At CP+ 2025, we had the opportunity to speak with Yu Takae, Senior Manager in charge of ILC product planning at Sony Corp.
We spoke to him about the development of the FE 28-70 mm f/2 GM zoom, and the FE 400-800 mm f/6.3-8 G OSS. On the involvement of AI in the autofocus systems of Sony cameras, or the Creator’s Cloud application and improved workflow for photographers. And now, to the interview.
Note that this interview could not be conducted in person on the CP+, we received the answers by mail, which were edited for more clarity and fluidity.
The Sony A9 III is a pioneer with its global shutter sensor. What has been the response to this new technology, particularly at the Paris Olympics?
With a shutter speed of 1/80,000 of a second and the ability to capture 120 images per second, the Sony A9 III enables totally distortion-free shooting. What’s more, the pre-capture function allows you to go back up to one second and record the moment before pressing the shutter release, giving photographers the chance to immortalize many decisive moments, including sports scenes, and transmit the emotion to the world.
Some professional photographers have mentioned that the Alpha 9 III’s ability to use 120 fps and its pre-capture function were decisive.
Is this technology likely to be adopted by other products in the future? Could it be used on more defined sensors?
While we will refrain from commenting on future plans, we will continue to listen to designers and work on product development.
On the optics side, Sony has released several zooms with atypical focal lengths: 16-25 mm f/2.8 G, 24-50 mm f/2.8 G. Why is this type of lens relevant for Sony? Will we see other lenses of this kind?
We believe that compact, high-performance lenses are ideal for the Sony system. We will continue to listen to designers and work on product development.
Sony is known for its frequent product launches. How is the Imaging division organized to maintain this pace of innovation? Do you develop cameras in collaboration with professionals or press agencies?
We develop our product strategy by integrating bodies and lenses, and we drive product development forward after discussing direction with the entire business unit. We collectively discuss the evolution of housings, the lenses needed to meet them, and the value we can bring to our customers as we develop them.
Regardless of whether it is a flagship model or not, we always listen to various voices from professional photographers, camera enthusiasts, and general users, providing feedback for development and aiming to deliver shooting experiences that exceed their expectations.
For both cameras and lenses, we strive to meet the needs of all creators, from top professionals to those using a camera for the first time, and to offer a lineup that allows them to express their creativity.
Looking to the future, what trends in the imaging industry do you think willhave the biggest impact on Sony’s product development over the next 5-10 years?
In recent years, AI has not only improved the fundamental performance of cameras, such as AF evolution and image quality enhancement, but has also introduced trends like generative AI that significantly impact creation in the imaging industry. Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, we believe that the influence of AI on imaging will continue to be substantial.
Current cameras are capable of real-time autofocus and subject tracking with high accuracy, but generally speaking, it is conceivable that utilizing AI could further enhance this precision.
The Sony FE 28-70 mm f/2 GM and 24-70 mm f/2.8 GM II zoom lenses are quite similar. Can you explain the difference in terms of use?
The FE 28-70 mm f/2 GM offers intense, beautiful bokeh, that approaches that of a prime lens, along with high resolution and low-light performance. It is suitable for customers who want to capture wedding and portrait shots, as well as high-end video recordings, whilst taking advantage of the convenience of zoom without missing any shooting opportunities.
The smaller, lighter FE 24-70 mm f/2.8 GM II combines high mobility with exceptional resolution and expressive capability. This lens is ideal for a wide range of users, including those interested in landscape and portrait photography, as well as video shooting.
We believe it is necessary to not only update by incorporating cutting-edge technology but also to introduce lenses that enable new expressions to meet the diverse needs of creators.
The E-mount turns 15 in 2025. What are Sony’s main strategic directions in the optical sector?
We aim to offer a wide range of products, including both bodies and lenses, to meet the needs of all creators. By collaborating with the bodies, we are building a system that achieves the best optical performance and overwhelming compactness and lightweight design, thereby expanding the shooting capabilities of creators.
What camera or technological advance are you most proud of? Or that you consider to have been the most important?
We’d like to highlight three key points: the latest sensors, workflow improvements and the evolution of the shooting experience thanks to AI, and authenticity in the face of AI threats.
The all-round shutter sensor, the first of its kind for full-frame hybrid cameras, makes it possible to take totally distortion-free photos.
The latest AI-based subject recognition technology is equipped in many cameras to support capturing fleeting moments in high quality. At the same time, we provide solutions for verifying the authenticity of news photographs and are working towards addressing social issues such as fake images created using AI.
On the APS-C side, Sony seems to have abandoned the entry-level segment, and the A6100 and A6400 have never seen a successor (apart from the ZV range). Why is this? Doesn’t this leave the field open to the competition?
We recognise the importance of this segment. Therefore, in addition to the Alpha 6100, 6400, and ZV-E10, we launched the ZV-E10 II last year, which is equipped with the latest sensor. The ZV series excels not only in vlogging but also in still photography, and all the models have become hit products worldwide. We will continue to develop products while listening to our users’ feedback.
Many photographers would like to see new compacts, particularly in the RX10, RX100 or RX1R ranges. Is this something you’re keeping a close eye on, especially with the resurgence of expert compacts?
We recognise there are those opinions and expectations. While we will refrain from commenting on future product development plans, we will continue to listen to user feedback as we advance product development.
Two years after its launch, can you give us an update on Creators’ Cloud? Do you have any figures on usage?
Since Sony announced the Creators’ Cloud for individuals in February 2023, we have continuously updated the service based on feedback from creators to enhance its usability. Notably, the Creators’ App introduced the Direct Upload feature, which connects cameras directly to the cloud, allowing users to upload captured data to the Creators’ Cloud storage, Lightroom, or Google Drive without using a smartphone.
Additionally, it now supports wired transfers (USB), enabling high-speed data transfer. This allows smartphones to be used as external monitors or low-latency remote controls for cameras, and also makes differential backups on the go more convenient. Furthermore, at this year’s CP+, a new feature was added to preview videos before transferring them, further improving usability.
In the mobile app for video creators, Monitor & Control, the multi-camera monitoring feature, which allows up to four cameras to be wirelessly connected to a single iPad for operation, display, and shooting, has been further refined for ease of use.
Additionally, the Catalyst Prepare Plugin, which utilises camera logs and metadata for video correction and editing, now supports video horizon correction and enables editing within Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve in addition to Adobe Premiere Pro, streamlining workflows.
While specific usage statistics are not disclosed at this time, we believe these feature enhancements have contributed to increase user engagement and satisfaction.
Are there any emerging technologies (e.g. computational photography, AI) that Sony is particularly keen to incorporate into future products?
Communication devices such as the 5G portable data transmitter PDT-FP1 enable data to be transmitted on-site immediately after shooting, dramatically improving workflows such as post-shoot transmission and editing. Additionally, by providing solutions to verify the authenticity of news photographs, we are working towards addressing social issues such as fake images. Through these new technologies and services, we aim to enhance experiential value even further.
Nowadays, people expect more resistant cameras. Is this a factor in the development of new cameras and firmware?
The fact that professional photographers, who require use in reporting and challenging environments, choose Alpha series, and that is the reflection of its high reliability, including durability. We also conduct software updates regularly, continually pursuing improvements in functionality and ease of use
What justified the development of the 400-800 mm G? Isn’t it a redundant (and more expensive) lens compared to the 100-400 mm GM combined with a teleconverter?
There is a demand for telephoto lenses of 800mm or more. With the FE 400-800 mm f/6.3-8 G OSS, for the first time with the Alpha system, users can experience ultra-telephoto shooting at 800mm, and even up to 1600mm when a teleconverter is used.
Additionally, it features high balance performance due to its inner zoom design, light zoom torque, and the latest technology that enables high-speed and high-precision autofocus, along with excellent image quality. We believe this lens offers an unprecedented shooting experience for customers who want to enjoy ultra-telephoto photography beyond 800mm.
Thanks to Yu Takae for answering our questions. We would also like to thank Alice from Sony France for organizing this meeting.
