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Beginner’s guide to buying a camera for video

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Beginner’s guide to buying a camera for video

With the development of mirrorless camera technology, the distinction between photo-taking devices and video cameras has become further blurred. Today, there are plenty of mirrorless stills/video cameras available that can shoot footage comparable to the standard of professional video tools, but at a fraction of the cost.

In this guide we’ll be explaining the key technologies and features of today’s hybrid stills/video cameras, to help you make the right buying decision. To help you navigate the jargon-heavy world of video, we’ve created a glossary of terms which you’ll find at the end of this article.

Resolution

The most quoted video specification you’ll see for a camera is the output resolution, typically 1080p/Full HD, 4K or even 8K on the latest cameras. Most recent TVs can display 1080p/Full HD, and the ability to show 4K video, which has twice the resolution, is becoming increasingly common. Shooting 4K footage gives some flexibility during the editing process, even if your final output will be 1080, but the files tend to be a lot larger and require more storage and a more powerful machine for editing.

The same is true to an even greater degree with 8K capture: it affords you some creative flexibility (in terms of cropping or stabilizing your footage) if you’re outputting a 4K video, but the storage and processing requirements are even greater. Most people will find good quality 4K more useful than 8K footage, most of the time.

UHD 4K is twice the resolution of 1080/Full HD. UHD 8K is twice the resolution again.

1080/Full HD, 4K, 8K explained:

These are the most common resolutions used in video. Full HD (High Definition), also called ‘1080’ is 1920 x 1080 pixels. 4K can refer to DCI (4096 x 2160 pixels) or the more common UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 8K also has DCI and UHD versions, which double the resolution in each dimension to 8192 x 4320 pixels and 7680 × 4320 pixels respectively.

An important consideration beyond the quoted output resolution is how the footage is captured: the best cameras capture greater-than-4K resolution and downscale to give highly detailed 4K output, but other models have to sub-sample (only capturing some lines of their sensor, or lumping pixels together) which gives a less-detailed result that is more prone to glitches. Finally, some cameras have to crop in and use a small area of their sensor, which lowers quality (especially in low lighting conditions), and means your footage is more ‘zoomed-in’ than in your camera’s photo mode, making it harder to get a wideangle view. This is a detail most manufacturers don’t publish, so you’ll need to learn the lingo and read reviews to be certain.

The final factor to consider is rolling shutter: the wobbly, Jello-like distortion of subjects that move quickly past the camera. This is caused because cameras capture their video one line at a time, scanning down the sensor: on a camera where this is slow, there’s more of a risk of your subject moving and being in a different position by the time the camera is capturing the bottom of each frame. Generally, cameras with smaller sensors are quicker to read-out, so are less prone to this problem.

Frame Rate

Most video is shot at approximately 24 frames per second or 30 frames per second (with 25 fps being the standard for TV broadcast outside North America). But many cameras offer faster frame rates, which can be used in a number of ways. 60p footage can do a better job of representing motion, so can be a good way of capturing bursts of action. The alternative is to capture 60p or faster and then slow it down to 24 or 30p, to give a slow-motion effect. Most cameras can’t offer fast frame rates at their highest resolution, but 1080 capture at 120 fps or faster is not uncommon, which can be great if your project doesn’t have to be 4K.

Recording limits

Another detail to check is whether a camera has any recording restrictions. Some models can only record for 29 minutes and 59 seconds (an old restriction that related to import duty), but most end up being limited simply because high-resolution video capture generates a lot of heat.

The processing needed to capture video generates heat and most stills/video cameras aren’t very effective at dissipating this heat, eventually requiring them to shut down to cool off. Pro video cameras have cooling fans but most stills/video hybrids simply try to transfer this heat to the camera’s body panels, where it can escape into the environment. The best of these designs can continue shooting for extended periods, while other models let you disable their overheat limits (or, at least, make them less stringent). This is rarely a problem if you plan to shoot lots of short clips to edit together but will prevent you leaving the camera running at something like a school recital, especially if you try to shoot in 4K or higher. Fast frame rates can cause similar headaches in terms of heat and storage.

Audio

Once you’ve found a camera that shoots good footage at the resolution you want, a key thing to consider is audio. Most audiences are more forgiving of poor-looking footage than they are of bad-sounding video, and it’s a factor easily overlooked if most of your experience is photographic.

A microphone input socket is a must: the internal microphones in cameras tend to be simple affairs that will pick up ever movement of the operators hands or clothes moving nearby, so you’ll want to be able to attach an external microphone. The next most valuable feature is a headphone socket so that you can check the volume level and monitor for distracting background sounds: the human brain is great at filtering-out the sound of a car passing or an airplane flying overhead but you won’t be able to remove it from your audio recording, when you watch the footage back.

More video-focused models let you attach audio modules for attaching and controlling high-end microphones with XLR connectors.

Autofocus

One of the biggest distinctions in modern cameras is how reliably their autofocus works when capturing video. Unlike stills shooting, video captures all of the camera’s attempts to focus, as well as the moments it’s in focus, so you’ll need a camera that’s decisive and dependable if you’re hoping to trust it to autofocus while you’re recording.

The best performers are able to reliably track subjects (especially human subjects), and let you decide whether they should re-focus rapidly (to keep a moving subject in focus), or slowly and smoothly, for when you want to draw attention from one subject to another. Autofocus depends on both the camera and the design of the lens you use, so it’s worth doing a degree of research (and, perhaps, testing), before you decide to rely heavily on autofocus.

That little AF/MF switch in the center of the image represents the classic dilemma of video: put faith in autofocus or take control yourself. The most modern cameras make autofocus much more dependable.

Focus peaking and Zebras

The alternative to autofocus is, as you might expect, to focus manually. This is the way a lot of professional video is still shot. Most modern cameras let you use autofocus to set your initial focus position, before you start recording, then provide a ‘focus peaking’ function that highlights the edges of the in-focus points in your scene. When used with an appropriate lens (ideally one with linear focus response, where the focus always changes by the same amount as you turn the focus ring) and a bit of practice, manual focus is pretty workable, but a lot of subjects can be arranged so that you don’t need to re-focus very often.

Focus peaking is added a red highlight to the highest-contrast (sharpest focused) parts of this image, making it easy to see what you’re doing if you manual focus a shot.

As well as focus peaking, most cameras let you ‘punch-in’ to the video: giving a magnified view of part of the scene to check critical focus. Whereas nearly all cameras will punch-in before you start recording, only some will let you zoom-in to double-check your focus while you’re recording, which is a useful option to have.

The other useful video tool worth checking for, when researching a video camera is the option of overlay a Zebra pattern onto the screen, indicating a specified brightness. It’s a useful tool for judging exposure, and can be adjusted to check for over-exposed regions or to check you’re exposing skin-tones correctly (getting exposure correct in video is much more critical than in stills, where you can shoot Raw to preserve some latitude for adjustment).

Settings carry-over

One detail that won’t be mentioned on a camera makers’ website is whether exposure and other settings are carried over from stills to video shooting. The ideal photo settings are often drastically different from the ideal video settings, so we prefer when exposure, white balance and focus modes are kept separate.

Even with separate (or separable) settings for stills and video, it’s not uncommon to have to add darkening (neutral density) filters to your lens when jumping from stills to video capture, but not having to constantly adjust your settings can help make switching back and forth a lot simpler.

High Dynamic Range capture

Unhelpfully, the term ‘High Dynamic Range’ is used to refer to two things: modes that try to squeeze a wide range of bright and dark tones into standard footage, and modes that capture a wide range of bright and dark tones for playback on HDR TVs that can properly display them as bright and dark.

HDR TVs can properly display a wider range of bright and dark tones, and can arguably have more of an impact on the viewer than the jump from Full HD to 4K

This second approach can arguably have more of an impact on the viewer than the jump from Full HD resolution to 4K. The most common system for doing this is Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), a system developed for broadcast TV, designed to show wider dynamic range on the latest TVs but still look good on older sets. The other option is called ‘PQ,’ which is a more sophisticated system, but doesn’t necessarily offer a dramatic difference to HLG. Both systems are supported by YouTube, which will also generate a standard DR (SDR) version for viewers without HDR TVs.

Most HDR standards require 10-bit capture (which has sufficient space to encode the additional color and tonal range that HDR footage needs).

Log capture

Log footage (left) looks very flat and washed-out, but retains a lot of information about the scene being shot, allowing more flexibility to achieve a specific ‘look’ and retaining a wider range of bright and dark tones.

The other type of video that benefits from 10-bit capture is Log recording: a way of capturing and retaining more information about the original scene, to provide greater flexibility when you come to edit the footage.

Log footage tends to look very low contrast and desaturated, to prevent color or tonal data clipping and becoming harder to edit. The downsides are that Log capture usually encourages lower exposure levels, which capture more highlight information but risk other parts of your footage looking noisier. The other disadvantage is that you’ll definitely need to edit and color-grade your footage. This can be as simple as applying a color preset (called a LUT), but it’s an extra step you’ll have to go through.

On the subject of LUTs, most cameras that shoot Log let you apply some kind of correction to their screen or viewfinder to let you preview what the processed footage might look like. so you’re not looking at grey, washed-out footage.

Raw output

Raw video output is becoming increasingly common, but often requires an external recording device and some more work when editing the footage.

Some cameras can capture or output Raw footage, often requiring an external recorder to encode the results into a quasi-standard format. In principle this gives a level of control over the brightness and white balance of the footage, beyond what’s possible with well-shot Log footage. However, because the Raw output doesn’t have the camera’s processing, sharpening and noise reduction applied, it requires more work to make it look good. And, at present, most editing software has been designed to work with regular compressed footage or Log-encoded video, so the workflow isn’t as smooth as it could be.

Getting the most out of your video camera

Whatever camera you choose, the ability to shoot and edit high resolution video can be an exciting creative adventure. There’s a lot to learn, even if you’re familiar with photography, but the satisfaction of capturing and creating video footage can be immense. There are extensive resources on the internet to help you as you learn, and with the latest models, it won’t be your equipment holding you back.

Glossary

Sensor sampling – The method used to derive video resolution (eg 4K) from a sensor that may well have more capture pixels than needed. The most common methods are: native (1:1) sampling, line skipping, pixel binning and oversampling.

Native (1:1) sampling – Utilizes the same number of capture pixels as the output video resolution. This often means cropping-in to use a central portion of the sensor. Gives detailed video but the crop results in a narrower field of view, making it hard to achieve wide-angle shooting, and impacts image quality (especially in low light).

Line skipping – Only uses information from select horizontal rows of pixels, skipping the ones in-between. Gives fast readout but increases risk of moire, lowers image quality as the whole sensor isn’t being used. Common on high-res sensors.

Pixel binning – Combines information from neighboring pixels, to create larger effective pixels. Boosts readout speed and can give detail levels comparable to native sampling, but using more of the sensor so less noisy.

Oversampling – Captures more pixels than are needed, processes them and then downsizes the footage. Gives more detail than native sampling can with good noise performance and reduced risk of moire. Challenging for the camera in terms of speed and temperature build-up.

Bitrate – The typical amount of data generated by each second of footage. Bigger numbers aren’t automatically better: as different codecs can vary in terms the algorithm they use and how much information is retained about each frame. But generally higher bitrates are better at conveying subtle motion and detail.

Bit depth – The number of data values used to describe each pixel. Most cameras (and displays) are 8-bit, but 10-bit capture preserves more information about the original scene, so is preferable for HDR TV footage with a wide range of tones, and for Log capture, where you’re likely to make large adjustments

Codec – Shorthand for ‘coder-decoder’, this indicates the method a camera uses to compress video for storage. The most common codecs are H.264 and the newer H.265 (sometimes called HEVC). H.265 is about twice as efficient, meaning that it can record the same quality as H.264 at half the bit rate or higher quality at the same bitrate. H.265 is usually more challenging for computers to edit, though.

Frame rate (eg 23.97p) – The number of frames of video that will be played each second. Cinema tends to use 24p, TV usually uses 30p (in North America, often 25p elsewhere) and 60p can be used for sports and fast motion. Most phones and monitors will happily show any of these, so it becomes a creative choice that helps define the ‘look’ of your footage.

LUT – Short for Look-up-table, a LUT is a series of values used to take footage shot with one color and contrast ‘look’ and translate it to a give a different ‘look.’ Most commonly used to make flat, low-contrast Log footage look more like regular footage.

Moiré – More correctly called aliasing in most instances, it’s a visual error in video footage caused by trying to capture finer detail than the sensor can correctly capture. Moiré is usually seen as bands of false color or ‘dancing’ patterns in fine textural detail.

Resolution – 1080/Full HD, 4K and 8K are the most common resolutions used in video. Full HD is also called 1080, and is 1920 x 1080 pixels. 4K can refer to DCI (4096 x 2160 pixels) or the more common UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 8K also has DCI and UHD versions, which double the resolution in each dimension. DCI footage is in the wider 1:1.79 aspect ratio, whereas UHD is the same 16:9 shape as most TVs.

Rolling shutter / Jello effect – A type of motion distortion caused when your subject moves while each video frame is still being captured, causing warped vertical lines and a disconcerting ‘wobble’ to the footage. It’s less noticeable on cameras with fast sensor readout.

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Ulanzi’s 52mm MagFilter Magnetic Filters offers interchangeable filters for smartphones

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Ulanzi’s 52mm MagFilter Magnetic Filters offers interchangeable filters for smartphones


Image: Ulanzi

Lens filters for smartphones are not a new concept. Designed to give photographers more creative and technical control over their images, there are several types on the market today that can control how much light comes into the camera, reduce reflections and flare or add more vibrancy to your images with different color tones.

Up until a few years ago, photographers wanting to add a physical filter to a smartphone would need to attach a clamped filter that sits at the top of the phone’s camera lenses or use a third-party smartphone lens with filters.

Although useful, clamps tend to be bulky and aren’t always the easiest to align with your camera. Third party lenses offer more accuracy, but good-quality options can cost in excess of $100, without the inclusion of filters.

Ulanzi aims to be different by offering a lightweight foldable adapter ring that snaps on to the center of your MagSafe compatible device or case, which the manufacture says leads to a quicker workflow and more accurate alignment of the filter to the camera lens on the back of the phone. On an iPhone 14 or 15 it works by magnetically attaching to the rear using Apple’s MagSafe attachment system.

For users without an iPhone, there are workarounds through the use of third-party smartphone cases with magnetic ring plates that emulating MagSafe. WIth such a case, you can attach Ulanzi’s adapter to the ring plate and use the filters as normal.

As we reported last week, the concept isn’t new. Tiffen recently released a similar product with its MagSafe 58mm Filter Mount. Both products approach a solution to adding filters in a similar manner but differ in design. The Ulanzi opts for compactness with a foldable design.

The Tiffen comes with one polarizing filter (you can buy other filters separately) at around $40. In contrast, the Ulanzi’s version comes as a kit for $219 with an ND filter, a polarizing filter, one soft focus filter and a selection of color effect filters. There’s a storage case as well. Having multiple filters packed in may be enticing to users seeking to experiment with different filters and want the simplicity of having them all packaged together.


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Tamron announces 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z mount

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Tamron announces 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z mount


Image: Tamron

Tamron has announced it will release its popular 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 fast standard zoom for Nikon’s Z-mount.

Nikon already sells a 28-75mm F2.8 with an optical formula and calculated MTF charts that are a match for Tamron’s original, stepper-motor driven 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD. The newer, linear-motor-driven G2 model features improved optical performance.


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The G2 uses a more complex 17 element / 15 group design and has a fractionally shorter minimum focus distance (18cm/7.1″ vs 19cm/7.5″) to deliver very slightly increased maximum magnification. The G2 is also a fraction lighter than the Nikon-branded 28-75mm, weighing 550g (19.4oz), rather than 565g (19.9oz). On the E-mount versions, Tamron claimed the VXD linear motor design was twice as fast as the RXD version.

The focal length range makes the 28-75mm a wide to short-telephoto lens for Nikon’s full-frame Z-mount cameras but could, in principle, be used as a 42-113mm equivalent on DX APS-C bodies, if you wished.

Click here to see the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 gallery shot on Sony E-mount

The announcement adds a more affordable option for Nikon’s Z-mount users, but the hope has to be that, letting Tamron compete against its own-brand lenses, might also indicate some relaxation of Nikon’s restrictions around the mount. As the footnotes make clear, this lens is “developed, manufactured and sold under the license agreement with Nikon Corporation.”

The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD will be available from April 18th at an MSRP of $999. This is $100 more than the E-mount version and a match for the current price of the Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8. It’s $200 below Nikon’s launch price for the Nikkor version.

TAMRON announces the launch of fast-aperture standard zoom lens for “Nikon Z mount system”

28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) for Nikon Z mount

March 27, 2024, 11pm ET / 8PM PT, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch of the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063), a fast-aperture standard zoom lens, for Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras1. The lens will be available April 18, 2024, at $999 USD / $1399 CAD.

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is compact and easy to use yet has excellent optical performance and is compatible with the latest digital cameras with increasingly high pixel resolution. The AF drive uses a linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) that is fast, highly accurate and quiet. The lens also excels at close-up shooting, achieving an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 7.1” (0.18m) at the wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7. Additionally, the lens design takes operability into consideration by including a coating with excellent scratch resistance on the barrel of the lens and a rubber focusing ring for a comfortable, secure grip among other features.

TAMRON pioneered the category of compact fast-aperture standard zoom lenses for mirrorless models. Now the 28-75mm F2.8 G2 will be available for Nikon Z mount as the ideal everyday lens for Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera users.

Product highlights

1. Best image quality in the standard zoom lens class

The new zoom leverages the latest design expertise and comprises an optical construction with 17 elements in 15 groups. Two optimally arranged LD (Low Dispersion) and GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements control optical aberrations to the highest degree. The lens provides high-resolution performance from edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner over the entire zoom range, even at wide open aperture. In addition, the soft, beautiful, round bokeh that can be achieved with a fast-aperture lens adds a distinctive dimension, especially to portraits. The overall compact size and high performance can be used advantageously with top-class, ultra-high-resolution mirrorless cameras.

2. Fast, quiet VXD linear motor for high-speed and high precision autofocus

The AF drive system employs TAMRON’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism. The high-speed, high-precision AF is exceedingly responsive and provides dependable and accurate focusing performance from MOD to infinity, despite the fast F2.8 aperture. The lens delivers excellent focus tracking of moving objects, so you are always ready for fast action. Additionally, the focus motor is quiet, so it’s ideal for shooting both still images and video in situations that demand low noise.

3. Lightweight and compact

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is a fast-aperture standard zoom lens with a remarkably compact and lightweight design, just 4.7” (119.8mm) long. The maximum diameter is 75.8mm and it weighs only 19.4 oz. (550g). Filter size is 67mm. With a size that’s easy to carry and a light weight that’s well-suited for handheld shooting for extended periods, the 28-75mm F2.8 G2 will surely become your favorite zoom for travel, street shooting, everyday carry, and spontaneous photo opportunities.

4. MOD of 7.1” (0.18m) at the wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7 for creative close-ups

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 features an MOD of 7.1” (0.18m) at the wide end. The working distance shrinks to around 1.7” (4.4cm) when used at MOD. Because the maximum magnification ratio is 1:2.7, you can get close to your subject for wide macro photography, enabling powerful visual impact with the subject positioned large in the frame while keeping a wide view of the background.

5. TAMRON Lens Utility™ expands the possibilities of still photography and video shooting

The 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is compatible with the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility software developed in-house by TAMRON that empowers users to easily update the lens to the latest firmware without going through the camera2 and includes functions to support focusing operations and other actions when shooting still images or video. By utilizing a wide range of functions3, users can expand the breadth of expression in still images and video. For example, A-B Focus allows users to limit focusing to two pre-selected focus points, shifting focus from one subject to the other with just a click of the Focus Set Button. Users can also choose between Linear and Non-Linear, which affects how the focus shifts during manual focusing.

6. Enhanced overall lens design for user-friendly operation

Every individual part of the lens has been carefully scrutinized, right down to the fine details, resulting in an enhanced design that optimizes both operability and ergonomics. The surface of the lens exterior is glossy black. Improved abrasion resistance makes the lens barrel harder to scratch and resists fingerprints. Additionally, the grip performance has been improved. The smoothly curved, elegant surface of the brand ring creates a dignified appearance with a design that signifies functional beauty and high quality.

7. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection

1. The lens for Sony E-mount previously launched on October 28, 2021.

2. To connect your PC and lens, use the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-A to Type-C/ Model CC-150, or USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) sold separately. To connect your smartphone and lens, use the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) sold separately. Lens firmware updates are not supported with the Mobile version. Performing firmware updates requires the TAMRON Lens Utility for PC and a computer.

3. The ring function (Focus/Aperture) is not supported for Nikon Z mount.

Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 specifications

(Length and weight refer to E-mount version)



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Sony announces major firmware upgrades for a1, a9 III, a7S III and a7 IV

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Sony announces major firmware upgrades for a1, a9 III, a7S III and a7 IV


Photo: Dan Bracaglia

Sony has announced major firmware updates for four of its current full-frame range, bringing many features and behaviors up to its latest standards and adding C2PA authenticity verification capabilities.

Sony a1 f/w v2.00

Firmware v2.00 for the Sony a1 is perhaps the most extensive, adding features that have appeared in other models in the three-and-a-bit years since it was launched, such as the lens breathing compensation function. It also adds a handful of new features and modifications of behavior, including an option to ensure the EVF remains on, regardless of the LCD position, and relay playback of images across multiple media. Among the extensive list of additions an updates are features such as Timecode Sync, previously only available in Sony’s Cinema Line cameras.

A series of FTP options, including SFTP support are also added.

The firmware doesn’t activate the C2PA function – which not only authenticates the camera and date/time but also that the photo is of a 3D subject, not a photo of a photo – but instead adds the capability to the camera. Once installed, users need to activate a separate license via the Creators’ App to use the function.

Sony a7S III f/w v3.00

Firmware v3.00 brings many of the updates seen in the a1, including Timecode Sync, breathing compensation and relay playback. It also adds the ability to close the mechanical shutter when the camera is turned off, to mitigate dust ingress, and the ability to transfer Raw files to smartphones.

In addition to the C2PA capability, firmware v3.00 includes the ability to add DCI 4K 24p shooting. Again a license needs to be downloaded to a camera running the new firmware to actually activate the function.

Sony a7 IV f/w v3.00

As one of the most recently updated cameras on this list, the a7 IV gains fewer features than the other cameras here. But in addition to C2PA capability, it adds network streaming, direct cloud upload support and an expansion of the features accessible via software development kit (SDK).

Sony a9 III f/w v2.00 [Expected April 9th]

As the newest of the cameras here, the a9 III receives fewer additions and updates than the a1 and a7S III, as in many instances they are gaining the features that the latest a9 introduced. However, in addition to details such as outputting lens names in video file metadata, the a9 III gains the promised ability to use the camera’s full shutter speed range when continuous shooting. But beyond this, the a9 III gains a small array of feature expansions and refinements being added across the four cameras, including the ability to extract stills from video capture, to take advantage of its lack of rolling shutter.

{PressRelease}

Sony Electronics Delivers Firmware Updates including C2PA Compliancy as a Next Step to Ensure Authenticity of Images

SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2024 – Today, Sony Electronics delivers the highly anticipated firmware updates for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00). The update contains some of Sony’s most impactful technology, including Camera Authenticity Solution, the proprietary in-camera digital signature and C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format support1. Together, these tools will make it possible for news agencies to ensure the authenticity of images, contributing to industry efforts to protect creators, and society from fake imagery.

Additionally, the firmware updates include many requested features to improve everyday use. The update evolves shooting functions and post-shooting workflow and brings advanced movie features like breathing compensation. It also includes new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.

“There is nothing more core to our mission than listening to the voices of the photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras. We know this community has been asking for these updates, and we’re happy to deliver. Each of these updates are designed to promote ease of use for our creators and allow them to maximize the strengths of their cameras,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’re especially pleased to deliver C2PA compliancy with this update. This compliancy paired with our unique digital signature technology, allows us to offer the most secure and comprehensive solution to protect professional photographers, news agencies, and society from manipulated imagery.”

Camera Authenticity Solution

Last year, Sony announced its commitment to developing technology in its cameras to aid in the fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. The severity of this issue is only increasing and it’s a complex problem that requires the focus and attention of our entire industry.

One critical part of the solution is making more Sony cameras C2PA compliant. C2PA is a Joint Development Foundation project, where Sony is a steering committee member. C2PA aims to develop an end-to-end open technical standard to provide publishers, creators and consumers with opt-in, flexible ways to understand the authenticity, and provenance of different types of media. The C2PA is a standards-setting body that will develop technical specifications on content provenance and authentication by certifying the source and history of media content. With this firmware update, the authenticity information embedded on images from Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV can be maintained from capture through publication. This provides professional photographers with the ability to preserve their digital signature from the camera, while tracking the editing history throughout revisions.

Another critical component of the solution is Sony’s in-camera digital signature technology2 that signs images in real-time. This new feature certifies the authenticity of an image at the point of capture and creates a ‘digital birth certificate’ that is retained throughout revisions. The signature contains metadata including 3D-depth information captured through the proprietary technology in the image sensor developed by Sony. This depth information can show if the image captured was of an actual 3D object, vs a photograph of an image or video, providing an extra level of protection and even more assurance of the content’s authenticity, and making Sony’s solution especially unique for photojournalists and news agencies.

Sony’s solution also helps protect the authenticity of content by including an Image Validation Site, which verifies the image even after edits have been made by C2PA-compliant editing software. This service confirms the authenticity of the photo was taken by a specific camera and that the object of the photo is 3D. This service will initially be offered to select news media agencies, expanding to other agencies at a later date.

Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution overview diagram
Example image of 3D Image verification

Shooting and Playback Updates

The firmware updates include over 10 new features, as well as improvements to existing features, designed to improve the user’s overall shooting experience. These improved capabilities showcase Sony’s commitment to continuing to evolve the functionality of Sony’s existing camera models. A few highlights of the firmware update functions include:

  • Relay Playback: Enables seamless sequential playback from one memory card slot to another on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Playback Filter Condition: Lets users categorize image playback based on select criteria including date, folder, file format, and more on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III
  • Breathing Compensation: The highly requested Breathing Compensation function3 is now available on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Upgrade DCI 4K / 24.00p Upgrade License on Alpha 7S III: via a free downloadable license through Creators’ Cloud4.
  • Sync Release function: Enables simultaneous shutter release with two or more multiple cameras connected to the main camera5 on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
  • Focus frame display: Focus frame will be displayed on the Remote Camera Tool screeniii on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
  • Enhanced image stabilization: The camera body and lens effectively work together to correct larger blurs6 on the Alpha 1.
  • Increased upper limit of recordable images in a folder from 4,000 to 9,999 on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, A7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Matching the time code with other devices is now possible with a dedicated adapter cable (sold separately)7 on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Up to 20 IPTC presets can be on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Custom Grid Line is available as a paid license basis for some models8.

File Transfer and Network Connectivity

Additional updates aimed to optimize the post-production workflow efficiency include improvements to International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) preset and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfer operability. To streamline processes for users, expanded cloud upload and application services will be available. Key updates include:

  • Cloud upload (camera direct) function allows users to upload images directly to the Sony’s Creators’ Cloud9. Key additional features include simplified camera software updates, direct camera registration to the Creators’ Cloud, and a flexible system for uploading, storing, and sharing content. Additionally, the capability to manage video and LUT files via mobile apps, along with the transfer of RAW files to smartphones, optimizes the creative process in fast-paced environments.
  • FTP Transfer Improvements: A “Protected Images Only” option for the Auto FTP Transfer and a “Protect Image in FTP Transfer” option for the FTP transfer function have been added. Available on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Support for USB streaming10 on the Alpha 1.
  • Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) has been added to secure protocol on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III and WPA3-SAE is now supported for wireless LAN on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Network streaming enables direct live streaming from the Alpha 7 IV to a streaming sitevii.
  • Expansion of app support with Creators’ App and Monitor & Control app now supported with the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.

Many of these updates are applicable to multiple cameras, however for a list of each body’s specific update please check the Sony website.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with Sony’s imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony α – Alpha brand.

1. This feature is available to some news organizations at the press release timing.
2. Both Sony’s in-camera digital signature technology and C2PA compliancy are currently available through a separate upgrade license.
3. For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page (https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/)
4. For regional app/service availability, check here. To use this service, it is necessary to download and install the upgrade license.
5. Remote Camera Tool Version 4.1.0 is required to activate the function.
6. For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page (https://www.sony.net/dics/func1002/)
7. A dedicated adapter cable, which is sold separately, is required to connect to the timecode source equipment.
8. Availability varies depending on country and region. Available through the Upgrade and License Management Suite at https://ulms.sony.net.
9. For regional app/service availability, check here. Creators’ App Ver.2.3.1 or later is necessary. Settings must be made in the Creators’ App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators’ App support website (https://www.sony.net/ca/help/opr/)

10. When connecting to a device with a USB Type-C port, please use a commercially available USB cable or a conversion adapter.

{/PressRelease}



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