This year was very good for Sony. Releasing two cameras and five lenses, Sony wasn’t quite as busy as it was in 2023, but busy enough to maintain its strong hold on the mirrorless camera segment.
Two new cameras for two very different photographers
Following the six new Sony cameras of 2023 was always going to be a tough task, so it’s no surprise that Sony went pretty slow this year, only launching a pair of new cameras: Sony ZV-E10 Mark II and this Sony A1 Mark IIThese two cameras could hardly be more different, with the ZV-E10 II vlogging camera aimed at aspiring content creators and the a1 II designed for experienced vets who demand the best photographic performance.
Starting with the vlogging camera announced in July, the ZV-E10 II builds on the strengths of its predecessor, which launched not too long ago in summer 2021, with features like 4K/60p recording, a new 26-megapixel APS-C image Was involved. sensors, and better usability, like better vertical video recording.
The Sony ZV-E10 II isn’t the most exciting or interesting new Sony Alpha camera for photographers, but for hybrid creators it is an excellent camera At a very reasonable asking price of $999.
there is also a possibility best creator camera In its price segment in the market.
Although the ZV-E10 II is great, it doesn’t have a lot of exciting features for photographers. Sony’s second new camera this year, the a1 II, offers a lot not only for photographers The best all-around camera availableIn fact.
A1 II incredible performance It comes at a hefty price tag – $6,499 – but it’s an exceptionally versatile camera for the most demanding professional photographers and enthusiasts with deep pockets.
Of course, the a1 II isn’t as fast or as technically impressive as the Sony a9 III announced late last year. petapixel‘S camera of the year in 2024 Because it wasn’t available until after our cutoff for the 2023 awards, the A1 II remains the best and most powerful device for a wide range of serious photographers.
Diverse mix of new Sony lenses
While the a1 II is excellent, it doesn’t necessarily offer much innovation – the original a1 was so great that there wasn’t much room for improvement. However, Sony’s new glass in 2024 proved to be quite interesting.
Sony debuted with a pair of new fast, compact zoom lenses for full-frame cameras: the Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G in February and EF 16-25mm f/2.8G In April.
The 24-50mm f/2.8 is a compact, fast standard zoom lens that sacrifices the long end of the focal length range to provide a much smaller and lighter design than the 24-70mm f/2.8.
This is an interesting lens that offers photographers and videographers an affordable and compact alternative to the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. However, in petapixelreview ofChris Nicholls notes that the 24–50mm f/2.8G lens may struggle to find an audience given its unusual focal length range.
“Although optically nice and compact, the Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 has a limited scope. With new lenses priced at $1,100, third-party offerings from Tamron and Sigma will provide more versatile focal lengths and the same amount of light, while being a little heavier to carry around. petapixel conclusion.
One of the more interesting and attractive new f/2.8 zoom lenses is the 16-25mm f/2.8 G. “Do you want a compact lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture? Should it be as sharp as a G Master lens without the higher price? Sony may have given you what you asked for, provided you don’t need a wide zoom range,” Nichols writes. petapixelSony 16-25mm f/2.8 G Review,
Like the 24-50mm, the 16-25mm f/2.8 is very compact for a zoom lens. However, unlike the 24-50mm, it doesn’t make too many compromises in terms of the 16-25mm f/2.8. It’s incredibly fast, has fast autofocus, and pairs very well with long standard zoom lenses as part of the fast f/2.8 kit. Nichols writes, “This is a great lens that also keeps the size and weight down.”
Next up is Sony’s only APS-C lens for 2024 Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS IIThis is a new APS-C kit zoom lens built for hybrid creators.
It’s small, light, and reasonably versatile thanks to its 24-75mm equivalent focal length range. The power zoom lens weighs only 107 grams (3.8 ounces) and is only 31.3 millimeters (1.2 inches) long in its rear position – perfect for compact cameras that users want to carry in a small bag or large pocket .
Sony’s next new lens was another “Mark II” offering, though this one was much more exciting. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced in late August and soon established itself An amazing portrait prime lens,
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II won petapixelPrime Lens of the Year Award for a good cause. The lens is exceptionally sharp, light and focuses quickly and accurately.
“It’s a perfect lens that does exactly what you want a fast 85mm to do. If you have the budget, you should take the risk.” nicholas writesIt doesn’t get any clearer than that, Sony has made it better with its new 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens.
And wouldn’t you know it, Sony crushed it again with its final lenses for 2024 FE 28-70mm f/2 GMInspired by the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 lens, Sony’s lens is smaller, lighter, and sharper.
“One of the best lenses ever made,” petapixelThe review begins“For me, it’s a perfect lens. Everything I loved about the Canon version is present here too, but Sony has managed to shed weight and achieve better corner sharpness. The $2,900 price tag is a big ask, but consider how many f/2 primes you’re getting, all optically excellent, and the value begins to show.
The Sony FE 28-70mm f/2.8 G Master is basically a collection of incredible prime lenses inside a versatile zoom lens wrapper, and who doesn’t love that? It should come as little surprise, but the 28-70mm f/2 GM won petapixelZoom Lens of the Year Award,
Sony grading in 2024
It was a clean sweep for Sony petapixelK 2024 Awards. The Sony a9 III (announced in late 2023 and therefore not relevant to Sony’s 2024 grad) won Camera of the Year, the 85mm f/1.4 GM II won Prime Lens of the Year, and the 28-70mm f/2 GM wins our award. Zoom Lens of the Year. It is worthy of praise and a high mark for this year.
Some of Sony’s releases were a bit uninspired, like the 24-50mm f/2.8G and the new APS-C kit zoom lenses, which drag the average down ever so slightly. However, other than that, 2024 was an impressive year for Sony, and as we turn to 2025, Sony fans have a lot to look forward to.
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Image Credit: Exclusive image created using assets licensed through gathering photo,
