A newly patented patent published on IPforce Japan discloses a new voice command function for Sony cameras. This is the Google translated description of the patent text:

• The present application generally relates to techniques for controlling a camera interface using voice commands.
• The problem recognized by this principle is that the camera setup menu or settings can be reached quickly and easily. Cameras tend to have complex menu systems that make it difficult to find or search for a particular camera setting.
• Rather than hunting through the digital camera’s menu system to find the desired adjustment, you can implement much easier voice control and make changes to various camera settings. For example, the user can instruct the camera to enter bulb mode via voice commands rather than continuing to adjust the shutter speed until the bulb mode is finally reached.
• In addition, the camera function search can be executed in response to a voice command such as “search for autofocus”. The search results can be presented on the camera’s display, which is a liquid crystal display (LCD) that can be touch-sensitive, allowing the user to present an appropriate menu by selecting a specific search item. Can be done.

Let me speak frankly. I always hated voice commands on cars. They often don’t work and are terribly frustrating. For me there is zero added value with this feature. But maybe some of you find it useful in certain conditions?

via DigicameInfo

Today Sony announced the Xperia 1IV which is available for preorder at BHphoto, Adorama. This is the worlds first smartphone camera with a true optical zoom lens. The zoom lens covers the Tele end with a 85-125mm range.

Here are a couple of video reviews:

Full press text:

A couple of readers spotted the following teaser on Sony’s website and asked me what this is about. Sorry to say there is no E-mount gear coming tomorrow. Sony will launch the new WH-1000XM5 (which I am particularly interested in to buy):

Sony published the latest 2021 financial report. While sales numbers were good Sony said that there was a decrease in camera unit sales: In Q4 they sold around 7% less units compared to Q4 2020.

Blame the worldwide chip shortage for that. It’s that bad that PS5 sales numbers are down too. In Q4 they sold 2 million units compared to the 3.3 million units in the year before. If they cannot produce enough of the highly profitable PS5 they surely can’t afford to produce enough Alpha cameras.

The good news is that Sony expects things to improve during the year due to better parts supply. This is also the reason the A7rIV will be on market in autumn and not in summer. In autumn the semiconductor production shortage is expected to ease considerably making it easier for Sony to launch new cameras.

The new Mini Pro 3 with Sony’s 48MP Quadpixel sensor is now available worldwide at DJI store (Click here to read all about it) and at BHphoto, Adorama, Calumet DE, WexUK.