Sony 100-400mm GM firmware update (Download here). Benefits and Improvements

• Adds support for continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking up to a maximum of 120 images/second when used with the ILCE-9M3 camera body
• Fixes an issue where, after updating to Ver. 04, the AF (autofocus) and MF (manual focus) do not work after setting the camera shooting mode to S&Q mode or 4K video mode

Sony Venice 2 firmware update (Download here). Benefits and Improvements (list via CineD).

Added virtual production shooting support functions 

• When shooting in an environment where background lighting from an LED wall used for in-camera VFX applications and real lighting are mixed, you can improve the color reproduction of human skin tones by setting the color temperature of the LED wall and the mixing ratio of the LED wall lighting and the actual lighting.
• When adjusting the genlock phase, the changed value is now reflected immediately. This makes for easy adjustment of the imaging phase relative to the panel light emission.

Enhanced functionality for live production 

• When RM/RCP Paint Control is off (standard mode), you can now set whether to control the white balance function and shutter function from a remote control unit, such as the RM-B170.
• When RM/RCP Paint Control is on, the Look can now be selected as a LUT and applied to various video outputs. The use of User 3D LUT is also supported.
• Saturation and Skin Detail functions have been added. Configurable in the Paint menu when RM/RCP Paint Control is on.

Other improved functions 

• An FPS value of 33.33 can now be set when Project Frame Rate is set to 24/25/50.
• Resolved flickering and stuttering issues on the viewfinder screen when Project Frame Rate is set to 23.98/24.00 and the frame rate is set to 60 FPS during variable speed shooting (FPS set to Variable).
• When the imager mode is 5.8K 17:9, Zoom to Fit can now be set to 2.39:1 when the de-squeeze ratio is set to 2.0×. This enables high frame rate (HFR) shooting up to 90 FPS even when shooting on the MPC-3628 with an anamorphic lens.
• Log(Legal) can now be selected as a LUT and applied to various video outputs. This setting enables S-Log3 data output in legal range to external editing equipment.
• Peaking display can now be turned on/off using an assignable button.
• ACES 1.0 Output-Rec.709 can now be selected as a LUT to apply to the Monitor output video and viewfinder screen video when Input Color Space is set to ACEScct.
• Display of a 2.2:1 aspect marker is now supported.
• File data saved in internal memory, such as passwords and User 3D LUTs, can now be reset together with the menu settings by executing Factory Reset in the Maintenance menu.

Finally we have an accurate list of RELIABLE Type A cards!

The CompactFlashAssocitation tested all currently available Type A cards and those are the cards that are proven to support the minimum Bitrate and therefore ave consistent performance:

VPG 400 class (minimum fo 400MB/s the card can write continuously). Links to Amazon US&EU:

• Delkin 80GB
• Delkin 160GB
• Exascend 256GB
• Exascend 512GB
• Exascend 1TB
• Lexar 80GB
• Lexar 160GB
• Lexar 320GB
• Nextorage 40GB
• Nextorage 80GB
• Nextorage 160GB
• Nextorage 320GB
• Nextorage 640GB
• Prograde Digital 80GB
• Prograde Digital 160GB
• Sony 80Gb
• Sony 160GB
• Sony 320GB
• Sony 640GB

VPG 200 class (minimum fo 200MB/s the card can write continuously). Links to Amazon US&EU:

• Exascend 120GB
• Exascend 180GB
• Exascend 240GB
• Exascend 360GB
• Exascend 480GB
• Exascend 1TB
• Lexar 160GB
• Lexar 320GB
• Nextorage 480GB
• Nextorage 960GB
• Nextorage 1920GB
• Prograde Digital 240GB
• Prograde Digital 480GB
• Sony 960GB
• Sony 1920Gb

What is Video Performance Guarantee (VPG)?

The Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) is a standard established by the CompactFlash Association to ensure that memory cards can handle the high data rates required for video recording. Specifically, VPG guarantees a minimum sustained write speed necessary for recording high-quality video without dropping frames. This is crucial for professionals and videographers who rely on uninterrupted, high-resolution video capture.

The VPG classes marked by the logos on the card (e.g., VPG200, VPG400) indicate the minimum number of megabytes per second (MB/s) that the card can write continuously. Higher VPG ratings are indicative of better performance enabling more demanding video formats like 4K as well as allowing high-frame-rate recordings to be captured reliably. This standard helps consumers select the appropriate memory card for their specific video recording needs ensuring compatibility and performance.

CFA-Certified Media Cards that Support VPG Profiles

The following products from CFA Members are certified by CFA to support VPG classes VPG200 and VPG400.  For a card to support VPG, the card must pass the VPG certification test by CFA.  These cards will have the VPG certification logos – the clapboard logos with either 200 or 400 designators –  on their labels. End users requiring VPG Profiles should choose media cards from this list.  This list will be updated in real-time as new products are introduced.

You can now buy the new Ulanzi F12 flash at Ulanzistore.

Features

• Take Your Portrait Shooting to Next Level:  Create your desired lighting effects both indoor and outdoor.
• Pocket Size: Weighing only 108g，this speedlite also offers a storage bag for easy transportation.
• Standard Hot Shoe Mount: Compatible with mainstream camera brands including: Sony，Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, etc.
• Reliable Exposure: High-speed flash to make your picture shine even in dim environment. This speedlite has a GN of 12, a High Speed Sync of 1/250s, and a CCT of 5600K. (*It is recommended to use this speedlite within 4m)
• Keep Every Moment Stunning: 1-7s recycling time makes continuous flash shooting possible. The lower the flash brightness, the less it takes to recycle back to full power.
• User-friendly Display: It comes with a display and multi-functional buttons for easy operation.
• Support Auto & Manual Modes: In Auto mode, the speedlite adjusts its output through a sensor itself; in Manual mode, you can adjust the dimming.
• Type-C Charging for Convenience: With a built-in 1200mAh battery, it also supports USB-C charging with a power bank. And it takes about 2.5h to be fully charged.
• Dry and Wet Separation, Organized Storage: Neat and organized small accessory storage, with thoughtful dry and wet separation.

Specifications

• Material: ABS
• GN: 12 (ISO 100 in meters)
• CCT: 5600K
• High Speed Sync (HSS): 1/250 s
• Recycle Time: 1-7 s
• Dimming: 1-100％
• Charging Port: Type-C
• Charging Time: about 2.5h
• Working Voltage: 3.7V
• Battery Capacity: 1200mAh
• Net Weight: 108g±5g
• Dimensions: 72*60*50mm±5mm

Tamron released the full financial results for 2023 and the forecast for 2024. The good news is that Tamron increased both net sales and operating income with particularly strong sales in China and Japan.

Financial key info:

• In the photography segment Net sales increased from 45.5 billions YEN (2022) to 53 billions YEN (2023)
• They report high growth in the Chinese market and also strong sales in Japan
• In the interchangeable lens camera and lens market, the quantity remains flat, but the total amount increases due to the strong performance of high-value-added products YoY.

Forecast with six new lenses:

• 6 new lenses coming in 2024
• In future they might release 7 lenses per year

What to expect:
Tamron usually announces 5 lenses per year but in 2024 they will announce 6 new lenses. But don’t expect them to be all E-mount. Some of these lenses will be Z or X mount versions of currently available E-mount lenses. Still, I hope Tamron will release new E-mount lenses that are based on som of their exciting patents. Here is a list of patents I found:

Exciting right? Hope sources can soon tell me more about their E-mount lens roadmap!

Why is NO ONE talking about this amazing Camera?! Sony ZV-E1

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
The Sony Saviour… (James Popsys)
Very Good Street Settings For Every Camera (Matti Sulanto).
Few Sony A9III shots by our reader Michael McConville.
Placing the World’s Blackest Material Inside a LENS (Mathieu Stern).
Year in Review 2023: New Wildlife Lenses (Explora).
What is Global Shutter? And How It Works (42West).

Follow our new Youtube channel.
Join our SonyAlphaForum.
I kindly invite you all to follow our Discord channel, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Twitter to not miss news and rumors

We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony Alpha group. Sony A1 group. Sony A9 series group. Sony A7r series group. Sony A7s series group. Sony A7 series group.

And here it is, finally in Stock at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama.

Reminder: Sony dropped the price of their TOUGH CFexpress Type A cards series sold by Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto.

• $170 off on the 640GB card sold by Amazon and also here at BHphoto.
• $120 off on the 320GB card sold by Amazon and also here at BHphoto.
• $130 off on the 160GB card sold by Amazon and also here at BHphoto.

Sony Compact Prime Lenses: Perfect for Sony A7CII and Sony A7CR

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Top-Rated Cameras for Portrait and Fashion Photography (Explora).
Adorama’s Favorite Holiday Photo Gifts of 2023 (42West).
New generation snap shooter α7CⅡ (Mapcamera).
Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 lens review (Christopher Frost)
What do you do if you find your stolen items for sale on Ebay? I get the chance to find out (Mike Lane).
Best fast zoom for Sony APS-C cameras? Detailed tests on Sony 16-55 f2.8 vs Tamron 17-70 f2.8 (Lightpoint).

Follow our new Youtube channel.
Join our SonyAlphaForum.
I kindly invite you all to follow our Discord channel, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Twitter to not miss news and rumors

We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony Alpha group. Sony A1 group. Sony A9 series group. Sony A7r series group. Sony A7s series group. Sony A7 series group.