Sony Electronics President and COO Mike Fasulo,
and VP of Sales and Marketing Neal Manowitz

There is no question that Sony has been changing the face of mirrorless photography over the last several years. Recently, they released the Sony a7 III camera for under $2000 US. While it may be their so called entry level camera, it is anything but basic. Sales have gone through the roof, and you’d be hard-pressed to find this camera in stock anywhere. 

Sony manages to distinguish themselves as different in so many ways. There is an air of confidence about them, and rightly so, as they are delivering some great products. They have also rallied together a community of photographers who use their cameras. At this point in time, Sony has two groups of these photographers: the Artisans, and the Collective. Selected and invited by Sony, these photographers become quasi-spokespersons for the company.

Last year, Sony brought both groups together, along with invited members of the press, at an event called Kando in Santa Barbara. For me, it was a great opportunity to talk to users of Sony cameras and to get to know the younger, up-and-coming photographers better, learning what motivates and moves them.

This year, the Kando event occurred May 7–10 in Monterey, California. As in past years, Sony once again invited press and YouTubers, including myself, to the event. Fortunately, based on our feedback from last year, they allowed us ample time and opportunity to speak with any member of the Artisans and Collective, as well as top Sony executives. This presented quite the opportunity, and I immediately invited Luminous Landscape’s newest videographer Michael Durr, to come along and record numerous interviews with me.

Today I present the first of at least a half-dozen interviews — or, as I would prefer to call them, conversations. First up are two gentlemen whom I have known for numerous years: Sony Electronics President and COO Mike Fasulo, and VP of Sales and Marketing Neal Manowitz.  

The Kando event is very informal, so Mike, Neal, and I were able to sit down and talk about Sony candidly. In this conversation, we discuss the past, present, and future of Sony Electronics and their passion for innovating and advancing the photographic industry. We had a great time chatting, and I am happy to be able to share this with you.

Please Enjoy The Video

Disclosure: Sony invited Luminous Landscape, along with other YouTubers, content providers, and press, to this Kando event held in Monterey, CA. They covered airfare, lodging, and meals.

Sony placed no requirements on us regarding content or anything else. They allowed us to meet, interview, and collaborate with Sony Artisans, Sony Collective, and their executives. We were able to do numerous interviews and make great connections for future content. Thank you, Sony.

I may be somewhat partial to Sony, as it is one of three mirrorless camera systems I use and regularly report on, the others being Fuji and Olympus. I own all the gear I use and purchased it through regular retail channels.

While there, I made a video about my feelings on Sony and the industry, and I will share this in the near future.

Kevin Raber
May 2018