Fujifilm Middle East has announced the launch of INSTAX Square SQ40. This is an exciting new addition to the INSTAX series of instant cameras compatible with square format films, allowing users to enjoy on-the-spot photo printing. The SQ40 is an analogue instant camera that sports a premium and classical leather-look design, focusing on a texture that fits comfortably in the hand. It runs on plain operations to produce square-format prints with ease.

Released on the same day, the square format film “SUNSET,” is characterized by graininess and gradation around the frame of the film. The INSTAX series has been affectionately called “Cheki” in Japan since its initial launch in 1998. The series has gained popularity for its ability to not only print and preserve a precious moment right on the spot but also as a new tool for users to communicate their emotions. Offered in this series are card-sized “mini format” prints, “square format” prints, and double-card-sized “wide format” prints to expand the range of photographic expressions.

Square format film can cover a wider range of photographic scenes and is suitable for group shots and landscape photos. It can capture the subject with the background and atmosphere of the scene, expanding the user’s pallet of photographic expressions. The Square format film is well-liked across countries and generations because it offers the advantage of taking pictures with a 1:1 aspect ratio and arranging the creative composition, square format films are able to turn casual scenes into the artistic work of photography.

The camera features the “Automatic Exposure” function, which achieves optimum exposure for a given scene by simply turning the lens barrel to turn on the camera, pointing the camera at the subject and pressing the shutter button. Users can also switch to the Selfie Mode for taking selfies and close-ups by simply rotating the lens barrel to turn the camera on and rotating the barrel again in the same direction. Such simple operations are all that are needed to bring joy to photography.

Fujifilm will continue to expand the world of the “INSTAX” instant photo system that allows people to enjoy on-the-spot photo printing.

Canon has launched the RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM, a new addition to the L-series range for photo and video professionals. Offering limitless possibilities by enabling an extreme ultra-wide shot, the RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM provides unrivalled image quality, all in a compact size. The lens builds on the capabilities of the existing wide-angle RF range as the widest AF zoom ever made for a full-frame camera, with an angle of view of up to 130°. Featuring a zoom that ranges from 20mm wide-angle to an exceptional and unique ultra-wide 10mm focal length, users can now achieve a shooting area more than twice that of a 16mm focal length.

Fitting more in the frame allows for fresh perspectives when it comes to capturing dramatic panoramas. Photographers can add extra foreground interest, capture tight interiors and architecture, and add depth to landscapes, and filmmakers can be more creative with awe-inspiring establishing shots. The new lens delivers unparalleled image quality in a wide-angle lens, achieving incredible sharpness and clarity with virtually no distortion.

Engineered to the highest standard, the RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM incorporates the latest Peripheral Control Image Stabilisation (IS) technology which ensures crystal-clear, shake-free images even in challenging shooting conditions or without tripod access. The new IS ensures shake-free images from the centre to the edge of the frame and offers five stops of optical stabilisation or six stops in combination with an in-body stabilised camera. Its advanced rectilinear optical design means you can expect a crisp and accurate outcome – so straight lines remain straight, even at the edges of the frame, all thanks to an advanced optical formula. A constant f/4 maximum aperture provides consistent exposures at every zoom setting, and state-of-the-art optical coatings minimise ghosting and flare which can be common with ultra-wide shots.

The advanced tech comes at no expense to ease of use. The RF mount allows outstanding image quality from a compact design by enabling hugely increased communication speed and bandwidth between the camera and lens. Weighing just 570g, the RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM deserves a permanent place in your kit bag. It’s less than half the weight (610g lighter) and 2cm smaller in width and length than the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM – in fact, the new lens paired with an EOS R8 weighs less than the older EF lens alone. All this despite offering a wider angle of view and the addition of IS technology – so shooting with limited space not only becomes easier, but your bag will be lighter too.

Due to its superior image quality, greater capacity for wide-angle stills and video, and lightweight design, the RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM is an essential upgrade for photographers and videographers looking to push their capabilities to the next level. While it’s ideal for landscapes or architecture, the lens can also capture a different perspective on sports or documentaries. The RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM can withstand even the most challenging weather conditions, as it is resistant to dust and moisture for professional use.

Key features and attributes include:

• The aspherical, Super UD, and UD lens elements (including one Aspherical UD element) help to achieve high image quality appropriate for an L lens
• Highly durable dustproof and waterproof qualities, to withstand rigorous conditions faced by professionals
• SWC (on 2 lens surfaces) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) reduce ghosting caused by light sources within the image, a phenomenon often seen in wide-angle lenses
• First L series lens to feature STM motor and full-time manual focus capability, thanks to compact lightweight focus group

Sony Middle East and Africa has announced the new BURANO camera as part of the CineAlta lineup – the company’s top line of digital cinema cameras. The new BURANO features a sensor that matches the colour science of the VENICE 2 and is specially designed for single-camera operators and small crews. This camera combines exceptional image quality with high mobility and is the world’s first digital cinema camera with a PL-Mount to feature in-body image stabilisation.

In addition, the compact housing includes for the first time a thinner-than-before electronically variable ND filter structure alongside the optical image stabilisation mechanism, a technological feat never achieved previously. When removing the PL lens mount, the camera can be used with E-mount lenses and supports fast hybrid AF and subject recognition AF, even perfect for fast-moving subjects.

Using the widely appreciated colour science of the VENICE cameras, BURANO features an 8.6K full-frame sensor that shares most of the VENICE 2 specifications enabling it to work alongside that camera in all types of productions. The sensor features dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 and 16 stops of latitude to produce stunning images even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

Like all cameras in Sony’s full-frame Cinema Line, BURANO will have the ability to shoot at full-frame, Super 35, and also features a de-squeeze function for anamorphic lenses. It can film at frame rates including up to 8K at 30 frames per second, 6K at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 frames per second.

BURANO features a compact and lightweight body for high mobility, approximately 32mm shorter and 1.4kg lighter than the VENICE 2 camera. BURANO is housed in a rugged magnesium chassis, making it suitable for filming in the most challenging environments. The camera and accessory packaging bag materials are made primarily of plant-based cellulose instead of plastic as part of Sony’s efforts to be environmentally conscious. Moreover, a moulded pulp cushion is used on the camera as the cushioning material, thus not using expanded polystyrene.

BURANO is the world’s first digital cinema camera with a PL mount to support in-body image stabilisation. With a newly developed image stabilisation mechanism and control algorithm that leverages the advanced image stabilisation technology cultivated in the Alpha series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, unwanted camera shake, such as movement from shooting handheld or walking, can be corrected when shooting with an E-mount or PL-mount lens.

BURANO is equipped with an electronic variable ND filter from 0.6 to 2.1, enabling easy adjustments in various lighting conditions. In addition, the electronic variable ND filter allows control of the depth of field with the iris and adjusts to the optimum exposure without changing the depth of field. More than 70 E-mount lenses can use the excellent image stabilisation function cultivated with Alpha, as well as Fast Hybrid AF that combines the benefits of phase detection and contrast detection method and are also compatible with high-precision Subject Recognition AF using AI. Using an E-mount lens further reduces the weight and size of the camera.

BURANO also includes design improvements based on feedback from the filmmaking community. For example, all menu buttons are positioned on the camera operator’s side. Additionally, tally lamps are placed in three locations to make it easier for the surrounding crew to check the shooting status. The 3.5-inch multi-function LCD monitor can be used as a viewfinder, for touch focus, or menu control. The BURANO also comes equipped with an optional robust T-handle, viewfinder arm, two 3-pin XLR audio inputs, and a headphone terminal (stereo minijack), convenient for solo operation.

The BURANO can record from HD to 8K depending on the resolution, aspect ratio, and codec. BURANO supports multiple internal recording formats, such as the new XAVC H for 8K, which uses the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 high compression efficiency codec. Other recording formats include XAVC and X-OCN LT. X-OCN is Sony’s original compressed RAW format that can capture information shot with 16-bit linear data, which gives filmmakers more freedom in post for colour grading. X-OCN LT can reduce file transfer time and storage size load, making post-production workflows more efficient than standard versions of RAW data.

BURANO is also equipped with two new CF express Type B memory card slots and supports VPG400, which can sustain high bitrate writing of video data, including X-OCN LT 8K. Sony will also be releasing new compatible CFexpress Type B memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/ CEB-G960T (960 GB). BURANO supports various log recording modes including S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut.Cine, which are colour spaces that cover a colour gamut exceeding BT.2020 and DCI-P3. BURANO can reproduce the same colour as all cameras in Sony’s Cinema Line, including the VENICE 2. This allows filmmakers to match cameras within the line.

BURANO comes with four new cinematic looks: Warm, Cool, Vintage, Teal, and Orange, in addition to supporting industry standards s709 and 709 (800%) Look Up Tables (LUTs). Furthermore, like the VENICE series amongst others, BURANO can be used for virtual production using large-screen LED displays such as Sony’s Crystal LED VERONA. The camera also features a gen-lock.

Sony will be releasing separately the GP-VR100 Grip remote control for the BURANO’s main unit, to control the zoom lever and recording start / stop button, particularly useful in solo shooting setups. BURANO will support the S700 protocol over ethernet and a 1.5x de-squeeze display function when using anamorphic lens in July 2024 or later. Further updates based on user feedback and suggestions will be rolled out in the future.

Cinema Line is a series of camera products for content creators, which delivers not only the coveted cinematographic look cultivated through extensive experience in digital cinema production but also the enhanced operability and reliability that meet discerning creators’ various needs. Set to continuously evolve, Cinema Line currently includes the high-end CineAlta cameras VENICE, VENICE 2, and BURANO, as well as the various FX models and the unique FR7 PTZ camera.

From a software perspective, the newly launched mobile app, Monitor & Control, part of the Sony Creators’ Cloud can be used with the FX3, and FX30 amongst others. The app, designed with visual creators in mind, enables wireless video monitoring, support for high-precision exposure determination using false colour and waveform monitors, and intuitive focus operation of compatible cameras, on the screen of a smartphone or tablet. BURANO will also be compatible with this app.

The BURANO, CFexpress Type B memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/ CEB-G960T (960 GB) and the new GP-VR100 Grip remote control (sold separately) will be available in the UAE from November 2023.