Press release:

Sony Electronics Announces New Camera Software Development Kit (SDK) for Third Party Developers and Integrators
New SDK Enables Remote Control of Sony Cameras for a Variety of Professional and Commercial Applications

SAN DIEGO – Feb 11, 2020 – Sony today has announced the release of a new software development kit (SDK) that enables third party developers and integrators to access control of Sony cameras.

Sony, the industry leader in both full-frame and mirrorless cameras, is releasing the SDK based on extensive interest in their camera lineup from commercial customers.

“The customer’s voice is absolutely critical to all aspects of our business,” said Neal Manowitz, Deputy President of Sony Imaging Products and Solutions Americas. “After receiving many requests, we’re excited to finally be able to open our platform in this manner. Companies will now be able to custom develop applications to control our cameras remotely, allowing them to take full advantage of the many innovations in Sony’s lineup including industry-leading autofocus, shooting speeds and much more. Ultimately, this gives professional clients the ability to create new and different imaging experiences unlike anything that’s been done before.” SAR

With the new SDK, key camera controls and still image data captured will be available for remote access, including adjustment of camera settings, shutter release and live view monitoring. These control capabilities are appealing to the workflow of a wide variety of industries including security, entertainment and many others.

One of the companies that have a high expectation of Sony’s SDK is Telemetrics Inc., a company that specializes in robotics and camera control systems, selling complete packages including a weather resistant housing unit on a remotely controlled pan/tilt head compatible with select Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. Telemetrics, Inc. sells to a wide variety of clients including broadcast, production, sports and education companies.

“Combining our expertise in robotics and camera control with the impressive capabilities of Sony’s Alpha camera technology will allow us to create some especially unique solutions for capturing live sports entertainment, which include the newly introduced PT-CP-S5 Compact Pan/Tilt Head and the WP-HOU-A9 Camera Housing unit,” said Michael Cuomo, Vice President of Telemetrics, Inc. “We’ve been thrilled with the results and are extremely excited at the potential for future integration with our systems.”

Initially, the Camera Remote SDK will support Alpha 7R IV and Alpha 9 II bodies, with plans to gradually expand the lineup of supported cameras hereafter. The Camera Remote SDK is available now and can be downloaded from here.

The current Camera Remote API’s provision will be closed following this new release of the new Camera Remote SDK and its support will be terminated.

Ou reader Hadrien spotted these “A7IV” specs in a Fnac store in Switzerland. Obviously a big messy error :)

On a more serious note: I still got no sign the A7IV might be coming at the CP+ show :(  All I heard is that there will be a “new camera” But I strongly suspect this will be a new fixed lens model…

Today Sony announced this new 4K camcorder.

Press release:

SAN DIEGO – Feb 11, 2020 –Sony today announced a new 4K(1) Handycam® camcorder featuring Balanced Optical SteadyShot ™ technology, using a built-in gimbal mechanism, which provides the ability to capture smooth, natural high-quality video footage. The FDR-AX43/B has been developed for content creators and vloggers who want their footage to demonstrate a refined quality that will stand the test of time.

The FDR-AX43/B implements some of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies including:

• Balanced Optical SteadyShot with a unique built-in-gimbal mechanism for smooth footage while walking, running or at full zoom
• ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens with a wide angle of 26.8mm(2)
• 20x optical zoom and Clear Image Zoom of 30x for 4K and 40x for HD(3)
• 1/2.5-type Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor(4) and BIONZ X™ image processing engine delivering excellent image quality, even in low-light conditions
• High-bitrate shooting (100Mbps for XAVC S™ 4K, 50Mbps for XAVC S HD)(5)
• Fast Intelligent AF for quick and precise subject capture
• Directional 3-capsule mic for advanced sound quality(6)
• 3” Flip-screen for selfie shooting
• New Highlight Movie Maker creates short video clips(7) in-camera to share instantly without any need for post-production editing. Easily share MP4 movies on social media sites via smartphone.
• Long battery life provides up to 235 mins continuous recording time with the supplied battery (AC adaptor provides additional power supply).

Pricing and Availability

The FDR-AX43/B will ship this month in North America, priced approximately $849.99 US or $1,099.99 CA.

Full product information can be viewed at www.sony.com/electronics/handycam-camcorders/fdr-ax43

Notes

1) 3840×2160
2) 35mm equivalent, 16:9. When “SteadyShot” is set to “Standard” or “Off”.
3) When “SteadyShot” is set to “Active” or “Intelligent Active”.
4) Aspect ratio is 16:9
5) Requires SDXC/SDHC memory card Class 10 or higher for XAVC S 4K 60Mpbs and XAVC S HD 50Mbps recording, and SDHC/SDXC memory card UHS-I U3 or higher for XAVC S 4K 100Mbps recording
6) Video Mode is AVCHD for 5.1ch recording
7) When Dual Video Recording is ON. Video resolution is 1280 x 720 mp4

Weird lens reviews: Funleader 18mm f/8 ‘Cap Lens’ (Full-frame & APS-C)

Note: If you are interested in electric cars check out our new website Electric-fun.com
135mm f/1.8 unboxing and first impressions (Francesco Carucci).
Male Model shot featuring the A7RIV along with the 24-70GM and 90G Macro (Miguel Quiles).
Chi-Town Representing with New Manfrotto Chicago Backpacks (Explora).
Six new Laowa lenses coming soon (MirrorlessRumors).
Images showing how the new Leica SL2 gets manufactured (L-rumors).

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

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