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Sony India Announces FE 85mm F1.4 GM II at ₹180,990

Sony India announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II – a premium lens offering a supreme
blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body. This is a
second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh
and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model, and generously incorporates
the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal option
for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture,
wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II brings together
appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. Packed
with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art
optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner
resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality. Moreover, Sony’s original Nano AR
Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade
circular aperture and optimization of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing
process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of G Master lenses.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximizing the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies.
For stills, it is up to three times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects
with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and
subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times.
Compared to the current 85mm F1.4 GM1, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, diameter of 84.7 mm and length of 107.3 mm.
For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing
is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customizable focus
hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offer flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and
Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting
demands.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust,
oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides
extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available across all Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony
authorized dealers, ecommerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart) and major electronic stores across
India from 6th September 2024 onwards at a price of ₹ 180,990.

Sony India launches ZV-E10 II camera at ₹94,990

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Sony India has launched the ZV-E10 II, the successor to its popular ZV-E10 camera, aimed at content creators, vloggers, and photographers. The new model retains the beloved features of its predecessor, such as Creative Looks, Product Showcase Setting, Background Defocus, and a vari-angle flip screen, while introducing enhancements that make it even more sophisticated and user-friendly.

The ZV-E10 II is equipped with a new 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, delivering improved image quality and performance. Notable upgrades include advanced autofocus capabilities, a Cinematic Vlog Setting for easy cinematic video creation, and a new vertical format user interface (UI) for streamlined content creation in vertical orientation.

Weighing approximately 377 grams, the camera remains compact and lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go creators. Additionally, the ZV-E10 II offers enhanced connectivity options, including easy live streaming and data transfer, supported by a USB 3.2 Type-C port and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.

The ZV-E10 II introduces new tools to elevate content creation, including the Cinematic Vlog Setting, which adjusts aspect ratio, frame rate, and autofocus settings for cinematic video capture. Users can also choose from ten Creative Look options and customize them with eight parameters, saving up to six personalized styles for quick access.

For photographers and videographers, the camera offers 759-point Focal Plane Phase-detection autofocus with Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, and Real-time Tracking. It supports high-speed 4K video recording with 5.6K oversampling and advanced image stabilization, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage.

Sony has also focused on sustainability with the ZV-E10 II. The camera body is made from recycled materials, including SORPLAS, and the packaging uses Sony’s eco-friendly “Original Blended Material.” This aligns with Sony’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

Alongside the camera, Sony is launching the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, available separately or as part of a lens kit. The lens features improved autofocus and video performance, making it an ideal companion for the ZV-E10 II.

The ZV-E10 II camera and lens kit will be available from August 27, 2024, at Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, and online platforms. The camera body is priced at ₹94,990, with the lens kit pricing to be announced later.

Sony is offering special promotions, including an extended 3-year warranty, a complimentary SD card, and a carry bag, along with easy financing options.

Sony Introduces ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S Wireless Microphones

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Sony India has unveiled its latest additions to the microphone realm with the introduction of the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones. Designed to redefine portability in content creation, these new offerings from Sony emphasize high-quality sound capture coupled with a lightweight build.

Featuring a two-channel receiver and two microphones, the ECM-W3, along with its counterpart, the ECM-W3S with a one-channel receiver and one microphone, cater to the diverse needs of video content creators. From Vlogs to interviews, these microphones facilitate superior audio recording, even in scenarios where the subject is distant from the camera. The ECM-W3 excels in interview settings and one-on-one conversations, while the ECM-W3S is optimized for vloggers and content creators, delivering natural and clear sound reproduction. Both microphones boast exceptional sound pickup capabilities while effectively reducing ambient noise, ensuring a pristine recording environment.

In terms of connectivity, the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S offer versatility through Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatibility with Sony cameras, USB Type-C terminal, and a 3.5mm audio output. This broad compatibility extends to various devices such as cameras, smartphones, and PCs, enhancing convenience for users across different platforms. Compact and lightweight, these microphones prioritize portability without compromising on durability. Dustproof and moisture-proof design features make them suitable for outdoor usage, while the inclusion of a charging case ensures hassle-free charging on the go.

The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are priced at ₹39,990 and ₹32,990 respectively, and will be available across all Sony Centres, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony authorized dealers, e-commerce platforms, and major electronic stores in India starting from May 30th, 2024.

Sony launches Alpha 9 III Camera at ₹5,29,990 in India

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Sony India recently unveiled the Alpha 9 III, a camera incorporating a global shutter system, marking a noteworthy advancement in digital imaging technology. This new model promises to mitigate common photography challenges, such as distortion and blackout during high-speed captures, offering burst speeds up to 120 frames per second.

The device is outfitted with Sony’s cutting-edge autofocus system, capable of executing up to 120 focus calculations per second, and supports flash synchronization at any shooting speed. This combination of features is designed to meet the demands of professional photographers who require precision and reliability to capture fleeting moments.

Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India, highlighted the camera’s potential to set new standards in photography, emphasizing its ground-breaking 120 fps shooting capability and global shutter technology.

Featuring a 24.6-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR image processor, the Alpha 9 III delivers high-speed continuous shooting with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking. This model represents a leap forward in still image performance and video capabilities, ensuring minimal distortion and improved usability for professional environments. Additionally, the camera’s enhanced video functionalities include 4K recording at 120p without crop and 4K at 60p with 6K oversampling, complemented by S-Cinetone colour science for natural skin tones and subject depiction.

The Alpha 9 III has been designed with operability and reliability in mind, featuring an ergonomic grip and optional vertical grip for extended use, a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder to accommodate professional shooting conditions.

Moreover, the camera is equipped to support a high-speed workflow and offers scalability with features like image selection filters, dual media slots for CFexpress Type A and SD cards, and compatibility with professional mobile applications for streamlined content delivery and remote operation.

Priced at ₹5,29,990, the Alpha 9 III will be available from 26th February 2024 at Sony retail outlets and online platforms across India.

How Canon, Sony and Nikon are fighting Deep Fake Images

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With fake images and videos becoming more convincing everyday (like the Rashmika Mandanna fake video), tech giants have increased their monitoring to combat that menace. But now it is not only the tech giants, but camera manufacturers that are joining this fight by developing technology that will embed digital signatures in their cameras with new technology that can verify the authenticity of photos. Sony, Nikon and Canon are working on embedding digital signatures in their cameras that will act as the proof of origin and the integrity of the images shot by them reports Nikkei Asia.

The digital signatures are believed to contain information such as the date, time, location, and the name of the photographer who has shot the image. The manufacturers believe that this will restrict tampering and help the photographers and viewers to identify the credibility of the work. Nikon is expected to offer this feature in its mirrorless cameras, while Sony and Canon are expected to offer it in their professional line-up as well.

How does it work?

If you are wondering how does this work? Then the three manufacturers have agreed on creating a global standard for digital signatures, which will be made compatible with a web-based tool called Verify. This tool has been launched by an alliance of global news organisations, technology companies, and camera makers, will allow anyone to check the credentials of an image for free. Once the online tool runs through the image, it will display the relevant information if an image has a digital signature. If the image has been altered by AI, then the tool will flag it as having “No Content Credentials”.

Google, Intel doing their bit

Google, the biggest search engine globally is also doing their bit to help this fight. They have released a tool that adds invisible digital watermarks to AI-generated pictures, which can be detected by another tool. Intel has developed technology that can analyse the skin colour changes of subjects in images, which indicate the blood flow under their skin, and use that to determine the image’s authenticity.

The Challenge?

The biggest challenge though seems to be the user journey where they will have to use these tools to verify the images and authenticity. Whether a user undertakes that journey remains to be seen. But it is clear that a tool/technology like this is much needed at this point with the increase of deep fake images and videos on a rise.

Sony is expected to release this technology by 2024 as per reports and Canon is expected to make it available later this year. Currently this embedding is expected to be available only for images, but reports suggests that Sony and Canon are considering adding the feature to videos, although under development.