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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:
- Improved AF performance during zooming
- 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
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:
| Shooting Functions | a1 Ver. 3.00 | a1 II Ver. 2.00 | a9 III Ver. 3.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use of shutter speeds up to 1/80000 seconds at all aperture values when Exp. Value Expand is set to "On" | n/a | n/a | New |
| Focus bracket support for continuous shooting while automatically shifting the focus position | Updated | Pre-Existing | Pre-Existing |
| Additional settings for exposure value adjustments and number of shots in the exposure bracketing | Updated | Pre-Existing | Pre-Existing |
| Use of "Focus Magnifier" and "Auto Magnifier in MF" in Bright Monitoring mode | Updated | Pre-Existing | Updated |
| Movie Functions | a1 Ver. 3.00 | a1 II Ver. 2.00 | a9 III Ver. 3.00 |
| Improvement in image quality when applying User LUTS | n/a | Updated | Updated |
| Automatic still image creation with Shot Marks from movie frames after recordings | Updated | Pre-Existing | Pre-Existing |
| Operability and Transfer Functions | a1 Ver. 3.00 | a1 II Ver. 2.00 | a9 III Ver. 3.00 |
| Use of the Custom Key setting on the AEL button and Delete button during playback | Updated | Pre-Existing | Pre-Existing |
| Notification display when the latest software is available for your camera | Updated | Pre-Existing | Updated |
| Scheduling of FTP transfers while writing data to the camera's storage media | Updated | Pre-Existing | Updated |
| Improved operability including continued shooting during image transfer to Creators' App | Updated | Pre-Existing | Updated |
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:
- Capture: Shoot a color chart with main camera and the CR-N700, saving the still images on the PC.
- Generate: The application automatically calculates the difference and generates a 3D LUT for color correction.
- 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.
When your target subject can be found in a variety of locations, try the location with the most attractive environment first. The low growth in this field turns red and purple in the fall, making it a perfect choice for white-tailed deer photography. And, the subjects were cooperative this afternoon.
One of the cool features deer (and many other animals) possess is the ability to make their hair stand straight out. Yeah, what if people could do that? This buck marched in from far across the field to exert his dominance over another buck I was photographing, and as the dominant buck approached, he raised his hair to appear larger and more intimidating.
While this shot seems not to have required the performance of the Canon EOS R1, this was the only moment the buck looked at me with both ears forward, and the R1's fast continuous frame rate ensured that the perfect look was captured.
Deciding where to place the buck in the frame was continuously on my mind as it approached. Usually, I prefer to leave more space toward the side of the frame the body is facing and more space toward the side the head is looking at.
In this case, the head is facing the camera, calling for a centered framing, and the background has the symmetry that usually supports a centered subject. The deer's body is moderately pointed toward the viewer's left, calling for a little extra space on the left side for an overall balanced image.
Other moments with different angles and background variations called for other framing, and the R1's Eye Control and Eye Detection AF allowed instant changes.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 2000
6000 x 4000px
Check your SanDisk cards if using a Canon EOS R5 Mark II. This warning is from Canon USA:
Corrupted images captured with EOS R5 Mark II and certain SanDisk SD cards
Thank you for choosing Canon products.
Still images taken with Canon EOS R5 Mk II may be recorded as corrupted/abnormal due to incompatibility of certain SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II 64GB, 128GB and 256GB V60 cards.
For more information, please see the link to SanDisk support:
To learn about compatible SanDisk Memory Cards for EOS R5 Mark II, please visit the below link.
Learn About Compatible SanDisk Memory Cards for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Camera | SanDisk
This information is only for residents of the United States and its five territories. If you do not reside within these areas, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
Thank You,
Service Strategy & Support Group
Canon U.S.A., Inc
The SanDisk page shares the following:
Steps to Resolve SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-II V60 64, 128, and 256GB Still Image Problem with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II
View the Use of Third-Party Software or Websites disclaimer.
SanDisk Support cannot help with third-party software or hardware.
Description
Still images taken with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II may be recorded as abnormal images due to the incompatibility of certain SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-II 64GB, 128GB and 256GB V60 cards.
Affected Cards
SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-II V60 64GB
SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-II V60 128GB
SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-II V60 256GB
Need more help?
Answer ID 52427: Learn About Compatible SanDisk Memory Cards for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Camera
Resolution
Warranty Replacement
Contact Us for Warranty Replacement.
(Thanks, Perry!)
On March 13-14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will dazzle North and South America, and much of the rest of the world will enjoy a similar show on Sep 7–8, 2025.
Here is what you need to know.
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Upon finding this whitetail buck eating berries, I knew the shot I wanted. Patience paid off, and he eventually chose to eat the overhead berries to check that box.
I frequently talk about the background of an image, and here the green lichens-covered tree trunks add color that is indicative of this park. The lens took care of blurring those trees and the rest of the background, making the deer and berries he was eating stand out.
I was alternating between the EOS R1 and the EOS R5 Mark II on this trip, looking for performance differentiators, especially in regard to AF. The two cameras' AF systems performed similarly, with little difference being realized.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 100
8192 x 5464px
Just posted: Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip Review.
If you have a Canon EOS R5 Mark II, you want a BG-R20.
Support this site by ordering the Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip from Lensrentals.
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From ProGrade Digital:
PROGRADE DIGITAL™ ANNOUNCES PG20 PRO THUNDERBOLT™ 4 HUB
Customize and Organize Your Workflow Without Compromising Performance
San Jose, CA January 7, 2025, 8:00 am PT — ProGrade Digital™, founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards, workflow solutions, and solid-state drives announces its new PG20 Pro Thunderbolt 4 Hub. The PG20 Pro Hub is based on the latest Thunderbolt 4 technology which is designed to achieve 40Gbits/sec transfer speeds. It is equipped with one Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 85W charging upstream port, three Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 15W downstream ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, enabling users to have additional ports available for use. Its unique design offers a magnetic top base, specifically engineered for attaching up to two ProGrade Digital readers which can be connected using the 6” custom-designed, high-performing short cables (sold separately). The PG20 Pro Hub is also equipped with a patented magnetic base and comes with an adhesive metal plate that allows users to mount the hub to any work surface. The PG20 Pro Hub is also supplied with a high-quality certified Thunderbolt 4 cable – assuring the maximum performance possible. The hub can also be combined with the PG10.5, Pro Mini SSD that also mounts seamlessly to the top of the hub. The PG30, Ultra-Portable SSD can utilize the Front Type-A port or the back Type-C port for quick file transfer. The PG10.5 and the PG30 will be shipping in Q1. The PG20 Hub is shipping now.
“We are extremely excited to be announcing our entry into the complementary category of Thunderbolt hubs to our line of professional workflow solutions”, said Wes Brewer, Founder and CEO of ProGrade Digital Inc. “While the marketplace of Thunderbolt 4 based hubs is fairly crowded, we have spent the time to think about how professionals work with our card readers and what they need to maintain a clean workspace in designing our new PG20 Pro Hub. Utilizing our patented magnetic base, we have enabled the customization of how professionals can mix and match their card readers while also enabling a very clean workspace. With the three downstream Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 ports, the hub can support two of our USB readers while still having one port available for attaching other peripherals like our PG10 Professional SSD.”
ProGrade Digital PG20 Pro Thunderbolt 4 Hub Features:
- One Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 85W charging upstream port
- Three Thunderbolt 4 USB 4.0 15W downstream ports (40Gb/s)
- One USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port (10Gb/s)
- Magnetic top-base customized to attach up to two ProGrade Digital readers
- Thunderbolt 4 certified high-speed cable included
- Supports up to an 8K display at 60Hz
- Compatible with Windows 11+ and MacOS 11+
- Kensington Standard and Nano security slots
- External power source included
- MSRP $169.99
Like all ProGrade products, each hub contains a unique 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
Get your ProGrade Digital gear at B&H.
Just posted: Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens Review.
This lens is an especially great choice for portrait, wedding, and low-light event photographers.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens from Lensrentals.
Just posted: Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review.
The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is a fantastic choice for those looking for a standout landscape, architecture, and low-light event lens.
Remember that we are in a solar maximum? This lens is Canon's best ever for Northern Lights (and Milky Way) night sky photography. Buy this lens today and start watching the aurora forecast.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens from Lensrentals.
I love photographing white-tailed deer in fields, where it is easy to find a clean background, foreground obstructions are greatly reduced, and lighting is unhindered. While shooting in the woods adds complication to the composition, that increased challenge brings the opportunity for uncommon results.
On this day, the fog and rain added uniqueness, reducing background distractions and ensuring that lighting was good at all angles. While this gnarly antlered buck was tearing up a tree, I moved into a position that provided blurred trees to frame the buck and rubbed tree.
The Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens is my go-to wildlife lens, but finding a clear line of sight for the long subject distance it requires can become problematic in a thick forest. With increasing frequency, I'm carrying the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens into the woods.
While this buck was not moving fast, high-speed continuous shooting was still helpful at times, including for avoiding raindrops over eyes.
Speaking of raindrops and eyes, the EOS R1, including the viewfinder, was quite wet. Still, Eye Control AF continued to work impressively well. An occasional wipe was needed when the drops in the viewfinder became large, but I heavily relied on the Eye Control AF feature the entire day and trip.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 1250
6000 x 4000px
Just posted: Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review.
This lens is a great addition to Canon's lineup.
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens from Lensrentals.
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From Sigma Global:
Firmware update for Canon RF Mount lenses
Thank you for using SIGMA products. We are pleased to announce that the download of firmware for SIGMA's RF Mount is now available.
The changes in this firmware are as follows:
Applicable product and version
SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary Ver 1.0.1 for Canon RF Mount
SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary Ver 1.0.1 for Canon RF Mount
Benefit of the update
- The operational stability has been improved.
- AF operation during zooming when shooting video has been improved.
How to update
Please select the applicable product from the following page, go to the download page, click "Canon RF mount", read "Before updating" prior to updating the firmware and follow the update procedure
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/firmware/lenses/?mount=canon_rf
*After the update is complete, be sure to remove the battery pack from the camera and reinsert it.
For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor. https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.
Learn more about these lenses:
Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens.
From Sigma Global:
To our valued SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art customers
We sincerely appreciate your continued support.
We have confirmed that some SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens when focusing on the wide end, may not be able to focus to infinity or may experience reduced focusing accuracy.
We would like to inform you that we will begin providing re-adjustment of the focus position free of charge starting today.
Please note that this phenomenon will not occur with SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lenses with serial numbers other than those applicable.
We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers and all concerned parties.
We kindly ask for your continued support of our company and products in the future.
[Affected Products]
Please enter the serial number of your SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens on this page to determine whether your product is affected by the issue. This phenomenon does not occur to lenses with other serial numbers that are not applicable.
[Confirmed Issue]
Regardless of the focus mode, when shooting at the wide end, the lens may not be able to focus to infinity or the focus may be soft.
[Treatment on this issue]
Customers whose SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art has been confirmed to be affected are requested to contact their local authorized SIGMA Service Station at https://www.sigma-global.com/en/corporate/world-network/.
For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor. https://www.sigma-global.com/en/corporate/world-network/
Learn more about this lens: Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art Lens.
Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens page.
Another useful, high-performing lens to include in the kit.
Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art Lens
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens from Lensrentals.
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