CES 2014: Lexar Announces World’s Fastest Memory Card

CES 2014

To learn more about this new technology have a look at PetaPixel.

Lexar press release:

New Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 Card Provides Read Transfer Speeds up to 500MB/s* in Capacities up to 256GB

Fremont, CA, January 6, 2014 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced its technological leadership in the digital imaging market with the immediate sample availability of Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards and the Lexar Professional Workflow CFast 2.0 USB 3.0 reader for the Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution. The CFast 2.0 specification is the next generation of high performance memory cards designed for professional applications in still imaging and video capture.

Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 Card
With capacities available for sampling in 256GB, 128GB, 64GB, and 32GB, the Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards demonstrate new speed thresholds to capture high-quality images and 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video. Designed to maximize the capabilities of the next-generation of high-definition camcorders and high-resolution digital SLR cameras, the new cards provide a read transfer speed up to 3333x (500MB per second)*, which is three times faster than any CompactFlash card.** Additionally, the new Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards will support the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-65) specification for professional-quality video capture, and includes the latest version of Image Rescue software.

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Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Review (The Phoblographer)

Among the many high quality lenses released by Sigma lately, there is also the new [shoplink 17019]Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM[/shoplink]. This lens, thought for full-frame sensors, directly competes with Canon’s own [shoplink 230]EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM[/shoplink], a well-known, reliable workhorse. The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 is the lens DxOMark said is the new reference standard for professionals.

The Phoblographer got their hands on the Sigma and reviewed it. About the build quality: “the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 is extremely well-built. It almost feels like a Zeiss lens“. Autofocus is “extremely quick throughout the entire range of the lens” and image stabilization “on this lens work wonders“. Not to forget that “the image quality of this lens is fantastic” and that the lens is absolutely sharp. In the conclusion the reviewer writes:

If I could only have one lens with me, this would be it. This lens.The Sigma 24-105mm f4. I emerged from testing this lens thinking this just may be the most well-rounded, practical lens I have ever used. It’s not about glitz or glamour. The Sigma 24-105mm f4 is about getting the shot.  This lens is really good. It is civilized and can be put to work everywhere. Sigma put a lot of thought into this lens and it’s appreciated.

The review comes with sample images.

Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM
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Sigma 24-105mm f/4

Canon Powershot N100 Hands-On (engadget)

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Canon Powershot N100
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Announced yesterday, Canon’s new concept camera, the dual camera enabled Powershot N100 got its first hands-on review by engadget (with a 2min hands-on video). The N100 in some way follows the [shoplink 9369]Powershot N[/shoplink]. The N100 has a tiltable display, WiFi and NFC, and a rear facing camera (dual capture) to get a unique perspective on your life (and your life as photographer). The back camera is named “Story Camera” by Canon: “with the innovative and new Dual Capture mode, users can simultaneously capture special moments using the Main Camera, while the Story Camera, a rear facing sub-camera, will embed a picture of them onto the main image“.

The N100’s specifications (from Adorama’s product page):

  • Dual Capture uses a rear-facing secondary camera to capture your expression while shooting and then creates a picture-in-picture effect.
  • Story Highlights automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of software.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless transferring of images and video to compatible mobile devices, select social networking sites and your Wi-Fi enabled computer, and lets you remotely shoot using your smartphone or tablet.
  • For easier Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) allows quick and simple pairing to a compatible Android device.
  • The convenient Mobile Device Connect Button allows you to connect to your compatible Android or iOS device for quick and easy sharing.
  • 5x Optical Zoom, bright f/1.8 and 24mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilizer for excellent image quality.
  • 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 6 Image Processor creates the Canon HS SYSTEM, which helps provide excellent low-light performance.
  • Creative Shot mode uses composition, color and lighting from your original image to create unique images with an artistic flair.
  • Hybrid Auto records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel.
  • 3.0-inch tilt, capacitive touch panel LCD helps provide flexibility.
  • Capture stunning 1080p Full HD video with a dedicated movie button.

Complete specifications and feature list after the break.

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CES 2014: Sigma Announces Redesigned 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM “Contemporary” Lens

Sigma announced a redesigned 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM lens, part of the “Contemporary” line-up. Price and availability to be announced. Press release was made together with the announcement of the new 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM “Art” lens.

Lens Construction 16 Elements in 13 Groups
Angle of View 76.5º-8.1º
Number of Diaphragm Blades 7 (rounded diaphragm)
Mininum Aperture f22
Minimum Focusing Distance 39 cm / 15.4 in
Filter Size (mm) 62mm
Maximum Magnifications 1:3
Dimensions
(Diameter x Length)		 70.7mm x 86mm/2.8in. x 3.4in.
Weight 430g / 15.2oz.

Sigma’s product description:

The Sigma 18-200mm 3.5-6.3 DC HSM OS lens is the second addition to the Contemporary line from Sigma’s Global Vision. The Sigma 18-200mm lens was designed for APS-C sensors and features a new matte black finish, thermally stable composite material in its construction and smaller and lighter design then previous models. With exceptional performance, this 18-200mm camera lens does not sacrifice image quality for versatility. Having the ability to shoot from wide angle to telephoto is highly useful particularly for travel photography, landscape photography, street photography, portrait photography and nature photography. An improved minimum focusing distance of 14.7 inches paired with the use of Special Low Dispersion glass, the 18-200mm excels at bringing out great detail in close-up photography as well. A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, accurate and fast autofocus and an optical Stabilizer (OS) helps compensate for camera shake. Make this lens your all-in-one lens to handle any shooting scenario.