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.

Sony Middle East and Africa has launched the ZV-E10 II, the successor to their popular ZV-E10 vlogging camera. The new model builds on the strengths of the original while adding improved performance and features for content creators. The ZV-E10 II boasts a new 26-megapixel sensor and the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine for better image quality. Autofocus and video capturing have also been enhanced, with features like a new vertical format user interface and improved battery life.

The camera offers two key functions for creating professional-looking content: Creative Looks and Cinematic Vlog Setting. Creative Looks provides a variety of presets for different looks, while Cinematic Vlog Setting automatically adjusts settings for a cinematic feel.

Key Highlights:

1. Upgraded 26MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processor
2. Improved autofocus and video capturing
3. Cinematic Vlog Setting for Automatic Video Optimization
4. Vertical shooting mode with a rotating user interface
5. Upgraded battery for extended recording time
6. Compact and lightweight design

The ZV-E10 II camera body will be available in selected countries from July 2024. Sony also announced the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, a compact zoom lens ideal for the ZV-E10 II. This lens is lightweight, offers good image quality, and features built-in image stabilization. The E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available in black in selected countries from July 2024.

Canon Europe has announced the release of a new free-of-charge firmware update for the EOS C500 Mark II, further enhancing the camera’s professional functionality. The firmware update adds 12-bit Cinema RAW Light formats: LT (Light), ST (Standard) and HQ (High Quality), improving workflow flexibility and providing more options post-production. Previously made available for the EOS R5 C and EOS C70, this highly requested feature allows users to select a scalable range of internal RAW recording data rates that either further enhance the fidelity of the sensor output or reduce file sizes – all while maintaining the high-quality 12-bit colour information.

The EOS C500 Mark II features a 5.9K full-frame sensor, internal RAW recording, interchangeable lens mount and highly configurable modular design. The camera is a popular choice for television and cinematic productions due to its impressive image quality, extensive connectivity, and compact body. 

Aron Randhawa, Senior Product Specialist at Canon Europe, said, “Cinema RAW Light is continually evolving and has a clear advantage over heavily compressed formats, especially for colour grading and VFX pipelines. All three scalable new formats are 12-bit, even at higher frame rates, with no chroma subsampling, enabling cinematographers to unleash the full capability of their production camera.”