Sony Alpha Pro Showcase

Try the latest Sony Alpha cameras including the new Sony A7R V 61 megapixel powerhouse with the full E-Mount lens range on Tuesday 6th December. This is a great opportunity to try the full Sony range and find out what works for you and your practice whether you’re shooting stills or video, a traveller or studio-based.

Save the date 6th December – we are finalising the programme for the day and will set up booking soon.

Sony

Experts from Sony will bring the latest releases including the A7R V. At our events we also have a wide range of full frame and APS-C cameras and lenses to try. The Sony continue to be disruptors in the professional photography and video markets, the A1, A7R mark IV, A9 mark II and A7s mark III have all been received with high praise worldwide. Sony E-mount lens range is always growing with professional standard native prime, and zoom, lenses available in the Sony G-Master range.

Trade-up

Consult with experts on each brand and work with our sales team to get the best deals on the day. Thinking of switching systems ? We can evaluate your current kit for trade-in and provide extra discounts for purchases on the day. Bring your current cameras and lenses in for a free trade-in valuation to find out how much you could save on an upgrade when you trade in your existing kit.

The current Sony Alpha mirrorless lineup

Sony have a wide array of camera lines within the world of full frame mirrorless cameras (and even more in its APS-C crop sensor cameras) so you may well wonder – Which is the one for me?

The high resolution A7R range is now up to its fifth version. These “R series” cameras focus on the highest pixel count possible to render fine detail for high resolution printing. The current model, the A7R V, has a 61 megapixel sensor and is a popular landscape camera witht he processing power of a versatile all-rounder. The A7R V is ideal for events as well as finding a home in product, fashion and commercial photography both in studios ands on location.

Sony Alpha 7, or a7 cameras are all full-frame mirrorless bodies now up to the fourth iteration. These bodies combine the best tech with a standard resolution sensor for solid all-round photography and video performance. The A7 IV is the latest Alpha or “a” 7 series camera body.

For video and extreme low-light sensitivity the A7S line is for you. Now up to the third model these cameras have comparatively low 12 megapixel full frame sensors but get the maximum readout possible from each pixel for superior high ISO performance and the lower resolution speeds up processing for high bitrate full frame 4k video: Find out about the A7S III.

The A7C is a compact A7 body, if small and light is your main aim the A7C packs A7 tech into a remarkably bijoux package. The A7C is the first of its kind and launched in September 2020.

The a9 and a9 II are full frame high speed camera bodies with features for press and sports photographers such as built in ethernet port for filing images over FTP direct to a picture desk. These cameras have high maximum frame rates and fast autofocus tracking. Find out more here.

Last but by no means least the Sony a1 combines high resolution with high speed for phenomenal 50.1 megapixel images record at 30 frames per second with no blackout in the viewfinder. This considerable chunk of tech is the new Sony flagship camera body which launched in March this year. Find out more about the Sony alpha One.

Sony a7R V

Sony has launched a new full frame camera body in their Alpha mirrorless lineup. Sony Alpha 7RV is the next evolutionary step of the ultra high resolution R range of Sony professional full frame mirrorless cameras. This new camera is more powerful thanks to its advances image processing engine driving autofocus improvements and enhanced colour science for skin tones – ideal for event, portrait and beauty photography.

 

Sony A7R V camera body

New features:

The Sony A7R V builds on the bones of the already impressive Sony A7R IV camera body. The mark IV and mark V both boast an impressive 61 megapixel back illuminated imaging sensor capable of remarkable high resolution images. The new A7R V adds a new image proccessing engine to get the most out of the 61 million pixels on offer. The BIONZ XR image proccessing offers:

1. Improved AI Autofocus: The deep learning focus algorithm can now recognise limbs and recognise a subject that has left and returned to the frame, making focus tracking even more reliable.
2. Recognition of body shapes as well as faces allows for auto exposure and auto white-balance to generate more accurate colours in difficult lighting conditions.
3. Advanced in-body image stabilisation – keeping the sensor stable involves tracking movement readings in multiple directions and at variable acceleration rates. The increased processing power should deliver a higher degree of stability, when paired with Sony lenses featuring optical stabilisation this should deliver the best stabilisation in an alpha camera to date.
4. 8K video making the A7R V a video and stills all-rounder. 8K or 4K60P video with 10-bit 4:2:2 recording requires the additional processing power of the new BIONZ XR processing engine.

Ergonomics & hardware – the A7R IV has a four-axis tilt and fold-out screen combining the flip out screen Sony A7 IV, with the tilt screen found in the Sony A1 for a robust multi-angle live view shooting from all angles. The body has a comfortable deep grip ideal for long shoots. Memory cards dial CFexpress type A media slots reduce buffering and allow for higher shooting rates.

Our view:

We can’t wait to get our hands on this camera which should be an event photographer’s dream body. While the high resolution 61 megapixel imaging sensor will apeal to portrait, fashion and beauty photographers working in controlled environments it is the new processing power to deliver results in challenging lighting conditions that will make this body stand out for event and social photogrpahy.

The Sony A7R V is available to order just contact our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294.

SONY FE 24-70MM F2.8 GM II

Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II

Today Sony launches the FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens the second generation of the workhorse wide to standard to short-telephoto lens that powers countless professional photographers around the world. With a few new features and in-house G Master lens standards from Sony this release packs a lot of power into a smaller and lighter lens.

Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II: £2,099
The Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II is available to pre-order just contact our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294.

Sony FE 24-70 GM II in use on the Sony FX3 and a gimbal.
Sony FE 24-70 GM II in use on the Sony FX3 and a gimbal.
New features:

1. Circular Aperture with 11 aperture blades for smooth out of focus areas and consistent bokeh at all apertures.
2. Dedicated aperture control ring with click / declick switch
3. Smaller and lighter, only 699g vs 886g from the Mark I version
4. Sharper images, twenty elements arranged in 15 groups employing ED (Extra-low dispersion), XA (Extreme Aspherical), Super ED and aspherical elements in addition to special lens coatings, reduce aberations and artifacts for sharpness throughout the zoom range.

Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II: £2,099
The Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II is available to pre-order just contact our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294.

Sony FE 24-70 2.8 GM II side view
Sony FE 24-70 2.8 GM II Lens

Sample images from Sony by Mathias Kniepeiss:

Sony A7 IV image

Sony A7 IV

Sony has launched a new full camera body in their full frame alpha 7 mirrorless range: The A7 IV.

This body is the successor to the Sony A7 mark III. It boasts a healthy 33 megapixels, high speed shooting, 4k 60p video and Face, Eye and animal AF. The Sony a7 IV is a strong new professional camera from the manufacturer. We’ve picked out some highlights from the spec below, and explore where the A7 IV fits in the alpha mirrorless range. Let us know your thought in the comments.

Sony A7 IV digital camera with vari-angle LCD screen extended
The Sony A7 IV with its variable angle LCD.

The Sony A7 IV body only: £2399
Sony model number ILCE-7M4

Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Image Quality 33 megapixels

33 megapixels on a full frame sensor deliver images that can be printed, withstand generous cropping and with excellent sensor technology from Sony can deliver great performances at high ISO for use in low light environments.

The key technology is the Sony Exmor R back-illuminated sensor. Back illumination places the pixel wiring behind the pixel so that the (microscopic) wires do not block the path of light into the sensor this enhances the light-gathering power of each pixel as there is a clear path for the light to enter the sensor.

Not only is the Sensor capable of gathering light better but it is paired with a new Bionz XR imaging processor which delivers outstanding professional image quality even in low light.

Don’t miss a moment – the processing power of the A7 IV Bionz imaging processor facilitates burst shooting rates up to 10 frames per second with fast buffer clearance to capture the action.

The resolution and price point makes the Sony a7 IV an ideal wedding camera as it has the resolution for high quality edits and printing, plus the low light performance needed for covering events, all without the higher cost of more specialist Sony alpha bodies.

Exceptional Autofocus

Mirrorless cameras offer the unique advantage over DSLR bodies that the image focuses on the imaging sensor so that when focus locks on you are guaranteed sharp shots. With real-time Tracking and Eye AF technology with algorithms to identify and lock onto the eyes of humans, animals, and birds the Sony A7 mk4 will track your subject while shooting photos or recording videos.

There are 759 phase detection AF points across the frame.

The fast and accurate autofocus will keep sampling during high speed continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second making it a powerful wildlife camera as it can keep focus on the eyes while the action unfolds. The tracking autofocus also locks on and stays with the subject while recording video, more detail on the video spec below.

A close up of the controls available on the Sony A7 IV top and back covers.
Fast Connectivity: USB type C 3.2 plus Wifi and Bluetooth

Dual high speed memory card slots deliver high speed image transfer with we via the Fixation preferred method: a separate card reader. Also via USB, built in ultrafast WiFi and Bluetooth.

With USB-C gen 3.2 compatibility wired image transfer is super fast straight out of the camera. There is an automatic Bluetooth image backup mode that allows you to save, transfer and share images instantly.

The dual card slot can be used to double the camera’s recording capacity by loading in extra GBs of space. We recommend using the dual slot as a backup which offers you more security in the case of a corrupted memory card.

The Alpha 7 IV connectivity enables live streaming options up to 4K15p or Full HD 60p without the need for a capture card making it a high quality streaming camera whenever you need to go live.

Vital stats for the dual memory card slot:
  • Slot 1 can take CFexpress type A cards, UHS I or UHS II SD cards.
  • Slot 2 is UHS I/II compliant for SD cards only.
Video specifications

The Sony a7 IV has a wide range of features including video and in the roaring twenties that means its a 4k camera. We know that not all 4k is created equal so let’s bust some jargon on the video spec.

Video Resolution

Record 4K video at up to 60p with full pixel readout. No image information is skipped or binned during video recording which delivers a more accurate video file.

Colour bit depth and chroma subsampling

The a7 IV can record in 4:2:2 10 bits. 4.2.2 refers to the amount of colour data recorded, twice as much colour pixel information as 4.2.0. 10 bits refers to the bit depth of each colour recorded offering a wider gamut of colours for increased subtlety in colour variations, this opens the door to producing HDR video content.

These settings may not be apparent straight out of the camera, or when viewed on standard screens, but they offer much greater latitude in post production for example if you were sending work to a colourist for grading. It is also essential for smooth chroma key or green-screen effects as the extra colour information helps create a smooth smooth isolation of your subject.

Picture profiles for Video

S-CINETONE or S-LOG 3 picture profiles offer a cinematic look and ease of editing with all the colour advantages above.

Additional Video features
  • The camera features a digital audio interface to attach professional audio microphones. The built in microphone, as good as it may be, will never replace the clarity of a dedicated mic and a good audio interface gets the best out of the microphone you choose.
  • A heat dissipation structure is built into the camera to prevent overheating during long recording sessions.
  • Breathing compensation is a setting to counter the effect of “breathing” – a slight focal length shift which occurs when moving the focus of some lenses.

The Sony A7 IV body only: £2399
Sony model number ILCE-7M4

Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

The new A7 IV in the Sony Alpha mirrorless lineup

Sony have a wide array of camera lines within the world of full frame mirrorless cameras (and even more in its APS-C crop sensor cameras) so you may well wonder – hasn’t there been a mark IV Sony camera before?

You are here! The A7 IV above is the latest Alpha or “a” 7 series camera body. Sony Alpha 7, or a7 cameras are all full frame mirrorless bodies now up to the fourth iteration these combine the best tech with a standard resolution sensor for a good all round photography performance.

The high resolution range A7R is also up to its fourth version. These “R series” cameras focus on the highest pixel count possible to render fine detail for high resolution printing. The current A7R IV has a 61 megapixel sensor and is a popular landscape cameras, it is also used for product, fashion and commercial photography.

For video and extreme low-light the A7S line is up to the third model. These cameras have comparatively low 12 megapixel full frame sensors but get the maximum readout possible from each pixel for superior high ISO performance and high bitrate full frame 4k video; find out about the A7S III.

The A7C is a compact A7 body, if small and light is your main aim the A7C packs A7 tech into a remarkably bijoux package. The A7C is the first of its kind and launched in September 2020.

The a9 and a9 II are full frame high speed camera bodies with features for press and sports photographers such as built in ethernet port for filing images over FTP direct to a picture desk. These cameras have high maximum frame rates and fast autofocus tracking. Find out more here.

Last but by no means least the Sony a1 combines high resolution with high speed for phenomenal 50.1 megapixel images record at 30 frames per second with no blackout in the viewfinder. This considerable chunk of tech is the new Sony flagship camera body which launched in March this year. Find out more about the Sony alpha One.

VLOGGING GUIDE | SONY ZV-E10

Vlogging Guide | Sony

Thinking of starting a YouTube channel, or sharing videos of your exploits on Facebook, Instagram or another social media platform? Then you’ll want to pick up one of the best cameras for vloggers.

Welcome back to our vlogging kit series, where we run through some of the best cameras and other equipment that’s out there for prospective vloggers right now.

You may or may not have been tempted by the idea of vlogging before, but even if you’ve never considered it, we’d definitely recommend giving it some thought. Vlogging tends to demand less production value than other types of video, and as a professional working in stills or video, you already have a wealth of material to vlog about with a built-in audience. What kind of kit are you using for your shoots – what do you like about it, what do you wish were better? How do you approach different kinds of shoots and subjects? People are interested in this stuff, and being able to connect with them through vlogs is a great way to open up new opportunities and even potential revenue streams.

Previously in this series we’ve covered the Nikon D7500Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony A6500.

Today we’re taking a look at the Sony ZV-E10. Designed for creative vloggers who aspire to an artistic look, without the hassle. The ZV-E10 shoots 4K video at up to 30fps, unfortunately it doesn’t offer a 4K/60p mode for those creative vloggers who like to slow down their footage for cut-scenes. Still, you do get some of Sony’s latest autofocus smarts, including Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF. These allow it to track a person around the frame and automatically keep them in focus.

The ZV-E10 is an interchangeable-lens vlog camera with over 60 lenses to inspire self-expression. Wide-angle lens options allow you to capture more of the locations or the natural backdrop, and bring your viewers along with you in a shared experience whilst creating dynamic footage. A fixed focal length lens will allow you to create a smooth, natural background blur that lets the subject stand out. It’s also useful when you want a brighter image in a dimly lit setting. Whilst a macro lens can get you closer to your subject, allowing you to capture the small details at a bigger size than with normal lenses and show off every glorious detail. Use a telephoto lens, to shoot far-off objects, scenery or action with clear detail, whether you’re vlogging while travelling or just shooting everyday life. Zooming in and out can also add an extra dynamic element to your story.

 

Let’s dig into its feature-set and find out why it’s designed for vlogging…

You can choose the lens that matches your style

Sony’s has an extensive range of E-mount lenses to help bring your vlog to the next level with stunning and unique imagery. Incorporate background scenery into your script with a wide-angle lens, or make the subject grab the viewer’s attention by using a fixed focal length lens with an artfully blurred background. Move in closer with a macro lens or pull in distant scenes with a telephoto lens.

A large-format image sensor for professional-quality images

The ZV-E10’s impressive images are the result of the camera’s large APS-C sized image sensor. Compared to a smartphone camera, the image sensor of the ZV-E10 is bigger, allowing for beautiful, professional-looking images with high resolution and intricate detail.

Designed for easy selfie and vlog shoots

Weighing in at just 364 grams the ZV-E10 is ready to hit the road with you whenever you’re ready to vlog. The side-opening vari-angle LCD screen makes it easy to take selfies and check your framing, even when you’re shooting from high or low positions, and the ergonomic grip is designed for a safe and stable hold.

4K video

The camera’s internal 4K video recordings are made using a full-pixel readout from the sensor. This means that the recorded footage has more visual data condensed into every frame, resulting in remarkably detailed video imagery.

Real-time tracking can do the focusing work for you

The ZV-E10’s AI-driven13 Real-time Tracking is intuitive to use. Simply touch the monitor to indicate the subject you want to focus on and Real-time Tracking will take it from there, keeping a steady hold on the subject.

Background blur control

There’s no need for complicated manual adjustments – just press a single button to turn background blurring (bokeh) on and off. The button switches between a blurred, bokeh-rich background and a clearly focused one, skipping all the complex setting.

Designed for clear voice recording even outdoors

Equipped with a built-in Directional 3-Capsule Mic, the ZV-E10 records voices clearly even in crowded settings. It’s optimised to capture voices in front of the camera with fewer distracting ambient sounds, perfect for vlogging use. The ZV-E10 comes with a wind screen, allowing worry-free recording when shooting outside. The supplied wind screen can be easily attached to the Multi Interface to reduce noise in windy conditions.

Smooth and stable images even while walking

The ZV-E10 will help keep things smooth and steady when you’re on the move. Active Mode electronic image stabilisation delivers stable video footage with minimal shake and blur during hand-held recording, and it’s available even when the Product Showcase Setting is on.

Add special effects in-camera

You can switch up your colours to create a variety of artistic effects. Just change the Creative Style setting, or choose from seven different visual effects using Picture Effect mode, without any additional post-production.

Handle long shooting sessions without battery worries

When you’re shooting outdoors or anywhere without a power supply, you can rely on the camera’s battery to power up to 125 minutes of continuous movie shooting or up to 440 still images. The camera also supports external power through a USB Type-C connector, allowing an external mobile battery to further extend your recording time.

An ideal vlogging setup with the Sony ZV-E10

If you want to maximise the production value you get out of the Sony ZV-E10, then it’s worth thinking about the best accessories to use. It doesn’t have to be a massive outlay of cash – a few well-chosen accessories can make a massive difference in the quality of your videos, not to mention the ease of producing them, and luckily for you, we’ve picked out a ready-made list of the best ones around right now. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it also isn’t compulsory – even just a few of these will really see your vlogging improve.

So here’s what we reckon you should get:

– A good all-encompassing lens. You ideally don’t want to be faffing about changing lenses too often. We’d say something like the Sony 16-70mm f/4 will cover a solid focal range that should give you all the coverage you need for the vast majority of your vlogging.

– A good shotgun microphone. A no-brainer here for improving the sound quality of your videos – there’s a reason we recommend it in all of our vlogging blogs. A RØDE VideoMic will suit your purposes fantastically. For more audio control you can use the Sony XLR-K3M XLR adaptor kit, pictured above, with your choice of XLR microphone from shotgun mics to radio lavalier kits ideal for interviews.

– A fast, large-capacity SD card. You might be able to save some money here, as the ZV-E10 isn’t able to take advantage of UHS-II cards, a UHS-I SD card will do fine. Something from the SanDisk Extreme Pro range will suit you fine – the higher its capacity, the better.

– A stable tripod, ideally one with a head geared for video. Manfrotto, Vanguard, Camlink and Velbon all make great dedicated video tripods with smooth panning heads.

Monitoring headphones to check your audio.

– A video light. Look at lights from Rotolight for a good self-contained system.

The Sony ZV-E10 isn’t perfect

The grip is way too small to use handheld with a big lens, as it’s too unwieldy to hold the lens while using the rear display to frame shots. We would recommend using a tripod, as well as for some long-exposure images. There’s no mode dial on the top; instead you’ll set the capture mode via the menu. You do get a shutter release at the top of the handgrip. The Sony ZV-E10 has a built-in electronic viewfinder for framing shots so if you need a camera with a viewfinder try the Sony A6100 or A6400. If you are looking for a run-and-gun video camera for quick pans then this might be the worst thing about the camera from a video point-of-view, and while it won’t affect many studio or static shooters, run-and-gun camera operators might not be ready for its jelly effect. The Sony ZV-E10’s 4K capture caps out at 25/30 fps, so if you want to slow down your footage without compromising on resolution, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Sony ZV-E10 Specifications…….

SpecificationsSony ZV-E10

Lens Mount

E-mount

Aspect Ratio

03:02

Number of Pixels (TOTAL)

Approx. 25.0 megapixels

Sensor Type

APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6 mm), Exmor CMOS sensor

Recording Format

XAVC S

Video Compression

XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

Audio Recording Format

XAVC S: LPCM 2ch

Memory Card Slot

Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo / SD memory card

Metering Sensor

Exmor CMOS sensor

Adjustable Angle

Opening Angle: Approx. 176 deg., Rotation Angle: Approx. 270 deg.

Focus Magnifier

Yes, Focus Magnifier (5.9x / 11.7x)

Clear Image Zoom

[Still images] Approx. 2x, [Movies] Approx. 1.5x (4K), Approx. 2x (HD)

Face Detection

Face/Eye Priority in AF, Face Priority in Multi Metering, Regist. Faces Priority

Flash Sync. Speed

1/160 s1

Control

Pre-flash TTL

Flash Compensation

+/- 3.0 EV (switchable between 1/3 and 1/2 EV steps)

Self-Timer

10 s delay / 5 s delay / 2 s delay / Continuous self-time / Bracketing self-timer

Bluetooth

Yes (Bluetooth Standard Ver. 4.1 (2.4 GHz band))

Functions

View on Smartphone, Remote control via Smartphone, PC Remote, BRAVIA Sync (Control for HDMI), PhotoTV HD

Microphone

Built-in, stereo

Speaker

Built-in, monaural

Compatible Standards

Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, DPOF setting

Type

Custom key settings, Programmable Setting (Body 1 set /memory card 4 sets), My Menu

Setting

Peripheral Shading, Chromatic Aberration, Distortion

Supplied Battery

One rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50

Operating Temperature

0 – 40 ℃ / 32 – 104 °F

Weight (with battery and memory card included)

Approx. 343 g, Approx. 12.1 oz

 

That’s all for the Sony ZV-E10! We’ll see you next time.

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