Topaz just announced the new GigaPixel Ai (click here to see all new features with ton of examples).

Press text:

Gigapixel 8 brings powerful new models that push the limits of image enhancement, offering unmatched control for both restoration and creative upscaling. Whether you’re recovering lost details or generating imaginative visuals, Gigapixel 8 has the tools to elevate your images like never before.

• a
  • Redefine Model (Creative Upscaler): This new model pushes the boundaries of creative upscaling while staying true to your input image. With diffusion-based generative output and text prompts available for more specific results, this tool offers a new level of freedom for producing imaginative visuals.

• Recovery Model: This model goes beyond the capabilities of our standard models, restoring missing details in images that would have been unusable otherwise. It’s especially useful for restoring old photos, scanned images, and improving faces and text, delivering results that were previously impossible.
• Gen2 Face Recovery: With two modes—Realistic and Creative—this model offers enhanced results for faces, even in low-quality or damaged images. Whether you’re refining details to stay true to the original or creating imaginative reconstructions, this feature delivers high-fidelity, creative enhancements.

New Gigapixel Cloud Service

Alongside Gigapixel 8, we’re introducing Cloud Rendering, a credit-based, server processing option. Cloud Rendering allows anyone to offload processing tasks for faster and more efficient image enhancement, making it ideal for those with lower-powered hardware or users wanting quicker results with our Recovery or Redefine models.

Key benefits include:

• Faster processing speeds for higher-quality results
• Allows simultaneous enhancements for multiple images

Those were the best selling cameras on September

Yodobashi:

1. Canon R5II
2. Canon R6II
3. FujiFilm X-T5
4. Sony A7cII
5. FujiFilm X-T50
6. Nikon Zf
7. Ricoh GRII
8. Sony A7IV
9. DJI Osmo 3
10. Nikon Z6III

Kitamura:

1. Nikon Z30 double lens kit
2. FujiFilm X-H2
3. Olympus E-M10IV
4. Sony ZV-E10
5. Sony ZV-E10II
6. Sony A6700 with kit lens
7. Nikon Z fc kit
8. Sony A6700
9. Olympus E-P7 kit
10. Sony A7III

You can preorder the new compact Cine lens series at BHphoto and Adorama. These are metal built solid lenses that are still very compact and light. it has 16 blades for super nice bokeh image and what’s best is that they truly affordable.

A few youtuber reviews:

You can find the new rebates on those pages at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain. Similar deals are running at Amazon USA too.

Sony manager Fabrice Abuaf. Image by Phototrend

The French website Phototrend has conducted an interview with Sony manager Fabrice Abuaf. Here are a couple of answers:

About Sony’s market share in Europe:

we remain the leaders in France and Europe in the full-frame hybrid market, while maintaining positive momentum.

About the Sony A7IV sales:

It is true that the A7 IV faces some tough competition. It is not always at the top of sales every month, especially depending on each one’s promotions. However, it remains a best-seller.

Note: He also confirmed the Sony A7IV is their best selling camera.

About the future A7V he answered:

Every product release has its own dynamics. Products arrive when they arrive, if they are meant to arrive.

SAR note…LOL :)

About the Sony A7sIII being the oldest FF camera in the lineup:

It is true that the FX range, especially with the FX3, is very successful with video content creators, but this does not call into question the relevance of the A7S III, which follows a normal life cycle for a product in this range.

As for the future, it’s hard to predict what will come, but for now, the A7S III still has its place on the market. It maintains a good level of sales, while the FX3 is aimed at a more professional and demanding audience.

About Sony making their own version of the extremely popular Canon 100-300mm f/2.8 and Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 lenses:

I think there is a lot of demand, especially from professional and sports photographers, for Sony to develop telephoto zoom lenses. Sony engineers are listening and prioritizing based on feasibility and production.

About Sony making a camera that competes in the same FujiFilm X100VI segment:

I believe many ambassadors and professional photographers have already given this type of feedback to Sony engineers. As for what the future holds, I can’t predict.

About the APS-C segment:

It is a segment that remains relevant. Although the full-frame range is now more developed with more new features, the APS-C range is not left behind. The launch of the A6700, which integrates full-frame technologies, such as the AI ​​chip, new menus and the dual Bionz XR processor, is an example of this.

About future f/1.2 primes and f/2.0 zooms:

I don’t have any information on product releases.

My take on this interviews:

1. First of all, it is clear that Sony has received requests for a fixed lens camera. I hope these requests will convince Sony to revive the RX series!
2. I think it is very likely that Sony is already developing a 100-300mm f/2.8 lens like the competition has.
3. I am a bit surprised to hear him say the A7sIII is following a normal release cycle and that sales are still strong. What do you think…will we get the A7sIV next year?

POLL:

 Loading ...

Sony has announced two new accessories:

• The Dual DP-FZ1000 battery charger
• The DC Coupler

Press text:

New Versions of Camera Remote SDK and Camera Remote Command Increase Number of Compatible Models, Expand Remote Control Options, and Enhance Video Workflows

SAN DIEGO — Oct. 16, 2024 — Sony Electronics Inc. has released new firmware updates for its Camera Remote Toolkit, giving content creators more creative options and remote-control flexibility when working with Sony’s professional handheld, digital cinema, and alpha interchangeable lens camera models. The new updates include:

Camera Remote SDK – Firmware Version 1.13, planned to be available October 2024

Camera Remote Command – Version 2024.1.0, planned to be available October 2024

About Camera Remote Toolkit

Sony’s Camera Remote Toolkit takes complete control over Sony’s range of cameras and lenses in any environment with the Camera Remote SDK and Camera Remote Command.

Users can develop software that allows them to remotely change camera settings and perform live-view monitoring such as shutter release, framing, and focus. It can also be used for cutting-edge content creation, inspections, and surveys in a wide range of fields such as e-commerce, public institutions, medical care, and education.

For more information and to download the Camera Remote Toolkit, please click here. ​