Just released: New Nik Collection 6.3

DxO just released the new Nik Collection 6.3 (Click here). It’s one of the software I use most and have created and saved a lot of presets for myself. This is what you get with the new version:

New for 6.3: Improved Sharpener and HDR Efex
The new editions of Nik Sharpener and Nik HDR Efex include a host of updates making them more powerful and easier to use. Both feature a new interface with a clearer, cleaner look that matches the other Nik Collection plugins. Also, you can now choose where sliders for local adjustments appear on-screen: controls can be either kept in a sidebar to tidy the image area, or overlaid in traditional style.

And as with Nik Collection 6.3’s other plugins, the U Point™ technology in Nik HDR Efex and Nik Sharpener now features:

  • NEW Control Lines add flexibility when making broad adjustments, letting you harness the power of Control Points
  • NEW Control Point diffusion lets you regulate the strength and style of adjustments more easily
  • NEW Control Points and Control Lines can now be inverted, giving you huge flexibility
  • NEW Color Selectivity sliders allow Control Point and Control Line editing to be tied to specific colors and tones in an image
  • NEW Renamable Local Adjustments let you stay on top of complex edits, and local adjustments can now be saved as Presets, giving you quick access to frequently used sharpening or HDR recipes.

Nik Collection 6.3 makes editing easy
Thanks to all of its new and improved features, Nik Collection 6.3 is easier to use than ever before. It plugs straight into Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, and Affinity Photo, providing unprecedented creative control without affecting your preferred workflow.

Several new workflow features make editing even easier:

  • NEW Turn your edits into a Smart Object at any stage from within the plugin, giving you fully non-destructive editing in Photoshop
  • NEW Call on any of your last 15 Nik Collection edits and apply them with a single click
  • NEW Presets can now be searched for by name, so you can instantly find your favorite edits
  • NEW HiDPI & Multiscreen support lets you work with all screen configurations
  • NEW Affinity Photo is now automatically detected as part of installation.

Officially announced: new Sony A7cII, A7cR and 16-35GMII

Preorders:
Sony A7cII at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.
Sony A7cR at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.
16-35GMII at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.

Reviews and hands-on:
Explora. 16-35GMII review by Albert Dros. 16-35GMII review by Michael Schaake. Initial A7cR review at Dpreview. Initial A7cII review at Dpreview. 16-35GMII hands-on at Adorama. Sony A7c cameras hands-on at Adorama.

Youtube reviews:

Poll:

What are you going to preorder today?

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European preorders for the Sony A7cII, A7cR and 16-35GMII

US folks believe the new cameras are too expensive…but if you take a look at the EU pricing of the new gear you will be baffled! The A7cR for example is priced at 3699 Euro which is $4,000 (so $1,000 more than the price in the USA). EU readers could fly to the states and buy the cameras there and enjoy an extra holiday for the $1,000 they save :)

Only way to save money for EU readers is to grab some bundle deals like the one offered by FotoErhardt.

Preorders:
Sony A7cII at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.
Sony A7cR at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.
16-35GMII at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.

Official press text: Sony Electronics Releases Two New Alpha 7C Series Cameras

Preorders:
Sony A7cII at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.
Sony A7cR at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.
16-35GMII at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Sony AUS.

Sony Electronics Releases Two New Alpha 7C Series Cameras

Including the Alpha 7C R with 61MPi High-Resolution Sensor and the Alpha 7C II with the latest still image and video performance

August 29, 2023

Sony Contact: Caitlin Davis, Imaging Products & Solutions Americas. Caitlin.Davis@sony.com

SAN DIEGO, CA. August 29, 2023 – Today, Sony Electronics announces the release of two new additions to the Alpha 7C series of compact full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, the Alpha 7C II (model ILCE- 7CM2) and Alpha 7C R (model ILCE-7CR). The Alpha 7C II is equipped with a full-frame image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and features the latest still image and video functions and performance in a compact and lightweight design (approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep and weighs approximately 18.1 oz.) It is the second-generation version of the Alpha7 C, which is celebrated for its combination of performance and features in a compact size, perfect for a wide range of shooting scenarios such as travel and street photography.

The Alpha 7C R is a new compact full-frame interchangeable lens camera, boasting the high-resolution and rich gradation performance of a full-size image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels, the same sensor found in the Alpha 7R V, into a compact and lightweight body (similar size and weight as the Alpha 7C IIii, approximately 18.2 oz). In addition to daily snapshots, it easily realizes high-quality image capture in a wide variety of settings, such as portrait, wildlife, and landscape photography, meeting the expectations of creative work with mobility.

Both models are equipped with the same AI-processing unit and BIONZ XR® processors found in Sony’s newest interchangeable lens cameras such as the Alpha 7R V and Alpha 6700. Real-time Recognition AF recognizes a wide variety of subjects with high accuracy, and 5-axis in-body mage stabilization provides a 7.0 stepii shooting advantage when capturing stills. In terms of video performance, both models support high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording up to 4K60piii, and both models support Sony’s acclaimed S- CinetoneTM color science for rich cinematic video. In addition, they have Active Mode in-body image stabilization, AI-based auto-framing, digital-audio interface support, and other features that support high- quality video shooting.

“At Sony, we’re committed to continually raising the bar and elevating standards for content creators. With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R models, we’re offering an innovative solution that serves creators in both photography and videography. This fresh addition to their toolkit ensures top-tier imagery and visual performance across our state-of-the-art imaging devices. By fusing advanced technology with user-friendly design, we’re empowering content creators to realize their artistic vision like never before,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics.

As the demand for sending and sharing captured content on social media networks has increased, more creators are looking for a combination of compact size and high imaging performance in mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R, which achieve high mobility and high-quality image expression in a compact size, Sony responds to the wide range of image expressions sought by creators.

Main Features of the Alpha 7C II

  • Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine to achieve high imaging performance. For capturing either still images or movies, users can easily enjoy high-quality image capture in a wide range of scenes such as travel and daily snapshots.
  • Compared to the Alpha 7 IV which is approximately 5.1 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.2 inches and weighs approximately 1.54 lbs, the Alpha 7C II is approximately 22% lighter and has approximately 45% less volume.
  • The standard ISO sensitivities range from 100 to 51200 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 204800 for still images), enabling high-sensitivity, noise-free shooting.

Main Features of the Alpha 7C R 

  • Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine to achieve high-resolution and high-definition imaging performance.
  • Compared to the Alpha 7R V which is approximately 5.25 inches x 3.875 inches x 3.25 inches and weighs approximately 1.6 lbs, the Alpha 7C R is approximately 29% lighter and has approximately 53% less volume.
  • The standard ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 32000 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 102400 for still images).
  • In addition, with 7.0-stepiv optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization, even slight blurring at the 1-pixel level is detected and corrected.
  • Equipped with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting that takes multiple images and combines them on a PC to create an ultra-high resolution image.
  • By combining with the grip extension GP-X2 included with the Alpha 7C Rv, you can shoot comfortably with a stable hold even when shooting for long periods of time or using a telephoto lens.

Common Features of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R

1. Compact size and high mobility

Both models are easy to handle and easy to carry. Compact size (both models are approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep) and weighi approximately 18.1 oz for the Alpha 7C II and approximately 18.2 oz for the Alpha 7C R. When combined with the wide-angle zoom lens, FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, announced today, it achieves the excellent image expression and high-speed AF that are unique to the G Master™ series, with the brightness of F2.8 at full zoom range. The user can choose their favorite lens from Sony’s extensive E-mount series of more than 70 lenses and enjoy a variety of image expressions in both still images and movies.

2. AF performance with improved subject recognition performance thanks to the built-in AI processing unit

Equipped with the same AI-processing unit as the Alpha 7R V, which recognizes subjects with high accuracy with Real-time Recognition AF. For example, when taking a picture of a person, even if the subject strikes a complicated pose or their face is hidden, human-pose estimation technology can be used to capture and track the subject with high accuracy. In addition to the existing tracking capabilities for people and animals already found in the Alpha 7C series, it is now possible to recognize birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes as subjects in the new models.

3) Advanced video performance

The Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R condense high-resolution and detailed video data equivalent to 7K and 6K, respectively, and can output high-quality 4K video. Equipped with S-Log3, which supports a wide latitude of 14+ stopsvi, it renders rich gradation with little overexposure and underexposure even in scenes with contrast. Also, in Log shooting mode, the LUT imported by the user can be displayed on the camera monitor image, allowing the user to shoot while checking the finished image in post-production. In addition, it is equipped with S-Cinetone™, a unique Sony feature which can create a cinematic look straight out of the camera without post-processing. Based on Sony’s Cinema Line technology, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color and deliver cinematic quality. It also features Creative Look, which allows you to easily change the look and feel of video and still images.

4) Operability and connectivity

Equipped with a touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, intuitive operation with the latest touch menu supports comfortable shooting. In addition to the new front dial that allows the user to assign their favorite functions, the still image/movie/S&Q switch dial, and an XGA high-resolution viewfinder, etc., the camera is easy to use. The camera is equipped with a 7.0-stepiv optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization to support stable camera work.

In terms of connectivity, the camera is compatible with the smartphone application Creators’ Appvii that uploads videos and still images taken with the camera to a cloud service, while allowing remote camera operation and image transfer from the camera to mobile devices. By the end of September 2023, Sony plans to support a new version of the software development kit Camera Remote SDK that enables remote operation and settings adjustments.

5) Designed with environmentally friendly principles in mind

Over the past 11 years, Sony has replaced approximately 395 tonsviii of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS™ix, are used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition to being equipped with Sony’s Screen Reader functionx that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, a new menu Magnify Display function has been added to support the creative activities of a variety of creators.

Pricing and Availability 

The new Alpha 7C II will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers: ​
​Camera only: MSRP $2199.99 USD, $2999.99 CAN ​
​Camera w/ 28-60mm lens: MSRP $2499.99 USD, $3399.99 CAN

The new Alpha 7C R will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers: ​
​Camera only: MSRP $2999.99 USD, $4099.99 CAN

The new GP-X2 extension will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers for MRSP $159.99 USD, $214.99 CAN.

For detailed product information of the new Alpha 7C II, please visit:

Product videos of the new Alpha 7C II can be viewed here:

For detailed product information of the new Alpha 7C R, please visit:

Product videos of the new Alpha 7C R can be viewed here:

For detailed product information for the new GP-X2, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/gpx2

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of the Sony Alpha brand.