Canon and Sony News and What's New (Excluding Deals) (Page 15)

Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens firmware update version 1.0.4 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 1.0.4 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improves the Panning Assist control feature for 2nd and subsequent images captured during continuous shooting when using the electronic shutter.

Get the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens at B&H.

Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens firmware update version 1.0.4 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 1.0.4 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improves the Panning Assist control feature for 2nd and subsequent images captured during continuous shooting when using the electronic shutter.

Get the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens at B&H.

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Announces a Compact Wide-Angle FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Zoom Lens

A constant F2.8 full-frame E-mount lens that offers high-resolution image quality, a wide-angle zoom range and excellent portability

SAN DIEGO. April 16, 2024 – Sony Electronics is pleased to announce the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G (SEL1625G), a large-aperture wide-angle zoom lens compatible with Sony’s a™ (Alpha™) E-mount cameras. This latest addition delivers sharp imagery from 16 mm through 25 mm while maintaining a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range. The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G is the smallest and lightest constant F2.8 zoom lens that Sony has produced to date. The compact design is a signature feature of Sony’s G lens series and makes it a highly portable lens option.

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G’s wide-angle lens offers photographers and videographers an expanded range of creative expression, allowing them to capture a variety of subjects including landscapes, architecture, portraits, and selfie-shooting. This new addition follows the FE 24-50mm F2.8 G standard zoom lens announced February 2024, both offering many of the same characteristics including filter diameter, aperture, and compact size and weight.

“The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G was designed to offer creators a wide-angle lens option that perfectly balances large-aperture, compact form factor, and high-image quality. This is the 73rd addition to our E-mount lens line-up, and just another step in our commitment to providing photographers and videographers with the perfect lens solutions for their specific needs,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G is a fantastic lens with high-resolution performance, beautiful bokeh, and high precision autofocus. It is a perfect companion to the Alpha 7C R and Alpha 7C II compact full-frame camera bodies, and together they offer an unbeatable lightweight set-up.”

Key Features of FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G features an impressively compact and lightweight design with a width of 74.8mm (about 2.94 in), length of 91.4mm (about 3.58 in), filter diameter of f67 mm, and weight of approximately 409g.

This lens incorporates advanced optical technology to deliver exceptional image quality across the entire frame. By incorporating three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and four aspherical lenses (including one ED aspherical lens), the lens design effectively minimizes various optical aberrations, including chromatic aberration.

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G combines an 11-blade circular aperture and the optimization of spherical aberration to produce the signature smooth bokeh known to the G lens series. Moreover, it offers functional close-up shooting capabilities with a minimum shooting distance of 0.18m and a maximum magnification of 0.20x when using autofocus (AF)ⁱ.

The lens is equipped with two linear motors that enable exceptional autofocus performance, delivering high-speed, high-precision, and quiet focusing capabilities, even when capturing fast-moving subjects. These linear motors ensure swift and accurate focusing, allowing photographers and videographers to maintain sharpness and clarity in their images and videos, even in challenging shooting situations. Furthermore, it supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second, a feature capable of being used when paired with the Alpha 9 III full-frame mirrorless cameraⁱⁱ.

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G excels in video performance, ensuring smooth and precise focusing even when shooting high-frame-rate videos such as 4K120p or FHD240pⁱⁱⁱ. The lens is equipped with linear response manual focus (MF), allowing videographers to make precise focus adjustments with ease. Additionally, it supports in-body Active Mode Image Stabilization^iv and Focus Breathing to optimize video capture.

The lens is equipped with practical and user-friendly functionality including a customizable focus hold button, aperture ring, aperture click ON/OFF switch, and a focus mode switch. The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G’s design is dust and moisture resistant^v, and includes a fluorine coating to further prevent dirt from sticking to the front surface of the lens.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G will be available for pre-sale April 17, 2024, and purchase May 10, 2024. It will retail for approximately $1,199.99 USD and $1,599.99 CAN, at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.

Orders

Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Lens at B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX

Introduction video:

Notes:

ⁱ Maximum magnification is 0.2x (AF)/0.23x (MF) with a minimum focus distance of 0.18 m (0.59ft) (AF) / 0.17 m (0.56ft) (MF) at the 16 mm end of the range and 0.24 m (AF) (0.79ft) / 0.22 m (0.73ft) (MF) at the 25 mm end of the range for superb wide-angle close-up performance.

ⁱⁱ Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous frame rate may be lower in some shooting conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the lens used in AF-C focus modes. Visit Sony’s support web page for lens compatibility information.

ⁱⁱⁱ Depends on the camera used.

^iv Compatible models only.

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

From Western Digital

Western Digital Showcases New Super Speeds and Massive Capacities for M&E Workflows at NAB 2024

SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 11, 2024

At the NAB Show 2024, April 13-17, 2024, in Las Vegas, Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) is unveiling an exciting lineup of technologies and new storage solutions designed for today’s and tomorrow’s complex media and entertainment (M&E) workflows. Western Digital continues to focus on creating what’s next with advanced solutions that address a broad range of growing content needs.

The increasing demand for rich and engaging content, with higher resolutions and more frames per second, is generating the need for faster, more flexible high-capacity storage solutions to help streamline workflows and keep up with high-pressure project demands. For every step of the workflow – from capture and transfer to archive – Western Digital is committed to advancing technology to help professionals and creators get work done faster and more efficiently, ultimately saving time and money, so they can focus on their creativity.

Featuring super speeds and massive capacities, Western Digital will showcase its newest innovations from its world-renowned brands at the show. The company’s broad portfolio offers reliable, unique solutions that can significantly improve M&E workflows.

Advancing Tomorrow’s Workflow: Delivering Next-Gen Technology, Super Speeds

Driving the future of performance, Western Digital is revealing its next-gen SanDisk® SD and microSD Express portfolio with a higher level of performance for current and future applications requiring faster storage solutions that help reduce the time it takes to access and save data. With performance levels reaching SSD speeds, SD Express cards work with current SD UHS-I and UHS-II devices, while giving M&E professionals a memory solution for future superspeed devices. The new SD Express cards feature SanDisk® ThermAdapt™ technology with a specially designed enclosure and adaptive thermal managed controller, so devices stay well within a safe temperature range. SanDisk SD and microSD Express cards are expected to be available at authorized retailers, e-tailers and the Western Digital store this summer.

SanDisk® SD Express (128GB/256GB) – With up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than Western Digital’s fastest SD™ UHS-I card¹ this card is great for data-intensive workflows and high-performance cameras and other compatible devices. The card is backward compatible with today’s devices and ready for the future.

SanDisk® microSD™ Express (128GB/256GB) – With up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than Western Digital’s fastest microSD™ UHS-I card², the SanDisk® microSD Express card offers unprecedented speed, storage, and performance for pros dealing with intensive workflows. This microSD card is also backward compatible for usage with today’s devices.

M&E professionals who create high-resolution videos with state-of-the art cameras, action cams, drones, and other digital devices, can be limited if they don’t have sufficient storage capabilities. To help pros evolve their creative process, Western Digital is announcing new ground-breaking memory cards at NAB:

2TB* SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-I memory card – World’s first 2TB UHS-I SDXC™ card³ – offers massive storage capacity to capture more high-resolution images and record more 4K UHD4 videos on just one card.

2TB* SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC™ UHS-I memory card – Western Digital’s first and world's fastest 2TB UHS-I microSD card³ – high-capacity card for devices with microSD slots to capture more content than ever. The 2TB memory cards are expected to be available at authorized retailers, e-tailers and the Western Digital store this summer.

4TB* SanDisk Extreme PRO SDUC™ UHS-I memory card – introducing the world's first-ever 4TB* UHS-I SD card to deliver an insane amount of capacity in the same-sized SD form factor. Leveraging the SDUC standard (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity), which enables up to 128TB, the new card is expected to release in 2025 and will be showcased at NAB 2024. Attendees will get a preview of the 4TB SD card’s full capacity and learn more about how it will expand the creative possibilities for cameras and laptops.

Enhancing Workflow Efficiency: Expanding Possibilities with Massive Capacities, Extreme Performance

SanDisk Professional’s award-winning lineup of premium-grade desktop hard drive solutions now feature 24TB* enterprise-class 7200 RPM Ultrastar® drives inside to better support demanding 4K, 8K and VR workflows. The new range of 24TB SanDisk Professional desktop solutions can be purchased through authorized retailers, e-tailers and the Western Digital Store.

24TB* G-DRIVE® (U.S. MSRP $699.99) – Ultra-reliable storage supporting USB-C™ (10Gbps) for fast backup.

24TB* G-DRIVE PROJECT (U.S. MSRP $929.99) – Backup and save valuable project work. Compatible with Thunderbolt 3™ and USB-C (10Gbps). Also features a PRO-BLADE™ SSD Mag slot for modular SSD performance in sharing and editing across devices.

48TB* G-RAID® MIRROR (U.S. MSRP $1,599.99) – Ships in RAID 1 (Mirroring) to automatically create a duplicate of your working files for data redundancy. Compatible with Thunderbolt 3™ and USB-C (10Gbps). Also features a PRO-BLADE™ SSD Mag slot for modular SSD performance in sharing and editing across devices.

96TB* G-RAID SHUTTLE 4 (U.S. MSRP $4,499.99) – Transportable 4-bay hardware RAID solution allows for super-fast access and real-time video editing. This device ships in RAID 5, and supports RAID 0, 1 and 10 configurations.

192TB* G-RAID SHUTTLE 8 (U.S. MSRP $7,499.99) – Transportable 8-bay hardware RAID solution for those who need massive storage for consolidated backup, whether on location or in the studio. It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 configurations, and provides transfer rates up to 1690MB/s read and 1490MB/s write in default RAID 5.5

Conquering Enormous Data Demands: Increasing Scalability, Flexibility for Massive Workflows

Western Digital's storage platforms are designed to tackle the M&E industry's colossal data challenges with cost-effective enterprise-class storage that offers scalability, durability and mobility for broadcasters, CDNs, production houses and studios.

Western Digital Ultrastar® Transporter – High-throughput, large-capacity data transfer platform for data capture, storage and mobility. Offers up to 368TB* of fast NVMe™ SSD performance and dual port 200Gb/E connectivity for storing, editing and physically transporting dailies and massive files from one location to the next, including the cloud, which can save days or weeks when compared to using online file transfer services. Take it on location where a network connection may not be feasible due to cost or poor connectivity. Weighs less than 30lbs, features a durable chassis design, and includes a proven transport case. Features added data security with a tamper evident case and is designed for FIPS 140-2 level 2 compliance with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Version 2.

Western Digital Ultrastar® Data102 JBOD Platform - Reliable, high-density external storage platform for mass storage, backup, online accessible archive and nearline content. This third-generation solution supports up to 24Gb SAS to the host to future proof your investment. The Data102 3000 platform provides up to 2.65PB* in a 4U enclosure, and supports the latest 24TB Ultrastar hard drives, including the now shipping Ultrastar DC HC580 SAS HDDs. Features the company’s unique ArcticFlow™ and IsoVibe™ innovations that have demonstrated a 62% reduction in hard drive returns caused by heat and vibration compared to the generation without.

*One gigabyte (GB) is equal to one billion bytes, one terabyte (TB) is equal to one trillion bytes, and one petabyte (PB) is equal to one quadrillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less due to operating environment.

¹Based on internal testing with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card against the 64GB-1TB SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC card with SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD & microSD. Performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors.

²Based on internal testing with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card against the 64GB-1TB SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I microSDXC card with SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD & microSD. Performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors.

³Based on read speed. Up to 250MB/s read speeds, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, require compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

⁴4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See www.sandisk.com/HD.

⁵1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, RAID configuration and other factors.

Orders

Order SanDisk and WD products at at B&H.

Mark May 15th on your calender. USPS is set to release Ansel Adams landscape stamps:

Postal Service to Honor Ansel Adams With Stamps Showcasing 16 Stunning Portraits of the American Landscape

What:

First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps featuring 16 photographs made by the esteemed artist and environmentalist.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps is free and open to all visitors of Yosemite National Park. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #AnselAdamsStamps.

Who:

The Hon. Daniel Tangherlini, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official.
Matthew Adams, grandson of Ansel Adams
Cicely Muldoon, superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Scott Gediman, public affairs officer, Yosemite National Park
Shelton Johnson, park ranger, Yosemite National Park
Alan Ross, photographer

When:

May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. PDT

Where:

The Ansel Adams Gallery
9031 Village Drive
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

RSVP:

Ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/anseladamsstamps.

Background:

Experience the wonder of the American West through the lens of one of America’s most iconic photographers, Ansel Adams (1902-1984). This pane of 16 stamps features some of Adams’ most famous images in his signature “straight photography” style, an approach defined by its precision and directness.

The first row of stamps, left to right, features “Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park, California” (1938); “Oak Tree, Sunset City, Sierra Foothills, California” (1962); “Thundercloud, Ellery Lake, High Sierra, Sierra Nevada, California” (1934); and “Denali and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska” (1947).

The second row, left to right, features “The Golden Gate and Bridge from Baker Beach, San Francisco, California” (c.1953); “Road and Fog, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, California” (1964); “Rock and Grass, Moraine Lake, Sequoia National Park, California” (1936); and “Leaves, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington” (c.1942).

The third row, left to right, features “Monument Valley, Arizona” (1958); “Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming” (1942); “Jeffrey Pine, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California” (1940); and “Mirror Lake, Mount Watkins, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California” (1935).

The fourth row, left to right, features “Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado” (1951); “Aspens, Dawn, Autumn, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado” (1937); “Road After Rain, Northern California” (1960); and “Dunes, Oceano, California” (1963).

As evidenced by the striking images in this collection, Adams devoted much of his career to the advancement of photography as a fine art. Derry Noyes, an art director with USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs.

Watch for the Ansel Adams stamps to become available here.

ProGrade Digital just added six new products to their lineup:

ProGrade Digital is thrilled to introduce new CFexpress 4.0 memory cards in Type A and Type B formats. The CFexpress 4.0 Type A is VPG 200 rated and comes in 480GB and 960GB capacity. The CFexpress 4.0 Type B is VPG 400 rated and comes in a 400GB, 800GB, and 1.6TB capacity.

In conjunction with our introduction to the CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards, we are excited to announce a CFexpress Type A Single-Slot USB 4.0 Reader (PG09.6). Paring both products enables you to cut your workflow in half.

ProGrade Digital is also introducing Ingest Pro - a software that enables videographers and photographers to streamline their data management workflow. Ingest Pro incorporates functionality from Refresh Pro which enables you to sanitize ProGrade Digital memory cards to ensure they are ready for re-use in the capture environment and monitor the health of the card.

We are also introducing a 256GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold memory card. This capacity provides optimal performance for RAW shooting applications with higher performance and write speed capability.

CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium Memory Cards:

• Maximum read speed up to 1800MB/s
• Burst write speed up to 1700MB/s
• Sustained write speed up to 800MB/s and 1450MB/s respectively
• VPG 200
• Refresh Pro Ready
• Capacities: 480GB and 960GB
• MSRP: $479.99 and $679.99 respectively

CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium Memory Cards:

• Maximum read speed up to 3550MB/s
• Burst write speed up to 3000MB/s
• Sustained write speed up to 850MB/s and 1500MB/s respectively
• VPG 400
• Refresh Pro Ready
• Capacities: 400GB, 800GB, and 1.6TB
• MSRP: $229.99, $449.99, and $949.99 respectively

CFexpress Type A Single Slot USB 4.0 Reader (PG09.6):

• USB 4.0 interface
• Transfer rates of up to 40Gbps
• USB 4.0 certified cable included
• Improved heat sink plate for extra cooling capability
• MSRP: $99.99

CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold 256GB Memory Card:

• Read speed up to 3400MB/s
• Write speed up to 3,000MB/s
• Minimum sustained write speed 850MB/s
• Refresh Pro Ready
• Capacity: 256GB
• MSRP: $169.99

Today, April 11, 2024, we have launched a higher capacity 512GB microSDXC V60. This capacity enables you to record an extended number of video clips and capture a larger number of stills. Ideal for drones, action cams, and cameras like the Nikon Zf and Canon Power Shot V10.

microSDXC V60 512GB Memory Card:

• Maximum read speed up to 250MB/s
• Burst write speed up to 130MB/s
• Minimum sustained write speed 60MB/s
• Capacity: 512GB
• MSRP: $165.99

Get your ProGrade Digital cards and readers at B&H.

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics’ Launches Camera Remote SDK Firmware Updates

Version 1.12 Provides Remotely Managed Menu Settings and Camera Control Through Wi-Fi Enabling Remote Control of a Wide Range of Digital Cameras through ISO- Standard PTP Protocol

SAN DIEGO. April 12, 2024 – Today, Sony Electronics launched a new version (Version 1.12) of the previously released Camera Remote SDK (Software Development Kit), bringing more features and Wi-Fi connection amongst other improvements. Additionally, new Camera Remote Command capabilities enable remote control of a wide range of 29 digital camerasi. Through this new specification document, Sony removes restrictions to third-party software development and supports the creation of software that remotely controls Sony’s digital cameras, including shooting, monitoring, and file transfer. These updates are available at no cost through the link here: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/sdk/en/index.html

Camera Remote SDK is a high-level command system designed for development efficiency that enables operation and control of Sony digital cameras using dedicated API provided by Sony. This is ideal for use with high-level APIs to efficiently develop programs. This package includes software modules, API references, and sample code.

Version 1.12 expands the capabilities of compatible models (Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III and Alpha7 IV) and now also supports the a9 III, a full-frame interchangeable lens camera with Global Shutter technology. It provides a more efficient workflow when using Sony digital cameras to take remote photographs in the B2B market, like inspections and surveys and e-commerce.

Version 1.12 and later supports the following features:

1. In addition to USB and Ethernet connections, it also supports Wi-Fi, making it possible to use it even in environments where wired connections are difficult, expanding the range of use.

2. Approximately 100 types of functionsii will be expanded for automation will be added such as: remote key operations, newly added Fn Menu operation and Custom key, etc.

In addition, it supports switching the memory card slot for recording still images and videos according to the shooting situation and switching the ISO AUTO upper/lower limit according to the shooting environment.

Camera Remote Command

Camera Remote Command enables remote control of cameras using a communication protocol that is Sony's proprietary extension of the ISO standard PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol). This increases convenience when operating camera products from different brands with a single software, or when applying existing software to Sony’s digital cameras. This package includes command references and sample code for developers. Some of the users could be healthcare system development integrators, ITS integrators or photobooth photography system developers, and more.

Both "Camera Remote Command" and "Camera Remote SDK" will be collectively called "Camera Remote Toolkit." Developers can choose the most suitable method according to their development purpose and application.

For more information and to download Camera Remote Toolkit, please visit the URL below.

https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/sdk/en/index.html Notes:

i For the full list of compatible cameras, please see: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/sdk/en/index.html

ii Currently, the models that support this function are the A1, A7S III and A7 IV. For details on the functions, please check the specifications included with the SDK. Future supported models will be announced in upcoming updates to the API reference.

"DJI Avata 2, Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 Give Beginner FPV Pilots the Skills of Professionals" [DJI]

Learn more about the DJI Avata 2 FPV Drone, Goggles 3, and RC Motion 3 at B&H.

Learn more about the DJI RS 4 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer and DJI Focus Pro at B&H.

Also: B&H Explora

Sony Alpha 6700 firmware update version 1.03 is available for download.

Firmware Version 1.03 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes an issue where the movie recordings weren’t recorded under certain shooting conditions
2. Fixes an issue where the camera could restart if many faces were simultaneously recognized when shooting a movies
3. Fixes an issue where the time code wasn’t always retained after a power restart
4. Improves the exposure stability when using extended ISO during movie recordings
5. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony Alpha 6700 at B&H.

Just posted: Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens Review

As I said before, you are going to like this one.

Please share!

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Delivers Firmware Updates including C2PA Compliancy as a Next Step to Ensure Authenticity of Images

More than 45 Updates for the Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV will also improve Shooting Functions and Workflow

SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sony Electronics delivers the highly anticipated firmware updates for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00). The update contains some of Sony's most impactful technology, including Camera Authenticity Solution, the proprietary in-camera digital signature and C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format supportⁱ. Together, these tools will make it possible for news agencies to ensure the authenticity of images, contributing to industry efforts to protect creators, and society from fake imagery.

Additionally, the firmware updates include many requested features to improve everyday use. The update evolves shooting functions and post-shooting workflow and brings advanced movie features like breathing compensation. It also includes new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.

"There is nothing more core to our mission than listening to the voices of the photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras. We know this community has been asking for these updates, and we're happy to deliver. Each of these updates are designed to promote ease of use for our creators and allow them to maximize the strengths of their cameras," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "We're especially pleased to deliver C2PA compliancy with this update. This compliancy paired with our unique digital signature technology, allows us to offer the most secure and comprehensive solution to protect professional photographers, news agencies, and society from manipulated imagery."

Camera Authenticity Solution

Last year, Sony announced its commitment to developing technology in its cameras to aid in the fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. The severity of this issue is only increasing and it's a complex problem that requires the focus and attention of our entire industry.

One critical part of the solution is making more Sony cameras C2PA compliant. C2PA is a Joint Development Foundation project, where Sony is a steering committee member. C2PA aims to develop an end-to-end open technical standard to provide publishers, creators and consumers with opt-in, flexible ways to understand the authenticity, and provenance of different types of media. The C2PA is a standards-setting body that will develop technical specifications on content provenance and authentication by certifying the source and history of media content. With this firmware update, the authenticity information embedded on images from Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV can be maintained from capture through publication. This provides professional photographers with the ability to preserve their digital signature from the camera, while tracking the editing history throughout revisions.

Another critical component of the solution is Sony's in-camera digital signature technologyⁱⁱ that signs images in real-time. This new feature certifies the authenticity of an image at the point of capture and creates a 'digital birth certificate' that is retained throughout revisions. The signature contains metadata including 3D-depth information captured through the proprietary technology in the image sensor developed by Sony. This depth information can show if the image captured was of an actual 3D object, vs a photograph of an image or video, providing an extra level of protection and even more assurance of the content's authenticity, and making Sony's solution especially unique for photojournalists and news agencies.

Sony's solution also helps protect the authenticity of content by including an Image Validation Site, which verifies the image even after edits have been made by C2PA-compliant editing software. This service confirms the authenticity of the photo was taken by a specific camera and that the object of the photo is 3D. This service will initially be offered to select news media agencies, expanding to other agencies at a later date.

Shooting and Playback Updates

The firmware updates include over 10 new features, as well as improvements to existing features, designed to improve the user's overall shooting experience. These improved capabilities showcase Sony's commitment to continuing to evolve the functionality of Sony's existing camera models. A few highlights of the firmware update functions include:

• Relay Playback: Enables seamless sequential playback from one memory card slot to another on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
• Playback Filter Condition: Lets users categorize image playback based on select criteria including date, folder, file format, and more on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III
• Breathing Compensation: The highly requested Breathing Compensation functionⁱⁱⁱ is now available on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Upgrade DCI 4K / 24.00p Upgrade License on Alpha 7S III: via a free downloadable license through Creators' Cloud^iv.
• Sync Release function: Enables simultaneous shutter release with two or more multiple cameras connected to the main camera^v on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
• Focus frame display: Focus frame will be displayed on the Remote Camera Tool screenⁱⁱⁱ on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
• Enhanced image stabilization: The camera body and lens effectively work together to correct larger blurs^vi on the Alpha 1.
• Increased upper limit of recordable images in a folder from 4,000 to 9,999 on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, A7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
• Matching the time code with other devices is now possible with a dedicated adapter cable (sold separately)^vii on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Up to 20 IPTC presets can be on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Custom Grid Line is available as a paid license basis for some models^viii.

File Transfer and Network Connectivity

Additional updates aimed to optimize the post-production workflow efficiency include improvements to International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) preset and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfer operability. To streamline processes for users, expanded cloud upload and application services will be available. Key updates include:

• Cloud upload (camera direct) function allows users to upload images directly to the Sony's Creators' Cloud^ix. Key additional features include simplified camera software updates, direct camera registration to the Creators' Cloud, and a flexible system for uploading, storing, and sharing content. Additionally, the capability to manage video and LUT files via mobile apps, along with the transfer of RAW files to smartphones, optimizes the creative process in fast-paced environments.
• FTP Transfer Improvements: A "Protected Images Only" option for the Auto FTP Transfer and a "Protect Image in FTP Transfer" option for the FTP transfer function have been added. Available on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
• Support for USB streaming^x on the Alpha 1.
• Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) has been added to secure protocol on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III and WPA3-SAE is now supported for wireless LAN on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Network streaming enables direct live streaming from the Alpha 7 IV to a streaming site^vii.
• Expansion of app support with Creators' App and Monitor & Control app now supported with the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.

Many of these updates are applicable to multiple cameras, however for a list of each body's specific update please check the Sony website.

Firmware Downloads

Download the latest firmware from Sony's support pages (not all updates are available at press time):

Sony a1

Sony a9 III

Sony a7 IV

Sony a7S III

Notes:

ⁱ This feature is available to some news organizations at the press release timing.

ⁱⁱ Both Sony's in-camera digital signature technology and C2PA compliance are currently available through a separate upgrade license.

ⁱⁱⁱ For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page

^iv For regional app/service availability, check here. To use this service, it is necessary to download and install the upgrade license.

^v Remote Camera Tool Version 4.1.0 is required to activate the function.

^vi For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page

^vii A dedicated adapter cable, which is sold separately, is required to connect to the timecode source equipment.

^viii Availability varies depending on country and region. Available through the Upgrade and License Management Suite.

^ix For regional app/service availability, check here. Creators' App Ver.2.3.1 or later is necessary. Settings must be made in the Creators' App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators' App support website

^x When connecting to a device with a USB Type-C port, please use a commercially available USB cable or a conversion adapter.

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with specs, measurements, and standard product images, are now available on the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens page.

You are going to like this one – it's a great lens. The full review will be available soon.

Here is a visual comparison of the Sony, Sigma, and Canon 50mm F1.2 lenses:

Here is the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens to the left of the F1.2 lens:

Here are some image quality comparisons:

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

Compared to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens

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

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

Compared to the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark III firmware update version 1.9.0 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 1.9.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Enables up to 2 TB to be used on CFexpress cards larger than 2 TB.
2. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to stop functioning when using GPS.
3. Enhances security for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Security) connections.
4. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed.

Get the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III at B&H.

Canon EOS R6 firmware update version 1.8.4 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 1.8.4 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to experience a delayed restart after the camera has gone into Auto Power Off.
2. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed.
3. Fixes minor issues.

Get the Canon EOS R6 at B&H.