A source sent me this interesting info:

Sony is planning to update the FZ100 battery to an improved capacity but still the same size and compatibility. It’ll still be called NPFZ but the 100 number will change.

This battery would be retro compatible with most Sony Alpha cameras and give you two instant benefits:

• You have to carry less numbers of batteries
• You waste less time in swapping batteries during long shooting days

So let’s hope this rumor turns out to be true!

You can download the firmware here: sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-9-series/ilce-9m3/software/00341218

Benefits and Improvements

• Fixes an issue where the exposure may be underexposed when shooting continuously with an aperture value of F18 or higher
• Improves the operational stability of the camera

Press text:

Reuters selects Sony cameras for its worldwide video group equipment
Reuters’s global network of on location reporters will be using the Alpha 7S III and PXW-Z280 cameras starting this year to bring world events to everyone

UAE, Dubai – Sony is delighted to announce that Reuters, one of the largest news agencies in the world, has selected Alpha and XDCAM cameras, G Master lenses and audio equipment to equip its video journalists across the world. The fleet will be using Alpha 7S III, and PXW-Z280 as their main shooting kit, paired with UWP-D wireless audio.

Since its launch, the Alpha 7S III has established itself as a go to camera for on location content creators needing a compact form factor and exceptional picture quality. In this instance, the advanced autofocus performance for hybrid use, together with its outstanding low light performance were key features in Reuters’ decision making. Sony’s E-Mount strategy will also provide journalists with the flexibility to capture images in their truest form, when perfectly paired with the vast options of Sony lenses of their choosing., including the SEL2470GM2.

The PXW-Z280 has become an industry standard, thanks to its ease of use, electronic variable ND filter and Sony’s Instant HDR workflow, eliminating the need for colour grading. Its advanced network features and multiple format support means it can easily, securely, and wirelessly fit into a cloud-based news gathering workflow.

Both cameras benefit for the connectivity features needed to easily connect to the cloud for seamless and reliable content transfer, from the capture location back to the remote broadcast unit, particularly critical for news gathering, with its emphasis on speed.

The cameras and associated equipment started shipping to 23 Reuters locations across the world from April 2024.

This investment from Reuters is a testament to the long-standing relationship between Reuters Sony, powered by Sony’s in-depth knowledge of on the terrain requirement from journalists and Reuters mission to provide timely and quality news. Sony’s Media Backbone Hive is already in use at Reuters as its main multi-platform news production system.

For the next three days you can save on a ton of gear sold in BHphoto’s Mega Deal zone (Click here). A couple of highlights:

• $270 off on the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
• $250 off on the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E
• Save big on SD and CFexpress cards
• Save big on internal and external storage
• $300 off on the Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens
• $450 off on the Sirui 24mm f/2.8 Anamorphic 1.33x Lens E Mount
• $350 off on the Sirui 75mm f/1.8 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
• $250 off on the Zhiyun CRANE 2S Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Combo Kit
• $165 off on the Benro MeFoto GlobeTrotter Aluminum Travel Tripod Kit Titanium
• $150 off on the Lowepro ProTactic BP 300 AW II Camera and Laptop Backpack Black 

Amazon deals:

• Rokinon 24mm f/2.8 Full Frame autofocus E-mount lens for $189 only at Amazon US (Click here).
• $1150 on the reconditioned Sony A1 cameras sold by Amazon (90 day warranty included).

Tamron deals:

Lowets price ever on the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 FE lens sold by Amazon and BHphoto.

Viltrox deals:

You save 15% on all other Viltrox E mount lenses sold by Amazon US/EU, BHphoto, Adorama, Viltrox. Particularly hot is this: Save $85 on the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 FE lens sold by Amazon US/EU, BHphoto, Adorama, Viltrox worldwide store.