Canon and Sony News, Deals, What's New

From ProGrade Digital:

PROGRADE DIGITAL ANNOUNCES HIGHER CAPACITY CFEXPRESS 2.0 TYPE A 960GB GOLD MEMORY CARD

The Addition of the CFexpress 2.0 Type A 960GB Gold Memory Card is Ideal for High-Resolution Video Applications

San Jose, CA January 21, 2025, 8:00 am PT — ProGrade Digital, Inc., founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces a new CFexpress™ Type A Gold-class memory card in a 960GB capacity. This new capacity features the same industry-leading quality as the current ProGrade CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB memory cards. The Gold line has a VPG 200 rating and has an NVME host interface with PCIe Gen3 x1 interconnect. ProGrade Digital’s CFexpress 2.0 Type A 960GB Gold card is fully compliant with the CFexpress 2.0 specification and provides a read speed of up to 900MB/s, burst write speed of up to 800MB/s, and sustained write speed of 600MB/s – ideally suited for high-resolution video applications.

“Our new CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold 960GB card offers Sony shooters a higher capacity storage solution at a competitive price point,” says Josh Brewer, Product Manager at ProGrade Digital. “As capacities are trending upward, we felt the time was right to add a Terabyte-class option to our Gold line, enabling Sony users to shoot at higher frame rates or capture settings."

ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold Memory Card:

• Maximum read speed up to 900MB/s
• Burst write speed up to 800MB/s
• Sustained write speed of 600MB/s
• Minimum sustained write speed 200MB/s (VPG 200)
• CFexpress 2.0
• Capacity: 960GB
• MSRP: $439.99

CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold Delivers:

• Fully compliant with CompactFlash™ Association 2.0 specification
• NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen3 X1 interconnect
• Thermal throttling protects the card from overheating
• Laser etched unique serial numbering for the tracking of key components and manufacturing data for the highest quality control
• Temperature ranges: operating 14°F to 158°F/ -10°C to 70°C; storage 10°F to 160°F/ -12°C to 72°C
• Packaging: Biodegradable fiber tray
• Refresh Pro ready*
• X-ray proof and shock-proof
• 3-year warranty

Like all ProGrade products, each memory card contains a unique etched serial number to ensure best-in-class after-sales support and tight quality control of the components used inside. Using this serial number, a customer can register their product at http://progradedigital.com/register to receive product updates.

Orders

Get the ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold Memory Card at B&H.

This line is worth checking out: see the new Pelican ATX and HYBRID TRVL Cases with ModPak Storage System at B&H (Explora article).

Or, jump directly to the B&H new Pelican product list.

Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens (Model A067) firmware update version 4 is available for download via the Tamron Lens Utility app.

Firmware Version 4 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improved AF performance during zooming
2. With a9 III, when its focus mode is set to AF-S, DMF, or MF, the lens will support continuous shooting up to approximately 120 frames per second

Get the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens at B&H.

Interesting new app announced by Canon Inc.:

Canon launches "Live Switcher Mobile" iOS app for one-person multi-angle livestreaming with single touch camera switching

TOKYO, January 20, 2025—Canon Inc. announced today that it will begin providing "Live Switcher Mobile," an iOS app for livestreaming, free of charge1 on January 20, 2025.

With the increase in video content on social media, there has been a growing demand for livestreaming video content, such as cooking, gaming, and product reviews in which content creators can simultaneously communicate with the viewers. The “Live Switcher Mobile” app² meets this demand by providing multi-camera switching between up to three devices, such as iPads or iPhones, all connected under the same Wi-Fi network. Simply by downloading the app to an iPhone or iPad acting as a camera, users can broadcast the footage through a livestream platform³ of their choosing.

“Live Switcher Mobile” drastically facilitates setting up a livestreaming environment. By eliminating the needs for bulky additional equipment including PCs and complex wiring, users can freely position the devices to achieve the most effective angles. Additionally, users can specify the number of seconds⁴ before the shooting device automatically changes over to another to broadcast video with dynamic flow even when they are working alone and cannot manually operate multiple devices.

Users can harness the app to customize their livestreams to make them more engaging. By freely adding text and graphics⁵ to the screen, users can create a unique and original livestream screen that makes their content stand out. They can also check⁶ comments from viewers in real time, thereby achieving two-way communication.

The app can also livestream the screens of the devices to easily produce videos showing live gameplay or application operations with just an iPhone or iPad. Additionally, video from another device camera can be layered on top of the livestream screen so that viewers can see the streamer’s facial expressions and reactions alongside the video of the smartphone screen.

“Live Switcher Mobile” will also support digital camera connection in the future to make high quality live streaming easier and more flexible.

Live Switcher Mobile (free*) will launch January 20, 2025

¹ Although the app can be used free-of-charge, some functions may require registration (at a cost) for periodic use.

² Compatible with iOS 16/17/18 and iPadOS 16/17/18. The application is not guaranteed to work on all devices. For more information, please see the following website: https://ssw.imaging-saas.canon/lsm/faq.html Please note that the app must be downloaded to all devices in use.

³ Livestreams can easily be made on YouTube and Facebook. For streaming on other platforms, users must enter the streaming URL issued on each platform.

⁴ The available settings are 8, 12, 16, and 20 seconds

⁵ Adding graphics aside from those including in the application requires a fee.

⁶ Comment display function is limited to YouTube and Facebook

* Note: Some functions may require registration (at a cost) for periodic use

Highlighting some just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department. Be the first to checkout when B&H reopens tonight at 6:15 PM ET:

Remember to use the B&H Payboo payment card to save the tax.

Last chance: the B&H Mega Deal Zone ends today! Through Thu, 1/16, at 11:59 PM ET, save big on over 1,600 items.

Consider this a remorse elimination sale, your semi-annual chance to buy the item you regretted not picking up in a prior Deal Zone sale.

While you will likely find browsing all 1,700 items worthwhile, that is a lot of items. The links shared above are in best selling sequence, allowing you to quickly see the most popular deals.

Also consider browsing the category you are interested in, or type your favorite brand or product type into the "Search Within Box". Here are some ideas:

• Canon
• Sony
• Sigma
• Tamron
• CFexpress Type B
• CFexpress Type A
• SDXC
• SanDisk
• Lexar
• Think Tank Photo
• Lowepro
• SmallRig
• Apple
• Godox
• WD
• Robus
• Gitzo
• Docking Stations & Hubs
• Dell
• Datacolor
• Pelican
• Crucial
• B+W
• Vello (including lens adapters)
• Xcellon (card readers and USB Chargers)
• All Gradus Brands
• AA Rechargeable Batteries
• MANY more!

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Announces Firmware Updates for Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III

Updates include shooting function improvements and additional support for the Camera Authenticity Solution

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 14, 2025 – Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announces new firmware updates for the Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), and Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) cameras. These firmware versions bring varying updates to shooting, movie, and operability functions, as well as added compatibility for Sony’s evolving Camera Authenticity Solution.

Shooting, Movie, and Operability Updates Per Model:

Camera Authenticity Solution Updates:

The new firmware updates bring compatibility with the Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III for Sony’s expanding Camera Authenticity Solution. This expansion includes the launch of an Image Validation Site and the Digital Signature Upgrade License¹, created for select news organizations and their staff photographers. The service is designed to enhance the implementation of C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)², particularly within the news industry, by providing additional authenticity information and introducing a streamlined workflow for professionals requiring higher content verification standards. As a member of the C2PA Steering Committee, Sony plays a leading role in developing these standards and driving their broader implementation.

Availability:

Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), and Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) firmware downloads will be available in January 2025.

To check the status of the latest firmware availability, please visit: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/cameras-camcorders-digital-cameras/downloads

Notes:

¹ Only still images in JPEG/RAW (.ARW) format are supported.

² A standards organization that develops open standards and technical specifications for the origin and authenticity of digital content.

Learn more about the new DarkLight 14L and 20L Tactical Camera Backpacks at Think Tank Photo.

Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using this site's links for your purchase at Think Tank Photo ($50.00 minimum purchase required).

From Canon USA:

Canon Unveils Camera Color Matching Application: Designed to Revolutionize Color Matching with the CR-N700 PTZ Camera

MELVILLE, NY, January 14, 2025 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the Camera Color Matching Application, a powerful new Windows compatible software application designed to streamline the color matching process in video production with the CR-N700 PTZ camera. Whether it's for live broadcast, multi-camera shoots, or content creation, Camera Color Matching Application simplifies the task of achieving uniform color matching for Canon CR-N700 cameras to the main production camera, providing professional results with minimal effort and maximum precision.

Color consistency has always been a challenge for production teams, particularly when integrating different camera models and cameras from different manufacturers. With the Camera Color Matching Application, Canon offers an innovative solution that automatically generates 3D LUTs by detecting color charts, helping reduce the time spent on manual adjustments. This powerful yet easy-to-use application provides effortless color matching between Canon and non-Canon Cinema, Pro-video, and PTZ camera models with the Canon CR-N700 PTZ camera with professional results without the need for advanced color grading skills.

A key feature of the Camera Color Matching Application is its intuitive three-step workflow:

1. Capture: Shoot a color chart with main camera and the CR-N700, saving the still images on the PC.
2. Generate: The application automatically calculates the difference and generates a 3D LUT for color correction.
3. Apply: The generated LUT is applied to the CR-N700, providing a seamless color match across the production.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon Camera Color Matching Application is currently scheduled to be available on January 16, 2025, as a free download.

Order the Canon CR-N700 PTZ Camera at B&H.

The B&H Mega Deal Zone is live! Through Thu, 1/16, at 11:59 PM ET, save big on over 1,700 items.

Consider this a remorse elimination sale, your semi-annual chance to buy the item you regretted not picking up in a prior Deal Zone sale.

While you will likely find browsing all 1,700 items worthwhile, that is a lot of items. The links shared above are in best selling sequence, allowing you to quickly see the most popular deals.

Also consider browsing the category you are interested in, or type your favorite brand or product type into the "Search Within Box". Here are some ideas:

• Canon
• Sony
• Sigma
• Tamron
• CFexpress Type B
• CFexpress Type A
• SDXC
• SanDisk
• Lexar
• Think Tank Photo
• Lowepro
• SmallRig
• Apple
• Godox
• WD
• Robus
• Gitzo
• Docking Stations & Hubs
• Dell
• Datacolor
• Pelican
• Crucial
• B+W
• Vello (including lens adapters)
• Xcellon (card readers and USB Chargers)
• All Gradus Brands
• AA Rechargeable Batteries
• MANY more!

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

• Apple 14" MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, Space Black) – only $1,999.00 after $800.00 instant savings
• Lexar 256GB Professional 2000x V90 UHS-II SDXC Memory Card (2-Pack) – only $259.98 after $280.00 instant savings
• Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder – only $199.99 after $100.00 instant savings
• SmallRig CT200 Lateral Center Column Aluminum Tripod with Monopod – only $94.00 after $45.00 instant savings
• GVM SD80D Bi-Color LED Monolight – only $89.00 after $70.00 instant savings
• More!

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

• PMI SmokeGENIE Handheld Fog and Haze Machine Professional Kit – only $499.00 after $173.00 instant savings
• Impact 5-in-1 Collapsible Circular Reflector with Handles (22") – only $15.99 after $9.00 instant savings
• Sirui Adjustable Monitor Mount – only $12.90 after $17.00 instant savings
• Nanuk 923 15" Laptop Cases – only $159.95 after $220.00 instant savings
• More!

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.

Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.

A used Sony Alpha 1 II is in stock at B&H. Be the first to check out at 6:15 PM ET tonight (Sat) to make this camera yours.

Litepanels takes us behind the scenes of "Wicked" to see lighting at a level beyond what most of us will create.

Get your Litepanels at B&H.

Highlighting some just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department: