Camera
What Sony's gridline update tells us about the future of cameras
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Sony’s gridline update adds up to four customizable grids to which users can color code and apply transparency masks.
Photo: Sony |
Earlier this week, Sony announced a $150 update to bring custom gridlines to its Alpha line of cameras starting March 2024. The a7 IV will be the first camera to have access to the update, with others likely to follow soon after.
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You may have noticed the news that users will soon be able to create and import up to four customized original gridlines, which may help portrait, commercial and business clients produce large batches of consistent images. For example, Sony cited the need for school portraits that require the same head position across hundreds of photos.
But there’s one thing the initial news missed.
Gridlines aren’t the story here. Even the snark of poking fun at this being a ‘boring’ update isn’t the story here. The real story is what this means for the future of camera firmware and feature updates.
Years from now, will we look back at this as the camera industry’s BMW heated seats moment? The beginning of a new era of microtransactions and subscription fees to unlock an a la carte selection of features on our cameras. If you want to unlock 100fps burst mode, will you need to pay to unlock it the same way Mercedes requires $1200 to unlock higher output from its EV engines?
This isn’t a first for Sony. It had a similar model to charge users for camera features such as time-lapse and multiple exposures through its PlayMemories camera apps. Sony stopped shipping cameras with PlayMemories support in 2016, and earlier this year, it formally announced the app store would be closing down.
With the gridlines announcement, the concept of charging users for individual feature updates is back.
In the realm of video, we’ve seen manufacturers position pay-to-play video-centric add-ons as a way to avoid making still photographers pay for features they don’t need. Panasonic charged GH4 users for V-Log, Canon charged 5D IV users for C-Log and EOS R owners for stop-motion. But it’s not a standard practice for still photo camera updates.
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In 2015, Panasonic became one of the first manufacturers to introduce paid video feature updates, when GH4 users were offered V-Log for $100.
Photo: DPReview |
Similar to the video argument, Sony has suggested that custom gridlines aren’t a feature most users will need. In essence, it says custom gridlines are aimed at a very specific use case – business and commercial clients – so it’s not depriving the average user by charging for the feature.
Whether you accept the rationale or not, it does present a potential slippery slope and opens the door to asking users to pay to add features to their cameras. Further, in our commercial shift toward subscription models for everything from software to entertainment, does paying for upgrades also open the door to subscription models? And, if upgrades are tied to a purchaser, what happens if we want to sell or pass our camera on to a friend? Will the paid-for features be allowed to transfer to a new owner?
Perhaps this $150 feature update isn’t a thing to roll our eyes at. Perhaps it’s our wake-up call as camera lovers and consumers. Following BMW’s announcement that it would charge $18 every month to unlock heated seats, consumers spoke up, and BMW backed off this idea, so use your voice.
We contacted Sony for comment but did not hear back in time for this report.
Sony Press Release
Sony Electronics Announces Custom Gridline License Available for Alpha Camera
BodiesVarious camera bodies starting with the Alpha 7 IV, etc.
SAN DIEGO – Nov. 28, 2023. Today, Sony Electronics announces a new custom gridline license planned for the Alpha 7 IV[1] in March 2024 onward, and more camera bodies[2] in the future.
The new license offers the ability to import up to 4 customized original gridlines. The gridlines can be displayed on EVF (electronic viewfinder) and LCD (Monitor on the rear of the camera) when shooting which makes for easier, more consistent images. For example, staff at schools, photo studios, theme parks, cruise ships, malls, etc. will now have the ability to update their cameras with ease and utilize this tool for quick and precise, more professional shots. Imported customized gridlines are replaceable and color gridlines are available. Once gridlines are registered, it can be displayed with HDMI output as well. After shooting, users can check the images with the grid lines overlayed on EVF and LCD.
“The ability to import customized gridlines into a mirrorless camera is an essential feature for all of our photographers to capture images consistently,” says Frank Lombardo, National Photography Manager for Inter-State Studio and Publishing. “These simple gridlines keep head sizes the same for all our products and improve our production time. They also allow us to know where the edge of print will be during capture.”
“With a focus to improve both the consistency and quality of school photography, this advancement is a great foundation to a platform geared for volume photographers across the globe. Sony’s commitment to continually innovate along with their unparalleled support aligns perfectly with Strawbridge Studio’s, Inc. mission to provide the best picture day experience for schools across the country,” says Nic Davidson, Director of Photography of Strawbridge Studios, Inc.
“Sony’s commitment and support for this industry is unprecedented, from their support in student photography across the US to their training of future photographers and videographers and now, developing a camera system that will radically change the volume photography space for years to come,” says David Crandall, the Executive Director of School Photographers of America (SPOA).
“Now anyone can make a pattern, import it, then change and improve it to their liking. The possibilities are endless – simply rotate the four favorite patterns you need for the job at hand. Sony gives us real practical solutions, allowing the School, Sports and Volume Photography industry to produce better, more accurate compositions. The ability to import any four graphics, then scroll between them makes our jobs easier and results better than ever before,” says John Rak, member of the School Photographers Association of California (SPAC).
Not only can this be utilized as gridlines, they can also be used as partially filled transparency masks. In addition to school and sports photography, Sony has positioned this to be used for businesses such as cruise lines, theme parks, nature photography, ID photography, dentistry, and CG photography. Sony hopes that this custom gridline feature will help improve the creativity and work efficiency of photographers in a variety of industries.
The license will be available at a suggested retail price of $149 USD through the Upgrade and License Management Suite at https://ulms.sony.net as of Spring 2024.
[1] A license must be downloaded from Sony’s camera upgrade website: pro.sony/ue_US/digital-imaging/custom-gridline and installed in the camera.
[2] Future compatible models will be announced through the web site below: https://pro.sony/en_ME/digital-imaging/
| Nikon’s continuing to add features to the Z9. |
Nikon’s latest firmware update for the Z9 is all about video, introducing the ability to set a shutter angle instead of a shutter speed among other improvements.
Shutter angle is important for pro videographers who frequently change recording framerates, as shutter angles will remain consistent. For example, if you were recording at 24FPS and switched to 60fps, and your camera only supported setting shutter speed, you’d have to remember to change your shutter speed from 1/48 to 1/120 to make sure your level of motion blur was consistent. If your camera supports shutter angle, though, you could leave it at 180° shutter, and it’d automatically double the shutter speed with the frame rate.
Nikon says the Z9 will support 15 shutter angles between 5.6° (which would result in almost no motion blur) and 360° (which would create the maximum amount of motion blur). You’ll only be able to set it in manual shooting mode.
Nikon also says the 5.10 update will let you change the color of the Z9’s zebra pattern, and customize the transparency and position of the histogram and waveform displays.
Nikon releases the upgraded firmware version 5.10 for the Nikon Z9 full-frame mirrorless camera
Latest Free Firmware Update Adds Shutter Angle and Other Enhancements to Increase Appeal for Filmmakers
MELVILLE, NY (December 16, 2024) – Nikon is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 5.10 for its flagship full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z9 (released in December 2021).
Z9 firmware version 5.10 adds features that respond to the needs of professional-level video recording. A new [Shutter mode] has been added, allowing the user to set the shutter angle to one of 15 steps between 5.6° and 360°.* This eliminates the need to select a shutter speed whenever the frame rate is adjusted, allowing users to always achieve optimal motion blur at the desired frame rate.
In addition, users can now change the color of the zebra pattern display, as well as customize the transparency and display position of brightness information displays along with their size, such as the histogram and waveform monitor. These capabilities were incorporated to make video recording easier by allowing the user to confirm appropriate exposure, even when recording high-contrast scenes.
Nikon will continuously meet users’ needs through firmware updates that expand the functionality of its cameras.
*Shutter angle can only be specified in [M] shooting mode.
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The Nikon Z6III is one of three Nikon bodies to gain support for Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud service.
Photo: Richard Butler |
Nikon has announced that its NX MobileAir app for Android now supports Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud service when used with the Nikon Z9, Z8 and Z6III cameras. Adobe revealed the upcoming integration with Nikon on its Frame.io blog during the Adobe MAX conference back in October.
Frame.io is a cloud-based service that allows teams to collaborate on video and photo projects. It provides a centralized location for uploading and sharing media, real-time project feedback, and integration with other tools.
The latest version of the NX MobileAir app can automatically or manually upload video files from the supported cameras to a user’s Frame.io account, including the ability to filter uploads by file format or ratings if they have been applied.
By providing support through the NX MobileAir app, Nikon is taking a slightly different approach to Frame.io support than companies like Fujifilm and Panasonic, which embed support directly in the camera.
Frame.io has become a popular integration on mirrorless cameras in recent years, particularly among video shooters. More recently, Frame.io gained the ability to automatically upload photos and push them to a user’s Adobe Lightroom account.
There are some constraints to Nikon’s current Frame.io implementation: uploads are limited to video files, and support is limited to the Android version of the NX MobileAir app. The company says a version of the app for iOS with Frame.io support is in the works.
The NX MobileAir app for Android can be downloaded from the Google Play store.
Press release:
Nikon’s NX MobileAir mobile app now supports Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud
NX MobileAir supports video transfer for the first time
MELVILLE, NY (December 16, 2024) — Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce that NX MobileAir (Android version*) now supports Frame.io, Adobe’s creative collaboration platform, and its Camera to Cloud service. NX MobileAir, which enhances the efficiency of professionals’ workflow by providing high-speed image delivery without using a computer, will now support video transfer.
This latest version of NX MobileAir will allow users to manually or automatically upload recorded video files to Frame.io, where they can be shared with others for real-time cloud collaboration. Additionally, when selecting video files for upload, they can be filtered by rating and/or file format. Support for Frame.io will provide a more efficient workflow by seamlessly connecting the entire video production process, from recording to final delivery. This feature is especially useful when speed is of the essence, such as with live event social media creation as well as news and sports reporting.
The Frame.io feature will be compatible with the Nikon Z9, Z8, and Z6III mirrorless cameras via the NX MobileAir App. In addition, Nikon will continue to provide software updates to satisfy the needs of those involved in video production and to contribute to the development of imaging culture with the hope of further expanding possibilities for imaging expression.
For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
*Development to add support to the iOS version of the app is currently underway.
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The Panasonic G97 is essentially a G90/G95D with an updated screen and a USB-C socket.
Image: Panasonic |
Panasonic has refreshed two of its more affordable models, creating the G97 from the G90/G91/G95D and the ZS99 (known as the TZ99 in Europe) 30x compact camera from the ZS80D / TZ95D.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G97
The G97 is the more subtle of the two updates. The 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera gets a higher-resolution rear screen and USB-C connector as its main updates.
The USB-C socket still offers only USB 2.0 speeds and can be used for charging the camera but doesn’t provide the ability to power it while in use. It also sees its Bluetooth feature upgraded to v5.0, a dedicated button for smartphone image transfers, a red frame around the screen when recording video and the ability to tag video shot in portrait orientation.
Other than this, the G97 is essentially the same camera as the G90/G91 launched in 2019, and the G95D (which itself was an updated variant of the US-market G95, with a nicer rear screen).
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 / DC-TZ99
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 also gets a USB-C socket…
Image: Panasonic |
The ZS99 (TZ99 outside North America) represents a slightly more significant change. It too sees the addition of a USB-2.0 Type-C socket. However, the other change, relative to the ZS80D (TZ95D) that preceded it is the removal of the electronic viewfinder. Panasonic believes there is a larger audience for whom an EVF isn’t considered essential, compared to those who insist on one.
The previous ZS80D / TZ95D models had already gained the 1.84M dot displays, setting them apart from 2019’s ZS80 and TZ95 models.
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…but loses the rear viewfinder that the ZS80D / TZ95D had. It also loses its Panorama mode.
Image: Panasonic |
It remains a 30x zoom compact with a 20MP Type 1/2.3 (mm) sensor with a 24-720mm equiv lens. It gains the other feature additions made to the G97, but loses the Panorama and Beauty Retouch features of its predecessor.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G97 will be available in mid-to-late February 2025 at a recommended price of $849 in a kit with the 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power OIS lens, a $350 reduction compared with the introductory price of the original DC-G95 in 2019. The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 will be available from early-to-mid February at a recommended price of $499, a $50 increase over its predecessor.
Panasonic Announces Two New Cameras:
Compact Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G97 and Pocket-Sized Travel Zoom LUMIX ZS99
Newark, N.J. (December 16, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce two new cameras to its LUMIX lineup: the Micro Four Thirds G97 and Travel Zoom ZS99.
The new LUMIX G97 and ZS99 offer a wide range of updated photo and video features to bring excellent image quality and usability to enthusiasts, photographers, and videographers alike.
LUMIX continues to develop its lineup to satisfy the needs of a wide range of creators and continually deliver value, innovation, and reliability to its customers.
LUMIX ZS99: New Pocket-sized Travel 30x Zoom Camera
Compact and feature-packed, the LUMIX ZS99 travel zoom camera is perfect for capturing life’s adventures.
Powerful 30x zoom in a pocket-sized body
Equipped with a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens*1, the LUMIX ZS99 offers 30x optical zoom and up to 60x with iZoom so that you can capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate details with stunning clarity.
With in-built 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, you can enjoy high-quality videos even at full zoom.
Unmissable Moments in 4K
Record high-quality 4K video at 30p or capture quick bursts of 4K PHOTO at 30fps to ensure you never miss a moment. Additionally, its ability to capture HD high-speed video at 120fps adds creative flexibility for slow-motion shots.
Packed with travel-ready features
A tiltable 1,840k-dot touchscreen makes creative angles easy, while USB Type-C charging ensures you’re always powered up on the go.
Easy image sharing
Connect instantly with built-in Bluetooth® v5.0*2 and Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated Send Image button for seamless transfers to your smartphone.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) in mid-February 2024 for $499.99 at valued channel partners.
*1 35mm camera equivalent.
*2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
LUMIX G97: New Compact Hybrid Micro Four Thirds Camera
The new LUMIX G97 camera balances high performance and simplicity, giving creators the tools to elevate their photography and video skills.
Superb picture quality
The 20.3MP CMOS sensor, combined with the high-performance Image processor, delivers superb image quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Equipped with LUMIX Photo Style feature, users can fine-tune their images with a variety of color effect options, ensuring every shot matches your creative vision.
The Live View Composite feature is also included, providing the ability to combines multiple exposures in real time to create stunning light trails, star trails, or illuminated scenes without overexposing the background.
Smooth performance
The LUMIX G97’s 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S.2*1 system ensures unrivalled stability, so your photos and videos remain sharp even in challenging conditions.
With 4K PHOTO capabilities, you can capture bursts of high-resolution photos at 30fps, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment. The perfect shot from burst footage makes this feature ideal for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous scenes.
Versatile video features
Record in crisp 4K at 30p with no time limitations*2, experiment with slow-motion (max.4x) or quick-motion (max.8x) in FHD, and create cinematic content with 12-stops of V-Log L. Dedicated headphone and microphone jacks ensure total audio control while recording.
Intuitive operation and reliable design
With a 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD and 2,360k-dot OLED Live View Finder*3, the LUMIX G97 makes it easy to frame and focus your shots accurately, even in bright conditions.
The durable dust/splash-resistant*4 construction is ideal for everyday creators looking for a camera that can reliably handle a variety of situations.
Built-in Bluetooth® v5.0 and Wi-Fi make sharing and remote control effortless, while USB Type-C charging adds convenience.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX G97 will be available in late February 2024 for $849.99 for a 12-60mm lens kit (DC-G97MK) at valued channel partners.
*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FSA14140 is used.]
*2 When the ambient temperature is high, the camera may stop the recording. Wait until the camera cools down.
*3 35mm camera equivalent
*4 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with dust and water
Panasonic Lumix G97 specifications
{ProductSpectsTable: panasonic_dcg97}
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 specifications
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Compact |
| Body material | Composite, metal |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 6400 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 sots) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–720 mm |
| Optical zoom | 30× |
| Maximum aperture | F3.3–6.4 |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 50 cm (19.69″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,840,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.60 m (with Auto ISO) |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLG10 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 380 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 322 g (0.71 lb / 11.36 oz) |
| Dimensions | 112 x 68 x 43 mm (4.41 x 2.68 x 1.69″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
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