Photoxels

Firmware Updates • Press Releases • Sony

Sony Releases Camera Authenticity Solution Firmware Updates to Ensure Authenticity of Images and Combat Fake Images

2024-03-27

Fake images and videos abound on the Internet today and the advent of AI has further complicated the problem. When Sony released the Alpha 9 III last november, it promised that it would help counter the rise of fake images by implementing a C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format solution to ensure the authencity of images taken on its alpha full-frame mirrorless cameras. Today, it announced a number of firmware updates that contain its Camera Authenticity Solution for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00).

The firmware updates also include a number of user requested features to improve shooting functions, post-shooting workflow, video breathing compensation, new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.

Download Camera Authenticity Solution firmware updates for:

Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00)

Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00)

Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00)

Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00) – after April 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Sony Electronics Delivers Firmware Updates including C2PA Compliancy as a Next Step to Ensure Authenticity of Images

More than 45 Updates for the Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV will also improve Shooting Functions and Workflow

SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2024 – Today, Sony Electronics delivers the highly anticipated firmware updates for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00). The update contains some of Sony’s most impactful technology, including Camera Authenticity Solution, the proprietary in-camera digital signature and C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format support¹. Together, these tools will make it possible for news agencies to ensure the authenticity of images, contributing to industry efforts to protect creators, and society from fake imagery.

Additionally, the firmware updates include many requested features to improve everyday use. The update evolves shooting functions and post-shooting workflow and brings advanced movie features like breathing compensation. It also includes new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.

“There is nothing more core to our mission than listening to the voices of the photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras. We know this community has been asking for these updates, and we’re happy to deliver. Each of these updates are designed to promote ease of use for our creators and allow them to maximize the strengths of their cameras,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’re especially pleased to deliver C2PA compliancy with this update. This compliancy paired with our unique digital signature technology, allows us to offer the most secure and comprehensive solution to protect professional photographers, news agencies, and society from manipulated imagery.”
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Lenses • Press Releases • Sigma

Sigma Announces Fast Aperture Weather-Resistant SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art for L-Mount and Sony E-mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

2024-03-26

by photoxels

PRESS RELEASE

Launch schedule of SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art

SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch schedule of the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art

SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art

■ Supplied accessories: CASE, LENS HOOD LH782-03, FRONT CAP LCF-72 III, REAR CAP LCR II
■ Mount: For L-Mount, Sony E-mount
■ Launch: April 18th, 2024

* The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change.
* This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.
* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

Unveiling another SIGMA Art line F1.2 lens.
Elevating photographic mastery beyond conventional limits.

The lightest in its class*
― Bright F1.2 maximum aperture and the highest level of descriptive power from SIGMA’s Art line
SIGMA’s Art line has been offering new possibilities and surprise for expression, and now the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is here to break the standards. SIGMA’s focus with this lens is on the descriptive power that is perfectly usable from the widest aperture, and on portability that allows the high performance to be demonstrated in any field. In terms of image rendition, SIGMA achieved high resolving power from the maximum aperture throughout the entire focus range, while also enriching the beauty of the large bokeh effect at F1.2. In addition, the lens construction and mechanical design have been stripped down to the bare essentials, resulting in a significantly compact and lightweight body. The lens is also equipped with a full range of functions suitable for professional use, including high-precision AF using the latest HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) that reduces volume while maintaining the same thrust. We hope users will enjoy the superb Art F1.2, which will transform everything they capture and even their photographic experience into something extra special.
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Canon • Press Releases

Canon PowerShot S110 Captures Photo of Earth from Space

2024-03-18

by photoxels

Did you know that Canon successfully sent its own satellite into orbit? Canon Electronics manufactured and launched the CE-SAT-IE micro-satellite (50 x 50 x 80 cm, 70kg) into orbit on February 17, 2024 from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center. A Canon PowerShot S110 compact digital camera was used to capture a picture of the Gulf of California. The Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera is also on board and will be used to collect geospatial information for disaster prevention activities.

The Canon PowerShot S110 is a fixed lens compact digital camera that was released in 2012 and features a 12.1MP 1/1.7″ image sensor, 5x optical zoom (24-120mm equiv., F2-5.9) lens with IS, a fixed 3.0-in. 461,000-dot Touch LCD, and video at 1920 x 1080 (24 fps). The Canon EOS R5 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that was released in 2020 and features a 45MP image sensor, 5-axis IBIS, a fully-articulated 3.2-in. 2.1M-dot Touch LCD, 20fps Continuous Shooting and 8K/30P Video.

PRESS RELEASE

Canon Electronics Successfully Launches CE-SAT-IE Satellite into Orbit

MELVILLE, NY, March 18, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is pleased to announce the CE-SAT-IE, micro-satellite developed and manufactured by Canon Electronics, entered orbit and communicated with the ground station installed at Canon Electronics’ Akagi Plant. Based on the data received, it was confirmed that the satellite was operating normally. Date of Launch of the launch vehicle that put the CE-SAT-IE into orbit was February 17, 2024.

Two days after the launch, Canon’s PowerShot S110 compact digital camera, mounted on the satellite as a secondary-optical system for wide area photography, successfully captured the Gulf of California for the first time. The photograph depicts the outline of the earth and the 1000 km long colorful Gulf of California, registered as a World National Heritage Site, also called “the aquarium of the world,” as well as a group of rich nature preserves.

Canon Electronics will also aim to acquire high resolution images using Canon’s EOS R5 digital camera, which is the main optical system in combination with a 400 mm aperture telescope. The high-resolution image is designed to achieve a ground sampling distance about 80cm when taken at an orbital altitude of 670 km. Images captured from the CE-SAT-IE satellite may help contribute to the security and safety of society through its contribution to geospatial information collection and disaster prevention activities.
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Firmware Updates • Nikon • Press Releases

Nikon Z 9 Firmware Update Ver.5.00 Enhances Capabilities for Sports, Portraits and Video

2024-03-13

by photoxels

Responding to users requests, especially from professional sports photographers, Nikon has expanded the Auto Capture and High-Speed Frame Capture functions. You can now specify a shooting start date/time and duration in Auto Capture, allowing the camera to be positioned and configured well before it will actually be used, and thus helping to reduce battery consumption. Frequency presets for common LED lighting and signboards have also been added to the High-Frequency Flicker Reduction function, making it easier to choose the optimal shutter speed to efficiently reduce the effects of high-frequency LED flicker.

Other enhancements include Portrait photography (Skin Softening and Portrait Impression Balance functions, and Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control) and improved operability.

Download Nikon Z 9 Firmware Update Ver.5.00

PRESS RELEASE

Nikon Releases Firmware Version 5.00 for the Nikon Z 9 Full-frame Mirrorless Camera

Nikon Also Updates SnapBridge App to V 2.11 and Adds Easy Shooting Setup Feature

March 13, 2024, MISSISSAUGA, ON – Nikon is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 5.00 for its flagship full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 9.

Firmware version 5.00 is the fourth major update since the release of the Z 9 and increases usability for sports photography by expanding the Auto Capture and High-Speed Frame Capture+ functions. Portrait photography is also enhanced for more effective capture of the images photographers want, with the Skin Softening and Portrait Impression Balance functions, and Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control that enables rendering of details of the subject’s complexion with rich tones. Furthermore, the evolution of the Z 9 continues with improved operability achieved in response to feedback from professionals requesting increased speed and efficiency.
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Cameras • Nikon • Press Releases

Nikon Enters Professional Cinema Camera Market With Acquisition of RED

2024-03-07

by photoxels

PRESS RELEASE

Nikon to Acquire US Cinema Camera Manufacturer RED.com, LLC

Accelerating Expansion in Professional Digital Cinema Camera Market

TOKYO (March 7, 2024) – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) hereby announces its entry into an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding membership interests of RED.com, LLC (RED) whereby RED will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nikon, pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Mr. James Jannard, its founder, and Mr. Jarred Land, its current President, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions thereunder.

Since its establishment in 2005, RED has been at the forefront of digital cinema cameras, introducing industry-defining products such as the original RED ONE 4K to the cutting-edge V-RAPTOR [X] with its proprietary RAW compression technology. RED’s contributions to the film industry have not only earned it an Academy Award but have also made it the camera of choice for numerous Hollywood productions, celebrated by directors and cinematographers worldwide for its commitment to innovation and image quality optimized for the highest levels of filmmaking and video production.
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