Sony News (Page 10)
From Sony Electronics:
Sony Electronics Announces Firmware Roadmap for its Cinema Line
New firmware roadmap illustrates Sony’s commitment to the filmmaking community with continued investment in the Cinema Line
LOS ANGELES – Nov. 6, 2024: Sony Electronics announces upcoming firmware updates to its VENICE 2, FX6, FX3, FX30 and BURANO cameras, continuing its longstanding support for its cinema line cameras. The firmware will be available beginning next year through 2026.
“Firmware updates are an important way for Sony to continue to address the needs of our filmmaking community. Our Cinema Line is built for the future and the firmware will allow our products to continue to evolve with the needs of our filmmakers, especially at a time when the industry is undergoing incredible changes. This is yet another way Sony is looking to support the community,” said Theresa Alesso, President of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics.
The firmware updates will be available to download for free and include:
VENICE 2 VERSION 4.0
The Sony VENICE Camera System has been used on more than 500 productions including commercials, television and feature films since it was introduced, with the VENICE 2 digital cinema camera recognized as a world-class cinema camera for cinematographers around the world. VENICE 2 Version 4.0 firmware update is planned to be available August 2025 and will add:
Support of the EL Zone System™, created by three-time Academy award-nominated Director of Photography Ed Lachman, ASC. The EL Zone System™ is an intuitive tool that displays exposure values by using stops instead of IRE, bringing back the direct relationship between lighting and lens stops. The EL Zone System™ comes in addition to the existing tools in VENICE 2.
Based on users’ feedback, Version 4.0 will offer the ability to display frame lines in different colors, simplifying the ability to shoot images for multiple delivery formats.
Sony is pleased to continue to upgrade and evolve the VENICE 2 platform over the coming years, protecting the investment for owners and rental houses: Version 5.0 will be made available in 2026 and Version 6.0 in 2027.
FX3 VERSION 7.0 AND FX30 VERSION 6.0
Based on user feedback, the Sony FX3 and FX30 cameras will get a new firmware update in September 2025. This update to the menu system will standardize the user experience and operational menu across the entire Cinema Line. This will be beneficial for users that combine our multiple level of cameras for production or move throughout the line for different projects.
Other new features of this firmware will include:
A new "BIG 6" menu, similar to the BURANO and VENICE. The new BIG 6 menu will allow filmmakers to check and adjust key items at a glance, including ISO, frame rate, LUT, NDs, and more.
The addition of anamorphic de-squeeze 1.5x, due to the rise of anamorphic lens usage by cinematographers. This new ratio brings new flexibility in terms of lens selection.
The capability of HDMI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorders.
FX6 VERSION 6.0
Sony is pleased to announce that FX6 now supports SDI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.
FX6 Version 6.0 is planned for February 2026 and will include:
The FX6 will see a new “BIG 6” menu, similar to the BURANO and VENICE. The new BIG 6 menu will allow filmmakers to check and adjust key items at a glance, including ISO, frame rate, LUT, NDs, and more.
Camera data will no longer be overlaid on top of the image in the viewfinder (On-Screen Display (OSD)) to allow operators to see the full image and necessary data more clearly.
1 Sony recommends that users check update timing on Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.
BURANO VERSION 2.0
Planned to be released in March 2025, BURANO Version 2.0 offers many new features and improvements requested from the user community, including new recording formats, new 1.8x de-squeeze, and monitoring improvements.
Version 2.0 will include new recording formats including a new 3.8K Full Frame crop that leverages nearly the entire sensor and can shoot up to 120 fps. This new recording mode allows the filmmaker to prioritize faster sensor performance depending on the needs of their application. Other new recording formats include the addition of 24.00 fps to X-OCN 16:9 imager modes and the following:
Full Frame 3.8K 16:9 Mode Up to 120 fps
Super 35 4.3K 4:3 Mode (for Anamorphic) Up to 60 fps
Super 35 1.9K 16:9 Mode Up to 240 fps
BURANO Version 2.0 will also add 1.8x de-squeeze setting as well as additional high frame rate (S & Q) modes including 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96, 110 fps.
Version 2.0 also offers monitoring improvements, including standardized SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVC and an improved on-screen display which places camera status information outside of the image. Version 2.0 will also include View Finder Gamma Display Assist while using S-Log3 for monitoring.
BURANO Version 2.0 also includes additional exposure tools (High/Low Key) derived from the flagship VENICE camera system. Version 2.0 will also expand white balance memory presets from 3 to 8 and support Active/High Image Stabilization in Full-Frame 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 imager modes.
Finally, Version 2.0 will add breathing compensation and image stabilization metadata in X-OCN.
Availability
The new BURANO Version 2.0 will be available in March 2025. Filmmakers can easily download the update directly to their camera using a Mac or PC.
For more information, visit sonycine.com or follow us on Instagram @sonycine for more information.
Tamron as shared the 1st Quarter 2024 Financial Results.
A selection of quotes:
"Sales of Photographic Products is expected to increase by double digits even the sales of Own-Brand products decline slightly from the Aug. 8 forecast due to delay sales recovery in Europe and US, and a slowdown in the Chinese market in the 2nd half of 2024."
"Strong sales of OEM products is expected to exceed the Aug.8 forecast and is planned to increase by 1.4 times YoY."
"Strong sales in both own-brand and OEM products and the favorable foreign exchange effects led to upward revisions of both Sales and Operating Income following 1st and 2nd quarters."
"Before 2023: Approximately 5 new models. New medium-term(2024-2026) management plan policy: 6 to 7 new models a year to 7 new models in the first year(2024) of the plan."
From Venus Optics:
Venus Optics announces the World’s FIRST Wide-Angle Zoom Shift Lens for APS-C system
Anhui China, 5 Nov 2024 – Venus Optics announced a groundbreaking Zoom-Shift lens - Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens! This extraordinary APS-C lens for mirrorless cameras combines two powerful features in one compact package: an ultra-wide zoom with an impressive shift capability. The lens allows you to seamlessly zoom from 12mm to 24mm while also being able to shift up to 7mm! This zoom-shift combination gives you all the flexibility in perspective control for capturing expansive landscapes or towering architecture. The compact 575g size also puts no burden on your kit. Truly a game-changer for photographers who want both versatility and creative control in their ultra-wide shots.
12-24mm Zoom Range with Constant Aperture
The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens offers a versatile zoom range of 12mm to 24mm, providing an expansive angle of view from 102.5° to 63.9°. This allows photographers to capture a wide variety of scenes. With a constant aperture of f/5.6, the lens ensures consistent exposure throughout the entire zoom range, offering great flexibility while maintaining high image quality.
Precise ±7mm Shift Amount
The remarkable ±7mm shift capability set this lens apart. All shift lenses currently available in the market are primes, which makes this lens the WORLD’s first wide-angle zoom shift lens. This feature enables photographers to achieve precise perspective control and effortlessly minimize distortion.
Compact & Lightweight Design
The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens offers exceptional performance in a compact and lightweight package, weighing only 575g. Its portability makes it perfect for photographers on the move, ensuring mobility and effortless shooting.
Exceptional Distortion Control
The lens showcases excellent distortion control, allowing users to capture accurate and true-to-life images. This makes it an excellent choice for architectural and interior photography, where precise image quality is crucial.
15cm closest focusing distance
The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens also has an exceptionally short focusing distance. Capable of focusing as close as 5.9 inches (15 cm) from the sensor. This lens offers photographers plenty of opportunities for creative experimentation.
77mm filter thread
The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens offers the convenience of a 77mm filter thread, which can be used when the lens hood is attached.
Specifications
Format Compatibility: APS-C
Focal length: 12-24mm
Max. Aperture: f/5.6
Angle of view: 102.5°- 63.9°
Lens structure: 15 elements in 11 groups
(2 aspherical elements, 3 ED elements)
Aperture blades: 9
Shift Capability: ±7mm
Min. Focusing distance: 15cm
Max. Magnification: 0.4
Focus mode: Manual (MF)
Filter thread: ø77mm
Dimensions: Ø98.91mm x 80mm
Weight: About 575g
Mount: Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon RF / L Mount / Fuji X / EF-M
Pricing & Availability The 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorized resellers. It is priced at USD699 for Sony E, L mount, Canon R, Fuji X, Nikon Z, Canon EF-M. Price varies in different countries.
Get the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift Lens at Venus Optics.
It's always a big deal when Apple buys your company. Pixelmator just shared this announcement:
A new home for Pixelmator
Today we have some important news to share: the Pixelmator Team plans to join Apple.
We’ve been inspired by Apple since day one, crafting our products with the same razor-sharp focus on design, ease of use, and performance. And looking back, it’s crazy what a small group of dedicated people have been able to achieve over the years from all the way in Vilnius, Lithuania. Now, we’ll have the ability to reach an even wider audience and make an even bigger impact on the lives of creative people around the world.
What to expect
Pixelmator has signed an agreement to be acquired by Apple, subject to regulatory approval. There will be no material changes to the Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator apps at this time. Stay tuned for exciting updates to come.
Thank you
We want to give a big thanks to our amazing users for your support over the past 17 years. Your feedback has played a huge role in shaping our apps into what they are today. As we step into this exciting new chapter, we can’t wait to share what’s next.
– Pixelmator Team
Who is Pixelmator?
"Pixelmator Pro is an image editor designed to make the most powerful professional image editing tools accessible to everyone. And with an extensive collection of tools for editing and retouching photos, creating graphic designs, painting, drawing vector graphics, and adding stunning effects, it’s the only image editor you’ll need." [Pixelmator]
I love it when only a 0.6-second shutter speed is needed to properly expose the Northern Lights. That setting indicates a super-bright show.
Not immediately apparent in a still photo is that the Northern Lights are often a fast action subject, and the dancing and pulsing light show is awesome. In a long exposure, that movement results in a blurry result. Wide aperture lenses (and, of course, a bright show) are optimal for capturing the aurora structure.
This night's display was extremely bright, permitting a relatively short 0.6-second exposure at f/1.4 and ISO 3200, and it was moving fast. Shooting straight up into the aurora is one of my favorite compositions, but the fast movement made guessing the ideal future composition challenging. It was exciting to anticipate and view the results.
We are at or near a solar maximum. Do you have the right Northern Lights lenses in your kit?
This night was the third over-4-hour road trip all-nighter in 4 days. I don't remember the tiredness, but as usual, the images were worth the effort.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 3200
8188 x 5352px
Learn more about the new MacBook Pro 14" and 16" with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 MAX at B&H.
Learn more about the new Apple Mac mini with M4 Pro Chip at B&H.
Learn more about the new Apple 24" iMac with M4 Chip (and its many colors) at B&H.
This is one of my favorite images from a recent photo trip to Denali National Park. The picture does not convey the significant time and effort involved in its capture, but images such as this one make it all worthwhile.
Dall sheep are awesome animals, and I counted on the also-awesome Canon EOS R5 II and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS Lens to bring home the images.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 250
7247 x 4833px
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS was in the sky, so, of course, it had to be photographed.
While single-exposure images of this comet looked nice, my upgraded tracking mount, a Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi, was still in the box and longing for use.
This image is the result of stacking sixteen 30-second exposures using Deep Sky Stacker (DSS) software (it's free).
After aligning the mount and establishing the Canon EOS R5 Mark II settings, the shutter release button on a simple Vello Wired Remote Release was locked down (push down and slide forward), and the R5 II's continuous shooting mode captured about 45 minutes of images while I did something else. The middle 8 minutes of frames had the darkest sky and were selected for processing.
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens was chosen because it had the desired focal length, it creates extremely sharp stars, and it has a rotating collar to add the rotation direction natively missing on the mount. It proved an outstanding choice.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 200
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Just posted: Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens Review.
Outstanding lens.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens from Lensrentals.
Topaz Labs just introduced Gigapixel 8 and Photo AI 3.3.
The viewer's eye is drawn to contrast, which is lacking in a strongly blurred portion of the image. Thus, blurring the non-subject area aids in drawing the viewer's eye to the sharp-focused subject.
For this image, the telephoto compression and long distance beyond the subject create the background blur, and getting down into some close rocks takes the foreground out of focus, eliminating those distractions.
While I love the use of blur in photography, I rarely like foreground blur covering the subject's face.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 250
8192 x 5464px
Learn more about the Sony BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger for NP-FZ100 Batteries and DC-C1 DC Coupler and preorder at B&H.
Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 4.00 is available for download.
Firmware Version 4.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Adds support for focus bracket shooting, which allows for continuous shooting while automatically shifting the focus position
- Introduces additional settings for exposure value adjustments and number of shots in the exposure bracketing
- Adds a function that automatically creates still images with Shot Marks from movie frames after recordings
Note: You can add a Shot Mark while shooting or playing a movie and use it as a mark for selecting, transferring, or editing the movie. - Allows the use of Focus Magnifier and Auto Magnifier in MF while using the Bright Monitoring feature
- Allows notifications to be displayed when the latest software is available for your camera
- You can now continue shooting while transferring captured photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet
Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website. - Transfer to smartphones and tablets can now be resumed even if interrupted in the middle of a transfer
Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website. - You can now transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, or add videos to be transferred during the transfer process
Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website. - Adds support for the Monitor & Control app
Note: The Monitor & Control app connects wirelessly to a camera and enables video monitoring and remote control with a smartphone or tablet. - Ver. 2.1.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
- Fixes an issue where peaking display would appear during movie playback
- Improves the functionality and operational stability of the camera
Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.
Canon previously shared that we should expect more hybrid RF L-series lenses, and now they put a date on that announcement.
From Canon USA:
MELVILLE, NY, October 15, 2024 - Canon, a leader in digital imaging technology, today announced its intention to add new lenses to its hybrid RF L-series range on October 30, 2024, when all details will be revealed.
Canon’s hybrid lenses are a range of RF L-series primes and zooms designed for high performance stills and video capture. They are able to perform multiple roles and harness technology from Canon’s broadcast, cinema and existing RF lenses to make for a truly versatile range concept. They empower creatives with the flexibility to reach new levels of artistry and practicality in stills and video production.
Official announcement date for the lenses is: October 30, 2024.
Stop back here on October 30, 2024, to get the full reveal.
I had a distraction this week. The space weather forecast was redlined. It couldn't get much better. A long period of Kp 8 was predicted from sunset into the next day (as I shared with you in a news post).
A Kp 8 could be visible from my yard in central Pennsylvania. But then, I remembered Bryan's Law of Astronomical Events: If there is an astronomical event happening, all locations within a reasonable drive will be totally cloud-covered.
So, shocking was the National Weather Service forecast for 0% cloud cover and 0% wind speed, an unbelievable combination for an unusual night sky event I'm chasing, and that forecast was for the duration of the Kp 8 prediction. Game on. An adventure began.
Reasonable Northern Lights displays are rare in central PA, and I didn't have a go-to location list prepared for this opportunity. I needed good visibility of the sky and wanted dark skies, especially to the north, with a foreground subject being a bonus.
Shooting from home was an option. A nearby field provided the desired visibility, and our sky is moderately dark, especially when the air clarity is high. I could drive a short distance from the house and be shooting in minutes.
Still, the forecast was outstanding enough to make researching an even better location worthwhile. That my wife hadn't seen the Northern Lights in about two decades and had recently asked to see them again raised the bar on location selection.
Scouting the Pennsylvania state forest maps for vistas looking north and online scouting via images captured from those locations provided a few good options within a couple-of-hour drive. However, a high elevation (for PA) lake I scouted for Milky Way photography earlier in the summer was in a dark sky location with no close towns to the north. Most subjects are even better when their reflection is included, and the rare 0 mph wind forecast made the lake option seem especially great. A bonus was that the lake was a 1.5-hour drive north, deeper into the Northern Lights visibility range.
The lake was a perfect location. It was calm, and we (and a pack of loud coyotes) had it to ourselves for the entire night.
Reaching Kp 8.5+, the 10/10/2024 Northern Lights show was a 10. I've had the privilege of viewing and photographing the Northern Lights numerous times, but this show was different from what I normally see. The lights did not have a strong structure and they were not the brightest I've seen, but the color was wild, with the reds and even some blues being especially amazing.
Consider the Northern Lights a fast-moving subject, as they are often pulsing and dancing. A wide aperture lens is needed to avoid strong motion blur, the smearing of the aurora details.
My favorite two aurora lenses, the Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM and FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens, each mounted to an Alpha 1 body for fast switching, were in the MindShift Gear BackLight 26L. Both lenses performed superbly as always.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 3200
8640 x 5760px
This bull was significantly obstructed and facing away as it thrashed an alder, providing poor photo opportunities. So, planning for its next move became the priority.
The bull had moved away from a cow to threaten an opponent, so, logically, it would go back to the cow. If that option was chosen, the bull would most likely come through a specific opening, and positioning for a supporting background behind that opening became the plan. That optimal position included getting low to ensure most of the close, in-focus foreground was out of the frame, that the mountains were prominently included, and that the catchlight in the bull's eye was enlarged (reflecting more sky).
As predicted, the bull came into the opening, and better than expected, it stopped to provide a variety of poses.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens are an outstanding combination for on-the-move wildlife photography.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 2000
7991 x 5330px
The Northern Lights are a spectacular sight, and I do not remember seeing a stronger forecast than the one for tonight (currently reaching Kp 8 for an extended duration).
"The Northern Lights may become visible as far south as Alabama to northern California" [NOAA]
Northern Lights forecasting is not accurate, and the lights could be a no-show tonight, but the incoming storm is strong enough to prompt NOAA to hold a media briefing. I didn't watch the 1-hour recording, but view it here if you are interested.
Put a plan in place.
Select a dark sky location with good sky visibility, especially to the north, and a clear weather forecast.
The Aurora forecast link (higher Kp is better) tells you when to be at that location. Note that the lights may not be visible for the entire forecasted duration (perhaps for only a few minutes), and the activity will likely increase and decrease throughout the visibility duration, so plan to hang out in your location (dress adequately and take food and drink).
Usually, your widest angle and widest aperture lenses are the best choice for Northern Lights photography. 14mm f/1.8 and 24mm f/1.4 lenses are my favorite options.
Use a tripod, and for exposure, chase the show's intensity with shutter speed and ISO (watch the histogram and avoid burying a color onto the right wall of the chart). If the lights are bright and pulsing fast, attempt to get the shutter speed down to as short as 0.5 seconds to capture the structure and avoid a smear of color.
I have a growing stack of Northern Lights photos to share with you, but I still need more time to process them.
While the camera will see the colors better than your eyes, a strong aurora is easily visible and worth taking your non-photographer friends to see.
Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 3.00 is again available for download.
"We suspended the Ver. 3.00 software release on 09-13-2024 due to some products failing to update. However, after taking the necessary measures, we resumed the release on 10-09-2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If your camera successfully updated to Ver. 3.00, you may continue using it without issue." [Sony]
Firmware Version 3.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- You can now shoot new footage while transferring previously shot footage to your smartphone or tablet.
Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).* - Transfers to smartphones or tablets can now be resumed even if they are interrupted midway.
Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).* - It is now possible to transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, and to add footage to be transferred while transferring.
Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).* - You can now upload images from your camera directly to Creators' Cloud.
- You must first set it up in the Creators' App. For details, please click here.
Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).
The service may not be available in some countries or regions. For details, please click here. - Network streaming is now supported.
You need to set it up in the Creators' App beforehand. For details, please see here.
Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).* - Added support for Monitor & Control.
A mobile application specialized for video recording that wirelessly connects to the camera and enables video monitoring and remote control on a smartphone or tablet.
Please update Monitor & Control to the latest version (ver.2.1.0 or later). Monitor & Control may not be available in some countries or regions. - After shooting, you can now automatically create still images from video frames with shot marks.
- The maximum number of images that can be stored in one folder is now 9,999.
- Wi-Fi signal strength is now displayed.
- "Focus Magnification" and "Automatic Focus Magnification in MF" can now be used during bright monitoring.
- You'll now be notified if new software is available for your camera.
- You can now display any custom grid lines.
To use this service, you must install a license (fees apply). Please note that the service may not be available in some countries or regions. - Fixed an issue where auto review was not displayed on the camera when outputting via HDMI.
- Improved operational stability.
* The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions.
Get the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H.
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