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Tag: #Sony

  • Sony Unveils OCELLUS: A Revolutionary Camera Tracking System for Augmented Reality and Virtual Production

    Sony is set to introduce its innovative camera tracking system, OCELLUS (ASR-CT1), which is designed to transform the world of augmented reality (AR) and virtual production in both broadcast and cinema. This cutting-edge system simplifies camera tracking with marker-free technology, utilizing multiple sensors, and is fully camera-agnostic, meaning it can work seamlessly with both cinema and broadcast cameras, including those from other brands. The OCELLUS system is especially suited for virtual production applications, such as In-Camera VFX and AR, providing real-time camera position and orientation data while filming. This allows for smooth integration of live action with digital environments.

    The OCELLUS system consists of three key components: a sensor unit, a processing box, and three lens encoders. It works effortlessly with a wide range of cameras, including Sony Cinema Line cameras, system cameras, and even non-Sony cameras. With Sony’s Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology at its core, OCELLUS creates an accurate reference map that enables stable marker-free tracking in both indoor and outdoor environments. The system’s five image sensors and infrared LEDs ensure tracking remains precise even in low-light conditions, with superior occlusion resistance that ensures accuracy despite potential obstructions.

    When using Sony cameras, metadata like focus, iris, and zoom values can be captured directly via the camera’s SDI output and transmitted in real-time through an Ethernet cable. If the lens doesn’t support direct metadata extraction, additional lens encoders can be attached to collect the necessary data. This metadata is vital for AR and virtual production, and the system even supports the recording of tracking data, timecode, and file names, making post-production workflows more streamlined and efficient.

    Sony’s ongoing commitment to supporting creators in the Virtual Production and AR fields extends across its complete suite of tools, ranging from acquisition to display, with products like the Crystal LED VERONA display screens and the Virtual Production Toolset software.

    OCELLUS features a compact sensor unit with five high-performance image sensors, four of which are actively used for stable, marker-free tracking with exceptional resistance to occlusions. The unit includes IR LEDs for low-light tracking and a Visible Light Cut Unit for consistent performance even in rapidly changing lighting conditions. It is compact, measuring just 86 mm × 60 mm × 43 mm and weighing only 250 g, and can be easily installed using NATO rail mounts. The system is powered via a single USB Type-C® cable, which also transmits the tracking data to the processing box. The processing box transmits real-time data and camera/lens metadata to CG rendering software, like Unreal Engine, over Ethernet. It is equipped with Genlock and Timecode inputs, SDI inputs/outputs, and lens encoder connection terminals. The box can also record tracking data and camera/lens metadata as FBX files onto SDXC cards, synchronized with video files.

    The lens encoders measure precise rotations of lens focus, zoom, and iris values and transmit the data to the processing box via a LEMO 7-pin cable. This setup ensures metadata acquisition for lenses and cameras that don’t natively support SDI metadata embedding. The encoders come with five different gears, making them compatible with various lenses.

    OCELLUS will be on display at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show 2025 in Las Vegas, USA, starting on April 6, 2025, at the Sony booth. The system will become available for purchase in Malaysia beginning in Q4 2025. For more information, you can visit the official Sony website at Sony Pro Malaysia.

    This version retains the core technical details while creating a smooth, narrative flow for easier reading. Let me know if you’d like to make further edits!

  • Susan Meiselas to Be Honored at 2025 Sony Photography Awards

    Susan Meiselas to Be Honored at 2025 Sony Photography Awards

    The Sony World Photography Awards 2025 has announced Susan Meiselas as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Photography award. This honor recognizes her profound impact on the medium over the past five decades, celebrated for her deeply engaged approach to documentary photography.

    Meiselas has expanded the boundaries of the genre with her sensitive portrayals of individuals within their communities, focusing particularly on the lives and struggles of women. From girls growing up in New York’s Little Italy to survivors of domestic violence in the UK, Meiselas’ work highlights often unseen lives through powerful storytelling.

    Meiselas’ body of work spans numerous significant projects. Notable among these are Carnival Strippers (1972-75), which captured the experiences of women performing at New England carnivals, Prince Street Girls (1975-1990), documenting a group of young girls in Little Italy as they grew into adulthood, and A Room of Their Own (2015-2017), which portrays the lives of women in a refuge in the Black Country, UK, offering an intimate look at their stories through photographs, testimonies, and original artwork. Other seminal works include Pandora’s Box (1995), which focuses on a New York City S&M club, and 44 Irving Street (1971), where Meiselas invited her boarding house neighbors to write about their perceptions of themselves in relation to the portraits she created of them.

    In recognition of her immense contribution to photography, an exhibition of Meiselas’ work will be held at London’s Somerset House from 17 April to 5 May 2025. This retrospective will feature five of her projects, including Prince Street Girls and Carnival Strippers, with some pieces never before exhibited in the UK. These projects are united by recurring thematic elements, shedding light on the intimate and often hidden dynamics of everyday lives, as Meiselas’ long-term, participatory approach provides an unparalleled look at the people and places she documents.

    Reflecting on receiving the award, Meiselas expressed her gratitude, “I am honoured to receive this Award for my contribution to the ever-expanding world of photography. Over the past 50 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing history being made, sharing the often unseen lives of those engaged in its making. The work on display invites reflection not only on the photographs themselves but also on the relationships that shaped and inspired them.”

    Meiselas, born in Baltimore in 1948, is renowned not only for her photographic essays but also for her work documenting the revolution in Nicaragua in the late 1970s, which remains deeply etched in the public’s imagination. She joined Magnum Photos in 1976 and has since produced a body of work that has reshaped how we think about documentary photography.

    As the 18th recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award, Meiselas joins a distinguished list of previous honorees, including Mary Ellen Mark (2014), Martin Parr (2017), Graciela Iturbide (2021), Edward Burtynsky (2022), and Sebastião Salgado (2024). Meiselas will be presented with the award at the annual gala ceremony in London on 16 April 2025, during the celebration of the overall winners of the Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

    For more information on the event and upcoming announcements, visit www.worldphoto.org

  • Sony’s Latest Cinema Line Upgrades Take Center Stage at EnergaCAMERIMAGE

    Sony’s Latest Cinema Line Upgrades Take Center Stage at EnergaCAMERIMAGE

    Sony is set to make its sixth appearance as the main official industrial sponsor at EnergaCamerimage 2024, the world-renowned film festival that celebrates the art of cinematography. With a strong legacy of supporting the film industry, Sony is showcasing its latest advancements in cinematography technology, connecting with cinematographers, professionals, and students, and offering them the opportunity to experience its cutting-edge products and innovations.

    Sebastian Leske, Head of Business Development for Cinema at Sony Europe, expressed the company’s excitement about returning to EnergaCamerimage for the 20th time, emphasizing the importance of supporting the industry during a period of rapid change and challenges. “At a time when the industry is facing immense pressure, it is more important than ever for us to meet with Directors of Photography (DoPs), Assistant Cameramen (ACs), students, and other key industry players from around the globe,” said Leske. “We are thrilled to be able to assist and collaborate with them at such a pivotal event.”

    Among the highlights of Sony’s participation this year are several exciting updates and upgrades to its popular Cinema Line cameras, which will be showcased at the event. These updates will further solidify Sony’s position as a leading innovator in cinematography tools.

    One of the standout announcements is the introduction of VENICE 2 Version 4.0. This two-year-old camera, which has become a preferred choice for DoPs globally, will receive a major firmware update in August 2025. The Version 4.0 update includes support for the EL Zone System™, a revolutionary exposure tool created by renowned cinematographer Ed Lachman, ASC, who is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at EnergaCamerimage this year. The EL Zone System™ simplifies exposure readings by using stops instead of the traditional IRE values, enhancing the operator’s ability to achieve precise exposure levels. This tool will be available alongside existing exposure tools in VENICE 2, offering even more flexibility for cinematographers. The update will also include a feature allowing the display of frame lines in various colors, responding to user feedback and streamlining image composition for different formats.

    Looking to the future, Sony is committed to further enhancing the VENICE 2 camera. Updates planned for the coming years include Version 5.0 in 2026 and Version 6.0 in 2027, ensuring the camera continues to meet the evolving needs of professionals.

    Another key product update is for the FX6 Version 6.0, which will be released in February 2026. This upgrade will introduce the “BIG6” simple UI, a new user interface designed to provide easy access to essential settings, ensuring consistent operations across Sony’s high-end CineAlta cameras like the VENICE and BURANO. Additionally, the FX6 will feature a black frame around the on-screen display (OSD) to improve visibility and clarity. Furthermore, the FX6/FX9 cameras will now support SDI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording, integrating seamlessly with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.

    Sony is also preparing for upgrades to its smaller models. Both the FX3 Version 7.0 and FX30 Version 6.0, arriving in September 2025, will receive several notable improvements, including the introduction of the “BIG6” simple UI for consistency across the Cinema Line. Additionally, these models will support anamorphic de-squeeze 1.5x, catering to the increasing use of anamorphic lenses by cinematographers. Another important update is the addition of HDMI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording, ensuring compatibility with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorders.

    Sony

    BURANO Version 2.0: New Features and Improvements

    Sony will also showcase BURANO Version 2.0, a highly anticipated update for its versatile, compact full-frame 8K camera. Version 2.0, scheduled for release in March 2025, will bring several exciting features, including new recording formats, a 1.8x anamorphic de-squeeze, and enhanced monitoring tools, all designed to improve the camera’s functionality and performance.

    Exclusive Seminars and Events at EnergaCamerimage 2024

    In addition to the new camera releases, Sony will host a series of insightful seminars aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cinematography professionals. These seminars will provide valuable learning opportunities for attendees, with expert cinematographers and industry veterans leading discussions on key topics in the world of cinematography.

    On Tuesday, November 19th, Sony will present a roundtable discussion with Mikhail Krichman, Veronika Tyron, and Rachel Clark, three Cinematographers nominated for the 2024 EnergaCamerimage awards. The panel will focus on their experiences of using Sony cameras to bring their creative visions to life.

    On Wednesday, November 20th, cinematographers Ed Lachman, ASC, and Mark Massinger will host a masterclass titled “Illuminating Stories”, where they will delve into the art of lighting and share their expertise on using light to tell compelling cinematic stories.

    On Thursday, November 21st, Sony will lead a seminar titled “Building a Sustainable Industry: Creating a Safe Working Environment and Developing Future Talent”. Industry experts including Andra Milsome (Mark Milsome Foundation), Fabian Wagner, ASC, BSC (First Steps Cinematography), and Irena Gruca-Rozbicka (Crew United) will discuss the challenges that crew members face at various stages of their careers and the importance of fostering a sustainable and supportive working environment for future talent.

    Networking, Hands-On Experiences, and More at Sony’s Booth

    Attendees will also have the chance to experience Sony’s solutions firsthand across multiple stages of the filmmaking process. Sony’s booth at EnergaCamerimage will feature the full CineAlta family of high-end digital cinema cameras, including the VENICE 2, VENICE Extension System 2, and BURANO: These cutting-edge tools will be accompanied by Sony’s full lineup of lenses and professional monitors, giving filmmakers and cinematographers the chance to explore the latest in imaging technology.

    Sony’s presence at EnergaCamerimage 2024 highlights its ongoing dedication to supporting the cinematography community, offering state-of-the-art tools, valuable resources, and educational opportunities for professionals at all levels. Whether you’re a cinematographer looking for the latest in camera technology or a student eager to learn from industry leaders, Sony’s participation promises to be a key highlight of the festival.

    For more information on Sony’s innovations for cinematography, visit pro.sony/cinematography or follow Sony on Instagram at @sonyprofilmmaking.

  • Sony Introduces High-Capacity Battery Charger and DC Coupler

    Sony Introduces High-Capacity Battery Charger and DC Coupler

    Sony has recently unveiled two innovative power supply solutions tailored specifically for its Alpha series cameras, particularly within the Cinema Line that utilizes the NP-FZ100 battery. These new products—the BC-ZD1 battery charger and the DC-C1 DC coupler—are designed to cater to the increasing demands of creators who rely on extended shooting times.

    The BC-ZD1 battery charger is a high-speed charging solution that can efficiently charge two NP-FZ100 batteries simultaneously. When connected to a USB Power Delivery (PD) compatible power supply with an output of 30W or higher, the BC-ZD1 can fully charge both batteries in approximately 155 minutes. This rapid charging capability is facilitated by the use of a USB cable that supports USB PD with a current rating of 3 A or higher, ensuring creators spend less time waiting for batteries to recharge and more time focusing on their craft.

    On the other hand, the DC-C1 DC coupler offers a reliable way to provide continuous power to cameras that utilize NP-FZ100 or NP-FW50 rechargeable battery packs. By connecting to an external power source, such as a USB PD compatible AC adapter rated at 65W or more, along with a USB cable that supports USB PD at 5 A, the DC-C1 ensures a stable power supply during extended shoots or live streaming sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals who need to maintain uninterrupted power while capturing video or photography.

    Through the introduction of these advanced power solutions, which include genuine battery products, Sony is committed to enhancing the efficiency of workflows for creators. The aim is to facilitate longer photo and video shoots, ultimately supporting the artistic ambitions of content creators in an ever-evolving landscape.

    BC-ZD1 Main Features

    Sony Battery

    • Charges two NP-FZ100 batteries simultaneously and fast when connected to a USB PD compatible power supply1
    • Two NP-FZ100 batteries can be quickly charged in approximately 155 minutes2 (fully charged3)
    • Equipped with an indicator lamp that shows the battery charging status in 5 stages
    • Compact size for easy portability: Width approx. 84.5 mm x Height approx. 29.2 mm x Depth approx. 70.0 mm, weight approx. 149g
    • For safely charging two NP-FZ100 batteries simultaneously and fast, with ample heat dissipation measures plus heat monitoring and control built in

    DC-C1 Main Features

    • DC coupler4 supplies power directly from an external power source such as a USB PD compatible AC adapter (65 W or more) to a camera body that supports NP-FZ100 or NP-FW50
    • To prevent accidental cable disconnection, the DC-C1 is equipped with the locking screw hole, or an anchor loop can be used to secure the cable to the USB port  
    • 1.6 m cable connects plug-in plate to the power supply assembly for flexible setup during shooting
    • Equipped with Power Indicator Lamp that shows the power supply status
    • Compact and lightweight design for easy portability: the power supply assembly size Width approx. 52.0 mm x Height approx. 70.6 mm x Depth approx. 32.0 mm

    Availability

    The DC-C1 and BC-ZD1 will be available in Malaysia from November 2024. 

    For detailed product information about DC-C1 and BC-ZD1, please visit:

    https://www.sony.com.my/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-batteries-chargers/dc-c1  

    https://www.sony.com.my/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-batteries-chargers/bc-zd1 

  • Sony Unveils FE 85mm F1.4 GM II: A Lighter, Faster Lens with Superior Bokeh and Autofocus

    Sony Unveils FE 85mm F1.4 GM II: A Lighter, Faster Lens with Superior Bokeh and Autofocus

    Sony has unveiled the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2), a premium lens that seamlessly combines high resolution with stunning bokeh and fast autofocus (AF) in a compact form.

    This second-generation lens builds upon the praised optical design of its predecessor, incorporating the latest technology for exceptional performance. Ideal for a range of creative applications, including portraiture, weddings, travel, and cinematic video, the lens is perfectly suited for use with Sony’s latest Alpha™ series cameras.

    High Optical Performance & Beautiful Bokeh

    The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II features an advanced optical design that enhances both bokeh and resolution, making it a top choice for portrait photography. With two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the design effectively suppresses aberrations, delivering corner-to-corner resolution and exceptional image quality. Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology minimizes flare and ghosting, ensuring clear and crisp images. Additionally, the 11-blade circular aperture and careful optimization of spherical aberration contribute to the beautiful, soft bokeh characteristic of the G Master series.

    Fast, Precise, Quiet Autofocus and High Tracking Performance

    In terms of autofocus, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is significantly improved, offering up to three times faster performance compared to the previous model when used with the Alpha 1. This enhanced speed allows for precise tracking of moving subjects and seamless integration with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting. The lens also demonstrates a seven-fold improvement in subject tracking performance.

    Lightweight and Stylish Design without Compromises

    The new model is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume compared to the previous 85mm F1.4 GM, thanks to advancements in mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II weighs 642 grams (22.7 oz.), with a filter diameter of φ77 mm, a diameter of 84.7 mm (about 3-3/8 in), and a length of 107.3 mm (about 4-1/4 in).

    Effective Cinematic Creation Features

    For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II incorporates an XD linear motor, reducing focus breathing to a minimum and supporting in-body focus breathing compensation. The lens includes two customizable focus hold buttons, an AF/MF switch for flexible operation, and an independent aperture ring with Linear Response MF focus control, providing intuitive handling for creative shooting.

    Crafted for Durability

    The front lens element is coated with fluorine, making it easy to clean off fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants. Additionally, the dust and moisture-resistant design enhances the lens’s reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions, though it is not guaranteed to be completely dust and moisture proof.

    Availability

    The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in Malaysia from September 2024. SRP is RM8,999.

    A product video on the new FE 85mm F1.4 GM II can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/-TiFpUYVCHg

    For detailed product information about FE 85mm F1.4 GM II, please visit: https://www.sony.com.my/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel85f14gm2

  • Sony’s Kando Trip Southeast Asia: A Creative Celebration of Culture and Innovation in Bali 2024

    Sony’s Kando Trip Southeast Asia: A Creative Celebration of Culture and Innovation in Bali 2024

    Sony is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of its inaugural Kando Trip Southeast Asia, held in the picturesque setting of Bali, Indonesia, from 14 to 16 August 2024.

    This landmark, invite-only event brought together over 130 creators from across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in Sony’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and community.

    “Sony’s mission goes beyond merely encouraging creativity; it is about empowering creators to realize their visions and build meaningful connections,” stated Ken Morisawa, Senior General Manager of the Imaging Marketing Division, Global Sales & Marketing, Sony Corporation. “Southeast Asia is a region rich in culture and creativity. Bringing our highly cherished Kando Trip to this region provides a valuable opportunity to foster a vibrant community of creators, offering them a platform to get inspired, learn, and grow with like-minded individuals from across borders.”

    Rooted in the Japanese concept of “Kando,” which means the sense of awe and emotion experienced when encountering something beautiful and amazing for the first time, the Kando Trip embodies Sony’s core philosophy. Launched in North America in 2017, the Kando Trip has since become a highly anticipated event where the creative community unites.

    Sony

    Over three inspiring days, participants engaged in a variety of dynamic photography and videography challenges, complemented by mentorship sessions led by renowned Alpha creators. The event began with an immersive digital imaging experience on the first day, where participants explored Sony’s latest innovations, including the newly released ZV-E10 II and professional Cinema Line cameras, at the Experience Demo Zones. These zones featured presentations by acclaimed creators ZY Cheng and Bagoes Tresna Adji.

    Capturing The Cultural Beauty of Bali

    On the second day, participants traveled to Penglipuran Village for immersive photography and videography sessions. The Photo Creators engaged in activities that highlighted Bali’s vibrant cultural beauty. Guided by talented individuals like Khanh Phan, they captured portraits of Batik artists at work, followed by dynamic shots of a mesmerizing Cendrawasih dance with the Gamelan Gong Kebyar troupe. The session concluded with portraits of traditional Baris, Cendrawasih, and Ramayana dancers under the guidance of Fajar Kristiono and Daneswara Eka.

    Meanwhile, the Video Creators focused on storytelling through motion. They began with a mini documentary on batik-making, guided by Matt Low and Shimmon Joel Matthews, capturing the intricate process with cinematic visuals. Following this, the creators documented the picturesque village views, exploring everything from local life and traditional cuisine to architecture and interiors, with guidance from Jaegen Tan.

    Capturing Coastal Action
    Following their enriching cultural experience at Penglipuran Village, the Creators continued their journey with hands-on activities at Kommune Beach Club to experience Sony’s gear in new and exciting environments.

    At Kommune Beach Club, the Photo Creators were mentored by Harn Teh on Picture-Perfect Poolside Portraits, while mastering the Alpha 9 III’s Flash Sync. Next, the photographers polished their skills through Fast-Action Horse Photography experience with Charmaine and Wee Han. The day’s final photography experience concluded with an Editorial Fashion Photoshoot, led by Fajar and Danes, where the creators captured portraits of models set against a serene landscape.

    Sony

    The Video Creators also engaged in creative experiences at the beach club such as Spectacular Bar Tricks, where they got inspiration from Matt and Shimmon on filming impressive bartending skills and tricks and capturing every detailed motion. Following this, they transformed a simple picnic to a Cinematic Picnic by the Beach with Jaegen, telling a romantic story through cinematic techniques.

    The Kando Trip 2024 concluded with an exclusive and insightful private session featuring three renowned Alpha Creators: (1) AUXOUT, content creator based in Japan, (2) Miki Rai, prolific TikTok creator based in Seattle, and (3) Tavepong, acclaimed Thai street photographer. This final segment provided valuable tips and tricks directly from some of the most respected voices in the creative community across Southeast Asia. 

    With the conclusion of Kando Trip 2024, Sony hopes that creators are inspired by the diverse perspectives and talents of their peers and that they forge lasting connections that extend well beyond the event itself.