New firmware update for the Sony A9II and Sony A7III

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Sony issued new firmware updates for the Sony A9II (download it here) and Sony A7III (download it here).

A7III Benefits and Improvements

IMPORTANT: When you update to this version, FTP transfer setting will be initialized. Please reconfigure after the update.

  • Adds new features of FTP transfer
    • Allows you to transfer still images during shoot and playback operations.
    • Adds the following FTP transfer functions:
      • Allows you to narrow down the transfer target, such as protected images or non-transferred images, and transfer the images together as a batch.
      • Allows you to transfer only the image being played back by pressing the custom key.
      • Allows you to transfer all images automatically while shooting.
      • Allows you to select the setting to transfer both RAW file and JPEG taken in RAW+JPEG format to an FTP server.
    • Update the destination folder configuration.
      • Allows you to register up to nine FTP servers. (Previous was up to 3)
      • Allows you to change the destination folder configuration on the FTP server:
        • Save image data directly under the folder that you choose.
        • Register the media card slot number in the folder configuration.
        • Register the folder configuration same as your camera.
      • Improved operability of FTP transfer function.
        • Allows you to set items under Server Setting by using the smartphone application Transfer & Tagging add-on.
  • Improves the overall stability of the camera.

 

A9 II Benefits and Improvements

IMPORTANT: When you update to this version, the camera settings will be reinitialized. Because of this, we recommend that you save the current settings before updating. You can use the Save/Load Settings function to save the current settings to a memory card and write them back after the update.

NOTE: For details on how to save the settings and the items that can be saved, refer to Save/Load Settings in the Help Guide.

  • Adds the Crop function to allow you to crop a recorded still image
  • Adds the Forced File No. Reset option in the File/Folder Settings (still image) menu to allow you to reset the still image file number and create a new folder
  • Other improvements
    • It is improved the phenomenon that some functions are not registered correctly in the Function menu
    • Improves the overall stability of the camera
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Dpreview analysis: New Sony a1 sensor offers class-leading dynamic range, along with high-speed and high-resolution

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Preorders:
Sony A1 at BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon. Focuscamera.
Sony XPeria 5G PRO at BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon.
Sony A1 in Europe at FotoErhardt DE. Calumet DE. Fotokoch DE. Park UK. WexUK.
Join the Sony A1 Facebook group here.

Rishi Sanyal from Dpreview tested the Sony A1 sensor and writes:

The sensor in the Sony a1 displays a marked improvement over the first-generation full-frame stacked CMOS seen in the a9 and a9 II, with increases in resolution, readout speed and dynamic range. Up until now it had seemed as though fast sensor readout and high dynamic range were mutually exclusive. The a1 has the fastest sensor scan rate of any camera we’ve measured, to our knowledge only roughly 1ms or ~25% slower than a traditional mechanical shutter.
And yet despite the speedy readout and shooting rates, the a1’s base ISO dynamic range is class-leading compared its sport-oriented peers, and lies within our measurement error of its class-leading high-resolution full-frame peers. Meanwhile, high ISO dynamic range remains competitive, surpassing that of many of its high-resolution peers and falling only slightly behind lower resolution cameras that have less cumulative read noise due to fewer pixels.
That means you won’t have to worry about trading off any image quality for the capabilities the a1 bring that hinge upon its fast readout. High contrast scenes such as the one above, and more challenging ones, can be handled with ease if you expose to retain highlights and tone-map underexposed tones to be visible in post-processing. And the dual gain design of the sensor ensures low noise levels as light levels drop. The Alpha 1 should offer a great deal of flexibility regardless of your shooting scenario.

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Sony Electronics Announces the ECM-W2BT Wireless Microphone and the ECM-LV1 Compact Stereo Lavalier Microphone

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Like I told you weeks ago today Sony did indeed announced the new ECM-W2BT Wireless Microphone (here on BHphoto) and the ECM-LV1 Compact Stereo Lavalier Microphone (here on BHphoto). This means my next rumors will be correct too! On March 16 we will get the new 50mm f/1.2 GM and on March 23 other new FE lenses!

Press text:

Sony Electronics Announces the ECM-W2BT Wireless Microphone and the ECM-LV1 Compact Stereo Lavalier Microphone

Provides High-quality and Stable Audio Recording for Vloggers, YouTubers and Video Creators

SAN DIEGO, CA – March 9, 2021 – Sony Electronics Inc. today announced two new microphones with the launch of the ECM-W2BT Multi-nterface shoe compatible wireless microphone and ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone. Wireless high-quality audio recording with lower noise and stable connection is possible with the ECM-W2BT wireless microphone, especially when paired with the ECM-LV1 stereo lavalier microphone and one of Sony’s cameras[i] with digital compatibility. This combination offers the perfect solution to meet the needs of today’s vloggers, YouTubers and video creators who want to capture clear, reliable audio for a wide range of environments including street performance, product reviews, food reviews travel vlogs and more.The ECM-W2BT wireless microphone enables low-noise digital sound recording by connecting the receiver to a camerai equipped with a digital audio interface compatible Multi Interface Shoe. The digital audio signal output from the receiver can be recorded directly on the camera body without wiring an external audio cable. Additionally, the ECM-W2BT has been completely redesigned for high sound quality using an advanced omni-directional mic capsule to capture clear sound recording from any direction. The ECM-W2BT also allows audio recording flexibility by increasing the stability of the wireless connection between microphone and receiver, even with obstacles or in crowded environments with additional wireless activity. In locations with good visibility, communication is possible at up to 200m, significantly increasing the flexibility of audio recording. And the newly adopted Qualcomm® aptX™ Low Latency[ii] codec provides both high-quality audio recording and low latency.The ECM-W2BT wireless microphone also offers ultimate creative freedom thanks to its sound acquisition functions. Three sound pick up modes – MIC mode, MIX mode and a new RCVR mode – allows the user to record sound and ambient sound based on their desired preference. MIC mode will only pick up audio from the microphone transmitter so only the subject audio is captured. RCVR mode only picks up sound from the internal microphone at the receiver, so the user can record audio of themselves. MIX mode picks up both transmitter and receiver audio which is useful when audio from both the subject and the user is desired. The ECM-W2BT mic supports stereo audio input and an external 3.5mm stereo mini-jack to allow for stereo sound pickup, so it can be used in combination with the stereo-capable lavalier microphone such as the ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone, as an unobtrusive microphone that can easily attach to the subject’s clothing and record sound with increased realism. Since the receiver is equipped with 3.5mm audio output, the ECM-W2BT can be used without Multi Interface shoe model cameras.For challenging recording environments, the ECM-W2BT wireless microphone includes an attenuator function. The user can select one of three attenuator levels depending on the sound source volume to record excessively loud sounds at a lower volume or amplify quieter sounds to record louder audio. The ECM-W2BT also includes a windscreen to reduce wind noise, which is especially helpful when recording outdoors. When longer operation is needed, the battery assist function via the power supply from the camera’s Multi Interface shoe enables the user to operate the receiver for up to 9 hours[iii]. For easy reference, the ECM-W2BT includes a LINK lamp to notify the user of the status of the communication between the microphone and the receiver and a POWER lamp to easily check the remaining battery charge. Besides, a connector protect holder for multi-interface foot cover is provided, which can be used to carry the receiver and microphone as one unit or can also be used as a microphone stand, for stable microphone positioning during interviews or other stationary uses.The ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone also allows for high-quality sound pickup paired with a compact design for easy carrying and convenience while shooting. The ECM-LV1 includes a windscreen for additional noise reduction, and the 360-degree rotatable clip allows, for example, horizontal attachment to a necktie, or vertical attachment to a pocket, with the microphone attached at the same angle. The power of this mic is supplied from the mic connector.

The ECM-W2BT wireless microphone will be available in April 2021 for approximately $230.00 USD and $300.00 CAD. The ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone will also be available in April 2021 for approximately $30.00 USD and $40.00 CAD. These microphones will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

For detailed product information, please visit:

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Sony A1 now shipping out in the USA!

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Preorders:
Sony A1 at BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon. Focuscamera.
Sony XPeria 5G PRO at BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon.
Sony A1 in Europe at FotoErhardt DE. Calumet DE. Fotokoch DE. Park UK. WexUK.
Join the Sony A1 Facebook group here.

Today the Sony A1 preorders started to ship out in the USA. And Dpreview published the initial review with the following key takeaways:

  • JPEGs retain very high levels of detail at both low and high ISOs
  • Noise reduction strikes a slightly different balance compared to the a7R IV, opting to reduce more luminance noise at the slight cost of fine detail as light levels drop
  • Colors are improved: richer yellows, less magenta-tainted blues, warmer greens
  • Class-leading Raw dynamic range compared to professional action / sports cameras
  • Almost class-leading dynamic range compared to high-resolution full-frame peers
  • ISO invariant over two ranges: 100-400, 500-102,400

Sony also presented the new A1 sensor at the ISSCC 2021 (More info ay Image Sensor World).

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