From Alin Popescu’s website:

Back in 2018 I’ve discovered a bug in the new firmware update of the original A9. It was firmware 3.0. Somehow it messed my settings on the FN button menu and showed the option Angle Setting. I’ve posted about it here.

A7s III was not yet released back then, and I assumed it will be a camera with global shutter. What did I know that we have to wait 5 more years to see it coming in the form of the A9 III.

Funny fact 1: maybe the programmer that released the firmware for the original A9 with this bug chose in the export instead of A9 firmware 3, he chose A9 version III 

Funny fact 2: back then, I was a Sony European Imaging Ambassador in Romania and after I’ve published the article on the blog, a contact directly from Sony Japan asked me kindly to take down the article (no explanations given, he said it’s just a bug quickly to be fixed). I did that, but didn’t delete it, just unpublished from WordPress. Today I found it again, after a long search since I didn’t remember exactly when it happened.

The new Ulanzi bags are now shipping out and I am absolutely going to buy one for my hiking tours:

• The 35L Ulanzi BP10 can be bought now at Amazon US&EU, Ulanzi Store.
• The 22L Ulanzi BP09 can be bought now at Amazon US&EU, Ulanzi Store.

You get $10 instant discount on their Amazon store while you get 10% off on the Ulanzi Store if you join their mailing list.

A scammer is selling Sony gear for crazy low prices on Amazon Germany. Yesterday I quickly linked to the deal and than removed it after 10min because readers made me aware of the possible scam. A reader (Thanks Jose!) told me this:

the seller tried to get me to make a bank transfer directly to them. I’ve reported it to amazon and they are looking into it.

So please do NOT make any direct bank transfer. And Amazon Germany should refund you if you have any trouble. Thanks to all readers for the warning!

I know the SAR readers here hate that trend and lineup of cameras. But like it or not it is the best selling mirrorless camera of this holiday season according to Amazon US Bestseller ranking (Click here).

When it comes to lenses the Sigma E-mount lenses did sell well (ranking here).

There is a clear trend from chinese manufacturers to work towards releasing new autofocus lenses. Also Zhong Yi Optics confirmed now that they are going to make AF lenses (including for Sony E-mount). The initial lenses are said to be primes…probably 35mm or/and 85mm.

–
via Asobinet

Today all US stores changed the shipment start of the A9III from Feb 23 to Feb 21 (see at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama). 300mm GM still scheduled to ship from Feb 23.

Preorders (shipment start Feb 21):
Sony A9III at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. Calumet. WexUK.
Sony 300mm at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. Calumet. WexUK.
Sonny A9III Vertical Grip at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. Calumet. WexUK.

Reminder:
You save 15% on the fast and most affordable Type A card sold by Amazon US (Click here and click on the coupon button). You save 20% on the same card sold in Europe by Amazon DE, Amazon UK.

Don’t expect anything ALPHA related to be announced. UPDATE: As expected no new Alpha camera/lens was announced. But don’t worry, we will not have to wait a lot more before we get something new ;)

Reminder:

You save 15% on the fast and most affordable Type A card sold by Amazon US (Click here and click on the coupon button). You save 20% on the same card sold in Europe by Amazon DE, Amazon UK.