Digital Cameras
Sony Intros the new α9 (ILCE-9)
Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA) has introduced its latest digital camera, the α9 (model ILCE-9), at an exclusive event at Photography Live. The new α9 offers a level of imaging performance that is simply unmatched by any camera either mirrorless or SLR.
The new camera offers many impressive capabilities that are simply not possible with a modern digital SLR camera including high-speed, blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20fps, 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, a maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32,000 second and much more.
These are made possible thanks to its 35mm full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor – the world’s first of its kind – which enables data speed processing at up to 20x faster than previous Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. This unique sensor is paired with a brand new, upgraded BIONZ X processing engine and front-end LSI that maximises overall performance.
This industry-leading speed and innovative silent shooting is combined with a focusing system that features an incredible 693 phase detection AF points. Covering approximately 93% of the frame, the focusing system ensures that even the fastest moving subjects are reliably captured and tracked across the frame.
The new α9 also features a vibration free, fully electronic, completely silent anti-distortion shutter with absolutely no mechanical mirror or shutter noise, making it an extremely powerful photographic tool for any shooting situation that demands quiet operation.
“The α9 breaks through all barriers and limitations of today’s professional digital cameras, with an overall feature set that simply cannot be matched considering the restrictions of mechanical SLR cameras. It is a fresh look at what a camera is and what a camera should be and really enhances how a professional camera person does his or her job” said Taro Kimura, Managing Director, Sony MEA.
To ensure maximum usability and reliability, the camera features a new Z battery with approximately 2.2x the capacity of W batteries, as well as dual SD media card slots, including one that supports UHS-II cards. An Ethernet port (wired LAN terminal) is available as well, and there is a wide variety of new settings, controls and customisability options that are essential for working professionals.
“Sony is a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer. The α9 is a welcome addition to our line-up of industry leading Interchangeable Lens Cameras that include the much acclaimed α7 Series and α6000 series. This year, we are aiming to achieve a 52 per cent sales growth in the Interchangeable Lens Camera business and expect the Full Frame Camera segment to grow by 108%,” Kimura added.
Sony MEA also unveiled its furthest reaching E-mount lens, the FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS Super Telephoto Zoom (model SEL100400GM), at Photography Live. The new full-frame lens maintains the high standard of resolution that is the hallmark of Sony’s flagship line-up of G Master™ lenses, while also offering incredibly fast, precise AF capabilities, a lightweight, portable design and a variety of professional functions and customisability. It’s an exceptionally powerful photographic tool for a variety of enthusiast and professional shooters, particularly those that are commonly shooting sports or wildlife.
The new FE 100-400mm GM model produces outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the lens’ zoom and focus ranges and beautiful rendered ‘bokeh’ or background defocus, ensuring the finest details are brought out in every subject and scene. The complex design features 22 lens elements configured in 16 different groups, including one Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two ED glass elements, all of which are working together to minimise chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.
The α9 interchangeable lens camera will be available in the Middle East from June 8, 2017 onwards at AED 17,499. Pre-booking is open from May 4 until June 7 and customers will receive a free battery (NP-FZ100) worth AED299. Meanwhile, the new FE 100-400mm GM Super Telephoto Zoom Lens is available in the Middle East at AED 10,999 from June 8, 2017 onwards.

Digital Cameras
Sony Intros Two New G Lenses in the Middle East

Sony Middle East and Africa has unveiled two groundbreaking lenses—the FE 16mm F1.8 G (SEL16F18G) and the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G)—designed to elevate photography and videography experiences for creators and professionals alike. Both lenses bring advanced capabilities, state-of-the-art technology, and unmatched optical performance to Sony’s Alpha series camera ecosystem.
FE 16mm F1.8 G (SEL16F18G)
The FE 16mm F1.8 G is a premium G Lens that combines high-resolution ultra-wide angles with a lightweight, portable design. This makes it ideal for shooting dynamic landscapes, architecture, starry skies, and even close-ups. With its advanced optical construction, the lens ensures sharp image resolution across the frame and eliminates chromatic aberration, thanks to features like:
- Two AA (Advanced Aspherical) elements for sharpness at all apertures.
- Super ED and ED glass elements to minimize distortions.
- Optimized coatings to suppress flare and ghosting.
With a large F1.8 maximum aperture and an 11-blade circular diaphragm, the lens produces exceptional bokeh. It also boasts a close focusing distance of 0.15m (AF) and 0.13m (MF), allowing creators to explore unique angles and creative depths. Designed for portability, the lens weighs only 304g (10.8 oz) and measures 73.8 x 75 mm, making it perfect for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography.
For professionals shooting fast-moving subjects, its two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide rapid, precise autofocus with minimal noise, ensuring seamless performance for both stills and video. Additionally, features like reduced focus breathing and in-body Active Mode stabilization make it a reliable choice for video creators. The lens offers intuitive controls, including a focus hold button, aperture ring, and dust-resistant build, ensuring excellent reliability for diverse shooting conditions.
FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G)
Sony has introduced its first 800mm super-telephoto zoom lens, the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS. Engineered for professionals shooting wildlife, sports, and landscapes, this Alpha lens covers a versatile 400mm to 800mm zoom range. The maximum focal length can be extended to 1600mm with Sony’s 2x teleconverter, offering unparalleled reach without compromising image quality. Designed with an inner-zoom mechanism, the lens maintains a consistent length for stable balance and effortless handling, even during handheld shooting. With its lightweight build and ergonomic design, it’s a go-to choice for professionals on the move.
Key features include:
- Six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to control chromatic aberration and deliver sharp, vibrant images.
- 11-blade circular aperture for smooth, natural bokeh.
- Precision linear motors for fast and accurate autofocus, perfect for tracking dynamic subjects such as birds or athletes.
he lens also incorporates Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to prevent shake-induced blur and is optimized for use with Alpha bodies offering in-body stabilization.
Both lenses feature thoughtful design elements to improve usability and reliability in diverse shooting environments. From focus hold buttons and customizable switches to fluorine-coated front elements that resist dirt and dust, the lenses are built for rigorous professional use. Additionally, the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS offers a redesigned lens hood with a lock button for added security.
The FE 16mm F1.8 G lens will be available in selected Middle Eastern countries starting April 2025. The FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS lens will hit the market in March 2025.
Digital Cameras
Fujifilm Launches instax mini Evo FUJIFILM 90th Anniversary Special Kit

FUJIFILM has announced the launch of the “instax mini Evo™ FUJIFILM 90th Anniversary Special Kit”, the limited edition of instax mini Evo, a flagship model of the instax series of instant cameras, in the MENA region. The Special Kit is limited to 30,000 units worldwide to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Fujifilm Group. The camera body is available in the colour ‘TITANIUM GOLD’, while the Special Kit includes a lens cap and strap, offering a premium look.
The mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera incorporating digital technology, and supporting the card-size mini format film released in 2021. It comes with ten lens effects including Soft Focus and Light Leak as well as ten film effects including Monochrome and Retro. These two types of effects can be combined freely to create 100 different shooting effects so that users can express their emotions through instax prints. The camera body sports a premium and classical look and is characterized by analogue-like operability using the lens dial, film dial and print lever, designed with attention to detail such as operation noise. In June 2023, Fujifilm added Brown as a new colour to Black.
The Fujifilm Group, established in 1934 with the mission of producing photographic film for the Japanese domestic market, celebrated 90th anniversary on January 20, 2024. To commemorate this milestone, Fujifilm has introduced the “Special Edition” to instax series, expanding the world of the “instax” instant photo system that allows people to enjoy on-the-spot photo printing. instax mini Evo is available across all MENA markets for $229 (excluding VAT).
Digital Cameras
Fujifilm Intros instax WIDE 400

FUJIFILM Corporation has announced that the instax WIDE 400TM (WIDE 400), part of the instax series of analogue instant cameras, will be available on the 15th of September across all the stores in the MENA region. The “WIDE 400” is the successor model to instax WIDE 300™ which was released in 2014. This analogue instant camera is designed to be compatible with double-card-sized wide-format film. The simple operation of turning the power on with a single left turn holding the camera and pressing the shutter button enables users to snap wide-format photos. In addition, the new self-timer function enhances the convenience of capturing group shots, maximizing the enjoyment of wide-format photography.
Since its original launch in 1998, the instax series of instant cameras embraced trends and evolving technologies with time and expanded its lineup to include not only analogue instant cameras but also hybrid instant cameras using digital technology, smartphone printers and palm-sized digital cameras. The instax continues to offer diverse ways to enjoy photography, broadening the user base from young women to men and middle-aged consumers.
Wide-format film offers the ability to capture a broader range of photographic scenes, making it particularly well-suited for group shots and landscape photography. Its unique capability to encompass both the subject and the surrounding environment allows for the creation of captivating images that convey the complete atmosphere and story of the moment captured. This feature expands the possibilities for photographic expression, making wide-format film a globally embraced format.
Main features:
- Analogue instant camera compatible with the wide format: “WIDE 400” features simple operation. Just a single left turn powers it on, and users can take wide-format photos by holding the camera and pressing the shutter button. For capturing distant scenery at a distance of three meters or more, turn the lens in the same direction to switch to the landscape mode, ensuring clear pictures. Furthermore, the camera package includes a close-up lens, allowing users to capture subjects as close as 40 cm without any blurriness or focus problems.
- Introducing a lever-operated self-timer designed to enhance analog usability: Positioned on the front of the camera, this self-timer offers a user-friendly experience. By simply turning the lever, a sequence of LEDs illuminates, allowing the adjustment of the self-timer for up to 10 seconds. Once the shutter button is pressed, a countdown begins, with the LEDs diminishing at an interval of two seconds. The charm of capturing memorable group shots is elevated with the tactile act of turning the lever and the subtle timer sound, emphasizing the pleasure of analogue photography.
- Including the camera angle adjustment accessory: The addition of the “Camera Angle Adjustment Accessory” makes it possible to adjust the camera angle and easily enjoy self-timer shooting without the need for a tripod. This accessory offers two different angles that can be attached according to the height of the subject.
The Fujifilm instax WIDE 400 is available across all MENA markets for the price of $160.
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