Sony’s Creators’ Cloud Press Release


Sony’s Creators’ Cloud Opens Up to Individuals; Bringing Together the Power of Camera and Cloud to Creators Worldwide Through a Single Platform
Sony Electronics introduces an application ecosystem bringing together camera and cloud, designed to meet creators’ needs from cloud storage to networking.

Today, Sony Electronics announced the next generation of its Creators’ Cloud platform, opening a host of new cloud-based applications and features designed for individual content creators and small content teams. This expansion comes after the initial introduction of Creators’ Cloud in September 2022, intended for professional and enterprise users.

The Creators’ Cloud platform includes cloud storage, Ci Media Cloud for collaborative media workflows, and Discover, a platform to discover and connect with peers[i]. The Creators’ Cloud platform, aimed at independent professionals, will soon[ii] include Creators’ App[iii], a content transfer application from camera to cloud[iv].

“With Creators’ Cloud, we are building a unique space where content creators can blur the lines between hardware and software, online and offline,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We know that content creators are looking for a one-stop shop, a place that integrates their content and creative tools, allows them to share and learn from other professionals and offers business opportunities and the expansion of Creators’ Cloud is the first step in Sony’s answer to this.”

Content Immediately Available on Multiple Devices
As creators seek to view and share their content efficiently, Creators’ Cloud will enable the transfer of images and videos to the cloud for immediate viewing and sharing. Sony offers 5GB[v] free for any Creators’ Cloud account user and 25GB for owners of select Sony camerasiv.

Creators’ App will be the successor of Imaging Edge Mobile Plus and will act as an extension of a camera to upload, view, and manage photo and video content shot on select Sony cameras and stored in the cloud. With the upcoming launch[vi] of Creators’ App, key features will include:

  • Transfer content from select Sony camera to a smartphone[vii]
  • Upload content from the smartphone to Creators’ Cloud[viii]
  • View content on the smartphone and in the cloud using the Creators’ App vieweriv
  • Connect to and control select Sony cameras remotely using the Creators’ Appiv
  • Update camera and settings using the Creators’ Appiv

The cloud storage feature can be used with or without the upcoming Creators’ App. All users can upload photo and video to Creators’ Cloud via Creators’ Cloud website. While camera control and file transfer to Creators’ App will be available to limited compatible models at time of release, Alpha 7 IV and ZV-1F, all users will also be able to upload via Creators’ App upon application. Other compatibility options will be available in Spring 2023. Direct upload from select cameras to cloud will be available at a future date. With the launch of Creators’ App for individuals, “C3Portal App,” a cloud gateway application currently being provided for enterprises, will be renamed as “Creators’ App for enterprise.”

Facilitating Collaboration
Ci Media Cloud, Sony’s well-established online creative collaboration and media management service, supports over 150,000 professionals worldwide. Ci has opened its tools with new pricing and subscription plans built for how individual creators work and create. With Ci Media Cloud, creators and creative teams can simplify collaboration on media files from anywhere on any device, with a simple, intuitive user interface. From an Adobe Premiere Pro panel integration to mobile applications and an Apple TV app now available[ix], Ci continues to develop features and integrations to empower creative professionals to work simpler and smarter.

Creating A Global Community of Creators
Discover is a portfolio for global networking and collaboration opportunities and it is another stand-out feature of Creators’ Cloud launching today. In Discover, images and videos will include detailed information including the camera operator’s location, camera and lens models, settings, and genre.

Creators’ Cloud will continue to expand in the future with new services and features added regularly based on user feedback.

For more information about Creators’ Cloud, please visit https://www.sony.net/cc/.

About Sony Electronics Inc. 
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news. for more information.

Notes:
[i] Sony will roll out availability of Creators’ App, Cloud Storage, Master Cut (Beta), Ci Media Cloud and Discover progressively in the U.S. and the rest of the world, thus availability timing of services will vary by region and country. 
[ii] Targeted for Spring 2023.
[iii] Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted, or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration, and credit card information.
[iv] Coming soon, Creators’ App will be compatible with Alpha 7 IV, ZV-1F. Spring 2023: FX3, FX30. Alpha7 IV, Alpha 7R V, FX3, FX30 will need software update. More information at https://www.sony.net/cca/
[v] 1 GB = one billion bytes. A portion of which is used for data management functions.
[vi] Targeted for Spring 2023.
[vii] Transfer using the new app require compatible camera with latest firmware.
[viii] Upon launch, supported formats are JPG, MP4, ARW, AQW.
[ix] Ci’s MediaBox Screener app is available on Apple TV and at the date of writing, the Ci Media Cloud web app is available in Japanese and English, with further languages to be added in summer 2023.

Posted in Software| Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sony a7IV Firmware 2.00 Released With Support For The Creator’s App


Sony released firmware 2.00 for the Sony a7RIV it adds support for the Creators’ App and functionality in Imaging Edge. You can download the update here.

Benefits and Improvements

  • Adds support for the Creators’ App
    Note: The new Creators’ App mobile application is available to replace the Imaging Edge Mobile app. The Creators’ App allows you to transfer images from the camera to your smartphone, shoot remotely, and use various functions.
  • Adds functions that improve security when connecting for remote shooting and image transferring with Creators’ App and Imaging Edge Desktop software
    Note: Please update the Imaging Edge Desktop software to the latest version (Ver.3.6 or later)
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera
  • For customers who have been using Imaging Edge Mobile app:
    • Updated cameras will no longer be able to connect to Imaging Edge Mobile app. After updating the camera, install the Creators’ App.
    • Please make sure Imaging Edge Mobile app is the latest version (Ver.7.7.2 or later) in order to pair the camera with the Creators’ App.
    • If you are using an iPhone/iPad, after updating the camera, turn off the Phone/iPad and turn it on again. Then pair the camera with the Creators’ App.
  • Precautions when updating from Ver.1.01 or earlier
    • When updating from Ver.1.01 or earlier, you need to update to Ver.1.05 before proceeding with the Ver.2.00 update. Only update to Ver.2.00 after updating to Ver.1.05. If you try to update to Ver.2.00 without updating to Ver.1.05, an error will occur and you will not be able to update.
    • Follow the instructions below to check the system software version.
      Note: If the Date/Time setting screen appears when you turn on your camera, be sure to set the date and time to the correct values.

      1. On the camera, select Menu.
      2. Select Setup → Setup Option → Version.

Follow SonyAddict on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube

Plus, our owners’ groups
Sony a1 Owners Group
Sony a9 Owners Group
Sony a7 Owners Group

Sony a7IV: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Posted in Firmware updates, Sony a7IV| Leave a comment

Phototrend: Tamron CP+ 2023 Interview


Phototrend interviewed Tamron’s Marketing Planning Manager, Kota Misawa at CP+ 2023. You can find the untranslated interview here or read the translated excerpts below:

  • The weakening of the yen helped Tamron’s financial performance
  • Tamron also attributes its success to its move to mirrorless lenses that strengthened their lineup
  • They are developing zooms and primes for mirrorless, and there is demand for some mirrorless macro lenses, so Tamron is working to address the demand
  • Tamron tries to meet the needs of users with unique designs
  • There is demand for 24-70mm lenses, but if Tamron released one instead of the 28-75mm it released, then the specs might be too similar to competitors to differentiate
  • The success of the 28-75mm showed Tamron that they could successfully make unique designs if they took into consideration customers’ needs when coming up with them
  • E and Z mounts are practically the same, so it is easy to use the same optical designs, but entirely new software has to be designed, and new integrated circuits are needed, which takes more time
  • Can’t answer when they started working on Z mount
  • Tamron believes they can offer many of their designs on Z mount, but they haven’t decided which yet
  • Tamron announced the 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD for the X mount on Feb. 20th
  • All lenses for X mount are selling very well in fact better than expected, and the lenses were originally designed for E-mount
  • Tamron’s next step is to plan new APS-C lenses for E and X mount
  • APS-C Z mount lenses aren’t selling well, so Tamron isn’t sure if they will bring their APS-C designs to Z mount
  • Tamron now takes video shooters into consideration when designing its lenses which is what the Tamron Lens Utility is for so you can adapt your lenses’ performance
  • Tamron Lens Utility was developed so you can decide how your lens performs
  • Tamron is working to make Tamron Lens Utility for iOS, but it will have to be wireless since iPhone won’t let you use cables
  • Tamron lenses will have to include a wireless chip in the future for updating
  • Tamron built a second factory in Hanoi for their future expansion and to help with geopolitical risks and supply chain issues
  • Tamron makes lenses for automotive, medical, surveillance, and lenses for factory automation and machine vision
  • Tamron is still making DSLR lenses, especially zooms, but they will most likely not design any more DSLR lenses since demand is slowing
  • Updated designs are released based on user feedback, but one future feature that all lenses should have is a port for Tamron Lens Utility
  • As the photography market shrinks more avid photographers make up the masses, and they are expected to demand more high-end lenses, so Tamron will make more high-end offerings like the 35-150mm f/2-2.8
  • Can’t say anything about the 5 new models mentioned in the financial report
  • Kota Misawa’s favorite lens is the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD because Tamron pioneered the hyperzoom followed by the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 since it is practical and lightweight

Follow SonyAddict on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube

Plus our owners’ groups
Sony a1 Owners Group
Sony a9 Owners Group
Sony a7 Owners Group

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD FE:
B&H Photo /  Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 FE:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD FE:
Amazon
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III RXD FE:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD FE:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F050):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F051):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F053):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Posted in 3rd Party Lens, Sony Interview| Tagged | Leave a comment

Phototrend: Sony CP+ 2023 Interview


Phototrend interviewed Sony’s Senior Manager in charge of ILC product planning Yu Takae at CP+ 2023. You can find the untranslated interview here or read the translated excerpts below:

  • The Sony a7 launched 10 years ago
  • Sony now has a full lens lineup and they are working on second-generation mirrorless lenses now
  • Sony plans to continue to lead this industry in full-frame mirrorless cameras
  • Sony believes APS-C cameras are best for different applications than full frame
  • Japanese photographers have gotten more into video in recent years probably due to the ZV line
  • Sony doesn’t focus on how long between cameras as much as exceeding our customers expectations
  • Many photographers are now shooting wide with the a7RV and then cropping
  • Sony uses AI AF to track more than just the eye now, so the camera can now recognize the torso, position of the human head, etc…
  • Sony’s creators’ cloud uses AI that pairs with the camera’s AI also which is great because the cloud doesn’t have hardware limitations like cameras do
  • Sony designs its camera for photographers and the Sony a9 was designed to support demanding event photographers
  • Sony left the traditional 24-70mm design when launching the 20-70mm g/4 G because there is a lot of demand for wide-angle photography now
  • Sony aims to make affordable and expensive lenses
  • Sony releases a mark II lens when they can improve AF and image quality and due to the rise of video Sony now tries to control focus breathing
  • To reduce weight and improve performance new technologies must be created
  • Sony thinks combining the ZV and RX series of cameras will make many customers happy
  • Cant say much about the RX1 line
  • Yu Takae’s favorite combo is the Sony a7SIII with 50mm f/1.2 G and the 12-24mm f/4 G is his favorite zoom

Sony A1: B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Sony a7RV:B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: Moment / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Follow SonyAddict on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube

Plus our owners’ groups
Sony a1 Owners Group
Sony a9 Owners Group
Sony a7 Owners Group

Posted in Sony Interview| Leave a comment

Retro Review: Sony Cyber-Shot F505

Gordon Laing posted his latest retro review of the Sony Cyber-shot F505, which came from an exciting period of time full of experimental point-and-shoot designs. You can watch his full-view review above or get the key points below:

  • Nontraditional camera design is still fresh today
  • Sony worked with Carel Zeiss, which gave them legitimacy
  • Utilized memory stick
  • Grab the barrel with your left hand and tilt the body with your right hand for easy framing
  • Very good for waist-level shooting
  • The twisting mechanism feels great
  • The lens contains a sensor and controls
  • The body contains the main controls, screen, and the memory card
  • Most cameras had 3x optical zooms, while the Sony had 5x, which was equivalent to 38-190mm
  • It would have been nice if the lens started a little wider
  • The zoom is motorized, and it moves smoothly and allows for fine adjustments
  • You can zoom optically while shooting video
  • The aperture is f/2.8-3.4, with f/2.8 covering half the range and f/3.4 the rest
  • There was no magnified focus assist, but there was an indicator icon
  • There is a pop-up flash on the camera and a tripod mount on the optical access
  • The rear screen is 2″ and the only way to compose with a transflective hybrid panel that can use ambient light or a backlight
  • The transflective technology works well if you angle it right
  • The transflective screen saved power
  • There are two JPEG compression options and three resolution options, but no uncompressed option
  • 2.1MP 1/2 CCD sensor that captures a max resolution of 1600×1200 with a typical file size of 500k in best quality
  • Video at 320×240 or 160×120 at 15fps for 5, 10, 15 seconds a clip or a min in the low-resolution mode
  • It was bundled with a 4MP card
  • The battery was charged externally
  • Proprietary USB connector
  • Great camera in 1995 and is still great today
  • The design remained relevant until 2003

Follow SonyAddict on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube

Plus our owners’ groups
Sony a1 Owners Group
Sony a9 Owners Group
Sony a7 Owners Group

Posted in Video| Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sony Savings Sunday


Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD FE Save $100:
B&H Photo /  Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Save $50:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Save $50:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Save $50:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama


Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5 ASPH III (Save $100):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 FE (Save $200):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 FE (Save $200):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 FE (Save $350):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 FE (Save $200):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 (Save $200):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 (Save $100):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Other Deals
Memory Card Savings
Power Banks

Battery Banks
Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD
PowerCore+26800 PD
other more affordable options

New Apple M2: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
New Apple Mac Pro: B&H Photo
New Apple iPad Pro and More: B&H Photo / Adorama
New Apple iMac Pro: B&H Photo / Adorama
New Apple MBP: B&H Photo / Adorama
MacBook Pro (Savings still available): B&H Photo

Limited-time iPad Pro Savings
iPad Pro Bundles: B&H Photo

Software Deals
Luminar Neo & Luminar AI & Luminar 4 & Aurora HDR 2019 (Savings code FUJIADDICT)
ON1 Photo RAW 2023
Photolemur
Picktorial
TopazLabs
Capture One

Posted in Deals| Leave a comment