The Sony RX0 gets a sweet update

Simon Pollock January 9, 2018

Sony announces new expanded multi-view shooting capabilities for the compact RX0 camera

Tldr: You can connect 100 RX0 cams together and make fun stuff, controlled by your computer.

Now, the long version....

New wired and wireless multi-camera solutions enable more flexibility and creativity

SYDNEY, 9 January 2018 – Sony, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, today announced new wired and wireless multi-camera solutions for the versatile RX0 that enable more flexibility, creativity and operability for today’s creators.

The RX0, announced at IFA 2017, brings the advanced imaging quality capabilities of Sony’s acclaimed RX camera line-up to a robust, waterproof1, ultra-compact body measuring approximately 59mm x 40.5mm x 29.8mm (WxHxD)2 and weighing just 110g3. The miniature dimensions and all-around versatility of the new camera make it a powerful tool when used either as a single unit or when combined together with additional RX0 cameras in multi-angle, multi-view shooting situations. For flexible mounting options in tight spaces, the camera features a complete symmetrical lens position and an image flip function, adding to its wide range of creative potential.

The compact RX0 camera offers two different types of solutions for multiple camera shooting and control, which include a wired solution for precisely accurate camera synchronisation and control, and a wireless solution for added convenience and flexibility.

New RX0 wired multi-view shooting with Camera Control Box

Sony has announced a new accessory Camera Control Box (model CCB-WD1) that connects to the RX04 and enables PC control with web browser5 via wired IP (internet protocol) connection. By converting control signal to IP, camera settings can be reliably controlled6 from a single connected PC from any location. A wired connection of Camera Control Box also allows for much seamless control and synchronisation of multiple pairs of RX0 cameras and Camera Control Boxes – up to 100 units7 in total – enabling creators to produce high quality movie effects like “bullet-time” or virtual reality, or to shoot high profile events from unique angles.

When using multiple pairs of RX0 cameras and camera control boxes, settings of all connected cameras can be changed simultaneously. In this configuration, the cameras can also be set to all start/stop recording at the same time. Additionally, a video sync function is also available, allowing frame timing to easily synchronise between cameras frame by frame. This reduces any time gaps between cameras and supports the process of stitching multiple images together to create special effects.

Files can also be transferred directly to the connected PC8, with the ability to assign and change file names to avoid any confusion when dealing with multiple cameras. In total, up to 1007 separate RX0 cameras and CCB-WD1 Camera Control Boxes can be linked together for a live-view multi-camera feed. Additionally, via Camera Control Box, shooting settings, shooting methods and more can be freely programmed by the user.

Improved wireless multi-view shooting with new PlayMemoriesTM Mobile application

Sony’s latest version 6.2 of its PlayMemories Mobile application expands the multi-camera control capabilities when paired with the RX04. With the new version of the mobile application, users will be able to link their smartphone or tablet to up to 50 RX0 cameras via an access point9 to control them simultaneously10. In addition to the current ability to change key camera settings, all connected cameras can be turned ON/OFF together11, and users have the ability to control and shoot by separately assigned camera ‘groups’.

The new PlayMemories Mobile application version 6.2 will be available in Australia at the end January 2018.

The new CCB-WD1 Camera Control Box will be available in Australia from February 2018.

Download Sony's presser just here

Oh, Bike. A contemporary display of waste.

Simon Pollock November 3, 2017

A ten minute walk in most directions around Richmond will reveal many of the new silver / yellow peril that has bestowed upon the streets (gardens / rivers) of Richmond. oBike, a way for people to not own their own bikes and to pay a deposit and then ride about with their soy double decaf half skinny in the front basket (needs cane and flowers, imo) I'm not against oBike, not at all, though I do think the rollout could have had a little more finesse.

This will be an ongoing series called "Oh, bike" Shot on Sony a6500 and 50mm f/1.8

If you spot a wayward oBike, message me so I can photograph it, or call these guys:

Service support
cs.au@obikeinc.com
Hotline Number
0452 512 453 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm)

My Sony lenses and a lesson in tethering...

Simon Pollock October 31, 2017

I had to drag my old Canon 30D out of the archives today, I had to do some work for a client (Tamron Aus) who only had EF mount lenses to go, so I spent the day using the old beast, and while it has many happy memories, it made me realise exactly why I love my Sony cameras and lenses... Connectivity, flexibility, size and weight to a point.. Anyways, I thought I'd share my lens lineup for those of you here on this bloggin' journey...

Oh, and there's no "lesson in tethering" that was for me! It was the first time I used CaptureOne Pro 10 to tether and DAMN it's easy... "plug.. plug.. oh, a Sony a7rmk2, sure.. click done" - SO good. More on this soon. #MyCaptureOneJourney

On with the lens-fest

Inexorably lit by the Aputure COB 120D with a 7" Grid on't front..

That's my quiver of lenses, they do pretty much all I need right now. I find myself most typically wandering about with the 35 1.4 or the 55 1.8 on the Sony a7RMk2 or the 50 or 55 on the Sony a6500, it's a crop camera, so they're about 80mmish...

So, tomorrow we'll have a look at these lenses individually, so if lenses really bore the whatsit out of you... Maybe go wash the car instead? We shall look at what photos these are good at taking (As long as the person holding the camera knows what to do)

Fin and I went for a wander today, here's a photograph of him in his favourite hiding spot, which also reminds me of 'A Clockwork Orange' ...he just needs a crazy looking knife.

More soon... (Join my newsletter, it's epic... *click here*)

A little help, please?

Simon Pollock October 30, 2017

While chatting to a couple of people in a photography group that I manage, I realised that they're doing what I was doing ten years ago and that it was really interesting to listen to them and hear myself as a photographer starting to find my direction.

The main theme that was repeated throughout the conversation was that they needed more gear, something new to do a specific task, a new lens because they couldn't possibly get any photography work with the lens they had, an extra set of memory cards or perhaps a monopod...

I'm not going to bluff the facts, I wanted those things too, and for the most part, I got them - but the reality is that all I did was spend money on gear, didn't get anymore work as a result, and so I'd just cost myself cash and not made any - that's a fail, if you're trying to start some sort of (even an "on the side") photography business.

So I'm sitting here with maybe ten tips for you to have a think about, to see if they will help you get through that sticky first "I really want to do this" photographer stage.

1. One critical friend is better than all the super-supporting family members when it comes to doing good stuff in photography.

2. You 'only have a kit lens' Great! Learn how to use it properly, let it teach you the shortcomings of a kit lens and then, and only then, upgrade in the direction you need to go.

3. A 50mm lens is the 'must have' in many people's opinion. Mine too. But maybe not the ideal starting point of you're looking to primarily photograph landscapes or sports or... point being, not everything every forum of Facebook group says is going to help you.

4. Digital photographs, despite what people say, are not free! (And I don't mean in the "I Googled it, so I can use it?" sense) I mean, each time you make an exposure on a digital camera there is a nominal cost - storage, camera wear, your time, etc... Don't just spray and pray when you're learning, wait until you know what you're doing to machine-gun your subjects at 1/1000th

5. You want to learn to lighting but you don't have a model to practice on? Look in the mirror. Now buy a cheap trigger and go wild.

6. You don't need the most expensive lighting gear in the world to get started. One good 'less expensive' flash I'm using is the Godox v860 (I use the Sony version, it's very good and the trigger works well, too)

7. Maybe it's important to know what you want to specialise in when you start, not sure who to, but maybe it is... Try lots of stuff and see what makes you 'tick' the most... What excites you? Landscapes? Food? Portraiture? Weddings?

8. If you're going to photograph things that involve people that pay you, make sure you know what you're doing. Not just with your camera, but how to deal with people, how to manage your files, how to structure an invoice, tax, backups... Yes, it can be overwhelming! point is : learn it first, don't just start and then fail because you didn't plan.

9. Forums for photography, for whatever damn stupid reason, can be brutal - everyone is an expert from behind a computer keyboard... Take advice, don't be disheartened...

10. Be inspired by people doing great work, make a list of favourites, here's one I started a while ago... Inspiration on Pinterest

11. Don't be afraid to always try to do a little more, if you do what you always did, you get what you always got. An extra image, an extra call, an extra social share, and extra assist.

You're encouraged to comment below!

Because we all know you gotta have a $2k light to shoot your coffee!

Next post we'll start looking at how you can help get the word out once you've nailed down the photo side of things - has anyone ever really nailed down that side of things?

More to come...

Spiffy Gear Launches Spekular Modular LED Light

Simon Pollock September 1, 2017

Spekular has arrived! See it here - http://spiffygear.com/spekular/

Here's what it does.

Here's a short "Behind The Scenes" of a product shoot I did for a friend.

A little 'behind the scenes' of how I use #Spekular The new LED light from @spiffygear - Link on my bio. #product #photography -- The light pictures is pre-production, but they're now available.

A post shared by Simon Pollock (@gtvone) on Aug 31, 2017 at 3:54pm PDT