Sony Photography News and Rumors

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Lensvid posted a lengthy interview with Salmon-Legagneur from Sony. Below is a summary of the interview, including their discussion of a possible APS-C RX1 camera.

FX2, RX1R III, 32-Bit Float, AI and More: A Thorough Interview with Sony at IBC 2025
This in-depth interview with Yan Salmon from Sony provides a comprehensive look at recent product updates, strategic decisions behind camera development, the functionality of Sony’s apps, and Sony’s perspective on emerging technologies like 32-bit float audio and AI in cameras.

Recent Sony Updates & Customer Feedback

• Sony has released the DCC1 dummy battery with USB-C, a direct response to user requests for a genuine Sony power supply that works with both Z and W type batteries.
• The Alpha 1 has been updated with a new firmware to include focus bracketing for focus stacking, a feature that was highly requested by the community.

RX1R III: Design Philosophy and Performance

• The RX1R III was introduced a decade after the original, maintaining its status as the world’s smallest fixed-lens full-frame camera.
• Sony deliberately retained the original lens design to preserve the camera’s ultra-compact form factor and the unique “taste” and “look” that RX1 series customers have come to love.
• Despite its legacy design, the lens was recalibrated for the new 60-megapixel sensor, delivering exceptional resolution.
• The autofocus (AF) performance is touted as the “fastest in this segment,” incorporating AI AF for impressive subject detection and fast subject acquisition. It is positioned as an ideal camera for street photography and portraits, though not designed for sports.

• Sony acknowledges a “gap” in its fixed-lens camera lineup between the 1-inch sensor RX100 series and the full-frame RX1R III.
• Yan Salmon personally expressed a desire for such a camera, stating, “personally I would love it as well”, acknowledging that the RX1R III is a high-end, expensive product.
• However, he explained that from a business perspective, Sony must consider the market size and the significant commitment in engineering resources, firmware updates, and future successors when deciding to launch a new product line.
• Developing a new product line could potentially divert resources from existing successful lines like Alpha, FX, and ZV, as well as their extensive portfolio of over 80 lenses.

FX2: Target Audience and Strategic Positioning

• The FX2 was created to make the cinematic full-frame look accessible to a wider audience at an affordable price, serving as an entry point into the Sony Cinema Line.
• It includes key filmmaker features such as a fan for heat management, a tally light, L-series battery compatibility, and the “big six menu” from the Venice.
• Unexpectedly, the camera has garnered interest from the broadcast industry, especially news companies, for achieving a full-frame cinematic look in TV productions.
• The release of the FX2 before a potential FX3 update was a strategic move to attract young creators and future cinematographers to the Cinema Line.
• The FX3 is still considered a “working horse”, delivering excellent 4K 120p in low light and offering a robust set of filmmaking features and extensive lens compatibility.

FX2 Viewfinder and Design

• The integrated viewfinder on the FX2 was a deliberate design choice, in response to feedback from FX3 users and the popularity of integrated viewfinders on cameras like the a7S III and a7 IV.
• An external, removable viewfinder was considered but ultimately deemed less practical due to the additional engineering, design, and cost, which would have likely increased the camera’s price.
• A notable design improvement, the FX2 is the first mirrorless camera from Sony to feature two quarter-inch screw holes on the bottom. This addresses the issue of camera plates twisting, especially when using accessories like follow focus systems that apply force to the lens.

Sony Apps: Monitor & Control, and Creator App

• Audio Level Monitoring: This feature is currently absent from Sony’s apps. Sony prioritized image control features first due to resource allocation but acknowledges the feedback and encourages users to continue requesting it.
• App Login Process: The lengthy initial login process for Sony apps is a one-time setup that provides benefits like firmware update notifications, extended warranties (in Europe), lens discounts, and access to exclusive training content.
• Firmware updates via the app are highlighted as a significant improvement in user experience.
• Multi-camera support in the Monitor & Control app has been expanded to include Mac OS.
• Android and Windows support for multi-camera control is not currently a priority, as Sony is focusing on ensuring stability on iOS and Mac, which they have identified as the primary platforms for their target professional user base.

32-Bit Float Audio

• Sony recognizes 32-bit float recording as an interesting technology for increasing audio dynamic range.
• However, they point out that its benefits are dependent on high-quality microphones and a workflow that accommodates post-production gain adjustments.
• While it has its place in specific scenarios, Sony currently views it as a niche technology and has not yet integrated it into their cameras, though they are looking into it.

AI in Cameras

• Sony has been a pioneer in using AI technology for AF tracking with subject recognition.
• Autoframing, first introduced in the ZV-1, also utilizes AI and has been integrated into broadcast PTZ cameras for advanced scene recognition and subject tracking.
• Regarding voice control for cameras, Sony believes that speaking to a camera is not practical in many shooting situations where discretion is key (e.g., wildlife, weddings).
• However, Sony suggests that their Software Development Kits (SDKs) could enable third-party developers to create LLM (Large Language Model) based systems for remote camera control, which could be beneficial in production environments or for users with accessibility needs.

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