$500 Sony A1 II Price Hike at B&H – More Sony Increases Coming?

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An unexpected $500 price increase on the Sony A1 II has just hit B&H Photo, pushing the price from $6,498 to $6,998. This is the first sign of a broader adjustment that might soon affect other Sony Alpha products as well. I also got a small rumor saying this: “Heard over someone’s shoulder that some US Sony prices are about to increase this upcoming week.”

Interestingly, Adorama is still listing the Sony A1 II at the original $6,498 price—for now. Meanwhile, Amazon has once again removed the preorder option entirely, suggesting potential supply restrictions or internal pricing adjustments.

Why the sudden price hike? One possible explanation: tariffs. Just like we saw on some lenses like the new 400-800mm G

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

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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).

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

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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:

 

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Next bunch of wild Sony A7V specs rumors

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Sony registered new camera closed in May. From trusted sources, we can be almost certain that one of them is for the new Sony A7V. But I don’t know the specs yet and all I get are rumors from anonymous messengers. This one sounds reasonable, but of course it could just be conjecture:

I saw some prototypes,
44mpx 20fps non stacked sensor 100% confirmed.
same body as A1II
same screen as A1II
AI chip
New improved evf compared to A7IV – could not really confirm
better heat management

The Sony A7V is expected to be announced in Summer at earliest…

SHARE RUMORS using this contact box or at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

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

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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:

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