14 DAY TRIAL // Sony has done a great thing with the PlayMemories camera apps by giving its customers a few easy to use tools that can greatly improve their photos without having to learn how to achieve the same result using manual settings.
Today, the Nippon electronics maker announced three new PlayMemories camera apps that will first go live in Japan starting next month and will probably be introduced on the international PlayMemories website a short time after that.
The three new apps released by the PlayStation maker are: Live View Grading, Smooth Reflection, and Star Trail. All three apps are fully compatible with the Sony a7R, a7, and a6000 mirrorless cameras. Sony a5000 users will only be able to use Live View Grading and Star Trail, while the newly announced DSC-HX400V will be compatible only with the Live View Grading and Smooth Reflection apps.
That being said, let's take a closer look at what these new PlayMemories apps will be able to do when installed on compatible cameras.
Live View Grading is the only app compatible with all the aforementioned camera models. It will allow you to choose from 12 types of image tones and apply them to your video footage instantly while shooting using Live View mode.
By employing Smooth Reflection, you don't have to know what settings to use in order to get a smooth flow of water in your photos, as the application will do all that by itself, without you having to worry about your shutter speed. The app comes with 6 different themes designed for various scenarios.
Finally, the Star Trail app will help you create beautiful night shots with amazing star trails without having to use very long exposures and heavy editing after the picture is taken.
Live View Grading will be available starting March 27 at a price of 952 yen / $9.32 / €6.84. Smooth Reflection and Star Trail will arrive a bit later (April 24) at a price of 476 yen / $4.66 / €3.42 and 952 yen / $9.32 / €6.84, respectively. Availability for US and European customers is yet to be announced.