The Associated Press (AP) has just announced a major collaboration with Sony that will see its journalists exclusively using Sony cameras and lenses for news gathering.
Founded in 1846, the AP is one of the most influential news organizations in the world, with over half of the global population said to consume its journalism every day. The new partnership will give Sony a stranglehold on AP coverage, which has traditionally been the domain Canon and Nikon equipment.
The deal will see AP contributors outfitted with full-frame Alpha cameras, 4K XDCAM video cameras, and a range of Sony’s E-mount lenses and G Master optics. This means that all AP staff will be equipped with the same camera brand, enabling them to share and swap kit and streamline workflow.
• Worthy of the AP: Best Sony cameras
“Sony’s history of innovation aligns well with AP’s, and with our vision for the future of visual journalism,” said the Associated Press' deputy managing editor for visual and digital journalism, Derl McCrudden.
“AP is committed to providing the best imagery to our member news organizations and customers across the globe. Adopting Sony’s cutting-edge equipment and technology allows us to do that, by enabling our photographers and video journalists to be faster and more flexible, ultimately creating better visual journalism.”
Historically, professional cameras like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and Nikon D6 have been the stock in trade for frontline reporters. However, Canon and Nikon's beleaguered adoption of full-frame mirrorless technology has once again bitten them in the feet, as silent shooting is one of the key factors in the AP's decision to partner with Sony.
“The new mirrorless technology in Sony’s cameras allows for a completely silent operation, meaning our photojournalists can work in environments without interrupting the scene around them,” said AP Director of Photography, J David Ake. “This is a huge leap forward in photojournalism.”
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