PetaPixel has just published the Camera Awards 2024, and Sony has clearly come out on top:

Camera of the Year: Sony a9 III (Amazon / BHphoto)

In a time where most cameras are simply iterating on existing technologies, the a9 III is the only camera in 2024 that allows photographers to capture photos that were before this camera existed, impossible.

Prime Lens of the Year: Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II (Amazon / BHphoto)

Everything that photographers complained about in the original Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM has been addressed in this new version and the result is a near-perfect prime lens.

Zoom Lens of the Year: Sony 28-70mm f/2 GM (Amazon / BHphoto)

It’s a fabulous technological achievement and Sony deserves praise. It is one of the best lenses ever made.

As noticed by DClife Sony shares hit highest price since listing in 25 years:

Sony Group’s stock price closed at 3,362 yen today, but rose to 3,398 yen at one point, reaching a new record high since listing for the first time in about 25 years, and has become a hot topic. Looking at economic news articles, the focus is on entertainment businesses such as “movies, animation, and music” rather than semiconductors. *The chart above is a screenshot from Google Finance .

By the way, Sony Group’s stock price has increased by +28.7% since the beginning of the year. *As of December 11, 2024

In 2025, 3-4 Alpha and FX cameras may be launched. And because it’s Christmas time, you can officially make a wish for 2025 :)

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These new binoculars with Sony sensor inside collected over a half a million dollars on Kickstarter (Click here):

The Night Storm X1, night vision binoculars designed for those who aren’t afraid of the dark. See into the night with a whopping 1200m range, 850nm infrared sensitivity, and 52-megapixel image capture. Record footage in true 4K, and with 18 hours of battery life, you will see longer than the night can last.

Maybe Sony should consider making a Sony Alpha 7 “infrared” camera? :)

at BHphoto the camera is on “Back Order”

Asobinet reports that the Sony RX100 VA has been officially discontinued. This was Sony’s last RX camera with the fast 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 Lens. Now all we have left is the Sony RX100VII with the 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 Lens.

There is no rumor yet about a possible new RX100 model in 2025, I hope there is one…. but I wouldn’t bet on it :(

Image on top shows the X-mount version

Viltrox announced the launch of this lens for next week on December 18.

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 APS-C specs:

• Focus type: AF/MF
• Aperture range: F1.7 to F16
• Lens construction: 9 elements in 11 groups
  , 2 ED lenses
  , 1 high refractive index lens
  , 1 aspherical lens
• Angle of view: 45°
• Filter size: ∅52mm
• Focus distance: 0.33m to ∞
• Maximum magnification: 0.13x
• Weight: 170g
• Focus drive: STM
• Lens size: φ64×54.7mm
• Weight: 170g

The new Wirelss GO III is now available for reorder at BHphoto and Amazon.

Explora writes:

RODE has added 32-bit float recording to the Wireless GO system lineup with the Wireless GO III, a third-generation version of RODE’s tried-and-true wireless microphone system. The new iteration comes in a 2-person configuration with two transmitters and a plethora of upgraded features like 32-bit float onboard recording, internal storage, and increased transmission distance.