Sony has announced the launch of a new initiative to support the use of its full-frame mirrorless Alpha range of cameras in a wide selection of industries including the drone, e-commerce, intelligent transportation systems, and security sectors.
The core of the initiative is version 1.03 of Sony’s Camera Remote software development kit (SDK), aimed at its Alpha range of cameras. The cameras feature 35 mm image sensors designed to allow an increase in resolution without reduction of pixel size or sensitivity, according to the company. The new SDK enables expanded lens control and automation, which allows for better control over focus, image compression, resolution, video triggering, white balance, and zoom.
Additional SDK features include support for multi-camera functionality and camera control via Ethernet and USB servers—features designed with product photography and image capture from multiple angles in mind. The SDK now runs on macOS versions 10.14 and 10.15, in addition to the current Linux and Windows options.
Several cameras from the Sony Alpha product range, the ILCE-7C, ILCE-7SM3, ILCE-7RM4, and ILCE-9M2, support the new SDK. The cameras feature Exmor R and Exmor RS CMOS image sensors, with resolutions between 12 and 61 MPixels, the BIONZ image processing engine, and support over 50 E-mount lenses. Support for the software will be expanded to new products in the future.
Sony is also expanding camera support for a wider slate of industries. A new online resource for B2B system developers, another key aspect of the new initiative, is live on the Sony Europe website.
Historically, the company offered support with still photographers primarily in mind, this being the industry that made the widest use of its cameras. In recent years new industrial and law enforcement customers have incorporated Sony cameras into their technologies, according to Yasou Baba, Director of Sony Europe Digital Imaging.
Sony wants to address these new customers and encourage growth into more new sectors, says Baba. The goal is to allow markets that traditionally require specialized, expensive cameras to take advantage of normal cameras like the Alpha range.
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