Topaz announced the new Video AI version (3.1.9) and it has a $50 discount that runs til March 31. A list of improvements can be read on this blog post. And here is a video showing home much it improved:
BIG WARNING:
At the moment I believe those “leaked” images may be showing a JOKE being prepared by Sony for April 1st!
They do NOT come from my trusted sources but from a new source. The images he shared were actually from a “alleged” Sony presentation and show much more than I am posting here. For privacy reasons I did crop the images and upsize the resolution with Topaz AI, to show the camera only.
So please again, don’t count me accountable for this leak. At the moment I believe this might be a real leak…of an April fools day preparation from Sony :)
The new Sony A7LV:
With that warning in mind let’s move on to the images: They do show the new A7LV which is basically the A7rV made for left-handers. Now, IF THIS is real this would be the first ever digital camera made for left-handers.
But my bet is that this is a Sony Aprils fools day joke!
DxO PureRAW 3, the groundbreaking RAW photo enhancement software, gives photographers incredible image quality thanks to DeepPRIME XD
Together with innovative DeepPRIME XD — eXtreme Detail — denoising technology, this major new version of DxO’s award- winning RAW processing software delivers greater control without reducing the ‘one-click’ functionality that users love. It also features pivotal upgrades to the user interface, making workflow even smoother.
Paris (France): DxO Labs, the company which kick-started modern RAW processing and lens correction, today announces the immediate availability of DxO PureRAW 3, its revolutionary RAW enhancement software. PureRAW 3 optimizes the quality of any RAW image by eliminating noise, improving color, enhancing detail and correcting lens flaws.
DxO PureRAW 3 now features DxO’s latest artificial intelligence technology, DeepPRIME XD, delivering industry-leading noise reduction and RAW image enhancement; greater control over which corrections are applied through DxO’s renowned Optics Modules; and user interface modifications that offer improved integration with every photographer’s workflow.
DxO DeepPRIME technology gets even better — and for Fujifilm photographers, too!
DxO PureRAW set the standard for noise reduction and image improvements – but the introduction of DeepPRIME XD pushes performance even further. By using a larger neural network than regular DeepPRIME, DeepPRIME XD delivers greater levels of detail, improved color accuracy, and smoother, noise-free bokeh when shooting at even the highest ISO levels.
With DeepPRIME XD, photographers report improvements of more than 2.5 stops in noise performance. For example, images shot at ISO 4000 more closely resemble those captured at ISO 500 in terms of noise, color, and clarity.
Because noise reduction is performed as part of the RAW conversion process, DeepPRIME XD can also improve the dynamic range of an image, giving photographers greater flexibility when shooting in challenging situations where light is limited. The original DeepPRIME mode remains part of DxO PureRAW 3 for images that demand less enhancement or where faster performance is required.
“DeepPRIME almost surprised us when we first saw the results,” explains DxO’s VP of Marketing and Product Strategy, Jean-Marc Alexia. “We quickly realized that a larger neural network could boost performance, and that’s what we’ve delivered with DeepPRIME XD. This technology pushes the boundaries even further, and DxO PureRAW 3 will revolutionize any photographer’s images — and without disrupting their existing workflow.”
Until today, DeepPRIME XD did not process RAW files from cameras with an X-Trans sensor. However, with DxO PureRAW 3, Fujifilm X Series photographers will be delighted to learn that their cameras are supported, a development reflected in DxO PhotoLab 6.4, also released today. As a result, X-Trans images can undergo incredible noise reduction, remarkable detail enhancement, and the restoration of accurate colors, especially when shooting at high ISO levels.
Power is nothing without control
As well as greater performance, DxO PureRAW 3 gives photographers a new level of control. The software’s updated interface now offers options for levels of lens softness correction, as well as the ability to toggle vignetting and chromatic aberration corrections. Furthermore, photographers can access the whole image area captured by the sensor, avoiding the crop enforced by other software when correcting deformations.
Interface improvements for a smoother workflow
DxO PureRAW 3 also introduces a number of improvements when it comes to workflow. Users can create multiple queues when batch processing large numbers of files, with the option to edit, re-order, and prioritize both images and queue lists while processing is underway. In addition, photographers can now choose to export files in TIFF format, alongside the existing JPEG and Linear DNG options.
Finally, the user interface has been revamped, bringing it closer in line with other DxO software.
A trusted spruce confirmed that Sigma will announce the 17mm f/4, 50mm f/2 and 23mm f/1.4 within the next couple of weeks. After those three lenses I expect Sigma to focus on more unique “one of a kind lenses” (my article about this here). There will be also a different version of the classic 70-20mm f/2.8 lens (my article about this here).
Here are the lens specs:
17mm F4 DG DN | Contemporary (Full Frame)
Lens construction: 9 elements in 8 groups
Shortest shooting distance: 12cm
Maximum magnification: 1:3.6
Filter diameter: 55mm
Size: φ64.0mm x 48.8mm (50.8mm for E mount version)
Sony Honored as One of “2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies”
Tokyo, Japan – Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that it has been named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for the fifth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute, the US-based global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.
This year’s list includes 135 companies from across 19 countries and regions, and 46 industries. These companies were evaluated across five categories: Governance, Leadership and Reputation, Ethics and Compliance Program, Culture of Ethics, Environmental and Societal Impact. The Institute reviewed each company’s ethical operations, focusing on areas such as exceptional leadership and a commitment to business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.
Creating innovation based on a strong ethical culture is a key strategic focus for Sony. This award recognizes Sony’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling its Purpose, “Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology,” in accordance with Sony’s Values of “Integrity & Sincerity.” Being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere for the fifth year is an external recognition of the strength of Sony’s commitment. Sony believes that its strong ethical corporate culture enables it to continue to advance its initiatives for sustainable value creation.
Sony Group Corporation, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Chairman, President and CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida stated, “We are both pleased and proud that Ethisphere named Sony one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for five consecutive years. Sony holds “Integrity & Sincerity” as one of its important Values across the group. Together, with our 110,000 employees who share this Values, we will continue to manage Sony in an ethical manner with a long-term view and continue to spread Kando (emotion) to the world.”
Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne commented, “Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance. We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stake holders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Sony for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community.”
[References]
For more information about Sony’s corporate ethics and compliance-related efforts, please refer here.
The complete list of 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found.
Check out those special Sony pages at FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK. It works like a cashback because you get this discount instantly even before yous end in your gear to trade-in!
Cameras:
Sony Alpha 7S III (ILCE-7SM3) + alle Sets 300.-
Sony Alpha 7R IVA (ILCE-7RM4A) + alle Sets 300.-
Sony Alpha 7 IV (ILCE-7M4) + alle Sets 250.-
Sony Alpha 7 III (ILCE-7M3) + alle Sets 200.-
Sony Alpha 7C (ILCE-7C) Gehäuse alle Sets und Farben 200.- Lenses:
Sony SEL 12-24mm f/2,8 GM 200.-
Sony SEL 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 GM OSS 200.-
Sony SEL 16-35mm f/2,8 GM 200.-
Sony SEL 70-200mm f/2,8 GM OSS 200.-
Sony SEL 50mm f/1,2 GM 200.-
Sony SEL 24-70mm f/2,8 GM 200.-
Sony SEL 85mm f/1,4 GM 200.-
Sony SEL 70-200mm f/4,0 OSS G 200.-
Sony SEL 24-105mm f/4,0 G OSS 200.-
Sony SEL 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS 100.-
Sony SEL 12-24mm f/4,0 G 100.-
Sony SEL 135mm f/1,8 GM 100.-
Sony SEL 35mm f/1,4 GM 100.-
Sony SEL 24mm f/1,4 GM 100.-
Sony SEL 14mm f/1,8 GM 100.-
Sony SEL 70-300mm f/4,5-5,6 G OSS 100.-
Sony SEL Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* 16-35mm f/4,0 OSS ZA 100.-
Sony ZEISS Distagon T* SEL 35mm f/1,4 100.-
Sony SEL 90mm f/2,8 Makro G OSS 100.-
Sony SEL 20mm f/1,8 G 100.-
Sony SEL 24-240mm f/3,5-6,3 OSS 100.-
Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* SEL 55mm f/1,8 ZA 100.-
Sony SEL 24mm f/2,8 G 100.-
Sony SEL 40mm f/2,5 G 100.-
Sony SEL 50mm f/2,5 G 100.-