Sony introduces the world’s toughest and fastest SD Card

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Sony introduces the world’s toughest and fastest SD Card

World’s toughest[i] SD card is 18x[ii]bend proof[iii] and drop proof[iv]
World’s first[v] one-piece molding structure for strength and hardness
Ribless and switchless design ensures there are no fragile components
World’s fastest[vi] read speed up to 300MB/s and write speed up to 299MB/s[vii]
Waterproof and dustproof world-class ratings of IPX8and IP6X respectively[viii]
Keep your work safe with the SD Scan Utility and File Rescue Software

Sony today announced a brand new innovation in storage media with the launch of the “SF-G series TOUGH specification”UHS-II SD card. Addressing the needs of photographers who are reliant upon their photographs remaining safe when their SD cards are removed from the camera, the new SF-G series TOUGH specification range combines the world’s fastest read and write speeds with an ultra-rugged design that is bend proof to 180N, and drop proof to 5 metres. For photographers who are fighting against the elements to get the perfect shot, the SF-G series TOUGH specification range of SD cards are also waterproof with an IPX8 rating and dustproof with an IP6X rating.

The new SF-G series TOUGHspecification range of SD cards are 18 times stronger than the SD standard[ix] with world’s first monolithic structure (one-piece molding, no empty space in the card) and materials of high-grade hardness, unlike conventional SD cards with a thin, 3-part ensemble. They areprotected against typical physical damage that can affect conventional SD cards such as a broken plastic casing, broken data protection lock and broken connector ribs. This has been achieved through a new means that it is the world’s first rib-less SD card with no write protection switch. These developments ensure that the SF-G series TOUGH specification is more resistant to bending and easy to break parts are removed entirely and has been engineered by Sony to deliver the best balance of hardness and toughness. Completely sealed with one-piece molding structure, no waterdrop, dust or dirt is not allowed to come into the card, meeting highest grade of waterproof (IPX8) and dustproof(IP6X).

Unleash the power of the camera

In an industry trend, driven by Sony, full-frame mirrorless cameras such as the α9 and α7 series are packing in more and more performance in both stills and video performance. These high-end cameras rely on fast memory cards to maximise their performance and with professional photographers now using SD cards more frequently, users are demanding the levels of reliability and durability associated with other professional card types. With the world’s fastest write speed of up to 299MB/s, buffer clearing time is minimised. This allows the photographer to shoot many frames per second and capture the action that they want. The SF-G series TOUGH specification range also supports V90, the highest standard of video speed class, making it an ideal companion for shooting high resolution video.

Furthermore, transferring high capacity photo and video files is made simple with the SF-G series TOUGH specification, thanks to a read speed of up to 300MB/s. This is another world’s fastest which dramatically enhances workflow efficiency after the shooting is all wrapped up. In a further acknowledgement of the practical needs of photographers, the SF-G series TOUGH specification range feature bright yellow banding design, making the card easier to spot in dark shooting conditions.

Ultimate Assurance

SF-G series TOUGHspecification SD cards offer a series of further features, designed to give photographers peace of mind. These include an ‘SD Scan Utility’ which allows the user to check that the card is good condition and File Rescue Software[x] which can recover data and photos that might have accidentally been deleted. Furthermore, SF-G series TOUGH specification SD cards are also X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static, temperature proof and feature UV Guard.

Pricing and Availability

The SF-G TOUGH series of memory cards will be available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities. They will launch in Europe from October. Full product details are available at: http://www.sony.net/sfgt/

[i]As a consumer SD card, Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[ii]Performance is 18x stronger compared to SD bending test specification of 10N

[iii]Bend proof to 180N

[iv]Drop proof to 5m

[v]As a SD card of 2.1mm thick. Conformance to ribless card specifications of Standard Size SD Card Mechanical Addendum 6.0. Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[vi]As of August 2018, Sony investigation.

[vii]Based on Sony internal testing. Transfer speeds vary, and are dependent on host devices, the OS version or usage conditions. To effectively utilize the product’s high-speed capabilities, your compatible device must support UHS-II. Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[viii]Conformance to IP68 standard. We cannot guarantee against damage to record data or card in all situations and conditions.

[ix]SD standard withstands 10N force, while this card withstands 180N force.

[x]Downloadable from the Sony Support site

Phase One announces the new IQ4 with the world’s first new Sony 151 megapixel sensor!

Today Phase One announced the worlds first camera using the brand new Sony 150 Megapixel 54x40mm sensor! This marks a new boundary in terms of image quality performance. Phase ONe writes:

The IQ4 150MP Backside Illuminated (BSI) sensors introduces the new standard of digital sensor technology to full frame medium format photography. The IQ4 150MP BSI sensor’s ultra-efficient pixel design results in the uninterrupted capture of light within each pixel, directly translating a more accurate render with improved color, detail and noise handling within the RAW file.

If you scroll down on this page you can find some image samples and even download full size RAWs. You will need Capture One 11 (Click here)  to open them. If you want to buy the software keep in mind you save 10% when using our code checkout “AMBSAR“.

They also have an achromatic version of this Sony sensor (WOW!):

The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the XF IQ4 Camera Systems (including XF camera body and prism, a Blue Ring prime lens of your choice, 5-year warranty and 5-year uptime guarantee) are:

  • XF IQ4 150MP Camera System: $51,990 USD
  • XF IQ4 100MP Trichromatic Camera System: $47,990 USD
  • XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic Camera System: $54,990 USD

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Phase One also launched the new Capture One 11.2.1 which has many bugfixes and adds lens support for the new 400mm GM. You get a 10% discount on  Capture One 11 (Click here) and Capture One 11 for Sony (Click here) using our coupon code “AMBSAR“.

Sony Tidbits…


Sony RX100 Mark VI Hands-on Review at Mt Rainier NP – 4k

Nikkor 50 f1.2 – A timeless classic (Theweekendlens).
Tokina Firin 20mm F2 FE AF review (CameraJabber).
Traveling Cross-Country with the Peak Design Everyday Backpack (Explora).
First Church Wedding with Sony A7riii (Enthusiastphotoblog).
24-70mm GM review by Mari Pack.

Sony is gearing up for events like in the US and will be sharing them on social media and it’s website. For Belgium : 

David: “I made a new english Video for my little english side-channel about the GABALE L-Bracket. https://youtu.be/2o3u9Pd5j4Q”

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

Join the new Sony Alpha Camera Facebook group.
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I kindly invite you all to follow our RSS feed, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to not miss news and rumors

We have our own Facebook camera groups and pages you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony A9 group and Sony A9 page.
Sony A7rIII group and Sony A7rIII page
Sony A7sIII group and Sony A7sIII page
Sony A7III group and Sony A7III page
Note: In groups you can post your own stuff like images, news and questions. While on pages you will read the specific camera news from SAR.

This new Zeiss patent discloses a 35mm f/2.0 lens design for the new fixed lens Full Frame camera

One of our readers (Thanks!) spotted a brand new Zeiss patent published in July. The patent descirbes a 35mm f/2.0 high quality lens:

To provide a compact camera lens having a maximum imaging quality of a camera having a full frame sensor.

The patent contains an MTF chart, indicating very high performance with nearly 0.8 @ 40 lp/mm throughout much of the frame except in the extreme corners. So this lens should indeed have “maximum imaging quality” and won’t have a “mid-zone dip” that plagues the Zeiss Loxia Biogon 35mm f/2 (which only scores 0.6 @ 40 lp/mm in the center, down to < 0.4 at the midzone and corners).
The tangential and sagittal MTF curves are also very close, indicating low coma/astigmatism/lateral chromatic aberration.
The lens has 9 elements in 7 groups, of which the last two elements are very large aspherical elements (4 aspherical surfaces total). The last element in particular has a pretty extreme shape, and also sits very close to the image sensor. It is probably difficult to manufacture and align.

The lens is internal focusing, by moving two elements.

As with always, patents do not necessarily indicate the final product. In fact, multiple variations of a similar design were in the patent. So, we cannot draw any final conclusions regarding this lens. We do not even know if this lens is in fact the same one that is going to be in the upcoming Zeiss camera.

 

This week SAR readers photos selection


Paavo Terva‎
A relatively angry squirrel.
Sony a7 III | Sony FE 85mm F1.8
https://www.instagram.com/paavotervaphotography/
#sonyalphagallery

 

1) You can submit one single picture per week only.
2) To submit your picture for the weekly readers roundup post you can choose one of the following three options:
– Instagram: Follow @sonyalphagallery and tag us on your picture to give us the permission to repost your image on the instagram gallery and on SAR (we will credit you)
– Facebook: Submit your picture on our group: facebook.com/groups/sonyalphacamera. Please add the hashtag “#sonyalphagallery ” to grant the permission for reposting on SAR. Without the hashtag we will not add your picture!
– Forum: Submit your picture on the SonyAlphaForum image section and add the hashtag “#sonyalphagallery ”
3) Like and comment the pictures from other readers here: instagram.com/sonyalphagallery, facebook.com/groups/sonyalphacamera and on SonyAlphaForum.
4) A selection of most liked pictures by the community and by me SAR admin will be posted weekly on SAR.

Note: When sending a pic feel free to also add a link to your site to promote yourself! And please do share one single picture per week only. Do not spam :)

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