Last week I told you that Sony has two more camera registered in Asia that will be announced within 3-4 months:
- Code “WW697160” registered by Sony Japan
- Code “WW084220” registered by Sony Wuxi
The publicly registered cameras only contain data about their Wifi and connectivity capabilities. But thanks to that one of our readers (Thanks Zhang Yi Fei) concluded that the camera with the code “WW697160” must be the Sony A7sIV or the FX3II. Here is his reasoning based on the factual data published within the document:
- 5.1GHz Wi-Fi 6E + 80MHz Bandwidth
- 23dBm Transmission Power (EIRP)
- 256QAM Modulation
Here is his analysis of why we should expect the announcement of a new FX3II or A7sIV in the coming months. But I would like to add a little bit of insider information: from what I understand, it seems much more likely that we will get an FX3II rather than an A7sIV:
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I. WW697160’s Specifications: A Video-First Manifesto
- 5.1GHz Wi-Fi 6E + 80MHz Bandwidth
- Purpose: Sustains 800Mbps+ data throughput for:
- 6K RAW over-the-air monitoring (min. 600Mbps)
- 4K/120p multi-client livestreaming
- Constant: Photo-centric bodies max out at 200Mbps (4K/30p)
- Purpose: Sustains 800Mbps+ data throughput for:
- 23dBm Transmission Power (EIRP)
- Purpose: Ensures 30m+ stable links in RF-noisy environments
- 256QAM Modulation
- Purpose: Low-latency error correction for real-time focus pulling/audio sync
This combination exists only to serve professional video production.
II. Why A7S4/FX3 II Are the Sole Candidates
A. A7S4: The 5-Year Upgrade Cycle Demands It
- Must counter Canon R5 II (8K60) & Nikon Z6III (ProRes RAW)
- Predicted spec: 6K60P oversampling, global shutter, 13+ stops DR
- Cost Alignment: +$25 for 6E adds < $25BOM cost → justifiable for a $2,799+ video flagship
- Matches A7S III’s “prosumer wireless” legacy (5GHz Wi-Fi 5 in 2020)
B. FX3 II: Cinema Line DNA
- Requires upgrades over FX3: 6K open gate, internal RAW, active cooling
- WW697160’s 23dBm power suits FX3 II’s fan-based thermal system
III. Why A7M5 & RX1R III Are Impossible
A. Sony A7M5: The Cost/Performance Paradox
| Spec | A7M5 Reality | WW697160 | Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | +$25 cost for zero benefit |
| Max Video | 4K/60p (1.5x crop) | 6K RAW-ready | Bandwidth overkill 4:1 |
| Power Draw | 12.4Wh (Z Battery) | 23dBm RF | Battery life catastrophe |
| Price Target | $2,199 | Flagship-tier BOM | Forces $400+ price hike |
Verdict: Sony’s product managers would veto this as “commercial suicide”.
B. Sony RX1R III: Physics Says No
| Parameter | RX1R III Constraints | WW697160 Demand | Physical Clash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Budget | 35mm body, no active cooling | 23dBm RF = 5W+ heat | Overheats in 15min |
| Battery Capacity | NP-BX1 (1240mAh) | 6E modem = 40% drain/hr | 20min runtime penalty |
| Market Need | Street photographers | Cinema crew workflows | Zero user overlap |
| Price Justification | $2,399 (sensor-driven) | $25 RF tax | Unrecoverable cost |
Verdict: Putting Wi-Fi 6E in an RX1R III is like fitting a jet turbine to a bicycle – technically possible, physically absurd.
IV. The Business Logic Seal
Sony’s product segmentation is ruthlessly precise:
- Video flagships (A7S/FX): Absorb cost for wireless/IO pro features
- Hybrid/Stills bodies (A7M7/A7R): Strip “non-core” specs to hit price points
- Niche compacts (RX): Minimize complexity/heat
WW697160’s specs violate every rule governing non-video lines – making A7S4/FX3 II the only rational candidates. Expect an official announcement July–August 2025.
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So this was his analysis. At this point I do believe that this is a new FX3II with 6K sensor, 4k120p and maybe same global shutter sensor of the Sony A9III.