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Pentax K-3 Mark III initial review

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Pentax K-3 Mark III initial review

The Pentax K-3 Mark III is Ricoh’s latest high-end APS-C DSLR. It’s built around a 26MP BSI-CMOS sensor and has been redesigned from the ground up to become, on paper, the most capable, most usable K-mount camera ever made.

Although it shares much of its styling with the K-3 II, launched in 2015, the third iteration has been significantly redesigned and re-thought to offer improvements across the board. From the viewfinder and the sensor right down to the shutter button, it’s essentially an all-new DSLR.

Key specifications

  • 25.7MP BSI-CMOS sensor
  • SAFOX 13 AF module with 101 AF points (25 cross-type)
  • 5-axis in-body stabilization rated to 5.5EV
  • Weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction
  • Viewfinder with 1.05x magnification
  • Revised three-dial control system
  • 8-direction AF joystick and touchscreen for AF positioning
  • UHD 4K movie capture at up to 30p

In addition, the K-3 III has all the usual modes making clever use of the image stabilization system, including Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulation and the multi-shot Pixel Shift Resolution mode that shoots and combines four offset images to cancel out the Bayer pattern and remove the need for sharpness-sapping demosaicing.

The K-3 III will be available from late April in a choice of black or silver with a recommended price of $2000. A weather-sealed D-BG8 battery grip with matched controls will also be available. A kit combining the body and grip (along with a strap and additional battery) is priced at $2300.

What’s new…

Sensor

At the heart of the K-3 III is a new BSI CMOS APS-C sensor. Ricoh describes it as a 25MP chip, but the cameras resolution is actually 25.7MP, raising the possibility that it’s related to the one using in Fujifilm’s X-T4 (albeit with a more conventional color filter array and no pixels masked for phase detection).

Either way, the sensor has no anti-aliasing filter and is capable of 14-bit readout at up to 12 fps. Ricoh says the new sensor has better high ISO noise characteristics than the 24MP chip in the KP and that this combines with improved processing power from its PRIME V processor and ‘Accelerators Unit II’ pre-processor to give better detail retention and noise reduction in low-light conditions. Though this could well mean noise reduction applied in to Raw data, as it did with the K-1 Mark II.

The camera can shoot at up to ISO 1,600,000.

Viewfinder

One of the most significant revisions in the K-3 III is an all-new viewfinder. Building on a Pentax tradition of large, prism-type viewfinders, the K-3 III’s viewfinder is a pentaprism offering an impressive 1.05x magnification

Viewfinder magnification figures are usually calculated with 50mm lenses, regardless of sensor size, so some of that high figure comes from the apparent magnification of the camera’s APS-C sensor. But, even taking this into account, it would be equivalent to a 0.68x magnification finder on full-frame, making it only a fraction smaller than the 0.70x finder in the Pentax K-1 models. That’s small by the standards of many mirrorless cameras, in which viewfinder size isn’t dependent on the viewing angle of the sensor, but is the largest ever fitted to an APS-C DSLR.

More than just the size, the new finder has been designed using a transparent display panel in the viewing path, rather than having the display of a separate panel projected into the finder, as was the case in previous K-3s. Ricoh says this change provides a 10% improvement in brightness over the Mark II. It also allows more flexibility in display customization.

New Autofocus module

Ricoh has developed a completely new AF module for the K-3 III. The Safox 13 has 101 AF points, 25 of which are cross-type. 41 of the AF points can be manually selected and the centermost nine points can focus at down to -4EV when paired with lenses that are F2.8 or brighter.

The optics in front of the lens module expand the coverage of AF points to be 20% wider in the frame than the Safox 11 module in the K-3 II.

On top of this, the camera’s continuous AF system has been completely reworked. The K-3 II uses a 307k-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor that provides the AF system with a higher-resolution view of the subject for subject recognition and tracking. A review of the predictive AF algorithms and the deep-learning-trained ability to recognize faces or subjects such as birds promises improved AF-C performance in a range of situations.

Improved in-body stabilization

In-body stabilization is no longer the rarity it was when Pentax first introduced its Shake Reduction system, and the K-3 III’s system has been re-worked to keep up with the competition.

The five-axis ‘SR II’ IS system is rated at 5.5EV, using CIPA standard testing, which is a 1.0EV improvement over the rated performance of the K-3 II, and 0.5EV more than the K-1 Mark II. A dedicated ‘SR’ button lets you switch the camera between the default Auto mode, off, or ‘Panning’ mode, which lets you adjust the response, if the Auto mode isn’t correctly detecting slow, intentional panning movements.

Shutter mechanism

As with all the other major components of the camera, the K-3 III’s shutter mechanism has been completely reworked. It uses a coreless motor to drive both its shutter and mirror mechanisms, improving response times. The mirror mechanism has been made lighter, to reduce inertia.

The redesign means the mirror settles quicker, giving shorter viewfinder blackout times and giving the AF and metering systems more time to assess the scene between shots. This helps support the camera’s ability to shoot at up to 12 fps (11 fps with continuous autofocus).

The shutter unit is rated to withstand 300,000 releases, and the adoption of a leaf switch mechanism under the shutter button helps give a smoother response as well as increased durability to match.

4K capture

The K-3 III becomes the first K-mount camera to offer 4K video capture. It can shoot UHD 4K at up to 30p and includes touchscreen control to avoid adding noise during recording.

Ricoh says the new IS system is quiet enough to be used during video capture, meaning the K-3 III is able to offer 3-axis (Roll, pitch and yaw) correction using mechanical stabilization, rather than the digital IS used in previous models.

How it compares…

It’s fair to say that the APS-C DSLR market is not what it once was. So we’ve tried to include meaningful reference points, however you choose to look at the K-3 III.

If you’re in the market for an enthusiast-level APS-C camera, Fujifilm’s X-T4 is the one to beat. If you’re not set on an APS-C sensor then you can get the very capable Nikon Z6 II for a similar amount of money. If it has to be a DSLR, then Nikon’s D500 remains an impressive contender, but if you have K-mount lenses you need to use, the K-1 Mark II is also worth a look.

Pentax K-3 III Fujifilm X-T4 Nikon Z6 II Nikon D500 Pentax K-1 II
MSRP (body) $1999 $1699 $1995 $2000 $1999
Sensor res. 26MP 26MP 24MP 21MP 36MP
Sensor size APS-C APS-C Full-frame APS-C Full-frame
In-body image stabilization 5.5 stops 6.5 stops 5.0 stops Lens only 5.0 stops
Autofocus system Secondary PDAF
(101 pts)
On-sensor On-sensor Secondary PDAF
(151 pts)
Secondary
PDAF
(33 pts)
LCD type Fixed Fully articulating Tilting Tilting Flexible-tilt
LCD size/res 3.2″ 1.6M-dot 3.2″ 2.1M-dot 3.2″ 2.1M-dot 3.2″ 2.1M-dot 3.2″ 1.0M dots
Viewfinder res / mag
(equiv.)
Optical, 0.68x (equiv.) 3.69M-dot
0.77x
3.69M-dot
0.8x
Optical, 0.67x (equiv.) Optical
0.70x
Burst speed 11 fps (12 fps with AF locked) 15 fps / 20 fps mech/
e-shutter
14 fps 10 fps 4.4 fps
Storage 1 UHS-II SD;
1 UHS-I SD
2 UHS-II SD 1 UHS-II SD;
1 CFexpress Type B / XQD
1 UHS-II SD;
1 XQD
2 UHS-I SD
Video
(internal)
4K/30p
8-bit
4K/30p (4K/60p w/ 1.18x crop)
10-bit
4K/30p
8-bit
4K/30p
(1.5x crop)
8-bit
Full HD / 30p
8-bit
Mic / headphone socket Yes / Yes Yes / Yes (with included adapter) Yes / Yes Yes / Yes Yes / Yes
Battery life 800 shots 500 shots 410 shots 1240 shots 670 shots
Weight 820g (28.9oz) 607g (21.4oz) 705g (24.9oz) 860g (30.3oz) 1010g (35.6oz)

Making a pick from such a diverse list is, of course, challenging. The K-1 II will offer better image quality if you mount full-frame lenses (and what are likely to be pretty competitive, albeit ~15MP, images when cropped to APS-C), but it uses an older AF system, can’t shoot as fast, is heavier and can’t shoot 4K video. The Nikon will again offer better image quality and has a very capable AF system. The Fujifilm can shoot faster and has a much better video spec, but like the Nikon can’t offer the longer battery life or optical viewfinder of a DSLR.

Essentially, it’s impossible to say whether the K-3 III makes sense for you without knowing why you’re considering it. However, what should be clear is that it’s a well-specced machine even compared with the latest mirrorless rivals, which means it’s a fair step forward from older APS-C Pentaxes.

Body and handling

The K-3 III iterates on the ergonomics of the exiting K-3 models, which we’ve frequently praised. We’re pleased to be able to say that the K-3 III doesn’t diverge too much from this pattern: the magnesium alloy construction maintains the impressively dense and solid feeling that its predecessors conveyed. And, of course, it offers the extensive weather-sealing Pentax cameras have become known for.

The handgrip and dial position will be immediately familiar to Pentax shooters: it’s a camera that feels immediately comfortable in the hand.

Smart function button

The K-3 III iterates on the ‘Function Dial’ concept of the K-1 II. This adds an extra dial to the camera’s top plate, just forward of its rear command dial, which can be used to quickly access camera functions beyond the basic exposure controls of the two main command dials.

Rather than having a forth dial to dictate the action of the Function Dial, the K-3 III has a button that cycles the dial’s function between the options custom assigned to it. You can select up to five options from a list of 22, to give you quick access to settings such as ISO, exposure comp, AA Filter Simulation, white balance or crop mode.

It’s even possible to customize which of the sub-options of particular settings are assigned to the dial, giving quick access only to the functions you want to use.

Instead of a function dial, the K-3 III has a small control to the right of the viewfinder hump for switching between viewfinder photography, live view shooting and video mode.

Joystick

The K-3 III gains an 8-direction joystick, which allows rapid AF point selection by allowing diagonal movement. Pressing the joystick inwards resets the AF point to its central position.

Touchscreen

The K-3 III’s rear panel is a large, 3.2″ 1.62M-dot LCD. It’s a fixed panel, offering no articulation or movement, but it’s touch-sensitive in all the ways that make sense in a DSLR. In live view mode it can be used to position the AF point, position the AF point and focus, or position, acquire focus and fire the shutter. It can do similar things in movie mode and these settings can be defined separately.

The camera’s menus have been redesigned to make them touch operable and you can make all the expected pinch-to-zoom and swipe-to-scroll movements that you might expect in image playback mode.

The K-3 III’s viewfinder has an eye sensor that switching off the screen when you put your eye to the camera. The finder also protrudes further from the back of the camera than on its predecessor, reducing the risk of accidentally touching the rear screen with your nose.

Battery

The K-3 III uses the same D-LI90P battery as the K-1 Mark II. This is rated to deliver 800 shots per charge, per the CIPA standard test methods. As usual, these figures don’t necessarily reflect how many shots you’ll get (it’s not uncommon to achieve double the rated figure, depending on how you shoot), but the ability to shoot without any display panels active gives the DSLR design a major advantage over mirrorless rivals.

The battery can be charged over the camera’s USB-C socket. Sadly the K-3 III doesn’t come with an external charger for its battery, it relies on a supplied USB wall adapter and cable.

Initial impressions

The K-3 III gains an SR button. The exact function of all these buttons can be fine-tuned.

For transparency it should be made clear that, despite press releases, teasers and mockups dating back to at least September 2019, we’ve not had too much time with the K-3 Mark III, hence the lack of image samples.

However, the time we have spent, along with the details Ricoh has released make clear how much effort has gone into this camera. We also know that the Pentax system has a dedicated following who want to know about it, so we’ve tried to provide as much detail as is currently possible

Alongside this announcement, there’ll no doubt be plenty of YouTube videos ridiculing the idea of spending so much time and effort developing an enthusiast DSLR in what could be seen as the post-DSLR era. But that’s not the way I see things. I’m no Shakespearean scholar: I come not to bury the K-3 III, but to praise it. In concept at least.

When we reviewed the Nikon D850, it struck me that it might be the pinnacle of DSLR design. In part because it was so good in so many ways but also because, with the exception of a few models for the pro-sport/photojournalism niche, it seemed unlikely that there’d be many contenders for its crown.

I can’t yet say how well Ricoh has done in this regard, but it’s clear that its engineers have looked at every detail of the K-3 II and asked ‘what could be done to make this better?’

Ricoh has also developed a matching battery grip, the D-BG8. It features the same controls as the camera body. The second battery it adds can also be charged using the camera’s USB port.

There’s an argument that this is proof of Ricoh trying to produce the perfect buggy whip* when most other companies are looking at how to replace the internal combustion engine, but perhaps this only matters if you assume that every camera is trying to be the best camera for everyone. It may make sense for Ricoh to try to be the last company offering an up-to-date DSLR for those photographers who love the optical viewfinder experience.

The K-3 III’s price can also look somewhat anachronistic. The Nikon D500 was launched for $2000 and Canon’s EOS 7D Mark II for $1800, but a long time has passed since those cameras were released. It’s no longer uncommon for full-frame cameras to be released at or below $2000 (including Ricoh’s own very impressive Pentax K-1 models).

But that still assumes that these other cameras would make appropriate substitutes for the K-3 III. If you’ve spent a decent chunk of your life and your income building up a set of good Pentax lenses, that may not be the case. For some people it’ll be better to have an improved DSLR for their K-mount lenses than to have yet another mirrorless option that would still require a whole new set of lenses or risk a sub-optimal experience with adaptors.

Perhaps the only question that matters for the K-3 Mark III is: does it offer enough of an improvement to prompt existing Pentax owners to upgrade? We can’t know for certain until we’ve tested it, but it’s clear that Ricoh has done all it can to make it a ‘yes’, with promised improvements to just about every aspect of the camera. Maybe we’ve not yet seen the last great DSLR, after all.

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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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