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced another impressive addition to its flagship full-frame G Master™ series lens lineup: the new FE 600mm F4 GM OSS super-telephoto prime lens (model SEL600F40GM).

As Sony’s longest reaching prime lens, the new 600mm includes many of the company’s most advanced optical and mechanical technologies, producing exceptional image quality with extraordinary focusing speed and precision. The FE 600mm F4 GM OSS is also the lightest lens in its class (1), weighing in at approx. 6.71 lbs., and features an extremely balanced design to ensure the best possible shooting experience. Along with the acclaimed FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens, the new 600mm lens gives professional sports, wildlife and news photographers more options for capturing subjects at a great distances with extreme accuracy and detail.

“With two new lenses announced today, our growing E-mount lens lineup now includes 33 full-frame models and 51 lenses in total,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging and Professional Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The tenth model from our flagship G Master series, the new 600mm F4 raises the bar for speed, mobility and control in a super-telephoto prime lens. Combining the extensive 600mm reach with features like 20 fps shooting and AF/AE calculations at 60 times per second on the a9 or extremely high resolution, high-speed performance on the a7R III allow professional photographers to create images that were simply not possible to capture before.”

Fast, Precise & Quiet Autofocus (2)

To take best advantage of the highly evolved autofocus systems of Sony’s latest full-frame E-mount cameras, the new FE 600mm F4 GM OSS lens features two extreme dynamic (XD) linear motors that drive the lens’ focus group to provide fast, precise AF and reliable subject tracking. These motors are supported by specially developed motion algorithms to minimize lag and instability, as well as to control noise levels, resulting in exceptionally quick, accurate and quiet autofocus performance, allowing the lens to capture dynamic, fast moving athletes or wildlife with ease.

Superb G Master Image Quality & Bokeh

As a member of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, this new large-aperture super-telephoto prime lens features an incredible level of image quality and detail, with outstanding contrast and resolution maintained all the way to the corners of the image. The unique optical design includes a large extreme aspherical (XA) element that effectively suppress all common telephoto lens aberrations, in addition to three fluorite elements that help to minimize chromatic aberration and suppress any amount of color bleeding. Sony's latest bokeh simulation technologies and XA element are also utilized to control spherical aberration and help achieve exquisite bokeh.

The lens features an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism that contributes to the high quality of bokeh in images, and it has been coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress any unwanted reflections, glare or ghosting in images.

The new FE 600mm F4 GM OSS is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x E-mount tele-converters, producing outstanding imaging performance at extended focal lengths (3) while maintaining fast, precise AF performance.

Lightweight, Balanced Design

The new super-telephoto prime lens provides a level of portability and maneuverability that has never been achieved before in a lens of its class. Based on technology from the acclaimed FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens, the lightweight design of the new 600mm lens is achieved through the usage of three fluorite elements, with a reduced number of elements deployed at the front of the barrel. Magnesium alloy is also used throughout the lens to help minimize weight and bulk.

Also inherited from FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS, the new 600mm lens features a lens design that is not front-heavy, reducing moment of inertia that resists rotation and ensuring quicker, more precise panning when shooting handheld or on a monopod.

Durability, Reliability & Control

To withstand the harsh conditions of sporting events and wildlife photography, the new Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS is built with a durable magnesium alloy and a strong, lightweight carbon fiber hood. The lens is dust and moisture resistant (4), and its front element is coated with fluorine to resist dirt and fingerprints.

FE 600mm F4 GM OSS features an ample number of hard controls on the lens, including customizable focus-hold buttons in four different locations on the lens barrel, which can be programmed for control of features, if desired. There is also a Full-Time DMF switch to immediately engage manual focus at any point, and a focus ring that features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus.

Additionally, the new lens includes built-in optical stabilization for dynamic action and three different ‘Mode’ settings, including a Mode 3 setting (5) with an advanced algorithm that ensures easier framing when following moving subjects. It also features a function ring with selectable ‘Preset’ and ‘Function’ settings, and a drop-in filter slot that accepts ø 40.5mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter. The VF-DCPL1 filter can be rotated to achieve the desired polarization while installed in the lens.

Pricing & Availability

The FE 600mm F4 GM OSS will ship in August 2019 for approximately $13,000 US and $16,900 CA. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Notes:

1. Compared to interchangeable 600mm F4 lenses for 35mm full-frame format camera bodies, as of June 2019. Sony survey

2. When the NEX series, ILCE-3000/3500, ILCE-5000/5100, ILCE-7/7R/7S, is attached, the autofocus function is limited. For details, please visit our support site.

3. Maximum aperture with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters is F5.6 and F8, respectively

4. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

5. MODE 3 is supported by the latest a9/a7R III/a7 III software version. Refer to the Sony support site for camera body compatibility information

 
The Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens is available for preorder starting at 11am ET, Thu Jun 13 (be sure to support us by using our links if making this lens part of your kit!): B&H | Adorama

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 6/11/2019 12:32:05 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan Carnathan
 Thursday, February 28, 2019

From Sony USA:

Highlights

  • Ultra-fast speed, designed for professional and industrial use, supports future evolution of digital devices
  • High reliability in extreme conditions thanks to TOUGH performance and smart software
  • New CFexpress card reader, MRW-G1, takes full advantage of Sony CFexpress Type B’s high-speed performance
  • The CFexpress Type B memory card and the CFexpress Card Reader are expected to be in the market in early summer 2019.

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the development of the CFexpress Type B memory card (CEB-G128), a new ultra-fast next generation memory card [2] that is ideal for professional and industrial use. With its super-fast speed of up to 1700MB/s (read) along with highly reliable toughness, this memory card supports the future evolution of digital devices.

Enhancing Sony’s high performance, value-added memory card line-up, the CFexpress Type B is designed based on a new specification which adopts the latest interface, PCIe [3] Gen3, standardized by the CompactFlash Association.

The Sony CFexpress Type B memory card offers a 128GB capacity, with higher capacity models of 256 GB and 512 GB planned for the future.

Ultra Fast

The Sony CFexpress Type B memory card is roughly 3 times faster than Sony’s fastest CFast memory card (with 530MB/s read speed). With a write speed of up to 1480MB/s, this card meets future requirement needs for secure industry data-recording or requirements from professionals to capture hi-resolution images or high-bitrate video.

With a read speed of up to 1700MB/s, even large-sized data files can be transferred quickly, when compared to existing memory cards. For example, when making copies or backing up large-sized data from multiple memory cards, transfer time will be dramatically reduced enabling greater efficiency.

The new CFexpress Card Reader, MRW-G1, is optimized for Sony CFexpress Type B memory card and takes full advantage of the card’s fast read speed. This reader is also compatible with Sony XQD card G series and M series.

TOUGH performance

The Sony CFexpress Type B memory card has superior strength, surpassing the CFexpress standard by a factor of three, being able to withstand 70N of force in bend, and five times greater reliability for enduring falls from up to 5m high.

The card is also temperature proof [4], X-ray proof [5], anti-static [6] and has a UV guard so it can support usage in tricky or tough environments [7].

Peace of mind

Media Scan Utility and Memory Card File Rescue are available as a free download to Sony CFexpress card users.

Media Scan Utility is PC software that automatically scans your Sony CFexpress memory card every time you connect it to a PC via your MRW-G1 card reader8. The software keeps you informed of the condition of your card and lets you know if you’re nearing or have reached the flash memory limit.

Memory Card File Rescue eradicates every photographer’s worst nightmare – deleting photos accidentally and losing your precious work. The software recovers accidentally deleted files including RAW or high-resolution images and videos, so your work is safe from whatever obstacles are thrown your way.

The Sony CFexpress Type B memory card and the CFexpress MRW-G1 Card Reader are expected to be available in summer 2019.

[1] Based on Sony internal testing. Actual performance may vary and is dependent on environment and usage.
[2] Based on memory card standard announced from the CompactFlash Association in 2017 as the next generation of XQD memory card and CFast memory card. CompactFlash is a trademark of CompactFlash Association.
[3] PCIe is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG.
[4] Based on Sony internal testing, memory media can operate in temperatures between -13 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) and 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius). Actual performance may vary based on environmental conditions and usage.
[5] Based on Sony internal testing, memory media is in conformance with ISO 7816-1 X-ray screen testing. Actual performance may vary based on environmental conditions and usage.
[6] Based on Sony internal testing, memory media is anti-static certified to IEC 61000-4-2 standard. Actual performance may vary based on environmental conditions and usage.
[7] Based on Sony internal testing, memory media is in conformance with ISO 7816-1 ultraviolet ray irradiation testing. Actual performance may vary based on environmental conditions and usage.
[8] MRW-G1 is required to scan Sony CFexpress memory card.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 2/28/2019 8:37:00 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Tuesday, February 26, 2019

From Sony:

SAN DIEGO — February 26, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. has today introduced a new Wireless Remote Commander (model RMT-P1BT) via Bluetooth wireless technology that provides a reliable, responsive solution for imaging enthusiasts that want to precisely control their camera[i] during landscape shooting, architectural photography, astrophotography, still motion photography, group portraits and more.

The new RMT-P1BT wireless remote commander operates via Bluetooth connectivity, eliminating the need for wires, cables or receivers to connect the remote directly to the camera. The remote features an extremely fast response, within approximately 0.05 seconds[ii] release time-lag, that ensures the shutter can be released with precise accuracy. There is also an LED light that indicates operating status to camera by flashing or lighting continuously. Additionally, the remote is designed to resist dust and moisture[iii] plus hot and cold[iv] temperatures, offering reliable operation in a wide variety of environments and weather conditions.

To maximize control over camera functionality, the new RMT-P1BT wireless remote commander features focus buttons for manual control over subtle focus changes, a remote C1 custom button that can be adjusted[v] based on users preferences. It also includes Start/Stop movie recording and control over power-zoom or digital-zoom functionality, making it the ideal accessory for remote movie shooting. For photographers that prefer to shoot on “Bulb” exposure mode, the remote commander can be set to open and close the shutter with respective clicks of the main button, eliminating the need to press and hold the button throughout exposure time.

Pricing and Availability

The RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Commander will ship in April 2019 for approximately $80 US and $110 CA. The remote commander will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

B&H will carry the Sony RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Commander.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 2/26/2019 12:27:31 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Sony Europe:

Sony today introduced a highly anticipated addition to their acclaimed G Master series of full-frame E-mount interchangeable lenses – a 135mm F1.8 full-frame, large-aperture telephoto prime lens (model SEL135F18GM).

Equipped with Sony’s most advanced optical technologies, the new lens is built to meet the extremely high standards of Sony’s G Master series. The new FE 135mm F1.8 GM offers exceptionally high resolution and exquisite bokeh, two qualities that are signature attributes of Sony’s flagship G Master brand. The new lens combines rapid autofocus (AF) acquisition with a lightweight, portable design and a variety of professional functions, making it a versatile, high-performance tool for professional portrait photographers, wedding photographers, sports photographers and a wide variety of imaging enthusiasts.

“Sony’s commitment to growing our FE lens and E-mount lens line-up remains stronger than ever,” said Yann Salmon-Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging at Sony Europe. “Our 31st native full-frame mirrorless lens, the highly anticipated 135mm prime brings the acclaimed G Master quality to another popular focal length for both professionals and enthusiasts to enjoy. This brings the total number of Sony’s native Alpha E-mount lenses to 49. We will continue to drive market-leading innovation in all aspects of our imaging business, giving our customers the opportunity to capture and create like they never have before.”

Realising consistently high resolution across the entire frame, even at F1.8, the FE 135mm F1.8 GM boasts an innovative optical design that places XA (extreme aspherical) and Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements in the front group to effectively suppress all common telephoto lens aberrations. Additionally, the Super ED element plus one ED glass element are strategically positioned to compensate for axial chromatic aberration, minimize colour fringing and maximise overall resolution, ensuring outstanding image quality. For impressive clarity, Sony’s unique Nano AR Coating is applied to reduce flare and ghosting that can occur when shooting backlit portraits.

The new telephoto prime lens utilises its XA element, refined with Sony’s latest bokeh simulation technologies during the design and manufacturing stages, to control spherical aberration and achieve exquisite bokeh. In addition, an 11-bladed circular aperture mechanism contributes towards achieving extremely natural and beautiful background defocus. The exciting new model also features dual-autofocus groups in a floating focus arrangement for improved close-up capability, allowing a minimum focus distance of just 0.7 metres and a maximum magnification of 0.25x.

To ensure that this lens can keep up with fast-moving portrait or sports subjects, the FE 135mm F1.8 GM has been equipped with a total of four of Sony’s proprietary XD linear motors—two for each group—that achieve rapid, reliable and speedy AF tracking and performance. There is also a control algorithm that helps to maximise control response and ensure quiet, low-vibration AF. All of this exceptional performance is packaged in a compact, lightweight body weighing in at 950g.

The FE 135mm F1.8 GM includes a number of professional controls that enhance ease of operation for both stills and movie shooting. These include an aperture ring that allows direct, intuitive aperture control and a focus ring that features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control. There is also a focus range limiter switch, two customisable focus hold buttons, and a focus-mode switch that makes it possible to quickly select auto or manual focus to match changing shooting conditions.

New Circular Polarising Filters

In addition to the new FE 135mm F1.8 GM Lens, Sony has also announced a new line-up of Circular Polarising Filters. The new filters, including models for lens diameters 49mm, 55mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm, preserve image quality and resolution about twice[i] as effectively as Sony’s existing circular PL filter line-up, making them a perfect partner for Sony’s flagship G Master series lens. They also feature a ZEISS T* Coating to minimise flare and a slim filter design to prevent image vignetting and maximise overall performance.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 135mm F1.8 GM will ship in Europe in April 2019, priced at approximately €2,000.00.

The new circular polariser filters will ship in Europe in April 2019, priced at approximately:

  • 49mm (model VF-49CPAM2) - €110
  • 55mm (model VF-55CPAM2) - €120
  • 62mm (model VF-62CPAM2) - €150
  • 67mm (model VF-67CPAM2) - €170
  • 72mm (model VF-72CPAM2) - €180
  • 77mm (model VF-77CPAM2) - €200
  • 82mm (model VF-82CPAM2) - €260

Note: Preorders for the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Lens will begin Thursday, Feb 28 at 10:00am ET.

[i] Depends on model and focal length of lens attached

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 2/26/2019 9:54:20 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Tuesday, January 15, 2019

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 15, 2019 -- Sony Electronics Inc. today announced a major upgrade to its a9 mirrorless camera that will be available via a firmware update.

Sony's revolutionary a9 camera will receive several major enhancements to its award-winning autofocus (AF) performance and image quality, as well as receive a variety of new features that are designed to improve the overall workflow for professional photographers. In addition, new firmware updates for a7R III and a7 III will be available that update these cameras with the latest enhancements including Real-time Eye AF performance and add interval recording capacities.

"These new firmware upgrades demonstrate the strong commitment that Sony has to our customers," said Neal Manowitz, vice president of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics. "Their voice is critical to everything we do, and being able to provide our customers with new capabilities is a source of great pride for Sony."

Firmware Ver. 5.0 and Ver. 6.0 for a9

The upcoming firmware version 5.0 for a9 adds Sony's newly developed Real-time Tracking mode for object tracking. This mode utilizes Sony's latest algorithm—including Artificial Intelligence-based object recognition—and processes color, subject distance (depth), pattern (brightness) as well as spatial (distance) information to ensure that all subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and precision. When photographing or videographing humans or animals, face and eye position information is recognized by AI and the subject's eyei is monitored in real time with extremely high tracking precision. In addition, "Tracking On" helps initiate real-time tracking at any time by simply pressing a custom-assigned buttonii and "Touch Tracking," which quickly activates through the touch screenii.

With this new firmware version 5.0, Sony's acclaimed a9 camera will receive advanced "Real-time Eye AF," the latest version of Sony's acclaimed Eye AF technology. This exciting new capability employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye location data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF. In all autofocus modes, the camera can automatically detect the eyes of the subject and activate Eye AF with a half press of the shutter button, and the camera will seamlessly track the eyes at all times when in AF-C mode. The new firmware will also enable photographers to select the preferred eye (left or right) of their subject as the focus point.

Other focusing capabilities that will be available with the new firmware include Touch Pad, Touch Tracking, an extended phase-detection AF aperture range that has been increased from F11 to F16, and Fast Hybrid AF for movie shooting that provides smooth, automated focusing for movies.

Image quality will also be enhanced with the new a9 firmware version 5.0, specifically in the areas of color reproduction. The camera will more accurately account for subtle changes in light for smoother, more natural tonal gradations in elements like the sky. There is a new auto white balance algorithm that gets added as well, which produces more consistently balanced images while burst shooting. Other new functions for efficient controls and data management include My Dial and Dual Slot media menu improvement, rating and protect functions.

In addition to the several new capabilities, the firmware also adds compatibility with Sony's new Imaging Edge Mobileiii application - the successor to the PlayMemories Mobile application. The new Imaging Edge Mobile application features a 'Transfer & Tagging add-on'iv function to assist professional workflow. This allows photographers to transfer images from their camera to their smartphone during capture using the FTP transfer functionalityv, and adds support for including IPTC metadatavi on transferred images.

Version 6.0 firmware for the a9 camera will add Eye AF for animal eyesi, an exciting new feature for wildlife photographers that will enable interval shooting functionality for creating time-lapse moviesvii.

The new system firmware update version 5.0 is scheduled for launch in March 2019, and version 6.0 is scheduled for Summer 2019.

Firmware Ver. 3.0 for a7R III and a7 III

Sony's popular a7R III and a7 III full-frame cameras will both receive enhanced Real-time Eye AF performance with the upcoming firmware version 3.0. This will be available in AF-C mode with a simple half-press of the shutter button. Real-Time Eye AF for animalsi will also be available.

The cameras will also receive interval recording functionality that will allow for simple creation of time-lapse moviesvii. The new feature can be set for anywhere between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999. AE tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted to "High", "Mid" or "Low" during interval recording, allowing for reduced changes in exposure over the shooting interval.

The new system firmware update version 3.0 is scheduled in April 2019.

i Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations
ii Function must be set via the menu beforehand
iii A successor application of PlayMemories Mobile. Existing PlayMemories Mobile users can use this by updating PlayMemories Mobile
iv Add-on mobile application for 'Imaging Edge Mobile'. Available countries: US/Canada/UK/France/Germany/Hong Kong/China/Australia/Japan. User registration is required to use this application.
v Compatible with ILCE-9 with firmware update Ver.5.0 or later, ILCE-7RM3, ILCE-7M3
vi IPTC metadata for digital image metadata is a standard created by the IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council)
vii The latest version of "Imaging Edge" 'Viewer' and PlayMemories Home desktop applications is required

Additional Information

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Post Date: 1/15/2019 3:04:47 PM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Thursday, September 20, 2018

From Sony:

Sony today enhanced its line-up of flagship full-frame G Master series lenses with the launch of a highly anticipated 24mm F1.4 Prime lens. Expertly engineered to deliver best in class performance across all aperture settings, the new FE 24mm F1.4 GM (model SEL24F14GM)utilises Sony’s specialist advanced optical technologies to satisfy the needs of the most demanding photographers. It features a compact and lightweight design with a filter diameter of f67mm and measures just 75.4mm x 92.4mm and weighs a mere 445g. Meeting the strict standards for G Master status, the FE 24mm F1.4 GMcombines the high resolution and beautiful bokeh that are the signature of the G Master series.

This incredible high image quality and compact lens is also a perfect complement to Sony’s APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras such as a6500 and a6300 and brings the total number of native Sony a E-mount lenses to 48[i]. Sony will continue to evolve its lens line-up in order to meet the demands of all types of photographers, videographers and multi-media creators, with a range of different offerings to maximise the power of the innovative a camera line-up.

Realizing consistently high resolution across the entire frame, even at F1.4, the FE 24mm F1.4 GM boasts a new optical design comprising 10 groups with 13 elements featuring two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements. The incorporation of two XA elements effectively suppresses sagittal flare[ii] so that point light sources are accurately reproduced, making the FE 24mm F1.4 GMa compelling proposition for starscape photographers. Sony’s unique Nano AR Coating is applied to reduce flare and ghosting for impressive clarity, even in landscape shots where the position of the sun is often problematic with a normal lens.

This industry leading performance has been packaged in an extremely compact and lightweight body weighing just 445g. For landscape photographers who often have to walk for long distances to get to the perfect shooting spot, this provides a welcome reduction in the weight that they have carry, an advantage that is further compounded when the FE 24mm F1.4 GMis paired with one of Sony’s award winning a7 / a9 bodies. This lightweight package has been realised in part by the development of a new high power DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) which delivers approximately three times greater thrust than the previous DDSSM, enabling fast response, high positioning accuracy and quiet operation for both stills and movie shooting.

In addition to its landscape and starscape shooting abilities, the FE 24mm F1.4 GMalso has excellent close up performance of 0.24 metres (0.79ft.) and delivers soft and natural bokeh. As a member of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, the new lens features an incredible level of image quality and bokeh. As bokeh quality is directly affected by spherical aberration and axial and lateral chromatic aberration that can also cause color bleeding, all of these factors are painstakingly controlled at the design and manufacturing stages and each lens is individually tested and adjusted to achieve maximum image quality and bokeh.

Furthermore, the FE 24mm F1.4 GM includes a number of professional controls aiding ease of operation for both stills and movie shooting. An aperture ring allows direct, intuitive aperture control whilst an aperture click switch makes it possible to enable or disable click stops as required. The focus ring features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control, giving the user the control immediacy needed for fast, accurate manual focusing. The focus hold button is customisable and a focus mode switch makes it possible to quickly select auto or manual focus to match changing shooting conditions.

The FE 24mm F1.4 GMwill ship in Europe in October 2018, priced at approximately €1,600. A product feature video can be viewed on the Sony Camera Channel on YouTube and full details on the new product can be seen here.

Preorders for the Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master Lens will begin at 10:00am Eastern Time tomorrow.

Preorder: Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master Lens - B&H

[i] Including converters, excluding discontinued models
[ii] A phenomenon that results in an unnatural spreading of point light sources that appears somewhat like a bird spreading its wings and becomes more pronounced towards the image periphery. It is most common in large-aperture lenses

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 9/20/2018 9:40:08 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

From Sony:

Fastest SD Card Completely Sealed One-Piece Molded Structure and Ribless, Switchless Design Keeps Images Safe and Guards against Drops, Bends, Water and Dust

Sony’s new “SF-G series TOUGH specification” UHS-II SD cards are designed to keep images safe in any shooting environment, combining the world’s fastest read and write speeds with an ultra-rugged design that is bend-proof, drop-proof to 5 meters, water-proof and dust-proof. The new cards are 18 times stronger than SD standard (180N compared to 10N rating) to guard against bending and dropping, and use the world’s first monolithic structure with a completely sealed one-piece molding that leaves no empty space in the card and prevents dust or debris from entering. The TOUGH spec. series uses materials of high-grade hardness, unlike conventional SD which uses a thin, 3-part ensemble. They are protected against typical physical damage that can affect conventional SD cards such as a broken plastic casing, broken data protection lock and broken connector ribs.

For photographers fighting the elements to get the perfect shot, the TOUGH spec. SD cards are also waterproof with an IPX8 rating and dustproof with an IP6X rating.

As the world’s first ribless SD card with no write protection switch, the new cards’ design ensures that easy-to-break parts are removed entirely.

Unleash the power of the camera

Continuing an industry trend driven by Sony, full-frame mirrorless cameras such as the a9 and a7 series are packing more and more performance into stills and video performance. These high-end cameras rely on fast memory cards to maximize their performance and with professional photographers now using SD cards more frequently, users are demanding higher levels of reliability and durability associated with other professional card types. With the world’s fastest write speed of up to 299MB/s, buffer clearing time is minimized, allowing photographers to shoot at the highest burst speeds.

The TOUGH spec. SD cards also support V90, the highest standard of video speed class, making it an ideal companion for shooting high-resolution video.

Transferring high-capacity photo and video files is made simple with the TOUGH spec. cards, thanks to a read speed of up to 300MB/s, another world’s fastest, which dramatically streamlines the post-shooting workflow. Addressing the practical needs of photographers, the SF-G series TOUGH specification range feature a bright yellow banding design, making the card easier to spot in dark shooting conditions.

Ultimate Assurance

The TOUGH spec. series SD cards include a SD Scan Utility, allowing the user to check that the card is in good condition and File Rescue Software to recover accidentally deleted data and photos. The new cards are also X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static, temperature proof and feature UV Guard.

Pricing and Availability

The new SF-G TOUGH series of memory cards are planned to be available in October, at the following suggested prices:

  • SF-G32T/T1 – 32GB – $72.99
  • SF-G64T/T1 – 64GB – $131.99
  • SF-G128T/T1 – 128GB — $275.99

B&H carries Sony SDXC memory cards.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 8/29/2018 9:43:11 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, June 27, 2018

From Sony:

New Large Aperture Super-Telephoto Prime Lens is World’s lightest in its class, with outstanding AF performance, innovative optical design and exceptional image quality

SAN DIEGO, Jun. 27, 2018 – Sony – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer – has today announced the highly anticipated FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS large aperture super-telephoto prime lens (model SEL400F28GM).

The product of extensive research and testing, Sony’s new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens is the first large aperture super-telephoto prime to join the E-mount lineup. This exciting new lens produces brilliant image quality with extraordinary focusing speed and precision, while also boasting the lightest weight in its class and an extremely balanced design. It’s the ideal choice for professional sports, wildlife and nature photographers, and a perfect complement to Sony’s extensive lineup of high-speed E-mount bodies including a9, a7R III and more.

“We’re extremely excited and proud to officially introduce the new 400mm F2.8 G Master prime lens,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of digital imaging at Sony Electronics. “The latest in our flagship series of G Master Lenses, this new lens offers exceptional image quality and an innovative lightweight design that will give professionals a level of flexibility with a 400mm lens unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Combined with the unmatched shooting speeds and autofocus capabilities of our full-frame E-mount cameras, it will allow them to capture and create in ways that were never before possible.”

World’s Lightest 400mm F2.8 Prime with Ideal Balance for Monopod or Handheld Shooting

Weighing it at only slightly more than 6 lbs., the new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens provides a level of portability and handheld maneuverability that has never before been achieved in a lens of its class. The remarkably light weight of this lens is achieved through an innovative optical design that includes three fluorite elements, with a reduced number of elements deployed at the front of the barrel, as well as the liberal usage of durable magnesium alloy components.

Repeated field tests and evaluation by professional photographers across the world have led to a lens design that is not front-heavy, reducing moment of inertia that resists rotation by up to 50% as compared to the SAL500F40G , ensuring quicker, more precise panning when shooting handheld or on a monopod.

Fast, Precise Autofocus

To best take advantage of the rapidly evolving shooting and focusing speeds of Sony’s latest cameras, the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens features two newly developed high-speed XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors that drive the lens’s focus group, achieving up to a 5x improvement in moving-subject tracking performance. These motors are supported by specially developed motion algorithms to minimize lag and instability, and control noise levels, resulting in exceptionally quick, accurate and quiet autofocus performance. This allows the lens to capture dynamic, fast moving athletes or wildlife with ease.

G Master Image Quality and Bokeh

A member of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, this new large aperture super-telephoto prime lens features an incredible level of image quality and detail, with outstanding contrast and resolution maintained all the way to the corners of the image. The unique optical design includes three fluorite elements that help to minimize chromatic aberration and suppress any amount of color bleeding. The lens has also been coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress any unwanted reflections, glare, or ghosting.

In addition to the impressive resolution, the lens features an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism that allows it to produce extremely natural and beautiful background defocus or ‘bokeh’.

The new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x E-mount tele-converters, producing outstanding imaging performance at extended focal lengths while maintaining fast, precise AF performance.

Durability, Reliability and Control

To withstand the harsh conditions of sporting events and wildlife photography, Sony’s new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is built with a durable magnesium alloy and a strong, lightweight carbon fiber hood. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant , and its front element is coated with fluorine to resist dirt and fingerprints.

There is also an ample number of hard controls on the lens, including customizable focus-hold buttons in four different locations on the lens barrel, which can be programmed for control of features such as Eye AF functionality, if desired. There is also a ‘Full-Time DMF’ switch to immediately engage manual focus at any point, and a focus ring that features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus. Additionally, the new lens includes built-in optical stabilization for dynamic action and three different ‘Mode’ settings, including a brand new Mode 3 setting with an advanced algorithm that ensures easier framing when following moving subjects. It also features a function ring with selectable ‘Preset’ and ‘Function ’ settings, which is a first for any Sony lens.

The FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS includes a drop-in filter slot that accepts ø 40.5mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter. The VF-DCPL1 filter can be rotated to achieve the desired polarization while installed in the lens.

a9 System Software Update to Support FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS

The latest system software update (Version 3.00) for a9 (ILCE-9) provides support for the new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL400F28GM) lens to optimize optical image stabilization performance, and enables continuous shooting with auto focus tracking, even when aperture is greater than F11.

The update also provides added option to input the camera serial number to the Exif data, a feature that has been strongly requested by professional sports photographers and photojournalists. Additionally, several other updates to the a9 camera have been implemented with the new firmware, including improved auto focus speed in low light conditions, enhanced continuous AF performance when tracking a moving subject, and reduced release time lag when shooting with flash.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS large aperture super-telephoto prime lens (model SEL400F28GM) will ship in September for about $12,000 US and $16,250 CA. The optional Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter (model VF-DCPL1) will ship in December for about $400 US and $550 CA.

Note: Preorder links will be posted to this site's news section when available.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 6/27/2018 10:34:18 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

From Sony:

Tokyo, Japan — Sony Corporation today announced the upcoming release of the ECX339A OLED Microdisplay featuring UXGA (1600 x 1200 resolution), the highest in class for a 0.5-type. This product achieves the world's smallest pixel pitch of 6.3µm by leveraging Sony's OLED display technology and miniaturization technology, enabling a resolution 1.6x higher than the previous model*1. By employing a new drive circuit design that operates on half the voltage of the previous model*1, the new product achieves the same level of low-power operation as its predecessor but with much higher resolution. When paired with Sony's original driving system, a frame rate up to 240 fps is supported—double that of previous product.

Model nameECX339A 0.5-type OLED Microdisplay
Sample shipment dateJan 2018
Mass-production shipment date (planned)Nov 2018
Sample price (excluding tax)50,000 JPY

Enhancing the resolution on microdisplays has traditionally presented problems such as deteriorating image quality due to decreased pixel pitch and inferior viewing angle properties. The new product features optimized transistors layout and process to address uneven characteristics and loss of withstand voltage, the issues associated with transistor miniaturization. The Sony original variation compensation circuit also enhances picture quality. Additionally, the color filter is deposited directly on the silicon substrate, reducing its distance from the light emitting layer, and the filter's color array has been modified. This helps to secure the viewing angle properties while achieving high resolution.

OLED Microdisplays are widely used in digital camera electronic viewfinders (EVF) for their superior high contrast, high color gamut, and high-speed responsiveness. Sony, having achieved this high resolution and high frame rate, now offers even more realistic image display and accurate capture of subjects for use in high-end cameras that demand extremely high image quality.

Going forward, Sony expects this high-definition OLED Microdisplay to be employed in a diverse range of fields and applications such as AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) head-mounted displays.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 5/30/2018 11:21:49 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Monday, February 26, 2018

From Sony Global:

Sony a7 III Highlights:

  • Newly Developed Full-frame 24.2MP[i] Back-Illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS Image Sensor with Evolved Image Processing
  • Wide ISO range of 100 - 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 – 204800 for still images) and 15-Stop[ii] Dynamic Range at low sensitivities
  • World Class AF system featuring 693 phase-detection AF points covering 93% of image area, 425 contrast AF points and fast and reliable Eye AF
  • Continuous Shooting at up to 10 fps[iii] with either Mechanical Shutter or Silent Shooting[iv] and full Auto Focus/Auto Exposure tracking
  • 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation with a 5.0 step[v] shutter speed advantage
  • High Resolution 4K[vi] Movie Shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel binning across full-width of full-frame sensor
  • The longest rated battery life of any Mirrorless camera[vii] at 710 shots[viii] per charge
  • Upgraded operability and functionality including addition of joystick for adjusting focus points, Dual SD Card Slots, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C™ Terminal and more

Sony today introduced yet another impressive addition to their full-frame mirrorless camera line-up, the a7 III (model ILCE-7M3).

Sony’s unmatched innovation within the image sensor space is at the forefront of the new a7 III, as it features a brand new 24.2MPi back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with increased sensitivity, outstanding resolution and an impressive 15 stopsii of dynamic range at low sensitivities. By combining this sensor with a variety of impressive features including extreme AF coverage of 93%, fast shooting at up to 10 fpsiii with either mechanical shutter or silent shootingiv, diverse 4Kvi video capabilities and more, Sony has created a new tool that gives all types of creators – from enthusiast to professional – the ability to capture content in new and different ways than they ever have before.

Spectacular Full-frame Image Quality
The newly developed 24.2MPi back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor is paired with a front-end LSI that effectively doubles the readout speed of the image sensor, as well as an updated BIONZ X™ processing-engine that boosts processing speed by approximately 1.8 times compared to the a7 II. These powerful components work together to allow the camera to shoot at faster speeds while also enabling its impressive ISO range of 100 - 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 – 204800 for still images) and an overall 1.5-stop[ix] improvement in image quality. The camera also features a massive 15-stopii dynamic range at low sensitivity settings, ensuring outstanding overall performance at all settings and in all shooting conditions, with significant advancements in accurate colour reproductions of skin tones and the vibrant colours of nature.

This new full-frame model can also output 14 bit RAW format[x] even in silent and continuous shooting modes, and is equipped with a 5-axis optical image stabilisation system that results in a 5.0 stepv shutter speed advantage.

Significant Advances in AF Speed and Performance
The innovative new a7 III full-frame mirrorless camera features a level of AF performance that has been largely improved over the a7 II, including the addition of 4D FOCUS™ capabilities. The new camera has 425 contrast AF points that work with a 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system inherited from the acclaimed a9 model. This innovative AF system covers approximately 93% of the frame, ensuring reliable focusing and tracking for even the most difficult to capture subjects.

AF response and tracking has also been greatly improved in the new camera, with almost 2xix the focusing speed in low-light condition and 2xii the tracking speed compared to the previous model as a result of the faster image sensor readout. This allows complex and unpredictable motion to be captured with far greater precision and accuracy.

The acclaimed Eye AF feature is also available in the new camera, even in AF-C mode, which is extremely useful for situations where the subject is turning around, looking down or otherwise obstructed. It also works when the a7 III is being used with Sony’s A-mount lenses with an optional LA-EA3 adaptor[xi]. Additional improvements in focusing flexibility include the addition of a multi-selector or ‘joystick’ for moving focusing points quickly, the addition of touch focusing capability, AF availability in Focus Magnifier mode, an ‘AF On’ button and much more.

Speed to Capture Every Decisive Moment
The new a7 III is equipped with an updated image processing system that allows it to shoot full resolution images at up to 10 fpsiii with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to 177 Standard JPEG images, 89 compressed RAW images or 40 uncompressed RAW images[xii]. This high speed mode is available with either a mechanical shutter or a completely silent shootingiv, adding to the immense flexibility of the camera. The camera can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fpsiii in live view mode with minimal lag in the viewfinder or LCD screen.

For added convenience, while large groups of burst images are being written to the memory card, many of the cameras key functions are operable, including access to the ‘Fn’ (Function) and ‘Menu’ buttons, image playback and several other menus and parameters including image rating and other functions that facilitate on-location image sorting.

Additionally, if there is fluorescent or artificial lighting present in a shooting environment, users can activate the Anti-flicker[xiii] function to allow the a7 III to automatically detect frequency of the lighting and time the shutter to minimise its effect on images being captured. This minimises any exposure or colour anomalies that can sometimes occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds.

High Quality 4Kvi Video
The new a7 III is an outstanding video camera as well, offering 4Kvi (3840x2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. In video mode, the camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect about 2.4x[xiv] the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.

An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)[xv] picture profile is available on the a7 III as well, which supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Further, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased colour grading flexibility, as well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist and proxy recording. The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbpsvi, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

Upgraded Build, Design and Customisation
Sony’s newest full-frame camera is equipped with a variety of enhanced capabilities that were first implemented in the a9 and then again in the a7R III. These include dual media slots, with support in one slot for UHS-II type SD memory cards. Users have a variety of options for storing their content in each of the cards, including separate JPEG / RAW recording, separate still image / movie recording, relay recording and more. Battery life has been greatly extended as well – with a CIPA measurement of up to 710 shots per chargeviii, it offers the world’s longestvii battery life of any Mirrorless camera, as the new camera utilises Sony’s Z series battery NP-FZ100 that offers approximately 2.2 times the capacity of the W series battery NP-FW50 utilised in the a7 II.

The new camera features “My Menu” functionality which allows up to 30 menu items to be registered for instant recall when needed. Users can also apply star ratings to their still images through the camera controls for easier image playback and review, and edit the first three characters of all still image files. Additionally, there is a total of 81 functions that are assignable to 11 custom buttons, and the camera is both dust and moisture resistant[xvi].

The a7 III features high-resolution, high-contrast, fast-start XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with approximately 2.3 million dots for extremely accurate, true-to-life detail reproduction. “Standard” or “High” display quality settings are also available for both the viewfinder and monitor as well. It also is capable of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone, tablet, computer or FTP server via Wi-Fi®, while also offering a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C™ Terminal for increased flexibility in power supply and faster image transfer speed during tethered shooting.

The a7 III model also comes with Sony’s new software suite “Imaging Edge”, which extends the creative capabilities of the entire shooting process – from pre-processing to post-processing. “Imaging Edge” provides three PC applications called ‘Remote’, ‘Viewer’ and ‘Edit’, available for free download, which support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development. In the latest Version 1.1, several improvements have been implemented including about 10%[xvii] faster data transfer speed for remote shooting from PC (PC tether shooting) and approximately 65%[xviii] improvement in the response speed for RAW image editing. For more information, please visit Imaging Edge support page. www.sony.net/disoft/d/.

The camera is also compatible with a wide variety of Sony E-mount accessories including the BC-QZ1 Battery Charger[xix], VG-C3EM Vertical Grip.

The new a7 III will ship in Europe in March, 2018 priced at approximately €2300 (body only) or €2500 in a kit with the SEL2870 lens.

B&H preorders for the Sony a7 III will begin Wed., February 28 at 11:00am Eastern Time.

[i]Approximate, effective
[ii] Sony test conditions for still images
[iii]In continuous “Hi+” mode. Max. fps depends on camera settings
[iv] Some distortion may occur with fast-moving subjects
[v] CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off
[vi]A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card required for XAVC S movie recording, UHS speed class 3 or higher for 100 Mbps recording
[vii]Among non-reflex interchangeable lens digital camera equipped with auto focus functionas of February 2017, based on Sony research
[viii] CIPA standards. When using the LCD monitor. 610 images when using the viewfinder
[ix] Compared to the a7 II. Sony test conditions
[x] Limited to 12 bits during compressed RAW continuous shooting, BULB exposure, or when Long Exposure NR is ON
[xi] With SSM or SAM lenses only. With the LA-EA3 mount adaptor. Eye AF not supported for movie recording. AF-C can only be used when the “Phase detection” AF system is selected, but focus is fixed at the first frame
[xii] Continuous “Hi+” mode. UHS-II compatible SDXC memory card required. Sony test conditions
[xiii] Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording
[xiv] 24p recording. Approx. 1.6x at 30p
[xv] Connect to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable to view HDR (HLG) movies
[xvi]Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
[xvii]The transfer speed has been measured with multiple images using a7R III, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1), and Uncompressed RAW ( L: 7952 x 5304)+JPEG Extra fine
[xviii]Measured with: CPU Intel® Core™ i7-6700 Processor 3.40GHz, Memory 8GB, OS Windows® 7 Professional, and Uncompressed RAW (a7R III L: 7952 x 5304)
[xix]Not supplied in the box

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 2/26/2018 9:35:55 PM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Thursday, February 22, 2018

Feb 22, 2018 16:00 CET – Sony today announced a new flagship addition to its digital imaging range with the launch of the HVL-F60RM Flash. Addressing the needs of the increasing numbers of professional photographers switching to the Sony a system, the HVL-F60RM offers high-power flash output, reliable continuous performance and advanced control features with integrated radio control options.

The HVL-F60RM has a guide number of 60[i] and covers illumination angles from 20mm[ii] to 200mm,[iii] providing uniform wide-range zoom coverage without shading with continuous shooting up to 220v flashes. The use of heat resistant materials and the deployment of new advanced algorithms means that heat resistance has been increased by as much as 4x[iv] compared to the previous model, HVL-F60M.


Further improvements have been made to the recycle time which has been reduced to 1.7 seconds[v] or just 0.6 secondsv with the new External Battery Adaptor, product code FA-EBA1. One of the star features of previous Sony flashes, Quick Shift Bounce is again a feature and allows the photographer to quickly shift from horizontal to vertical orientation, 90 degrees left or right, upward by up to 150 degrees, and downward by 8 degrees for flexible positioning and optimum lighting for a wide range of scenes.

Independent light output level (LEVEL -/+) buttons allow direct control of output or compensation, supporting an efficient workflow. A comprehensive display facilitates adjustments and flash output level confirmation, and also provides intuitive access to flash output settings for paired wireless flashes.

Functions can be freely assigned to the unit’s four-way controller, centre button, and control wheel for easy access when required. Furthermore, TTL flash output can be memorised and recalled in manual mode when needed for immediate use or use after minor adjustment. This is another feature that can simplify manual workflow and save time The dust and moisture resistant design[vi] of the HVL-F60RM allows flash shooting, even in challenging environments and a new optional Rain Guard[vii], product code FA-RG1, minimises ingress of water dripping into the flash and camera[viii]. Another example of the complete attention to detail that has gone into the design of the HVL-F60RM, is the metal foot of the Multi Interface Shoe connection which has been re-designed to minimise damage and increase reliability.

A pre-requisite for leading-edge studio set-ups, the wireless radio communication is non-directional so receiver flash units can be positioned anywhere up to approximately 30 metresiii away from the camera, even in situations where reflectors or other obstacles would interfere with optical communication. A HVL-F60RM mounted on a compatible camera[ix] functioning as transmitter can be paired with off-camera units functioning as receivers. Multiple flashesare supported with the user able to use up to 15 flash units, assigned in to up to 5 groups[x] or wireless flash control and the use of a pairing system effectively prevents interference from other electronic devices.

In addition to an auto white balance function that automatically adjusts for light colour in the scene being photographed, amber and green colour filters are supplied as standard and can be used to match or complement existing lighting in order to achieve natural white balance or create a specific atmosphere.

The new HVL-F60RM will be available in Europe in April, 2018 priced at approximately €700. The new FA-EBA1will be available in Europe in April, 2018 priced at approximately €300. The new FA-RG1will be available in Europe in April, 2018 priced at approximately €30.

B&H will carry the Sony HVL-F60RM Flash.

[i]200mm at ISO100 in metres
[ii]14mm with wide panel
[iii]35mm full-frame equivalent
[iv]Sony test conditions
[v] With Ni-MH batteries. Sony test conditions
[vi]Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
[vii]Not to completely protect against water ingress. When the camera is held in the portrait orientation or at a tilt for photographing, in particular, it may fail to protect against water ingress
[viii] With this unit attached, the camera may fail to record audio during video shooting, depending on the model. For the camera models to which this precaution applies, visit http://www.sony.net/acc/rg1/.
[ix]Refer to the Sony support page for camera compatibility information. http://www.sony.net/flash/f60rm/
[x]In the Group flash mode. Up to 3 groups in the TTL or Manual flash mode

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 2/22/2018 10:24:49 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Tuesday, November 28, 2017

From Sony:

Ultra-fast G Series CFast memory cards with up to 510MB/s write speed for photographers and videographers

ASIA PACIFIC, 28 November 2017 – Sony today announced the launch of a range of high performance CFast memory cards designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and videographers. The new G Series CFast responds to the ever increasing capabilities of high-end DSLR and 4K cinema-grade broadcast cameras, offering lightning-fast write speeds of up to 510MB/s and read speeds of up to 530MB/s1 . Joining an established range that includes Professional internal SSDs, XQD and SxS cards, as well as the world’s fastest SD card2 , the new CFast models strengthen Sony’s position as a leader in professional memory solutions.

Step up to industry-leading write speeds
Professional photographers demand faster speed for continuous burst shooting of higher resolution images like RAW. With up to 510MB/s write speed, far outperforming the capabilities of existing CFast cards, G Series supports high-speed burst shooting of high resolution RAW, maximizing the capability of high-end DSLR cameras like the Canon 1DX Mark 2.

Reliable 4K video recording with VPG130 support
As well as ultra-fast write speed, the new CFast cards support VPG1303 for reliable recording of Cinema-grade or high-bitrate 4K video. A minimum sustained write speed of 130MB/s is guaranteed, making the new media ideal for stable recording of professional grade 4K video such as Cinema RAW light mode with Canon C200 video cameras.

Super-fast read speed for ultra-effective workflow
Efficient workflow is essential for professional photographers and videographers working in challenging environments to tight deadlines. With a blazing fast read speed of 530MB/s, G Series CFast dramatically reduces the time it takes to transfer RAW files, long 4K video footage and high-resolution images to a PC.

Designed for strength and reliability
The new CFast cards have passed a variety of stringent drop, vibration, shock and rigidity tests, making them perfect for shooting in many different locations. They work reliably across a wide range of temperatures and are highly resistant to static. With a hard case and Sony File Rescue software4 included for recovering accidentally deleted photos such as RAW images and videos, professionals can shoot with confidence in the toughest conditions.

The new G Series CFast 2.0 memory cards will be available in 32GB (CAT-G32), 64GB (CATG64) and 128GB (CAT-G128) capacities in selected Asia Pacific countries in the 1 st quarter of 2018. Please check with the authorized dealers for pricing and availability.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 11/28/2017 7:07:21 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, October 25, 2017

From Sony EU:

Launching in Summer 2018

Oct 25, 2017 – 08:30 CEST – Sony today announced the development of the long-awaited FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Super-Telephoto lens, with a target launch date in Summer 2018.

The new lens will feature the incredible high-resolution and spectacular beautiful bokeh of Sony’s acclaimed line of flagship G Master series lenses, while also offering a far-reaching 400mm focal length and F2.8 large aperture. This combination will deliver a new elevated shooting experience for all professional sports, news and wildlife photographers looking to capture all of the decisive moments with higher image quality.

Sony will continue to evolve their lens line-up in order to meet the demands of all types of photographers, videographers and multi-media creators, with many different offerings to maximise the power of the innovative a camera line-up.

Additional details and specifications on the new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Super-Telephoto Lens will be released at a later date.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 10/25/2017 5:40:12 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Sony EU:

New E-mount FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Delivers Serious Still and Video Performance with Compact Design

Oct 25, 2017 – 08:30 CEST – Sony today announced the latest addition to its expanding full-frame E-mount lens line-up, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom (model SEL24105G).

The new full-frame lens covers the commonly used 24 to 105mm focal length range, delivering outstanding G Lens imaging performance with the most lightweight design in its class[i], maximising its versatility and usability. Therefore, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS can be used for versatile shooting including landscapes, portraits, weddings and more. This lens also features fast, precise and quiet autofocus capabilities in both still and video shooting, making it an ideal complement for Sony’s extensive line-up of E-mount cameras.

High Optical Performance and Outstanding Resolution
Sony’s new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens delivers excellent corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entirety of its zoom range, while also producing beautifully rendered ‘bokeh’ or background defocus at all focal lengths.

This high image quality is made possible thanks to its advanced optical design featuring four aspherical lens elements, two of which are high precision AA (advanced aspherical) lenses. There are also three strategically located ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that work in combination with the aforementioned aspherical lens elements to minimise chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.

The lens also has Sony’s original Nano AR coating to minimise flare and ghosting, and utilises a circular aperture to ensure it delivers high quality bokeh that is consistent for all Sony’s G series.

Compact, Lightweight Design and Shooting Flexibility
The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens weighs in at approximately 663 grams (23.4 oz), making it the lightest lens in its classi. When combined with one of Sony’s compact E-mount bodies, it gives photographers and videographers a far more mobile, manageable camera system that greatly increases their shooting flexibility.

In addition to the compact design and versatile 24-105mm focal length, the new lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.25ft, allowing for impressive close up detail. It also includes built-in optical image stabilisation to make it easier to produce sharp, blur-free images when shooting handheld.

Highly Advanced and Accurate AutoFocus
In order to keep up with fast-moving subjects, the new standard zoom lens features a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) system that is capable of rapid positioning of the lens’ focus groups with high accuracy and very minimal noise. This advanced system combined with a constant F4 aperture at all focal lengths makes the SEL24105G an excellent choice for both still and video shooting.

Further adding to its versatility, the new standard zoom lens also features a customisable focus hold button, a dust and moisture resistant design[ii] and a fluorine coating on the front element to help minimise dust, water, oil and other contaminants.

Pricing and Availability
The Sony SEL24105G Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will ship in Europe in November 2017, priced at approximately €1350.

B&H preorders for the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS will begin 10:00am Eastern Time on Thursday, October 26.

[i]Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (October 25th, 2017, Sony research)
[ii]Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 10/25/2017 5:35:20 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Sony EU: Innovative Full-frame Mirrorless Model Offers 42.4 MP High-Resolution, 10 fps Continuous Shooting, Fast and Precise AF Performance in a Compact Body

  • 35mm Full-Frame 42.4 MP[i] Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS Image Sensor with Evolved Image Processing
  • Continuous Shooting at up to 10 fps[ii] with either Silent Shooting or Mechanical Shutter and full Auto Focus/Auto Exposure tracking
  • 399 phase-detection AF points covering 68%[iii] of image area, 425 contrast AF points and approximately 2 times more effective Eye AF[iv]
  • 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization with a 5.5 step[v] shutter speed advantage
  • High Resolution 4K[vi] Movie Shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel binning[vii]
  • Completely redesigned for professionals, including upgraded Auto Focus, Dual SD Card Slots, Extended Battery Life, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C Terminal and more
  • Compact, Lightweight body at only 23 oz[viii]

Oct 25, 2017 – 08:30 CEST – Sony today announced an impressive addition to their full-frame mirrorless camera line-up, the a7R III (model ILCE-7RM3).


Thanks to an evolutionary leap in image processing power and efficiency, the new a7R III combines a high-resolution 42.4 MP[i] back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with impressive shooting speeds at up to 10 fps[ii] with full AF/AE tracking, as well as beautiful image and 4K6 video quality, wide 15-stop9 dynamic range, high sensitivity with noise reduction of almost a full stop4 and more. With these immense capabilities and a compact, lightweight body, it’s an extremely versatile tool for photographers, videographers, multi-media creators and all other types of professionals that demand reliability, flexibility and versatility.

A New Level of Image Quality
The 42.4MP high-resolution, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor utilises a gapless on-chip lens design and AR (anti-reflective) coating on the surface of the sensor’s seal glass to dramatically improve light collection efficiency, resulting in high sensitivity with low-noise performance and wide dynamic range.

Sony’s new a7R III also features a new front-end LSI that effectively doubles[iv] the readout speed of the image sensor, as well as an updated BIONZ X processing-engine that boosts processing speed by approximately 1.8 times compared to the a7R II. These powerful components work together to allow the camera to shoot at faster speeds while also enabling its impressive ISO range of 100 - 32000 (expandable to ISO 50 – 102400 for still images) and massive 15-stop[ix] dynamic range at low sensitivity settings. This ensures outstanding overall performance at all settings and in all shooting conditions.

This new full-frame model was built without an optical low pass filter to maximise resolution, while also having the ability to output 14 bit RAW format even when shooting in silent or continuous mode. The camera is equipped with an innovative 5-axis optical image stabilisation system that has been fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity, resulting in a 5.5 stepv shutter speed advantage, the world’s highest[x] compensation performance for an image stabilisation system. There is also a new low-vibration shutter that reduces vibration and image blur in all modes, including the high speed 10 fps shooting, as well as several advancements in accurate colour reproductions of skin tones.

High-Performance AF and AF/AE Tracking at up to 10 fps[ii]
The innovative new a7R III full-frame mirrorless camera is equipped with a refined image processing system that allows it to shoot full 42.4MP images at up to 10 fps with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to 76 JPEG / RAW images or 28 uncompressed RAW images[xi]. This high speed 10 fps mode is available with either a mechanical shutter or a completely silent shooting[xii], adding to the immense flexibility of the camera. The camera can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fps[xiii] in live view mode with minimal lag in the viewfinder or LCD screen. These high speed options ensure that fast moving subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and incredible image detail.

For added convenience, while large groups of burst images are being written to the memory card, many of the cameras key functions are operable, including access to the ‘Fn’ (Function) and ‘Menu’ buttons, image playback and several other menus and parameters[xiv] including image rating and other functions that facilitate on-location image sorting.

Additionally, if there is fluorescent or artificial lighting present in a shooting environment, users can activate the Anti-flicker[xv] function to allow the a7R III to automatically detect frequency of the lighting and time the shutter to minimise its effect on images being captured. This minimises any exposure or colour anomalies that can sometimes occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds.

The upgraded focusing system of the a7R III is comprised of 399 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 68% of the image area in both the horizontal and vertical directions. There is also 425 contrast AF points, an increase of 400 points compared to the a7R II. This advanced system delivers AF acquisition in about half the time as the a7R II in low-light conditions, with tracking that is approximately 2 times more accurate as well. The acclaimed Eye AF feature is also approximately 2 times more effective, and is available when utilising Sony’s A-mount lenses with an adapter.[xvi]

Additional improvements in focusing flexibility include AF availability in Focus Magnifier mode, focal-plane phase-detection AF support when using A-mount lenses[xvii], an ‘AF On’ button, a multi-selector or ‘joystick’ for moving focusing points quickly, flexible touch focus functionality and much more.

High Quality 4K for the Video Professionals
The new a7R III is exceptionally capable as a video camera, offering 4K (3840x2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. When shooting in Super 35mm format, the camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect 5K[xviii] of information, oversampling it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.

A new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)[xix] is available on the a7R III that supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Further, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased colour grading flexibility. The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbpsvi, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion[xx] video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

Build, Design and Customisation for Professionals
Sony’s newest full-frame camera is equipped with a variety of enhanced capabilities that give it a true professional operational style. These include dual media slots, with support in one slot for UHS-II type SD memory cards. Users have a variety of options for storing their content, including separate JPEG / RAW recording, separate still image / movie recording, relay recording and more. Battery life has been greatly extended as well, as the new camera utilises Sony’s Z series battery that have approximately 2.2 times the capacity of the W series battery utilised in the a7R II.

The a7R III features an upgraded high-resolution, high-luminance Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder with approximately 3,686k dots for extremely accurate, true-to-life detail reproduction. The Tru-Finder, also found in the acclaimed Sony a9 camera, utilises a ZEISS T* Coating to greatly reduce reflections, and has a fluorine coating on the outer lens that repels dirt. It also has a customisable frame rate, with options of either 50 fps or 100 fps[xxi] to best match the action. The LCD screen has been upgraded as well, with a resolution of 1.44M dots and WhiteMagic technology that improves viewing in bright, outdoor conditions. “Standard” or “High” display quality settings are also available for both the viewfinder and monitor as well. “High” takes advantage of the large amount of data read from the 42.4MP sensor to provide extra fine viewfinder and monitor displays for a more natural view.

The new camera also offers a multi-selector joystick that provides a fast, efficient way to shift focus points, as well as an ‘AF ON’ button to activate autofocus when shooting stills or movies.

The new a7R III allows for convenient transfer of files to a smartphone, tablet, computer or FTP server via Wi-Fi, while also including a sync terminal, enabling external flash units and cables to be connected directly for convenient flash sync. A SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C Terminal is also available for increased flexibility in power supply or connected accessories, as well as a faster image transfer speed when connected to a PC.

New “Imaging Edge” Software Suite and Pixel Shift Multi Shooting Mode
New with the a7R III is a software suite called “Imaging Edge” that extends the creative capabilities of the entire shooting process – from pre-processing to post-processing. “Imaging Edge” provides three PC applications called ‘Remote’, ‘Viewer’ and ‘Edit’, available for free download, which support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development.

Also making its debut on the versatile a7R III is a new Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode, which takes full advantage of the advanced 5-axis optical in-body stabilisation to create beautiful true-to-life, super-high resolution composite images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in 1-pixel increments to capture four separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of approximately 169.6 MP[xxii] of image data. These four images can be composited together and processed utilising the new “Imaging Edge” software suite. This ultimately results in a still image with overwhelming resolution and an unprecedented level of colour accuracy, and is ideal for photographing architecture, art or any other still life photography subject with many intricate details and colours.

Pricing and Availability
The Sony a7R III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will ship in Europe in November 2017, priced at approximately €3500. B&H preorders for the Sony a7R III will begin at 10:00am Eastern Time on Thursday, October 26.

[i]Approximately, effective
[ii]Up to 10 fps in continuous “Hi+” mode, and up to 8 fps in continuous “Hi” mode. Maximum fps will depend on camera settings
[iii]Approximately 68% of the image area in both the horizontal and vertical directions
[iv]Compared to the a7R II, according to Sony testing
[v]CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off
[vi]A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS speed class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording
[vii]In Super 35mm mode.
[viii]Approximately
[ix]Sony test conditions for still images
[x]Among digital cameras with a full-frame image sensor. As of October 2017 press release, based on Sony research
[xi]“Hi+” continuous mode with UHS-II compatible SDXC memory card. Sony test conditions.
[xii]Some distortion may occur with fast-moving subjects of if the camera is moved sideways rapidly
[xiii]“Hi” mode. Maximum fps will depend on camera setting.
[xiv] Not all menu parameters can be edited while data is being written to the memory card
[xv]Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording
[xvi]With SSM or SAM lenses only. Eye AF not supported for movie recording. AF-C can only be used when the “Phase detection” AF system is selected, but focus is fixed at the first frame during continuous shooting in any mode other than “Continuous: Lo” (Hi+, Hi, Mid).
[xvii]With SSM or SAM lenses only. With the LA-EA3 mount adapter. Focal plane phase-detection AF not supported for movie recording. AF-C can only be used when the “Phase detection” AF system is selected, but focus is fixed at the first frame during continuous shooting in any mode other than “Continuous: Lo” (Hi+, Hi, Mid).
[xviii]15-megapixel
[xix]Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies
[xx]Sound not recorded. Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card required
[xxi]In PAL. 60fps or 120fps in NTSC
[xxii]Image size after compositing is approx. 42.4 million (7952 x 5304) pixels.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 10/25/2017 5:27:56 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
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