Digital Cameras
Sony Launches the Alpha 7S III

Sony Middle East and Africa announced the long-awaited addition to its acclaimed Alpha 7S full-frame mirrorless camera series — the Alpha 7S III (model ILCE-7SM3). Featuring a brand new 12.1MP back-illuminated full-frame image sensor with ultra-high sensitivity and 15+ stop wide dynamic range, a host of impressive video recording capabilities including 4K 120p and 10-bit 4:2:2 colour depth, a new heat dissipating mechanism and dual slot relay recording that realises over one-hour of 4K 60p movie shooting until battery ends, a brand new autofocus system, touch screen interface and side flip LCD screen, the new Alpha 7S III will become the ultimate creative tool for video professionals and all types of hybrid still/video shooters.

“The Alpha 7S III is the ultimate representation of Sony’s passion to solve the pain points of customers in the Middle Eastern region,” said Murat Gebeceli, Head of Digital Imaging, Sony Middle East & Africa. “We are always listening to our customers feedback, pushing hard to deliver innovation that goes far beyond their expectations. There is no better example than this new camera. Combining classic S series sensitivity with a feature set, performance level and user experience that is simply unmatched in market today — at any price level — the Alpha 7S III opens up a new world of possibilities for today’s creators.”

The system architecture for the new Alpha 7S III has been completely redesigned to deliver exceptional video and still shooting performance. The brand new 35mm full-frame 12.1MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, utilises a variety of advanced light-gathering techniques to ensure high-sensitivity with low noise, allowing users to shoot in low-light situations without needing large-scale lighting setups. In addition to improved image quality, this new image sensor includes a focal plane phase-detection AF system for the first time in an S-series camera. To compliment the new sensor, the Alpha 7S III also includes a new BIONZ XR image processing engine that provides up to eight time more processing power, minimises processing latency, reduces rolling shutter up to three times, and enables many of the hallmark still and imaging features of the camera. The new system also includes the world’s brightest and largest 9.44 million dot OLED electronic eye-level viewfinder and is the world’s first camera with dual CFexpress Type A card slots, enabling high-speed data transfer in a compact size.

The Alpha 7S III offers in-camera 4K recording up to 120 frames per second, 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling, producing stunning video recording. The new camera offers a more flexible and efficient post-production workflow with a variety of advanced movie recording modes such as All-intra and MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 coding (XAVC HS). The Alpha 7S III makes it easy to integrate video recordings with other professional camcorders by providing three color gamut settings: S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine.

Using S-Gamut3 or S-Gamut3.Cine, users can easily match footage shot on the Alpha 7S III with footage shot on the professional camcorders to simplify multi-camera post-production workflow. In addition to S-Log3 gamma curves, the Alpha 7S III supports an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, with minimum post-production. The Alpha 7S III also allows 16-bit RAW output to an external recorder via HDMI Type-A, offering additional post-production flexibility.
The new CMOS image sensor and BIONZ XR image processing engine in the Alpha 7S III delivers legendary S-series sensitivity with significantly enhanced color reproduction and texture renderings for improved overall image quality. The base ISO has been lowered to 80, resulting in a normal range of 80-102400 (expandable to 80-409600 for video and 40-409600 for stills) to provide more flexible ISO plus wide dynamic range with low noise at all settings. It offers improved image quality by approximately 1 stop of noise reduction in the middle and high sensitivity ranges.
The colors and textures of foliage, human skin, and more are ideally and consistently reproduced without dependence on light sources. Gradation rendering has also been refined for better looking skin tones and highlight roll-off in portraits. It also improves AWB (Auto WB) performance where a new “Visible light + IR Sensor” helps to achieve more precise white balance under artificial lighting, including fluorescent and LED lights.
For the first time in an Alpha 7S series camera, the Alpha 7S III offers Fast Hybrid AF by combining phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, giving it the ability to track subjects over a wide area with outstanding speed, precision and smoothness, even when using a narrow depth of field. Fine focus expression is possible with Sony’s E-mount lenses.
For environments with a lot of movement, Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF are available to maintain constant focus on the intended subject. Sony’s advanced Real-time Eye AF improves detection performance by 30% over previous system3, thanks to the new image processing engine. It ensures accurate, reliable detection even when the subject’s face looks away. Real-time Tracking is initiated simply by touching the subject on the screen. Simultaneously, Real-time Eye AF is initiated when an eye is detected.
Based on customer feedback, the camera includes several AF features for professional users including AF Transition Speed in seven settings, to easily create rack-focus transitions, and five AF Subject Shift Sensitivity settings, which allows the user to customise how easily AF will switch or stay with the locked-on subject. Touch Tracking allows user to not only initiate Real-time Tracking, but also compose and shoot while using a gimbal or while shooting solo. It’s now possible to Touch Focus during manual focus mode on the LCD screen or remotely from the Imaging Edge Mobile application.
The Alpha 7S III’s design has been overhauled to ensure effective heat dissipation and prevent overheating – even during extended continuous recording sessions at 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video for an hour or more. A newly developed unique heat dissipating structure, keeps image sensor and image processing engine temperatures within their normal operating ranges, preventing overheating while maintaining compact body dimensions.
For video on-the-go, the Alpha 7S III is the first Alpha series camera to include Active Mode for supporting especially difficult handheld movie shooting with 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation. It is also the first Alpha series E-mount body to feature a side-opening vari-angle rear screen, perfect for gimbal-mounted shots, complicated angles, handheld operation and more. The screen rotates sideways, up and down, and features a 3.0 type 1.44 million-dot touch panel LCD monitor, for good visibility even under bright outdoor environments.
In addition, the Alpha 7S III provides a selection of new Creative Look with 10 presets, that can be used for both photo and video shoots, making it easy to create interesting moods right in the camera to be used as is or customise by the user. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe for clearer audio recordings from a compatible Sony external microphone. Used with the Alpha 7S III, the XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit additionally provides 4-channel 24-bit digital audio recording capability in an Alpha series camera for the first time. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking.
Additional movie assist functions include redesigned monitor display with a bold, clearly visible red frame that makes it clear when recording is in progress even when mounted on a rig or gimbal, custom zoom settings, adjustable white balance while recording, display rotation, interval recording, still extraction from movies and more.
The Alpha 7S III carries fast Hybrid AF system with a 759 point phase-detection AF sensors covering 92% of image sensor. The camera can also achieve high AF precision to accurately and reliably focus in light down to EV-6 where subjects are difficult to see clearly even with the naked eye. Continuous shooting at up to 10fps or up to 8fps in live view mode is possible either mechanically or electronically for more than 1,000 uncompressed RAW images.
The Alpha 7S III also includes the world’s first 9.44 million-dot (approx.), 0.64 type Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder with a high-definition OLED display and refined optics that delivers the highest resolution in its class. The Alpha 7S III viewfinder offers a 0.90x viewfinder magnification, 41° diagonal field of view, 25mm high eyepoint for clear, low-distortion corner to corner viewing. It is also dust, fog and moisture resistant, extremely responsive and has switchable modes for different subject types. Every aspect of the Alpha 7S III viewfinder has been designed and refined for a professional workflow.
For the first time in a Sony’s digital camera, the Alpha 7S III includes the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) allowing for smooth 10-bit gradations and advanced compression technology to maintain image quality while significantly reducing file size and saving storage space. HEIF stills shot in this mode can be played back on a compatible Sony HDR (HLG) TV via a direct HDMI connection from the Alpha 7S III, delivering true-to-life dynamic range.
Another world’s first, the Alpha 7S III features two CFexpress Type A compatible media slots, which also support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards. It enables high write-and-read speed while keeping the camera body compact in size. CFexpress Type A cards are ideally suited to high-speed continuous RAW still image shooting as well as 4K 120p movie recording at high bit rates, providing next-generation write speeds that can quickly clear the buffers of cameras that generate high volumes of still image and movie data. High-speed data transfer to PC is possible of about 1.7 times faster than that of SD card. The dual slots can be set to relay mode for extended continuous recording of even the high bit rate data.
The Alpha 7S III also features a revised menu structure for easier navigation and touch-responsive menu operation for faster, more intuitive control. For creators who shoot both stills and movies, separate settings can now be stored for stills and movie shooting for quick transition between the two. Professional users need more than just refined features and performance.
They also need the reliability and durability demanded of any professional tool. The Alpha 7S III features a redesigned grip for greater comfort and a secure hold, an improved dust removal feature, plus dust and moisture resistance that maximises reliability in challenging environments. It includes a durable, reliable HDMI Type-A connector, and is the first Alpha series camera to support USB PD (Power Delivery), allowing higher power to be supplied from an external source so that users can continue to record for extended periods with minimal drainage of the internal battery.
The Alpha 7S III has been designed and configured to support photo and video journalists and sports shooters who need to deliver stills or movies as quickly as possible with several advanced connectivity options. The camera supports 5GHz/2.4GHz wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11ac) and offers MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) to improve communication quality by using multiple antennas. It doubles the speed compared to the Alpha7R IV. It also carries new USB tethering support. When connected to a 5G (5th generation technology standard for cellular networks) compatible device such as Sony’s “Xperia 1 II” smartphone via USB cable, it is possible to use 5G network for fast and stable FTP file transfer. USB to high-speed wired LAN connectivity also offers stable and fast FTP transfer for both movies and stills. A USB Type-C connector that supports fast SuperSpeed USB 5Gpbs (USB 3.2) data transfer is provided, enabling high-speed PC Remote (tethered) data transfer available for smooth handling of large image files.
The new Alpha 7S III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camerawill be available in the Middle East from October 2020.

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.
Digital Cameras
Sony Launches New FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens

Sony Middle East and Africa announces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2) a premium lens offering a supreme blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body. This is a second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model and generously incorporates the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture, wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bring together appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. Packed with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality. Moreover, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of the G Master series.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximising the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies. For stills, it is up to 3 times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times. Compared to the current 85mm F1.4 GM1, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, a diameter of 84.7 mm and a length of 107.3 mm.
For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customisable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offers flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting demands. The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture-resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in the Middle East from September 2024.
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