New Sony car AV receivers support fully-wireless smartphone connections

Source: Sony. Sony has launched two new car AV receivers.

Sony has announced two new car AV receivers, the XAV-AX6000 and the XAV-AX4000. Both in-car media receivers feature fully-wireless smartphone connectivity, so drivers can use their phones even when the devices are in a pocket.

Thanks to a Wi-Fi connection from the user’s smartphone, together with the supplied GPS antenna, voice control can be used to navigate, communicate and play music on the road.

Apple CarPlay integrates iPhones with the car audio’s display and controls, enabling users to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic and more while the driver stays focused on the road. Third-party navigation apps are supported with Apple CarPlay. Android owners can talk to Google on Android Auto and stay connected, entertained and informed while keeping their eyes on the road.

The XAV-AX6000 has a 6.95" bezel-less flush surface display with capacitive touch screen, while the XAV-AX4000 has an anti-glare touch screen.

The XAV-AX6000 also supports HDMI connectivity.

Sony's LinkBuds S deliver immersive sound entertainment

Source: Sony. The LinkBuds S.

Sony has added the LinkBuds S to its LinkBuds series. The latest model empowers a new sound experience through Sony’s sensing technology and partner collaboration, all while maintaining a “never off” experience.

LinkBuds S feature noise cancelling technology and high-resolution audio. The headphones support the LinkBuds ambient sound concept that lets wearers interact with the world around them, as well as high-quality noise cancelling so that they can also focus on the content they love.

Better audio

Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 improves noise cancelling, enhances sound quality and reduces distortion with less power for distraction-free listening. With the help of a new 5mm driver unit the earbuds produce powerful bass and clear vocals despite their size. 

These new headphones also allow you to experience High-Resolution Audio Wireless, a capability based on Sony’s industry-adopted audio coding technology, LDAC. All music is restored back to high-range sound with the use of DSEE Extreme, which upscales digital music files in real time. Hear all the fine details in every track.

Intelligent adjustments

Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup Technology optimally controls the microphones on both earbuds for clear conversations in all environments. Adaptive Sound Control is further adjusts ambient sound settings depending on where the wearer is, creating the ideal listening experience.

Speak-to-Chat, based on precise Voice Pickup technology, makes the headphones smart enough to pause music automatically when the wearer speaks to someone. 

Thanks to the intuitive touch sensor control panel, wearers can change sound settings, activate Quick Attention and even resume Spotify music playback or Endel, with just a few taps on the earbuds. Endel facilitates the creation of personalised soundscapes. 

The wider ecosystem

LinkBuds S support Google’s new Fast Pair feature for pairing an Android device with other devices quickly and easily. Swift Pair also makes it simple to pair the headphones to a Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop PC or tablet.

The new headphones are also Google Assistant and Alexa compatible.

Game integration

By leveraging sensor and spatial sound technology, the headphones also deliver immersive sound entertainment in augmented reality (AR) games such as Ingress. Sony has collaborated with its partner Niantic, the maker of Ingress, so that players wearing LinkBuds S will hear sound delivered depending on the direction they face.

Archit Bhargava, Director of Product Marketing, Niantic said, "Niantic has a vision of a Real World Metaverse, which means adding the AR digital layers onto the real world. Currently, the AR layers are visual layers; however, we believe that adding a sound layer will create a richer AR experience and it makes the real world more enjoyable and convenient.

"Sony's LinkBuds series adds the sound layer without compromising the visual and audio information of the real world. When it is used with the various games offered by Niantic, they can create a richer, more enjoyable gaming experience. Ingress, which is celebrating its 10th milestone this year, is going to have a new feature before the summer. We hope you will enjoy the feature with the LinkBuds series.

"Also, please stay tuned for the AR experience by the combination of LinkBuds series and our Lightship platform, which is the foundation of Niantic’s game titles, which shall be available soon."

These earbuds are additionally ready for LE Audio, a next-generation Bluetooth audio standard that enables ultra-low latency that is ideal for gaming.

Practicality

The wireless headphones weigh approximately 4.8 g, and are shaped to match the human ear. An ergonomic design offers a more stable fit.

In terms of battery life, Sony said the LinkBuds S have a full working day of charge – 6 hours with noise cancelling on – from the headphones. Another 14 hours of use can be extracted from the compact charging case. In a punch, a 5-minute quick charging session will deliver up to 60 minutes of play time.

Sustainability

The environmentally-friendly LinkBuds S, like the rest of the LinkBuds series, come in packaging that is plastic-free. The headphones themselves use recycled materials from automobile parts, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their products.

Details:

LinkBuds S will be available in White, Black and Ecru in selected countries in Asia Pacific from end-May 2022.

Sony launches two premium wireless speakers

• Ambient room-filling sound with Immersive Audio Enhancement and 360 Reality Audio

• Sound calibration providing effortless adjustment for optimum audio performance

• Smart and easy operation for seamless music enjoyment

Sony has announced the SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000, its latest premium wireless speakers. Equipped with Sony’s unique spatial sound technologies and packed with smart features, the speakers deliver sound that envelop the listener in all directions.

According to Sony, most speakers spread sound horizontally, whereas the RA5000 and RA3000 diffuse sound both horizontally (wall-to-wall) and vertically (floor-to-ceiling) with its Immersive Audio Enhancement and 360 Reality Audio content playback technologies.

Immersive Audio Enhancement transforms two-channel stereo tracks into ambient room-filling sound while 360 Reality Audio tracks incorporate three-dimensional sound location data, allowing the RA5000 and RA3000 to make use of the speaker’s structure more effectively. 360 Reality Audio can be enjoyed through compatible music streaming services. Listeners can currently access approximately 4,000 songs in 360 Reality Audio¹ from artistes like Alicia Keys, Lil Nas X, and Megan Thee Stallion.

The RA5000 features a trio of up-firing speakers that spread music vertically, while the three speakers in the middle spread sound horizontally. These are complemented by a subwoofer which helps to flood the room with rich, deep bass. The speaker unit incorporates neodymium magnets help to enable its compact size, while a mica-reinforced cellular diaphragm gives strength to the structure.

The humidity-resistant² RA3000 achieves omnidirectional sound with deep bass by using a full-range speaker, an omni-diffuser that spreads sound throughout the room in every direction and a dual passive radiator to produce deep bass. The speaker’s overlapping beam tweeters form a wavefront that goes upward, which delivers sound vertically. This helps fill the space with ambient room-filling sound, making sure that the RA3000 hits the sweet spot wherever the listener is in the room.

Source: Sony. The SRS-RA5000 (left) and SRS-RA3000 (right) premium wireless speakers.

Through sound calibration, the RA5000 and RA3000 considers the unique acoustic profile of a space and optimises its output accordingly. Begin sound calibration by pressing the Immersive Audio Enhancement button on the RA5000, or wait while the RA3000 auto adjusts in the background as audio is played. The RA3000 recalibrates automatically after it is restarted.

Tracks will never seem too loud or muted. The RA5000 and RA3000 will analyse each track and automatically play them back at a consistent volume.The RA5000 is also Hi-Res Audio certified for superior sound quality through High-Resolution Audio playback.

The RA5000 and RA3000 work with Bluetooth-compatible smartphones, laptops or tablets. Music can be directly streamed in high quality over a Wi-Fi network. These wireless speakers also provide an option of an analogue connection. The RA5000 has an additional option of using one-touch NFC to connect compatible smart devices. The RA5000 and RA3000 are also compatible with Spotify Connect and have Chromecast built-in for added convenience and flexibility.

The RA5000 and RA3000 is voice-compatible with a Google Assistant⁴-enabled device, and with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. The speakers can also be grouped with multiple compatible devices for multiroom playback using the Google Home app or Amazon Alexa app. Play different songs in different rooms, or the same music in all rooms at the same time.

Control the RA5000 and RA3000 from a smartphone with the Sony | Music Center app. Users can manage playlists, adjust equaliser (EQ) settings or enable/disable the Immersive Audio Enhancement and Auto Volume features with the app.

Enjoy lower latency wireless connectivity with compatible BRAVIA televisions via a Bluetooth connection⁵.

Details:

The SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 will be available in selected countries in Asia Pacific from January 2021. A free 360 Reality Audio service trial coupon⁶ is included with every purchase of the RA5000 or RA3000.

1 Requires download of Sony | Music Center app. Subscription to compatible online music service and third party terms, conditions, account and fees may apply. Compatible services may not be available in certain countries/regions.

2 The humidity-resistant performance of the product is based on our measurements under a certain temperature/humidity level. (35°C/35%-95%)

3 The product is not waterproof. Do not use the product near water and do not expose it to dripping or splashing. Do not use the product in a location close to a bathtub, kitchen sink, laundry tub, swimming pool, etc.

4 Google Assistant is available in selected languages and countries/regions.

5 Wireless connection via Bluetooth, BRAVIA supporting Bluetooth A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) is needed. Applicable TV models.

6 The 360 Reality Audio free trial subscription offer is available until 31 December 2021. This promotion entitles participants to a three-month free trial subscription to one of the participating 360 Reality Audio music services available in your country as listed in the promotion redemption pages. Participating services may not be available in certain countries/areas – please check the music service website for availability. Find out more.

Sony Singapore names Grand Prize winner for Alpha Creators Contest 3.0

Source: Sony. Sim Zhe Yong won the third Alpha Creators Contest in Singapore.

Sony Electronics has concluded the third Alpha Creators Contest in Singapore, awarding its Grand Prize to Sim ZheYong, an Assistant Architect, for his #SonyBeTheChange photo-series, titled A Second Look.

The photography competition, which saw more than 1,252 entries cumulates in an in-store photography exhibition at the Sony Store at 313@Somerset, running till 3 January 2021. More than 100 shortlisted photographs and stories will also feature in a virtual gallery exhibition.

“The Sony Alpha Creators contest was introduced as a platform for both aspiring and professional photographers to advance photographic culture and develop their passions. 2020 has been an unprecedented year for everyone, and we wanted to empower Singaporeans with the opportunity to express their creativity and share their stories of change during this time,” said Nathaniel Neo, Head, Digital Imaging Marketing, Sony Electronics Singapore.

"I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to be a part of the Sony Alpha Creators contest. It would be great if there were more opportunities like this for aspiring Singaporean storytellers to push the boundaries of photography and challenge the perceptions and expectations of the audience,” said Sim Zhe Yong, Winner, Sony Alpha Creators 3.0.

Sim's images, shot on the Sony Alpha 7C, Sony’s latest compact full-frame camera, showcases a side of Singapore that that often goes unnoticed. A Second Look showcases the struggles of people who are 'fighting' for different things in life. For his photo series, Sim took a step back to better understand who he was shooting and what was happening around him. Each interaction gave him a snippet of life from the subjects' perspective. This enlightening experience redefined his photography journey as he was able to approach and see things differently, instead of taking everything at face value.

Semi-finalists (Yean Chin, Lawrence Tam, Izhar Razali) took home S$1,000 in cash while the Grand Winner also received a Sony Alpha 7 III or choice of Sony product worth S$2,500.

The Sony Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest* full-frame body. It combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced autofocus (AF) capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a compact design. The new camera features a 24.2 MP (approximately effective) 35 mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, a 15-stop wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing.

*Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras with an optical in-body image stabilisation mechanisms, as of September 2020. Sony survey.

Meet Sony’s new flagship Xperia 1 II smartphone

• Sony’s new flagship Xperia 1 II is built for speed, offering the world’s first¹ smartphone with up to 20 frames per second (fps)² auto focus/auto exposure (AF/AE) tracking burst

• The 21:9 CinemaWide 6.5” 4K HDR OLED display³ delivers colour accuracy with Creator mode “powered by CineAlta”.

• Audio quality as artists intended with sound tuned in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, front stereo speakers, and new 360 Reality Audio⁴ with unique hardware decoding to optimise sound quality

Source: Sony. The Xperia 1 II.

Sony has further strengthened its Xperia lineup with the introduction of the Xperia 1 II (Mark two), a smartphone that incorporates technologies from across the Sony technology portfolio. Built-for-speed features include:

- Twenty fps² burst shooting with 60 times per second⁵ AF/AE calculations from Sony's Alpha interchangeable lens cameras.

- Creator mode and cinema recording functions from Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta”, from Sony’s professional solutions business division.

- X1 for mobile, based on technology from BRAVIA TV.

Designed with Sony’s Alpha AF technology, the newly-developed triple lens camera supports advanced photo technologies with ZEISS optics, calibrated specifically for the Xperia 1 II. A ZEISS T* Coating contributes to exquisite rendering and contrast by reducing reflections.

Utilising technology developed for Alpha interchangeable lens cameras, Xperia 1 II offers continuous AF that performs AF/AE calculations at 60 times per second⁵. This enables the world's first¹ AF/AE continuous tracking for high-speed shooting at a maximum of 20 fps² which is especially useful for shooting moving subjects⁶ such as during sports events - focus and follow the subject with high precision. Furthermore, real-time Eye AF⁵ locks focus on the subject's eye for stunning portrait shots.

Xperia 1 II fast-focus also works in challenging circumstances thanks to four technologies:

- Dual photo diode sensor⁷,

- An autofocus system that covers approximately 70% of the sensor⁸,

- The 3D iToF sensor⁹, and

- A new large 1/1.7” Exmor RS for mobile sensor which is 1.5x more sensitive than the previous model.

The triple lens camera offers three focal lengths: 16 mm/24 mm/70 mm. The new Photography Pro “technology from Alpha” brings a user interface that is aligned to Alpha photographers, with manual controls to set ISO, shutter speed and more. Imaging Edge for Mobile connects the Xperia 1 II to Sony’s Alpha cameras¹⁰, enabling users to repurpose the phone as a camera remote, controlling composition, focus mode and ISO sensitivity among other settings.

The phone also allows the user to transfer photos taken on Alpha to Xperia 1 II to review colours and hues with professional grade accuracy.  

Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta” newly supports 2K 120 fps 10-bit HDR cinematic high frame rate shooting¹¹ and cinematic 21:9 4K HDR recording at 24/25/30/60 fps¹², enhancing cinematographic shooting experiences. Touch AF, metered manual controls for setting exposure, a level meter and improved white balance settings offer more manual control, while the unique Intelligent wind filter technology from Sony reduces noise and wind interference for clearer audio recording.

The Xperia 1 II is finely tuned for an immaculate entertainment experience. Motion blur reduction technology is equivalent to that of a 90 Hz display and reduces frame lag for clearer image quality.
Drawing on Sony's expertise in both audio hardware and music entertainment, the Xperia 1 II also offers audio optimised in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment. The aural experience is taken even further with 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding to optimise sound quality when listening to music on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL¹³.

High-quality music can be enjoyed through the front stereo speakers or in combination with wired headphones with the 3.5 mm jack or wireless headphones. Significant audio tuning has reduced crosstalk to an imperceptible 20 dB - over 90% lower than USB-C headphone connections. In addition to High-Resolution and High-Resolution Wireless Audio¹⁴, Xperia 1 II introduces DSEE Ultimate. This new technology utilises AI to automatically improve audio frequency and bit rate in real-time, taking each track close to high-resolution audio. It works with wired or wireless headphones, with local or streaming music.

A 21:9 display combined with a direct connection to PlayStation 4's DUALSHOCK 4¹⁵ Wireless Controller makes gaming on the go more fun. Game Enhancer, a feature that was first introduced on Xperia 1 to enhance the mobile gaming experience, has been improved for the Xperia 1 II. It will now support Competition Set which pins the game app on the screen and turns Xperia to a game-first and focused device, suitable for even competition matches in e-sports. In addition, the touch response time on the screen has been improved performance when compared with Xperia 1.

The Xperia 1 II comes with IP 65/68 water resistance¹⁶ and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on both sides. Matching covers are available. The Xperia 1 II Style Cover View comes in Black and Purple¹⁷. This cover protects against everyday wear and tear and also lets users see time, date, and notifications even when it’s closed. The Xperia 1 II Style Cover with Stand, also available in Black and Purple, is a slim case with an integrated kickstand.

Xperia 1 II is powered by a high-capacity 4,000 mAh battery that charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes¹⁸ and features Qi fast wireless charging as well. Sony continues to develop battery technologies to improve the lifespan and keep the battery healthier for longer, including artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Battery Care that adapts to users' personal routines.

Details:

The Xperia 1 II in Black, Purple and White will be available in Singapore from Q420 at Sony Stores, Sony Store Online, and the Sony flagship store on Lazada. Price information will be shared later.

Register to be notified of the model’s availability closer to the date.

1 Xperia 1 II’s camera features up to 20 fps AF/AE continuous shooting with tracking. Xperia 1 II produces in-focus photos at up to 20 fps by continuously calculates AF/AE up to 60 times/second. Verified by Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX Service against the published camera specifications for over 16,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 23rd February 2020.

2 Up to 20 fps burst shooting with AF/AE is available for 24 mm camera. 16 mm and 70 mm cameras can shot up to 10 fps AF/AE. This function can be taken with Photography Pro. Effective when drive mode is Hi. Effective when shutter speed is 1/100 second or faster. It may vary depending on the shooting environment. Maximum fps will depend on shooting environment and settings.

3 Display ratios may vary based on content formatting.

4 360 Reality Audio requires a subscription to a compatible online music service, and third party terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply.

5 Effective with 26 mm lens. This function can be taken with Photography Pro. Effective when shutter speed is 1/60 second or faster. It may vary depending on the shooting environment.

6 Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations and this does not work with all types of animals.

7 Dual Photo Diode available for 16 mm and 24 mm cameras.

8 Available on the 24 mm camera.

9 Up to 5 m distance. For videos the 3D iToF sensor works for 70 mm. ToF stands for time of flight.

10 Please see Sony website for list of compatible cameras.

11 Video clip shot in 120 fps high frame rate will be recorded and played back in slow motion. Slow motion effect varies depending on project fps rate such as x2, x4, x4.8, x5.

12 Recording time restrictions apply. Quality of playback subject to platform and device screen capabilities.

13 Xperia 1 II features on-device 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding. Hardware decoding works with TIDAL. Third party-terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply. Service availability may vary by market. Verified by Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX Service against the current audio specifications for over 16,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 23rd February 2020.

14 High-resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless require a compatible headset.

15 DUALSHOCK 4 and XD mount sold separately. Compatibility with game titles may vary.

16 XPERIA 1 II is water-resistant and protected against dust. It can be in rain or placed under a tap, but only if all ports and attached covers are firmly closed. Do not put the device completely underwater; or expose it to seawater, saltwater, chlorinated water or liquids such as drinks.

Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty. The device has been tested under ingress protection rating IP 65/68. For more info, see https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/dm/waterresistant/.

Note the XPERIA 1 II has a capless USB port to connect and charge. The USB port needs to be completely dry before charging.

17 Timing and availability will vary by country or regions.

18 Charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes (using 21 W USB PD charger, accessory sold separately).

Shoot better pictures with Sony's GPVPT2BT wireless shooting grip

Sony has announced the new GPVPT2BT wireless shooting grip. The new grip offers optimum stability and comfort combined with cable-free connectivity and a reliable dust- and moisture-resistant design*.

Source: Sony. The GP-VPT2BT with Alpha 6600 (α6600) and SELP1650.

Compatible with a variety of Sony’s latest digital cameras**, the GP-VPT2BT connects via Bluetooth, allowing users to aim and shoot without interfering cables or exposed inputs. The new grip includes a tilt feature that allows for flexible vertical angle adjustment as well as the ability to switch from normal to self-shooting mode with ease.

Additionally, its adjustment wheel can be loosened or tightened to accommodate cameras of different sizes and weights. The grip also includes a flip button, indicator light and lock switch, and can be quickly changed into a tripod by simply expanding the bottom portion, enabling stable, handsfree shooting.


GP-VPT2BT with Alpha 7III and SEL35F18F

Details:

The GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip will be available at selected Sony Stores, Sony Centres and Sony authorised dealers from end-January 2020.

*Not guaranteed to be 100% dust- and moisture-proof. 

**Compatible with α9 II, α9, α7R IV, α7R III, α7 III, α6600, α6400, α6100, RX100 VII, and RX0 II. Firmware must be updated on cameras to ensure compatibility.

Sony Singapore's year-end promos valid till early January 2020

Want to get your hands on Sony’s best products of 2019.? There are quite a few:

Digital imaging

Sony A7 III

Source: Sony. The α7 III.

The A7 III empowers users with five-axis stabilisation, 4D Focus, reliable autofocus (AF) down to EV-3 brightness, and 4K HDR video quality.

Promotional price: S$2,699 (usual price S$2,899)

Sony α7 III with 35mm full-frame image sensor (ILCE7M3K)
Sony RX100 VII

The compact RX100 VII has a broad zoom range and superior speed.

Promotional price: S$1,599 (usual price S$1,649)

Home entertainment 

Sony: Sony BRAVIA A9G MASTER Series 4K Ultra HD TV

Source: Sony. The Bravia A9 TV.

Be in the moment through true-to-life pictures and acoustics with the Sony BRAVIA A9G 4K TV. Detailed images combined with Sound-from-Picture Reality ensure captivating audiovisual performances this festive season.

Promotional price: S$5,799 after S$2,200 cashback (55”)

2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Single Soundbar with built-in subwoofer | HT-X8500

Set the mood with the HT-X8500’s simulated 7.1.2 surround sound feature. Tweak settings remotely.

Promotional price: S$549 after S$100 cashback

Personal entertainment

Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (WH-1000XM3)

It's advanced noise-cancelling technology with the WH-1000XM3. Close-fitting ear pads, a HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 and Sony’s LDAC technology ensure high-resolution audio as close as possible to that of a dedicated wired connection.

Recommended retail price (RRP): S$549

Source: Sony. The WF-1000XM3 headphones hard at work.

Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (WH1000XM3)
Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (WF-1000XM3)

Get noise cancellation and stunning sound in a compact, stylish, truly-wireless design.

RRP: S$349

Sony XB32 EXTRA BASS Portable BLUETOOTH Speaker  (SRS-XB32)

The Sony XB32 BLUETOOTH Speaker offers a unique three-dimensional sound experience, plus 24 hours of battery life. The speakers have flashing lights that sync to the beat, too.

Promotional price: S$239 after S$30 cashback

Details:

Sony's exclusive year-end promotions are valid up to 5 January 2020.

Entries for Sony World Photography Awards 2019 to close January 2019

Photographers worldwide have under a month left to enter the 12th annual Sony World Photography Awards’ Professional, Open and Youth competitions, which are one of the most important fixtures on the global photographic calendar. The awards recognise the best contemporary photography from the past year and celebrate a wide variety of photographic genres. 

Scott Gray, CEO and founder of the World Photography Organisation commented: “Each year, the Sony World Photography Awards uncovers emerging photographic talent and gives established artists a global audience for their work. I look forward to seeing the entries and our esteemed judges’ selection.”

Submitted by photographers from around the world, the images cover a wide variety of topics taken from the 10 categories of the Open Competition, which is judged on a single image. Prizes include US$25,000 for the Photographer of the Year and US$5,000 for the overall Open competition winner.

Portuguese photographer Edgar Martins, who won in both the 2009 and 2018 Sony World Photography Awards said: “The media response to the awards was overwhelming, with extensive press and TV coverage all over the world. Apart from providing my work a huge international platform it has also brought my images to the consciousness of collectors, curators, galleries and museums… As a direct result of being part of the Sony World Photography Awards, my work was acquired by several private and public collections.”

British photographer Amanda Harman won the Professional Competition’s Still Life category in 2014, and her series A Fluid Landscape was shortlisted in the Professional Landscape category in 2018. Harman said, “Taking part in the Sony World Photography Awards has led to great things for me. I feel that being shortlisted for the 2018 awards - and receiving a book deal - for a series that I took with the Sony camera that I won at the 2014 awards has nicely completed a circle.

"The awards have undoubtedly helped me in my career, and I am excited for the next steps.”

British artist Alys Tomlinson won Photographer of the Year, which has led to her being represented by HackelBury Fine Art. "It has been fantastic to gain representation by a prestigious contemporary photography gallery and to see my work exhibited with them at fairs across the world. Adding to this, since winning the award I've also found a publisher for the series, and my book is due to be published by GOST Books in spring 2019," she shared.

The World Photography Organisation is a global platform for photography initiatives. Working across up to 180 countries, its aim is to raise the level of conversation around photography by celebrating the best imagery and photographers on the planet. The organisation hosts a year-round portfolio of events including the Sony World Photography Awards, the world's largest photography competition, and PHOTOFAIRS, international art fairs dedicated to photography around the world.

Sony Imaging Products & Solutions is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation that is responsible for its imaging products and solutions businesses, from consumer camera, solutions with a focus on broadcast- and professional-use products, to the medical business.

Details:

Open to all, submissions to these global and prestigious awards are free to enter. There are four categories, of which only one may be chosen:

Professional - Recognising outstanding bodies of work (closes January 11, 2019 - 1300 GMT)

Open - Rewarding the world’s best single images (closes January 4, 2019 - 1300 GMT)

Youth - Best single images by photographers aged 12-19 (closes January 4, 2019 - 1300 GMT)

Student - For photography students worldwide (submissions closed)
Key dates

• February 5, 2019 - Open and Youth shortlists

• February 26, 2019 - Open and National Awards winners

• March, 2019 - Outstanding Contribution to Photography revealed

• April 2, 2019 - Professional and Student shortlists

• April 17, 2019 - Photographer of the Year, Professional category winners and overall Open, Youth and Student winners

All category winners will receive the latest Sony digital imaging equipment and the overall competition plus Professional category winners will be flown to London, UK to attend the Sony World Photography Awards dinner on April 17, 2019. The awards’ winning and shortlisted images will be exhibited in London. Running April 18 – May 6 2019, the exhibition will also include exclusive new works by the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award, to be announced March 2019. 

Sony launches Picture This Festival for the Planet competition

Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN), in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, has announced the opening of the Picture This Festival for the Planet, a short-film competition for emerging filmmakers, everyday storytellers and changemakers worldwide to showcase the positive future they see for our planet.

People from over 70 countries are invited to submit videos inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global goals agreed upon by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet and promote prosperity for all.

In mid-2018, eight regional winners will be flown to Los Angeles, US to attend the Picture This Festival for the Planet for a day of networking and training alongside industry leaders and social impact partners at the Sony Pictures Studio lot, followed by a screening of the regional winners’ films. Regional winners will receive airfare and accommodations for two nights in Los Angeles, along with a Sony RX0 Camera and a one year WeTransfer Plus account. The grand prize winner honored with a Sony A6500 camera and a SEL1670 lens. In Asia, the first 100 successful entries will receive a one-year WeTransfer Plus account worth US$120 each.

Andy Kaplan, President, Sony Pictures Television Networks, said: “At Sony, we are proud champions of the intersection between storytelling and innovation and are incredibly excited to spearhead Picture This. With the support of the United Nations Foundation and our other partners, we look forward to elevating and amplifying these important development goals through the voices of emerging creatives and acknowledge their good work in a meaningful way.”

SPTN launched a similar contest in 2016 across its channel portfolio worldwide, including its flagship brands in Asia, AXN, Sony Channel, GEM, ONE and Animax and those same channels will participate in this year’s festival.

In addition to Kaplan, the judges include: Megan Boone, environmental advocate and actress from the TV series The Blacklist; Elizabeth Cousens, Deputy CEO, United Nations Foundation; Marie Jacobson, EVP Programming & Production, Sony Pictures Television Networks; Tom Bernard & Michael Barker, Co-Presidents, Sony Pictures Classics; NP Singh, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India; Glenn Gainor, President of Physical Production, Screen Gems; Debbie Levin, President & CEO, Environmental Media Association; and Damian Bradfield, President and Chief Marketing Officer, WeTransfer.

Cousens said: “The Picture This Festival for the Planet is an innovative new platform to connect global audiences to what is happening on the ground as people put the SDGs into action in their daily lives. The United Nations Foundation appreciates Sony’s deep commitment to sustainability and its willingness to leverage its creativity and reach to bring the SDGs to new audiences. By celebrating individual stories of people around the world actively working to protect people and planet, Picture This will help inspire others to join the effort to realise these ambitious – and achievable – goals."

Sony Pictures Television Networks is a division of Sony Pictures Television Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. The Picture This Festival for the Planet is Sony Pictures Entertainment’s  latest project to bring awareness to the SDGs. In 2016, the United Nations and Sony Pictures Entertainment launched Angry Birds for a Happy Planet, a global youth outreach campaign that leveraged online and social media platforms to encourage action to protect the planet and fight climate change. Centered on the Sustainable Development Goal No. 13 – to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, the campaign featured Red and other characters of The Angry Birds Movie. In 2017, supported by the cast of the Smurfs: The Lost Village, audiences were encouraged to join Team Smurfs for the Small Smurfs Big Goals campaign that inspired everyone to learn about and support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Details:

The contest is open to entrants from Brunei, Cambodia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. Fiction or non-fiction are welcome, and the film can be of a wide range of genres, new or existing. Videos should be between one and eight minutes in length. Submissions for the Picture This Festival for the Planet close April 30, 2018. Entry is free. Register

Explore:

Watch the video introducing the Picture This Festival for the Planet 

Christmas 2017: the gadget gift guide

Reward yourself for 2017 with gadgets galore as we approach year-end. WorkSmart Asia's picks this year include:

Limited edition Star Wars shavers

Source: Philips Singapore. Philips limited edition shavers, inspired by Star Wars. From left: the Poe Dameron-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW6700/14; the BB-8-inspired SW5700/07 and the Stormtrooper-inspired SW170/04.

Philips has a new range of limited-edition shavers which emulate different characters from the Star Wars movie collection. The Star Wars shavers offer wallet-friendly prices and all-star performance.

Rounded edges and four-direction Flex Heads on the lightweight SW170/04 shaver ensure a comfortable, protective shave. The BB-8-inspired SW5700/07 shaver has five-direction flex heads that glide close to the skin for a close shave, and an Aquatec Wet & Dry seal that gives a close shave wet or dry. The Poe Dameron-inspired Philips Star Wars Shaver SW6700/14 (RRP S$219) has eight-directional ContourDetect flex heads that automatically recalibrate to every curve of the neck and face. The design is inspired by Poe Dameron’s X-wing fighter, right down to scratched metal finishing and red stripes. 

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the new Philips Star Wars shavers, which will be available till 31 December, 2017.

Audio accessories

Source: Sony. The Sony XB80BS EXTRA BASS Wireless Sports In-ear Headphones are available in different colours.

Designed for fitness buffs, the S$199 Sony XB80BS EXTRA BASS Wireless Sports In-ear Headphones are ultra-durable and can even be washed after workouts.

Source: Sony. Sony WF-1000X Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.

The Sony WF-1000X Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (S$349) are minimalist and eliminate the challenge of tangled wires.

Source: Sony. Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (S$549) have a smart listening feature which automatically detects activities such as travelling, walking, and waiting, then adjusts ambient sound settings so that users can hear what is going on around them.

Details:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the launch of the Sony wireless noise cancelling headphones.

Source: Sony. The Sony EXTRA BASS SRS-XB20 speaker.

Crank up the playlist with the Sony EXTRA BASS SRS-XB20 speaker (S$169). Its single-coloured line light even synchronises with the beat. This speaker is water resistant for partying anytime, anywhere.

Source: Sony. The Sony HT-MT500 surround sound system.

Boost the home theatre experience with the Sony HT-MT500 atmospheric surround sound system. Its minimalist and space-saving design, reminiscent of origami, fits in seamlessly with any space.

Cameras with versatility

Source: Canon. The Canon EOS 6D
Mark II camera.

Canon Singapore recommends the Canon EOS 6D Mark II for photography enthusiasts. Take up to 1,200 still images on a full charge - the latest addition to Canon’s full-frame line boasts the latest DIGIC 7 image processor, a higher resolution 26.2MP sensor, 45-point all cross-type autofocus (AF) system and a 6.5fps continuous shooting speed. A touchscreen Vari-angle LCD monitor enables intuitive operation of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for fast and precise autofocusing.

Details:

The EOS 6D Mark II body costs S$2,899 while the EF24-105mm f/4L IS II ultra sonic motor (USM) lens is S$4,299. The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens is S$3,949. 

Source: Canon. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III.

The ideal no-fuss travel camera is Canon's PowerShot G1 X Mark III. Despite housing a larger sensor and a built-in high resolution electronic viewfinder of 2.36 million dots, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III stays compact at only 399g. This is Canon’s first compact camera to be equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF and an APS-C sized CMOS sensor for high-speed AF. Capture anything with a continuous shooting speeds of 7fps during AF tracking and 9fps during fixed AF. 

Get wide-angle shots with the new panoramic feature and underwater captures up to a depth of 40m, made possible with the Canon underwater casing (WP-DC56). 

Details:

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III costs S$1,499. It is available online at the Canon store.

Source: Sony. The Cyber-shot RX100
V compact camera.

Sony's ultimate compact camera – the Cyber-shot RX100 V (S$1,499) lets users shoot continuously at up to 24fps or in slow motion to capture every detail, even in extremely low-light conditions.

Source: Sony. The Sony FDR-X3000 Action Cam.

Never miss a moment with the Sony FDR-X3000 Action Cam (S$799). It captures stable images with Balanced Optical SteadyShot and action movies in 4K. Shoot anywhere with Action Cam real-world rugged design.

Source: Canon. The EOS M100.

Social media buffs may want to consider the Gold Duet: a mirrorless EOS Canon camera with a gold jacket that comes bundled with a Canon printer in champagne gold. Boasting of the DIGIC 7 image processor and 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, the EOS M100 also has Wi-Fi and near field communications (NFC) connectivity.

Users can pair the EOS M100 with their smart devices to share content through social media. The built-in Bluetooth low energy capability maintains a constant connection to a compatible smart device with low power consumption. With this constant connection, users can view images or trigger a remote capture from the camera even when from Auto Power Off mode.

Source: Canon. The PIXMA TS9170.

The pictures can easily be printed on the premium wireless Photo All-In-One PIXMA TS9170. The printer features a six-ink system with a new Photo Blue Ink for even more vibrant prints. Nine creative filters and a new Message in Print app offers fresh looks and the ability to embed secret messages.

Details:

The Gold Duet is available for sale in Singapore only at the following selected authorised dealers: Best Denki @Vivo, Best Denki @Ngee Ann, Courts Megastore @Tampines, Cathay Photo Peninsula Plaza, Cathay Photo Marina Square, Nu Photo at Sim Lim, Nu Photo at Orchard (Concorde Hotel), Lucky Store at Katong, and SLR Revolution at Plaza Singapura or High Street outlets.

The bundle, S$1,128, comes with free gifts worth S$225: the EOS M100 Gold Jacket - a protective case that fits around part of the camera body, a PIXMA TS9170 Targus Bag, Photo Paper Starter Kit, and a 16GB SD card.

Printers for different applications

Source: Canon. The SELPHY CP1300.

Canon has a printer for every need. Quick prints are easily made on-the-go with the Canon SELPHY CP1300 (S$199). The new Wi-Fi Shuffle Print mode allows up to eight smart devices to be connected at the same time while a 2x6" layout feature supports photo booth-style printouts.

Users can choose from the traditional glossy photo finish, a matte finish and a fine, grid-patterned finish. A special film coating that protects against colour bleed and fading for up to 100 years when the prints are stored in an album. With the optional battery pack, users can print up to 54 postcard-size prints on a single charge. 

High-volume, low-cost printing at up to 400 monochrome documents and 180 colour pages, are a breeze for the PIXMA E3170. The PIXMA E3170 can also offer borderless printed photos at 4R, 5x5 and 5R sizes. The printer’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities mean mobile devices and tablets can easily connect for printing needs. A 1.5" LCD display with intuitive icons serves as a user guide.

Source: Canon. The Maxify MB5470.

The MAXIFY MB5470 printer (S$459) is targeted at small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). Print up to 2,500 pages of A4 documents and enjoy at least 50% ink savings with Canon's PGI-2700XL ink cartridges. To ensure that all data is secure, the MAXIFY MB5470 offers machine management and document security options. A 3.5" touchscreen LCD enables slide-and-swipe touch operation.

Presentation magic

Source: Canon. The RAYO i5.

Canon also suggests pairing the S$699 RAYO i5 mini projector with the S$69 Presenter PR100 R remote control. Measuring 111 x 111 x 17.2mm and weighing 269g, the RAYO i5 is portable and allows presentation decks stored on smart devices to be streamed directly via either wired or wireless connections. The projector can enlarge content to a 158” image on any surface while delivering continuous brightness at 100 lumens. Screen resolutions go up to 854 x 480 (WVGA) pixels.

The ergonomically-designed PR-100R has full slide control buttons, and works wirelessly at distances of up to 30m.

Explore:

Get into the festive mood with the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about

Festive drinks at Starbucks
 
Christmas sets at Watsons Singapore

The Christmas 2017 Singapore luxury gift guide

Christmas surprises at Goodwood Park Hotel

Hotel Jen Tanglin's festive takeaways and meals

The Christmas 2017 Hong Kong luxury gift guide

Holidays at the Black Sheep Restaurants, Hong Kong

Festive meals at the Eclipse Hospitality Group restaurants 

Sony’s new full-frame α7R III interchangeable lens camera combines resolution and speed

 35mm full-frame 42.4 MP¹ back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with Evolved Image Processing

 Continuous shooting at up to 10 fps² with either silent shooting or mechanical shutter and full auto focus (AF)/auto exposure (AE) tracking

 Three hundred and ninety-nine phase-detection AF points covering 68%³ of image area, 425 contrast AF points and approximately two times more effective Eye AF⁴

 Five-axis optical in-body image stabilisation with a 5.5 step⁵ shutter speed advantage

 4K⁶ movie shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel binning⁷

Source: Sony. The new α7R III camera.

Sony has added the α7R III (model ILCE-7RM3) to their full-frame mirrorless camera lineup. Thanks to an evolutionary leap in image processing power and efficiency, the new α7R III combines a high-resolution 42.4 MP¹ back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with shooting speeds at up to 10 fps² with full AF/AE tracking, as well as beautiful image and 4K6 video quality, a 15-stop⁹ dynamic range, high sensitivity with noise reduction of almost a full stop⁴ and more.

New level of image quality
The 42.4MP high-resolution, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor utilises a gapless on-chip lens design and anti-reflective (AR) coating on the surface of the sensor’s seal glass to dramatically improve light collection efficiency, resulting in high sensitivity with low-noise performance and a wide dynamic range.

Sony’s new α7R III also features a new front-end LSI that effectively doubles⁴ the readout speed of the image sensor, as well as an updated BIONZ X processing engine that boosts processing speed by approximately 1.8 times compared to the α7R II. These components work together to enable shooting at faster speeds while supporting an ISO range of 100 - 32,000 (expandable to ISO 50 – 102,400 for still images) and a 15-stop⁹ dynamic range at low sensitivity settings.

This new full-frame model was built without an optical low pass filter to maximise resolution, and can output in 14-bit RAW format even when shooting in silent or continuous mode. The camera is equipped with a five-axis optical image stabilisation system that has been finetuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity, resulting in a 5.5 step⁵ shutter speed advantage, the world’s highest¹⁰ compensation performance for an image stabilisation system. A new low-vibration shutter reduces vibration and image blur in all modes, including at high-speed 10 fps shooting. Enhancements have also been made to increase accurate colour reproduction of skintones.

AF and AF/AE tracking at up to 10 fps²
The α7R III full-frame mirrorless camera is equipped with a refined image processing system that allows it to shoot full 42.4 megapixel images at up to 10 fps with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to 76 JPEG/RAW images or 28 uncompressed RAW images¹¹. The 10 fps mode is available with either a mechanical shutter or a completely silent shooting¹². The camera can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fps¹³ in live view mode with minimal lag observed through the viewfinder or LCD screens. These high speed options ensure that fast-moving subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and incredible image detail.

For added convenience, many of the cameras key functions are operable even while large groups of burst images are being written to the memory card. These include access to the Function (Fn) and Menu buttons, image playback and several other menus and parameters¹⁴.

Additionally, if there is fluorescent or artificial lighting present in a shooting environment, users can activate the Anti-flicker¹⁵ function to allow the α7R III to automatically detect frequency of the lighting and time the shutter to minimise its effect on images being captured. This cuts down on any exposure or colour anomalies that can sometimes occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds.

The upgraded focusing system of the α7R III consists of 399 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 68% of the image area in both the horizontal and vertical directions. There are also 425 contrast AF points, an increase of 400 points compared to the α7R II. This advanced system delivers AF acquisition in about half the time as the α7R II in low-light conditions, with tracking that is approximately twice as accurate. The Eye AF feature is also approximately twice as effective, and is available when utilising Sony’s A-mount lenses with an adapter¹⁶.

Additional improvements in focusing flexibility include AF availability in Focus Magnifier mode, focal-plane phase-detection AF support when using A-mount lenses¹⁷, an AF On button, and a multi-selector or joystick for moving focusing points quickly.

4K video
The new α7R III is exceptionally capable as a video camera, offering 4K (3,840x2,160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. When shooting in Super 35mm format, the camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect 5K¹⁸ of information, oversampling it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.

A new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)¹⁹ is available on the α7R III that supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG)-compatible TVs to play back true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Further, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased colour grading flexibility. The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbps⁶, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion²⁰ video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

Customisation for professionals
Sony’s newest full-frame camera is equipped for professional operation. It has dual media slots, with support in one slot for UHS-II type SD memory cards. Users have a variety of options for storing their content, including separate JPEG/RAW recording, separate still image/movie recording, relay recording and more. Battery life has been greatly extended as well, as the new camera utilises Sony’s Z series battery which has approximately 2.2 times the capacity of the W series battery that was paired with the α7R II.

The α7R III features an upgraded high-resolution, high-luminance Quad-VGA OLED TruFinder with approximately 3,686K dots for extremely accurate, true-to-life detail reproduction. The TruFinder, also found in the Sony α9 camera, utilises a ZEISS T* coating to greatly reduce reflections, and has a fluorine coating on the outer lens that repels dirt. It also has a customisable frame rate, with options of either 50 fps or 100 fps²¹ to best match the action.

 The LCD screen has been upgraded as well, with a resolution of 1.44M dots and WhiteMagic technology that improves viewing in bright, outdoor conditions. Standard or High display quality settings are also available for both the viewfinder and monitor. This setting takes advantage of the large amount of data read from the 42.4MP sensor to provide extra-fine viewfinder and monitor displays for a more natural view.

The new camera also offers a multi-selector joystick that provides a fast, efficient way to shift focus points, as well as an AF on button to activate autofocus when shooting stills or movies.

The new α7R III allows for convenient transfer of files to a smartphone, tablet, computer or FTP server via Wi-Fi, while also including a synch terminal, enabling external flash units and cables to be connected directly for convenient flash synch. A SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C Terminal is also available for increased flexibility in power supply or connected accessories, as well as a faster image transfer speed when connected to a PC.

New Imaging Edge Software Suite
Imaging Edge extends the creative capabilities of the entire shooting process – from pre-processing to post-processing. The suite includes three PC applications, Remote, Viewerand Edit. Available for free download, the applications support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development.

Also making its debut on the α7R III is a new Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode, which takes full advantage of the five-axis optical in-body stabilisation to create super-high resolution composite images. In this mode, the camera shifts the sensor in one-pixel increments to capture four separate pixel-shifted images containing approximately 169.6 MP²² of image data. These four images can be composited together and processed by Imaging Edge to produce a still image with overwhelming resolution and unprecedented colour accuracy.

Details:

The Sony α7R III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will be available at all Sony stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorised dealers in Singapore from end-November 2017.

1 Approximately, effective

2 Up to 10 fps in continuous “Hi+” mode, and up to 8 fps in continuous “Hi” mode. Maximum fps will depend on camera settings

3 Approximately 68% of the image area in both the horizontal and vertical directions

4 Compared to the α7R II, according to Sony testing

5 CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off

6 A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS speed class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording

7 In Super 35mm mode

8 Approximately. Pixel binning is a technique used to reduce noise.

9 Sony test conditions for still images

10 Among digital cameras with a full-frame image sensor. As of October 2017 press release, based on Sony research 11 Hi+ continuous mode with UHS-II compatible SDXC memory card. Sony test conditions

12 Some distortion may occur with fast-moving subjects of if the camera is moved sideways rapidly

13 Hi mode. Maximum fps will depend on camera setting

14 Not all menu parameters can be edited while data is being written to the memory card

15 Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie shooting

16 With SSM or SAM lenses only. Eye AF not supported for movie recording. AF-C can only be used when the Phase detection AF system is selected, but focus is fixed at the first frame during continuous shooting in any mode other than Continuous: Lo (Hi+, Hi, Mid)

17 With SSM or SAM lenses only. With the LA-EA3 mount adapter. Focal plane phase-detection AF not supported for movie recording. AF-C can only be used when the Phase detection” AF system is selected, but focus is fixed at the first frame during continuous shooting in any mode other than Continuous: Lo (Hi+, Hi, Mid) 

18 Fifteen-megapixel 

19 Connect this product to an HDR (HLG)-compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies

20 Sound not recorded. Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card required 

21 In PAL. 60fps or 120fps in NTSC

22 Image size after compositing is approximately 42.4 million (7,952 x 5,304) pixels

Sony extends full-frame lens lineup, announces new OSS Super-Telephoto lens

Sony today announced the latest addition to its full-frame E-mount lens lineup, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom (model SEL24105G). 

Source: Sony. The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens.

The new full-frame lens covers the commonly-used 24 to 105mm focal length range, delivering outstanding G Lens imaging performance with the most lightweight design in its class*.  The FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens also features fast, precise and quiet autofocus capabilities in both still and video shooting, making it an ideal complement for Sony’s E-mount cameras. 

High optical performance

Sony’s new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens delivers excellent corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entirety of its zoom range, while also producing beautifully rendered bokeh at all focal lengths. 

This high image quality is made possible thanks to its advanced optical design featuring four aspherical lens elements, two of which are high precision AA (advanced aspherical) lenses.  There are also three ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements that work in combination with the aspherical lens elements to minimise chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.   

The lens also has Sony’s original Nano anti-reflective (AR) coating to minimise flare and ghosting, and utilises a circular aperture to ensure it delivers high quality bokeh that is consistent for all Sony’s G series.   

Shooting flexibility 

The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens weighs in at approximately 663g, making it the lightest lens in its class*.  When combined with one of Sony’s compact E-mount bodies, it gives photographers and videographers a far more mobile, manageable camera system that greatly increases their shooting flexibility.     

The new lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.25ft, allowing for detailed closeups. It also includes built-in optical image stabilisation to make it easier to produce sharp, blur-free images for handheld shooting.   

Advanced, accurate autofocus

The new standard zoom lens features a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) system that is capable of rapid positioning of the lens’ focus groups with high accuracy and minimal noise.  This advanced system combined with a constant F4 aperture at all focal lengths makes the SEL24105G an excellent choice for both still and video shooting, Sony said. The new standard zoom lens also features a customisable focus hold button, a dust- and moisture-resistant design** and a fluorine coating on the front element to help minimise dust, water, oil and other contaminants.   

                               

Sony separately announced the development of the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Super-Telephoto lens, with a target launch date in mid-2018.

The new lens will feature the high-resolution and bokeh effects of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, while also offering a 400mm focal length and f2.8 large aperture. Sony says this combination will deliver an elevated shooting experience for professional sports, news and wildlife photographers.

Details:

The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens (model SEL24105G) will be available at all Sony stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorised dealers from November 2017. 

Additional details and specifications for the new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Super-Telephoto Lens will be released at a later date.

*Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (25 October 2017, Sony research) 

**Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof