Sony News (Page 7)

Interesting release from Canon Inc.:

Canon develops CMOS sensor with 410 megapixels, the largest number of pixels ever achieved in a 35 mm full-frame sensor

TOKYO, January 22, 2025— Canon Inc. announced today that it has developed a CMOS sensor with 410 megapixels (24,592 x 16,704 pixels), which is the largest number¹ of pixels ever achieved in a 35 mm full-frame sensor. This sensor is expected to be used in applications that demand extreme resolution in various markets including surveillance, medicine, and industry.

The newly developed CMOS sensor features a resolution equivalent to 24K (198 times greater than Full HD, and 12 times greater than 8K). This enables users to crop any part of the image captured by this sensor and enlarge it significantly while maintaining high resolution. While many CMOS sensors with a super-high pixel count are medium-format or larger, this extreme resolution sensor is compacted into a 35 mm full-frame format. This allows it to be used in combination with lenses for full-frame sensors, and it is expected to contribute to the miniaturization of shooting equipment. As data readout of a CMOS sensor tends to take longer as the number of pixels increases, achieving a CMOS sensor with a super-high pixel count requires advanced signal processing technology. The newly developed sensor employs a back-illuminated stacked formation in which the pixel segment and signal processing segment are interlayered and also includes a redesigned circuitry pattern. As a result, the sensor is capable of achieving a super-high readout speed of 3,280 megapixels per second, delivering video at 8 frames per second².

This sensor³ also features a “four-pixel binning” function that virtually treats four adjoining pixels as one, thereby improving sensitivity and making it possible to capture brighter images. When this function is in use, the sensor can capture 100-megapixel video at 24 frames per second.

By leveraging the technology it has accumulated over many years as a leading imaging company, Canon has developed breakthrough products including CMOS sensors with super-high pixel count and ultra-sensitivity, and SPAD sensors, which detect faint traces of light even in dark areas. Canon will continue to advance its technology and contribute to the transformation and further development of society.

Additional information

The sensor is scheduled to be displayed at the Canon booth at SPIE Photonics West, a leading global conference for optics and photonics held in San Francisco from January 28-30, 2025.

¹ As of January 21, 2025 (According to a survey by Canon).

² Applies to both color and monochrome sensors

³ Monochrome sensor only

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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:

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.

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
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• Docking Stations & Hubs
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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).

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.

How to Photograph a Total Lunar Eclipse

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.

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.

Please share!

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.

A worthy a1 II comparison is against the Sony Alpha 9 III. I'll let you figure out which camera is which in the comparison image.

Check out the a1 II vs. a9 III specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the s9 III? Here are the a1 II advantages over the a9 III:

• 50.1 MP vs. 24.6
• 1/32,000 second continuous shooting shutter speed vs. 1/16,000
• ISO 100–32000 vs. 250–25600, expandable to ISO 50 to ISO 102400 vs. 125–51200
• Improved IBIS — 8.5 stops vs. 8.0 (center)
• Slightly greater dynamic range

Here are the a9 III advantages over the a1 II:

• Global shutter, with no rolling shutter or banding in stills or movies, vs. 3.8 ms (still fast)
• 1/80000 second shutter speed vs. 1/32000
• 120 fps continuous shooting vs. 30 fps, Continuous Shooting Speed Boost feature
• Flash sync to 1/80000 vs. 1/400
• AF working range of EV -5 – 20 vs. EV -4 – 20
• Exposure metering range of EV -5 – 17 vs. EV -3 – 20
• Slightly less expensive

Most photographers will find the a1 II the best option, but the a9 III is the better choice for a niche market, primarily those who value extreme speed over resolution.

Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II

Support this site by ordering the Sony Alpha 1 II (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada