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Sony Year In Review – We Take A Look Back At 2023

It's hard to believe that we're getting ready to wrap up another year in the Sony Alpha Universe. And no one can deny that 2023 has been an extra exciting year for creators – with announcements like the game-changing global shutter in the Sony Alpha 9 III, the full-size 61-megapixel image sensor in the compact Sony Alpha 7CR, and the completion of the second-generation G Master "trinity,” with the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II lens – it’s been a wild ride. And that’s not all – we also celebrated 10 years of Sony Full-Frame Mirrorless this year, inspiring proof that once the innovation started, it simply hasn’t stopped. Below we take a look back at some more of the highlights from 2023. See a snapshot of the happenings from a memorable year below and make sure you stick around the Alpha Universe to see what Sony has in store for next year!

New Products Added To The Lineup In 2023

Cameras 

 

Sony Alpha 9 III

This year Sony announced the new Alpha 9 III  – a camera equipped with the world's first full-frame global shutter image sensor. The sensor allows the camera to shoot at burst speeds up to 120 frames per second with no rolling shutter distortion or camera blackout. With the added ability to sync flash at all shooting speeds, the Alpha 9 III opened up a new world of possibilities for professional photographers who need to capture decisive moments.

Read more about the Sony Alpha 9 III:

Add the Sony Alpha 9 III to your kit HERE.

Sony Alpha 7C II

This year also brought the announcement of the Sony Alpha 7C II. The full-frame image sensor camera has approximately 33.0 effective megapixels, and it features the latest still image and video functions and performance in a small and lightweight design. The camera is also equipped with the same Bionz XR Processing Engine and AI-processing unit found in the Sony Alpha 6700 and Sony Alpha 7R V, bringing that new tech to an even more compact body.

Read more about the Sony Alpha 7C II:
Add the Sony Alpha 7C II to your kit HERE.

Sony Alpha 7CR

Along with the Alpha 7C II, Sony also announced the Alpha 7CR. The compact camera comes with the high-resolution and rich gradation performance of a full-size image sensor with approximately 61 megapixels, the same sensor found in the Alpha 7R V. All of this fits into a compact and lightweight body, bringing high resolution in a smaller package than ever before.

Read more about the Sony Alpha 7CR:
Add the Sony Alpha 7CR to your kit HERE.

Sony ZV-1 II

The Sony ZV-1 II also hit the vlogging camera lineup this year, featuring a wider-angle lens than its previous generation to help vloggers make more engaging storytelling with attractive image quality. The camera is packed with features that put even more creative power into the hands of video creators – like simple cinematic vlogging at the touch of a button, a 3-capsule directional microphone and an easy-to-use touchscreen.

Read more about the Sony ZV-1 II:

Add the Sony ZV-1 II to your kit HERE.

Sony ZV-E1

This year Sony also announced the new ZV-E1, introducing a new level of mobility and versatility to the vlog camera lineup. The interchangeable lens camera features a high performance 35mm 12MP full-frame image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine and a dedicated AI processing unit – giving Sony shooters the ultimate new tool for video creation. And it’s all in the world’s most compact, lightweight full-frame interchangeable lens camera.

Read more about the Sony ZV-E1:

Add the Sony ZV-E1 to your kit HERE.

Sony Alpha 6700

Sony also expanded the world of APS-C with the introduction of the Sony Alpha 6700. The camera includes the latest tech that’s made its way into cameras like the Sony ZV-E1 and the Sony Alpha 7R V. The Alpha 6700 features the Bionz XR Processing Engine and a dedicated AI chip that brings the next generation of auto-focusing to the APS-C lineup and making it an excellent choice for the hybrid creator of every skill level.

Read more about the Sony Alpha 6700:

Add the Sony Alpha 6700 to your kit HERE.

Burano

Sony also announced the “BURANO" this year as the newest addition to Sony’s CineAlta family of digital cinema cameras. With a powerful 8.6K full-frame sensor, Burano is the world's first digital cinema camera with a PL-Mount to feature in-body image stabilization. Additionally, when the PL lens mount is removed, the camera can be used with E-mount lenses to support fast hybrid autofocus and subject recognition autofocus, ideal for capturing fast moving subjects.

Read more about the Sony Burano:

Add the Burano to your kit HERE.

Lenses 

Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master

This year also brought the new Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master – the lightest telephoto prime to be added to the prestigious G Master lineup of lenses. With ultimate mobility, high-performance AF and beautiful bokeh, the lens is the perfect tool for creators needing to capture decisive moments – like those shooting sports, news reports, events and wildlife photography. For those out in the field shooting long days, you just can’t beat the high-quality results from such a lightweight package.

Read more about the Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master:
Add the Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master to your kit HERE.

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II

This year’s announcement of the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II rounded out the second-generation G Master "trinity." For those creators searching for the highest performance in the lightest body, look no further – the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II is the world’s smallest and lightest high-resolution f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lens. Pair it with the most advanced Sony Alpha cameras bodies, and you’ll be blown away by its extraordinarily fast and precise autofocus. It’s a great choice for creators of all kinds, and already being called a must-have by many. 

Read more about the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II:
Add the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II to your kit HERE.

Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master

When the Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master hit the scene earlier this year, creators now had a reliable f/1.4 aperture that delivers magnificent bokeh. Its fast, precise and quiet autofocus and tracking is great for stills and movies, and nothing beats the breathtaking G Master image quality right out to the edges of the frame. It’s a classic focal length where you can expect high-quality results for both photography and videography, and a great addition to the GM lineup.

Read more about the Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master:
Add the Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master to your kit HERE.

Sony 70-200mm f/4 Macro G II

The Sony 70-200mm f/4 Macro G II was also announced in 2023, giving creators a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens that can be used in a wide range of situations. The lens is packed with features that bring it up to the standards set by Sony’s newest cameras. With high imaging power, high-speed and high-performance AF that are unique to G lenses, this is the world’s first zoom lens to offer half macro capability throughout the zoom range, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout. 

Read more about the Sony 70-200mm f/4 Macro G:
Add the Sony 70-200mm f/4 Macro G II to your kit HERE.

Sony 20-70mm f/4 G

The Sony 20-70mm f/4 G was announced early on in the year, and its introduction redefined the standard zoom category of lenses. You have a versatile zoom range and constant f/4 aperture throughout, plus it delivers that impressive Sony image quality, high speed accuracy and tracking autofocus – and it’s all in an incredibly compact and lightweight form-factor and smart design for maximum mobility and operability. Basically, it’s the perfect walkaround lens,an exciting addition to the G-series lineup, and a great addition to any creator’s kit.

Read more about the Sony 20-70mm f/4 G:
Add the Sony 20-70mm f/4 G to your kit HERE.

Xperia

Xperia 1 V

This year Sony also introduced the Xperia 1 V, its first flagship smartphone equipped with a newly developed stacked CMOS image sensor with 2-layer Transistor Pixel. The sensor depicts rich colors and textures of people, landscapes and even much darker scenes. Its low-light performance and technology allows creators to shoot a noise-free photo with a wider dynamic range like you would with a full-frame camera. This one definitely meets the needs of creators and will have people asking, “You shot that with a smartphone?!”

Read more about the Sony Xperia 1 V:
Add the Sony Xperia 1 V to your kit HERE.

Microphones 

Sony ECM-M1

The Sony ECM-M1 was announced in 2023 as the world's first shotgun microphone with eight dial-selectable audio recording models. The microphone’s various modes include Stereo, and its Ultra-Directional Mode captures targeted sound from the front and at the same time effectively suppresses other sounds, dynamically adapting to ambient sound in the surroundings. This mode is great for those shooting interviews or vlogging in front of the camera.

Read more about the Sony ECM-M1:
Add the Sony ECM-M1 to your kit HERE.

Sony ECM-W3

Sony also announced the ECM-W3 microphone in 2023 consisting of a receiver and two microphones, and providing an excellent audio recording solution for those shooting interviews and one-on-one conversations. It’s equipped with a noise-cut filter that effectively reduces harsh noise with digital signal processing, the microphone also has a low-cut filter that reduces unwanted low-frequency noise such as wind, air conditioning, and vibration noise. The included windscreen reduces the noise generated when strong wind or breath hits the microphone, making it possible to record clear audio without interference from the ambient environment.

Read more about the Sony ECM-W3:
Add the Sony ECM-W3 to your kit HERE.

Sony ECM-W3S

The Sony ECM-W3S was also introduced this year and consists of a receiver and one microphone (instead of two, like the ECM-W3 mentioned above). The ECM-W3S excels in capturing clear and articulate user voices for vloggers and video content creators with a focus on delivering a natural organic sound. The technology in the microphones ensure exceptional sound pickup while at the same time reducing other noise. Not only is it designed with sound-quality in mind, it’s also light and compact – perfect for those vlogging on the go. All-in-all, this microphone is yet another excellent option for video content creators who work in a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Read more about the Sony ECM-W3S:
Add the Sony ECM-W3S to your kit HERE.

Sony ECM-S1

Sony also announced the ECM-S1 microphone at the same time. For professional videographers and video content creators who require top-notch audio quality for shoots and livestreams – this microphone is the ultimate tool. The microphone allows you to record audio directly to the camera via a wireless connection, removing the possibility of sound and video lag. It’s light and compact, and it also has three sound pickup modes: Uni-directional, Omni-directional and Stereo. The microphone’s intrinsic low noise levels and wide dynamic range allows for clear recording of even the softest sounds. It’s the perfect intuitive creator tool that meets the needs of diverse creators.

Read more about the Sony ECM-S1:
Add more about the Sony ECM-S1 HERE.

Also New In 2023

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