The official note from Sony Japan.

P.S.: I am continually updating this post with links and info (note that Sony hasn’t update all sites yet do it may takes 1-2 hours to have all download links!)

Sony just released the new firmware update for the A7,A7r, A6000, A5100 and A5000 (note only USA seems to have the new firmware yet!). The update is minor and Improves the power-on time after downloading the Smart Remote Control application of the PlayMemories Camera Apps™:

A7R firmware download:
Mac – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia
Windows – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia
A7 firmware download:
Mac – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia
Windows – Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Spain, Sony Italy, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony Austria, Sony Switzerland, Sony Finland, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Portugal, Sony Australia

Sony US just announced the new PRO support service for the US. This is the official press release:

SAN DIEGO, CA (Oct. 29, 2014) – Sony, a worldwide leader in digital imaging, has announced the formal launch of their “PRO Support” service program, offering premium service, repair, support, equipment loans and more to working professional photographers.

“I’m very pleased to launch our PRO Support program here in the US” said Neal Manowitz, director of the a interchangeable lens camera business at Sony. “We’ve seen such a strong response to Sony cameras from working pros, and are proud to offer this versatile program to cater to their demands. It’s a premium support experience that will ensure our pros are constantly ready for business and remain up-to-date with all of our leading innovations.”

Brian Smith, Sony Artisan of Imagery, added “As a professional photographer, my Sony cameras take a beating while they hold up to the rigors of the road. Yet it’s great to know that Sony PRO Support has my back – so I can finish the job even when shooting in the harshest conditions.”

The program, already in beta, will launch tomorrow, October 30^th at (www.sony.com/PROServices). A formal overview of its membership benefits and requirements is below:

PRO Support Program Benefits:

• Welcome Kit
• Dedicated phone support
• Expedited turnaround time for repair service
• Repair facilitation loans
• Access to loan equipment for evaluation purposes
• Free camera maintenance services
• No out-of-pocket shipping expenses
  • Discounts on out-of-warranty repairs

Membership Eligibility requirements:

• Owner of two (2) Sony Alpha Full Frame Interchangeable Lens Cameras and three (3) Sony ZEISS™ and/or G-Series Lenses
  • Apply through host URL (sony.com/PROServices) + receive official invitation from Sony
• $100 annual membership fee
• Active professional photographer (self-employed or member of professional imaging business)

For more information on Sony’s PRO Support Service program or to formally apply, please visit (www.sony.com/PROServices).

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Contact:

Matt Parnell

Sony Electronics Inc.

matt.parnell@am.sony.com

Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki released an interesting interview at DSLRmagazine (google translation here). Highlights of the interview can be read at MirrorlessRumors. Mr. Kazuto also gave an explanation why they do not plan yet to make lenses for the Full Frame E-mount system. He said the diameter is very small and makes it difficult to design high quality FF lenses. He is yet not sure about it but to him it almost looks like E-mount was designed for APS-C more than FF.

Also interesting: He is aware that Sony is working on three layer sensors and also said he expects big new PRO cameras to be announced at the CP+ show in Japan (February 2015).

Mr. Kenta from Sony has been interviewed by Dpreview and he spilled out some info particularly about the next generation E-mount FF:

1) We will try to get A6000 AF performance on the next generation FF E-mount cameras
2) New generation of Full Frame E-mount cameras is coming very soon.
3) we are aiming sport and pro photographers with the next generation(s) of FF E-mount
4) We are seeing the transition from DSLR to Mirrorless happening. DSLR will remain in a very high end niche.
5) The Telephoto prime lens (300mm) is something we get asked to make from our users
6) We don’t know if A and E-mount will merge one day. For now we keep developing booth.
7) The number one key tech to acquire customers is develop autofocusing
8) Next generation FF E-mount cameras will get more customizability

So what are yout thoughts about that interview? It’s very clear Sony is betting high on the new FF E-mount generation cameras. And like I told you many times in those weeks…something big is coming early 2015! Stay tuned on SAR!