Sony just announced several new products including the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II lens, the a6700—its latest APS-C mirrorless camera—and the Sony ECM-M1 Compact Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone. All three should be available in August but we got a sneak peek to share with you ahead of shipping.  

Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II 

Most photographers (at least those we know) are more likely to upgrade their cameras before they replace a lens, especially one of their workhorse staples like the 70-200mm zoom. But it looks like Sony made updates on this new model that might entice some to change that behavior. 

Although not the top of the list when it comes to the update, size and weight is always a concern so it’s important to note that the lens is more compact and lighter than its predecessor. It weighs about 1.75 pounds and measures 3 1/4 x 5 7/8 inches (when the zoom is not extended).  

Autofocus performance has been improved with about a 20% increase in speed thanks to the new AF system which includes four XD linear motors. The lens will track while zooming, and if you’re looking for some super-telephoto reach, you can add a x1.4 or x2.0 teleconverter. 

Wedding photographers will especially appreciate this lens’ macro capabilities when shooting details of décor, bridal dresses, etc. The new lens brings the minimum focusing distance to 3.5 inches (at 70mm) and adds an impressive maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout the zoom range, so you can easily capture those detail shots without switching lenses. A special macro focus limiter in the lens body helps lock in the shot quickly and efficiently. 

For more technical details, head over to electronics.sony.com. The lens is slated to ship in August for $1,700. 

Sony a6700 

The follow up to Sony’s popular APS-C a6600, the new model has gotten a boost with features from the a7R V, the FX30 and the ZV1 including a back-side illuminated sensor and a dedicated AI Processor. The latter is responsible for improved Real Time Recognition AF which helps detect humans by more than just faces. This “human pose estimation” takes into account such elements as hands, feet, etc. to focus in on people.  

Five-axis in-body image stabilization is available, and for videographers, there’s AI-based auto-framing that, when enabled, helps select what the camera thinks is a more visually pleasing composition—tracking a recognized subject or one that you select. You can use this feature to pan as well. It’s an interesting feature if you’re willing to let the camera make decisions for you. It’s worth trying in different scenarios to get a sense of how it works.  

Lots of other features—for both still and video—(some of which comes from its full-frame siblings) make this camera enticing for anyone who wants a compact APS-C camera. But check out the full specs on the Sony site for some potential drawbacks like single SD card slot and no external output.  

The camera will be available body-only or in two kits in August starting at $1,400 (body only). 

Sony ECM-M1 Compact Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone 

Videographers take note: This little accessory is convenient to use on compatible cameras via the Multi Interface Shoe since this cable-less connection directly provides power and the audio signal goes straight to the camera. (The mic will also work with analog interfaces by flipping a switch.) 

Perhaps the most notable feature is the ECM-M1’s eight audio recording modes—a first in shotgun microphones, according to Sony. Thanks to its new mode dial, the microphone is easy to use. Lots of other cool audio tech is involved so head over to electronics.sony.com to get the full scoop. 

The ECM-M1 is scheduled to ship in August for $350.