New firmware updates for the Sony A7rV and Sony A7IV

Sony released firmware 4.0 for the Sony A7rV and firmware 6.0 for the Sony A7IV:

Sony A7rV 4.0: Benefits and Improvements

Shooting and Playback Functions

  • Adapts the display layout of shooting information for both horizontal and vertical viewing
  • Adds Spot: XL under Spot in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds Custom 1, Custom 2, and Custom 3 under Custom in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds Tracking: Spot XL, Tracking: Custom 1, Tracking: Custom 2, and Tracking: Custom 3 under Tracking in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds the Golden Ratio Grid option to the Grid Line Type setting menu
  • Adds the option to enlarge the menu screen display
  • Allows you to add OK/NG/KEEP flags to clips during or after movie recording
  • Allows the remaining capacity of both storage devices to be displayed during movie recording when using Simult. or Auto Switch Media (Relay Recording)
  • Adds support for the Relay Playback function
  • Adds a function that allows you to narrow down played-back images using multiple filters (e.g. Rating)
  • Allows Custom Key settings to be assigned to the AF-ON, AEL, and Delete buttons during playback
  • Adds support for importing/switching multiple IPTC Presets
  • Supports the Write Digital Signature function for still images and movies as part of Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution
    • The timing for the provision of licenses (paid) to customers other than certain media outlets is yet to be determined.
    • Services may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Authenticity Catalog Page.
  • Supports Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands under the Volume Photography License
    • Installation of a paid license is required for use.
    • Services may not be available in some countries or regions.

FTP Transfer and Network Functions

  • Allows scheduling of FTP transfers while writing data to the camera’s storage media
  • Allows you to automatically schedule FTP transfers of protected movies and still images
  • Allows you to automatically protect movies/still images transferred via FTP transfer
  • Allows you to transfer specific images with priority during FTP transfer
  • Supports the following Monitor & Control app function:
    • Focus map display
      Note: The latest version of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The app may not be available in some countries or regions.

Others

  • No longer supports the Security (IPsec) functionality
    Note: Please enable and use Access Authen. as it provides more secure protection.
  • No longer supports the WPA and WEP functionalities
    Note: You will no longer be able to select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 or WPA3 moving forward.
  • Fixes an issue where the focus may not reach infinity during Focus Bracketing
  • Fixes an issue where color reproduction may vary even when the white balance is fixed during exposure bracket shooting in lossless compressed RAW
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

Note: Please refer to the Help Guide for details on all updated functions.

 

Sony A7IV 6.0: Benefits and Improvements

Shooting and Playback Functions

  • Adapts the display layout of shooting information for both horizontal and vertical viewing
  • Adds Spot: XL under Spot in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds Custom 1, Custom 2, and Custom 3 under Custom in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds Tracking: Spot XL, Tracking: Custom 1, Tracking: Custom 2, and Tracking: Custom 3 under Tracking in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds the Golden Ratio Grid option to the Grid Line Type setting menu
  • Adds the option to enlarge the menu screen display
  • Allows you to add OK/NG/KEEP flags to clips during or after movie recording
  • Allows the remaining capacity of both storage devices to be displayed during movie recording when using Simult. or Auto Switch Media (Relay Recording)
  • Displays audio levels on the screen at all times during movie recording
  • Adds support for the Relay Playback function
  • Adds a function that allows you to narrow down played-back images using multiple filters (e.g. Rating)
  • Allows Custom Key settings to be assigned to the AF-ON, AEL, and Delete buttons during playback
  • Adds support for importing/switching multiple IPTC Presets
  • Supports the Write Digital Signature function for movies as part of Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution
    • The timing for the provision of licenses (paid) to customers other than certain media outlets is yet to be determined.
    • Services may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Authenticity Catalog Page.
  • Supports Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands under the Volume Photography License
    • Installation of a paid license is required for use.
    • Services may not be available in some countries or regions.

FTP Transfer and Network Functions

  • Allows scheduling of FTP transfers while writing data to the camera’s storage media
  • Allows you to automatically schedule FTP transfers of protected movies and still images
  • Allows you to automatically protect movies/still images transferred via FTP transfer
  • Allows you to transfer specific images with priority during FTP transfer
  • Supports the following Monitor & Control app function:
    • Focus map display
      Note: The latest version of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The app may not be available in some countries or regions.

Others

  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

Note: Please refer to the Help Guide for details on all updated functions.

European Black Friday deals: Up to 200 Euro cashback on Sony cameras and lenses

New EUROPEAN Black Friday deals at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, and other Amazon EU countries.
Non Eu deals at Amazon US, Amazon CanadaBHphoto Holiday page, Amazon Australia.

Amazon Germany:

Sony Europe launched new up to 500 Euro discount on Sony gear at CalumetPhoto, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Amazon DE, WexUK (runs til Dec 1). The cool thing is that you can combine this with the Winter Cashback and save up to 1000 Euro!

A few examples of savings combining the two deals:

20% off on reconditioned gear at:

Sony A7V records 4k120p with crop!

Just got confirmation the Sony A7V records 4k120p with crop. Don’t know how big the crop is…the Sony A1II has negligible 1.1x crop…my feeling is that it will be bigger?

Sony A7V rumored specs :

  • 33MP partially stacked sensor
  • 30fps 14Bit RAW in electronic shutter and 10fps in mechanical
  • Pre Capture
  • 8 stops IBIS
  • 4k60p no crop, 4k120p with crop
  • no Open Gate
  • new AI chip like the Sony A1II
  • Free-Angle Tilting 3.2″ Touchscreen LCD
  • 1 SD slot and 1 hybrid SD/CFexpress Type A slot
  • no C5 button
  • improved EVF (5.6m dot?)
  • dual USB-C port (gets rid of the micro-USB port)
  • Same Sony A7rV body design.
  • price close to $3000
  • Announcement on December 2
  • Limited batch ships before Christmas
  • Price: 2999€
  • Sony A7V Preorders (open on Dec 2): BHphoto, Amazon.

Three lenses are on Sony’s roadmap:

  • 100-400mm f/4.0 GM
  • 100-400mm G (variable aperture)
  • ultra wide angle f/2.0 GM zoom

Black Friday deals are now live worldwide at Amazon US, BHphoto Holiday page, Adorama, Amazon Canada. IN EU at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, and other Amazon EU countries. And also at Amazon Australia.

First image of the new Viltrox front telconverters!

Here is the first image of Viltrox front-facing teleconverter!

Last month on Reddit Viltrox announced this:

We’ll soon be launching a front teleconverter (increasing the focal length by 1.4×) and a wide-angle conversion lens (reducing the focal length to 0.8×). With these, you can instantly unlock new focal lengths without changing your camera. Stay tuned, and thank you for your question!

Here are some examples of conversions you get on Sony lenses:

E-mount reconditioned deals

Black Friday deals are now live worldwide at Amazon US, BHphoto Holiday page , Amazon Canada.
In EU at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, and other Amazon EU countries. And also at Amazon Australia.

Here are the hottest reconditioned Sony deals:

Apple reconditioned deals:

Non Sony tech deals:

The BIG deals on reconditioned gear:

 

 

 

 

Just announced: New Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter that fully supports 120fps

Viltrox announced the new 2x E-mount teleconverter. It costs 1129 Yuan (around $160). There are no preorders available yet.

Viltrox 2x TC E-mount specs:

  • 9 elements in 5 groups
  • 229 grams
  • electronic contacts
  • EXIF ​​data transmission
  • lens-based image stabilization
  • 120fps continuous shooting
  • dust and splash resistant

I’m genuinely impressed that they claim it supports the Sony A9 II’s full 120 fps burst rate. As you know, third-party E-mount lenses are normally limited to 15 fps. This is technically a teleconverter and not a lens, but still—I didn’t think they were able to bypass that limitation!

All Viltrox lenses are now 20% off
In USA
at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and on the Viltrox Store!
In EU at Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

Black Friday deals are now live worldwide at Amazon US, BHphoto Holiday page, Adorama, Amazon Canada. IN EU at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, and other Amazon EU countries. And also at Amazon Australia.