Also the Sony ZV-E1 got a new 2.0 firmware update:

Benefits and Improvements

• Adapts the layout of shooting information on the display for both horizontal and vertical orientations
• Allows you to select user LUTs via the Cinematic Vlog Set feature
• Adds the Golden Ratio Grid option to the Grid Line Type setting menu
• Allows the display of a specified aspect ratio marker on the shooting screen when shooting still images
• Adds a function that allows you to narrow down played-back images using multiple filters (e.g. Rating)
• Improves image quality when applying user LUTs
• Adds a function that automatically creates still images with Shot Marks from movie frames after recordings
  • You can add a Shot Mark while shooting or playing a movie and use it as a mark for selecting, transferring, or editing the movie.
• Increases the maximum number of images that can be recorded in one folder to 9,999
• Displays the Wi-Fi signal strength when the Wi-Fi function is On
• Allows the use of Focus Magnifier and Auto Magnifier in MF while using the Bright Monitoring feature
• Allows notifications to be displayed when the latest software is available for your camera
• You can now continue shooting while transferring captured photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet
  Note: Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators’ App is necessary. The Creators’ App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators’ Cloud support website.
• Transfer to smartphones and tablets can now be resumed even if interrupted in the middle of a transfer
  Note: Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators’ App is necessary. The Creators’ App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators’ Cloud support website.
• You can now transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, or add videos to be transferred during the transfer process
  Note: Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators’ App is necessary. The Creators’ App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators’ Cloud support website.
• Allows you to upload camera images directly to the Creators’ Cloud
  Notes:
  • Settings must be adjusted in the Creators’ App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators’ App support website.
  • Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators’ App is necessary. This service may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators’ Cloud support website.
• Adds support for the Network Streaming function
• Notes:
  • Settings must be adjusted in the Creators’ App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators’ App support website.
  • Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators’ App is necessary. The Creators’ App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators’ Cloud support website.
• Adds support for the Monitor & Control app
  Note: The Monitor & Control app connects wirelessly to a camera and enables video monitoring and remote control with a smartphone or tablet device.
  Ver. 2.1.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
• Improves the functionality and operational stability of the camera

Note: Please refer to the Help Guide for details on all updated functions.

The German dealer Fotokoch launched a two day long deal action (Click here to check them out).

Reminder: BIG Sony EU HOLIDAY Deals:

Sony launched a new massive cashback action and you can find on those pages at Fotokoch, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon ES, Amazon IT, Amazon NL, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK. Here is a selection of the best deals (there are many more in reality!)

Cameras:

• 400€ off the Sony A7rV at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 300€ off the Sony A7IV at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 300€ off the Sony A7sIII at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 300€ off the Sony A9II at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES-IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 300€ off the Sony ZV-E1 at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 300€ off the Sony FX3 at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 200€ off the Sony FX30 at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK

Lenses:

• 100€ Sony 100-400mm GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 12-24mm GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 16-35mm G at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 135mm GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 14mm GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 200-600mm G at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 200€ Sony 20-70mm G at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 24mm GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 35mm GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 200€ Sony 70-200mm GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
• 100€ Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM at Amazon DE–UK–FR–ES–IT, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

Tamron: Up to 300 Euro off on Tamron E-mount lenses at Amazon DE, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Amazon UK, WexUK, Clifton UK, Amazon FR, Amazon ES, Amazon IT.

Viltrox: 20% off on all Viltrox E-mount lenses at Amazon DE, FotoKoch, Fotoerhardt, WexUK, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon ES, Amazon IT.

Press text:

Sony Electronics Announces Firmware Roadmap for its Cinema Line
New firmware roadmap illustrates Sony’s commitment to the filmmaking community with continued investment in the Cinema Line

Sony Electronics announces upcoming firmware updates to its VENICE 2, FX6, FX3, FX30 and BURANO cameras, continuing its longstanding support for its cinema line cameras. The firmware will be available beginning next year through 2026.

“Firmware updates are an important way for Sony to continue to address the needs of our filmmaking community. Our Cinema Line is built for the future and the firmware will allow our products to continue to evolve with the needs of our filmmakers, especially at a time when the industry is undergoing incredible changes. This is yet another way Sony is looking to support the community,” said Theresa Alesso, President of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics.

The firmware updates will be available to download for free and include:

VENICE 2 VERSION 4.0 

The Sony VENICE Camera System has been used on more than 500 productions including commercials, television and feature films since it was introduced, with the VENICE 2 digital cinema camera recognized as a world-class cinema camera for cinematographers around the world. VENICE 2 Version 4.0 firmware update is planned to be available August 2025 and will add:

Sony is pleased to continue to upgrade and evolve the VENICE 2 platform over the coming years, protecting the investment for owners and rental houses: Version 5.0 will be made available in 2026 and Version 6.0 in 2027.

FX3 VERSION 7.0 AND FX30 VERSION 6.0 

Based on user feedback, the Sony FX3 and FX30 cameras will get a new firmware update in September 2025. This update to the menu system will standardize the user experience and operational menu across the entire Cinema Line. This will be beneficial for users that combine our multiple level of cameras for production or move throughout the line for different projects.

Other new features of this firmware will include:

FX6 VERSION 6.0

Sony is pleased to announce that FX6 now supports SDI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.

FX6 Version 6.0 is planned for February 2026 and will include:

¹ Sony recommends that users check update timing on Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.

BURANO VERSION 2.0

Planned to be released in March 2025, BURANO Version 2.0 offers many new features and improvements requested from the user community, including new recording formats, new 1.8x de-squeeze, and monitoring improvements.

Version 2.0 will include new recording formats including a new 3.8K Full Frame crop that leverages nearly the entire sensor and can shoot up to 120 fps. This new recording mode allows the filmmaker to prioritize faster sensor performance depending on the needs of their application. Other new recording formats include the addition of 24.00 fps to X-OCN 16:9 imager modes and the following:

BURANO Version 2.0 will also add 1.8x de-squeeze setting as well as additional high frame rate (S & Q) modes including 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96, 110 fps.

Version 2.0 also offers monitoring improvements, including standardized SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVC and an improved on-screen display which places camera status information outside of the image. Version 2.0 will also include View Finder Gamma Display Assist while using S-Log3 for monitoring.

BURANO Version 2.0 also includes additional exposure tools (High/Low Key) derived from the flagship VENICE camera system. Version 2.0 will also expand white balance memory presets from 3 to 8 and support Active/High Image Stabilization in Full-Frame 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 imager modes.

Finally, Version 2.0 will add breathing compensation and image stabilization metadata in X-OCN. ​

Availability

The new BURANO Version 2.0 will be available in March 2025. Filmmakers can easily download the update directly to their camera using a Mac or PC.

For more information, visit sonycine.com or follow us on Instagram @sonycine for more information.

A couple of months ago Sigma announced the 28-45mm first Full Frame f/1.8 autofocus zoom lens. back than I already had little doubt that Sigma would one day also make 45mm + zoom version. Asobinet did now spot a newly published Sigma patent describing the optical design of the 45-90mm f/1.8 Full Frame lens. Now patents a re never a guarantee that we will get a REAL product. But in this case my bet is on this lens coming within the next 1-2 years. What do you think?

Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 links:
In USA at Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama. in EU at FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

3 Reasons to Consider the ZV Camera Lineup ft. Miguel Quiles

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
iPhone 16 Pro Max VS $7000 Camera | iPhone Fashion Photoshoot (MirrorlessRumors).
How I fixed the Samyang 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens creep issue for £1.65! (Chris Cork).
Are CCD Compact Cameras A Waste Of Time? (Robin Wong).
Zoom Announces H2essential 32-Bit Float Recorder with 3 Internal Mics (Explora).
Irix 150mm F2.8 macro 1:1 Dragonfly review by SonyAlphaBlog
The One Thing I Wish I Knew in School (42West).

Follow our new Youtube channel.
Join our SonyAlphaForum.
I kindly invite you all to follow our Discord channel, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Twitter to not miss news and rumors

We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony Alpha group. Sony A1 group. Sony A9 series group. Sony A7r series group. Sony A7s series group. Sony A7 series group.

Last year Sony officially entered the drone market with the Sony Airpeak S1 ($8999 here at BHphoto). A bit more than a year after Sony announced they are exciting the market! Rumors has it sales were super low and the competition too strong.

Press text:

Sony – Notice of discontinuation of Airpeak S1 sales

Thank you for your continued patronage of Sony products.

Due to recent changes in the business environment, sales of the Airpeak S1 and related products, except for some accessories, will end at the end of March 2025. Please see below for a list of products to be discontinued and details of the end of support, including repair services after the end of sales.

Discontinued Products/Services

• Aircraft (ARS-S1)
• accessories
  • Gimbal (GBL-T3, GBL-PX1)
  • Battery charger (LBG-H1)
  • Transmitter (RCR-VH1)
  • Battery Station (LBN-H1)
  • RTK Kit (RTK-1)
  • Battery pack (LBP-HS1, HS1/10SET, LBP-HM1)
  • Propeller (PPL1785)
• Related Applications and Services
  • Airpeak Base
  • Airpeak Flight
  • Airpeak Protect Plan
  • Airpeak Plus

*These products are sold at Airpeak dealers. Please contact your local dealer for details.

Scheduled End of Life for Related Applications and Services

*1 Sales will end on March 31, 2029. *2 Sales will end on March 31, 2025.
*1*2 The planned end date of the paid services will depend on when the customer completes the service start-up procedure after purchase, but the above is the maximum period during which the services will be offered.

End of support schedule

Contact for this matter

Business product consultation desk TEL: 0120-788-333
*If you cannot use the toll-free number on a mobile phone or some IP phones, please call 050-3754-9550.
Reception hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and our company holidays)

Image translation via PetaPixel. Sony is totally absent here.

The Japanese organization BCN shared new insights on the Japanese fixed lens camera market. Digicameinfo summed up the most interesting points:

• Casio has left the compact camera market, Nikon has stopped development, and Sony and Fujifilm have significantly scaled back their lineups. Some may fear that the category itself will disappear as it is pushed aside by smartphones. The bottom line is that it is not dead at all. Compact cameras still account for more than 60% of camera sales. Although their sales value composition ratio is small, ranging from the upper 20% to lower 30%, a certain level of sales continues.
• The average price is also rising, just like with interchangeable lens cameras. In particular, the increase in the proportion of relatively high-priced models over 50,000 yen stands out. As of September 2021, this was only 6.8% of the total number of units sold, but this September it had risen to 33.2%. This is thought to be largely due to the impact of inflation, but at the same time, it is also highly likely that there are an increasing number of users who want better products even if they are a little more expensive.
• Year-on-year sales of interchangeable lens cameras fell significantly in both unit volume and value. Although the decline narrowed in October, sales remain below the previous year’s level. Compact cameras are also showing a slowdown, with unit sales declining slightly in September and October. However, sales value remained above the previous year, with October sales value increasing by double digits to 115.3%. With prices of mirrorless cameras rising, it could be said that even relatively high-priced compact cameras are now looking cheap.
• The compact camera market structure has changed significantly in the past few years. Canon is by far the top five in terms of sales volume in September, with a large share of 31.1%, backed by the PowerShot and IXY series. Meanwhile, Fujifilm, in second place, took a 13.4% share, largely due to the huge sales of its instax mini Evo. Kodak and Kenko Tokina, in third and fourth place, moved into the “vacant lot” left by major manufacturers. They are the main players who have expanded their market share by leveraging their good cost performance, and have greatly changed the market. And Ricoh Imaging, with its GR series, has made it into the top five with a modest single-digit share. The GR brand, which has been around since the film era, still has many die-hard fans.

I wonder if 2025 will be the year where Sony finally revives their RX camera series. What do you think…is this going to happen or not?