Industry News: Sony A7R V Announced (61MP, AI-based AF, 8 stops IBIS, $3898)

Sony A7R V
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Sony released a new mirrorless camera to the public, the Sony A7R V.

At a glance:

  • 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit
  • AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
  • 8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
  • 4K 16-Bit Raw Output; S-Log3/S-Cinetone
  • 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3.2″ 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • 10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
  • 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots

Impressing specifications, no doubt here. The new Sony A7R V is available for preorder at $3,898: Adorama and B&H Photo.

Press release:

Sony Electronics’ New Alpha 7R V Camera Delivers a New High-Resolution Imaging Experience with AI-Based Autofocus

New Artificial Intelligence (AI) Processing Unit with 61 MP High Resolution Image Sensor and BIONZ XR™ Processing Engine Combine to Deliver Best-Ever Image Quality for an Alpha Body

SAN DIEGO, CA – October 26, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. announced the Alpha 7R V (model ILCE-7RM5) as the newest R series camera in its acclaimed line of Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The Alpha 7R V combines Sony’s highest resolution image sensor in an Alpha camera with a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition – a first in any Alpha camera – as well as the powerful BIONZ XR™ image processing engine – a first in the “R” full-frame lineup. The combination of the high-resolution sensor and these processors enables new breakthroughs in subject recognition and capture for both still photography and video.

The new Alpha 7R V offers 61.0MP still images plus the most effective 8-step image stabilization system ever offered in any of Sony’s Alpha cameras, as well as refined 8K movie recording, a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, high-speed communication functions, high-level operability and smooth workflow integration. Sony’s newest camera is ideal for professionals who need a first-class high-resolution imaging tool.

“The newest addition to our Alpha 7R lineup is the perfect example of our relentless drive to develop industry-leading imaging technology,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Alpha 7R V with high-resolution and extremely advanced AI integrations that deliver next-generation autofocus performance. We are excited to see what our community creates with the new Alpha 7R V.”

Improved AF Accuracy Based on Newly Developed AI Processing Unit

The Alpha 7R V features next-generation AF Real-time Recognition AF, with advanced accuracy and broader subject recognition thanks to a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit with deep learning. The state-of-the-art AI processing uses detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems which only detect face and eye and make full use of its potential. Real-time Recognition AF, using AI subject recognition, has been developed to include several subject types, including animals, vehicles and insects. The Alpha 7R V also includes continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking.

In addition to the advanced AI technology, the Alpha 7R V includes improvement to many beloved features from other cameras in Sony’s Alpha series that are now included for the first time in Sony’s 7R series:

  • Tenacious Real-time Tracking
  • Faster and more precise wide-area, high-density AF system
  • Silent, vibration-free shooting at up to 7 fps
  • Continuously shoot up to 583 compressed RAW images at high speed

The Alpha 7R V also includes focus features that support high resolution including full-time DMF (direct manual focus), and focus bracketing, a highly-requested capability that allows for focus stacked images.

Extraordinary Resolution Known to Sony’s Alpha 7R Series

The Alpha 7R V was designed to deliver overwhelming detail thanks to the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine and a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels. The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine ensures that the resolution potential of the camera’s sensor is fully utilized to deliver the highest resolution at low sensitivity in the Alpha series thus far. This enables sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to ISO 32000 for both stills and movies and wide dynamic range with 15 stops for stills.

The Alpha 7R V’s entire image stabilization system has been updated with a high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms for stills and video. In addition to up to the 8-step compensation effect for stills, the new stabilization algorithm provides precise detection and control right down to the single-pixel level, taking full advantage of the sensor’s 61.0-megapixel resolution potential to bring out the finest subject details. Sony’s newest camera also offers upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, which takes advantage of the precision in-body image stabilization system control, capturing multiple pixel-shifted images that are later composited using a computer to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image. Using the latest version of Imaging Edge Desktop™ Ver.3.5 computer application, small pixel-level movements, such as a shift in the subject’s position or leaves on a tree, are automatically detected and corrected for optimized compositing can be achieved. 16-image composites with approximately 240.8 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672 pixels) can be produced from data that is equivalent to approximately 963.2 million pixels. The Alpha 7R V also supports precise and versatile external flash control for additional creative flexibility. Additionally, when in challenging lighting conditions the Alpha 7R V effectively suppresses flickering from artificial lights for stills and video.

Additional features that offer flexibility for still photography includes:

  • Addition of Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes and quality
  • Greatly expanded focus and exposure bracketing
  • Creative Look settings for stills and videos in camera
  • High-quality HEIF images with high compression efficiency
  • Wide brightness range for large screen viewing.
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Has The Canon EOS M200 Been Discontinued?

canon eos m200
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From the far East comes a hint that Canon might have discontinued the EOS M200.

If true, it means that for the time being, only the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is still in production. Will the RF mount cameras with an APS-C sensor overtake the EOS M system? And why the hell are companies still making lenses for the EF-M mount then?

The Canon EOS M200 doesn’t look discontinued at B&H Photo or Adorama.

Any idea…?

[via asobinet]

Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO For Canon EF-M and RF Mount Announced

Laowa Argus 25mm
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Venus Optics announced a new lens for the Canon EF-M and RF mount, the Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO. I wonder why companies continue to make EF-M lenses since some people has already decided that the EOS M system has to be dead. Might those characters be wrong? ;-)

The new Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO is available at $549 at Laowa online shop.

Press release:

New lenses that capture “The Essence of Light”

Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO & Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO

Anhui China, 25 October, 2022 – Venus Optics, the innovative camera lens manufacturer had already released a series of f/0.95 ultra-large aperture lens under the name “Argus” in last year. And today the company adding two new lenses to the Argus series:

  1. Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO – MFT
  2. Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO – Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon RF / Fuji X / Canon EF-M

The new additions provide MFT and APS-C users with an option of about 35mm equivalent focal length. The ultra-fast f/0.95 on them makes shooting in low-light environments easier than ever and easily creates a dreamy look with the exceptionally shallow depth of field. Both lenses also have the APO design, which performs very well at combating chromatic aberration and provides outstanding sharpness even at wide open. The minimum focusing distances are
20cm and 34cm respectively for the 18mm f/0.95 and 25mm f/0.95. Helping photographers to easily capture close-up details. The two new Argus lenses also design to be video-friendly.

Both have the “Aperture Ring Click Switch” for freely transforming between clicked and de-clicked aperture. A low focus breathing eliminates the distraction of the changes in angle of view when moving the focus from one object to another. The weight of the lenses is 500g(1.1lbs) and 575g(1.26lbs) for 18mm and 25mm respectively. With the affordable pricing
of USD449(18mm) and USD549(25mm), these lenses are a must-have item for both photographers and videographers.

Ultra-fast Aperture of f/0.95

From an eye-catching portrait to stunning low-light photography, an f/0.95 ultra-fast aperture is perfect for creating impactful images with its shallow depth of field. Creating great background separation for the main subject so that the viewers can focus on the essence of your images. The lenses are built to offer an incredible low-light shooting performance. Both lenses can create excellent contrast from centre to corner. Perfect when you get limited time at dark sites or wants to increase the shutter speed.

Equivalent to 35mm Focal Length

A focal length of 35mm (equivalent) is one of the most popular choices among photographers. It is extremely versatile due to the semi-wide but comfortable images produced. Apart from portrait photography, it also works for landscape, street photography and as an everyday lens. Pair with the ultra-fast aperture and the short minimum focusing distance of Argus lenses, photographers can create some really unique shots.

Apochromat (APO) design

Both the 18mm and the 25mm are engineered with an Apochromatic Optical Design (APO) which suppresses longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration across in-focus & out-of-focus areas. Purple fringing is controlled to the minimum even wide open. The APO design reduces the post-editing time substantially, giving photographers and videographers the best image performance.

Stunning Bokeh and Rendering

The lenses are assembled with 9 aperture blades, which can create round and pleasing bokeh. Alongside the shallow depth of field, it can produce glamorous and dreamy images.

Short Minimum Focusing Distance

The 18mm and 25mm lenses have a minimum focusing distance of 20cm and 34cm respectively. Having a short minimum focusing distance can create an extremely blurry background, allowing the photographer to capture in different perspectives with details of the object. A breath-taking close up shot with shallow depth of field can be easily captured.

Video Friendly

Both lenses are also built with features that would be a plus for videographers.

Aperture Ring Click Switch Mechanism

The Aperture Ring Click Switch Mechanism offers options to photographers and videographers for choosing either clicked or de-clicked aperture ring, a great option for videographers when adjusting the aperture during shooting.

Low Focus Breathing

Both lenses have a relatively low focus breathing. It eliminates the distraction of the changes in the angle of view when moving the focus from one object to another, which is perfect for video shooting.

Internal Focusing

As with other lenses in the Argus series, the two new lenses also have the same internal focusing characteristics. It maximizes the optical performance in both infinity focus and minimum focusing distance. Also, it prevents dust from getting into the lens. And compatible with accessories designed to be set to a specific position like polarizers.

Today Only: Lensbaby Burnside 35mm f/2.8 (EF & RF) – $299 (reg. $499)

Lensbaby burnside 35mm
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Only for today (10/24/2022) B&H Photo has a $200 discount on the Lensbaby Burnside 35mm f/2.8, bot for the EF mount and RF mount versions.

  • EF & RF Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/16
  • Dual Diaphragm for Creative Swirly Bokeh
  • Effects Slider for Secondary Diaphragm
  • Multi-Coated Glass Elements
  • Minimum Focus: 6″
  • Manual Focus and Exposure Control
  • All-Metal Lens Barrel
  • Filter Thread: 62mm

And here are the links to the lenses:

More selected deals:

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New Firmware For Canon EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II

c300 mark iii canon firmware updates 8k cameras
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Canon released new firmware for the Canon EOS C300 Mark II and Canon EOS C500 Mark II.

Canon EOS C300 Mark II firmware 1.0.4.1 (download from Canon USA) incorporates the following enhancements

  1. Adds support for EU-V3 Expansion Unit 3.
  2. Adds Focus Position Guide feature.
  3. Adds support for additional commands for Canon IP [XC Protocol].
  4. The following features are enabled when the following lenses are attached:CN8×15 IAS S/E1,CN8×15 IAS S/P1, CN-E45-135mm T2.4 L F, CN-E45-135mm T2.4 L FP
    • Displaying metadata, such as the model name and the focal distance of the lens attached.
    • Displaying T number
    • Support for Peripheral Illumination Correction and Chromatic Lens Aberration Correction.(EF only)
    • Support for [Dual Pixel Focus Guide] (EF only)
  5. Enables face detection and tracking when S&F shooting frame rate is set from 24 to 120 frames per second.
  6. Adds support for 4CH display in audio meter.
  7. Improves the retention of the recording settings when switching between normal shooting and S&F shooting.
  8. Adds [Canon 709 / BT.709] to the Gamma/Color Space in Custom Picture setting.
  9. Adds [CMT 709] in LUT and Sub Rec Color Conversion.
  10. Adds [G Gain] in White Balance in Custom Picture settings.
  11. Adds support for the CFExpress VPG 400 (Video Performance Guarantee).
  12. Fixes minor issues when using the CINE-SERVO lens.

Canon EOS C500 Mark II firmware version 1.0.6.1 (download from Canon USA) incorporates the following enhancements:

  1. Adds support for the Canon Expansion Unit 3 [EU-V3].
  2. Adds Focus Position Guide feature.
  3. Adds support for additional commands for Canon IP [XC Protocol].
  4. The following features are enabled when the following lenses are attached:CN8×15 IAS S/E1,CN8×15 IAS S/P1, CN-E45-135mm T2.4 L F, CN-E45-135mm T2.4 L FP
    • Displaying metadata, such as the model name and the focal distance of the lens attached.
    • Displaying T number
    • Support for Peripheral Illumination Correction and Lens Aberration Correction.(EF only)
    • Support for Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus (EF only)
    • Support for [Dual Pixel Focus Guide](EF only)
  5. Enables AF when S&F shooting frame rate is set to 24/25/30/48/50/60/100/120 frames per second.
  6. Enables face detection and tracking when S&F shooting frame rate is set from 24 to 120 frames per second.
  7. Adds support for 4CH display in audio meter.
  8. Improves the retention of the recording settings when switching between normal shooting and S&F shooting.
  9. Adds [Canon 709 / BT.709] in Gamma/Color Space in Custom Picture setting.
  10. Adds [CMT 709] in LUT and Sub Rec Color Conversion.
  11. Adds [G Gain] in White Balance in Custom Picture setting.
  12. Adds support for the CFExpress VPG 400 (Video Performance Guarantee).
  13. Fixes minor issues when using the CINE-SERVO lens.