Sony releases latest version of Camera Remote SDK

Sony has released the latest version of the company’s Camera Remote SDK. The update adds support for Sony’s Cinema Line FX6, FX3 and FX30 cameras.

What’s an SDK?

SDK is short for Software Development Kit. An SDK is basically a set of software tools and programs that a company makes available to independent software developers. The purpose is to make it easier for those developers to create applications for a specific platform associated with the company’s products.

Why has Sony done this?

Sony’s Camera Remote SDK gives software developers the tools they need to create bespoke applications to integrate Sony cameras into their organization’s workflow. With this SDK, developers can create ultra-customized software applications that will operate Sony cameras remotely from a host computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.

What could an application do?

Using the Camera Remote SDK, developers could create applications to change a camera’s settings remotely, operate the shutter release or use live view monitoring. Other examples Sony gives are:

  • Maintain quality control and monitor production lines
  • Easily operate multiple camera arrays and record motion capture
  • Perform scanning, microscoping, telehealth and more duties remotely
  • Capture high-quality images from drones carrying interchangeable-lens camera cameras
  • Take photos of products in a studio without touching the camera

What cameras are supported?

The Camera Remote SDK allows developers to create applications to work with the following Sony cameras:

  • Alpha 1 (ILCE-1)
  • Alpha 9 II (ILCE-9M2)
  • Alpha 7R IV (ILCE-7RM4A, ILCE-7RM4)
  • Alpha 7S III (ILCE-7SM3)
  • Alpha 7 IV (ILCE-7M4)
  • Alpha 7C (ILCE-7C)
  • Cyber-shot DSC-RX0 II (DSC-RX0M2 Ver. 3.00 or later)
  • Cinema Line FX6 (ILME-FX6V/ILME-FX6T Ver. 3.00 or later)
  • Cinema Line FX3 (ILME-FX3 Ver. 2.00 or later)
  • Cinema Line FX30 (ILME-FX30)

How do you get it?

The Camera Remote SDK can be requested via the Sony Professional website.

Pricing and availability

It’s great to see Sony giving developers the tools they need to create bespoke applications to control a wide range of cameras. The inclusion of several Cinema Line cameras is also welcome. Although the Camera Remote SDK is aimed at professional software developers, hopefully, some of the created applications will be made more widely available and filtered down to regular users.

Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.

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