Sony Announces New Expanded Multi-View Shooting Capabilities for the Compact RX0 Camera

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I reported about this before on SAR and now it’s official:

Sony Announces New Expanded Multi-View Shooting Capabilities for the Compact RX0 Camera

New Wired and Wireless Multi-Camera Solutions Enable More Flexibility and Creativity

LAS VEGAS, Jan 8, 2018 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today announced new wired and wireless multi-camera solutions for the versatile RX0 that enable more flexibility, creativity and operability for today’s creators.

The RX0, introduced late this past fall, brings the advanced imaging quality of Sony’s acclaimed RX camera lineup to a robust, waterproof1, ultra-compact body measuring approximately 2 3/8 in. x 1.5/8 in x 1 3/16 in (WxHxD) 2 and weighing just 3.9 oz3. The miniature dimensions and all-around versatility of the new camera make it a powerful tool when used either as a single unit or when combined together with additional RX0 cameras in multi-angle, multi-view shooting situations. For flexible mounting options in tight spaces, the camera features a complete symmetrical lens position and an image flip function, adding to its wide range of creative potential.

The compact RX0 camera offers two different types of solutions for multiple camera shooting and control, including a wired solution for precisely accurate camera synchronization and control, and a wireless solution for added convenience and flexibility.

New RX0 Wired Multi-View Shooting with Camera Control Box

Sony has announced a new accessory Camera Control Box (model CCB-WD1) that connects to the RX04 and enables PC control with web browser5 via wired IP (internet protocol) connection. By converting control signal to IP, camera settings can be reliably controlled6 from a single PC from any location. A wired connection also allows for much seamless control and synchronization of multiple pairs of RX0 cameras and Camera Control Boxes – up to 100 units7 in total – enabling creators to produce high quality movie effects like “bullet-time” or virtual reality, or to shoot high profile events from unique angles.

When using multiple pairs of RX0 cameras and camera control boxes, settings of all connected cameras can be changed simultaneously, and can be triggered to all start/stop recording at the same time. Additionally, a video sync function is also available, allowing frame timing to be synchronized between all connected cameras. This reduces any time gaps between cameras and supports the process of stitching multiple images together to create special effects.

Files can also be transferred directly to the connected PC8, with the ability to assign and change file names to avoid any confusion when dealing with multiple cameras. In total, up to 1007 separate RX0 cameras and CCB-WD1 Camera Control Boxes can be linked together for a live-view multi-camera feed. Additionally, via Camera Control Box, shooting settings and modes for all connected cameras can be easily programmed by the user.

The new CCB-WD1 Camera Control Box will ship next month for about $700 US or $900 CA.

Improved Wireless Multi-View Shooting with New PlayMemories Mobile Application

Sony’s latest version 6.2 of its PlayMemories Mobile application expands the multi-camera control capabilities when paired with the RX04. With the new version of the mobile application, users will be able to link their smartphone or tablet to up to 50 RX0 cameras via an access point9 to control them simultaneously10. In addition to the current ability to change key camera settings, all connected cameras can be turned ON/OFF together11, and users have the ability to control and shoot by separately assigned camera ‘groups’.

The new PlayMemories Mobile application version 6.2 will be available this month.

1. Compliant with JIS/IEC protection levels (based on Sony tests). Shooting in depths of up to 10 meters (33 ft) is possible for up to 60 minutes (JIS: Japan Industrial Standards; IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission). Depending on usage conditions and circumstances, no guarantee is made regarding damage to, malfunction of, or waterproof performance of this camera

2. Approximate dimensions

3. Approximate weight with battery and media included

4. System software update for RX0 (scheduled in January 2018) is required

5. Recommended computer environment
OS: Windows 7/Windows 8.1/Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.11/macOS 10.12-10.13
Web browser: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari

6. Use only in a network environment with security measures

7. Depending on the specifications of the equipment to be used, the number of devices that can be connected will change. Up to 100 units connection have been tested (based on Sony tests)

8. Up to 4 GB per file can be transferred

9. Depending on the specifications of the access point, smartphone, tablet to be used, the radio wave environment of the installation location, the number of devices that can be connected will change. Up to 50 units connection have been tested (based on Sony tests)

10. Use only on Wi-Fi connection with security measures

11. Bluetooth connection required. Depending on the specifications of smartphone, tablet to be used, the number of devices that can be controlled will change.

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Big Weather Sealing Test shows the A7rIII has flaws :(

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Imaging Resource tested the weather sealing of multiple cameras including the new Sony A7rIII:

Given that the A7R III has a significant number of environmental seals (see the screen capture to the right, taken from the Sony website), we were surprised that it had as hard a time with our test as it did – particularly given that all of the other cameras passed it easily.

While the A7rIII sealing seems to be improved over the predecessor it’s disappointing to see water going inside the battery compartment. This is really something that should disqualify the camera as “weather sealed”.

I would say the A7rIII is sealed if you keep it for a short time under light rain. I would not risk to keep the camera in much harsher conditions for a long time.

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Sony to announce a new CCB-WD1 module for the RX0

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There was a rumor earlier this morning that Sony still had something Camera related to announce. Well it seems that while the rumor is true the announcement is actually an accessory for the RX0:

If you own the Sony RX0 you might be interested in this. Sony will announce the new CCB-WD1 module. So far no sign of other camera related stuff that might be announced today…

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(UPDATE) Today Sony press event

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UPDATE: Sony press conference is at 5:00 pm PST (Las Vegas time). And I will embed the live stream here on SAR!

So far I got NO reliable info about a possible Alpha camera announcement. All we know for sure so far is that Sony had a new camera code registered in Asia. And the A5000 is officially discontinued. But it might be that this camera will be announced in February before the CP+ show.

Note: We removed the previous SR3 ranked rumor about an Alpha related announcement. This because we learned right now that this announcement is about a new RX0 accessory. So nothing really exciting to see :(

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Laowa 15mm FE review by ePhotozine and interview with the lens designer at Phillip Reeve

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ePhotozine tested the Laowa 15mm FE lens:

A solid manual focus lens, perhaps without the refinement in operation of the top marques, the Laowa 15mm f/2 brings to the table close focusing, quality of results and a unique f/2 aperture. There is huge potential in all of that, plus a price tag that, whilst not insubstantial, bears up well when compared to other available lenses. And that sharpness is exceptional, so Highly Recommended.

And over at Phillip Reeve you can read the interview with the Lens designer. It’s always nice to hear the voice of the man behind the lens.

In the meantime I am trying to use my new Laowa 15mm FE as much as I can. I like the have zero distortion feature because it allows me to frame the image perfectly and to see the results straight in camera without having to correct distortion on my laptop. This is one of my latest shots:

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This week SAR readers photos selection

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Alan Griffiths‎
Sony a6300 – iso 100 , f11, 61″, zomei 10 stop filter. Location – Dovercourt lower light house.

1) Submit your picture with a message and picture here: facebook.com/sonyalpharumors or on the SonyAlphaForum image section.
2) Like and comment the pictures from other readers here: facebook.com/sonyalpharumors/posts_to_page/ and on SonyAlphaForum.
3) A selection of most liked pictures by the community and by me SAR admin will be posted weekly on SAR.

Note: When sending a pic feel free to also add a link to your site to promote yourself!

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