(SOUTH AFRICA, 15 October 2026) – Sony introduces the ECM-W5 wireless microphone for video creators, combining high-quality audio capture, stable wireless transmission and versatile recording features to support a more flexible production workflow across a wide range of shooting scenarios.

The system pairs two transmitters with one receiver. It transmits over a line-of-sight distance of up to 500 m^[iii] and is designed to reduce audio dropouts in congested radio-frequency environments. Through the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe™, 32bit float^[iv] audio travels digitally and directly to a compatible camera and records with video in a single file¹. Up to 64 GB of built-in memory enables 32bit float backup audio recording directly on the transmitter. Integration with compatible Sony wireless headphones enables cable-free monitoring and microphone functions². Power supply and linked power control through the MI Shoe on compatible cameras support an efficient workflow from recording through editing. The supplied USB Type-C® adapter also enables connection to smartphones and PCs^[v]. The transmitters and receiver are also sold separately, supporting configurations such as up to four-channel recording and multi-camera production.

Availability

The ECM-W5 will be available in South Africa from beginning of December 2026, with a retail price of R6,899.

For more information on the ECM-W5, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5

Key Features of the ECM-W5

High-quality recording that captures subtle nuances in sound

The high-performance microphones support 96 kHz High-Resolution Audio recording¹, capturing voices with clarity and detail. A 3.5 mm microphone input also supports lavalier and external microphones, including the separately sold ECM-L1, providing flexibility for different recording situations.

Stable audio transmission and recording functions that support an efficient workflow

The system supports line-of-sight transmission at distances of up to 500 m³. It provides approximately three times more stable transmission than the ECM-W3^[vi]. In congested radio-frequency environments, it is designed to reduce audio dropouts and hold a reliable connection. Low-latency transmission supports applications where real-time audio performance is important, including live streaming.

32bit float⁴ recording helps creators capture both quiet and loud sounds without the need for constant gain adjustment and suppresses the possibility of clipping^[vii]. Through the MI Shoe, 32bit float audio travels digitally and directly to a compatible camera and records with video in a single file¹, with no external recorder and no separate audio file to manage, eliminating the work of synchronizing audio afterward.

The transmitters carry 64 GB of built-in storage for backup. The storage holds up to 90 hours of audio at 32bit float/48 kHz or up to 60 hours at 24bit/96 kHz¹, retaining the source recording.

New audio recording styles through integration with Sony wireless headphones

Compatible Sony wireless headphones² enable cable-free monitoring, giving creators greater freedom to move while checking sound during recording. Compatible models² can also be used as wireless microphone inputs.

Versatile functions for comfortable shooting and recording

The system records up to four channels of audio in-camera, covering interviews, panel discussions, event production, and other multi-source needs. The supplied wireless transmitters combine with the separately sold ECM-W5T wireless transmitter, and the system also works with external microphones.

Timecode functionality helps simplify synchronization across multiple cameras and audio recordings, helping reduce manual alignment work in post-production.

Through the MI Shoe, compatible Sony cameras can provide power to the receiver and support linked power control. The supplied USB Type-C® adapter enables recording on smartphones and PCs⁵, and connecting a transmitter directly over Bluetooth® allows wireless recording. The transmitters provide up to 11 hours of operating time. A dust- and moisture-resistant design supports use in a range of environments^[viii].

Product Video and Specifications

The ECM-W5 product feature video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/N2i7_nYyTT0

For main specifications and additional product details, please visit the following product websites for the

ECM-W5: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5

ECM-W5R: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5r

ECM-W5T: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5t

Both the ECM-W5R and the ECM-W5T will be available in South Africa from beginning of December 2026 with the ECM-W5R going for a retail price of R3,449 and the ECM-W5T going for R1,969.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the ECM-W5, and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at https://www.alphauniverse-mea.com/, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

The post Sony Introduces the ECM-W5 Wireless Microphone with High-Resolution Audio Recording and Stable Connectivity appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Most sports are polite houseguests. Rugby is in and out in eighty minutes. Football gives you your afternoon back. Cricket moves in. It arrives before the coffee has finished brewing, settles into your lounge for the better part of a day, and leaves somewhere around supper with strong opinions about the third umpire.

That makes hosting a cricket day a genuine skill. You are not entertaining people for a match. You are entertaining them for a session, a rain delay, a middle-overs lull, a collapse, a recovery, and whatever happens at the braai in between. The stadium has 20 000 people to keep the energy up. At home, you have your setup.

And your setup lives or dies on sound. A big screen shows you the edge. Sound is what makes the room jump when the ball carries to slip. Sony’s home audio range is built for exactly this kind of day. Here is how to build a watch party that holds up from the first over to the last.

The all-rounder: a full surround setup, ready before the toss

If you want the stadium feeling without a weekend of installation, the BRAVIA Theatre System 6 is the shortcut. Soundbar, subwoofer and wireless rear speakers arrive as one 5.1ch package, and setup is quick enough that you can go from box to first ball in an afternoon.

With 1 000 W behind it and Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® support, the crowd noise stops sitting in front of you and starts moving around you. The genuinely clever part for cricket is Voice Zoom 3™, which uses AI machine learning to recognise human voices and lift or lower them. Pair it with a compatible BRAVIA and the commentary stays clear over a lounge full of people arguing about an LBW call. Everyone hears the analysis. Nobody has to shout “what did he say?” Available for R11 999.00 at Sony World.

The compact opener: big sound in a small lounge

Not every host has a double-volume living room, and the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6 is built for the flats, townhouses and rentals where drilling into the ceiling is between impractical.

It supports Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X®, and Sony’s virtual surround technology positions sound in vertical space, so you get three-dimensional audio with no in-ceiling speakers involved. Setup and control happen through your smartphone, with the app walking you through it step by step. Pair it with a BRAVIA TV and a two-bedroom lounge starts behaving like a much bigger room. Available for R7 999.00 at Sony World.

The captain’s pick: for the house that becomes the default venue

Every friendship group has one. The house with the good couch, the reliable Wi-Fi and the person who genuinely enjoys hosting. If that is you, the BRAVIA Theatre Quad is the upgrade that makes it official.

Its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology creates up to 12 phantom speakers around the room, delivering cinema-style surround from a handful of physical speakers and covering far more of the space than conventional virtual surround. It supports Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® and carries IMAX® Enhanced certification. Sony’s upmixer earns its keep here too, extracting and redistributing individual audio elements to build 3D sound out of stereo content, while AI Sound Separation picks out human voices and sharpens them. Useful when the broadcast feed is doing the bare minimum and you want the ball on the bat to sound like the ball on the bat. Available for R49 999.00 at Sony World.

The finisher: take the party to the braai

Cricket has more downtime than any other sport, and that downtime is your party’s real opportunity. Enter the ULT TOWER 9AC, which brings massive bass and serious sound pressure to the innings break.

Hit the ULT button for two bass modes, ULT1 for deeper low-frequency bass and ULT2 for punchy impact, then let 360° Party Sound push the energy into every corner of the room. Four tweeters send clear sound to the front and rear of the speaker, with two mid-range drivers keeping vocals crisp. There are karaoke and guitar inputs for the rain delay nobody planned for, and a TV Sound Booster function so the match audio comes with you when the action starts up again. Available for R12 999.00 at Sony World.

Build once, host all season

The beauty of a proper cricket setup is how long it earns its place. The season runs deep into the year, and your lounge only has to be built once. Get the sound right and the rest takes care of itself. Chairs, cooler box, someone who knows how to work the braai, and a room that sounds like you are sitting square of the wicket.

The post Four ways to build the ultimate cricket watch party, this summer appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

South Africa – October 9, 2026: Sony today announced new color options for its INZONE gaming gear lineup: the INZONE H9 Ⅱ Fnatic Edition for the flagship wireless noise cancelling gaming headset, and Glass Purple for the INZONE E9 compact wired in-ear headphones.

The INZONE H9 II Fnatic Edition features a Fnatic-inspired color scheme. With this addition, the INZONE H9 II will be available in three colors: Black, White, and Fnatic Edition. The INZONE E9 features a purple color drawn directly from INZONE’s own brand identity and will be available in Black, White, and Glass Purple. Together with INZONE Buds Glass Purple, it forms a unified Glass Purple range.

Developed with leading esports team Fnatic, the INZONE H9 II and INZONE E9 are designed for competitive gameplay, especially in FPS titles, combining Fnatic’s deep gaming expertise, feedback from professional players, and Sony’s sound technology.

The INZONE H9 II delivers clear reproduction of distant footsteps and deep rumbles, with a design based on the driver unit of Sony’s WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones. Its FPS-optimized equalizer preset further enhances sound clarity during gameplay. In addition, its lightweight design ensures comfort during long gaming sessions, with up to 30 hours of battery life*.

The INZONE E9 features Sony’s first fully enclosed structure and sealed body, which, together with noise isolation ear tips, delivers superior passive noise reduction for a more focused sound. It helps block out noise from pro tournament crowds and everyday background distractions alike. Its compact design and low-pressure fit, along with multiple sizes of hybrid ear tips, also ensure comfortable all-day use.

* The 30 hours battery life requires 2.4GHz connection, noise-cancelling off and chat is active.

You can find more details below.

https://www.sony.com/za/gaming-gear/products/inzone-h9-ii?sku=wh-g910n-bz-e

The post Sony Introduces New Colour to INZONE H9 II Headset and INZONE E9 In-ear Headphones appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

SOUTH AFRICA, 29 September – As South Africa gets ready for warmer days, longer nights and a summer filled with good music and even better company, Sony is bringing a fresh new look to its compact ULT FIELD 1 wireless portable speaker. The new Smoke Blue colour joins the existing Black, Off-White, Forest Gray and Orange options, adding a nature-inspired earth tone that is as at home on a beach day or summer road trip as it is at a poolside get-together, braai or laid-back gathering with friends and family.

With a powerful bass packed into a compact, portable design, the ULT FIELD 1 is made to keep the music going wherever summer takes you – from amapiano and afro-house to South African classics and the latest local hits.

The ULT POWER SOUND series is built for music lovers who enjoy powerful deep sound designed to make your heart tremble. ULT FIELD 1 is equipped with the ULT button, which enhances the music and delivers dynamic bass when turned on.

With the press of the ULT button, listeners can amplify the low-end frequencies and add greater depth and impact to their music, making it ideal for bass-heavy playlists and tracks that are meant to be felt as much as heard. Whether it’s setting the mood at a backyard braai, bringing music to a day at the beach, adding a soundtrack to a weekend road trip or simply enjoying a favourite playlist at home, ULT FIELD 1 is designed to fit effortlessly into summer plans.

Bring your favourite tunes anywhere with ULT FIELD 1. Designed to be portable with up to 12 hours of battery life^*1, the speaker also features a multi-way strap, IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating^*2, and shockproof design^*3. It can also be used either vertically or horizontally, making it ideal for limited spaces.

You can find more details below:

https://www.sony.com/za/wireless-speakers/products/ult-field-1

The post Sony Introduces New Smoke Blue Color to ULT FIELD 1, Delivering Powerful Bass in a Compact Design appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

• Judges for the 20th edition of the Sony World Photography Awards announced
• 2027 exhibition opens at Somerset House, London from 15 April – 3 May 2027
• 2026 travelling exhibition is open in Milan until 4 October, in Johannesburg until 22 January 2027, and opens in Berlin on 8 October

SOUTH AFRICA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026- The Sony World Photography Awards announce today the jury and London exhibition dates for the landmark 20th edition.

In their two-decade-long history, the Sony World Photography Awards have become the definitive reference point for contemporary visual storytelling, honouring the remarkable creativity and dedication of photographers working today. A celebration of the stories and images shaping our culture, the Awards show the diverse possibilities of the medium.

Organised by Creo, the Awards form the core part of its photography programming strand, the World Photography Organisation. Sony supports the Awards to give an international platform to artists working in photography, and to push forward the global discourse on the medium today.

2027 JUDGES

Following the success of the 2026 edition, which received over 430,000 images, and now entering their second decade, the Awards are open for entries and free to all photographers.  For the landmark 20th edition, the Awards welcomes back Monica Allende as Chair of the Jury for the Series competition and curator of the London exhibition at Somerset House.

Allende is accompanied by a panel of specialists in the visual arts from across the globe, all contributing their unique expertise, insights and perspectives. The 2027 jury comprises:

Series Competition:

• Monica Allende, Independent Curator and Photography Consultant, Chair of the Jury, UK
• Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo, Photographer & Editor at Raya Editorial, Colombia
• Peipei Han, Director of Exhibitions, Fotografiska Shanghai, China
• Candice Jansen, Manager, New Archival Visions Programme, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
• Amanda Renshaw, Independent Curator, Writer and Publishing Consultant, UK
• Pauline Vermare, Phillip and Edith Leonian Curator of Photography, Brooklyn Museum, USA

Single Image & Youth competitions: Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen, Managing Director, Copenhagen Photo Festival, Denmark

Student competition: Menno Liauw, Founder and Director of the FUTURES Foundation, Netherlands

NEW IN 2027

The 2027 edition broadens the Awards’ range through new categories across the competitions, presenting expanded opportunities for fresh perspectives on visual storytelling. The Series (previously Professional) and Single Image (previously Open) competitions are re-named, further defining and clarifying their scope. Photographers are welcome to enter different projects to both competitions, enabling those with diverse portfolios to enter work from across their practice, be it a series or a striking single photograph.

New Series competition Category

Histories: This category invites photographers to explore how histories – personal, cultural, and collective – shape our world today, from traditions and everyday rituals to the events and forces that have left their mark on nations and peoples. This category is for projects that engage, explore, or re-examine the past, as well as work that looks at the contemporary through a historical lens. We welcome archival and found image interventions that revisit, re-contextualise, or breathe new life into the past.

New Single Image competition Category

Animal Portraits: This category celebrates the beauty, personality, and spirit of animals through portraiture. Judges are looking for images that capture the subject’s expression and character, from beloved pets to majestic wildlife and marine life, to reptiles and insects; portraits that honour and showcase the remarkable diversity of the animal kingdom.

2027 LONDON EXHIBITION AND 2026 TRAVELLING EXHIBITION DATES

The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 exhibition begins its international journey at Somerset House, London, from 15 April to 3 May 2027. A fixture of the cultural calendar in London, the acclaimed exhibition, curated by Monica Allende, features a selection of winning and shortlisted images from the 2027 Awards, as well as special presentations by the Photographer of the Year 2026 Citlali Fabián and the Outstanding Contribution to Photography 2027, to be announced in November.

The Sony World Photography Awards 2026 is currently on view in Johannesburg, South Africa (until 22 January 2027), at the Roger Ballen Centre for Photography, marking the Awards’ debut presentation in South Africa. The exhibition then continues to travel to other destinations:

• Milan, Italy, 10 June – 4 October 2026
• Berlin, Germany,  8 October 2026 – 7 February 2027
• Matera, Italy, 14 November – 10 December 2026
• Bisceglie, Italy, 12 – 30 December 2026

To find out more about our exhibitions, please visit worldphoto.org

2027 DEADLINES AND PRIZES

The Sony World Photography Awards opened to submissions on 1 June 2026. Full competition and category descriptions can be found at worldphoto.org

Deadlines for submission to the four competitions are as follows:

Series: 12 January 2027 16:00 GMT

Single Image: 5 January 2027 16:00 GMT

Student: 27 November 2026 16:00 GMT

Youth: 5 January 2027 16:00 GMT

All category winners of the Series, Single Image, Youth and Student competitions receive Digital Imaging equipment from Sony. The prestigious Photographer of the Year receives a cash prize of $25,000 (USD) as well as a solo presentation of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London the following year. The Single Image Competition Winner and the winner of the Sustainability Prize each receive $5,000 (USD). All winning and shortlisted photographers’ projects are exhibited at the annual Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London, and will then tour internationally. The winning images are also published in the annual Awards’ book, sold at the exhibition and available online. Series competition category winners and finalists are invited to Insights, a day of tailored sessions with leading industry figures in London. Coming from commercial, curatorial, and institutional backgrounds, these experts offer the photographers specialised guidance on expanding their network and practice.

For more information about the Sony World Photography Awards and upcoming announcements and events, please visit worldphoto.org

The post 2027 JURY AND EXHIBITION ANNOUNCED appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Every September, we get very good at celebrating. The flags go up on the profile pictures, the shirt comes out of the cupboard, someone is put in charge of the braai and immediately told they are doing it wrong.

What makes Heritage Day worth the effort is everything it is built from. The recipe your grandmother measures by eye. The song your father plays when he is in a good mood. The story your aunt tells every year, slightly better each time. This is the good stuff, and there is far more of it around us than we tend to notice. Celebrating heritage is something you do for a month. Preserving it is a choice about what gets passed on. Sony’s audio and imaging range is built for the second job, and here is how to put it to work.

Hear what you inherited:

South African music is heritage in its own right. Maskandi, Sophiatown jazz, kwaito, gqom, amapiano: each one is a record of who we were at the time, made by people who were living it. Most of us absorbed it through car speakers and kitchen radios, which means most of us have never actually heard it properly.

The WH-1000XM6 closes that gap. Developed in collaboration with mastering engineers, it refines every note for studio-level accuracy, so a record arrives the way the people who made it intended. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 runs seven times faster than its predecessor, fine-tuning 12 microphones in real time for a dramatic leap in noise cancelling and sound quality. Everything sitting between you and the original recording simply goes. Put on a song you have known your whole life and there will be something in it you have never heard. Built for all-day wear, it runs for 30 hours, and three minutes of charging buys another three. Available for R10 999.00 at Sony World.

Pass it on out loud:

Music only gets inherited when it gets played in a room with other people in it. That is what makes the ULT TOWER 9AC more useful than its party-speaker billing suggests.

Hit the ULT button for two bass modes, ULT1 for deeper low-frequency bass and ULT2 for punchy impact, then let 360° Party Sound carry it into every corner. Four tweeters push clear sound to the front and rear of the speaker, with two mid-range drivers keeping vocals intact, which matters when the lyrics are the point. The karaoke and guitar inputs are where the real work happens: this is how an uncle’s era gets handed to a nephew, one badly sung chorus at a time. Available for R17 999.00 at Sony World.

Frame the things worth keeping:

Some images deserve to be made properly. The landscapes, the wildlife, the portrait of a grandparent that ends up on a wall long after they are gone.

The Alpha 7 V integrates the AI processing unit into the BIONZ XR2 engine, with up to 30% improvement in Real-time Recognition AF that identifies your subject and holds it with high precision. That is the difference between photographing a bird and photographing a blur where a bird was. The enhanced partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor brings 33.0 megapixels, and internal 4K recording at up to 120p produces 5x slow motion at full 4K resolution. Shoot at this quality and you are making an archive.

Record the ordinary days:

The trouble with big cameras is that people perform for them. The ZV-E10 II is small enough that they forget it is there, which is exactly what you want when you are filming a kitchen rather than an occasion.

It carries Sony’s most advanced sensor technology in an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, while the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine brings up to eight times more real-time processing power for detail and sharpness across stills and movies. A standard ISO range of 100 to 32000 keeps noise low when the light goes, which covers most kitchens and every evening on a stoep. Cinematic Vlog Setting handles the complicated settings for you, the vari-angle LCD monitor lets you shoot from almost any angle, and the supplied windscreen reduces noise outdoors so the voice you are recording arrives intact.

Then the detail that matters most here: 5 GHz Wi-Fi and a SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2) Type-C® port move footage off the camera quickly. Files that sit forgotten on a memory card are not preserved. Files you have sent to your cousins are. Available for R25 499.00 at Takealot.

Celebration is a day on the calendar. Preservation is a habit. Somewhere in 2056, someone will want to hear how their great-grandmother laughed and whether they can, depends on whether anyone thought to press record this September.

The post Ways to capture, share and preserve your heritage this September appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

(SOUTH AFRICA, 16 September 2026) – Sony announces two new G Master™ super telephoto prime lenses for the Alpha™ full-frame E-mount system, the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS with a focal length of 400mm and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS with a focal length of 600mm, both are the world’s lightest¹ lenses in their respective categories.

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS weighs approximately 994g^[ii] and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS approximately 995g², achieving the world’s lightest¹ design in their respective categories. Their lightweight design makes them suitable for dynamic shooting styles that involve exploring the environment to identify and capture photographic opportunities and subjects. In addition, their carefully optimised weight balance provides excellent control during handheld shooting, including situations that require photographers to continuously keep subjects framed or track moving subjects. These features broaden the flexibility of super telephoto photography for subjects such as birds, wildlife and sports.

The lenses deliver the exceptional resolution and beautiful bokeh that define the G Master series across the super telephoto range, capturing distant subjects in fine detail. In addition, fast, precise and quiet AF performance enables photographers to quickly capture fast-moving subjects.

Availability

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS will be available in South Africa from mid November 2026, at a retail price of R59,999. The FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS will also be available in South Africa from mid November 2026, at a retail price of R84,999.

For more information on the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel400f45gm.

For more information on the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel600f63gm.

Key Features of the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS and FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS

Lightweight and Compact Design with Excellent Handling for Super Telephoto Shooting

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS weighs approximately 994g² and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS approximately 995g², achieving the world’s lightest design¹ in their respective categories.

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS measures approximately 108 mm in maximum diameter and 242 mm in length, while the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS measures approximately 108 mm in maximum diameter and 263 mm in length. Their compact dimensions enhance portability and enable comfortable handling and control during handheld shooting.

In addition, a weight balance designed to shift the centre of gravity closer to the camera body makes it easier to maintain framing on a subject, track moving subjects and perform panning shots. The lightweight design and ease of handling increase flexibility in super telephoto photography, making it easier to search for subjects while shooting handheld especially even in environments where a tripod or monopod may be difficult to use, as well as during long handheld shooting sessions.

High Resolution and Beautiful Bokeh Characteristic of G Master

The latest optical design incorporating three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one ED glass element effectively suppresses chromatic aberration and other optical aberrations that commonly occur at super telephoto focal lengths, delivering high resolution from the centre of the image to the edges.

Sony’s proprietary Nano AR Coating II significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.

In addition, an 11-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration during both the design and manufacturing processes achieve the beautifully smooth bokeh characteristic of G Master.

Fast, Precise and Quiet AF Performance and Optical Image Stabilisation for Stable Super Telephoto Shooting

Two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors and a control algorithm optimised specifically for these lenses deliver fast, precise and quiet AF performance. This enables reliable tracking of fast-moving subjects such as birds, wildlife and sports. The lenses are fully compatible with Alpha 9 III continuous shooting at up to 120 fps with AF/AE tracking.^[iii]

The lenses incorporate built-in optical image stabilisation, helping to reduce camera shake during handheld shooting at super telephoto focal lengths.

The lenses also support the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilisation and coordinated image stabilisations control^[iv], enabling high-quality still-image and movie shooting with reduced blur, even when shooting handheld. Furthermore, it supports the camera body’s breathing compensation function^[v], which corrects changes in angle of view caused by shifts in focus position during movie recording.

Operability, Reliability and Expandability for Super Telephoto Photography

Aiding in the excellent operability, four customisable focus hold buttons are positioned around the lens barrel.

The lenses are also equipped with a function ring, focus range limiter, Full-time DMF switch, focus mode switch and image stabilisation mode switch, enabling intuitive operation according to different shooting styles.

Compatible with Sony’s optional teleconverters^[vi], the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS can achieve focal lengths of up to 800 mm, while the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS can achieve up to 1200 mm.

The lenses feature a dust and moisture resistant design^[vii] and a fluorine coating on the front lens element that helps resist contaminants, supporting use in a variety of outdoor shooting environments.

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS & FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS product video can be viewed HERE.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS & FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at https://www.alphauniverse-mea.com/, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

The post Sony Announces New 400mm and 600mm G Master™ appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Compact, lightweight lens delivering fisheye perspectives from circular to diagonal with high resolution across the zoom range

(SOUTH AFRICA, 9 September 2026) – Sony introduces the FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G, the company’s first fisheye zoom G Lens™ for full-frame Alpha™ E-mount cameras.

The 8 mm to 14 mm zoom focal range covers circular fisheye at 8 mm through diagonal fisheye at 14 mm. Built for landscapes, architecture, sports, and video production, the lens pairs a compact, lightweight body with G Lens resolution, fast and precise autofocus, and refined operability for stills and movies. In a dual-lens configuration with the VENICE Extension System Mini^[i] it also supports spatial content production.

The FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G brings new creative fisheye perspectives to Sony’s E-mount lineup for photographers, cinematographers, and content creators.

Availability

The The FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G will be available in South Africa from mid-November for a retail price of R81,999.99.

For more information, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel814g

Key Features of the FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G

Fisheye zoom coverage from circular to diagonal fisheye

The 8 mm to 14 mm range delivers a broad set of fisheye perspectives in one compact lens. At 8 mm it shoots circular fisheye with a 180-degree angle of view projected as a circular image on a full-frame sensor. At 14 mm it shoots diagonal fisheye across the full frame with a 180-degree diagonal angle of view. You can match the angle of view and composition to the subject and creative intent, across landscapes, architecture, sports, and video production.

High-resolution G Lens performance across the zoom range

An optical design with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical elements suppresses chromatic and other aberrations across the image area, holding high resolution throughout the zoom range. A minimum focusing distance of 0.15 m and maximum magnification of 0.22x at the telephoto end enable dramatic close-up fisheye perspectives for stills and movies.

Compact, lightweight design for high mobility and spatial content production

The lens measures approximately 63.1 mm in maximum diameter and 82.8 mm in length and weighs approximately 314 g, giving it mobility for handheld, gimbal, and rig-based shooting. An inner zoom mechanism minimizes shifts in the centre of gravity while zooming. Using two sets of the VENICE Extension System Mini and this lens, side by side, positions the optical axes approximately 64 mm apart, close to the average interpupillary distance of human eyes supporting spatial content production, including VR, with a natural sense of depth and distance.

Autofocus performance and operability for stills and movies

The lens delivers fast, precise autofocus and Linear Response MF while suppressing focus breathing and operating quietly for movie production. Controls include a focus mode switch, zoom lock switch, and an aperture ring with switchable click stops. A dust- and moisture-resistant design^[ii] and a fluorine coating on the front element support use in outdoor environments.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at www.alphauniverse-mea.com a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

The post Sony Introduces Its First Fisheye Zoom G Lens™ appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Sony strengthens its wireless headphone portfolio with premium, mid-range and entry-level options designed for music, travel, work and everyday listening

• WH-1000XM4C is based on Sony’s popular WH-1000XM4 offering legendary 1000X Series noise cancelling and premium sound performance as well as new colour option
• WH-CH730N wireless headphones deliver great sound quality paired with effective noise cancelling now with a lightweight and foldable design, improved call quality and longer battery life
• WH-CH530 is available in six playful colours to match any style, combines lightweight comfort, long battery life and improved call quality for everyday wireless listening

(SOUTH AFRICA, 8 September 2026) – Sony today announces it is refreshing one of its most popular over-ear headphones. WH-1000XM4C wireless noise-cancelling headphones build on Sony’s popular WH-1000XM4, combining legendary 1000X Series noise cancellation, trusted premium sound and the timeless design loved by many. The WH-1000XM4C now features updated sound tuning that matches the latest trends as well as personalised sound settings with a 10-band equalizer and available in refreshed colour options to suit individual preferences.

WH-1000XM4C

Updates to Sony’s mid-range wireless headphone range are also added with the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530. The WH-CH730N offers noise cancelling technology and everyday versatility at a more accessible price point. The WH-CH530 delivers reliable wireless audio, offering an easy and accessible way to enjoy Sony quality every day.

WH-CH730N in Black and WH-CH530 in Pink

Fumihiro Zaima, General Manager from SEA Marketing Department, APMEA Division, Sony Corporation said: “The release of the WH-1000XM4C reflects continued consumer interest in a headphone model recognised globally for its combination of noise cancelling performance, sound quality and comfort. Together with the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530, as well as the recently announced 1000X THE COLLEXION and well-regarded WH-1000XM6, we are now pleased to offer a clear progression of wireless headphone options that serve a broad range of customer needs and budgets.”

Pricing and availability

• WH-1000XM4C

Availability: November

Price: R6,999.00

• WH-CH730N

Availability: October

Price: R2,999.00

• WH-CH530

Availability: October

Price: R1,299.00

Key features in detail

WH-1000XM4C: Premium Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with 1000X Series legendary noise cancelling and premium sound performance

WH-1000XM4C in Lavender

Since the launch of Sony’s flagship noise cancelling headphones range in 2016, the 1000X series has helped define the premium wireless listening category by combining industry-leading noise cancellation, high-quality sound and intelligent features designed around everyday life. The WH-1000XM4 remains one of the series’ most celebrated headphones thanks to its combination of exceptional noise cancelling and its classic design. Now Sony is introducing the WH-1000XM4C, based on the popular WH-1000XM4, with updated sound tuning to match the latest music trends as well as new colour options, bringing flagship performance to an even broader audience.

WH-1000XM4C in Platinum Silver

The WH-1000XM4C wireless headphones are ideal for frequent travellers, commuters, remote workers, music enthusiasts and students seeking distraction-free listening.

Key features include:

• Legendary 1000X Series noise cancelling delivering rich immersive sound, dulling everyday noise such as crowds, travel noise and city chatter
• Trusted 1000X Series premium sound quality now with latest sound tuning and 10-band equalizer to meet modern listening tastes
• Comfortable over-ear design with a polished timeless style
• Available in Lavender, Black and Platinum Silver – three colour choices to match individual preferences
• Lightweight foldable headphones making the WH-1000XM4C a great choice for travel and commuting

For more information visit: https://www.sony.com/za/headphones/products/wh-1000xm4c

WH-CH730N: Everyday Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with comfortable fit and new foldable design

The WH-CH730N wireless headphones deliver great sound paired with effective noise cancellation, cleverly priced and simple to operate. Designed for commuters, hybrid workers, students and casual music listeners, the WH-CH730N are crafted for all-day comfort and now feature a new lightweight and foldable design as well as improved call quality and longer battery life compared to the predecessor model. 

WH-CH730N in Pink and Blue

Key features include:

• Superior noise cancellation powered by Dual Noise Sensor technology
• Lightweight and comfortable over-ear design
• Available in white, pink, blue, black plus new beige, this selection of colours blends style and comfort with a handy foldable build
• Long battery life of up to 50 hours (with noise cancellation on), plus quick charge (3 minutes gives 1 hour of listening playback)
• Great sound quality with fully customable audio settings
• Clear call quality even in noisy environments with Precise Voice Pickup Technology, combining beamforming microphones, optimized microphone placement and AI-powered noise reduction.
• Practical daily features for convenient use such as LE Audio for seamless connection, Multipoint connection and Fast Pair/Swift Pair

For more information visit: https://www.sony.com/za/headphones/products/wh-ch730n

WH-CH530: Playful Entry-Level Wireless Headphones for all day use

The WH-CH530 wireless headphones are lightweight, comfortable and available in a range of playful colours to suit every look. The headphones come with improved battery life compared to predecessor model with up to 55-hours and AI noise reduction for crystal clear calls for online lessons and meetings. The WH-CH530 are designed for consumers seeking dependable wireless listening at an accessible price, making them the ideal choice for first time purchasers of wireless headphones, online learning and everyday listening and streaming.

WH-CH530 in Cobalt and Mint

Key features include:

• Six playful colours including new on-trend colours Cobalt, Coral, Mint, as well as Pink, White and Black to compliment any style
• Compact and lightweight on-ear wireless headphones with soft head cushion to deliver lasting comfort for extended wear
• Clear, balanced sound with customisable EQ settings
• Long lasting battery offering up to 55-hour playback plus quick charge (3 mins for 1.5 hours)
• Maximum volume control offers adjustable 5-step volume level for hearing protection
• Clear heads-free calls with AI noise reduction 
• Smart and easy operation with intuitive button controls, built-in voice assistant, Multipoint connection, Fast Pair/Swift Pair and LE Audio compatibility

For more information visit: https://www.sony.com/za/headphones/products/wh-ch530

The post Sony Introduces WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones and Updates Popular Mid and Entry Level Wireless Headphones with WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Developed with hip hop creators, the new ULT TOWER lineup delivers deeper bass, higher sound pressure and true-to-life party features in a bold new design under the tagline “Massive Bass. Ultimate Vibe.”

• ULT TOWER MAX delivers the most powerful bass in Sony’s ULT POWER SOUND series yet, pairing overwhelming deep bass and sound pressure with a DJ setup, karaoke features, and a portable design for the ultimate party
• ULT TOWER 7 fills any space with deep bass and stage-worthy sound, with a portable design that makes it easy to move for parties, DJ setups, karaoke and everyday listening
• ULT TOWER 5 packs impressive bass, DJ input and karaoke features into a compact, portable design for smaller gatherings and easy on-the-go use

(SOUTH AFRICA, 2 September 2026) – Sony today unveils three new speakers to its ULT POWER SOUND^[i] series: ULT TOWER MAX, ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5. Whether you’re hosting a party, DJing, dancing or singing karaoke, the new party speakers of ULT POWER SOUND series are designed for music lovers who want to feel every beat and combine deeper bass, higher sound pressure and deep party features to create an unforgettable party experience.

Built around newly developed large circular woofers, large capacity speaker cabinets and ULT DUCT, the next generation ULT POWER SOUND series lineup delivers stronger low-frequency bass performance than ever before. The speakers’ bold new robust and versatile design brings the energy of a live event into any space.

Co-created with Hip-Hop Sound Creators

The new ULT TOWER lineup is refined through co-creation with acclaimed hip-hop sound creators, including Grammy-nominated producer Dot Da Genius, award-winning drummer, producer and musical director Daru Jones, record producer, songwriter and DJ Dready, and audio engineer and producer Dennis “ROC.am” Jones. Drawing on insights from these artists and producers, Sony tuned the speakers with their valuable feedback in mind. As a result, the speakers deliver deeper low frequencies, greater impact and clearer vocals, helping listeners connect with the music the way it was meant to be felt.

Bigger Bass. Bigger Impact.

Every model features Sony’s signature ULT button, with ULT1 and ULT2, plus two new modes – FLAT and LIVE^[ii] – giving listeners instant access to multiple sound profiles:

• ULT1 enhances deep bass for a rich, low frequency sound that makes your heart tremble.
• ULT2 boosts even greater power, delivering body-to-shaking bass and strong sound pressure.
• FLAT reproduces music exactly as intended, delivering a true-to-source listening experience.
• LIVE recreates the spacious feel of a live performance while preserving vocal clarity.

For even more personalisation, the sound can be fine-tuned with Custom EQ in the Sony | Sound Connect app.

At the heart of the new lineup is Sony’s new circular woofer design for the ULT POWER SOUND series lineup. The woofer works alongside the large cabinet volume and ULT DUCT to help each speaker reproduce deeper, more powerful bass with greater authority.

The ULT TOWER MAX features three woofers — two front-facing and one rear-facing — for powerful bass and sound pressure that can be felt throughout the venue, supported by a high-powered amplifier that delivers up to 2150 watts of output. ULT TOWER 7 delivers powerful bass and sound pressure, with up to 420 watts of output. ULT TOWER 5 delivers impressive bass and sound pressure from a compact design, with up to 300 watts of output.

360° Party Sound – Powerful Surround Sound that Fills the Room

ULT TOWER MAX and ULT TOWER 7 feature 360° Party Sound, projecting powerful audio all around the space so everyone can enjoy clear vocals and powerful bass from virtually any position around the speakers. On the ULT TOWER MAX, four tweeters, mid-range speakers and rear woofer work together to deliver rich, room-filling sound with deep, impactful bass.

Flexible Placement and Optimized Sound in Any Environment

Enhanced Sound Field Optimization analyses both speaker placement and surrounding noise levels, then adjusts the overall sound balance across the full frequency range, not just the bass, to maintain clear, balanced sound wherever the party takes place.

The new range of ULT TOWER speakers also supports flexible positioning, whether placed vertically or horizontally.

Built for Parties, DJs and Karaoke

From casual parties to professional DJ setups, the new ULT TOWER lineup offers flexible connectivity including XLR, RCA and USB-C®^[iii] connections.

For larger events, you can connect compatible speakers in a stereo configuration, creating wall-to-wall sound coverage.

New lighting modes makes it easier to switch the mood for different settings. BEAT delivers high-energy lighting synchronized to the rhythm, WAVE creates dynamic ambient effects for social gatherings, and MELLOW offers slower lighting patterns for relaxed listening.

Karaoke fans can connect Sony’s optional ULTMIC1^[iv] for an optimised vocal experience. Plus, the new Party Chain feature uses Auracast™^[v] broadcast to connect multiple compatible Sony speakers^[vi] and synchronise both music and lighting for an unforgettable party experience.

ULT TOWER 5 with the optional ULTMIC1

Easier to Move, Easier to Party for Longer

Designed with portability in mind, the new speakers feature carry handles with a more comfortable grip. ULT TOWER MAX and ULT TOWER 7 also receive upgraded wheels with wider treads, making them easier to move across a variety of surfaces. ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5 also feature an IPX4 rating^[vii] in a vertical position, making them perfect to use outdoors. With up to 30 hours battery life on the ULT TOWER 7^[viii] and up to 20 hours on the ULT TOWER 5^[ix], you can keep the party going wherever you are.

ULT TOWER 7 with upgraded wheels 

Supporting the Dance Community Through a Partnership with Red Bull Dance Your Style

Sony has reached an agreement with Red Bull for sponsorship of Red Bull Dance Your Style 2026. Based on this sponsorship, Sony will support Red Bull Dance Your Style events, including the National Final USA in September 2026 and the World Final in Switzerland in October 2026, as an official wireless speaker partner. Through this partnership, Sony will contribute to the growth and development of the dance community.

Environment in Mind

Our products also take the environment into consideration. Approximately 35% of the total plastic used in the ULT TOWER MAX is recycled plastic^[x], incorporated into multiple parts of the speaker body, while approximately 20% of the total plastic used in each of the ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5 is recycled plastic¹⁰. This reflects how Sony strives to reduce the environmental impact of our products.

Pricing and availability

The ULT TOWER MAX, ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5 will be available in South Africa from October 2026.

For more information, visit ULT POWER SOUND series.

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