Sony Announces Update Version for their Camera Remote Software Dev Kit

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Sony Electronics has released an updated version 1.01 for their Camera Remote Software Development Kit, expanding the functionality and versatility of the SDK for developers and integrators. This decision was based on extensive interest in their camera lineup from commercial customers sine this February, and Sony has been further expanding the solution since its launch.

The new SDK Version 1.01 allows for improved functionality with professional drone applications, thanks to the addition of Linux comparability. Additionally, the new software will increase remote control capabilities over camera settings. New functions, which are appealing to the workflow for a wide variety of professional and commercial industries including security, entertainment and many others, include:

  • Ability to set Focus Magnifier Setting
  • Utilize expanded Focus Area setting when using AF Area Position
  • Zoom will be adjustable through Zoom Type Status, Zoom Scale, and Zoom Bar Information functions
  • Operate detailed White Balance (WB) settings including: Custom WB, AutoWB (AWB) Lock, Biaxial Fine Tuning and Picture First
  • Control Media Format, Flash, and interval shooting
  • Adjustable frame rate or file format for video shooting

Support for Sony’s SDK is also being expanded to Canada, due to launch from July 16th. SDK Version 1.01 is available now and can be downloaded HERE.

Leica Presents the New Leica M 10-R Camera

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Leica presents the new Leica M 10-R, the 40-megapixel variant of its legendary rangefinder camera.

With the new Leica M10-R, Leica Camera AG introduces a high-resolution variant of the company’s legendary rangefinder camera. The M10-R’s newly developed sensor offers a resolution of over 40 megapixels, which represents a considerable increase compared to the M10. As a result, the the M10-R delivers a significantly enhanced rendition of details.

The new sensor of the M10-R opens up a host of possibilities that are unprecedented within M photography. Along with the clear visibility of even the finest details, the sensor provides extensive performance reserves for cropping and larger formats. In addition, the contrast-rich rendition of subtle structures leads to an even lower risk of moiré patterns. The M10-R is therefore well suited for landscape and architectural photography.

Despite its high resolution, the M10-R offers significantly reduced image noise as well as a wider dynamic range. The M10-R completes the Leica M10 family, which also includes the M10, M10-P, M10-D and M10 Monochrom.

The M10-R’s base sensitivity of ISO 100 and goes up to ISO 50000. The maximum exposure time has been increased to 16 minutes, enabling extraordinary night-time shots with the user of a tripod. The Leica M10-R is equipped with the same shutter as the Leica M10-P. It is not only exceptionally quiet (allowing for an unobtrusive way of working) but also operates with minimal vibration. This reduces the risk of camera shake.

The Leica M10-R is best able to reach its full potential when paired with Leica M lenses. Equally, the camera has the capacity to fully utilize the outstanding imaging performance that distinguishes this legendary lens range. Particularly in combination with the newest generation, such as the APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH, the M10-R delivers photographs of a truly exceptional quality. At the same time, the camera emphasizes the distinctive characteristics of older M lenses cherished by photography enthusiasts all over the world.

The Leica M10-R will be delivered worldwide as of July 20, 2020.

Sony Announces HDC-P31 Multi-Purpose Point of View System Camera

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Sony Electronics’ latest camera, the HDC-P31, is a point of view (POV) system camera with remote functionality and 1080/60p HDR capability that complements the company’s versatile lineup of box and portable system camera options.

As the demand to streamline media production workflow increases, the model’s remote menu setting and status monitoring minimizes the time and personnel needed on-site during a production, since POV cameras are often mounted in inaccessible or hard to reach locations or used on a crane, rail, or robotics system. The flexible and lightweight HDC-P31 is ideal for studio, faith, and rental applications, and sports production.

The new HD model incorporates a global shutter three 2/3-inch CMOS sensor system for enhanced optical performance that provides high sensitivity and low noise. In addition, the camera is designed to be used as an integral part of Sony’s popular HDC series ecosystem, creating the same stunning images and look and using the same workflow, but in a smaller, POV form factor. The camera creates a comprehensive system while working alongside Sony’s XVS series of switchers for a powerful ELC Live Production Control Automation system.

Enhanced Remote Features Enable Efficiency

POV cameras are frequently located in difficult to access or isolated positions, so remote functionality helps promote production efficiency by saving time and money and reducing the need for staff on-site. Remote access using a Web UI is planned for winter 2020 via a software update that will allow for menu setting, status monitoring, log files and firmware updates to be done offsite.The web-based application is easy to setup and does not require dedicated software. In addition, when using compatible lenses, operators can adjust the back focus of the camera remotely. For enhanced flexibility, tally can be supported through an IP network cable.

Superb Image Quality with High Sensitivity and Low Noise

The HDC-P31 provides superb HD imagery with exceptionally high sensitivity of F12 (at 1080/60i, 1080/60p), F13 (at 1080/50i, 1080/50p). It boasts impressively low noise (62dB), making it possible to capture content even in challenging lighting conditions.

Ready for HDR Workflows

The HDC-P31 meets the increasing demand for HDR production by supporting HDR with a choice of S-Log3 / HLG. Additionally, the camera accommodates Sony’s SR Live workflow, offering simultaneous production in HDR and SDR, which can be done by one production team to reduce cost and complexity. The HDC-P31 also supports SR Live metadata, which is embedded in the SDI signal feed and ensures consistent quality of both HDR and SDR signals throughout the live production pipeline.
The HDC-P31 is planned to be available in November of 2020. 

For more information about this new POV model, please visit pro.sony

Eventide has a Special Offer on Undulator

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Eventide Audio is offering Undulator, on a special offer of $19. Eventide Audio is committed to supporting the fight against systemic racism and violence. They will be donating 100% of the proceeds of the Undulator desktop plug-in to the Equal Justice Initiative & NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Undulator is a unique, rhythmic effect combining ethereal feedback and detuned echos running through an AM/FM modulated tremolo. Transform ordinary synths, keys, guitars, and vocals into evolving pads, tempo synched production elements, or ethereal and fluctuant delays. Add Undulator into your plug-ins collection for the most playable tremolo-style effect on your DAW or iOS device.

Features include:

  • Turn up the MIX to increase the dry/effect ratio
  • Utilize multiple modulation waveform shapes and sources to alter the rhythmic feel
  • Subtly finesse detuning of delays by using SPREAD
  • Add FEEDBACK to accentuate delays or create infinite loops
  • The Secondary LFO determines how fast the depth and speed modulation “wiggle” their targets
  • Lock the tremolo to tempo using SYNC
  • RETRIG at the top of the wavform for a more predictable effect
  • RIBBON lets you ‘play’ the effect in real-time and provides dynamic and fluid control to morph back and forth between the settings of your choice.
  • SLOW/FAST button toggles on a “Slow LFO” mode. Holding it down to “BRAKE” temporarily slows down the LFOs at a constant rate until released.
  • Use MIDI to control the Ribbon (CC#1), Active/Bypass (CC#2), Slow/Fast (#CC3), or Tap (#CC4)
  • Available for Mac and Windows as a VST, AAX, and AU plug-in
  • iOS version available on App Store works as a standalone app, AudioUnit v3 plug-in, or Inter-App Audio effect.

Neumann Introduces the V 402 Preamp

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German studio specialist Neuman.Berlin introduces the V 402, a state-of-the-art microphone preamplifier with integrated headphone monitoring.

The V 402 is Neumann’s first-ever stand-alone microphone preamp – although the company has created several generations of top-quality preamp modules for its mixing consoles, such as the now legendary V 476 B of the 1980’s. Like its predecessors, the 402 preamplifier is conceived as the perfect complement to all Neumann and other high-class studio microphones.

“All Neumann microphones, classics as well as current models, have highly unique sound characteristics”, explains Ralf Oehl, the Berlin company’s new CEO. “Finding a preamplifier with the matching uncompromised sound fidelity wasn’t always easy – until now! The V 402 provides the ideal signal path for all Neumann microphones because it is free from any coloration whatsoever. No artificial additives could make the sound of a Neumann U 47 or U 87 more desirable than it already is. Perfection cannot be perfected!”

The V 402 is a dual channel microphone preamplifier carefully designed to maintain the sonic integrity of the original signal. Its unique transformerless circuitry amplifies the microphone signal without unwanted coloration or sonic artifacts, such as noise and distortion. While this is also often claimed for simple preamps such as those in audio interfaces, the V 402 is built to much higher standards.

“It took an elaborate development process with extensive series of measurements and critical listening tests to create a preamplifier worthy of the Neumann name,” comments Portfolio Manager Sebastian Schmitz. “And we’ve included the monitoring side, too. The V 402 establishes a fully transparent signal chain extending from the microphone all the way to the engineer’s ear. Finding the best microphone position has never been easier.”

The V 402 is equipped with a studio grade headphone amplifier ensuring uncompromised monitoring quality at the recording stage. Independent volume controls for each channel allow to dial in a latency-free monitoring mix without affecting the recorded signal.

As a true Neumann product, the V 402 is characterized by exacting attention to every detail. For example, the DI input is also designed for sonic purity. Its novel high-impedance input stage captures the sound of electric guitars and basses as well as other instruments with no loss of detail and free from audible noise.

Its switchable high pass removes rumble and pops very effectively without signal degradation. A 20-dB pad allows the V 402 to be used with high-level sources up to 28 dBu without distortion.The V 402 comes in a 2U 19” rack enclosure measuring 89 mm x 483 mm x 242 mm.

Delivery starts in July 2020; the MSRP is $2,899.00 USD.

Fujifilm Releases FUJINON Lens GF30mmF3.5 WR

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Fijifilm Corporation is pleased to announce that it will release the wide-angle prime lens “FUJINON Lens GF30mmF3.5 WR” in late July 2020. It will be a new addition to the lineup of interchangeable GF lenses designed for the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras, incorporation the large format sensor, about 1.7 times larger than full-frame 35mm sensor.

The GF30mmF3.5 R WR lens, the 12th GF lens in its lineup, has the maximum aperture of F3.5 and the focal length of 30mm (equivalent to 24mm in the 35mm film format). It realizes ultra-high resolution that captures images in finest detail and compact design that offers excellent portability. Users can carry it everywhere with ease to take high-quality pictures, making it a perfect choice for snapshots in streets and landscape photography at travel destinations.

GF lenses are Fujifilm’s highest-grade lenses that deliver ultra-high resolution performance and wide tonal reproduction. GF lenses use Fujifilm’s exceptional optical design technology and production technology that processes lens surfaces with the precision at a submicron level, fostered through the development of FUJINON Lenses. When mounted on the FUJIFILM GFX100, released in June last year, GF lenses bring out the full performance of its 102MP image sensor, delivering high-quality imagery previously unheard of in the industries by utilizing Fujifilm’s unparalleled color reproduction technology.

The new GF30mmF3.5 R WR lens is optically designed with 13 lens elements in 10 groups, including two aspherical elements and two ED elements to control spherical aberration and chromatic aberration achieving astonishing image sharpness. Its compact design, weighing just 510g and measuring 99.4mm in length, provides excellent portability. In addition, the lens is dust and weather resistant and capable of operation in temperatures down to -10°C, facilitating photography in light rain or in dusty outdoor areas.

These features make GF30mmF3.5 R WR highly reliable equipment suitable for professional photographers. The use of the Inner Focus system enables fast, quiet and highly accurate autofocus (AF). The design also reduces focus breathing to just 0.05%, making the lens perfect for shooting both stills and video.

Sony Electronics Grows Lens Line-up with Launch of 12-24mm Lens Master

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Sony Electronics announced an exciting new addition to its full-frame line-up with the introduction of the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM (model SEL1224GM) Large-aperture Ultra-wide Zoom lens.

This compact and versatile lens is ideal for shooting landscapes, astrophotography and architecture while providing extra mobility for active sports shooters who want to capture ultra-wide perspectives. As part of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, users can be completely confident that it delivers outstanding image quality up to an ultra-wide 12mm angle of view with F2.8 constant aperture and beautiful bokeh effects.

The introduction of the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM now extends the F2.8 range of Sony’s G Master series zoom lenses all the way from 12mm to 200mmii and at 12mm, offers the world’s widest range of zoom at F2.8. At this focal length, it is possible to emphasize distance and create dynamic perspectives that are beyond the scope of the human eye, opening the door to new avenues of creative expression.

The FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM benefits from innovative construction that delivers outstanding corner-to-corner image quality throughout the entire zoom range. It features three precise XA (extreme aspherical) elements including the largest XA element ever made for an α – Alpha brand lens. These XA elements, with an additional aspherical element, effectively suppress astigmatism, coma and field curvature right out to the image edges. Furthermore, three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements plus two Super ED glass elements, powerfully control chromatic aberration and combine to deliver corner-to-corner clarity while minimizing color fringing.

An extremely effective floating focus mechanism divides the lens’s focus group into two independently controllable groups, ensuring both outstanding close-up performance and maximum sharpness at any distance. The two independently controlled groups help realize a constant 11″ (28 cm) minimum focusing distance throughout the zoom range, and because it is an internal focus lens, its length remains constant, so its center of gravity varies very little and is always optimally balanced in the hand.

The FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM employs four original high-speed, high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors to ensure that it is compatible with the speed performance of both current and future camera bodies. With two XD Linear Motors for each of the lens’s focus groups, autofocus is fast and precise. New control algorithms maximize the response of the system while achieving flawless synchronization between the two focus groups. Further benefits include extremely quiet operation with minimal vibration and lower power consumption.

A brand-new Nano AR Coating II that can be evenly applied to large lens elements or highly curved element surfaces has been used for the first time on the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM. It suppresses internal reflections, minimizes flare and ghosting for clear, crisp imagery and despite the lens’s wide angle of view, Nano AR Coating II maintains high clarity and contrast throughout the entire image, even in difficult light.

The FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM is available in in August 2020 for a suggested retail price of $2,999.99 USD and $3,999.99 CAD.

Jackson Announces Upgrades to Adrian Smith Signature USA Models

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Jackson announced the refresh of Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith’s signature lineup with a key upgrade to both the USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas® SD and USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas SDM models.

Iron Maiden is one of the most successful and influential metal bands ever, and Adrian Smith’s molten yet melodic guitar work has long been a driving force behind their distinctive and dynamic sound. With timeless songwriting and thrilling live performances, Maiden continues to record, tour internationally and rock stadiums everywhere with electrifying prowess and unwavering heavy metal passion.

Designed for Smith’s demanding studio and live needs, the USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas® SD and USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas SDM feature a resonant, lightweight alder body and a bolt-on quartersawn maple neck with a hand-rubbed urethane back finish for smooth playability and a pair of graphite-reinforcement rods that refuse to budge, no matter the environmental stress it’s exposed to. Featuring 22 jumbo frets and dot inlays, the 12”-16” compound radius fingerboard is the ideal platform for heavy chording and fast, ripping solos.

Considering Iron Maiden’s relentless touring regiment, Smith wished to update these models with a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel to make neck relief tweaks much more convenient.

“The nice thing is I pick one of these guitars out of the box and it’s like putting on a comfortable pair of jeans,” said Smith. “Right away, I am totally comfortable with it, but it has the new feature of the adjustable truss rod thumbwheel so instead of having to take the neck off, you can just adjust it, which is a great feature.”

A DiMarzio® Super Distortion® DP100 humbucker in the bridge adds the perfect blend of power and tone, with thick, boosted mids, big lows and fat highs, while Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Single-Coil Strat® middle and neck pickups deliver authentic, noise-free Stratocaster® snap with incredible dynamic and magnetic response. A five-way blade selector switch along with single volume and tone controls open up endless tonal possibilities, while the Floyd Rose® Original double-locking tremolo system keeps the guitar in tune through the roughest playing, set after set.

“I’m really sensitive about tuning,” said Smith. “I drive everyone crazy when we are recording because if it isn’t dead in tune it upsets me but with the locking trems and everything else, it sort of answered my prayers because it meant I could play a whole show with the same guitar and keep perfectly in tune.”

Groomed for high performance, these signature axes are wrapped in a classic Snow White finish with a licensed Fender® Strat headstock and black hardware. The SDM features a maple fingerboard and black pickguard, while the SD features an ebony fingerboard and white pickguard.

For more information and to find an authorized Jackson dealer, visit www.jacksonguitars.com.

Gretsch Expands Electromatic and Streamliner Collections

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Gretsch expands its Electromatic Collection with new finishes for G5655TG Electromatic® Center Block Jr. Single-Cut with Bigsby® and Gold Hardware, G5220 Electromatic Jet BT Single-Cut with V-Stoptail, G5230T Electromatic® Jet™ FT Single-Cut with Bigsby® and G5230LH Electromatic® Jet™ FT Single-Cut with V-Stoptail. Gretsch also debuts today the all-new G2655TG-P90 Limited Edition Streamliner™ Center Block Jr. with Bigsby® and Gold Hardware.

Alive and loud, Electromatic Center Block Jr. guitars are designed for that pure and powerful Gretsch sound at high volume. Painstakingly crafted with essential Gretsch sound, style and playability, these all-new models deliver the fearless and electrifying authenticity that has set Gretsch apart for decades. It’s the sound of honor itself-play proud.

Available in all new Aspen Green and Black Gold finishes, the G5655TG Electromatic® Center Block Jr. Single-Cut with Bigsby® and Gold Hardware features a smaller-sized body with a chambered spruce center block for dynamic resonance, high gain power and lightweight comfort.

Offering excellent playability, the 12”-radius laurel fingerboard hosts 22 medium jumbo frets and NeoClassic™ thumbnail inlays. Its dual Black Top Broad’Tron™ humbucking pickups deliver bold, dynamic and articulate tone with enhanced sonic punch.

Othe features include a Bigsby® B70 vibrato tailpiece, anchored Adjusto-Matic™ bridge and G-arrow knobs.

Sophisticated and sensible, Electromatic® Jet™ BT models are the perfect real, pure and powerful Gretsch® instruments. They are the next-step Gretsch—bold, dynamic and articulate, and crafted with essential Gretsch sound, style and playability.

Available in a brilliant Firestick Red with silver pickguard and chrome hardware, the G5220 Electromatic Jet BT Single-Cut with V-Stoptail delivers Broad’Tron™ power with classic Jet clarity. At the heart of each Electromatic Jet BT is a chambered mahogany body with maple top that produces a rich, present mid-range that accentuates big lows and shimmering highs.

A pair of Black Top Broad’Tron pickups drive the chambered mahogany body with maple top through thick, aggressive overdrive while maintaining astounding definition and note balance suitable for the most pristine clean tone.

The G5230T Electromatic® Jet™ FT Single-Cut with Bigsby® is now offered in a Cadillac Green finish with silver pickguard, while the G5230LH Electromatic® Jet™ FT Single-Cut with V-Stoptail now comes in an Airline Silver finish with black pickguard.

Classic Jet tone begins with a chambered mahogany body with maple top that produces full lows and mids with an exceptionally smooth and present high end. The result is a deep acoustic foundation that is robust, yet balanced.

Black Top Filter’Tron pickups amplify and accentuate the Electromatic Jet FT’s chambered body to produce a wide, balanced and transparent tone. Loud and punchy, this Jet sounds out with remarkable definition at any level of gain. Together, the body and pickups thunder with full, responsive lows and mids with a high end that sparkles without spikes.

All Electromatic Jet models are also equipped with essential features for complete tonal control. The combination of individual pickup volume controls, master tone and master volume with treble bleed circuit provides intuitive global control over the pickup and tone settings.

Available in a distinct Matte Black finish, the impressively affordable G2655TG-P90 Limited Edition Streamliner™ Center Block Jr. with Bigsby® and Gold Hardware is designed for three simple things—high gain-friendly performance, slick, easy playability and spectacular style.

A sleek double-cutaway music machine, the G2655TG-P90 delivers the perfect arsenal of fat P90 thump with Broad’Tron girth and grit.

The secret to the G2655TG-P90 sound is threefold—the P90 neck pickup, the Broad’Tron™ bridge pickup and the spruce center block. The single-coil P90 Soap Bar neck pickup spawns a brighter and more transparent tone than a traditional humbucker, yet retains a thick midrange for a unique, muscular tone while the BT-2S Broad’Tron™ bridge pickup punches through with clear yet driving mids and lows.

These pickups reproduce the open richness of a lightweight, chambered spruce center block that provides astounding tone while minimizing unwanted feedback.

NEP Group Adds Canon Lenses to their Broadcast Lineup

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Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced that the Pittsburgh, PA-based NEP Group has added UHD-DIGISUPER 111 and UHD-DIGISUPER 122 4K field box zoom lenses to their already robust lineup of Canon broadcast equipment. NEP Group helps to produce and broadcast some of the largest and most-watched live sporting and entertainment events across the United States and the globe. The newly acquired Canon 4K field box zoom lenses will help NEP continue to meet the ever-expanding demand for high-quality content in the world of television broadcasting.

For over 30 years, NEP has been a worldwide, outsourced technical production partner supporting premier content producers of live sports and entertainment, and productions in 88 countries. The company’s services include remote production, specialty capture, RF and wireless video/audio, studio production, audiovisual solutions, host broadcast support, post-production, connectivity and transmission, premium playout, and innovative software-based media management solutions. NEP’s 4,000 plus employees are driven by a passion for superior service and a focus on technical innovation.

Canon’s flagship 4K field box zoom broadcast lens, the UHD-DIGISUPER 122, offers a spectacular focal range from 8.2 mm at the wide end to 1000 mm at the telephoto end, for a zoom ratio of 122x. The UHD-DIGISUPER 111 features a 111x zoom ratio and a focal-length range of 8.3 mm to 925 mm. Both lenses deliver the ability to record high-resolution and high-contrast video from the center to peripheral areas of the imaging field. Additionally, both lenses are the first Canon 4K field box zoom lenses to feature Canon’s proprietary Air Sphere Coating (ASC), resulting in reduced flaring and ghosting compared to previous lens coatings. ASC coating enhances the High Dynamic Range (HDR)[i] of the lenses, providing more natural and vivid tonality, which is becoming more in-demand for broadcast productions. New optical coatings also help to shape the lens spectral response to enhance Wide Color Gamut (WCG).