Sony RX100VI press text

Preorders (open on June 7):
RX100VI at BHphoto.
Sony VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip at BHphoto.

 

Sony’s announces RX100 VI that combines high magnification zoom 24-200mm, large aperture, world’s Fastest AF Speed in ultra-compact body

  • ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm[i] F2.8 – F4.5 Large Aperture
  • Compact body size of acclaimed RX100 series
  • World’s Fastest[ii] 0.03 seconds[iii] AF speed
  • 315 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 65% of frame
  • 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP[iv] Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with DRAM chipand upgraded BIONZ X™ image processor and Front-end LSI
  • High-speed continuous shooting at up to 24 fps[v] with full AF/AE tracking
  • Optical image stabilisation equivalent to a 4.0-stop[vi] faster shutter speed
  • High Resolution 4K[vii] Movie Shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel binning plus 4K HDR[viii] for instant HDR workflow

Sony today announced another exciting model for their popular Cyber-shot RX100 series of compact cameras, the RX100 VI (model DSC-RX100M6).

The innovative new RX100 VI camera is the first of all the RX100 models to include a high magnification zoom lens, as it packs in an impressive ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmi F2.8 – F4.5 lens yet doesn’t sacrifice the pocket-size portability, fast responsiveness and high image quality that has become the hallmark of Sony’s RX100 line-up. It’s extensive zoom, impressive image quality and versatility for both still images and video make it an ideal choice for capturing daily life, cityscapes, portraiture, sports, wildlife and everything in between.

The new model is equipped with a 20.1 MP 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and an upgraded BIONZ X™ image processing system with a front-end LSI that maximises processing speed and optimises image quality in all shooting environments. Additionally, the RX100 VI features an incredibly efficient Fast Hybrid AF system with 315-point phase-detection AF points on the sensor that can acquire focus in as little as 0.03 secondsiii, the world’s fastestii AF acquisition time for 1.0-type sensor cameras. It can also shoot at up to 24 fpsv at full resolution with continuous AF/AE tracking and produces beautiful 4Kvii SARvideo with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.

New High-Magnification 24-200mm Zoom Lens Plus Outstanding Image Quality

A first for Sony’s RX100 series of cameras, the new ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmi F2.8 – F4.5 lens packs the power of both 24-70mm and 70-200mmi focal lengths into a singular compact design. This is achieved thanks to its unique design featuring two ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical glass elements and eight aspherical lens elements includingfour AA (advanced aspherical) lenses. All pieces work together seamlessly to deliver outstanding sharpness from corner-to-corner at all focal lengths, maintaining the acclaimed image quality of the RX100 series.

The impressive new lens on the RX100 VI maintains a large aperture throughout the entire zoom range, ensuring portraits can be created with beautiful bokeh, fast moving subjects can be captured with crisp focus and no blurring, and much more. Additionally, the lens has built-in Optical SteadyShotTM image stabilisation that is equivalent to a 4.0-stopvi faster shutter speed, helping to prevent blur at slower shutter speed while shooting in low light conditions or at telephoto zoom range.

Lightning-Fast AF Performance and Shooting Speeds

The new RX100 VI model features a Fast Hybrid AF system that ultimately allows the camera to acquire focus in as little as 0.03 seconds.iii This innovative AF system combines the respective advantages of 315-pointfocal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 65% of the sensor and contrast-detection AF. This high speed focusing system complements the versatile 24-200mmirange of the lens, ensuring all subjects can be captured with precise detail and clarity.

Additionally, a first for the RX100 series of cameras,the RX100 VI includes Sony’s advanced High-density Tracking AF technology, whichconcentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy. Thepopular Eye AF technologyis also available with approximately 2x the tracking performance of the current RX100 series model.[ix] Furthermore, the camera has LCD touch focusing and touchpad focus point control for users that would like to drag their fingers to ideal focus points of their choice.

An ideal complement to the AF system, the RX100 VI offers continuous high-speed shooting at up to 24 fpsv with full AF/AE tracking, with an impressive buffer limit of up to 233 images[x]. The display lag of the EVF has been substantially reduced compared to prior models, allowing shooters to capture the decisive moment with ultimate confidence. Also, continuously shot images can now be played back in group on display instead of individually making it more convenient to review.

The RX100 VI also has a high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second) that reduces the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects, and can shoot completely silently in all modes, including continuous high speed shooting, when electronic shutter is engaged. A mechanical shutter mode is also available as well if required by the user.

Advanced Movie Capabilities Including 4K HDR

The pocket-friendly RX100 VI is packed with a variety of video capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts.

With Fast Hybrid AF, the focal-plane phase-detection AF points ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4Kvii movie shooting. AF drive speed and AF tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted via the menu system, giving shooters plenty of flexibility based on their focusing preferences.

In 4Kvii mode, the new RX100 VI utilises full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4Kvii video are captured with minimal moire and ‘jaggies’.

For the first time in a Cyber-shot camera, the RX100 VI features 4K HDRviii compatibility thanks to its new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that offers an instant HDR workflow solution. Additional professional calibre video features include S-Log3/S-Gamut3, 120p Full HD mode, Picture Profile, proxy recording and more. The RX100 VI is able to record superslow motion[xi] video at either 250 fps, 500 fps or 1000 fps[xii].

Premium Design, Control and Convenience

The new RX100 VI is equipped with a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with ZEISS® T* Coating, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The EVF itself retracts in and out of the camera body based on user preference, and can be activated instantly by a single One-push Access button.

A first for Sony’s RX series, RX100 VI has a touch shutter that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen, a zoom lever with customisable zoom speeds and an LCD that can be rotated 180 degrees upward or 90 degrees downward for a variety of shooting angles for the creator. There is also a Monitor Auto OFF function that boosts max number of still images by up to 30%, and the camera is also Wi-Fi®, NFC™ and Bluetooth®compatible.

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI compact camera will ship in Europe in July priced approximately £1,150.

[i] 35mm format equivalent

[ii] Along with the RX10 IV. Among fixed lens digital cameras with 1.0-type sensor. As of June 2018 press release, based on Sony research

[iii] CIPA standard, internal measurement, at f=9.0mm (wide-end), EV6.9, Program Auto, Focus mode: AF-A, Focus area: Centre

[iv] Approximate effective megapixels

[v] With “Continuous shooting mode: Hi”

[vi] CIPA standard, pitch/yaw directions, at 200mm (35mm format equivalent)

[vii] QFHD: 3840×2160

[viii] Connect to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable to view HDR (HLG) movies

[ix] Compared to the DSC-RX100M5. Sony test conditions

[x] With “Continuous shooting mode: Hi” and “Image quality: Fine”

[xi] Audio recording is not available. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required

[xii] In PAL mode. Menu allows switching between NTSC and PAL modes

Sony Introduces New VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip for RX0 and RX100 Series Cameras

Preorders (open on June 7):
RX100VI at BHphoto.
Sony VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip at BHphoto.

Press text:

Sony today announced the VCT-SGR1, a versatile and compact new Shooting Grip best suited for its RX0 and RX100 series of cameras[i].

Ideal for vlogging, travel photography and video shooting, self-portraits and much more, the new VCT-SGR1 is a vertically-oriented shooting grip that attaches to Sony’s RX0 and RX100 series of camerasi via Multi/Micro USB Terminal. It is extremely compact and lightweight, and can adjust angles up 70 degrees or down to 100 degrees to capture different perspectives including high-angle shots, low-angle shots and self-portraits. The grip features several buttons at the top of the grip including shutter release, REC stop/start and zoom[ii] functionality, allowing for easy fingertip control for both right and left handed usage. Additionally, the bottom of the grip can be spread-out and used as a tripod, making it an ideal accessory for group photos or low-light shooting conditions to avoid camera shake when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

The new VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip will ship this July in Europe, priced at approximately €120.

[i] Compatible with DSC-RX0/RX100M2/RX100M3/RX100M4/RX100M5/RX100M6/

HX90V/HX90/HX80/HX60V/HX60 /HX50V/HX50/WX500

Refer to the Sony support page for camera compatibility information

https://www.sony.net/dics/sgr1/

[ii] Zoom control function is not available for models without zoom.

Firmware update of Clear Image Zoom for RX0 is scheduled in Autumn, 2018

Sony Tidbits…


Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS (SEL18135) lens review with samples

A7R III vs GFX (Mirrorlesscomparison).
Sony 1.4x FE Teleconverter with 100-400GM (That1CameraGuy).
How the 50-mm Lens Became ‘Normal’ (theAtlantic).
Sony 24-105mm F4 G OSS sample gallery (Dpreview).
Pocketable Power: The Bolt PocketMax Battery Pack (Explora).
Lanparte EVA1A-01 Arm Extension for Panasonic EVA1 Camera (Personal View).

Share your best pictures on our new Instagram SonyAlphaGallery.

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px

This week SAR readers photos selection


Raaja Sayk’hara Mittapalli
A7RIII 85mm 1.8.
#sonyalphagallery

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Owen Humphreys explains how his Royal Weddding shots was only made possible thanks to Sony A9 silent shutter

Owen Humphreys explains in the video below why the Sony A9 was an absolutely necessary tool for his Royal Wedding shooting:

Sony A9 at [shopcountry 60549].

James Cameron To Shoot Avatar Sequels On Sony VENICE Camera System!

Well this is big news: James Camera will use the Sony Venice Cinema Camera (PL or E-mount version) to shoot their new Avatar Sequels. Here is the press text:

James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment to Shoot AVATAR SEQUELS on Sony’s VENICE Camera

New CineAlta Motion Picture System Chosen for Principal Photography on all-Sony Imaging Production; Unique Sony Extension System Enables Capturing What Used to be Impossible

James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment will use Sony’s new VENICE motion picture camera system for principal photography on the upcoming “Avatar” SEQUELS.

The first “Avatar” movie, released in 2009 and also shot on Sony professional cameras, shattered box office records with its compelling story, immersive 3D and stunning visuals. These newest entries in the franchise will up the visual ante significantly with enhanced special effects, more elaborate production requirements and challenging live action sequences.

According to Lightstorm, the Sony VENICE camera system was the right choice to continue the Avatar storyline and give audiences an entirely new experience.

“The VENICE camera delivers the most astonishing image I’ve ever seen,” said Director James Cameron, “The blacks are rich, deep and velvety, the highlights and source lights are amazingly bright. For the first time, we truly appreciate what the term High Dynamic Range means.”

While principal photography on the “Avatar” SEQUELS using VENICE is expected to begin first quarter of 2019, performance capture is underway now. The process is supported by a variety of additional Sony imaging technologies including multiple Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, PXW-Z450 and PXW-320 camcorders and the compact RX0 camera. The production is also using Sony’s F55 and Alpha cameras to record behind-the-scenes footage and stills.

“I’ve enjoyed shooting with Sony CineAlta cameras for 19 years, but I’m really looking forward to shooting Avatar 2 and 3 with the new VENICE camera,” Cameron added. Sony worked closely with Lightstorm to customize VENICE for its specific needs, with regular meetings taking place between James Cameron, his production teams and Sony’s engineering group.

“Our goal in this ongoing co-development collaboration is to enable Lightstorm to execute their vision and deliver their unique approach to storytelling,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics. “For Avatar, VENICE will be put to use in very demanding environments. The camera’s Full Frame sensor gives them complete flexibility and freedom to choose aspect ratios, various bokeh and lenses that match their shooting requirements.”

The Sony-Lightstorm collaboration began in 1999, resulting in the development of a unique extension system allowing the camera body to detach from the actual image sensor block.  A similar approach has been adopted for VENICE, with each sensor and camera body connected by a cable at distances of up to 20 feet with no degradation in image quality. For the upcoming “Avatar” SEQUELS, multiple VENICE cameras will be paired in various 3D stereoscopic rigs.

Using the new Sony cabling system, the only part of the VENICE carried on the rig will be the image sensor optical blocks, significantly reducing on-board camera weight to about three pounds per sensor block. By lowering the weight and improving ergonomics, Cameron and the Lightstorm team will have ability to shoot with greater flexibility and freedom.

“This new extension system is a perfect example of listening to our customers, gathering strong and consistent feedback, and then building that input into our product development,” added Peter Crithary, marketing manager, motion picture cameras, at Sony. “The ‘Avatar’ SEQUELS will be among the first feature films to use the new VENICE Extension, but it also has tremendous potential for wider use with handheld Steadicams, drones and gimbals, and remote mounting in confined places.”

Click here for more information on the Sony VENICE camera system.