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)
• 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

Verdict: Sony’s product managers would veto this as “commercial suicide”.

B. Sony RX1R III: Physics Says No

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.

Sigma had a double development announcement today:

1. They announced the new 28-105mm T/3 Full Frame E-mount autofocus Cine lens (Press text here).
2. They also announced the AIUZ T/1.3 lens range. We will get the Full Frame E-mount 25mm, 27mm, 32mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 75mm T1.3 manual focus primes (Press text here).

ZV-1II firmware 2.01 and ZV-1F 2.0 Benefits and Improvements

• Adds Brazilian Portuguese to the list of available languages
• WPA and WEP functionalities are no longer supported. You will no longer be able to select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 moving forward
• Improves the operational stability of the camera

For a limited time you get the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens for $999 only at Amazon (Click here). This is the lowest price ever on this excellent lens!

Also the Tamron 18-300mm APS-C lens sells for $599 only at Amazon (Click here).

The Sony FX2 has been quite a controversial release. Armando Ferreira confronted a Sony manager about some of the quirks and here is a recap of his answers:

Purpose and Audience of the FX2

• Main Focus: It’s a cinema-first camera designed with hybrid capability—high-quality video and usable photography.
• Target Audience: Entry-level filmmakers and hybrid shooters who want a cinematic camera without giving up stills.
• The FX2 fills a specific market gap between FX30 and FX3, meant to be a “starting point” for future filmmakers.

Clarifications on the Camera’s Positioning

• FX30 → FX3 → FX6 → Venice is a clear path; FX2 fits just between FX30 and FX3 with a very small incremental gap.
• The confusion stems from the naming convention (FX2) and rumor-driven expectations, especially about price.

Sensor and Feature Choices

• FX2 uses the A7 IV sensor for:
• Higher resolution photos than FX3.
• Better match to Super 35mm anamorphic workflows (still common in cinema).
• More balanced hybrid performance.
• Aimed to be a crash cam or B-cam to the Venice/Burano with good dynamic range.

Photo Capabilities

• Unlike FX30, FX2 supports true photo modes (with flash, full res, etc.).
• Meant for users who want to shoot both photo and video on the same body—especially useful for solo shooters or small teams.

EVF Design Choices

• The built-in EVF is non-removable by design to support:
• Simpler use in bright environments.
• Hybrid use for still photography.
• While some users wanted it to be detachable to save space or cost, Sony prioritized ease-of-use for new filmmakers.
• FX3 and FX30 may not get EVFs, but the user suggested it could be a future idea.

Menu System & Firmware

• The FX2 uses Sony’s Big 6 menu system from Venice/Burano.
• Goal: unify the UI/UX across all FX-line cameras.
• FX3, FX30, and FX6 will get the Big 6 menu via firmware update in summer 2025.

Anamorphic & Open Gate

• FX2 currently supports 1.3x and 2.0x anamorphic desqueeze.
• 1.5x support is coming in a firmware update.
• User-requested feature: ability to input custom desqueeze ratios like 1.6x or 1.8x.
• Open gate support: Sony is aware of demand (especially for social media framing and anamorphic), but implementation is unclear. Jay hints it’s possible but unconfirmed.

Pricing and Rumor Clarification

• The rumored $3500 price created disappointment.
• Actual launch price is lower, and Sony believes it’s very competitive for the features provided.
• Like the FX3, FX2 is expected to hold its value over time—important for professionals.

Future Outlook

• Sony wants to unify the FX line’s menu and ecosystem, reduce gaps in usability, and support users transitioning between different models.
• The FX2 is not a replacement for any model, but an additional option tailored to a specific kind of user.

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

You are welcome to join the Human Impact Awards organized by Wexphoto and Sony (Click here to partecipate).

The competition:

At Wex, we believe in the power of photography to document human impact. A camera doesn’t just capture moments; it gives voice to experiences, amplifies unheard stories and reveals the many ways we inhabit, change and respond to the world around us.

This year’s Human Impact Awards and Student Awards, in collaboration with Sony, invite submissions that explore what human impact means today. The brief is intentionally open to interpretation. Whether you choose to highlight environmental damage or social inequality, community resilience or urban decay, local activism or everyday humanity, we want to see your perspective.

• The competition is free to enter
• Enter a photo series of 5–10 images accompanied by a description of the series
• Submissions are judged on the body of work
• The images can be taken on any device, camera brand or type
• See terms and conditions for full entry eligibility

The winners will be invited to an awards ceremony attended by our judges, industry professionals and Sony officials.

Professional Category:

The Professional category is open to all photographers aged 18 and over, working at any level of experience. Whether you’re full-time, freelance, or simply pursuing personal projects, we want to see photo series that reflect your perspective on human impact in today’s world.

• 1st prize: £5,000
• 2nd prize: £3,000
• 3rd prize: £1,000

The Phil Smith Student Category:

The late Phil Smith was a much-loved member of the Wex Business Team. In honor of his life, his dedication to Wex, and his passion for the arts, our student award is named after him, with prizes going to the most exceptional submissions.

• 1st prize: Sony A7R IV + Sony FE 24–70mm f2.8 G Master II
• 2nd prize: Sony ZV-E1 + Sony FE 24–70mm f2.8 G Master
• 3rd prize: Sony A7C

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/blog/competitions/human-impact-awards/

On their Instagram account Viltrox teased the launch of a new PRO lens. This will definitely be for the new 85mm f/1.4 FE lens that was unveiled a couple of weeks ago in China:

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Thanks to the tipster!