Sony Electronics Launches “Camera Verify” Feature for Its Camera Authenticity Solution for News Organizations

Press text:

Sony Electronics Launches “Camera Verify” Feature for Its Camera Authenticity Solution for News Organizations
The beta feature enables external sharing of image authenticity information via a dedicated URL

SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 – Today, Sony Electronics announced the beta release of Camera Verify, a new feature of its Camera Authenticity Solution1 that enables external sharing of image authenticity information via a dedicated URL. This has been developed to help news organizations address the growing challenge of verifying the authenticity of digital images in the age of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

As AI-generated and manipulated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for trusted, verifiable imagery has never been greater, especially for media professionals. Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution is designed to meet this need by embedding C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)2 digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information directly into the image at the moment of capture.

This solution records C2PA digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information in the camera at the moment of capture, allowing the image’s authenticity information to be verified on the Image Validation Site3. With the newly added “Camera Verify” Beta, news organizations can issue external sharing URLs for images with embedded digital signatures, allowing third parties to view verification results through reliable URLs directly issued by the verification site4. With this feature, the organizations can select specific authenticity items to share during the content publication and distribution process, enabling faster dissemination of credible, verifiable content.

In addition, the Digital Signature Upgrade License—which allows for embedding digital signatures directly into images captured with supported Sony cameras—is now available for purchase via the Camera Authenticity Solution website3, expanding accessibility to more professionals5.

Sony plans to expand support for video content after fall 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting trusted digital media. Together with activities on the C2PA steering committee, Sony aims to further contribute to improving content reliability in the media field.

Notes:

1https://www.sony.net/cas/

2A standards organization that develops open standards and technical specifications for the origin and authenticity of digital content.

3The Image Validation Site (paid service) provided by Sony will initially be offered to select news organizations. Service availability varies by region/countries. For more information on Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution, visit: https://www.sony.net/cas/

4Verification cannot be performed by third parties.

5Compatible camera models for this digital signature license are Alpha 1 II (Ver.2.00 or later), Alpha 1 (Ver.3.00 or later), Alpha 9 III (Ver.3.00 or later), Alpha 7S III (Ver.4.00 or later), and Alpha 7 IV (Ver.5.00 or later) (as of June 26, 2025).

Just announced: new Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 FE lens

Venus Optics just announced the new Laowa 12mm f/2.8 autofocus Full Frame E-mount lens. You can preorder it now at BHphoto, Venus-store, Amazon.

A stunning update to their legendary ultra-wide prime. Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, this new version is lighter, sleeker, and ready for adventure. It’s the perfect lens for architecture, landscapes, astrophotography, and anyone obsessed with edge-to-edge sharpness!

🔥 Key Features:

  • Ultra-Wide 12mm Focal Length on Full Frame – Get insanely wide shots without distortion.
  • Compact & Lightweight (Only 426g) – 30% lighter than the original version!
  • Fast f/2.8 Aperture – Perfect for low light and astrophotography.
  • Zero-D (Zero Distortion) Design – Straight lines stay straight. Ideal for architecture.
  • Close Focusing Distance: Just 18cm – Dramatic close-up wide-angle shots.
  • Flare-Controlled 16-Blade Aperture – Beautiful sunstars and cinematic look.
  • Improved Ergonomics & Handling – Smaller diameter, better balance.
  • Available in Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon RF / L-Mount – Full mirrorless compatibility.

Official product video:

First review:

 

Wandrd raises $500K on Kickstarter for its innovative PRVKE V4 camera bag.

Wandrd’s new PRVKE V4 camera bag just raised over $500,000 on Kickstarter (click here)!
This is one of the best hybrid EDC + camera bags we’ve seen — quick side access to your Sony Alpha gear, weatherproof, expandable roll-top, laptop sleeve, and super clean urban design. Perfect for travel or city shooting with your mirrorless kit. No surprise this is blowing up on Kickstarter.

More Kickstarter projects:

Mapcamera May sales ranking: Sony slowly disappearing from the top 10!

Mapcamera has published the most popular cameras for May:

  1. FUJIFILM X100VI
  2. Nikon Z5II
  3. FUJIFILM X-M5
  4. RICOH GR III
  5. RICOH GR IIIx
  6. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  7. Nikon Z50II
  8. SONY α7C II
  9. Canon EOS R50 V
  10. FUJIFILM GFX 100RF

There is a worrying trend, as several Sony cameras have dropped out of the top 10, with only the A7cII remaining in eighth place. While Fujifilm and Ricoh are benefiting from their premium compact cameras, Sony refuses to release a successor to the RX1rII and RX100VII. Why are they so stubborn?

Used camera market:

  1. RICOH GR IIIx
  2. SONY α7III
  3. RICOH GR III
  4. Nikon Z50II
  5. SONY α7IV
  6. Nikon Zf
  7. Nikon Z-fc
  8. FUJIFILM X-T5
  9. SONY α7C II
  10. Canon EOS R6
  11. SIGMA fp

Sony interview with CineD: Talk about the FX lineup future

CineD had a chat with Nobutatsu Takahashi-san, New Contents Creation Business Unit, Cinema Line Division, Senior General Manager.

So let’s share some tidbits:

  • I recently reported that several large store owners told me that FX2 pre-order numbers are a flop. CineD politely asked Sony what the “feedback” on this camera was, and Sony diplomatically replied that we’ll have to wait until creators receive their cameras before we can get any feedback. This to me means they know the camera hasn’t been well received yet.
  • When questioned about whether existing cameras like the FX3, FX6, and FX9 are showing their age, Sony reframes the conversation entirely. “You mentioned aging, but I don’t think it’s aging. It’s changing,” comes the response, revealing planned firmware updates for summer 2025.

Doesn’t sound like there is any FX6 or FX9 successor coming any time soon :(

Sony FX2 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK

Sigma announces that pre-orders for the new 17-40mm lens were higher than expected.

Sigma lens preorders:
17-40mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.

Press text from Sigma Japan:

Apology regarding the supply status of the “Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art”

Thank you for your patronage of Sigma products.

We have received more orders than we expected for the “Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art” which is scheduled to be released on Thursday, July 10, 2025, and production is unable to keep up with demand. As a result, some customers may experience delays in receiving their products.

We apologize to our customers and other parties involved who have been waiting for the product for any inconvenience caused, but we are currently working hard to produce the product, so we ask that you please wait for a little longer.

We appreciate your continued patronage of our company and our products.