One of the biggest drivers for change in our time is the avaialbility of APIs ("hooks" that programmers can use to tie into software or hardware that is controlled by software). Sony's just released an API for some of their cameras. This could be big news for the future
It's the availability of APIs that makes Facebook, Twitter and Instragram and the apps that support them so pervasive and so powerful.
The cameras in question are not professional ones: they're
・ Action Cam HDR-AS30, HDR-AS15*2
・ Music video recorder HDR-MV1
・ Digital still camera Cyber-shot® DSC-QX100, DSC-QX10
・ Interchangeable-lens digital camera α ® NEX-6, NEX-5R, NEX-5T compatible with PlayMemories Camera Apps
But this could be the start of something that's important for video makers.
Sony says that releasing this information "will create new opportunities by integrating features of camera and mobile devices to expand creative possibilities of shooting content...".
If this were to be extended to professional cameras, it's possible that we could see phones and tablets being used as viewfinders, as well as touch-based menus for all aspects of a camera's functions. Perhaps all the functions of a camera will be available remotely on any mobile device - removing the need for menus and controls on the camera. This would make cameras cheaper, and possibly even more versatile.
So, let's see how big the take-up of this is going to be.
Full press release after the break
04 September 2013
Sony is releasing the “Camera Remote API beta,” API (Application Program Interface) for remote operation of Sony camera with Wi-Fi-equipped smartphones and electronic tablets. The API for application developers of mobile devices is available in the “Camera Remote Apps Developer Program”（http://camera.developer.sony.com）*1 .
API specification, sample codes and related documents required for application development are available for download from the website. Using the app developed with this API, users will be able to shoot still images and movies, see real-time views of camera displays on the screens of smartphones and electronic tablets as well as operate the camera self-timer and zoom functions using mobile devices via Wi-Fi.
The following eight Sony cameras are compatible with the Camera Remote API beta:
・ Action Cam HDR-AS30, HDR-AS15*2
・ Music video recorder HDR-MV1
・ Digital still camera Cyber-shot® DSC-QX100, DSC-QX10
・ Interchangeable-lens digital camera α ® NEX-6, NEX-5R, NEX-5T compatible with PlayMemories Camera Apps*3
More models will be added to this list in the future.
Developers can utilize the API specifications and related documents in accordance with the application development guidelines listed on the developer’s website, “Camera Remote Apps Developer Program”.
Developed applications can be released and distributed in Google Play for Android, or App Store for iOS.
Sony will create new opportunities by integrating features of camera and mobile devices to expand the creative possibilities of shooting content using the “Camera Remote Apps Developer Program” where the “Camera Remote API beta” is being released and views regarding development issues can be exchanged.
*1： Technical support for the “Camera Remote Apps Developer Program” is available only in the U.S. and Japan. （Operation of the developer’s website “Camera Remote Apps Developer Program” will be conducted by Sony Electronics, Inc.）
*2： HDR-AS15 will become compatible with “Camera Remote API beta” only after software of the main unit is updated to the latest version.
*3： Cameras compatible with PlayMemories Camera Apps will become compatible with “Camera Remote API beta” only after installation of the most recent Smart Remote Control Ver. 2.00 that will start being distributed on September 26 (local time) from the countries providing PlayMemories Camera Apps. For countries providing PlayMemories Camera Apps, see the official website (http://www.sony.net/pmca/info/).