Xiaomi Unveils Xiaomi 13 Ultra, co-engineered with Leica

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Beijing, CHINA, April, 2023—Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the latest result of Xiaomi and Leica's collaboration in further advancing mobile imaging technology, debuted today at the Xiaomi 13 Ultra Launch Event. Flaunting a quad camera system centering the main camera with 1-inch sensor and a variable aperture, an ultra-grade WQHD+ display with excellent color accuracy, along with premium flagship Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 performance, all packed in a classic design, Xiaomi offers smartphone users seeking a professional camera experience the ultimate, in all capabilities.

Leica optics, to build the perfect Summicron Lens of Leica in mobile imaging

The strategic cooperation between Xiaomi and Leica in the global imaging field has taken another crucial step: By further upgrading the Summicron lens for mobile imaging in the optical system, offering "a coming-of-age ceremony in mobile imaging".

Inherited from the optical concept of the Leica M series, the Leica optical system of Xiaomi 13 Ultra has the characteristics of compact size, large aperture, high imaging performance, reliability, and durability. The lens adopts an ultra-high-order polynomial design, allowing the precision of design to reach a nanometer level, nearing the optical limit. Meanwhile, a multi-layer coating greatly reduces glare and ghosting, presenting stable performance in extremely cold and extremely hot environments.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra is equipped with a quad camera system with Leica optical lens covering focal lengths ranging from 12mm (ultra-wide angle), 23mm (wide-angle), 75mm (telephoto), to the new 120mm (super-telephoto), as well as the extra 46mm and 240mm lengths through the In-Sensor-Zoom. Adding on the full degree of focal length flexibility, the smartphone's professional camera setting offers variable aperture. Three of Xiaomi 13 Ultra's cameras feature an aperture wider than ƒ/2.0, which brings in lighter and a soft, shallow depth of field, and allows for shorter shutter times, thus quicker capturing of natural and unmissable moments. Flaunting an ultra-large 1-inch IMX989 sensor and a new physical two-stop aperture switching between ƒ/1.9 and ƒ/4.0, the main camera offers content creators more freedom in customizing the exposures based on different scenarios.

Inspired by the "hyperfocal distance" shooting method commonly used by street photographers, Xiaomi 13 Ultra also brings a new Fast Shot mode that allows taking focus-free snapshots by setting the focus point manually, and later starting and capturing the moment in just 0.8s.

Pro color restoration capability powered end-to-end from capture to presentation.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra has fully optimized the RAW workflow, and more algorithms are migrated to the RAW domain to maximize the dynamic range, details, and texture of the image, thus significantly improving imaging quality. The main camera supports 50MP RAW, bringing a higher imaging resolution, while providing multi-frame 14-bit UltraRAW, which takes the data directly from the computing pipeline, bringing better resolution and high dynamic range. Camera profiles will be created by Adobe, providing a better starting point for post-production.

In terms of display, Xiaomi 13 Ultra sports a 6.73" pro-grade WQHD+ display with excellent color accuracy and up to 2600 nits peak brightness. This display is also calibrated according to the new CIE 2015 colorimetry, which supports perfect automatic color management to ensure accurate and consistent color presentation across different displays from Xiaomi devices released recently.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra also supports end-to-end experience supported by Dolby Vision®, capturing with vivid colors, astonishing contrast and brightness, along with a panoramic view of rich details in dark and bright areas, while offering users the opportunity to share their own creative content in UGC communities that support Dolby Vision®.

Ultra-fast experience with self-developed heat dissipation technology and Xiaomi Surge Battery Management System

As the annual masterpiece of the Xiaomi Ultra product line, Xiaomi 13 Ultra has the most powerful hardware configuration available, along with a suite of new innovative technologies for a top-notch flagship experience.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra pays tribute to the classic look of Leica's M camera series with its circular camera module, unibody metal frame and leather texture finish. Weighing 227g¹ and with the unibody metal frame giving more resilience for bending than the previous generation, the smartphone design provides foundation for the entire structure and a more secure grip. Wrapped in a second-generation antibacterial nanotech silicone leather, the back panel of Xiaomi 13 Ultra not only resists fingerprints and smudges, but also is antibacterial and anti-yellowing. Its bacterial inhibition rate can reach as high as 99%, perfect for nearly any environment.

Equipped with the latest Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 flagship processor, which adopts 4nm process technology, Xiaomi 13 Ultra brings superior performance and energy consumption. The smartphone supports RAM up to 16GB LPDDR5x and UFS4.0 storage of up to 1 TB, as well as FBO (File Based Optimization). Xiaomi 13 Ultra also features a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, achieving DisplayPort video output up to 4K 60Hz.

Thanks to Xiaomi's self-developed Loop LiquidCool technology, the first landing of an aerospace-grade large toroidal cooling system on a smartphone, Xiaomi 13 Ultra has achieved "one-way conduction" of the internal circulation through the "vapor-liquid separation" structure. This ensures equivalent thermal conductivity more than three times that of traditional VCs, and heat dissipation capacity exceeds 10W. With this powerful and advanced technology, Xiaomi 13 Ultra is capable of supporting stable 4K 60fps video recording without frame rate drop due to temperature.

By pairing a Xiaomi Surge P2 Charging Chip and Xiaomi Surge G1 Battery Management Chip with a 5,000mAh battery, Xiaomi 13 Ultra utilizes a series of battery health functions and is able to estimate the battery life at extremely granular levels. Xiaomi 13 Ultra also adds a new Hibernation mode, which will be automatically triggered when the battery is low, limiting background activities and offering up to 60 minutes of additional standby.

Pricing and availability

Xiaomi 13 Ultra will first be available in Mainland China on April 21, 2023, and in the next few months will be launched in various international markets. The device will be available in three colors: Black, White, and Olive Green. 12GB+256GB is priced at RMB 5999, 16GB+512GB is priced at RMB 6499, and 16G+1TB is priced at RMB 7299.

Pocketful of Sunshine: Inspiration through flight, photography

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SM Cares recently helped bring smiles to 31 pediatric patients afflicted with cancer and other chronic illnesses by supporting the Angeles City Flying Club's (ACFC) event "Pocketful of Sunshine," which treated the patients to a whole day of fun activities. The event was held last March 19 at the Angeles City Flying Club's base, Woodland Airpark, in Magalang, Pampanga.

"Pocketful of Sunshine" was led by the Angeles City Flying Club, a non-profit flying club and school established in 1993 that aims to promote recreational ultralight aviation among Filipinos. It was supported by SM Cares, with participation from photography advocacy group FOTOKLASE, Fujifilm Philippines' volunteer photographers, and UP Aviation Society, among others organizations.

All of the participants were from the Kythe Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to improve the quality of life for hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses. Activities included ultralight and Cessna plane flying together with trained pilots, treasure hunting, kite flying, arts and crafts, and a candy drop on the runway.

In previous years, the ACFC together with the late Adphoto, Inc. founder and ACFC member John Chua held similar projects to share their love for aviation with children who are disadvantaged. A professional photographer himself, Chua also began his advocacy Photography with a Difference in 2010 with SM Cares as a partner, as a way to inspire people with disabilities through photography. Chua’s advocacy aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy of uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities, and after every successful program, a Photography with a Difference exhibit happens in a nearby SM mall.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the company's Program on Children and Youth, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, PWDs, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

DSLR Smartphone HONOR X8a now available nationwide at Php 10,990

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The latest addition to HONOR’s X Series with 100MP Ultra-Clear Camera, HONOR X8a, is officially available starting March 25, 2023 for only Php 10,990 through HONOR kiosks and partner stores nationwide, and online through Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

“Our newly-launched smartphone is now up for grabs for a very affordable price. We are always looking out for ways to give quality products to our HONOR fans, and we believe HONOR X8a, which boasts a 100MP triple rear camera system, is absolutely perfect for people who love taking high-quality photos on the go,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

HONOR X8a’s Top-notch Camera and Display Technology

DSLR-like shots from the smartphone were made possible by its 100MP Main Rear Camera, supported by both a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera. With HONOR X8a, users can capture high-definition images in vivid details and clarity. It also features a 16MP Front Camera, perfect for your captivating selfies.

The device’s HONOR Display Color Calibration technology, paired with its 6.7-inch FullView Display, allows for a better viewing experience on a large screen, with a screen-to-body ratio of 93.6%. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, HONOR X8a is also equipped with low blue light technology, ideal for people who spend long hours in front of their screens. It also has a 4500 mAh battery, and on a single charge, can deliver up to 13 hours of music streaming, or 16 hours of uninterrupted social media browsing.

Pricing and Availability

HONOR X8a, priced at Php 10,990, comes in three majestic colors: Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black. Buyers may now run to the nearest HONOR kiosks, or buy via our Partner Online Stores – Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines

Get Ultra-Clear photos with the new HONOR X8a for only Php 10,990

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Still not over with concerts not allowing professional cameras such as DSLRs? Well, the all-new HONOR X8a will leave you feeling like you just brought one with its 100 MP Ultra-Clear Camera! And up until March 24, you can avail this new HONOR phone for pre-order at Php 10,990 and get a FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590.

HONOR Philippines GTM Manager Steven Yan, Country Manager Sean Yuan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, PR Manager Pao Oga with Home Credit Philippines Partner Marketing Lead Richard Sarinas

“Believe it or not, phone cameras just keep on getting better and better. May it be for your photography hobby or you just like taking pictures, our new HONOR X8a is ideal for you. Portraits, landscape or concert photos, name it, you can get better quality shots using this new smartphone,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

HONOR X8a’s Powerful Camera System

During its launch recently, the HONOR X8a 100MP triple rear camera system was put on a test in a sunset cruise. Guests took out their HONOR X8a to capture the beautiful sunset scenery of Manila. Comprising a 100MP Main Camera, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera, the HONOR X8a can capture high-definition images in vivid clarity, even when shooting complex scenes. The HONOR X8a also features a 16MP Front Camera to ensure users can capture spectacular, high-definition selfies.

Sunset Shot by Mr. Art Samaniego of Manila Bulletin

Testimonials

What better way to prove it than taking it from a budding professional photographer, GMA Artist, and HONOR Star, Khalil Ramos who recently attest to HONOR X8a’s superb camera quality.

And if you are one with those who are still watermelon-sugar high from the Harry Styles concert, here are some shots taken by HONOR X8a.

Are you convinced yet? The HONOR X8a comes in three stunning colors; Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black and is available for pre-order from March 14 to 24, 2023 with FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590 via all HONOR kiosks and partner online stores – Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

The Secret to Jaw-Dropping Mobile Photography of Xiaomi 13 Series: Lighting and Sensor Size

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Discover the power of the 1-inch sensor and Leica-powered camera system of Xiaomi 13 Series

How do you take Instagram-worthy photos?

While large megapixel counts are now quite popular in cameras, light plays a major role in capturing those great photos. More light means better-looking pictures.

More Light, Better Photos

This is very true with the new Xiaomi 13 Series, which boasts of a massive 1-inch sensor that captures more light and delivers superior exposure balance, dynamic range, and sharpness for your images.

Natural light is usually the most flattering, so look for sunlight streaming in from windows or snap photos during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset). Avoid taking photos during the midday sun because it can create unflattering shadows and washed-out colors.

Artificial lighting can also work wonders. Experiment with different types of indoor lighting, like lamps and candles, to create a cozy ambiance and achieve creative effects. Avoid relying too much on the flash as it can make your photos look harsh and unflattering.

Take your mobile photography to the next level with the phone with the biggest sensor.

Crisp Shots Even on The Go

Couple a powerful sensor with image stabilization and you get smooth, crisp shots, even when shooting kids or even pets while at play.

The Xiaomi 13 Series features a massive 1-inch sensor, co-engineered with legendary camera brand Leica. Coming in two main variants, the Xiaomi 13 and the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the series takes mobile photography to the next level.

A Masterpiece in All Lighting Conditions

The Xiaomi 13 Pro's camera system is an engineering masterpiece. With a 1-inch, 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 sensor, 50MP wide-angle lens, and 50MP telephoto lens, this phone's camera is built to capture every moment in stunning detail and in all lighting conditions.

Just as awesome, the Xiaomi 13’s camera setup boasts of a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, this smartphone delivers stunning and dynamic shots that capture every detail.

At the heart of the Xiaomi 13 series is the Leica True Color Imaging, which allows for more accurate color reproduction in photos, resulting in more lifelike and natural-looking images. Scenes of everyday life are captured in stunning details as if taken with professional cameras.

A 75mm Telephoto Lens

An exciting feature of the Xiaomi 13 series is its 75mm telephoto lens with floating element technology. This lens allows you to easily capture distant objects with exceptional zoom capabilities while maintaining sharpness and clarity across all focal lengths. Whether you're at a concert, sports game, or just trying to capture a beautiful landscape, this telephoto lens will help you get the shot you want.

In addition to the telephoto lens, the Xiaomi 13 series also offers two distinct photographic styles – Leica Authentic Look and Leica Vibrant Look. The "Authentic" style focuses on natural color reproduction, well-drawn shadows, and excellent reproduction of fine details. In contrast, the "Vibrant" style enables you to capture the moment’s emotion in vivid yet realistic colors. With these two styles, you can choose the one that best suits your personal taste and the mood of the moment.

Filters Complete the Leica Experience

To complete the end-to-end Leica experience, Xiaomi also added new Leica filters for greater personalization, Leica watermarks for that signature Leica finish, and the classic Leica shutter sound caps it off.  With the Xiaomi 13 Series, you'll be inspired to create your very own photographic masterpieces.

For more information, visit Xiaomi's official Facebook page and visit Xiaomi’s official website. Online purchases are available via Xiaomi’s Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop (@XiaomiPhilippines).

 

Cherry Home introduces its new Smart Swivel S4 Camera and Smart Swivel LE Camera

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For Added Security in Your Home

The impact of Internet of Things (IoT) extends beyond the home on which it is installed and one of the advantages of a smart home is protection. CHERRY continues to deploy new intelligent products to make your home feels safer: Cherry Home Smart Swivel S4 Camera and Cherry Home Smart Swivel LE Camera.

Convenience and security are on the tip of your finger, operate security features remotely using Smart Wi-Fi App Control or Cherry Home application. Keep an eye on your home while you're gone with its 3MP full HD video quality. You may see live security camera feeds, get warnings for any questionable activity because it has Intelligent auto-tracking with wide view angle: Horizontal 355°, Vertical 130°.

By using this two-way audio between your smartphone and camera, you can talk to your family members in real time while you're watching them from a different area. You won’t miss milestones at home, thanks to its 24/7 video recordings making it simpler for you to review special events. A microSD card with a 128GB capacity or cloud storage can be used to store these recordings.

It is sleek, comes with a wall-mount set, and is flexible to install. Additionally, you can choose from the colors gray and a limited-edition color yellow.

Secure and smarten up your home with Cherry Home Smart Swivel S4 Camera for ₱1,649 and Cherry Home Smart Swivel LE Camera at ₱1,759.

For more information, check this out at:

Cherry Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Sony debuts its newest and most compact G Master Lens

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Sony officially announces pre-orders of the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens (model SEL50F14GM) as its newest addition to its acclaimed G Master full-frame lens lineup.

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM is an e-mount lens that expands Sony’s offerings with a premium 50 mm prime lens packed into a remarkably compact and lightweight design. Even at F1.4, FE 50mm F1.4 GM delivers first-class image quality, including high-resolution and naturally rendered bokeh known to Sony’s top-tier G Master™ series. When paired with the latest Sony cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of uses in both still and video including portraiture, landscape, travel, and wedding.

“At Sony, we are continually listening to the needs of today’s content creators and are proud to announce the newest innovative option with the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens, the latest addition to the E-mount lens line-up,” said Yasufumi Machitani, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “This prime lens is a great option for both photography and videography use and delivers excellent image quality at 50 mm, one of the most popular focal lengths. Being able to pack our latest G Master technology into such a compact form factor brings ultimate versatility to a 50 mm for Sony.”

Sharp Imagery and Beautiful Bokeh

The advanced optical design and elements unique to Sony’s top-of-the-line G Master™ series brings outstanding image quality to FE 50mm F1.4 GM. Spherical aberration control at both the design and the manufacturing stages contributes to beautiful bokeh. The lens offers naturally rendered bokeh with an 11-blade circular aperture and sharp realism is offered throughout the maximum aperture range. Deep, creamy bokeh at F1.4 is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios including making portrait subjects stand out from their surroundings.

In addition, the minimum focusing distance of FE 50mm F1.4 GM is just 0.41 meters and the maximum magnification is 0.16x when autofocus is used. This level of close-up performance provides extra flexibility when shooting both stills and videos.

Portrait photo shot by Charisma Lico, Sony Alpha Professional for Fashion and Advertising, using the new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 G Master Lens

“I’ve always been a fan of portrait lenses and I remember 50mm was one of my first investments! In love with the new FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens because of the details it produces in my images, precision in AF tracking, its compact size and light weight. Definitely my go-to lens whether for travel or work,” shared by Charisma Lico, Sony Alpha Professional for Fashion and Advertising.

Remarkably Compact Design for Maximum Versatility

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM has Sony’s most advanced optical design technology including the precisely positioned XA elements, high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, and the latest compact circular aperture unit. These elements are critical for realizing a large-aperture, high-resolution lens that is only 80.6 mm in diameter, 96.0 mm in length, and 516 grams in weight. These measurements allow for a lens that is 33% lighter and 15% less volume when compared to conventional models with the same specifications.

The FE 50mm F1.4G Master Lens equipped in a Sony Alpha 7 IV Camera. Photo by Sherard Yu

The compact size of FE 50mm F1.4 GM paired with a Sony camera body makes this lens extremely versatile in both still and video shooting situations. With this type of mobility and low-light performance, this lens is a great choice for everything from portraits, landscapes, weddings, and travel. The compact size also makes it an ideal lens selection for gimbal and drone operation.

Fast, Precise, and Reliable Autofocus

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s autofocus is extremely fast and precise, making it an ideal choice for reliable content creation. The autofocus is as much as 1.9x faster than conventional models with the same specifications. The lens’s focus group is driven by Sony’s high-thrust XD linear motors and incorporates an advanced control algorithm for a smooth, responsive focus drive. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha cameras, this lens can quickly acquire focus and track subjects, even when using the shallow depth of field available at F1.4.

Intuitive Operability and Outstanding Reliability

The lens has been designed intuitively to help provide creators with maximum workflow efficiency while shooting. Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and repeatably to subtle control when focusing manually. As an exciting evolution to the premium G Master line-up, FE 50mm F1.4 GM also features an iris lock switch, which is the first ever to be offered on a Sony prime lens. Additionally, this lens features a 67 mm thread mount, allowing for a filter to be interchangeable with the FE 24mm F1.4 G Master and FE 35mm F1.4 G Master lenses.

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels and allows for easy removal of fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants. A dust and moisture-resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions. These additions allow creators to use the lens with confidence in almost any shooting environment.

Pre-order your own FE 50mm F1.4 GM now for only PHP89,900 and get a free Peak Design Slide worth PHP4,500! The pre-order promo is available in all Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide starting March 3 until April 9, 2023. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.sony.com.ph/microsite/lenspreorder/ or follow /SonyPhilippines on Facebook and @sonyphinc on Instagram for updates.

Sony continues to revolutionize the industry with its new camera lens line-up

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Sony is redefining the standard zoom category of lenses with the introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G, known as the SEL2070G that boasts an ultra-wide 20-70mm zoom range in a remarkably compact, lightweight full-frame lens, with a constant F4 aperture throughout the zoom range.

The Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G)

With impressive G LensTM image quality, high-speed accuracy and tracking AF, and a smart design for maximum mobility and operability, this new lens is designed for a wide range of creators. The FE 20-70mm F4 G is the perfect choice for vlogging, movie production, and still portrait and landscape shots.

According to professional photographer and Sony Philippines Product Expert Nicco Valenzuela, the FE 20-70mm F4 G is comparably lighter and more compact than most standard zoom lenses with a constant aperture. As a photographer himself, this lens will be of significant help when packing camera equipment for shoots. There are also instances when photographers do not want to carry a separate ultra-wide angle lens with them, so the capability of the FE 20-70mm F4 G to go all the way to 20mm wide is really handy and offers significant versatility.

“The introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G sees the standard zoom category of lenses redefined”, said Yasufumi Machitani, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “The new concept lens has an incredible, ultra-wide zoom range from 20mm through to 70mm to ensure true versatility – perfectly designed for both still and video creators with its sophisticated imagery and high-level operability”, he added.

Compact and lightweight new standard zoom covers ultra-wide 20-70mm​, the FE 20-70mm F4 G just weighs only 488g but offers outstanding optical performance in a remarkably compact, lightweight size thanks to Sony’s latest lens design and XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors technology.​

What’s more, the ultra-wide 20mm end of the zoom range makes it possible to maintain a wide angle of view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela using the Sony α7R V.   A  comparison of a shot taken with a 24-105mm lens (up) to the new Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G’s 20-70mm lens (down)

Outstanding image quality consistent with the G Lens logo

The new lens boasts unique G Lens image quality that produces a state-of-the-art optical design that simultaneously corrects chromatic and spherical aberration for extremely high optical performance across the whole zoom range. Optimized coatings add high flare and ghost resistance to this superior optical design, for extraordinary contrast and clarity.​ Furthermore, beautiful bokeh is achieved with full-frame image sensors and is further enhanced by a 9-blade circular aperture and optimally tuned spherical aberration.

“The implications of this in landscape and nature photography is that it focuses closer. By closer, I mean this can focus at 0.25 meters close, and this is significant because most standard zoom lenses can focus at around 0.32 to 0.38 at most. This can focus on details much closer, such as flowers and medium-sized insects which counts as near-macro capabilities. At the same time, focusing closer can help landscape photographers do focus-stacked wide images of vistas that create the most detailed output possible. Even more conveniently, this close focusing capability can be used in tandem with the new Sony α7R V’s automated focus bracketing mode that greatly simplifies the focus stacking workflow,” said Valenzuela.

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela using the Sony A7RV camera with the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G lens

Maximises camera AF performance for stills and video

The lens’s focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD Linear Motors, providing high thrust for a fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency has been significantly improved over previous models[i], resulting in up to a 60% increase in AF speed[ii].

Video performance designed for refined imagery

The FE 20-70mm F4 G reduces focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming to ensure that the highest quality images are captured.

AlphaTM series cameras’ Active Mode[iii] image stabilization is highly effective at the ultra-wide 20 mm end of the FE 20-70mm F4 G zoom range, providing excellent image stabilization performance, whilst maintaining a wide angle of view. This can be particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage whilst walking.

Focus is especially critical when shooting high-resolution 4K or 8K movies. The FE 20-70mm F4 G works with AlphaTM series camera bodies to easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly track fast-moving subjects.

High-level operability and reliability for any environment

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G’s independent focus, zoom, and aperture rings feature optimized diameter, width, and positioning for full control when shooting stills as well as maximum versatility when recording video. ​

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G is priced at P75,000 and will be available in select Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide starting February 17, 2023. Find out more information about the SEL2070G here: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/camera-lenses/sel2070g.

Development of New G Master™ 300mm F2.8 Telephoto Full-Frame E-mount Lens

In addition to this stunning new lens, Sony also announced the development of the long-awaited FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Telephoto lens that is set to launch in early 2024.

Large-aperture super-telephoto lenses like the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm F4 GM OSS are highly acclaimed by sports and wildlife photographers around the world for their outstanding resolution and AF performance. As such, the new lens will feature the incredible high-resolution and spectacularly beautiful bokeh of Sony's acclaimed line of flagship G Master™ series lenses, whilst also offering a far-reaching 300 mm focal length and F2.8 large aperture.

Follow /SonyPhilippines on Facebook and @sonyphinc on Instagram to stay updated on FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Telephoto lens announcements.

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[i] Compared to the SEL2470Z.

[ii] Compared to the SEL2470Z. Sony test conditions.

[iii] With a compatible camera. Active Mode causes a slight reduction in angle of view.

Snap better photos with the Xiaomi 12T Pro

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Tips, tricks to help you take breathtaking shots and #MakeMomentsMega

Elevate your smartphone photography game with the Xiaomi 12T Pro, an advanced triple-camera setup with high-resolution capabilities. Whether you're a professional photographer, or just looking to up your Instagram game, the Xiaomi 12T Pro offers a range of features to take your photos to the next level.

The Xiaomi 12T Pro allows you to easily capture stunning images. But it's not just about the camera's technical capabilities that matter, it's also about knowing how to use them.

Experiment with different shooting modes

The Xiaomi 12T Pro's main camera boasts a resolution of 200 megapixels, more than enough to capture stunning images on the fly. When taking pictures, make sure to set the camera resolution to 200MP to capture the highest level of detail and sharpness as possible.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different shooting modes. The Xiaomi 12T Pro offers a variety of modes, including Night mode, Pro mode, and AI mode, each designed to optimize your camera for specific types of shots. Play around with different modes, and see which one works best for you.

Manual focus is another feature that can take your photos to the next level. By adjusting the focus of your shot manually, you can easily capture image shots or specific details in a scene.

The wide-angle lens is another tool not to be overlooked; it’s great for capturing landscapes or group shots. Remember to switch to the wide-angle lens before you start shooting to ensure you're getting the most out of this feature.

Lighting can greatly affect the final outcome of a shot and the Xiaomi 12T Pro's camera performs great in various lighting conditions. Experiment with different lighting setups and angles to see which one works best for the scene you’re trying to capture or mood you want to evoke.

When it comes to capturing movement, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is equipped to handle it in all its forms, from blurred or panned movement to intentional camera movement and sharp movement. But to truly capture movement effectively, you need to understand the principles of composition.

One key composition principle to remember is the rule of space. This principle states that you should leave room in front of moving objects in the composition, allowing them to move into the frame. This creates a sense of movement and dynamism in the photo.

Another great technique to try with the Xiaomi 12T Pro is reflection photography, which can lead to unique perspectives and add depth to your shots.

Xiaomi photography masterclass

Xiaomi recently conducted two masterclasses to guide users of the Xiaomi 12T series phones in making the most of their device's imaging system. The first session focused on "Movement" and was led by Filipino former actor and photographer John Manalo.

The second session delved into "People Photography" and was also conducted by John Manalo, collaborating with photographer Angelo Mendoza.

The next Xiaomi Masterclass session will focus on "Night Photography" and will be led by the Sinopinas Team of travel photographers Alexis Lim, Karl Ivan Presentacion, and John Austria. The session is scheduled to take place on February 4th, 2023 Registration is open to all users of the Xiaomi 12T series smartphones (including the Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro, Xiaomi 11T, Xiaomi 11T Pro, Xiaomi 12T, and Xiaomi 12T Pro).

The class is free, but slots are limited, so be sure to sign up via the link provided on Xiaomi's official Facebook page to secure your spot. For more information on the

Xiaomi Xiaomi 12T series, visit Xiaomi’s official website.

Sony Opens Exhibit at CES® 2023

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Introducing technologies and initiatives that move people's hearts

and expand the possibilities of entertainment

Sony has recently opened its exhibit at CES® 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, took the stage at Sony’s recent press conference ahead of the exhibition's public opening. He explained that collaboration with creators who create Kando (emotion) is essential to advancing Sony's Purpose to "fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology”.

He also emphasized that the "live" sharing of time and space is the essence of entertainment and that Sony’s creation and interaction technology will support the virtual world to provide live experiences and connect them with the physical world in exciting ways.

He was also joined by a diverse array of speakers from the worlds of pictures, games, music, sports, and mobility to discuss the potential for expanding the scope of entertainment through technology.

Main Products and Technologies Being Showcased

Under the theme “Moving People Forward,” the exhibition will focus on Sony’s efforts to move people’s hearts and expand the possibilities of entertainment through various technologies and initiatives relating to the metaverse, mobility, and other areas, and through its collaboration with creators.

As an environmental initiative, some of the booth panels are made of "Original Blended Material," a paper material developed by Sony. Original Blended Material is an environmentally conscious paper material made from bamboo, sugar cane, and post-consumer recycled paper, whose origins are specified. In addition, in order to reduce waste materials, Sony is working to reduce environmental impact by reusing curtains used at other events and utilizing rental materials.

Highlights of the Sony Booth at CES 2023:

Moving Creators Forward

• STAR SPHERE

STAR SPHERE is a project to bring space closer to all and to discover the "space perspectives" to provide an opportunity to think about the global environment and social issues. On Jan. 3, 2023 (PST), a remote controllable nano-satellite “EYE” equipped with a camera capable of shooting from space, was launched. Sony will exhibit the "Space Shooting Lab," an experimental simulator that proposes a "space" for experiential photography from space that STAR SPHERE plans to offer in the future, and a mock-up of a nano-satellite equipped with Sony camera equipment.

• Technology for Creators

Sony supports a wide range of production activities to get closer to various communities,　from top creators to future creators. This booth showcases vast image production solutions, including digital cinema cameras such as VENICE 2, the full-frame mirrorless camera Alpha™ series, the VLOGCAM series, the professional drone Airpeak, Xperia™ smartphones, and the Creators' Cloud, a cloud-based media production platform.　In addition, Sony will propose high-quality sound content production through microphones and headphones for professionals and general creators.

Expanding Potential of Virtual and Physical

• Virtual Fan Engagement

Sony is conducting a PoC (proof of concept) with English Premier League football club Manchester City, aiming for the realization of the next generation of online fan communities and engagement through the combination of physical and virtual to excite and engage with both new and existing sports fans. In the booth, visitors can experience metaverse content as if they were in the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City's home, reproduced in virtual space. Fans can express their feelings and passion for the team by creating their own customizable avatars on their smartphones and, in the future, connect with millions of fans across the globe, in addition to accessing various services to increase engagement.

• New Sports Fan Experiences Created from Live Sports Data

This exhibit introduces initiatives related to new data-driven sports fan experiences, taking visitors through the journey of sports data from data capture on the field, creating virtual content in real-time, and offering it on various platforms to fans. Multiple technologies from Hawk-Eye Innovations (“Hawk-Eye”), Beyond Sports, and Pulselive, all Sony Group companies, will showcase Sony’s sports businesses’ ability to truly revolutionize how we capture, visualize, deliver and make interactive live-action data for the fans.

• Portable Volumetric Capture

This exhibit showcases a prototype of a new system that can capture and distribute animated 3D reconstructions of people, objects, and spaces with low latency in any location. The system only requires seven sensors, which allows it to be set up anywhere quickly, meeting the demand for live 3D video distribution. The booth lets visitors enjoy experiencing a 360-degree view of Manchester City players and the audience shown in a 3D metaverse space, through tablets and Sony’s Spatial Reality Displays.

• Spatial Reality Display: New Prototype with a Large 27-inch Screen

Sony is unveiling a 27" prototype of the Spatial Reality Display (SR Display) which reproduces the real world with 3D spatial images. The larger screen format enables the display of life-sized objects so that medical images and product designs can be reproduced more realistically. At the booth, the SR Display will be used to show 3D computer graphics content with applications in various fields, such as point cloud data used in VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality), as well as architecture and computer-aided design (CAD), in a virtual space. In addition, multi-view video created by Hawk-Eye's live sports data and virtual characters can now be reproduced on the SR Display as a new style of entertainment.

• Previsualization Powered by “mocopi”

Previsualization technology will be demonstrated using Sony's mobile motion capture system “mocopi,” which allows creators to check their camerawork and character positions with VFX* editing at the pre-production stage. A CG model is shown on the viewing monitor, which is synchronized in real-time with the movement of a performing model who is wearing the “mocopi” device. This technology contributes to streamlined production workflow, allowing creators to simulate production at an early stage, improving the quality of their work.

*Visual effects: the process in filmmaking and video production where imagery is created or manipulated outside of live-action shooting.

• PlayStation®VR2 and PlayStation®5

Sony will exhibit PlayStation®VR2 (PS VR2), the next-generation virtual reality headset for PlayStation®5 (PS5™) that brings an immersive gaming experience like never before. PS VR2 has some key features that are realized through PS VR2 Sense Technology, such as headset feedback, eye tracking, 3D Audio, and adaptive triggers, as well as haptic feedback from PS VR2 Sense™ Controller. Select PS VR2 and PS5 games are available to try, along with PS5 accessories that will be showcased at the booth.

Evolving Mobility Experience

• Sony Honda Mobility

A new prototype vehicle will be exhibited by Sony Honda Mobility, whose purpose is to "Move people, through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations". Check out Sony Honda Mobility’s website for more information: https://shm-afeela.com/

To stay updated and know more about Sony’s CES® 2023 announcements, please visit the “Sony Square” at https://square.sony.com/ces2023/

Notes:

Sony’s press conference at CES® 2023 can be viewed here:

Sony Group Official YouTube channel：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVMcjxW68Bc

List of Presenters

• ・Kenichiro Yoshida (Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation)
• ・Sanford Panitch (President, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group)
• ・Asad Qizilbash (Head of PlayStation Productions)
• ・Neill Blomkamp (Film Director）
• ・Jim Ryan (President and CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
• ・Yasuhide Mizuno (Chairman and CEO, Sony Honda Mobility Inc.)
• ・Kim Libreri (CTO, Epic Games)
• ・Cristiano Amon (President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated)

Sony Booth Exhibit Overview

Duration: Jan. 5 (Thursday) to Jan. 8 (Sunday), 2023

Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth # 18600

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About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the vision of “continuing to deliver Kando and Anshin to people and society across the world through the pursuit of technology and new challenges,” Sony will create products and services in areas such as home entertainment & sound, imaging, and mobile communications. For more information, visit: www.sony.net.