Sony has big plans for camera enthusiasts later in 2024, with two new full-frame cameras on the way, but not the A1 successor. The upcoming announcements, which are expected to happen later this year, will be updates to existing models in the Alpha and FX lines—so stay tuned.
What’s New in the Sony Camera Lineup?
We’re told Sony will release a new Alpha camera, possibly the A7 V, and an updated FX cine camera. Both will be up to Sony’s usual standards and will appeal to photographers and videographers. It’s been a quiet first half of 2024 for Sony so far, while they work on the tech and stay competitive in a crowded market.
The Sony A7 V: A Hybrid Camera to Rule Them All
One of the big ones will be the Sony A7 V, which will replace the A7 IV, which was one of the best hybrid cameras out there. The A7 V will likely have Sony’s latest AI tech, including advanced subject tracking and better autofocus. That’s what we’ve seen in the A7R V and ZV-E1 where intelligent auto-framing and faster burst shooting are now standard.
The A7 IV was great with its 33MP sensor and decent video capabilities but had its limitations—cropped 4K/60p video—and left room for improvement. The A7 V may fix those issues and offer better video and faster shooting speeds and become the hybrid camera to beat for photographers and videographers.
But insiders tell us while the A7 V will have AI tech, 8K video and global shutters (like the A9 III) are unlikely. So it seems Sony is going for a balanced approach and not pushing high-end features that not everyone needs.
FX Series: Cine Camera Upgrade Coming Soon
Along with the A7 V, Sony will also be releasing an FX cine camera, maybe an FX3 II. The FX series has been the indie filmmaker’s go to for its reliability and compactness. The FX3 and A7S III have the same specs, 12MP sensors and 4K at 120fps, so very video production friendly.
The new FX could have a higher resolution sensor – 6K or 8K – and still great low light performance. Sony could also include practical features like cooling fans and pro audio inputs for filmmakers. This would fit with Sony’s strategy of refining video first models without changing the design philosophy completely.
Market Trends and Challenges
Sony’s new releases come at a time of global challenges, with other manufacturers like Canon having supply chain delays. But Sony’s timing could be just what they need to get back on track and meet the growing demand as others are releasing new models.
There have been rumors of a Sony A1 II but sources say it won’t be out until 2025, so the A7 V and new FX model might have some room to breathe this year. This is just Sony’s way of gradual innovation – focusing on user experience and practical improvements rather than spec sheet heroics.
What’s Next
With the A7 V and new FX cine camera, Sony is targeting different users – hybrid functionality for some and advanced video tools for others. Whether they will exceed or fall short of expectations, they will definitely make a big impact in the photography and filmmaking world.
Sony’s approach of incremental improvements rather than revolutionary changes shows they are confident in their core tech. These cameras will be out late 2024 and early 2025 and will set new benchmarks for versatility and performance in their class.
Sources:
- TechRadar: Sony’s New Camera Lineup Rumors
- SiliconFit: Details on Sony’s 2024 Camera Plans
- GearOpen: Sony’s Two Full-Frame Cameras for 2024
