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Sony RX 100 “FIVE-A” ($998) gets many updates found on the newly released RX 100 VI including the improved BIONZ X processor and buffer but it retains the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens first found on the Mark III.

The processor upgrade, not only means faster AF and operation, but should also result in improved image quality with less noise at high ISOs and increased sharpness. Other improvements include:

• Continuous shooting buffer of 233 frames, up from 150
• Advanced Eye AF setting on par with the Mark VI
• Reduced lag in the EVF
• Proxy movie mode (captures 720p footage alongside 4K capture)
• ‘Zone’ AF Area mode
• Variable size spot metering, Entire Screen Average and Highlight Spot metering
• Ability to rate images
• Priority set in auto white balance (Std, Ambience or White)
• Custom Key Settings offer more options
• You can set the shutter to start recording movies
• Updated Menu System to match the VI including My Menu option

However, the RX100 VA does not get the improved one-touch viewfinder, nor the touchscreen added in the RX100 VI. Its rear screen tilts down by 45°, not 90. Nor does the RX100 VA get Hybrid Log Gamma or S-Log3 found on RX100 VI. Finally, like other recent Sony releases, a few things dropped in favor of streamlining the system, including PlayMemories Camera Apps, My Photo Style, and Eye-Fi support.

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Sony has released a9 Firmware Update 3.01 with a fix to a bug reported in the previous version 3.00 while optimizing a9 for the FE 400 2.8 GM OSS along with improvements in autofocus and flash performance.

This update (version 3.01) provides the following benefits:

• Corrects a condition where the camera may not operate properly after updating to firmware version 3.00 [Note: For cameras updating from version 3.00 to 3.01, the registered settings for the Fn (function) menu may not be inherited. You may need to customize the menu to your preferred settings again.]
• New lens support (SEL400F28GM)
• Optimization of optical image stabilization performance, and support for new image stabilization mode of the lens (Mode 3)
• Addition of Function Ring(Lens) to the menu
[Note: For the SEL400F28GM lens, the APS-C S35/Full Frame Sel. setting is assignable to the Function Ring in addition to Power Focus.]
• Addition of Aperture Drive in AF to the menu
[Note: With the SEL400F28GM lens, focus will not be locked even during continuous shooting at F-values greater than F11 under the following conditions: AF-C, electronic shutter, and the Aperture Drive in AF menu set to Focus Priority. Continuous shooting speed might be slow when the F number is over F11.]
• Added functions for professionals engaged in sports/news media:
• Adds the Write Serial Number option (On/Off) to the menu for selecting your preference in writing the serial number to the EXIF data
• Improvements in auto focus performance and functionality:
• Improves tracking performance of moving subjects in AF-C mode
• Improves auto focus speed in low light
• Adds AF Track Sens as a selectable option for custom key settings
• Adds support for all focus areas when using LA-EA3 mount adapter
(Focus Area options added: Zone, Expand Flexible Spot, and Lock-on AF)
• Improvements in flash control performance and functionality:
• Reduced release time lag when shooting with flash
• Adds support for Slow Sync and Rear Sync when using flash wirelessly
• Adds support for white balance automatic correction when using color filter of external flash (HVL-F60RM)
• Other Improvements:
Stabilized release time lag when shooting in AF-C mode
Improves overall stability of the camera

Download Links:

Sony a9 FW 3.01 for MAC | WIN

[Please Note: Mac OS 10.13 High Sierra users must first run Mac OS X Driver Loader before installing this firmware update.]

Before Updating Firmware Please Read:

Bulletproof Guide to Sony Camera Firmware Updates

Sony a9 is Available from: B&H Photo | Amazon

Limited Time Deal! Save $280 on Sony a6300 Mirrorless Cameras with Video Accessory Kit

Gitzo Announces Special Edition Gitzo Traveler Tripod and L-Bracket for Sony Alpha Mirrorless Cameras

Earlier this year, Manfrotto released their Sony Alpha Edition Befree Advanced Travel Aluminum Tripod that lists for $190. Their premium-line Gitzo Traveler Alpha tripod will cover the other end of the pricing spectrum with a list price of 1021.32 euros.

The black and silver travel tripod with carbon legs weighs only 1.43 kg. With a packed size of 43 cm, offers a maximum working height of 165 cm and is designed for 10 kg camera/lens combinations. At maximum leg spread and the use of the short center column is designed to allow low shooting angles. Legs lock using “Traveler G-Lock” locks, a particularly compact variant of Gitzo’s G-Lock rotary closure system, specially developed for travel tripods.

The Traveler Alpha is equipped with Gitzo’s most compact ball head. The pan and tilt axes can be locked independently of each other. For the transport, a carrying strap made of Italian leather in carbon look is included in the delivery.

Gitzo Traveler Alpha L-Rail

The new L-rail is to allow a comfortable alignment of Sony cameras α7R III and α9 and facilitate the quick change between landscape and portrait. Milled from a solid block of aluminum, the new rail is the lightest of its kind, according to the manufacturer, it offers four mounting points for the camera designed for shooting video or tethered shooting in the studio. The supplied Allen key can be fixed in a separate holder.

Availability and Pricing

USA pricing has not yet been announced, but in Germany, Gitzo Traveler Alpha tripod lists for €1,021.32 and the L-rail for €197.34.

via: fotomagazin | SonyAlphaRumors