Sony MEA has announced the Sony Mentorship Program for the region’s content creators. This is a three-month program that aims to discover, nurture and elevate regional talent. Open to content creators, visualizers and aspiring storytellers in the Middle East and Africa, the Sony Mentorship Program is powered by Sony’s Vlogging Camera ZV1.

Murat Gebeceli, Head of Digital Imaging, Sony Middle East & Africa said: “We look forward to discovering and guiding a new generation of bold and fresh new creative talents through the Sony Mentorship Program, an initiative that reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities available to regional talent. Through the three-month program, we will be empowering creatives with access to world-class gear such as Sony Vlogging Camera ZV1 as well as guidance from mentors, who are all successful trailblazers in their own right.”

Applicants can apply for the Sony Mentorship Program through https://alphauniverse-mea.com/sonymentorship/. They need to submit five still images or one video, up to one minute long. Along with this applicants also have to submit a personal video of up to one minute duration which explains why they want to part of the program.

Applicants’ images and/or video can be shot using any equipment of their choice, even a computer camera or smartphone. The personal video is meant to give the judges a visual introduction to the applicant’s persona. Applicants are required to be on camera to introduce themselves, and not provide just a voice-over.

Based on their applications, eight participants will then be selected for entry into the Sony Mentorship Program. The deadline to submit the application is midnight, January 15, 2020 UAE time. Selected participants will be notified after January 24, 2021, via email or phone. The three-month long program takes places from end January until April 2021.

Eight industry players will be assigned to be one-on-one mentors to the eight successful applicants. The eight mentees will also be given a Sony Vlog Camera ZV-1 and GP-VPT2BT Grip, worth $1000, to shoot as well as the opportunity to let their final project shine on the world stage. They will have access to exclusive online workshops to improve their photography, videography and editing skills.

Mentees also have the opportunity to have their project featured on Sony’s social media channels and Alpha Universe MEA. Three of the mentees will be announced as the final winners in April 2021, once the program concludes, judged for the quality and creativity of their resulting content. The first winner will be awarded $3,000, the second winner will walk away with $2,000, and the third winner with $1,000, along with a chance to do a commissioned project with Sony. Additionally, they will be recognised as pioneer members of Sony Collective, with their completed projects featured on AlphaUniverse.com.

Three ZV1 cameras are also up for grabs for the general public across the region, when they vote for their choice of winners in the competition. The program is currently open only to legal, adult residents of the Middle East and Africa. Applicants can be users of any camera brand.

Sony Middle East & Africa announced several additions to their impressive imaging lineup — the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 (model SEL2860) zoom lens, and HVL-F28RM flash. The Alpha 7C is being marketed as the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame body with uncompromising performance, featuring advanced AF (autofocus), high-resolution 4K video capabilities, and more. When paired with the world’s smallest and lightest FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens, this versatile combination delivers an experience unlike any other, maximising portability and versatility without sacrificing any of the power of full-frame imaging. The HVL-F28RM flash allows users to broaden their photo expressions with outstanding compactness, and an intelligent light intensity control linked to camera face detection.

“We are committed to creating the best tools possible based on the needs of our customers in the Middle East and Africa region,” said Murat Gebeceli, Head of Digital Imaging, Sony Middle East & Africa. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”

The new Alpha 7C combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced AF capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a stunningly light and compact design. The new camera features a 24.2MP (approx. effective) 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, 15-stop  wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing. 

Measuring only 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm and weighing just 509g, the Alpha 7C is a similar size and weight to an APS-C camera, with only 1% more weight than the Alpha 6600. The Alpha 7C achieves the world’s smallest and lightest compact body through upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilization and shutter units, and the utilization of monocoque construction, which is often used in the bodies of cars and aircraft. Even in this compact body, the Alpha 7C features a 5-stop stabilisation effect that allows shooting snaps without a tripod. Moreover, despite the compact body, the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to shoot for long durations in comfort, allowing you to capture up to an industry-leading 740 images when using the LCD monitor, or 680 images when using the viewfinder.

Sony’s new Alpha 7C combines high resolution with low noise for excellent image quality at all sensitivities, offering the user stunning image quality for shooting everyday photography and movies such as nature, portraits, sports, street photography and more. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable to ISO 50-204,800 for low-light environment captures with low noise. The Alpha 7C also supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output for natural gradations.

Using AI-driven functions, the Alpha 7C’s Real-time Tracking maintains accurate focus automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. In addition, “Tracking On + AF-On” now is assignable to a custom key and can now be activated at once while the AF-ON button is pressed. Moreover, the intended subject can be specified just by touching it on the monitor when “Touch Tracking” has been turned ON via the menu and is available for both stills and movies. The Alpha 7C’s AF functions also feature Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals to achieve fast and accurate focus. When using Real-time Tracking while “Face/Eye Priority in AF” is ON with a human subject, the subject’s eye and face is detected and locked on in real-time with extremely high tracking precision.

The Alpha 7C provides wide, fast, reliable AF that locks onto the intended subject instantly without losing focus, thanks to its 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering approximately 93% of the image area, with an additional 425 contrast-detection points to ensure reliable focus, even in busy environments.

The Alpha 7C also features continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE (autoexposure) by using a newly developed shutter unit and refined image processing system. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion. The Alpha 7C allows up to approximately 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst and achieves highly accurate and reliable AF precision in light down to EV-4. These features make it easier to capture fast-moving subjects.

Full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning makes it possible to capture more than twice the amount of data required for 4K video (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), which is then oversampled to produce high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. In addition, the Alpha 7C supports HDR (HLG) and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fps, and other advanced video features which offer exceptional video capabilities to capture high-quality video footage.

Furthermore, the Alpha 7C features Real-time Eye AF (human) for video shooting. The eye is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability so that the operator can concentrate on the content rather than focus operation. Users can also customise AF Transition Speed in seven settings, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity in five settings, in their preferences. Touch Tracking functionality is also available for movie shooting.

The Alpha 7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor, making it easy to record selfies, overhead shots, low ground-level shots or whatever the user requires. The MOVIE button has been placed on the top of the camera making it easier to operate while recording in selfie mode. Additionally, the Alpha 7C provides high quality video recordings, not just for images, but also for audio. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings. 

Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking. Headphone and microphone jacks are also provided to accurately monitor recorded sound, and metadata attached to movie footage shot vertically on the camera allows the footage after transfer to the smartphone or similar device, to also be replayed and edited in the vertical position.

The Alpha 7C is designed with the user in mind. The touch panel LCD monitor is a large touch-sensitive 3.0 type with approximately 921 thousand dots, providing optimal visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and supporting touch operations.  The Alpha 7C also features a high-quality view mode for finer, more natural detail in addition to a 2.35 megadot (approx.) XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF. The Alpha 7C offers functions that simplify operation during and after shooting, such as Fn button customisations and more. It is also dust and moisture resistant to support shooting needs in challenging environments.

To simplify workflow needs, Wi-Fi compatible wireless-communication functions allows images and movies to be directly transferred to a smartphone or tablet for convenient sharing, viewing or saving. In addition to the conventional 2.4GHz band, support for the 11ac standard allows transfer via 5GHz band (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) so that users can select that stable and high-speed transfer with low interference. A USB Type-C connector that supports SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) is also provided, allowing fast transfer of images during PC remote shooting and power supply from external mobile batteries.

The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightest form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering high optical performance that achieves the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. Optimal arrangement of the 3 aspherical lens elements effectively suppresses aberrations throughout the zoom range and realises high resolution from corner to corner. A minimum focus distance of 0.99 foot (0.3m) (wide-angle) to 1.48 feet (0.45m) (telephoto) delivers close-up capability, making it perfect for everyday use or vlogging with a gimbal or grip.

At 167g and 66.6 mm dia. x 45 mm, along with its mechanical and optimal optical design that features a retracting structure, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 achieves unrivalled compactness and lightness, allowing users to easily carry it all the times. From everyday shooting to scenery, portraits and travel, it’s the ideal lens for any type of on-the-go shooting in a wide variety of environments. When combined with the Alpha 7C, the combination achieves uncompromising full-frame performance with the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system. Even with its compact size and lightweight, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is dust and moisture resistant and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots, enabling users to easily capture a wide variety of content from regular movie shooting to comfortable vlogging.

The HVL-F28RM is a compact flash designed to match Sony’s mirrorless cameras for a compact, manageable system, and offers the type of reliable, stable performance that only a genuine Sony product can provide. When compared to the HVL-F32M, the HVL-F28RM features a 12% reduction in volume and 7% reduction in weight. This compact, easy-to-use flash unit delivers the capabilities and dependability to meet the needs of both professional and advanced amateur content creators.

The HVL-F28RM offers consistent GN28 light output, optimised light distribution and continuous flash performance that won’t interrupt the user’s workflow, as well as stable radio wireless communication and multi flash radio control. The new flash also features Sony’s newly introduced flash control linked to camera face detection advanced technology. When used with a compatible camera, the balance between the light falling on the subject’s face and ambient light is taken into account to automatically adjust accurate white balance so that the subject’s face is rendered with natural, lifelike color. 

In addition, flash compensation, light ratio, and other detailed flash parameters can be controlled directly from a compatible camera. A camera custom key can be assigned to call up the flash parameter display so that adjustments can be made while looking through the viewfinder and gripping the camera. Flash parameters are shown in the selected camera display language.

A newly developed “Metal Shoe Foot with Rugged Side Frame” that also houses the unit’s electrical contacts offers improved resistance to physical shock and impact from all the directions. The Multi-Interface foot is fabricated from metal for higher strength. The HVL-F28RM also features a dust and moisture resistant design. When the HVL-F28RM is mounted and locked onto the Alpha 7C, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7R IV, and Alpha 9 II, durability to dust and moisture is improved, even when used in challenging outdoor environments.  

The HVL-F28RM also features simple, intuitive operation with minimal controls including +/- light level buttons, pairing button, test button and lock lever. Plenty of light is available for bounce applications. The flash angle can also be set as required via 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 120 degree click stops for easy positioning. The new flash also features a built-in wireless radio trigger for reliable flash triggering when mounted on a compatible camera and paired with an off-camera unit. When used as a transmitter, the HVL-F28RM can control up to 15 flash and/or receiver units in 5 groups at distances of up to 114 feet (35 meters) for extraordinary lighting control and versatility.  The HVL-F28RM is powered by two AA (LR6) alkaline or NiMH batteries. A fresh pair of alkaline batteries can provide power for up to 110 continuous flashes (1/1 manual flash with alkaline batteries)^.

The new Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera will be available in the Middle East & Africa from November 2020. The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in selected countries in the Middle East & Africa from January 2021. The HVL-F28RM flash will be available in the Middle East & Africa from November 2020.

It is estimated that over 75% of vlogs are created using a smartphone. However, Sony seems to be wanting a piece of that pie, and hence the company recently announced a new sub-category to its compact camera lineup, designed especially for vloggers. And one of the first devices they have launched onto the market is the ZV-1, which is a compact camera, similar to the Sony RX100 series, but with a tweaked design. 

The camera’s rear LCD display can be flipped outwards and turned 180 degrees from the side. You also get face priority autofocus and better audio quality, thanks to a directional three-capsule microphone. Similar to the company’s RX100 series, the ZV-1 can also shoot up to 4K resolution video. 

The company has also added special modes for adjusting the level of background blur so your face is more prominent when talking to the camera and the ability to prioritise an object instead of your face when you bring it the frame. Under the hood, the ZV-1 is powered by a 1-inch type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with 20.1 million effective pixels. 

The Exmor RS CMOS sensor also brings phase-detection focusing – which is usually faster and more decisive than contrast detection. The ZV-1 has a total of 315 phase detection AF points which are available for use in stills and video mode. Yes, the camera is made for vlogging, but that does not mean you can’t take stills with it!

The ZV-1 also offers 2.7x optical zoom support, while the aperture ranges from f/1.8 to f/2.8. The 3-inch touchscreen display at the back, as mentioned earlier, can be articulated all the way forwards, from the side, thereby giving the user better flexibility when shooting. The ISO range meanwhile is rated from 125 to 12,800.

With the ZV-1, you also get a dedicated button for adjusting the background bokeh when shooting vlogs. There’s also a new ‘product showcase’ setting that automatically shifts focus from your face to the object being shown off to the camera. This should be very handy for review videos, where you’d want to show the product off to the camera. 

The camera also ships with a wind screen for its mic, to block out wind noise. There’s also a 3.5mm socket and a hot shoe for external microphones. The ZV-1 supports stabilisation so you can get steady footage when shooting handheld. The Sony ZV-1 measures 105.5 x 60.0 x 43.5mm in dimensions and weighs just 294g.

We received the camera along with the Sony GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth Wireless shooting grip. The Sony GP-VPT2BT is a wireless shooting grip and mini tripod with Bluetooth remote control that’s ideal for general photography, video or vlogging. 

We used the camera for a period of two weeks. For vlogging, the Sony ZV-1 is a nice camera to work with. The camera comes with a wide range of manual control options and enhanced operation, which offers better performance – in fact, a lot beyond basics. 

If you are a vlogger, you will appreciate the camera’s Intelligent Auto mode. By using this mode, you don’t have to worry about manually tinkering with the settings to achieve the best results. We tested the camera in a different lighting situations, both indoors and outdoors. Even under low light conditions, the camera was able to do the job – the results were in fact surprisingly good. 

We also liked the product showcase mode which worked really well. Once you activate the mode, you can hold your product up to the camera, and it’ll quickly focus on it, blurring you out in the background. Then, it will quickly switch back again to focus on your face when you remove the product from the frame. 

The captured audio quality is also very good, whether you are recording a video and speaking to camera. While the camera does come with a boat load of features for video content creators, it misses out on one very important feature – 4K video at 60 frames per second. The ZV-1 maxes out at 30fps at its full resolution setting, but it can shoot up to 60fps in 1080p.

The Sony ZV-1 is a great camera for vloggers and content creators. The autofocus system is very good, the background defocus works as promised and the product showcase mode is just out of this world. For the price of AED 3099, the Sony ZV-1 compact camera can also double up as a secondary camera for those looking for a compact camera for their professional setup.

Price: AED 3099