Sony Electronics Launches “Camera Verify” Feature For Its Camera Authenticity Solution For News Organizations


Sony Electronics Launches “Camera Verify” Feature For Its Camera Authenticity Solution For News Organizations
Today, Sony Electronics announced the beta release of Camera Verify, a new feature of its Camera Authenticity Solution1 that enables external sharing of image authenticity information via a dedicated URL. This has been developed to help news organizations address the growing challenge of verifying the authenticity of digital images in the age of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

As AI-generated and manipulated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for trusted, verifiable imagery has never been greater, especially for media professionals. Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution is designed to meet this need by embedding C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)2 digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information directly into the image at the moment of capture.

This solution records C2PA digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information in the camera at the moment of capture, allowing the image’s authenticity information to be verified on the Image Validation Site3. With the newly added “Camera Verify” Beta, news organizations can issue external sharing URLs for images with embedded digital signatures, allowing third parties to view verification results through reliable URLs directly issued by the verification site4. With this feature, the organizations can select specific authenticity items to share during the content publication and distribution process, enabling faster dissemination of credible, verifiable content.

In addition, the Digital Signature Upgrade License—which allows for embedding digital signatures directly into images captured with supported Sony cameras—is now available for purchase via the Camera Authenticity Solution website3, expanding accessibility to more professionals5.

Sony plans to expand support for video content after fall 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting trusted digital media. Together with activities on the C2PA steering committee, Sony aims to further contribute to improving content reliability in the media field.

Follow SonyAddict on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube

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

Posted in Press releases| Leave a comment

Sony a1II $500 Price Increase Spotted at B&H Photo – More Increases to Come?


Sony Alpha 1 II: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

The Sony a1II Price has increased at B&H Photo to $6,998, while Adorama still has the camera listed for $6,499, which is a price increase of 7.68%. Other increases have been between 11-42% so it seems that Sony is surrendering some of its profit margin to keep the price increase reasonable here. Trump’s tariffs are only starting to hit the industry, and one prices go up, they won’t go down again because Sony and others will want to reclaim any profits they might have given up during this time.


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 A1| Tagged , | Leave a comment

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF Announced


Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF: Venus Optics / B&H Photo / Amazon

 Laowa announces the launch of the new Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF for mirrorless systems. The original 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D was one of Laowa’s bestsellers, known as the widest non-fisheye lens available on the market at the time. Now, in the mirrorless era, the new Lite version is optimized specifically for mirrorless systems, featuring 122° ultra wide angle of view with a more compact and lightweight design. It also supports autofocus on Sony E and Nikon Z cameras.

Equipped with a fast f/2.8 aperture and maintaining Laowa’s signature “Zero-D” (zero distortion) optical design, this lens delivers natural-looking results. A built-in ⌀72mm front filter thread further enhances its portability. This lens is a versatile choice for landscape, architecture, astrophotography, aerial shots, vlogging, and more.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-wide 122° Angle of View
  • “Zero-Distortion” 
  • Fast & Accurate Autofocus
  • Compact & Lightweight
  • Bright f/2.8 Aperture
  • 14cm Close Focusing Distance
  • Excellent Image Quality
  • 72mm Filter thread
  • 10-Point Sunstar

Ultra-wide 12mm with f/2.8 Large Aperture
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF offers an ultra-wide 122° angle of view paired with a fast f/2.8 aperture, making it an excellent choice for landscape photography—especially in low-light conditions such as sunrise, sunset, or starry nights. The wide perspective helps capture vast, expansive scenes with dramatic scale and depth, while the f/2.8 aperture allows more light to enter, enabling faster shutter speeds and better performance in dim environments. This also offers creative flexibility for foreground emphasis and environmental storytelling. Whether you’re exploring rugged mountains, shooting seascapes, or capturing the night sky, this lens is built to handle it all with ease and clarity.


“Zero-Distortion”
While most 12mm full-frame lenses on the market are fisheye, Laowa continues to break boundaries with a rectilinear design. Building on the legacy of the original 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D, this new Lite version inherits its acclaimed optical performance. Thanks to Laowa’s advanced optical engineering, distortion is kept to a minimum, ensuring straight lines stay true, even at the edges of the frame. This makes it a powerful tool for architecture, cityscapes, interiors, and any scene where accuracy and perspective matter.


Compact & Lightweight
Designed with portability in mind, this lens is both lightweight and compact, weighing just around 377g ( 0.83 lb). It’s an ideal companion for creators on the move, whether you’re shooting handheld, flying with a drone, or mounting it on a gimbal. Its minimal weight makes it perfect for street photography or travel scenarios where mobility matters and heavy gear is a hassle.

Close Focusing Distance of 14cm
With a close focusing distance of just 14cm (5.5 inches), this 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF lens lets you capture stunning details up close, opening up exciting possibilities for wide-angle macro photography.


“Excellent Image Quality
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is engineered with exceptional optics, resulting in outstanding image sharpness and excellent control of chromatic aberration (CA). Compared to the original 12mm f/2.8 version, it shows significant improvement in sharpness, even at the corners.

Fast and Accurate Autofocus
As the second autofocus lens in Law’s lineup, the 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D delivers fast, precise focus tracking for both Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. It combines the convenience of reliable autofocus with the exceptional optical quality Laowa is known for, ensuring you never miss a moment.
*RF and L mount are fully manual


Built-in Filter Thread
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF comes equipped with a built-in ⌀72mm filter thread, providing photographers with the flexibility to easily attach a wide range of filters and adding greater convenience to your shooting setup.

Stunning 10-point Sunstar
This lens is available in both 5- and 16-blade versions. The 5-blade version creates a distinctive 10-point sunstar effect when you stop down the aperture, adding a striking visual element to your photos.

12mm f/2.8 Zero-D vs. 12mm f/2.8 Z Lite Zero-F FF: Enhancement and Distinctions Clarified


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

Sony FX3 Discontinued Without a Discount – Don’t Buy One By Mistake Get a FX3a


Sony FX3A: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Sony announced the Sony FX3a in May, and there were still some Sony FX3 on the market at that time. Now that stock is drying up, the Sony FX3 is showing up as discontinued domestically and internationally. Amazon is still selling the FX3a and FX3 for the same price, and Adorama still has some FX3 in stock, so be careful if you are buying an FX3 to get a FX3a at least until the FX3 is discounted, since the FX3a comes with some small improvements.

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

New Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Leaked


The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is coming soon for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount. You can find all the details below.

Technical Specifications:

  • Mount type: Nikon Z, Sony E
  • Optical zoom: 1.88x
  • Minimum focal length: 16 mm
  • Maximum focal length: 30 mm
  • Focal length (35mm equiv.): 16-30 mm
  • Zoom lens aperture: 2.8
  • Lens aperture – shortest focal length (F): 2.8
  • Lens aperture – longest focal length (F): 2.8
  • Maximum aperture (F): 16
  • Lens construction: 16 elements / 12 groups
  • Optical stabilizer: No
  • Lens hood type: HA064
  • Lens length: 104 mm
  • Number of aperture blades: 9
  • Suitable for genre: Landscape, Architecture / Interior
  • Division by focal length: Wide-angle
  • Suitable for sensor format: Full Frame
  • Lens type: Zoom
  • Minimum focusing distance: 19 cm
  • Weight: 450 g
  • Sealing (Dust/Moisture): Yes
  • Product Number: A064Z
  • Brand: Tamron
  • Filter Diameter: 67 mm
  • Send feedback

Product Description
Building on the success of the highly acclaimed TAMRON 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (model A046), the second generation G2 lens comes in the form of the advanced 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (model A064), this time also for users of Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. While expanding the zoom range, it maintains a compact and lightweight design and delivers exceptional image quality. In addition, it offers improved autofocus performance and has been updated to the latest lens design, improving overall operability. It is also compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility, allowing you to customize convenient functions for both stills and video shooting.

A Trio of Lenses with a Universal Range
With the introduction of the ultra-wide-angle 16-30mm F2.8 G2, the G2 is now a great addition to the standard zoom 28-75mm F/2.8 G2 (model A063). Together, these lenses cover a versatile range of 16mm to 75mm, making them ideal for most scenes. Experience the perfect combination of performance and functionality that makes professional photography more accessible than ever before.

Lightweight and Compact
Lightweight, compact and designed for mobility – it’s ideal for travel and everyday photography and video content creation. Despite the major improvements, the new lens retains the incredibly lightweight and compact design of its predecessor. This highly portable zoom can be used to capture high-quality photos in a variety of situations. The AF drive uses TAMRON’s fastest and most precise VXD linear motor mechanism. It excels at tracking fast-moving subjects, making it ideal for skateboarding and other dynamic scenes.

G2 Second Generation
A new generation of lenses with improved performance, faster focusing, better image stabilization, and a higher-quality finish. All G2 lenses are compatible with the TAP-IN bracket.

Di III – Mirrorless Systems
These lenses are designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras and cannot be used with digital SLR cameras.

VXD
The VXD autofocus is a world premiere: It is the first linear focus motor developed by Tamron for superior autofocus performance. Two VXD modules, operating in a floating system and controlled by electronic pulses, ensure fast and precise focusing on both near and far subjects. The new motor also ensures improved AF tracking, for example when shooting sports. The autofocus operates so quietly that you can shoot even in situations that require complete peace and quiet.

MR – Splashproof
Tamron lenses have a weather-resistant casing that optimally protects the sensitive interior from wind and weather. The robust outer casing is effectively sealed against moisture at all critical points (e.g. between the focus ring and the bayonet connection). This ensures reliable operation even in the most adverse outdoor shooting conditions.

Special XLD optical elements
Like LD, it prevents chromatic aberration and other defects. However, XLD is a much more sophisticated system that is mostly used in telephoto zooms.

Special LD ​​optical elements
Color aberration is a common optical defect that manifests itself in many ways. We often talk about the so-called chromatic aberration, which occurs more often in wide-angle lenses. LD elements are made of special optical glasses with extremely low light dispersion, which effectively compensate for chromatic aberration, which is especially noticeable when using telephoto lenses at the extreme position.

IF – Internal Focusing
With lenses with internal focusing, the length of the lens does not change during focusing and the filter ring does not rotate with it. This makes handling easier, especially with longer telephoto lenses, and also for shooting with polarizing and gradation filters. Other advantages include a shorter focusing distance throughout the focus area and less light loss in the corners of the image (vignetting) and less focus-related aberrations.

BBAR / BBAR G2
The BBAR coating prevents reflection and scattering of light hitting the lens surface. This avoids loss of brightness and contrast and prevents “ghosting”. The BBAR coating also contributes to natural color reproduction. Since 2019, the advanced BBAR G2 coating has been used.

FLR
The fluoride coating permanently protects the front lens from contamination. Oil and water droplets do not adhere to the surface, which is therefore very easy to clean.

Tamron Lens Utility
The new “TAMRON Lens Utility” software has been specially developed for configuring compatible lenses. TAMRON Lens Utility can be operated from a computer by connecting the lens from its connector port via TAMRON’s USB-C cable. Users can customize functions and update firmware via the lens. With individual settings, the lens can be optimally adapted to the respective shooting situation, such as still photography or video recording.

Firmware Update
Focus A-B: Set 2 focus positions (A and B) and automatically shift the focus between A and B.
Focus Preset: Set the desired focus position and press the button to move the focus to the recorded point.
AF/MF Select: Select the AF and MF function using the focus adjustment button
Focus / Iris: Switch the function of the focus ring from focus adjustment to aperture adjustment.
Astro Focus Lock (Astro FC-L) supports precise astrophotography: The focus is automatically set to infinity to maintain the focus point for astrophotography. The focus ring is disabled until Astro FC-L is released to prevent focus deviation due to incorrect operation.

via Photorumors

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

Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art Shortages Announced


Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art: 
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Apology regarding the supply status of the “Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art”

Thank you for your patronage of Sigma products.

We have received more orders than we expected for the “Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art” which is scheduled to be released on Thursday, July 10, 2025, and production is unable to keep up with demand. As a result, some customers may experience delays in receiving their products.

We apologize to our customers and other parties involved who have been waiting for the product for any inconvenience caused, but we are currently working hard to produce the product, so we ask that you please wait for a little longer.

We appreciate your continued patronage of our company and our products.

Note
Product name: Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art
Product code:
For L mount: 0085126 214692
For Sony E-mount: 0085126 214654
For Fujifilm X-mount: 0085126 214753

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