Sony has announced a new software development kit (SDK) called the Camera Remote SDK. As you can tell from the name, it’s one that basically helps developers make remote controls for the brand’s cameras.
The remote controls allow you to change camera settings and take still shots remotely, as well as get live previews. For now, support is limited to the Sony α7R IV and the α9 II. That said, the company has promised to gradually expand the list of supported cameras.
Sony says that the SDK is aimed at commercial customers. One company that was mentioned as having high expectations of the SDK is Telemetrics Inc, which specialises in robotic broadcast camera control systems.
The announcement on Sony’s Alpha Universe site implies that this has been an oft-requested feature. Which is understandable. Prior to the release of this SDK, remote operations of Sony α cameras were only possible via a desktop app.
Granted, it won’t be used by every photographer out there. But it sounds like an indispensable tool for situations where remotely shooting is necessary.
