Perfect Timing
Timed perfect by the folks at Sony, they have officially announced their XQD cards alongside the officially official Nikon D4.
PARK RIDGE, N.J. , Jan 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Giving photo enthusiasts and professional photographers a new level of speed and performance, the new Sony XQD™ memory cards support the recently adopted XQD specification for high-speed, high-performance digital image capture.
Using the XQD memory cards, XQD compatible high-end DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera users can capture up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode. In addition to outstanding high-speed data transfer capability, the new cards are highly reliable to protect users’ data and images.
“Advanced shooters want to capture the moment in the highest quality possible, and that often means dealing with massive files like RAW images,” said Viviano Cantu , Director of Consumer Media for Sony Electronics. “Memory card technology has done a great job of keeping pace, but these new cards give an entirely new meaning to speed and performance.”
The new Sony cards are based on the XQD memory card specification, which the CompactFlash Association recently approved and licensed as an open format. With its ultra high write-speed performance, and when using Nikon’s new DSLR “D4,” the XQD memory card can record up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode*.
The Sony XQD memory card achieves stable continuous shooting of RAW images and blazing fast data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps/125MB/s write and read (based on Sony tests and dependent on host hardware) through the PCIe interface, a computer expansion card standard for serial interfaces.
A unique controller and optimized flash memory enables high-speed data processing, resulting in faster write speed and performance that can’t be achieved by conventional compact flash cards.
Sony is also introducing a USB 2.0/3.0 compatible XQD card reader (model MRW-E80) so users can quickly and easily transfer large quantities of very high capacity data to their PC. Also, an XQD ExpressCard Adapter (QDA-EX1) will be available for use with computers with an ExpressCard™ 34 card slot.
“As users’ needs continue to evolve,” Cantu added, “Sony will also continue to enhance the XQD memory card line-up to meet the future requirements of the high-end digital imaging market.”
The new Sony products are planned to be available in February and are estimated to sell at the following retail prices:
- QD-H16 card, 16 GB, $129.99
- QD-H32 card, 32 GB, $229.99
- Card Reader, MRW-E80, $44.99
- ExpressCard Adapter, QDA-EX1, $44.99
For information, visit www.sony.net/Products/memorycard/en_us/xqd/index.html.
* When used with Nikon “D4,” with capture of compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW) images; based on Nikon research.
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Redrock Micro Announces New ultraCage | blue for Digital Cinema Cameras
In lock-step with Canon Cinema EOS Camera announcement, ultraCage is a New Generation of Support for a New Generation of Cameras
Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX – Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-level cinema accessories, announced today the ultraCage | blue line of cinema accessories and support gear for the new generation of digital cinema cameras. The ultraCage is the first cage designed specifically the just-announced Canon EOS C300, and has been called the essential accessory for transforming these phenomenal cameras into phenomenal camera systems. The ultraCage delivers all the needed pieces for mounting, accessory support, safety, and modularity to fulfill the promise of these cameras. As with all Redrock products, the ultraCage delivers professional systems at revolutionary prices.
Redrock ultraCage the Foundation of Canon’s Product Launch Films
The ultraCage and Redrock rigs were used exclusively by all productions of Canon’s launch movies shot with the EOS C300. These projects were all helmed by prestigious directors and directors of photography including Richard Crudo, ASC, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Sam Nicholson, ASC, Vincent Laforet, DGA, and Ron Howard, DGA.
During camera prep for these films, each production’s crew created their own custom configurations and rigs using the ultraCage as the foundation, and then built up with Redrock’s huge library of cinema accessories. The result was a wide range of finely tuned solutions to each operator’s individual taste and needs.
“The RedRock Micro ultraCage is an invaluable addition to the new Canon C300,” said Dana Christiaansen, Director of Photography for Sam Nicholson’s film ‘XXIT’. “The engineering and mechanical quality is excellent. Their [system] allows fast adjustments and holds the setting under tough shooting conditions. “I really appreciate a trouble-free camera support system… Redrock Micro has done a great job.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better camera for this [project]” said Eric Wolfinger, first AC B camera for Richard Crudo’s film ‘Max is Back’. “The [standalone camera] design is great, but wouldn’t really work in a production environment without the support from Redrock. Everything is nice and light and easy to use.”
Leading in Innovation, ultraCage | blue is the First and Only Support Cage Designed Specifically for the Canon EOS C300 Body
Like no other system anywhere, ultraCage mirrors the sleek, compact design of the Canon C300 series camera to add critical features and support without expanding the footprint. The ultraCage closely wraps the camera to maintain its beautiful natural form factor while adding rails support, mounting points, and a rugged 360 degree camera casing. The C300′s removable handgrip can be attached and used, or detached all without removing the ultraCage. The ultraCage is designed in partnership with Canon to ensure all buttons, functions, and doors are completely accessible. You get the most out of your camera without anything getting in the way. The ultraCage is a significant evolution from today’s clunky and inelegant square cages.
“When Canon approached us to create a cage that would ‘finish’ the C300 into a supremely functional production camera, we wanted to do something more than just create a square cage,” said James Hurd, Chief Revolutionary of Redrock Micro. “We felt it was important to mirror C300′s compactness and beautiful lines without increasing the camera’s footprint. Customers want to retain the camera’s feel and ergonomics, and add the support, security, and features of the ultraCage.”
The Redrock ultraCage and Redrock rigs showed prominently in the behind-the-scenes footage of the Canon unveiling event. Martin Scorcese, a keynote speaker at the event, reflected on the significance of smaller, more agile equipment, and underscores the important design theme that both Canon and Redrock espouse: “bulky, expensive equipment [has been an] impediment to filmmaking in the past… Now anyone can make a movie, and storytelling through video is easier than ever.”
The ultraCage | blue Delivers it All
- Form-fitting - The ultraCage design mirrors the C300 and enhances the camera’s form and functionality without increasing the footprint.
- Full-featured - ultraCage delivers a landslide of features across support, stabilization, power, and cinema accessories.
- Modular sizes - choose the style that works for you: from ultra-compact cages to full cinema-style extended cages with added support and mounting points. Tool-less setup allows you to switch between setups quickly and easily.
- High-end cinema ready: built- in 15mm lightweight, built-in ready for 15mm studio and 19mm rails for big lens support such as Canon’s cine zooms. Powered option includes power for camera and up to 2 additional 12v accessories such as camera-top monitors.
- Affordable - Redrock continues to buck the trend by offering professional level cinema accessories at revolutionary prices so that anyone can afford to own great gear and get more value for your money.
ultraCage | blue Universal: ultraCage for Everyone
In addition to the ultraCage for the Canon C300, Redrock also announced ultraCage Universal, a version designed to extend the great features of ultraCage to other cameras including HDSLRs and digital cinema cameras such as the Sony NEX-FS100 and Panasonic AG-AF100 among others.
For More Information
Additional details can be found on the ultraCage page at redrockmicro.com/ultraCage
Pricing and Availability
Official pricing has not yet been announced for the ultraCage, but cages are expected to start under US $750. Like all other Redrock cinema accessories the full line is expected to be profoundly affordable. Redrock revolutionary prices are typically ½ to 1/5th the cost of comparable professional level equipment. Expected availability is December 2011.
About Redrock Micro
Redrock Micro revolutionized independent film production in the early 2000s with the M2 cinema lens adapter, and reinvented digital filmmaking in 2008 with HDSLR cinema rigs and accessories. Today, Redrock Micro continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning digital cinema rigs and accessories, DSLR rigs, depth-of-field adapters, stabilization and support gear, sophisticated focus controllers, and advanced cinema accessories. More information is available at redrockmicro.com.
Print-Ready Images and Resources
Redrock Micro ultraCage | blue
Redrock Logo
Online Videos
Redrock Micro ultraCage | blue was the exclusive suport system used in all Canon’s product launch films. Behind-the-scenes videos from these launch videos can be found below:
If you have any questions, please drop me a line.
Cheers,
Brian
Brian Valente
Redrock Micro
Pretty cool adaptor.
Red Rock Micro has released an adaptor for your Micro 4/3 mount camera. The adaptor allows for aperture control on all Canon EF mount lenses.
…..The Redrock Micro LiveLens mft is the solution for using sharp EF-mount lenses on Micro Four Third bodies without sacrifice. Where standard “dummy adapters” just physically mount EF lenses to the Micro Four Third body, the Redrock micro LiveLens MFT talks to the lens, giving you the ability to adjust your aperture without the need to use time consuming workarounds on set. Don’t work around the ability of your lenses; make your lenses work for you, starting today.
Red Rock Micro
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Vincent Laforet is at it again
The angle of video of a Canon 600mm f4 EF Lens with a 2X converter on a RED Epic, is roughly one degree. (1 Degree, 45 arcminutes horizontally to be exact.)
The focal length in terms of 35mm is more than 3400mm – not too shabby when you consider this was shot at 4K, 120fps in full RAW on the Epic.
So who cares? Is this just a case of “just because you can…”
The yet to be released EF mount for the RED system fully supports IS, autofocus, digital aperture control, touch to focus, touch to rack focus and distance readout. All you need to convert your RED to EF is a Torx screwdriver.
Vincent shot this film at Mono Lake 45 minutes after sunset until it was dark. He used an ISO range of 800 to 2000.
Visit the Vincent Laforet Blog to see more images of the setup.
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From Vincent Laforet
NAB 2010 kicks off tomorrow – and you should expect some pretty fantastic announcements from a wide variety of companies. I know of quite a few – but am sworn to secrecy for at least another 12 hours or so.
For those of you who could not make it out to the city of sin for this conference – know that a lot of the buzz here surrounds the HD DSLR and “convergence” worlds. Very exciting times. I can’t wait to share a lot of what I know with you very shortly. Zeiss, RedRock Micro, Lite Panels, Marshall Electronics, Canon and many many more have some very exciting announcement to make tomorrow!
Read More: http://blog.vincentlaforet.com
From Canon, it could be the remotes we were told about.
Adobe has announced Creative Suite 5
Check out all the info about the new suite from adobe.
http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/?promoid=FDTFL
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Canon launches new Wireless transmitters for 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II and the 7D
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 7, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is announcing a step forward in the digital integration of professional photography workflows with the introduction of three new Wireless File Transmitter units to accompany each of the Company’s three professional Digital SLR Camera models. The new WFT-E2 II A Wireless File Transmitter, WFT-E4 II A Wireless File Transmitter and WFT-E5A Wireless File Transmitter for the EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D, respectively, provide professional photographers with a range of innovative wireless connectivity options for all photographic disciplines.
Full Press Release: http://www.usa.canon.com/……
Delkin Delivers Genuine Human Contact with New 420X CompactFlash Line
Poway, CA. January 7th, 2010 – Delkin Devices, Inc. today expanded their lineup of CompactFlash card storage by announcing four new blazing fast 420X PRO cards capable of transfer speeds up to 63MB/s. The new UDMA enabled flash memory comes with a remarkable San Diego based customer service team as well as a lifetime warranty, and is available in capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. For a working photographer, the reliability and service support behind a memory card can be just as crucial, if not more so, than the camera itself.
“Unless they have blown it up, dissected it, or their dog has chewed on it, we’ll take it back,” said Eric Findley, Delkin’s Customer Service Supervisor. “Since we’re based out of Southern California it’s easy to call us up and talk to a knowledgeable person within
minutes. We stand by our hassle free exchange policy; in addition to the lifetime warranty on flash memory, we have industry leading product support policies on our batteries, readers, adapters, and most all of our digital camera accessories. We build superb products and we want photographers to know they can count on us to support them.”
Delkin’s PRO memory card line combines blazing fast speeds and increased capacity with unmatched reliability. Every card is manufactured with high grade NAND flash, advanced controller design, and quality control guidelines based on ISO:9001 standards. Additionally, built-in ECC (Error Correction Code) automatically detects and corrects any errors that might occur during data transfer. Delkin’s 420X CF cards are fully compliant with current CompactFlash specifications with support for Ultra DMA (UDMA) mode 6. These high-speed cards are able to instantaneously store high-resolution images and HD video, making recording faster and easier than ever.
Delkin has supported Lifetime warranties on its memory products for over 20 years and maintains a U.S. based support center where genuine human assistance is consistently available Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm PST. Delkin’s 420X PRO line of CompactFlash memory cards and other innovative digital camera accessories may be found in camera stores and distributors worldwide, as well as the company’s website at www.delkin.com.
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