Sony has launched the ECM-778 shotgun microphone along with new CFexpress Type A memory cards, a reader, and a podcast series targeting content creators.
Shotgun microphone
The ECM-778 is a mono, high-resolution shotgun microphone developed for use in film, drama, documentary, and broader content production environments where sound quality is important. The device is designed to offer flexible mounting options, supporting installation on a microphone boom pole or direct attachment to compatible cameras, such as those in Sony’s Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless range, which are equipped with XLR microphone inputs via an adapter kit.
The microphone incorporates a newly developed capsule and a machined brass acoustic tube, supported by a custom electronic circuit board, to deliver audio described as immersive and clear, with stable performance in both high and mid-low frequency bands. The ECM-778 has a compact form factor, measuring 176 mm in length and weighing 102 g, which Sony states allows for use across various recording setups, particularly in confined locations or when mounted directly onto cameras.
The condenser microphone is also supplied with a holder and stand adapter. According to Sony, it is compatible with external audio input devices and professional recording technology, catering to a range of video and audio production environments.
Mr Kenichi Fujimoto, Sound Engineer and recipient of the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Sound Recording in 2012 and 2015, said:
“We recording engineers forge our sonic preferences over years, recording and listening to countless projects with a vast array of microphones, starting from our days as assistants. When we step into the lead role, we choose the mic that perfectly matches our cultivated taste. Right now, this is the single best choice available. In filmmaking, the shotgun mic for dialogue is the most critical tool – it’s the axis around which everything else turns. The ‘ECM-778’ is that new axis. It strikes an exceptional balance with its length and weight, its clarity and solid core deliver a palpable sound pressure, and it provides that ‘little something’ that has always been missing in other microphones. It is, simply put, a microphone that lets you create a truly cinematic sound.”
The ECM-778 features a built-in low-cut switch to address wind and vibration noise and includes two windscreens – a foam version for indoor or mild conditions, and a fur version for outdoor situations. Its metal construction provides durability. Sony incorporated feedback from professional film sound engineers during the product’s development phase.
CFexpress Type A cards and reader
Sony has also unveiled the CEA-G1920T (1920 GB) and CEA-G960T (960 GB) CFexpress Type A memory cards alongside the MRW-G3 card reader. Designed for use with the Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless cameras, these cards support read speeds exceeding 1800 MB/s and write speeds up to 1700 MB/s. In terms of video workflows, the high-speed capabilities and capacities of the cards cater to long-form video recording and fast data backups. Both cards adhere to the VPG400 standard, ensuring guaranteed video recording speeds of 400 MB/s.
The memory cards are specified to be robust, meeting IP57 dust and water resistance, and they are built to withstand drops of 7.5 metres and bending stress of 150 newtons, which Sony states is five to ten times the CFexpress Type A standard, respectively. Additional resistances include temperature, X-ray, anti-static and UV protection to withstand challenging shooting environments.
The MRW-G3 card reader supports transfer speeds consistent with the CFexpress 4 standard via USB 40 Gbps, intended to reduce import times when moving large files. The reader features a design for heat dissipation during heavy data transfers and supports workflow mobility, as it can connect with computers, smartphones, and tablets.
All new products will be available from August 2025 in Australia, with the ECM-778 shotgun microphone having a suggested retail price of AUD $1,999, the CEA-G1920T card at AUD $1,699, the CEA-G960T card at AUD $1,099, and the MRW-G3 card reader at AUD $349.
Professional workflow
The new ECM-778 and memory accessories are designed to support both professional and high-end amateur creators. Sony states the microphone supports high-resolution recording, achieving clear high frequencies and stable mid-low ranges by employing components such as film capacitors, metal film resistors, and conductive polymer aluminium solid capacitors, with a machined aluminium housing for physical and electrical noise reduction.
The cards’ and reader’s VPG400 compliance, robust construction, and ability to move data at high speeds are designed to improve on-set and post-production workflow efficiency. The compatibility with CFexpress 4 allows users to future-proof their storage needs, even though, as of July 2025, Sony’s cameras currently operate these cards at the CFexpress 2 standard.
Podcast initiative
Coinciding with the launch of the new hardware, Sony Australia and New Zealand has introduced a weekly audio and video podcast, The Full Frame – A Sony Podcast, hosted by Digital Imaging Advocate Clyde Vaughan. The podcast covers product launches, firmware updates, and frequently asked questions about Sony camera gear, as well as industry experiences from community Ambassadors, Advocates, Filmmakers, and Creatives in Australia and New Zealand.
“This kind of project is something special, something to bring together and support a community by allowing creators to share their experiences, tell their story and give industry knowledge directly to the Sony family here in Australia and New Zealand. We can cover so many topics and create a platform to support everything from beginner to professional, super stoked to be not only a small part of this project but a way to tell these stories” says Clyde Vaughan, Digital Imaging Advocate at Sony Australia.
The Full Frame – A Sony Podcast is released every Tuesday, covering topics that appeal to both beginner and experienced content creators.