DiggIt All Photo

Hasselblad presented 40 megapixel H4D-40

2010-02-03T02:42:00.001-08:00

40 megapixel Hasselblad H4D-40 camera
The new True Focus feature is a further refinement of Hasselblad’s segment leading Auto Focus system that makes accurate near field composing substantially easier for photographic professionals. Hasselblad is targeting the H4D-40, which features a 33×44 mm CCD sensor with 40 million pixels and provides almost twice the capture area of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors, towards high-end 35mm professionals. “Most high-end photographers understand the advantages that a Medium Format system has over smaller formats,” explains Hasselblad CEO Larry Hansen, “but many younger photographers have never been exposed to larger format photography. Most everyone in the photographic world is aware, for example, of the dramatic developments that have taken place in the 35mm in recent years,” he continues, “but there many of the younger generation of shooters are not aware of the fact that Medium Format DSLRs have evolved equally dramatically, maintaining - and even in some cases increasing - the quality gap that has historically existed between small format and larger format systems.”

Hasselblad H4D-40 features new True Focus AF system
"The fact that our large sensors have millions of pixels more than 35mm sensors is known, for instance,” Hansen continues, “but the superior image quality that results, in terms of color, detail, and clarity, is not as well known. Likewise, many photographers are not aware of the fact that the larger format of the H System cameras provides a considerably shallower depth of field range, making it much easier to utilize selective focus to creative effect. When combined with True Focus, this opens enormous creative possibilities and technical accuracy. Add to this the modularity of the Hasselblad H4D-40 with its choice of bright image viewfinders and an extensive accessories program, and you get a feature set that makes a Hasselblad system, today, more than ever, a crucial component of any professional photographic toolbox.”

Hasselblad H4D-40 low noise filters
Features such as new low noise color filters of the Hasselblad H4D-40’s sensor and the high performance HC/HCD lens line, provide the basis for increased clarity and increased depth of field. The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) achieves consistent color reproduction using a single color profile, and digital lens correction (DAC), perfects each image captured through the HC/HCD lenses, by removing any trace of distortion, vignetting, or chromatic aberrations. The Hasselblad H4D also comes bundled with Hasselblad’s new Phocus 2.0 imaging software, featuring a dramatically reduced learning curve, enabling the average photographer to be up to speed in less than 30 minutes, and a feature set that matches the industry standards defined by Adobe and Apple.

Hasselblad H4D-40 medium format camera
“We are thrilled to be able to announce the introduction of the Hasselblad H4D-40,” continues Hansen, “and look forward to welcoming a new generation of 35mm photographers as they step up to a higher level of image quality and begin to explore the creative possibilities provided by a Hasselblad system. With the H4D-40, photographers get a camera that is as easy to use - or even easier - than a high-end 35mm DSLR, but that comes with the famed Hasselblad image quality - larger lenses and sensors, more advanced optics, increased resolution and clarity, and all the other benefits of Hasselblad’s Medium Format DSLRs.”

Time for 35mm photographers to try the Hasselblad H4D themselves
"For over half a century," Hansen concludes, "Hasselblad cameras have been the choice of the most discerning professionals and the reason for that loyalty has not changed - at Hasselblad, image quality always comes first. We will continue to pursue image quality perfection and will continue to provide the ultimate imaging tools for any application where image quality is important. And in the upcoming months we will do our best to see that as many 35mm photographers as possible get the opportunity to try these amazing products for themselves."

Olympus revealed PEN E-PL1

2010-02-03T02:36:00.001-08:00

Olympus revealed new camera of Micro Four Thirds Standard, the tiny and low-price Olympus PEN E-PL1.

The kit lens included M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 L is a conventional product M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lighter products. The mount is made of resin.

Also the Double Zoom Kit is for Four Thirds ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 comes with. Fosazuadaputa that comes with the MMF-2. The MMF-1 alone sale unlike Fosazuadaputa black-painted surface is provided, MMF-1 is more lightweight.

■ Art filters

The new features "Live Guide" is, iAUTO new interface working mode, can not operate in true iAUTO "vividness", "color", "Brightness" and the ability to adjust. Operated slide bar appears in the right cross button Live View screen. "Brightness" for the simple as well as exposure compensation, "light the light", "dim the light", "brighten the dark", "darken the dark" and can be adjusted. Not the entire halftone and seems to function independently adjusting shadows and highlights.

In addition to the above, "blur the background", "movement" also provides a setting item. The former aperture, shutter speed to control the latter. The guide also live, "Shooting Tips" to display some features.Flowers, pets, children, and about how to take food, the contents described in the text or Photo.

, "pop", "Fantajikkufokasu", "Rafumonokuromu", "photo" Toy, "Diorama" inherited from the E-P2. "Daydream", "light tone", "cross process" while omitted, E-P2 and the new E-P1 filter not art "Jentorusepia" with.

"Jentorusepia" not only changed the color to sepia tone a simple adjustment such as that giving contrast to the calm at the same time cast a shadow areas. "Expressions of calm upscale impression that" he said.

Jentorusepia course is also available in video art filters. 30fps to 15fps playback will be recorded.

Excluding Jentorusepia, basic video recording functions and E-P2 is equivalent to the E-P1. Up to 1,280 × 720 pixels / 30fps for HD video can be recorded. Compression is Motion JPEG. Voice linear PCM. E-P2/E-P1 but unlike the corresponding record in stereo, and has built-in microphone is mono. The E-P2, as well as the use of the port behind the hot shoe accessory, microphone adapter sold separately (2 released late shipped SEMA-1) can be used.
First video with special button, as well as initiate video recording, lighting LCD backlight ON / OFF, AEL / AFL and is assigned a different function.

■ Built-in flash for wireless multi-flash control

Built-in flash is a pop-up style, the guide number 7 (ISO100). ± 3EV in the range of possible exposure compensation, 0.3/0.5/0.7/1.0EV can select the step. Flash bracket also features three frames. In addition, Panasonic's built-in flash to adopt the same style pop-up "LUMIX DMC-GF1" is equivalent to six guide number (ISO100) has become.

As with the Four Thirds System-compliant E-3, including its own built-in flash "Wireless RC Flash System" compatible. The Kurippuonsutorobo FL-50R and FL-36R in combination with a maximum of three Group TTL multi-flash system.

Other features are almost the E-P2 adhere. 1,230 effective megapixel image sensor, 4 / 3 type Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor, sensor-shift image stabilization and still imaging, and it has a Supasonikkuuebufiruta.Maikurofosazumaunto lens mount.

Type of about 23 dot LCD monitor is 2.7 million. The VF-2 external EVF can be used. Recording Media SDHC / SD memory card. Power E-620, E-P2, E-P1 and BLS-1 using the same. Image storage capacity is about 290 frames.

i-FINISH, and E-P2 also features AF tracking function from. It also has HDMI output. The company's compact digital camera as well as the spring model, the software comes with "OLYMPUS Master 2" from "[ib]" will. RAW development even [ib] Naeru line.

Body size is 114.6 × 41.5 × 72.2mm (width × depth × height). Weight is about 296g (body only), approximately 344g (CIPA-compliant, including battery and memory card included).

■ jackets and inner body cases

Private E-PL1 leather front & Case Body "CS-13FBCBLK" (black) and "CS-13FBCWRD" (red wine) is a snap of the split upper and lower case style. M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED-14-42mm F3.5-5.6, or M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4-5.6 can hold the body while seated.

Prices start at $599. Release on the 5th of March.

Nikon MX tiny picture

2008-10-05T10:08:00.001-07:00

I have one small picture of what I believe could be the next Nikon MX camera.

Here it is - the first one on the left (for comparison purposes I added pictures of Nikon D3 prototype, real Nikon D3, D700 and Nikon F6 to the right):

The size of the prism and the mount on that "thing" appears to be way bigger than the other full frame Nikon models. I am working on getting a high resolution picture which will hopefully reveal more details.

Here is full picture of the Nikon D3 prototype - you can clearly see the difference in the prism size:

Disclaimer: this could be an old Nikon prototype or may not be related at all to Nikon MX. It could be Nikon D4, Nikon D800, Nikon F7, it could be an UFO, the next Canon with a Nikon label, whatever. I don't know for sure. I can only assure you that it's not fake. The source is very reliable. That's all I got for now.

Nikon DSLR prototype with HUGE LCD spotted on a conference in Europe (updated)

2008-10-05T10:06:00.001-07:00

He also updated his blog.

Huge LCD! I say 3.5 - 4 inches. Way bigger than the D90.

Here is the link: http://bertstephani.com/blog/?p=96

What is that?

Nikon MX

2008-10-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

The other problem I have is the red triangle on the handle of the first ad – the triangle looks different than any of the existing models (personal opinion, I could be wrong). The sequence here is MX, D3, D2HS, D700, D300, D200, D90, D80, D70 and F6. Did I miss a model?

Here is the lens from ad #3 done in PS by one of the readers:

Looks pretty damn close.

Here is another detailed compassion of the DX-FX-MX sensors from ad #4 done by another reader:

The next one is a PS job sent to me anonymously. The text on this one means "Old fox" - a crafty or clever person.

Thank you all for you your comments and analysis. Remember that I am in the same boat as you - I just want to know and I don't know anything more than you do.

If you did not get enough, here is another one of the many emails I got on this topic:

If you measure the size of the wheel on the D3 image (on my screen) you get 9mm wide if you measure the size of the mirror you get 15.5 mm wide 15.5/9=1.722 size factor

You can do the same measurement with the d700 image (once again on my screen) and you get 22/13 1.69.....from these two measurements we can assume the size factor of the wheel to the mirror on these two cameras is about 1.7 and can be used as a good measure for all Nikon cameras.

since we know that the real size of a Nikon mirror is 36mm wide we can get a real life size factor from the photos also..........36/15.5=2.322 for the D3

.........36/22=1.636 for the d700

we can now use these measurement to find the actual wheel size.....2.322*13=20.898 for the d3 and 1.636*13=21.268......from this we can assume that the size of the wheel on all cameras is roughly 21mm wide

If we measure the size of the mirror from the big ad we see it is about 23mmx14mm on my screen and the size of the wheel is about 10mm. If we then use the wheel (21mm wide) as a standard. 21/10=2.1 size factor. We can then use this size factor to determine the real life size of the sensor. 23*2.1=48.3mm and 14*2.1=29.4mm.

Now take it with a grain of salt but from my calculation looking at the photos the sensor of the camera in the big ad would be roughly 48x30

Canon EOS Cashback Offers

2008-10-05T09:59:00.001-07:00

Canon have announced cashback offers on three of their EOS DSLR camera range. Valid until 12th January 2009, there’s £30 / €40 off the EOS 1000D (pictured) with 18-55 IS kit lens, £50 / €65 off the EOS 450D, and £60 / €75 off the EOS 40D. Participants must be resident in the European Union, and the offer only applies to purchases made between Monday 15 September 2008 and Monday 12 January 2009.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today announced cashback offers on three of their award winning EOS DSLR range.

EOS 1000D
£30 GBP, €40 EURO cashback until 12th January 2009

EOS 1000D Features:
10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
7-point wide-area AF System
Up to 3 frames per second
2.5” LCD with Live View shooting

Canon also have an extra offer on the EOS 1000D. 50% off Experience Seminars courses.
Experience Seminar are recommended by Canon as they offer high quality practical seminars, delivered by a team of professional trainers dedicated to bringing you the best possible training on your camera.

EOS 450D
£50 GBP, €65 EURO cashback until 12th January 2009
EOS 450D features:
12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
3.5 frames per second
DIGIC III image processor
3.0” LCD with Live View shooting

EOS 40D
£60 GBP, €75 EURO cashback until 12th January 2009
EOS 40D features:
10.1 Megapixels
6.5 fps continuous shooting, max. burst 75 JPAGs
AF system with 9 cross type sensors
DIGIC III processor
3.0” LCD with Live View mode

For full terms and conditions visit http://www.canon.co.uk/eoscashback

Published: Tuesday, September 30, 2008

WPPI 2009

2008-10-05T09:58:00.003-07:00

The WPPI 2009 photography show takes place in Las Vegas from February 14th-19th. Aimed at wedding and portrait photographers, WPPI 2009 will be held in 600,000 sq ft of classroom and exhibition space at the MGM Grand Hotel & Conference Center. Centered around the theme “A World of Photo,” the WPPI `09 program features 350 leading manufacturers and exhibitors as well as photography training. “WPPI offers innovative ways to expand your business with the skills you need to compete in today’s challenging market along with skills to enhance your productivity. With almost 350 tradeshow exhibitors, and over 130 educational classes you can’t afford to miss WPPI ‘09,” states Rangefinder Publishing President, Skip Cohen.

WPPI Press Release

WPPI 2009 Launches “World of Photo” With All-new Venues, Educational Forums & Trade Show

Registration Opens October 1st To Learn Valuable Trade Tips & Grow Business

The 2009 WPPI (http://www.wppionline.com) held in association with RangeFinder & AfterCapture Magazines expands its global platform with an all-new location with over 600,000 sq ft of classroom and exhibition space at the MGM Grand Hotel & Conference Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pre-Show EDU-Convention begins February 12th. After a fabulous Canon sponsored Welcome Reception on Sunday, February 15th, the WPPI Trade Show Opens on February 16th and continues through February 18th. For a full schedule of the EDU-Convention and Trade Show Schedules, Click Here.

Centered around the theme “A World of Photo,” the WPPI `09 program features 350 leading manufacturers and exhibitors as well as photography training at virtually every level of today’s photographic and digital imaging workflow, for aspiring to seasoned pros. Educational programs are taught by the most popular instructors in the industry, exclusively for WPPI.

A Week Of Opportunity To Learn From The Best Photographers - Attend the expanded EDU-Convention with over 130 classes, workshops and seminars including presentations in Spanish. Classes fill up quickly, register early starting October 1st

Get More! Attend WPPI As A Member
General show exhibits, events and workshops are available to WPPI members and non-members alike.

* FULL Registration gives attendees the choice of more than 70 Platform classes.

Membership does have its privileges, however, and WPPI is no exception. Members get even more out of the show, including:
“WPPI Plus Classes” are available to members only as an add-on to * FULL Registration – an intensive two-day workshop with a world-class photographer.
Discounts to venues and access to exclusive contests;

* FULL or One-Day Registration attendees also have the privilege to add-on “Master Classes,” two-hour hands-on workshops limited to 40 students.

More… Convention Workshops Available for All
“Business Institute” is an all-day Saturday seminar focused on the business and marketing of photography which includes a Friday evening Opening Reception and program.

“All About Schools” is an all-day Saturday seminar for photographers who are interested in learning about underclass and senior photography which includes a Friday evening Opening Reception and program.

“WPPI offers innovative ways to expand your business with the skills you need to compete in today’s challenging market along with skills to enhance your productivity. With almost 350 tradeshow exhibitors, and over 130 educational classes you can’t afford to miss WPPI ‘09,” states Rangefinder Publishing President, Skip Cohen.

For All The WPPI 2009 EDU-Convention And Trade Show Schedules, Click Here

Canon EOS 50D Review

2008-10-05T09:58:00.001-07:00

Announced just one year after the 40D, the new EOS 50D is Canon’s latest semi-pro DSLR camera. With a price-tag just over £1200 / $1399 body only, the Canon 50D is firmly aimed at the prosumer, who will use it as their main camera, and the pro photographer looking for a reliable and relatively inexpensive backup body. The main headline-grabbing feature is the 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, which makes the 50D the market-leading APS-C camera in terms of megapixel count. Canon have also massively expanded the ISO range, with a top speed of 12800 matching the more expensive Nikon D700 / D3 cameras, while the new Digic 4 processor promises to maintain the usual high image quality that we’ve come to expect from a Canon DSLR. A high-resolution VGA LCD screen, new Live View mode with Face Detection, HDMI connectivity and a number of user interface refinements complete the list of major improvements. Is the Canon EOS 50D a worthy upgrade to the 40D and a real competitor to its closest rival, the Nikon D300? Mark Goldstein found out…

Check It Out: Canon EOS 50D Review

Olympus E-420 Komachi Kit

2008-10-05T09:56:00.003-07:00

The new Olympus E-420 Komachi Kit brings together the E-420 body with the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 pancake lens. Also included in the Komachi Kit are a hand-made leather case and strap featuring a fashionable retro design. The Olympus E420 Komachi kit is available in limited quantities and also includes a 1GB CompactFlash memory card, LCD lens protector and a lens cloth, available in October 2008.

Olympus Europe Press Release

Beauty, elegance and performance in the compact of packages

The limited edition E-420 Komachi Kit

Cologne, 22 September 2008 – Named after famous Japanese poet Ono no Komachi, who was renowned for her beauty, the E-420 Komachi Kit certainly lives up to its namesake. Olympus brings together the E-420 body with the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 pancake lens to present a combination that cuts a decidedly elegant figure. The size and weight advantages inherent with the Four Thirds System are clearly demonstrated in this kit. The camera body and lens pairing measures in at a total length of just 76.5mm – which makes it the most compact D-SLR set-up in the world, and together they weigh merely 475g. As such, high quality miniaturised optics that deliver maximum D-SLR brilliance can be taken along and enjoyed anywhere with ease. The included hand-made leather case and strap, featuring a fashionable retro design completes the ensemble magnificently. The Komachi kit is available in limited quantities and also includes a 1GB CompactFlash memory card, LCD lens protector and a lens cloth. It will hit stores in October 2008.

The Komachi Kit utilises the advantages of the Four Thirds Standard perfectly. Photographers get D-SLR quality in a never-before-offered compact and lightweight form. The package combines the powerful E-420 body with the slim ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 pancake lens. Together, this combination represents the most portable D-SLR kit available. And with the stylish hand-made leather case and strap, which come in classic brown, it’s always ready to pick up and go. The ergonomic E-420 D-SLR, which packs 10 Megapixels into its compact body, boasts full manual control to satisfy just about every creative impulse. But it also enables incredible ease of use with 28 different shooting modes including full auto. Thanks to integration of the Olympus-exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter, protection against dust is guaranteed and ensures perfect photos. Meanwhile, the Live View function allows users to preview images in real time on the bright 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 pancake lens, which measures in at an overall length of just 23.5mm and weighs merely 95g, is the pinnacle of miniaturised optics delivering maximum brilliance. It offers users D-SLR image quality in the most miniscule of packages. This highly portable lens is perfectly suited for everyday use, as it provides an angle of view equivalent to 50mm (on a 35mm camera) – which is near to that of the human eye. In addition, due to adherence to the Four Thirds Standard, it is extremely versatile – and fully compatible not only with the whole Olympus E-System range of camera bodies but with all Four Thirds-based cameras.

The ultra-compact and lightweight Komachi Kit is the perfect companion for the D-SLR photographer on the go. It includes a fashionable leather case and strap for simple and stylish transportation. Furthermore, with the 1GB CompactFlash card, you’ll have enough storage space for photos on the road. And to ensure that the lens stays spotless and images clear and speckle-free, a high-quality lens cloth is also provided.

Only available as a limited edition, the Komachi Kit will become available from October 2008.

Komachi Kit – contents:
• E-420 camera body
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 pancake lens
• Hand-made brown leather case with strap
• 1GB CompactFlash card
• Lens cloth
• LCD protector

The Olympus E-420 digital SLR – main features:
• Extremely easy operation – use it straight out of the box
• One of the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs providing the ultimate in portability
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• Live View for easier compositions
• Perfect Shot Preview for improved depiction of camera adjustments directly on the Live View LCD
• Improved Live View with contrast AF*, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology & phase detection AF system
• TruePic III image processor
• High-contrast 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD
with 176° viewing angles
• The original Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
• 28 automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options (including 5 exposure, 5 creative & 18 scene select modes)
• Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
• Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups
• 3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer
• One-touch white balance
• AE/AF-lock functionality
• ISO 100 to 1600
• Depth of field preview function
• 49-segment digital ESP
• Bracketing function (Exposure, White Balance, Focus)
• Beginner and Advanced information screens
• Detailed info screen with histogram
• Based on Four Thirds System
• Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash memory card)

ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 lens – main features:
• Ultra-compact pancake-type lens
• Fixed focal length of 25mm (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera)
• Bright 1:2.8 aperture
• Merely 23.5mm thin and 95g light
• Minimum focusing distance of only 20cm
• Comes with screw-on aluminium lens cap

* Full contrast AF performance is available with new Olympus lenses including the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, and the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens. A free firmware update can be downloaded from the Olympus homepage to enable this feature for lenses that were purchased previously.

Published: Friday, October 03, 2008

Technorati Теги: Olympus E-420

Olympus E-520 Evolution Kit

2008-10-05T09:56:00.001-07:00

The new Olympus E-520 Evolution Kit includes four lenses that cover a 33x zoom focal length range of 9-300mm. The limited edition Evolution Kit also includes the new Olympus FL-50R remote control wireless flash unit,memory cards, a swing bag and other handy accessories. The Olympus E-520 Evolution Kit will become available in limited quantities from October 2008, pricing to be announced.

Olympus Europe Press Release

Exclusive E-520 kit boasts sensational E-System versatility

33x zoom limited edition Evolution Kit

Cologne, 22 September 2008 – The new limited edition Olympus Evolution Kit packs a commanding array of E-System power and versatility to master any photographic challenge. Representing the perfection of miniaturised optics and integrated portability, the kit is a stunningly affordable showcase of the benefits innate in the Olympus E-System, which is based on the award-winning Four Thirds Standard. To complement the superior imaging quality of the Olympus E-520 D-SLR, the kit boasts four outstanding lenses from the E-System line-up, providing a staggering 33x zoom focal length range of 9-300mm (18-600mm*). It also adds flexibility to flash photography by including the new Olympus FL-50R remote control (RC) wireless flash unit to free photographers from the need for tiresome cables. Rounded out by memory cards, a swing bag and other handy accessories, the comprehensive yet compact Evolution Kit represents unbeatable value. It will become available in limited quantities from October 2008.

Superior E-520 performance
For adventurous photographers wanting serious portable equipment, the comprehensive new Evolution Kit is a dream come true. At the heart of the kit, the new Olympus E-520 D-SLR features exceptional Live View capabilities, including on-screen exposure control and white balance, as well as the display of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology modifications in real time on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD. Meanwhile, the Olympus Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system guards against the effects of dust during lens changes. Like all photographic components adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, the 10.0 Megapixel E-520 guarantees the unbeatable quality associated with a system that was engineered from scratch to meet the demands of digital photography. The E-520 also features 32 convenient shooting modes to match all occasions, and a choice of 10 languages for on-screen menus.

Full spectrum lens power
The all-seeing Evolution Kit boasts a phenomenal 33x total zoom range stretching from the extra wide field of view of the extreme wide-angle ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm) to the new high-performance ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (140-600mm). The kit also includes the 3x wide angle standard zoom ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (28-84mm), and the compact and lightweight 3.8x zoom ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (80-300mm).

With just these four lenses, an amazing focal length range that spans from 9-300mm (18-600mm) is covered. All feature the superior optical quality inherent to the entire ZUIKO DIGITAL family and, thanks to the trend-setting superior performance and advanced compatibility of the Four Thirds Standard, each is extremely compact and lightweight. From wide-angle to ultra-tele, the kit’s outstanding interchangeable E-System lenses let ambitious photographers choose their weapon of choice to master any shooting situation – from far off horizons shimmering in the distance to the fine grain detail of close up action. And because the E-520 features image stabilisation, shots come out razor sharp regardless of which lens the photographer is using.

FL-50R
Ready for any challenge, the dynamic Evolution Kit even has the answer to challenging low-light shooting conditions. The E-520’s built-in flash is supplemented by its remote flash capabilities and an Olympus FL-50R wireless flash unit to ensure a photographer’s creativity is not limited by cables or complicated set-ups. The E-520’s wireless flash control makes it possible to command the FL-50R directly from the camera. And because it is capable of controlling up to three separate flash groups with an unlimited number of flash units, lighting options can be extended quickly and easily by adding further wireless flashes should the need arise. Settings for the FL-50R including illumination intensity and operating mode can also be adjusted from the camera.

Handy accessories sweeten the deal
To ensure storage flexibility, the Olympus Evolution Kit comes with two 1GB CompactFlash memory cards. In addition, a convenient swing bag allows the camera and four lenses of this fully integrated E-System solution to be safely packed in a very small space for easy mobility. The kit is rounded out with a special lens cloth and an LCD protector.

Available only as a limited edition, the Olympus Evolution Kit will become available from October 2008.

The limited edition Olympus E-520 Evolution Kit:
• E-520 body
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (28-84mm)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (80-300mm)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (140-600mm)
• FL-50R wireless flash unit
• Swing bag
• Two 1GB CompactFlash memory cards
• LCD protector
• Lens cloth

The Olympus E-520 digital SLR – main features:
• Effective image stabilisation for sharp shooting regardless of lens
• Autofocus Live View**
• Excellent dust reduction system
• 100% D-SLR quality
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• 3.5fps with up to 8 images in RAW buffer
• Built-in flash and wireless flash control
• 32 shooting modes
• Optional underwater case available
• Four Thirds Standard
• Compact and ergonomic design
• Bracketing functions
• ISO 100-1600
• AF/ AE lock functionality
• Depth of field preview
• Anti-shock (mirror lock) function
• One-touch white balance
• Perfect shot preview
• 100% field of view via LCD
• TruePic III image processor
• Detailed playback info screen with histogram
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm) lens – main features:
• Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)
• 2x zoom
• Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
• 79.5 x 73mm
• 280g
• One aspherical ED lens element and two aspherical lens elements

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
• Close focusing distance of 25cm
• ED lens element and two aspherical lens elements
• 65.5 x 61mm
• 190g

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
• Close focusing distance of 90cm
• ED lens element
• 65.5 x 72mm
• 220g

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6
• 4.3x zoom with tremendous tele capabilities to 300mm (600mm)
• Extremely compact and lightweight
• Three ED lens elements
• 80 x 127.5mm
• 620g

* Figures in brackets represents 35mm camera equivalent throughout.

** Full contrast AF performance is available with new Olympus lenses including the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, and the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens. A free firmware update can be downloaded via Olympus Master or Studio software from the Olympus homepage to enable this feature for lenses that were purchased previously.

Published: Friday, October 03, 2008

Technorati Теги: Olympus

Epson Stylus Photo R2880

2008-10-05T09:54:00.001-07:00

Epson make the X-Rite choice - Epson are launching the ideal package for photographers and designers who require accurate controls throughout their workflow.

Press Release:
Epson has joined forces with X-Rite to bring together two award-winning products in one convenient package. The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 represents the pinnacle in A3 printing, while the X-Rite i1Display 2 offers unparalleled functionality for high-end professional monitor calibration and profiling. Together, they solve the problem of prints failing to match colours displayed on-screen, and enable users to obtain their desired prints first time.
Professional photographers and designers can now take ultimate control of their image output and attain accurate colour throughout the digital workflow. The i1Display 2 offers essential colour control tools, such as ambient check and match, workgroup match, and push-button calibration and validation. Once the image is ready to be printed, the Stylus Photo R2880 matches the colours with impressive accuracy.
The i1Display 2 provides the most advanced monitor profile quality to date, making calibration easy and precise. It delivers consistent, predictable colour on all types of monitors, plus one-button-push monitor profiling for monitors supporting DDC-CI standards. The advanced mode for experienced users has new features such as a selection of monitor white points, custom luminance settings and a detailed profile summary.
An enhanced sensor at the heart of the i1Display 2 provides higher repeatability, faster measurements and improved sensitivity in dark areas, resulting in better control in shadow detail and a more neutral gray scale. Ambient match functionality ensures that profiles are adapted for a range of ambient light environments.
The Stylus Photo R2880 is Epson’s top-of-the-range A3 printer, delivering the highest quality available in professional inkjet printing. The refined look-up table (LUT[1]) algorithms included with the R2880 enable the printer to more accurately match colours and ensure that every image is printed to exhibition display standards. A unique mode within the print driver enables users to have creative control over black and white tones as well as gradation, which has a similar effect to selecting specific papers and chemicals in a conventional dark room.
Once the user is ready to print, the Stylus Photo R2880’s high-speed Micro Piezo™ print head delivers unsurpassed precision in dot placement. The advanced UltraChrome™ K3 ink with Vivid Magenta enables superb grey balance, smooth tonal gradations and great colour accuracy of neutral and dark colours. Very long lasting, exhibition-quality prints can be created on a wide variety of media, including fine art paper, roll paper and thick, rigid media.
X-Rite i!Display 2 key features summary:

Grey balance optimisation delivers more neutral and better defined greys
Highest sensitivity in dark areas allows better control in shadow detail
Workgroup match feature utilises reference profiles to match all monitors in a workgroup
Unlimited gamma white point and luminance settings include native gamma and measure luminance as target
Ambient match feature allows users to check ambient light and adapt profiles for different ambient light environments
Validation feature enables monitor validation and trending graph
Profile reminder ensures true and reliable colour over time
Push button calibration feature offers one-step profiling for industry-leading monitors
Before and after images show instant results

Epson Stylus Photo R2880 key features summary:

Superb image quality thanks to Epson’s new LUT Technology and Epson UltraChrome™ K3 Ink with Vivid Magenta
New Epson Micro Piezo™ print head has a new ink-repelling coating, which improves dot placement accuracy and therefore print quality
The improved driver enables users to have creative control over black and white tones as well as gradation - similar to selecting specific papers and chemicals in a conventional dark room.
Long-lasting prints on a variety of different media
Flexible media handling, with fine art paper support, rigid thick media handling up to 1.3mm, CD/DVD printing, standard auto-sheet feeder and roll feed
Easy connectivity with front-facing USB PictBridge™ and dual USB2 ports at the rear

Product RRP (including VAT) £669.99 – available October 2008. For more information please visit the Epson website.

Nikon SB900 & Quantum Turbo batteries

2008-10-05T09:53:00.001-07:00

Quantum Turbo battery Up-Grade available for Nikon SB900 - Flaghead Photographic are offering you the chance to upgrade your Quantum Turbo Battery.

Press Release:
Turbo batteries from Quantum are the most popular external battery packs in the world! Widely used by press, sports and fashion photographers as well as by police forces and of course paparazzo's. The new Nikon SB900 flash unit will not work with all Turbo batteries in their existing condition and up-grades are now available from the UK distributor Flaghead Photographic.

Turbo: SB900 will work fine with the original Turbo battery
Turbo Z: SB900 will not work with this battery and there is NO conversion available
Turbo2x2: needs to be upgraded if the serial number is below R243
Turbo Compact: needs to be up-graded if the serial number is below R112
Turbo Slim Compact: needs to be up-graded if the serial number is below R274
Turbo AC: needs to be up-graded if the serial number is below Q092

Up-grade information:

Free of charge up-grades are available from Flaghead Photographic for batteries that are still in the warranty period (one year from purchase)
We will charge £28.00 + P&P + Vat for up-grading batteries out of the warranty period

Cables: the cables to connect to the SB900 are the same as those used for the previous model SB800, i.e. the CKE and CCKE cables
For more information please visit the Flaghead Photographic website.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Nikon-SB900--Quantum-Turbo-batteries

CANON U.S.A. SHOWCASES THE CR-1 NON-MYDRIATIC DIGITAL RETINAL CAMERA AT VISION EXPO WEST

2008-10-05T09:46:00.001-07:00

Canon CR-1 Delivers High-Resolution Images and an Ergonomic Design for Ophthalmic Professionals

Las Vegas, October 3, 2008 – At Vision Expo West, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its CR-1 Non-Mydriatic Digital Retinal Camera and its complete line of total digital imaging and workflow management solutions for eyecare professionals, in booth #MS6063 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas (October 3-5, 2008).

Featuring a redesigned optical system that achieves extremely detailed, high-resolution diagnostic images of the retina, the Canon CR-1 Digital Retinal Camera enables a full 45-degree view angle to help the eyecare professional detect and monitor ocular conditions. When attached to a Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera (sold separately), which provides up to 10.1 million pixel resolution, the CR-1 Non-Mydriatic Digital Retinal Camera is capable of delivering clear and detailed diagnostic images for virtually immediate review.
"Canon continuously strives to provide ophthalmologists with the latest digital imaging technology", said Tsuneo Imai, senior director and general manager, Medical Systems Division, Canon U.S.A. "At Vision Expo West, ophthalmic professionals will see how Canon can help them provide quality care to their patients, as well as to help efficiently operate their practices."
The CR-1 integrates advanced specifications into an ergonomic unit, all of which have been designed for improved ease of use and comfort in a streamlined form. One-hand joystick operation and an illuminated operation panel enable easy one-handed operation in darkened rooms, while a shorter working distance allows closer interaction with the patient and easy access to the patient's eyes.
The CR-1 system, when combined with the optional Canon imageSPECTRUM Version 3.0 software, facilitates comprehensive study management and image capture control at the operator's finger tips through a simple graphical interface. This enhanced PC-based software package allows for quick, easy input and access to information and images. imageSPECTRUM Version 3.0 features Multi-image Compare, which allows the comparison of up to eight images simultaneously. The DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) Standard-compliant interface facilitates easy integration with select DICOM^* modalities and allows connection to a variety of local- and wide-area network configurations.
The Canon CR-1 Digital Retinal Camera and imageSPECTRUM Version 3.0 software are now available through Canon authorized dealers.
Integrating Digital Imaging Technology and Workflow Management for the Ophthalmic World
Canon offers and markets a full line of digital imaging solutions for the ophthalmic world, including Non-Mydriatic and Mydriatic Retinal cameras, and full auto-tonometer and full auto-ref keratometers, all of which will be on display at the show. In addition to the CR-1, the Canon product line includes:

RK-F1 Full Auto Ref-Keratometer – The RK-F1 Keratometer from Canon, inventor of the first Auto Ref-Keratometer, allows for extremely easy operation with full automatic alignment for refractometry and keratometry.

TX-F Full Auto Tonometer – Using innovative Canon Full Automatic technology and its 3D tracking system, the TX-F Tonometer allows doctors to perform simple eye exams efficiently and reliably.

Printing and Projector Solutions – In addition to its eyecare digital imaging and workflow management solutions, Canon will demonstrate its printing and projection solutions. Canon high-speed photo printers boast high-resolution, fast photo printing speeds and individual ink tanks to deliver professional performance ideal for printing retinal images for review. The flagship Canon REALiS SX7 projector with the brilliance and sharpness of LCOS technology, 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness and 1.7X Ultra-Wide Powered Zoom Lens with Autofocus, delivers exceptional image quality and color reproduction.

Canon 50D makes movies

2008-09-07T14:05:00.001-07:00

An industrious forum poster over at DVX User dreamed up a little DIY project that will make you go “hmm”.

Depending on the capabilities of the Canon 50D HDMI output, this may or may not be possible; however, here’s his thoughts on the above mockup:

I imagine a Zeiss Planar glass (cause I know it locks at infinite focus)
mounted on a railsystem
with followfocus attached to the lens
a little mount adapter screws it to the
50d
the short hdmi cable goes to the portable hdmi recorder (haven’t looked into those products yet) also attached to rails

This guy thinks we might be able to use the increased resolution of the Canon 50D along with the HDMI output to do some fancy HD video. (Sample video after the jump.)

While I’m not going to turn a 50D into the above monstrosity, it’s always interesting to how people find a way to get gear to do things it was never contemplated to do.

Think this is all just wishful thinking? Take a second and watch the below video that the above-mentioned forum poster put together using the 40D’s live view function. The only question he’s got is whether you can shut off the white center box in the 50D (you can’t in the 40D). Anyone know the answer to that?

Now, what’s your thoughts on this contraption?

via http://pinetka.info/

New 5D to eclipse competition?

2008-09-07T14:03:00.001-07:00

New 5D to eclipse competition?

Canon has just added a mysterious teaser to its US website. The page shows a silhouette of a camera with the words 'Destined Evolution.' Maybe it will be updated to include more detail in the future, we don't know. It's almost as if the company is building up to the launch of a camera to replace one of its older models. We have no specific information but it doesn't require any profound market insight to predict an EOS 5D replacement is coming.

Click here to see the US teaser

Meanwhile, Canon's European sites have started to feature banners suggesting that "the EOS story continues," and showing glimpses of a camera with a large prism bulge. Click here to see it.

via dpreview.com

[via photographybay]Sony A900 and Zeiss 16-35mm f/2.8 in the Wild

2008-09-07T14:02:00.001-07:00

As usual, the eagle-eyed forum posters have dug up the inevitable - someone using the Sony A900 and Carl Zeiss 16-35mm f/2.8 lens in the wild. While gaffer tape covers up most of the markings, there’s no mistaking this combo.

Canon ships 100 millionth compact digital camera and will introduce a special colour variation of one of their digital camera

2008-08-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: Canon,leadership

Canon ships 100 millionth compact digital camera - Canon will introduce a special colour variation of one of their digital camera to celebrate the fact they have shipped 100 million digital compact cameras since the first one in 1996.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 19, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced that Canon Inc. has reached an important milestone with the shipping of its 100 millionth compact digital camera.

Compact Cameras - A Historical Look Back
Beginning in May 2000, Canon launched the breakthrough PowerShot Digital model, which featured a compact body with a stylish design. This model spearheaded the digital camera market's later massive growth with its easy portability and simple operation, which won over millions of users worldwide. Following the introduction, Canon released a string of revolutionary products that drove market expansion while addressing the diversifying needs of users: the PowerShot A70 digital camera (2003), which sold more units worldwide than any other model that year due to its superb operability and cost performance; the smooth and chic PowerShot Digital SD10 Digital ELPH camera (2003); the PowerShot G7 digital camera (2006), which carved out a position for high-end models in the compact digital camera market; and the PowerShot S5 IS digital camera (2007), which combined a high-power zoom lens with precise image stabilization.
Canon began producing compact digital cameras in 1996 at Oita Canon, which continues to be the prime production site. Canon also has manufactured compact digital cameras at a number of locations, including Canon Opto (Malaysia) and Canon Zhuhai (China).
On the technology front, Canon has been a leader in pushing the evolution of compact digital cameras. Some notable contributions have been the DIGIC high-performance imaging processor, which processes richly detailed image data at very high speeds; Canon's ultra-compact lens with built-in image stabilizers; and iSAPS technology, which controls exposures with high accuracy based on shooting condition predictions.
As a leading digital camera company, Canon is committed to delivering attractive products that satisfy every user by pursuing new technical breakthroughs to better capture those important moments, by elevating the Company's renowned product quality, and by strengthening its sales and service platforms.

Canon is pleased to announce that the company has shipped its 100 millionth digital compact camera. To mark this milestone in popular photography, a special colour variation model will be launched in the near future.
Beginning with the PowerShot 600 in 1996, Canon has delivered a total of 106 models Compact digital camera models (including regional models) as of August 5, 2008 around the world. During this time, the Canon name has become synonymous with revolutionary digital compact camera design. Highlights have included:
IXUS Digital (2000) – compact, stylish and easy to use, this model spearheaded the digital point-and-shoot revolution, leading in turn to massive market expansion.
PowerShot A70 (2003) – the best-selling model worldwide during 2003, this
A-Series camera was renowned for its superb operability and great value.
Digital IXUS i (2003) – with its smooth, chic lines, the Digital IXUS i paved the way for female-orientated digital cameras.

PowerShot G7 (2007) – this 10MP model carved out a position for high-end functionality in the compact digital camera market.
PowerShot S5 IS (2007) – this super zoom model brought outstanding 12x zoom power to the digital compact camera market.
Canon has also led the evolution of compact digital cameras, with a number of groundbreaking technologies. DIGIC high-performance image processing continues to process extra-rich image data at high speeds. Ultra-compact lenses deliver smooth, blur-free results with built-in image stabilisation. And Canon iSAPS technology assesses shooting conditions to provide outstanding, accurate exposures.
“We are delighted to reach such a landmark number in camera production,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Canon pledges to continue searching for new technologies, and new designs, that let everyone capture their most precious moments.”
Details of the special colour variation model will be announced soon.

Nikon D700 IN Stock

2008-07-23T20:12:00.001-07:00

For the moment (8:09 p.m. ET), the Nikon D700 kit is in stock at B&H Photo. Unfortunately, the body only option is not available at B&H yet.

Here’s the links to B&H Photo:

Nikon D700 w/ 24-120mm lens
Nikon D700 body only

It’s probably time to start perusing some of the other vendors too. Here’s PB’s collection of pre-order links to the Nikon D700:

Amazon (body only)
Amazon (w/ 24-120mm VR lens)
Adorama (body only)
Ritz Camera (body only)
Ritz Camera (w/ 24-120 VR lens)
Wolf Camera (body only)
Wolf Camera (w/ 24-120 VR lens)
Camera World (body only)
Camera World (w/ 24-120 VR lens)
Technorati Теги: Nikon d700,Sales,B&H

Casio EXILIM EX-F1 Review

2008-07-23T12:23:00.001-07:00

Unquestionably the most futuristic camera of 2008, the Casio EXILIM EX-F1 offers unparalleled capabilities in both still and video shooting. We expect respectable digital SLRs today to take roughly three photos per second. The EX-F1 can take 60 full-resolution pictures in a second. It can even shoot 7 frames per second while firing the flash with each shot.
The ability to shoot video clips is standard on most compact cameras today, and a few even venture into the realm of 720p "high-definition." The EX-F1, though shoots both standard-definition video and full 1920 x 1080 true high-definition video. And for its most jaw-dropping trick, it offers super-slow-motion shooting at up to 1200 frames per second – in other words, you get to watch a moment in time slowed down by a factor of twenty. At that rate, when you burst a balloon full of water, you see the water hesitate before realizing gravity wants it to splatter. Flicking a butane lighter becomes a Tarantino-esque slow-motion dance of spark and flame.
We learned in January, at the Consumer Electronics Show, that the EX-F1 would deliver these extraordinary capabilities, thanks to a new high-speed CMOS sensor paired with a fast LSI processor. It took a full six months before the company could deliver a production model so we could determine how well any or all of these features actually performed. After working with the camera for a few weeks, both in the labs and shooting out on the streets, we’re excited, but with reservations. The ultra-slow-motion video gets lots of attention, but the gee-whiz appeal faded after a day or two. The killer feature turns out to be rapid-fire photography. The ability to shoot continuously anywhere from 1 to 60 frames per second lets you catch the perfect sports moment, or baby’s smile, or animal zipping across your field of view. That said, still mage quality is good but not great, and the video can’t equal dedicated camcorder output, though most casual users will probably be satisfied with the results. Our complete report, including hands-on experience and lab results, follows.

[http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Casio-EXILIM-EX-F1-Digital-Camera-Review-18683.htm]

Technorati Теги: Casio,Exilim EX F-1,Review

Neocamera has posted a review of the Canon Powershot A590 IS

2008-07-23T11:04:00.001-07:00

Neocamera has posted a review of the Canon Powershot A590 IS.

The Canon Powershot A590 IS proved to be an excellent compact digital camera. With a well-rounded feature set including full-manual controls, image stabilization and unlimited continuous shooting, plus use of readily available AA batteries and chear SD (and SDHC) memory, the A590 is one of the best digital camera values currently available.

via photographybay.com

Nikon D800 is coming

2008-07-23T07:47:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: Nikon D800

Imaging Source introduce new series of telescope cameras

2008-07-23T07:29:00.001-07:00

Telescope Cameras For Amateur Astro-Photographers - Highly affordable, low noise telescope cameras with up to 60 minutes exposure time and 60 fps.

Press Release:
The Imaging Source, an international manufacturer of imaging hardware and software for astronomy, is now offering amateur astro-photographers a series of highly affordable, low noise telescope cameras to capture high quality images of the night sky.
The telescope cameras ship in blue and black anodized aluminium and zinc housing, measure 50 mm x 56 mm and weigh only 260 g. The included nose piece is mounted onto a C/CS mount on the front of the telescope camera. On the rear, a USB 2.0 or FireWire connector is available (model specific). A threaded tripod adapter on the bottom rounds off the exterior of the telescope camera.
Monochrome and color types are available with and without an IR cut filter in three resolutions: 640x480, 1024x768 and 1280x960. The cameras deploy low noise CCD chips from Sony, which have an exposure time of up to 60 minutes and a maximum frame rate of up to 60 fps.
The telescope cameras ship with the camera control and acquisition software "IC Capture.AS", which allows image sequences and singular images to be saved to disk. Furthermore, using the highly intuitive graphical user interface, all camera parameters, such as exposure, sensitivity and frame rate, can be set.
In the British magazine "Astronomy Now", Nick Howes wrote:
"The Imaging Source have delivered cameras and software that offer the serious Solar System imager a product which will deliver outstanding results for years to come."
Similarly, in the American magazine "Sky & Telescope", Sean Walker wrote:
"The Imaging Source [CCD imager] is a well-designed, versatile camera that is a natural progression for planetary astro-photographers looking to upgrade from a consumer webcam. The camera control software IC Capture.AS seems to be a mature program itself, complementing the camera perfectly."

Technorati Теги: telescope camera

Ken Rockwell: No D4 !

2008-07-22T11:11:00.001-07:00

There is no Nikon D4. Even the Nikon D3x isn't out yet.

It's easy to predict Nikon's new products, since they update them on a regular schedule.

Let's look at history. Looking at announce, not ship dates:

D1: June 1999.

D2H (there was never a D2): July 2003. That's 4 years.

D3: August 2007. That's 4 years.

This sets a D4 announcement for the summer of 2011, 4 years after the announcement of the D3. The D4 ought to start shipping in the fall or winter of 2011, with the D4x anounced at the end of 2012 and shipping mid-2013.

This is all easy to predict when you sit back and look at what Nikon's done in the past. For pro film SLRs, the interval between major updates has been 10 years ever since 1959.

Movie industry eyeing 3D movies for the home theater

2008-07-22T11:09:00.001-07:00

From the Newsdesk

By Joel Hruska | Published: July 22, 2008 - 07:05AM CT

3-D display technology has had an on-again/off-again relationship with the film industry for decades, but has never established itself on the small screen. Modern technology has made 3-D broadcasting a more realistic proposition, but there's currently no standardized method for how such content should be formatted, processed, and displayed. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers intends to tackle this problem, and has given the problem over to the newly formed 3-D Home Display Formats Task Force.

The stated goal of the task force is to develop a standard that will allow 3-D programming to be played "on all fixed devices in the home, no matter the delivery channel." The group will first explore what technology is required in order for 3-D content to play over the variety of devices available in the home, and plans to issue a report on its findings within six months. When the group refers to playback on all fixed devices, they mean it—the report will cover cable, satellite, and over-the-air broadcasting, as well as packaged media (DVDs, Blu-ray). A variety of display mediums will be evaluated as well, including "televisions, computer screens, and other tethered displays." Presumably, this includes plasma, LCD, and standard televisions, as well as displays based on OLED technology.

Once this initial document is finished, it will form the basis of what's to become the SMTP 3-D standard. The task force holds its first meeting on August 19, at the Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California, and the event will feature multiple product and technology demonstrations, as well as a discussion of the development group's goals and aims. If any of you are planning to attend, feel free to drop us a line and let us know.

The prospect of 3-D technology gaining traction in the home entertainment market is both bane and boon to Hollywood studios. On the one hand, there's nothing that would make Hollywood happier than selling us all of our old favorites again, but this time, in AMAZING 3-D ACTION. Not all films benefit from a 3D makeover, and 2D-3D film conversion is still problematic, but industry heads clearly think the idea has potential. George Lucas' upcoming Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated movie will be released in 3-D on August 15, and the director himself has expressed interest in doing a 3-D version of the previous Star Wars movies.

The problem with pushing 3-D technology into the home, from Hollywood's perspective, is that it gives people yet another reason to stay home, instead of driving to a theater. Recent 3-D movies have done quite well, and Hollywood has picked up on that. Big-screen TVs and 7.1 surround sound systems have made it increasingly difficult for the movie industry to entice people to pay for the "theater experience," and the industry would undoubtedly be unhappy to see the potential 3-D cash cow handed off to the small screen before it has been well and thoroughly milked.

The transition may be inevitable, but writing a new standard, building support for it, and putting actual compatible hardware on store shelves are all processes that will take time. Until it happens, the movie industry will push the 3-D angle for as much as it's worth, while simultaneously perfecting their own conversion technologies.

Young Optics licenses Jabil's field lens technology

2008-07-22T11:07:00.001-07:00

Siu Han, Taipei; Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 22 July 2008]

Taiwan-based light engine maker Young Optics has announced that it has signed an agreement with Jabil Circuit for the licensing of the field lens architecture used in optical modules for the projector business.

Young Optics said its Kunshan, China subsidiary has executed an asset purchase agreement with Jabil Circuit (Wuxi), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jabil. As part of the agreement Young Optics will be awarded a license for the field lens architecture, a patented technology owned by Sypro Optics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jabil.

The agreement is expected to become effective July 30, 2008 pending government authorities' approval, upon completion of the legal asset transfer procedure, Young Optics said.

"Jabil will partner with Young Optics to meet the needs of its customers with optical module manufacturing requirements," said Albrecht Richter, managing director of Sypro Optics. "Jabil will focus on our customers' requirements for highly integrated product solutions in the mobile projection and industrial/digital signage segments and rely on Young Optics as a provider of projection optics."

The agreement offers Young Optics the opportunity to serve Jabil and Sypro with optical components and modules for a variety of products, said Claude Hsu, president of the Taiwan maker.

Nikon D60 Review at Neocamera

2008-07-22T11:05:00.001-07:00

Neocamera has posted a review of the Nikon D60.

The Nikon D60 is a simple DSLR, yet it remains versatile due to its selection of lenses, wide ISO range and full manual controls.

Canon EOS 450D Review on Trusted Reviews.com

2008-07-22T11:04:00.001-07:00

Trusted Reviews has posted a review of the Canon EOS 450D. The new EOS 450D (aka Digital Rebel XSi) kit comes with an stabilized 18-55mm lens. Canon’s entry-level DSLR now features a 3″ rear LCD panel that’s capable of Live View framing and focusing.

As usual with Canon’s CMOS-sensored DSLRs noise control is exemplary. There is almost no noise up to 400 ISO, and shots at 800 ISO - the maximum setting in auto mode - are also perfectly usable. Pushing it up to 1600 ISO produces some noise, particularly in darker areas, but thanks to the way Canon applies noise reduction it looks very much like film grain, not an unattractive effect.

Eye-Fi have added support of Adobe Photoshop Express and Nikon’s myPicturetown

2008-07-22T11:01:00.001-07:00

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON PHTOGRAPHYBLOG by Mark Goldstein.

Eye-Fi have added two new online sites where users can upload their photos - Adobe Photoshop Express and Nikon’s myPicturetown. In addition, you can also now purchase Eye-Fi Cards from any Circuit City store in the USA. “The integration of Adobe Photoshop Express and my Picturetown adds two rich online photo options – from two of the best brands in digital photography – to the Eye-Fi Service. And, the addition of Circuit City stores is a major step in the expansion of this new category being created by Eye-Fi.” said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. The Eye-Fi family of products range in price from $79-$129.

Eye-Fi Press Release

EYE-FI EXPANDS SERVICE WITH ADOBE PHOTOSHOP EXPRESS AND NIKON’S MY PICTURETOWN AND ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE RETAIL AVAILABILITY AT CIRCUIT CITY New relationships offer effortless image uploads for editing, sharing and storing memories and an expansion of retail locations for purchase

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, July 22, 2008 - Eye-Fi Inc., makers of the world’s first wireless memory card for digital cameras, today announced new online photo sharing partnerships with Adobe and Nikon and its first nationwide retailer Circuit City.

Images stored on Eye-Fi Cards will now wirelessly upload to Adobe® Photoshop® Express and Nikon’s my Picturetown, enabling consumers to easily get their digital memories to destinations that provide a rich photo editing, sharing and storing experience. In addition, Eye-Fi Cards are now available at each of Circuit City’s more than 600 retail stores nationwide and on the Circuit City Web site.

“Expanding our partnerships to include more interactive sites is important to digital photo enthusiasts and to Eye-Fi,” said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. “The integration of Adobe Photoshop Express and my Picturetown adds two rich online photo options – from two of the best brands in digital photography – to the Eye-Fi Service. And, the addition of Circuit City stores is a major step in the expansion of this new category being created by Eye-Fi.”

Eye-Fi users can automatically upload images to Adobe Photoshop Express, a new Web-based solution that allows users to store up to two gigabytes of images for free, edit photos and share them in creative ways. The online experience allows anyone to easily show off digital photos with eye-catching effects and bypass the initial hassle of uploading photos by using the Eye-Fi Card.

“Together, Eye-Fi and Adobe provide the easiest way for everyday snapshooters to get their images directly from their digital cameras into Adobe Photoshop Express, where it’s simple and fun for anyone to organize, edit, store and share their pictures online, no software download required,” said Geoff Baum, Director of Photoshop Express at Adobe. “Enabling Eye-Fi-powered image uploading makes a great Adobe Photoshop Express experience even better for our users.”

Earlier this year, Eye-Fi announced that Nikon enhanced its D60 Digital SLR camera for the Eye-Fi Card. Photographers can now select Nikon’s my Picturetown as a destination for their full-resolution digital images to be stored and shared. The service offers users new ways to enjoy digital images “anytime, anywhere” by organically linking digital cameras, the Internet, computers, mobile phones and now, the Eye-Fi Card.

Eye-Fi also announced expanded retail availability at Circuit City stores nationwide and on http://www.circuitcity.com.

“The Eye-Fi Card is a good example of how new technology and a new approach can redefine a mature category and make it even more valuable and convenient for the consumer. Circuit City customers regularly come to us to seek out products that simplify their lives, and the Eye-Fi Card does just that,” said Ann Saulsbury, imaging buyer of Circuit City.

Eye-Fi has garnered numerous awards, including PC World’s “The 100 Best Products of 2008” and Yahoo! Tech’s “Last Gadget Standing 2008.” The Eye-Fi family of products range from $79-$129 MSRP and are PC and Mac compatible. For more information, please visit http://www.eye.fi.

About Eye-Fi
Founded in 2005, the company is dedicated to building products and services that help consumers navigate, nurture and share their visual memories. Eye-Fi’s patent-pending technology works with Wi-Fi networks to automatically send photos from a digital camera to online, in-home and retail destinations. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., the company’s investors include Opus Capital and Shasta Ventures. More information is available at http://www.eye.fi.

About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX(R) compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN(R) digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

About Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Circuit City Stores, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics and related services. At May 31, the domestic segment operated through 687 Superstores and 9 outlet stores in 158 U.S. media markets. At May 31, the international segment operated through 775 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates Web sites at http://www.circuitcity.com, http://www.thesource.ca and http://www.firedog.com.

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Canon 24mm f/2.8 Review on imaging-resource

2008-07-22T10:57:00.001-07:00

By Andrew Alexander
(Monday, July 21, 2008 - 16:50 EDT)

The Canon 24mm f/2.8 is a small wide-angle lens, first introduced by Canon in 1988. It uses a design of 10 lens elements in separate groups, however, the use of rear lens cell focusing improves AF performance by not requiring the movement of many elements.

Canon's come a long way since 1988, as the sharpness profile for the 24mm f/2.8 will attest. Wide-open performance exhibits quite a bit of corner softness, on both sub- and full-frame camera bodies.
Click here for our review of this lens.

[via LetsGoDigital] Panasonic HDC-SD100 camcorder

2008-07-22T10:55:00.001-07:00

Panasonic HDC-SD100 : The camcorder market is moving swiftly to high definition. Superior image quality is now a must, and many consumers are also demanding higher-level features - such as image-creating capabilities that are a rank above the conventional. For these users Panasonic introduces a new full-HD 3MOS model - the Panasonic HDC-SD100 - with manual functions that give users the power to create dramatic, artistic images. The new Panasonic SD100 also features the world's first 3MOS system, newly developed by Panasonic based on 3CCD technology that is renowned for excellent colour reproduction. With its expanded light-receiving areas, the MOS sensor is also significantly improves image quality, even in low lighting.

Panasonic SD100 camcorder - 3MOS system
The new Panasonic HDC-SD100 delivers an AAA (triple A) performance in all aspects of use - image quality, functions, and operating ease. The Panasonic SD100 boasts the 3MOS system, newly developed by Panasonic based on its popular 3CCD technology. The three MOS sensors process the red, green, and blue components of incoming light separately, so colour reproduction is superb. These sensors also have about double the light-receiving area of CCD sensors, so image quality when shooting in low light is much higher.

Panasonic HDC-SD100 - High definition and Software
The new Panasonic HDC-SD100 features manual controls that gives users the freedom to create the kind of expressive, highly customised images that are simply not possible with automatic functions. With the world's first iA (intelligent Auto) functions, the Panasonic SD100 makes it easy for users to capture beautiful, mistake-free images every time. The Panasonic HDC-SD100 makes it easier than ever to edit high-definition moving pictures on a PC. The camcorder comes packaged with HD Writer 2.6 software for Windows, and also support iMovie '08 for Apple Macintosh, which let users directly edit the high-quality full-HD moving pictures they capture with their camcorders.
Panasonic HDC SD100 video camera - SD and SDHC memory cards
The Panasonic SD100 is highly resistant to impact because it records onto SD and SDHC memory cards and thus has no moving mechanism. This plus the compact size make the Panasonic HDC-SD100 ideal for casual, walk-about shooting fun. After a day of shooting, users can simply take the SD Memory Card from the Panasonic SD100 and slip it into the card slot on a Panasonic PZ800, PZ700 or PY700 VIERA TV, or a BD50 or BD30 Blu-ray Disc Player, and enjoy easy, instant large-screen viewing of stunning HD images.
Panasonic HD camcorder - AVCHD video format and Blu-ray
The Panasonic HDC-SD100 uses the advanced AVCHD video format to record 1920 x 1080 images in breathtaking full-HD quality. The new model features Panasonic’s newly developed 3MOS system based on the company’s renowned 3CCD technology. The 3MOS system uses separate sensors to process the three different colour components of the incoming light (red, green and blue), so colour expression is superb. Each sensor also has about twice the light-receiving area of a CCD sensor, so low-light shooting performance is much improved too. Users will find it easy to capture beautiful HD images with the Panasonic SD100 and copies them to DVD discs for quick, convenient playback. A Panasonic VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) can be used to burn HD images onto a DVD disc in the original AVCHD format; no need to use a PC. The copied DVD discs can then be easily played with the VW-BN1 and sent via the Panasonic SD100 to a large-screen TV for viewing in high definition without use of a Blu-ray Disc player or similar device.

Panasonic HDC-SD100 digital camcorder - Acoustic presence and Focus mic
The new Panasonic HDC-SD100 boasts an outstanding 5.1-channel sound system with five microphones that capture extremely high-quality audio with a true-to-life acoustic presence. Play back SD100 recordings on a good surround sound system, and it feels as if you’re right in the scene. The camcorder features a Zoom Mic function in which the microphones' range is linked to the operation of the zoom lens. It also has a Focus Mic function that focuses on sounds from sources in the area in front of the camcorder, regardless of whether the lens is focusing on a near or distant object. The Panasonic HDC-SD100 also has jacks for connecting an external mic and headphones. These can be useful for capturing (and, in the case of the headphones, monitoring) sounds that typically are difficult for an internal mic to pick up, such as birds singing or the gentle murmur of a stream. When played on a good large-screen HDTV with a capable audio system, recordings made with the SD100 provides an image-and-sound experience that is truly spectacular.
Panasonic SD100 HD camcorder - Colour components and Imaging elements
A trio of advanced technologies - the 3MOS sensor, HD Crystal Engine and new Leica Dicomar lens - helps the SD100 delivers the superior images demanded by full-HD 1920 x 1080 recording. The Panasonic SD100 features the 3MOS sensor, newly developed by Panasonic based on its proven 3CCD technology. In a 3MOS system, light passing through the lens is split into its three primary colour components (red, green and blue), and the signal from each is processed by one of the three MOS circuits. Compared with a conventional 1MOS, Panasonic's new 3MOS system captures more vibrant, true-to-life colours, greater detail and richer gradation. Also, the MOS sensor’s light-receiving area is about double that of a CCD sensor, so sensitivity is higher. This high-precision imaging element is first in the world to shoot in lighting as low as 2 lux. It helps the Panasonic HDC-SD100 capture exceptionally clear, bright images.

Leica Dicomar lens system - Multi coating
Photographers around the world have long known Leica Camera AG as a maker of superb cameras and lenses. In our digital era, Leica optical technology has combined with Panasonic technology to create the renowned Leica Dicomar lens. Now the lens has advanced even further. The Leica Dicomar lens system used in the Panasonic SD100 comprises 12 lenses in 9 groups, including aspherical lenses to improve resolution and contrast and an LD (low-dispersion) lens to prevent colour bleeding. Also, a special multi-coating process is applied to all lens elements to minimise chromatic aberration, so images are crisp, clear, and free of flare and ghosting. The use of a highly-refractive lens also made it possible to have both 12x zoom power and a compact body.
Panasonic HDC SD100 - HD Crystal Engine
To maximise the capabilities of the new HD-level 3MOS sensor featured in the Panasonic SD100, Panasonic further enhanced the renowned Crystal Engine image processor. The result is the HD Crystal Engine. A noise reduction circuit combines with the Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while reducing power consumption. The dynamic range is also about twice that in previous Panasonic models, which helps prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows and allows more natural colour expression. Offering both higher image quality and longer battery life, the HD Crystal Engine takes camcorder performance to new heights.

Panasonic Advanced Optical Image Stabilization
In Panasonic's Advanced O.I.S., gyrosensors detect hand-shake and a lens unit shifts to correctly align the optical axis, so that images are sharp and blur-free. This happens at a remarkable rate of 4,000 times per second. Now the compensation area has been almost tripled compared with previous systems, so even very significant hand-shake is corrected. Users can capture clear, sharp images even when shooting long-distance zoom shots, where hand-shake is typically a big concern. Because Panasonic’s system is optical, there is no loss of quality - images are captured in their full original beauty. Advanced O.I.S. is truly necessary in an age when large-screen, high-resolution TVs can make even minor blurring a major problem.
Panasonic HDC-SD100 intelligent operation
The Manual Ring is provided for users who want more creative freedom in their image production. In the Panasonic SD100, users can enjoy precise, responsive fingertip control over five key settings - zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed, and white balance. The On-Screen Assist function displays a guide for exposure compensation. There are different assist guides - Zebra Pattern, Brightness Level, and Histogram. These help the user determine the brightness level - and make the adjustments desired - with a precision not possible by simply looking at the image on the LCD. A world's first, the iA function offered on the Panasonic HDC-SD100 automatically activates several convenient shooting functions at once. These include Advanced O.I.S., which compensates for hand-shake to eliminate blurring; Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; and Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast. Also included is the Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the Scene setting that will provide optimal results. For example, it can determine and choose the proper Scene setting when the user is shooting ocean or mountain landscapes, people's faces, low-light scenes (indoors or out), and scenes such as stages illuminated with spotlights where bright and dark areas both exist.
Panasonic SD100 digital HD camcorder - Face detection and Contrast control
This function automatically adjusts the exposure, contrast, skin complexion effect, and focus so that faces are captured perfectly, using the face of the person nearest the centre of the frame as a reference. Face Detection helps ensure that faces are clear, easy to see and not lost in the shadows - even in situations with backlighting or low lighting. With Face Detection, there's no need to use different correction functions in different shooting situations. Face Detection can detect up to 15 faces in a frame. This intelligent function continually measures the ambient light intensity and adjusts the contrast as it changes. Providing control over a wide range of lighting conditions, Intelligent Contrast Control helps prevent a washed-out look in bright parts of an image and black-outs in shadowy parts. Images can be captured with natural nuances and contrast. Even when shooting toward the light source, Intelligent Contrast Control captures true-to-life pictures with outstanding depth.
Panasonic digital HD camcorder - Color and Cinema
Switch the power on and the SD100 is in recording standby and ready to shoot in just 1.9 seconds. This not only makes it easier to catch spur-of-the-moment shots, it also saves battery time. Users can also choose the 0.6-sec Quick Start mode, in which the power turns on or off when you open or close the LCD. All around the world there is a steadily growing trend toward large-screen, high-image-quality televisions and high-definition (HD) broadcasting. For camcorders, the ability to record HD images will soon be considered essential. Full-HD recording, with its total of 2,070,000 pixels, provides exceptional image details. And in the Panasonic SD100, full-HD and Panasonic's advanced 3MOS system team up to let users capture their own sharp, clear images with exquisite beauty. The Digital Cinema Colour mode automatically switches the camcorder to the optimum setting for the Digital Cinema Colour mode of the VIERA plasma TV series. Colours recorded in this mode look richer than those recorded using the conventional Panasonic standard. For example, the subtle shades of red and gold in flowers, and the greens of leafy trees are remarkably true to life.
Panasonic HDC-SD100 - Playback and Surround sound system
The Intelligent Shooting Selection playback function automatically detects scenes that have serious flaws - such as images that are completely out of focus or shots of the ground taken inadvertently - and automatically skips them during playback. Viewers see only high-quality, mistake-free moving images. The Panasonic SD100 features a 5.1-channel surround sound system with 5 microphones. When their recordings are played on a 5.1-channel home cinema system, viewers are surrounded by clear, detailed sound that makes them feel as if they are right in the middle of the action. A Zoom Mic function links the microphone's action to the camera's action. When zooming in on a bird in the distance, for example, the microphones also zoom in and record the bird's chirping. There is also a Focus Mic function that picks up the sounds from sources in the area in front of the camcorder, regardless of whether the lens is focusing on a near or distant object.
Panasonic SD100 - Headphone jack and Resolution
The SD100 is equipped with jacks to connect an external mic and headphones. An external mic can be useful for capturing the types of sounds that are typically difficult to pick up with an internal mic, such as birds singing or the soft murmur of a stream. Headphones make it easier to monitor what the mic is picking up, so you can make sure that voices and other important sounds are being captured clearly. The High Speed Burst shooting function lets the camcorder snap up to 25 consecutive 2.1-MB resolution still images in a second, or up to about 72 consecutive shots in 3 seconds. This can be used to analyse a golf swing, tennis stroke or other motion. It can also be used to get good shots of subjects in fast motion. The user can fire off a number of shots without stopping, then keep the best ones and delete the rest.
Panasonic camcorder SD100 - LCD monitor and VIERA link
The SD100 incorporates an LCD that has 300,000 dots and a wide 170-degree viewing angle both vertically and horizontally. The wider viewing angle is a big advantage in high-angle and low-angle shooting. It's a big advantage in playback too, allowing several people at the same time to enjoy viewing the video clip that was just recorded. The brightness of the LCD can be set to either of two levels to match the ambient light condition. At the brighter setting, the LCD provides clear, easy viewing even when shooting outdoors on a sunny day. The SD100 is compatible with Panasonic's VIERA Link. Connect either one to a VIERA TV via an HDMI cable, and operate the camcorder using the TV remote control and following on-screen prompts. This adds extra ease and convenience to the fun of viewing full-HD videos.
Panasonic SD100 - Memory card and HD images
The SDHC/SD Memory Card can simply be taken from the SD100 and slipped into the card slot of a Panasonic PZ800, PZ700 or PY700 VIERA TV, or a BD50 or BD30 Blu-ray Disc Player, to view full-HD images recorded in the AVCHD format. Most people use their camcorders for three main purposes: to shoot, play back, and archive video recordings. They want each of these to be as easy as possible. The Panasonic SD100 is equipped with a number of functions designed to do exactly that. In the past, copying video recordings from an SDHC/SD Memory Card or a hard disk to a DVD disc was a two-step process that involved transferring the data to a PC, then copying from PC to disc. The Panasonic HDC-SD100 does away with all that, thanks to a one-touch function that makes it easy to copy video recordings onto DVD discs for easy playback and storage. Connecting the SD100 via USB cable to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) and pressing a single button is all it takes to copy recorded video clips from an SDHC/SD Memory Card or hard disk to a DVD disc (DVD-RAM/-RW/-R/-R DL) in the original AVCHD format. The copied DVD can be played by the DVD burner, so exciting, large-screen images in HD quality can be viewed by simply connecting the DVD burner to the SD100, and then connecting the SD100 to an HDTV.
Panasonic camcorder software
The new Panasonic SD100 comes packaged with software that makes it easy to edit the full-HD images recorded onto either an SD Memory Card or the hard disk drive. Using HD Writer 2.6 software together with the camcorder's Intelligent Shooting Selection Playback function, scenes determined to be seriously flawed (for example, from overly severe hand-shake or backlighting) are automatically extracted. The user can then delete them easily, without the usual troublesome operation. HD Writer 2.6 also lets the user specify which image files are uploaded to the PC, eliminating the bother and waste of time that occurs with programs that automatically upload all scenes, including the ones you don’t want. HD Writer 2.6 even remembers which image files have been uploaded to the PC, so there is no worry about uploading the same file again later. This is convenient when users have recorded large amounts of data on a memory card or hard drive and upload it over several sessions. When copying images to a DVD disc, users can select either the full-HD AVCHD format or the DVD-Video format. Use AVCHD for images that will be viewed using a Blu-ray Disc player, and DVD-Video (standard-definition) for discs that will be played on a DVD player.

Canon updates AVCHD flagship camcorders

2008-07-22T10:53:00.001-07:00

Posted by Lori Grunin on Crave.com

iVis HG21

(Credit: Canon)

Canon today unveiled two new AVCHD camcorder models that will be available in Japan in September for the Japanese equivalent of about $1,300. The iVis models--the overseas version of the Vixia brand--will include an addition to the HF line of flash-based camcorders and a replacement for the HG10 hard-disk based unit.

IVis HF11

(Credit: Canon)

The HF11 is a higher-end line mate for the popular HF10; it adds a higher bit-rate 24Mbps recording mode and an increase to 32GB built-in flash memory, up from 16GB. The hard-disk-based HG21 has the same innards as the HF10/11 and gets a boost to the 12x zoom lens from the HF series. It also gets a bump to a 60GB hard disk--to hold all those large 24Mbps bit-rate files--1,920x1,080 resolution, and the ability to record video to

Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D Review by DPreview.com

2008-07-22T10:52:00.001-07:00

Just posted! Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D review

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 17:30 GMT

Just Posted! Our review of the Canon EOS Rebel XS / EOS 1000D. The latest entry-level DSLR from Canon has a lot to live up to and some fierce competition to face so can the baby Rebel make as big an impact on the market as its forebears. And, more importantly, does it deserve to? Read our in-depth review to find out.

Click here to read their full, in-depth review of the Canon EOS Rebel XS / EOS 1000D

Nikon D3 reviewed by Thom Hogan

2008-07-21T18:03:00.001-07:00

Thom Hogan has posted a review of the Nikon D3.

The D3 is near state-of-the-art at 12mp. Thus, the D3 is a respectable landscape camera. By respectable I mean that you can push landscapes up to the maximum size a desktop inkjet prints and get excellent detail.

bla-bla-bla. BTW, Mr.Thom is the author of Nikon cameras guides. Check it out!

[via ZigGrid.com]Hacking a camera remote for time-lapse photography

2008-07-21T15:06:00.001-07:00

CamTim: Hacking a camera remote for time-lapse photography

PERFORMED BY http://www.ziggrid.com/CamTim.html#

CamTim is a simple electronic circuit hack that allows any digital camera (with a remote) to be used for time-lapse photography of nature (moonrises or sunsets for example), continuous shooting of an event or for monitoring applications including research and security applications etc.
CamTim can also be used in an external trigger mode, where the trigger can come from a wireless source (using ZigBee modules) or from an external sensor operating on TTL voltages. This is especially handy for bird and wildlife photography.
So how does the CamTim work?
The CamTim consists of a set of switches to select the camera delay, a microcontroller to read the switch values and generate a pulse train, and an interface circuit to periodically close the camera's remote switch.
Switches in the CamTim board are set to select the camera trigger delay from 20us to 40 minutes (the maximum delay is customizable to several days). A microcontroller (PIC16F84A) reads the switch settings and loops indefinitely to trigger a solenoid that then triggers the camera's remote control. Note that an amplifier is required to drive the solenoid and a diode is required across the solenoid to prevent back-emfs from reaching the mcu. A good design should probably include an opto-coupler to isolate the mcu from the solenoid.
Once the electronics and code is complete, its a simple matter to open the camera's remote control, and find out where the PCB traces from the switch go. In the adjoining figure, the two connections of the camera switch are tapped near the black chip near the bottom right corner of the PCB (click on image to enlarge).
Afterword: A cheaper solution is probably to use a 555 chip. But the 555 solution suffers from many problems including poor adaptibility and inability to create anything other than simple square wave pulse trains at a single frequency. On the other hand, a mcu-based solution such as this would allow a variety of frequencies, would relieve the user of the burden of carrying a bunch of resistances or a multi-meter to measure one and calculate the time-period. Furthermore, complex pulse patterns can be programmed into the mcu. For example, a pulse-train with an arithmetic progression of delays is an easy reach. Crucially, the mcu can be used to interface with wireless devices for remote triggering and with sensors for proximity triggering.

Tokina announce 11-16mm f/2.8 wide angle lens

2008-07-21T15:03:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: Tokina,Lens,Zoom

This Tokina 11-16mm lens is compatible with DSLR's which feature APS-C sized sensors and really sets a new standard for speed and sharpness in digital SLR lenses, featuring a fast f/2.8 aperture for better photography in low-light situations.
The lens is based on the highly rated AT-X 124 PRO DX and it shares many of its predecessor's qualities, such as superb build quality. The AT-X 116 PRO DX has a slightly shorter zoom range than the AT-X 124 PRO DX to maintain optical quality at wide apertures.
The AT-X 116 PRO DX boasts Tokina's exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism. This groundbreaking feature allows the photographer to switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus by simply snapping the focus ring forward for Auto and back towards the camera to focus manually.
Kenro Managing Director, Paul Kench says, "We are really excited about this new lens as it allows the photographer to achieve all the impact of really wide angle images without the usual bending at the edges that a fish-eye lens gives. Those looking for a lens that will add something special to their photos, even in low lighting conditions, will be impressed with the image and build quality, especially at this price point."
The lens is available with either a Canon (TOK120) or a Nikon (TOK119) mount with
the RRP of £489.99 Inc VAT.
Technical data for AT-X 116 PRO DX:
Mount availability: Canon and Nikon APS-C
Focal length: 11 - 16mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Optical construction: 13 elements in 11 groups.
Coatings: Multi-layer
Angle of view: 104°~82°
Minimum focus distance: 0.3m
Reproduction Ratio: 1:11.6
Focusing Mode: Internal Focusing
Zoom Mode: Rotary Zoom
No. Aperture blades: 9
Filter Size: 77mm
Lens length : 89.2mm
Lens Hood: BH-777
Weight: 560g
Accessories: Flower design Bayonet lens hood (BH77A)
A new Forum for Tokina users has been set-up at, www.tokinausers.co.uk. This free-to-use online community allows all Tokina lens users to share their experience using the lenses and offer tips to their peers. There is also the facility for users to upload their photographs taken with Tokina lenses.
Kenro are the official UK distributors for Tokina lenses. See the Kenro site for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28[via LetsGoDigital.org]

2008-07-21T11:29:00.001-07:00

: Panasonic introduces the Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital still camera, featuring a 27mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with an 18x optical zoom. Joining Panasonic’s popular FZ series of cameras that pack a high-powered zoom into a compact body, the Panasonic FZ28 also boasts 10.1 megapixel resolution and adds a number of enhanced features that boost user fun and convenience, represented by an advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. The super-powerful 18x zoom lens makes it easy to pull in subjects from far away or to take dramatic close-ups. For an added boost, zoom power can be increased to 32.1x with the Extra Optical Zoom function. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is available in black or silver.

Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - Landscape photography
The 27mm wide-angle feature is ideal for both broad landscapes and tight indoor shots, letting photographers capture a wider view. The 10.1-megapixel resolution allows photos to be greatly enlarged while still retaining outstanding detail, or edited by trimming and enlarging parts of the photo to print. The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 is a compact wide-angle, super-zoom camera that offers both uncommon convenience and exceptional creative freedom. Users from soccer moms to serious amateur photographers will find the versatile Panasonic FZ28 a perfect answer to their needs.

Panasonic DMC-FZ28 - Performance and Efficiency
For image processing, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 features the high-speed, high-performance, Venus Engine IV. Thanks to the Venus IV, the Panasonic FZ28 can snap off consecutive shots at a fast max.13 frames per second for subjects with fast motion in High Speed Burst Shooting mode. In High Sensitivity mode, the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 can capture stunning photos with sensitivity up to ISO 6400 in extremely low lit situations. The engine allows the Panasonic FZ28 to shoot up to 450 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ28 - AF tracking and Exposure
Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced for new Lumix cameras to be released in this fall, and so as for the Panasonic FZ28. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.

Panasonic FZ28 - Manual operation and Advanced scene mode
The new Panasonic FZ28 inherits and enhances the manual operation that has proven so popular with other members of the FZ family. The Lumix FZ28 manual controls are more versatile than in previous models and the control layout has been improved, making use of the manual controls easier and more intuitive. Also, the Advanced Scene mode, unique to Lumix high-end compact cameras for users who want more creativity, now includes a Close-up mode that lets users enjoy sophisticated close-up photography according to the subject to shoot with remarkable ease.
Panasonic High Definition and Large screen viewing
In addition to capturing beautiful still images, the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 makes it easy to shoot high-definition 1280 x 720p motion images at 30 fps with outstanding detail. Using the DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable (available separately), these motion images can be output from the FZ28 directly to a TV for large-screen viewing. The FZ28 features a large, 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD with 230,000-dot resolution. Clearly visible in virtually all conditions, this advanced LCD gives the user a clear, detailed look at the shot being composed and plays back crisp, clear images after shooting. The viewfinder resolution has also been increased to 201,600 dots for easier viewing. The FZ28 offers a number of other functions that expand photographic possibilities, including a stronger flash for long-distance lighting and extended use, a color temperature display that makes it easier to set the white balance more accurately, a color bracket function, and new scene modes - Pin Hole and Film Grain - that create film-camera-like effects. Image leveling and other new functions add convenience after shooting as well.

Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT and Optical performance
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 packages a 27mm wide angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with F2.8-4.4 brightness and powerful 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm film camera) together with a 10.1-megapixel CCD into a compact body. The lens unit comprises of 11 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and 2 ED lenses. Notably 2 ED lenses minimize the chromatic aberration that is likely to occur in telephoto images. This set of lenses secure picture quality high enough to pass Leica's stringent standards and delivers exceptional optical performance. With the long zoom range from 27mm to 486mm, equivalent to 18x, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 can be the best suitable camera to take expansive scenery with dynamic perspective and a close-up of a distant subject, having the appealing angle of view. This powerful zoom also works during the motion picture recording. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function uses the centre part of the CCD to provide additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 32.1x.

Panasonic FZ28 - Optical image stabilizer and Face detection
The new Panasonic Lumix-FZ28 adds a new AF Tracking function to iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which is a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action.

>Intelligent Scene Selector and Exposure
The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the FZ28 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash. Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ28 Megazoom AF system
The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized. In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to switch to the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.
Panasonic camera operation
Packing super-powerful zoom lenses in compact bodies, Lumix FZ series cameras give users everything they need to explore the creative side of photography. FZ cameras come with a joystick that has earned high acclaim from users for allowing quick, easy adjustment of manual focus, manual exposure, and other settings. When the camera is in manual focus mode, the focal length and depth of field are displayed in accordance with the zoom range. When the camera is mounted on a tripod and the angle of view is fixed, the MF Assist function allows pinpoint confirmation of the focus area, so users can focus with high precision even when the composing of image is fixed on a tripod. The AF/AE lock button prevents any accidental changes to the focus and exposure settings, so the user doesn’t have to repeat the same cumbersome trial-and-error process to recapture the previous settings. There is also a custom setting function that lets users store up to 4 sets of settings you often use in memory and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.

Lumix Advanced Scene mode
The Advanced Scene mode has been praised for giving users an extra degree of creative freedom when using ordinary scene modes. The Panasonic FZ28 features 5 scene modes - Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night Scenery and a new Close-up mode that provides optimal settings for shooting flowers or other small objects with fine detail. By selecting Aperture Priority in Close-up mode, the user can capture a close-up shot against a soft-focused background for an even more impressive result. With the new modes in the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, the user can choose from five Portrait mode settings, four Scenery mode settings, four Sports mode settings, four Night Portrait settings, and four new Close-up mode settings. Together with the 16 ordinary scene modes, this makes a total of 37 modes the photographer can choose from to capture images exactly the way he or she sees them. Not only in normal Scene mode but also in Advanced Scene mode, the user can see the effects of the detailed settings in real-time on the LCD. This gives the user the opportunity, before taking the shot, to make whatever adjustments are necessary to capture the desired image. To help take full advantage of the wealth of settings available, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 also offers an Navigation Guide on the LCD that shows the effect of each mode or submode setting.
Panasonic FZ28 Megazoom camera auto focus system
4. Quick and Smart AF and Easy Manual Focusing
Panasonic has dramatically revamped the focus system featured in the Panasonic Lumix FZ28. The most significant improvement is the new Tracking AF. By keeping the focus locked on a moving subject such as a child or pet, this function makes it a lot easier for users to capture clear, perfectly focused shots at the perfect moment. To match the shooting situation and subject's position, the user can select from six auto-focusing methods: AF tracking, face detection, multi, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed, and spot. With the 1-point AF or spot AF method, the auto-focusing area can be chosen freely from the entire field of view with the joystick or cursor button. Various group area patterns can also be selected in the Multi method.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 - Face detection and Macro
The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize a human face to capture it bright and clear. Up to 15 human faces can be detected simultaneously. The detection keeps working on the faces even if subjects are moving so that the time for AF is minimized before you click away the shutter.
Manual focusing, which is a valuable tool for professional-level photography, is also easy thanks to the previously described joystick. Instant switching between AF and MF is available with the independent AF/MF button. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is also equipped with AF Macro button and it activates One-Shot AF function in MF mode with a single press of the button. In both AF/MF, the subject just 1cm away can be finely captured sparing no detail of it. You can experience the dynamic close-up of macro shots.
Panasonic burst shooting and Flash photography
In the High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible max. 13 shots per second. Notably, the shutter mechanism of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is mechanical, which allows users to take beautiful pictures in motion with minimal smearing and distortion effects that is often seen when using the electronic shutter mechanism. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take continuous shooting with continuous emission of flash. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 can snap approx.2.5 shots per second at full resolution.

Panasonic Venus Engine IV image-processing LSI
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. The Parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. It supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.
Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - MEGA O.I.S. and ISO control
The Venus Engine IV also makes it possible to capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights with the Intelligent Exposure function. It now has high, standard and low settings of effect to match the shooting conditions and desired results. Furthermore, the engine elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur. This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 450 shots(CIPA) per a single charge.

Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - High Definition output
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).
Panasonic Lumix slideshow and HDTV
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.
Panasonic FZ28 megazoom digital camera - LCD and Electronic Viewfinder
Clear, easy-to-see LCD is upgraded both in size and resolution to be 2.7-inch with 230,000-dot high resolution to offer even more comfortable view for both monitoring when shooting and for playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd. The in-line Electronic Viewfinder increased its resolution from the predecessor up to 201,600-dot to provide easy, corner-to-corner focusing confirmation even in manual focus mode.
Panasonic Lumix megazoom camera features and functions
The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 is a versatile compact camera equipped with a wide-angle lens, powerful optical zoom, and a host of enhanced features that make shooting more fun. SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE software application comes bundled with the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format. Using this software, you can freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even after shooting for greater enjoyment of digital photography. The flash is more powerful than before and reaches a distance of 8.5 meters at the wide setting and 5.4 meters at the telephoto setting (ISO AUTO). It also has 1st curtain and 2nd curtain synchro settings.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 - Artistic colors and Effects
A new color bracketing function records three types of images - color, monochromatic and sepia - at a single press of a button. Using this function, the photographer can capture a color photo and artistic monochrome photo at the same time while pressing the shutter button just once. For setting the white balance, the FZ28 newly provides a setting by the color temperature in addition to the Two-Axis white balance adjustment to offer more precise control over the WB. The Panasonic FZ28 offers a total of 16 normal scene modes and 5 advanced scene modes, including the new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes that add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. This wide range of modes lets the FZ28 respond easily to any shooting situation. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.
Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - USB port and Memory
Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The USB port supports the 2.0 HS standard and the internal memory has been increased to approx. 50 MB - two further enhancements that add to the convenience and fun of using the Panasonic FZ28.
Panasonic Lumix digital cameras
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 offers a wide line of optional accessories to expand shooting possibilities. A tele-conversion lens with 1.7x power (equivalent to 826.2mm on a 35mm film camera) and a close-up lens can be mounted using a lens adaptor. An ND filter and new PL filter are also available to provide the FZ28 with true high-end camera capabilities. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 optional accessories
• Panasonic DMW-LT55 Tele conversion lens (Requires Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA3))
• Panasonic DMW-LC55 Close-up lens (Requires Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA3))
• Panasonic DMW-LND46 ND filter
• Panasonic DMW-LMC46 MC protector
• Panasonic DMW-LPL46 PL Filter
• Panasonic DMW-LA3 Lens adaptor
• Panasonic DMW-AC7 AC adaptor
• Panasonic CGR-S006 Battery pack
• Panasonic DMW-CZS7 Soft case
• Panasonic DMW-CZ18 Camera Bag
• Panasonic DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable

Panasonic SDHC 12 Gb

2008-07-21T11:28:00.001-07:00

Panasonic SDHC update : Panasonic, the leading brand by which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is best known, announced a new line of SD High Capacity (SDHC)(2) Memory Cards - in 6GB and 12GB storage capacities, which are ideal for video recording with High Definition (HD) camcorders, and are capable of recording 90 minutes and 180 minutes of 1920x1080 Full HD content, respectively. The new cards, Panasonic RP-SDM06G (6GB) and RP-SDM12G (12GB) record with Class 4 specification. The SD Card-based HD camcorders market is growing, and Panasonic, which has the number one share in SD Memory Card camcorders worldwide, now provides the most suitable options for recording HD video.

Panasonic SDHC card - Hardware
Since Panasonic manufactures both hardware and media, it can offer highly reliable products that offer superb performance with AVCHD recording. When used with Panasonic’s newly-introduced HDC-SD100 High Definition camcorder, the new SDHC Memory Cards can record 90min (6GB) or 180min (12GB) of 1920 x 1080 Full HD video, while in HX mode (9Mbps). Users can also select other HD recording modes from HE (6Mbps) to HA (17Mbps), the recording time varies according to the modes chosen. With HE mode, users can enjoy up to 135min (6GB) or 270min(12GB) of 1440x 1080 High Definition video recording. The cards can also be used for standard definition video recording.
Panasonic SDHC flash memory - Camcorders and Industrial grade
Beyond its high-performance capabilities when paired with HD camcorders, the new Panasonic SDHC Memory Cards are designed to be resistant to bending and twisting, protecting important data stored on the card. Since the cards employ industrial-grade flash memory, they are extremely reliable even under severe temperature conditions. The cards can function in temperatures ranging from -25C - +85C, thus assuring consistent performance even when used in extreme cold or hot environments(3). In addition, the cards preserve data, even when power is turned off during access.
Panasonic SDHC update - Recording time and Video shooting
The new Panasonic RP-SDM06G (6GB) and RP-SDM12G (12GB) SDHC Memory Cards incorporate user-friendly features, such as memo-labels, which allow users to write directly on the front of the card, making it easy to organize and file according to content. The approximate recording time on each mode is also shown on the package so that users can easily choose the most suitable card or modes for their video shooting.
About Panasonic
Best known for its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of JPY 9,068.9billion (approx. USD 90.52billion, exchange rate USD 1=JPY 100.19 as of March 31, 2008). The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:MC) stock exchanges.

via letsgodigital.org

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 [via LetsGoDigital.org]

2008-07-21T07:55:00.001-07:00

Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix 10.1 megapixel DMC-FX37 with astonishing 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens and powerful 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 125 mm on a 35mm film camera), which captures almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras, resulting in remarkable images with unprecedented width and depth. The world-acclaimed FX series pursues high picture quality and unique features in an urbane, sophisticated profile to which the Panasonic Lumix FX37 proudly joins. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 will be available in silver, black, blue, pink, white and brown, each with a distinctive finish or texture according to its color.

Panasonic Lumix FX37 takes beautiful photos
Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced for new Lumix cameras to be released in this fall, and so as for the Panasonic FX37. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Panasonic Lumix FX37 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject.

Panasonic DMC FX-37 - Face detection and Image processing
Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights. For image processing, the Panasonic DMC FX37 features the high-speed, high-performance, next-generation Venus Engine IV. The engine allows the Panasonic Lumix FX37 to shoot up to approx. 310 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 - Component cable
In addition to capturing beautiful still images, the Panasonic FX37 makes it easy to shoot high-definition 1280 x 720p motion images at 30 fps with outstanding detail. Using the DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable (available separately), these motion images can be output from the FX37 directly to a TV for large-screen viewing. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 features a new panel, which boasts a wide viewing angle, for its Intelligent LCD to ensure clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations.

Panasonic Lumix film effects and design
The Panasonic Lumix FX37 offers a number of other functions that expand photographic possibilities including new Scene mode. Pin Hole and Film Grain mode create film-camera-like effects, and Flash Burst mode allows continuous emission of flash on burst shooting (Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording). Another new mode is the Transform mode which adds more fun especially on portrait pictures, to give the subject special transformation effect to look funny. Image Leveling, batch resizing, and other new functions add convenience after shooting are equipped as well. Dressed in a metal-finished panel, the sleek and slim Panasonic DMC-FX37, a sophisticated camera full of desirable functions, offers the enjoyment of taking snapshots with a fantastic view and fun never before experienced.

Panasonic Lumix digital cameras - Optical Leica lens and CCD
The 10.1-megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX37 packages a 25mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens with 5x optical zoom, offering F2.8 brightness. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit passes Leica's stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance. Notably, a newly developed unevenly thick concave meniscus EA (extra high refractive index aspherical) lens makes it possible to achieve the 25mm ultra-wide-angle high optical performance while keeping the lens unit thin and the body slim. The 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens records almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.9x by using the center part of the CCD.

Lumix FX37 photography camera - Image stabilizer and AF tracking
The new Panasonic DMC-FX37 adds a new AF Tracking function to iA (intelligent auto) mode, which is a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action.

Lumix intelligent software selects scene
Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects whichever of 5 scene modes -- Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, and Night Scenery – that best suits the shooting situation. The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic FX37, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash.

Panasonic Lumix FX37 camera - High lights and QuickAF
Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture image that looknatural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 - ISO control and Shooting assist
In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX37 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

Panasonic High definition output and HD motion
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic DMC-FX37 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). The Panasonic DMC-FX37 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FX37 compact camera - Venus Engine IV
An image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

Panasonic FX37 Burst Shoot and CIPA
Featured in the Panasonic DMC-FX37, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx.0.005 second minimum and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In Burst Shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC-FX37 can snap 2.5 shots per second at full resolution.* And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emission of flash. The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the DMC-FX37 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 310 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 - Shoot and Playback
The new Panasonic DMC-FX37 incorporates an easy-to-see, large, 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD. The Intelligent LCD function equipped in the Panasonic Lumix FX37 detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. Together with the newly adopted panel which boasts a wide viewing angle, it secures comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results in any circumstances.
Panasonic Lumix FX37 features
The new DMC-FX37 features a variety of functionalities to expand the convenience and fun for users to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The Panasonic FX37 offers a total of 25 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. One more new scene mode is the Transform mode, that trims and stretches the image to virtually transform the subject slimmer or stretched wider. It also has a shining effect to make the large transformation look more extreme and funny. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot. Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The Panasonic FX37 can also resize multiple images at the same time. The 2.0 HS-compatible USB port and approx. 50 MB of internal memory also enhance the convenience of using the Panasonic Lumix FX37. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150[via LetsGoDigital.org]

2008-07-21T07:53:00.001-07:00

Panasonic is introducing a new 14.7 megapixel model to its Lumix FX Series with stylish, high-quality bodies and high-end specifications. Boasting astonishing 14.7 megapixel resolution, the Panasonic FX150 meets the needs of a wide range of consumers looking for an attractive compact camera that makes it easy to take clear, sharp, expressive photos with outstanding detail. Equipped with a 28mm wide-angle lens, the Panasonic Lumix FX150 lets users capture images of expansive scenery just as they appear to the naked eye. The wide-angle lens also makes it possible to fit an entire big building or other architectural structure in a single frame - something not possible with most ordinary cameras.

Panasonic Lumix FX150 - Wide angle lens
And when shooting in tight or crowded indoor spaces, the wide-angle lens fits more people in the photo. The 14.7 megapixels - the most offered in a compact camera - ensure that photos are crisp, clear and sharply detailed even when enlarged. This high resolution also means you can crop unwanted parts of an image and enlarge the rest, creating a beautifully composed photo that retains outstanding detail. Available in an attractive silver, black or gold finish, the Panasonic Lumix FX150 has a refined, understated sophistication that will appeal to adults.

Panasonic FX150 camera - Venus Engine IV
At the heart of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 is Panasonic's new high-speed, high-performance, next-generation image processing system. The Venus Engine IV not only helps render exquisitely beautiful images even in burst mode or when shooting in low lighting, it's also more energy-efficient than predecessor models, allowing 330 pictures (CIPA) per battery charge.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 - Bracketing and White balance
The Panasonic Lumix FX150 also offers easy manual control, letting users adjust the shutter speed as desired. The bracketing function includes the exposure bracketing available on previous models plus a new color bracketing function that can record color, monochromatic and sepia shots of an image at the same time with a single press of the shutter button. The Panasonic Lumix FX150 also introduces a new multi-exposure function that creates an interesting artistic effect by superimposing up to three consecutively shot images, while the user views the previous image on the monitor. Also in the Panasonic FX150, the white balance function has been improved from conventional one-axis compensation to two-axis compensation with a color temperature setting that allows more precise adjustment. For the AF, FX150 allows user to set focus freely among 11 focus points.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150 digicam - Backlight compensation and Shadows
On the other hand, Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced for new Lumix cameras to be released in this fall, and so as for the Panasonic FX150. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Panasonic DMC-FX150 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.
Panasonic Lumix FX150 digital camera - Intelligent LCD and RAW file
The Panasonic FX150 features a new panel, which boasts a wide viewing angle, for its 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD to ensure clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations to ensure clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 records original pictures data in RAW file format for the user to develop the image with the intended effects on it. With this extensive package of features and functions, the Panasonic FX150 goes beyond the bounds of conventional compact cameras, giving users the power and freedom to both capture extremely lifelike photos and to create artistically expressive images. The FX150 is recommended for people who want a well-built, stylish, compact digital camera that's more advanced in performance and operability than ordinary models.

Lumix DMC-FX150 Leica lens
With the Panasonic DMC-FX150, Panasonic packages a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens featuring F2.8 brightness and a 3.6x optical zoom plus a 14.7-megapixel CCD into a slim, stylish and conveniently compact camera body. The lens unit, which comprises seven elements in six groups, including an EA (extra-high refractive index aspherical) lens and 4 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, is designed and manufactured to Leica's stringent standards. Its optical performance is exceptional. In addition to the 3.6x optical zoom, the Panasonic Lumix FX150 offers an Extra Optical Zoom function. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 7.7x by using the center part of the CCD. The Panasonic FX150 also has an Easy Zoom feature that, at the touch of a button, shifts the lens instantly to full 3.6x zoom power. A second touch of the button activates the Extra Optical Zoom function and extends zoom all the way to 7.7x.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 camera control
With its Lumix FX Premium Series of digital cameras, Panasonic packs a high-quality wide-angle lens and high-resolution performance in a compact, stylish body. The new Panasonic Lumix FX150 provides easy-to-use manual controls and a wealth of features that let users explore the creative side of photography. The Panasonic FX150 is designed not only for people who want to take great photos of events in their lives, but also for those who want to express themselves artistically through the images they create. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150's easy-to-use Manual Exposure mode lets users choose a particular shutter speed, giving them the freedom to render artistic images of ordinary scenes - flowing streams, moving cars and people walking past - by capturing the “traces” left by moving objects. Simply set the desired shutter speed, and the camera automatically determines the aperture setting that provides the best exposure, or you can set it. When the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 is mounted on a tripod and the angle of view is fixed, the user can select a point to focus among 11 areas freely. They also make it possible to achieve precise focusing no matter where the main subject is positioned within the frame, giving the user greater flexibility when composing the shot. The Panasonic FX150's bracketing function includes the ordinary exposure bracketing and adds a new color bracketing function that captures color, monochromatic and sepia shots of an image at the same time with a single press of the shutter button. With color bracketing, users no longer have to use a PC and editing software should they later want to change a color image to black and white, for example. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 also introduces a multi-exposure function that superimposes up to three consecutively shot images together, while the user views the previous image on the monitor. This creates an unusual, surrealistic effect that cannot be achieved with a single image alone. Also, the white balance function has been improved from conventional one-axis compensation to two-axis compensation, with addition of a color temperature setting that allows finer adjustment.

Panasonic RAW file format
The new Panasonic FX150 records original pictures data in RAW file format. The SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE software application comes bundled with the Panasonic DMC-FX150 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format. Using this software, you can freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even after shooting for greater enjoyment of digital photography. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 goes beyond ordinary compact cameras, giving users the ability not only to capture true-to-life images, but also to create expressive images that satisfy on an artistic level.
Panasonic image and signal processing
Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 digital camera - Image processing and Resolution
Featured in the Panasonic DMC-FX150, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx.0.005 second and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC-FX150 can snap approx.2 shots per second at 14.7 megapixel large full resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible approx. 7 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take continuous shooting with continuous emission of flash.
Panasonic Venus Engine IV processor
The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. The Venus Engine IV also makes it possible to capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights with the Intelligent Exposure function. It now has high, standard and low settings of effect to match the shooting conditions and desired results. This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 330 shots(CIPA) per a single charge.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 - MEGA O.I.S. and Subject tracking
While offering a creative fun of photography with its manual functions, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 also has an option to enjoy taking beautiful pictures without any special technique, that is the iA (intelligent auto) mode. Adding a new AF Tracking function, the iA mode serves as a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action.
Panasonic Intelligent Scene Selector and AF system
The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the Panasonic FX150 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized.

Panasonic Lumix FX150 - ISO control and Image stabilizer
Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting. In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable one between the modes according to zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the FX150 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.
Panasonic FX150 -High definition recording and Playback
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic DMC-FX150 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).

Panasonic DMC-FX150 - Slideshow and Music
The DMC-FX150 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.
Lumix FX150 Intelligent LCD view
Clear, easy-to-see LCD is upgraded both in size and resolution to be 2.7-inch with 230,000-dot high resolution. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. Together with the newly adopted panel which boasts a wide viewing angle, it secures comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results in any circumstances.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 features
The new Panasonic DMC-FX150 features a variety of functionalities to expand the convenience and fun for users to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The Panasonic Lumix FX150 offers a total of 24 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. One more new scene mode is the Transform mode, that trim and stretch the image to virtually transform the subject slimmer or more stretched wider. It also has a shining effect to make the large transformation look more extreme and funny. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.
Panasonic Lumix FX150 - Performance and Convenience
Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The Panasonic FX150 also allows users to set an upper limit for the ISO setting, to suit certain shooting conditions. The 2.0 HS-compatible USB port and approx. 50 MB of internal memory also enhance the convenience of using the FX150. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.

Kenro announce Nissin flash shoe extension cord

2008-07-21T07:51:00.001-07:00

· 21 Jul 2008

New flash shoe extension cord from Nissin - Kenro have announced the UK release of a new universal flash shoe cord from Nissin, the SC-01.

Press Release:
The SC-01 has been specifically developed for off-camera flash photography via a 1.5m coiled cable that allows use both on a bracket and hand held. It has multiple contact pins for TTL Compatible Flash use with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Pentax and Samsung digital cameras. The SC-01 has the added bonus of not requiring a conversion switch for the respective camera manufacturer.
The main benefit is that TTL flash photography is possible up to 150cm distance from the camera. The TTL shoe which fits to the main camera body features a secondary hot shoe enabling the user to attach 2 flash units, one on the top of the camera and another to the side. There is a selector switch on the shoe to choose between camera top or extension flash usage.
The SC-01 is compatible with Nissin's own flash guns - Di622, Di466 and Di28 Speedlites, as well as Canon E-TTL, E-TTL 11 Flash Systems, Nikon i-TTL Flash Systems, Pentax P-TTL Flash Systems, Fujifilm Finepix SLR Cameras and Samsung SLR Cameras.
Paul Kench Managing Director of Kenro said: "Our customers have been asking for such a product for some time. This extension cord allows photographers to use their flash guns off the camera and yet still obtain all the benefits of TTL metering for perfect exposures. Using the flash off camera, not only avoids red-eye, but allows much greater flexibility for creative lighting."
Nissin has been a world-class manufacturer of high quality flash equipment for over 40 years. The SC-01 has the product code NFG004 and is available now from major photographic dealers with the RRP of £59.95 Inc VAT.
Specification:
Length: 30cm (12") to 150cm (5') approx.
Weight: 105g (3.7oz.) approx.
Kenro is the official UK distributors for the range of Nissin flash equipment. See the Kenro site for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.

Technorati Теги: kenro

New flash meter from Kenro

2008-07-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

· 21 Jul 2008

Kenro unveil new flash meter - Kenro have announced the UK release of a new flash meter, designed for use with all types of flash equipment.

Press Release:
This professional quality flash meter is available at a very competitive price and comes complete with a host of useful features. It has incident or reflected light measurement, a measurement range of F2-F32, accuracy + / -1/3rd stop, re-calibration adjustment - 2 to + 1 stops and 'auto power save' that turns the meter off automatically after two minutes when not in use.
The unit measures 136mm x 70 x 30mm and weighs 92g. With the order code TF004, the flash meter is available now with an RRP of £59.99 Inc VAT.
See the Kenro site for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.

Technorati Теги: Kenro

Kenro release Radio Slave Flash Trigger

2008-07-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

· 21 Jul 2008

New flash gear from Kenro

Technorati Теги: Kenro

- Kenro have announced the UK release of a new twin channel Radio Slave Flash Trigger and Receiver Kit and also a new Infra-Red Flash Transmitter.

Press Release:
The radio slave trigger kit is designed to wirelessly trigger the flash, and consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends out a FM wireless signal to activate the receiver.
Specifications:
Connecting Method: Hotshoe contact, JIS synchro X contact
Power Source: Transmitter 12v (23a) mini-battery. Receiver AC 110-230v 55/60 Hz
Working Distance: Approx 30 meters
Trigger Current 0.01 milliamp ere
Number of Transmissions: 10,000 times continuously
Max. Synchronous speed up to 1/250 second
Product code: TF038
The kit is available now from major photographic dealers with the RRP of £49.99 Inc VAT.
The new Infra-Red Flash Transmitter can remotely trigger flash heads from a distance of up to 45 metres. The unit provides approximately 800 transmissions using standard AA batteries and comes complete with a JISS synchro male type/two-pole 5mm cable. The flash transmitter has the product code TF005 and is available for £34.66 Inc VAT.
Paul Kench, Kenro's Managing Director, says: "If you are looking for a reliable way to wirelessly trigger your studio flash heads, then the Radio Slave Flash Kit is a great value option. For those out on location, the battery operated Infra-Red Flash Trigger is the way to go."
See the Kenro site for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.

New Tokina 35mm Macro lens announced by Kenro

2008-07-21T07:48:00.001-07:00

· 21 Jul 2008

New 35mm f/2.8 Macro lens from Tokina - Kenro has announced the UK release of a new macro lens from Tokina, the ATX 35mm F2.8 Macro PRO DX (AT-X M35 PRO DX).

Press Release:
The close focusing distance of the M35 is an amazingly close 5.5 inches (14cm) yielding a macro ratio of 1:1 or life-sized reproduction with excellent sharpness and when used on digital SLR cameras the new lens gives the same angle of view as a 52mm lens.
Weighing just 340 grams this compact macro is easy to carry almost everywhere and the wide f/2.8 aperture allows for easier viewing in low light situations. The front element of the lens has a newly formulated WR or 'Water Repellent' optical coating on the glass. This new coating means that blemishes left by water or fingerprints are much easier to clean than with a standard multi-coating.
The AT-X M35 PRO DX boasts Tokina's exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism. This groundbreaking feature allows the photographer to switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus by simply snapping the focus ring forward for Auto and back towards the camera to focus manually. There is no need to change the AF-MF switch on Nikon cameras and there is no second AF/MF switch on the lens for Canon, everything is accomplished by the focus ring.
Paul Kench, Kenro's managing director says: "Being able to shoot high quality 'life size' Macro images is the dream of many photographers. This lens is the answer to their prayers. The fast aperture will also be of great benefit when shooting under low lighting conditions or where the photographer needs to 'freeze' moving images such as when flowers are moving in the wind."
The lens is available with either a Canon (TOK118) or a Nikon (TOK117) mount with
an RRP of £369.99 Inc VAT.
Technical data for AT-X M35 PRO DX:
Mount availability: Canon and Nikon APS-C
Focal length: 35mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Optical construction: 9 element in 8 groups
Coatings: Multi-layer
Angle of view: 43°
Minimum focus distance: 5.5 in. (14cm)
Macro Ratio: 1:1
No. Aperture blades: 9
Filter Size: 52mm
Lens width: 73.2mm
Lens length: 60.4mm
Weight: 340g
Accessories: Metal Hood (MH522)
A new Forum for Tokina users has been set-up at, www.tokinausers.co.uk, this free-to-use online community allows all Tokina lens users to share their experience using the lenses and offer tips to their peers. There is also the facility for users to upload their photographs taken with Tokina lenses.
Kenro are the official UK distributors for Tokina lenses. See the Kenro site for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.

[via LetsGoDigital.org]Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

2008-07-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 : Panasonic is introducing the DMC-LX3, the long-awaited addition to the popular Lumix LX series. Designed for easy, creative shooting, the new Panasonic LX3 comes two years after its predecessor, the LX2, earned an enthusiastic following among both professional photographers and serious amateurs for its exquisite image rendering, superior operating ease, and unique triple-wide system comprising wide-angle lens, 16:9 CCD and LCD. Panasonic has upgraded every component of the Panasonic LX3 to achieve a camera whose performance surpasses that of any compact camera that has come before. Available in black or silver, the Panasonic DMC-LX3 is an excellent choice as a compact partner camera for users who own an SLR.

Panasonic Lumix LX3 - Pixel count and Quality
Simply put, the LX3 smashes all previous perceptions about the limitations of a digital compact camera, setting a lofty new standard in performance, quality and creative capabilities. At the core of the LX3 is a large, ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specially for the new model. The old formula equating pixel count with image quality does not always hold true. In general, if two CCDs have exactly the same physical size but different pixel counts, the one with more pixels is not necessarily better - in fact, it's likely to generate more picture noise, especially in low-light parts of the image.

Panasonic DMC-LX3 - Sensitivity and Performance
This poor low-light image quality has been a source of great dissatisfaction for compact camera users. In the Panasonic LX3, Panasonic responds to this problem by boldly reversing the industry trend of pushing toward ever-higher pixel counts. Rather than cramming in the maximum number of pixels possible, it limited the LX3's 1/1.63-inch CCD to 10.1 megapixels. The result is a CCD that provides a generous amount of space for each pixel while offering superb sensitivity and a wide dynamic range made possible by maximizing the size of the photodiode. Panasonic also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation. These enhancements greatly improve imaging performance, boosting sensitivity by around 40% and saturation by around 35% compared with ordinary 10-mexapixel compact cameras. The CCD in Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 can reproduce images shot with the lens set from 24mm to 60mm in any of three aspect ratios; 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9, so you can always capture dynamic, richly expressive shots with a wide perspective. The newly added Multi-aspect mode allows the camera to take a image in all 3 aspect ratios simultaneously for photographer to choose the one that best takes the advantage of the scene after shooting.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera - Bright lens and Minimum distortion
The Panasonic LX3's F2.0 24mm ultra-wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens also represents a major step up from the LX2. The F2.0 lens is about twice as bright as the previous F2.8 lens, itself generally considered a bright lens. With the new F2.0 lens, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 can shoot at higher shutter speeds and capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images even in lower lighting conditions. This advanced lens also makes it easy to produce beautiful photos with pleasing soft-focused background. Also, the 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens - rare on a compact camera – gives photographers a wider range of composition possibilities. The super-high-quality Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens minimizes distortion even at the wide end, so users can get stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail.
Panasonic LSI Venus Engine IV processor
The Panasonic Lumix LX3 is equipped with Panasonic's advanced image processing LSI, the Venus Engine IV. This high-speed high-performance imaging engine makes it possible to capture clean, beautiful, low-noise photos even when shooting at high sensitivity settings. Separating chromatic noise from luminance noise and low-frequency noise from high-frequency noise, and applying the optimal noise-reduction processing to each, the Venus Engine IV provides superior noise control and minimization of color bleeding.

Panasonic LX3 camera - Flexibility and Control
The Panasonic LX3 is packed with features that enhance photo-shooting fun, ease and creativity. An easy-to-use Manual mode gives the user greater shot-making flexibility and control - ideal for those who want to explore the creative side of photography. The auto focus function lets the user select the number of auto focus points in the frame by pressing a button on the camera top. Pressing the same button after taking the shot enlarges the area surrounding the point of focus, giving the user a convenient way to check the focusing accuracy. The Panasonic Lumic LX3's customized setting function lets the user assign functions to an independent button on the camera back. In addition, up to 4 settings can be stored in memory and instantly retrieved using the Mode dial. The color temperature can be set when adjusting the white balance, which works with the conventional 2-axis compensation to allow even finer adjustment. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 offers a Film mode with 6 color types and 3 types of monochrome to choose from. Much like selecting different film types with a film camera, this function gives the user the flexibility to produce more interesting and expressive images. A newly added multiple-exposure function also lets the user create artistic photo productions, overlaying up to three consecutive images while viewing the most recent image in the monitor.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 high-end camera - Aspect ratio and Conversions lens
The Panasonic Lumix LX3 boasts a large 3.0-inch large LCD with a 3:2 aspect ratio and high 460,000-dot resolution. Performance is outstanding for both shooting and viewing. A new LCD panel provides bright, easy-to-see images over a wider viewing angle. The Intelligent LCD function, standard on all Lumix models, assures comfortable viewing in virtually all conditions by automatically adjusting the backlighting of LCD as the ambient light level changes. One key advancement over previous models is the LX3's superb expandability. Mounting the optional Wide Conversion Lens brings the maximum wide angle all the way to an incredible 18mm. Other optional equipment such as the ND Filter and new PL Filter also broaden image-creating possibilities. The high-end aluminum External Optical Viewfinder provides bright, clear viewing without wearing down the battery. And the optional GN22 Compact Flash mounts to the hot shoe newly added to the LX3. These and other accessories let users build around the LX3 to create a powerful, versatile camera system that can take them as far into photography as they want to go.

Panasonic Lumix picture quality
This full set of functions draws a distinct line between the Panasonic Lumix LX3 and ordinary compact cameras. The Panasonic LX3 stands alone as a compact camera whose image-creating capabilities rival even digital SLRs. It's a camera that gives users the ability to capture beautiful, richly expressive images every time they shoot. It is also an outstanding long-term camera solution for high-level users who want the best in image quality, operating ease, flexibility and creative freedom. At the heart of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is a key component that distinguishes it from all other compact cameras: a 1/1.63-inch 10.1-megapixel CCD. Boldly defying the trend to cram in the most pixels possible, Panasonic limited the LX3's large 1/1.63-inch CCD to 10.1 megapixels. This made it possible to make each pixel around 45% larger than those in ordinary 10-megapixel cameras. As a result, sensitivity is around 40% higher and saturation around 35% higher than in ordinary models, giving the Panasonic LX3 exquisite image quality with both excellent sensitivity and a wide dynamic range.

Panasonic Lumix LX3 - Image sensor and S/N ratio
While the LX2 also featured a large CCD image sensor - its 1/1.65" CCD was just slightly smaller than the Panasonic LX3's 1/1.63" unit - in the LX3 Panasonic maximized the size of the photodiode size to boost sensitivity by around 19% and saturation performance by around 15%. Panasonic also minimized noise generation in the LX3 by using newly designed circuits around the CCD that improve the power supply process and provide a layered structure. The CCD was also given a large output buffer to further stabilize the signal and cut noise generation to a minimum. These enhancements combine to improve the S/N ratio by 3 dB. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 also provides dramatically improved color reproduction in low lighting, where noise is typically a problem.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 advanced camera
Normally, to produce an image of 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio, 4:3picture will be cropped, so the picture does not have the maximum advantage of these extraordinary recording aspect. However, the CCD in DMC-LX3 can reproduce images shot with the lens set from 24mm to 60mm in any of three aspect ratios; 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9, so you can always capture dynamic, richly expressive shots with a wide perspective. The newly added Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take a image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously for photographer to choose the one that best takes the advantage of the scene after shooting.

Ultra Wide Angle High Quality Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens
A fantastic step up from the predecessor DMC-LX2 is represented by the newly developed F2.0 24mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens in the Panasonic LX3. The F2.0 lens is about twice as bright as the F2.8 lens; itself generally considered a bright lens. With the new F2.0 lens, the Panasonic Lumix LX3 can shoot at higher shutter speeds and capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images in lower lighting situation. This advanced lens also makes it easy to produce beautiful photos with pleasing soft background focusing thanks to the shallow depth of field provided by the extra light.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera - Composition and Viewing space
Also, the 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens - rare on a compact camera - gives photographers a wider range of composition possibilities. The super-high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens minimizes distortion at the wide end, so users can get stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail. The Panasonic Lumix LX3 captures approx.213% larger viewing space compared to that normal 35mm camera does, and even approx.136% larger compared to that 28mm wide-angle lens can do. The lens unit consists of 8 elements in 6 groups with 4 aspherical lenses with 4 aspherical surfaces. Minimal distortion, high resolution, minimum artifacts such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring are the proof of uncompromising imaging made possible by F2.0 24mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens. In addition, newly adopted iris diaphragm allows the users to adjust aperture at fine steps manually.

Panasonic Venus Engine IV advanced signal processor technology
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 - Resolution and Burst shooting
The Venus Engine IV also supports a superior high sensitivity recording that lets the DMC-LX3 record at a setting of up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and even up to ISO 6400 when using the high sensitivity mode, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. The Venus Engine IV also makes it possible to capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights with the Intelligent Exposure function. It now has high, standard and low settings of effect to match the shooting conditions and desired result. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC- LX3 can snap approx. 2.5 shots per second at 10.1-megapixel large full resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible approx. 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take continuous shooting with continuous emission of flash. Furthermore, the engine elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

Panasonic Lumix camera operation and creative options
The easy-to-use joystick operation and good design, which were part of the highly acclaimed trademarks of the predecessor, are inherited by the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The joystick was incorporated to facilitate operational ease and thereby get the best technical advantage of the multitude of functions offered by the camera. With the joystick it is possible to set focus, aperture and shutter speed, it also allows the exposure compensation. And also quickly shortcut to frequently used variables by just pressing and holding the Quick Menu button even while monitoring a subject on the LCD. A switch on the side of the lens barrel lets you quickly change the focus mode between MF, AF or Macro AF. When you focus in the Manual Focus mode, not only the focus distance but also the DOF (depth of field) according to the zoom range and aperture is displayed. The focus button on the top lets you directly choose auto-focusing point freely from the entire field of view with the 1-point AF or spot AF method. The same button works for a direct enlargement on the focused point when playing back the images.
Panasonic LX3 - Dynamic close up and Detail
In both AF/MF, the subject just 1cm away can be finely captured sparing no detail of it. You can experience the dynamic close-up of macro shots. Notably in the AF mode, the newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. For setting the white balance, the Panasonic Lumix LX3 provides a new color temperature display function in addition to the Two-Axis White Balance Adjustment offered in previous models. There is also a custom setting function that lets users store up to four sets of settings you often use in memory and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.

Panasonic DMC-LX3 - Color and Film
Furthermore, the Panasonic DMC LX3 offers a Film mode with six color types and three types of monochrome to choose from. Much like selecting different film types with a film camera, this function gives the user the flexibility to produce more interesting and expressive images. When you use the Multi-film mode is, the camera produces max. three images from a RAW file for you to enjoy different texture of a film on one same picture. Another new feature is the multiple-exposure function which lets the user create artistic photo productions, overlaying up to three consecutive images while viewing the most recent image in the monitor.
Panasonic Lumix-LX3 LCD and Resolution
Clear, easy-to-see LCD is upgraded both in size and resolution to be 3.0-inch with 460,000-dot high resolution to offer even more comfortable view for both monitoring when shooting and for playing back the results. Extraordinary 3:2 aspect of the LCD on Panasonic LX3 is familiar to those who are used to analog film cameras. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. Together with the newly adopted panel which boasts a wide viewing angle, it secures comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results in any circumstances.

Panasonic HD output and slideshows
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic DMC-LX3 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). The Panasonic LX3 newly provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.
Panasonic Lumix compact camera expandability
Last but not least, superb expandability is the key for the Panasonic LX3 to be literally a “system camera”. Mounting the optional Wide Conversion Lens (DMW-LW46) brings the maximum wide angle all the way to an incredible 18mm. Optional equipment such as the ND Filter (DMW-LND46) and new PL Filter (DMW-LPL46) also broaden image-creating possibilities. The high-end aluminum External Optical Viewfinder (DMW-VF1) provides bright, clear viewing without wearing down the battery. And the optional GN22 Compact Flash mounts to the hot shoe which is newly added to the camera unit. These and other accessories let users build around the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 to create a powerful, versatile camera system that can take them as far into photography as they want to go.

Panasonic Lumix optional accessories
• Panasonic DMW-LW46 Wide Conversion Lens (Requires an lens adaptor DMW-LA4)
• Panasonic DMW-LND46 ND Filter (Requires an lens adaptor DMW-LA4)
• Panasonic DMW-LPL46 PL Filter (Requires an lens adaptor DMW-LA4)
• Panasonic DMW-LMC46 MC Protector (Requires an lens adaptor DMW-LA4)
• Panasonic DMW-LA4 Conversion Lens Adaptor
• Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical Viewfinder
• Panasonic DMW-CLX3 Leather Casing
• Panasonic DMW-CZ18 Camera Bag
• Panasonic DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable
• Panasonic CGA-S005 Battery
• Panasonic GN22 flash unit
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 features
While the Panasonic DMC-LX3 allows full manual control for more advanced photography, the camera also allows user to take perfect shots with outstanding ease. This is made possible by Panasonic Lumix’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. The Panasonic DMC-LX3 offers a total of 23 scene modes, including the new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes that add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. This wide range of modes lets the LX3 respond easily to any shooting situation. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot. Now the flash has 1st curtain and 2nd curtain synchro settings to add effective nuance according to the scene.

Panasonic Lumix LX3 - Expertise and Innovation
Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The USB port supports the 2.0 HS standard and the internal memory has been increased to approx. 50 MB - two further enhancements that add to the convenience and fun of using the LX3. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.

Pentax Optio M50 Review

2008-07-20T18:59:00.001-07:00

Trusted Reviews has posted a review of

the Pentax Optio M50.

As an entry level camera, the Pentax M50 puts in a remarkably good performance that matches that of more expensive cameras. In particular the high ISO performance is impressive.

Technorati Теги: Pentax Optio M50,Review

Nikon D700 Review

2008-07-20T17:55:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: Nikon,D700,Review

I consider myself as pretty lucky to get one of these brand new cameras just a couple of days after the official presentation to the public. Just a few days, but I was able to test it, to take some photographs, to look at it more or less in detail and to come to a conclusion. If you don´t have time to read the full review and want to get the summary in one sentence, then here it is: If you can, get it!

Usually, I am not that enthusiastic about anything, but that D700 appeals to me very much - it is (just) still afforable, takes wonderful pictures, is very pleasant in operation and handling and almost everything works very well.

Continue to...http://www.stillephotographie.at/NikonD700ENG

Sony Offers Repair for Cyber-shot DSC-T20 Defect

2008-07-20T14:32:00.001-07:00

Sony Offers Repair for Cyber-shot DSC-T20 Defect

The company will repair T20s affected by a specific mechanical problem, free of charge.

By Aimee Baldridge
[via http://www.popphoto.com/]

Sony has informed consumers that some of its Cyber-shot DSC-T20 point-and-shoots are affected by a mechanical problem that causes the camera to vibrate and fail to function when turned on. The affected cameras have pink and silver finishes. Sony will provide free repairs to T20s suffering from the defect until July 9, 2011. Contact Sony customer service for assistance at 800-222-7669 if your T20 is affected.

Production Nikon D700 Under Test

2008-07-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

One of the more eagerly awaited cameras of the year thus far is the Nikon D700, due to ship within the next couple of weeks.
I am now working with a full production sample of the D700 and expect to have my report online by this time next week.
The photograph now on the site's Home Page was taken with this new camera.

luminous-landscape.com

Review of the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS

2008-07-20T12:04:00.001-07:00

PhotographyBLOG has posted a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS.

The bridge-style Fujifilm FinePix S100FS compact camera seems to offer everything that you get in a DSLR camera, and more. There’s a 28-400mm lens which should cover most eventualities, 11 megapixel sensor, RAW mode, tilting LCD screen, and a full range of creative shooting modes. And that’s not even scratching the surface. Gavin Stoker got to grips with the Fujifilm S100FS to find out if it really is a DSLR in compact camera clothing…

Technorati Теги: Fujifilm,camera,review

Fujifilm Launches ZSpotNow.com: A Social Network for Generation "Z"

2008-07-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

PRESS RELEASE: Fujifilm Launches ZSpotNow.com: A Social Network for Generation "Z"

Site Brings Together Music Fans, Artists, Gadget Gurus and Fashionistas Around Events in Los Angeles, Miami and New York

VALHALLA, NY--(Marketwire - July 17, 2008) - ZSpotNow.com News Facts: Today, Fujifilm launched ZSpotNow.com, a social network hosted on the Ning platform, in support of three events promoting the stylish Fujifilm FinePix Z20 digital camera.

The event themes are inspired by the Z20's unique features.

Event facts for 'Z Spot Now LA':

The 'premiere' Z Spot LA event will take place on Thursday, September 25th at Opera and Crimson, one of Hollywood's hottest and most exclusive nightclubs. Z Spot LA will feature a headline performance by Los Angeles natives, No Age, hot on the heels of their critically-acclaimed new album, "Nouns."
Z Spot Now friends will be invited to participate in the The Z Roll Movie Contest. Contestants will submit a short video clip to complete a story started by Fujifilm. The winner will be flown in for the Z Spot LA event to attend the exclusive party where their film short will be premiered.

Event facts for 'Z Spot Now Miami':

The Z Spot Miami event will take place on Saturday, October 18th at One Cool World skate park in Miami, Florida. This daytime event will feature live demos by some of Miami's most prolific pro skaters, with a live performance by renowned hip-hop/mash-up DJ, Z-Trip.
Z Spot Now friends will be invited to participate in The Art Z Contest, which calls for aspiring urban artists to redesign the Z20 logo. The artist that best reflects today's urban design trends will be flown to the Z Spot Miami event. The winning design will be used as the theme of the event, included on signage and t-shirts worn by the pro-skate crew.

Event facts for 'Z Spot Now New York':

The final event, Z Spot New York, will take place at an exclusive New York City venue on Thursday, November 20th. Z Spot New York will kick off with a roundtable discussion during which some of today's leading fashion and technology designers and influencers will come together to discuss the convergence of fashion and technology. A special cocktail reception, featuring one of NYC's hottest DJs, will follow the roundtable discussion.
As colorful and stylish digital cameras like the Z20 become everyday accessories, we are seeing a convergence of fashion and technology. The Z Couture Tech & Fashion Contest asks today's geek-chic generation to submit a video of themselves explaining why they should represent their generation on the panel by discussing what's next for the convergence of fashion/style/design and technology. The winner will be flown to the Z Spot New York event and receive a seat on the panel to sit shoulder to shoulder with today's leading fashion and technology design influencers.

Additional Relevant Information

The Ning platform currently has over 358,000 social networks and is growing at a rate of 1,500-2,000 per day.

Quotes:

Attributed to Ron Gazzola, VP of Marketing, Fujifilm

"Fujifilm recognized that this younger, style-savvy generation wants to be able to engage with a brand. We didn't want to just create a website that would speak to them -- we wanted to hear what they had to say and offer a place for the community that uses the camera to share."
"We researched the various social networking platforms out there and selected Ning based on its ability to bring together communities of common interest and lifestyle in an environment that allows for organic growth."

Attributed to Gina Bianchini, CEO, Ning, Inc.

"Ning enables anyone -- individuals or companies -- to create their own social networks for anything. With ZSpotNow, Fujifilm has taken advantage of the freedom and flexibility Ning offers to create the exact right social network for them."

Multimedia Links:

LA Contest Video reel: http://www.zspotnow.com/video/video/show?id=2173370%3AVideo%3A346
No Age's MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/nonoage
DJ Z-Trip's MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/djztrip
Opera and Crimson images: http://pbase.com/sewardstphoto/opera
2007 Fujifilm Z10 Launch Party@ Irving Plaza, NY: http://youtube.com/watch?v=QXCgBkWGu98
Fujifilm FinePix Z20 high-rez images: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/press/image_bank/list_images_by_category?resourceCatID=878545&pageNbr=1

Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ GPS Logger

2008-07-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

Records Video, Time, & GPS Location Of All Driving Events To SD Card & Watch On Google Earth

Automatic G-Sensor Records 10 Seconds Before And 30 Seconds After An Event
Internal 3D Event Sensor To Detect Speed, Breaking, Acceleration, Impact
Up To 30IPS 1280 x 960, Mpeg4 320 x 240 (QVGA) or 640 x 480 (VGA)
SD Card Recording w/ Auto Loading Software For Any PC
1.3 Mega Pixel CMOS Camera
Emergency Record Button

The World's Only Car Camera With Built-In GPS Location Logger -Complete Surveillance Records That Import Into Google Earth

All you need for recording video in a car! Not only does it record video, but it is also a GPS Logger. Playback on a PC with provided software allows the user to view recorded video simultaneously with GPS data including the date, time and location of the vehicle. This device's unique sensors detect speed, breaking, acceleration and activate recording so you will be sure to capture all important events while driving. With Accident and Event activated recording, you will never be left wondering "what just happened?" because it's all on tape.

Easy 3 Step Use: Car Camera Voyager Pro

Place in your car with included suction cups.

The device captures video and GPS information onto a SD card as you drive.

Plug the SD card into you computer to view video and GPS location.

Erratic Driving Behavior? Now You'll Know Where & Have Video Proof

There were over 6,420,000 automobile accidents last year in the United States alone. With such a high number, drivers need a better way to protect themselves against unfair insurance claims and false accusations. To expose the truth, drivers who want better car security get The Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ GPS Logger. This is the only car camera with a built-in GPS Logger that records both video and GPS location. The Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ GPS Logger stores all information onto a removable SD card that you simply plug into your computer and playback video footage with GPS location, time, and date stamp. This device is perfect for insurance purposes, teenage drivers, police officers, professional drivers, and anyone who would like to increase their car security and monitor what really happened in the car.

Capture One Of A Kind Moments On The Road

The Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ Built-In GPS Logger is not only for increased car safety. This device can capture those unique moments on the road with family or friends too. Remember when you took that road trip and had to stop for 20 minutes while a family of ducks crossed the road? You'll have it on tape forever with The Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ Built-In GPS. You can have a complete GPS diary of the places you visited and the middle of nowhere pit stops you made along the way. The Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ Built-In GPS acts as a video and GPS diary, logging and videotaping the history of your adventures.

Location Information Storage
The device records and stores detailed GPS information including the location, time, and speed at the time of accident.

Vehicle Operation Information Storage
The device records and stores certain vehicle motions including sudden acceleration, braking, and sharp turns, as well as back and forth, right and left and up and down vibrations.

Accident Data Replay
In addition to accident data replay on PCs, the device also simultaneously plays the GPS information and vehicle operation information. The software program provided is simple and easy-to-use in setting various functions including user-orientated separate storage, printing, and screen shots.

Accident / Event Recording
When an accident occurs, this device automatically detects the event with an impact sensor, activating recording. The Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ GPS Logger will record 10 seconds before and 30 seconds after an event to make sure you capture all details of the accident.

Manual Recording
Even without physical impact from an accident, the driver can manually press the emergency button to record video.

Features:

High resolution video for crystal clear video
Data is recorded onto a removable SD card for easy viewing on a monitor
Sensors automatically detect and record video of events such as impact, speed, breaking, acceleration
Accident data replay to review what really happened
GPS location information logged for later reference onto a removable SD card
Compatable with Google Earth so you can view all GPS location information
Press the emergency button to manually record video and GPS location an emergency event

Camera Specifications:

Internal GPS
1.3 Mega Pixel CMOS Camera
Mpeg-4
Up to 30 ips 12
3 image quality choices 320 x 240 (QVGA) 640 x 480 (VGA) 1280 x 960 (MEGA)
80 x 960 (MEGA up to 5 ips)
Records onto a removable SD Card (min 512MB, max 2GB)
Powered by the vehicle with cigarette lighter adapter (included)
Records onto a 2GB SD card (1GB included)
Resolution: Default VGA, Optional: QVGA, VGA, MEGA
Quality: choose from Rough, Low, Standard, High, Fine

Recording/Viewing Specifications:

Internal 3D G-Sensor (Collision, Break, Acceleration Detection)
Two event modes: Single Mode or Multi Mode
Location information stored onto a SD card
View GPS location on area maps using Google Earth
Event recording includes Emergency Button and adjustable Sensitive Movement
Vehicle operation information storage
Event replay with GPS tracking
Easy program installation (included on the SD card)
Recording Speed: Default: 5 fps, Options: 1-8 fps
Theshold of Impact Sensor: Default: .6G, Options: .01-1.5G
Recording Time Pre-Event: Default: 10 seconds, Options: 0-10 seconds
Recording Time Post Event: Default: 10 seconds, Options: 5-20 seconds

Includes:

1 Car Camera Voyager Pro w/ Built-In GPS Logger
Mount for auto glass
Power cable
1GB SD card
Cable holders
Instruction manual
Auto Loading Software for watching recorded footage from SD card

Weight:

3.9 ounces

Size:

5 ј in. x 2 in. x 1 in.

Canon Rebel XSi(EOS 450D) review by Bob Atkins

2008-07-20T06:50:00.001-07:00

The Rebel XSi seems to be a combination of the Rebel XTi and the EOS 40D, with a few new features of its own thrown into the mix. It has the basic form of the XTi with the same shutter speed range, the same flash sync speed and the same ISO range. However it also has features of the EOS 40D such as Live View, Highlight Tone Priority, High ISO Noise reduction, Spot metering, a 14-bit A/D converter and viewfinder ISO display.
The performance is perhaps closer to the 40D than to the XTi. Resolution is measurably higher, though the difference in practice is quite small. Noise appears to be a little higher, perhaps because of the smaller pixels.
Overall the XSi is an improvement over the XTi, though more in terms of features than image quality, which is good in both cameras. Upgrading from the XTi to the XSi makes sense if you need things like spot metering, a larger LCD and Live View, but if you're looking for a noticeable leap in image quality, I don't think you'll see it. If you want a significant increase in image quality, you'd probably need to look at a full frame DSLR like the Canon EOS 5D.

Continue to photo.net

DSLR camera growth ignites training boom

2008-07-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

by Chris Cheesman on the PhotographyBLOG

The growing popularity of digital SLRs is fuelling an expansion in training facilities as more consumers ditch their compact cameras and take up photography as a hobby.
The greater affordability of DSLRs is a key factor behind Experience Seminars' recent move to a larger training centre near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, said Brian Hall, one of the partners and directors.
'This is a reflection of the growing SLR market and the differences between film and digital,' he told us, adding that visitor numbers have grown 15% year on year.
There has also been a change in the type of course participants. Three or four years ago most of the training delegates had 'migrated' from film to digital SLRs, said Brian. But now, 75-80%, are DSLR novices who have only used compact cameras - prompting course leaders to launch a 'back to basics' foundation course.
Backed by Canon, the seminars are held in three seminar rooms, each holding up to 20 delegates and a training/conference room for smaller groups. There is also a one-to-one training room.
The program covers Canon's EOS system, how to get the most from your camera and 'what you can do with the images once you have taken them'.
Experience Seminars now operates 700 events – including more than 30 seminars - covering DSLR newcomers, professionals and corporate training.
For details call 01487 772804 or visit www.experience-seminars.co.uk

Technorati Теги: Canon,DSLR,training

Pentax User Club Website Update

2008-07-19T11:53:00.001-07:00

Pentax User Club Website Revamped - The Pentax User club's website has undergone a complete revamp to cater for the growing community of Pentax camera owners and bring it in line with up-to-date web technologies.

Press Release:
The Pentax User club has a quarterly magazine for Pentax subscribers and the website has always been a secondary supporting feature for club members. The redesign now links the club members and registered online visitors to various new features including a gallery, competitions, classified ads and profile sections.
Daniel Bell, site administrator comments: “With the huge growth in SLR sales, Pentax has begun to take back share in a sector where it was once a major player. With products such as the award-winning K10D and the new K20D the brand is back as a force to be reckoned with. The Pentax User Club gives consumers who've invested in the Pentax brand a place to discuss photography and share photographs with like-minded Pentax camera owners. The revamped website is designed to strengthen the online community aspects.”
The new site has free access to all areas and registered users can upload photos for feedback and comment on other photos. The gallery has 18 subject categories which can be searched by category, tags, most viewed or latest uploads.
The forum has 15 categories to discuss everything from cameras and lenses to accessories as well as techniques, meetings or troubleshooting.
The Pentax User club was founded over 30 years ago and has been steered by several editors and its magazine has seen many developments over the years. Magezine Publishing took over the club and launched a basic website in 2001. This is the first significant upgrade to the website and embraces a whole new set of features that brings the site to a wider web-savvy audience.
Features of the subscription-based element of the club include a quarterly magazine, gallery competition and discount on Pentax-related products, along with discounts on camera servicing and camera insurance and a regular informative email newsletter. The website is free to join and participate.

Nikon D700 Sample Photos

2008-07-19T11:49:00.001-07:00

During a business trip to Monaco I had some time to shoot sample photos with the new Nikon D700. Unfortunately the sun was shining with high temperatures, so high ISO photos were out of the question. As soon as I have finished the full Nikon D700 test, high ISO photos will be part of the review. The new Nikon D700 was introduced the first of July and is for many Nikon enthusiast and SLR photographers quite a surprise. 12 Megapixels, compact body and the same image sensor as the professional Nikon D3; some pretty interesting specs! Currently I have a full production model in the office, at the same time there is also a second Nikon D700 tested by Kai Thon, DIWA's test manager, at the DIWA Labs in Norway.

You can see them here >>

Technorati Теги: Nikon,D700,sample photos

AgfaPhoto Photoframe AF5075

2008-07-19T11:42:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: Agfa,Photoframe,AF5075

AgfaPhoto has launched the AF5075 photof rame that allows you to change the frame to suit your mood.
Boasting a 7 inch screen that will display jpeg images via USB or memory card, you can choose to displaya single still image or have a slide show of your favourite images.
There are three interchangable frames to choose from - brushed metal, black, and wood effect and there is also a remote control so you can control everything at the touch of a button.
“We are looking to expand our 7" frames range to compete with the growing market.” said Jeff Root, general manager Sagem Communications. “The AF5075 is the perfect solution for displaying images, it’s a high quality branded frame that is great value for money.”
Further 7” and 8” frames are expected to be announced over the next six months.
The AF5075 is available now and is priced at £59.99.
Further information can be found at www.agfaphoto.com and the AF5075 is available at Argos and Amazon for £49.99 (RRP £59.99).

New photography rules in NYC

2008-07-19T11:30:00.001-07:00

By SARA KUGLER

Technorati Теги: Photography rules,New York

YORK (AP) - Filmmakers and photographers who shoot on New York City's streets and sidewalks now have a clear set of rules dictating when they must obtain permits, after years of relying on loose guidelines that civil liberties advocates said were too vague.

The rules, which were to appear Monday in the City Record, now state clearly that productions must have permits and at least $1 million in insurance if they plan to take over a lane of traffic or leave less than eight feet of open space on a sidewalk.Permits and insurance also are required for shoots that involve vehicles or use equipment other than hand-held devices or cameras on tripods - items like props, sets, lights, dolly tracks, screens and microphone devices.

Last year, the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg agreed to make formal rules for filming and photography as part of a settlement in a lawsuit against the city on behalf of award-winning documentarian Rakesh Sharma, who was detained in 2005 when he was standing on a Manhattan sidewalk, filming with a handheld camera.

But photographers, filmmakers and civil liberties advocates were stunned by the first set of rules drafted last summer by Bloomberg's film office. Under that proposal, any group of two or more people who were filming or taking pictures for more than 30 minutes on city property would have needed a permit and insurance.

Taken literally, those permit rules would have applied to tourists snapping photos in Times Square and families shooting videos of their children in the park.The city insisted that the rules were only meant to apply to potentially disruptive productions, and agreed to revise the proposed regulations.

Before the rules were formally outlined, the dozens of productions that shot outdoors in the city each day typically already obtained permits and insurance if they were going to disrupt city life on sidewalks and streets, but City Hall had never established clear rules for doing so."We're not really trying to change anything, we're just clarifying some of the positions that have been in place and in practice for a number of years," Katherine Oliver, commissioner of Bloomberg's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, said in an interview.

Many filmmakers and photographers - both amateur and professional - had long complained that the old policies were too vague and gave authorities too much leeway to harass artists on the street.Chris Dunn, an associate legal director for the New York Civil Liberties Union, which sued the city in federal court on Sharma's behalf, said the organization approved of the new rules. But he added the city has a way to go in educating authorities about what type of filming requires a permit.

Source: AT&T

Sigma 70-200mm 1:2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Review on Dpreview.com

2008-07-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: Sigma 70-200mm 1:2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II,Sigma,review

Just posted! Our new lens review of Sigma's latest iteration of its popular fast telezoom, the snappily-entitled 70-200mm 1:2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II. Offering fast and silent autofocus to users of all brands of DSLR via its HyperSonic Motor (HSM) autofocus, and with a closest focus distance of just 1m, this certainly looks like a strong contender on paper, but with a parent design dating back to 1999, how does it match up to the current state of the art?

Continue to DPREVIEW.

#Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 lenses compared

LetsGoDigital Nikon Coolpix P80 Review

2008-07-19T06:51:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: LetsGoDigital,Nikon,Coolpix,P80,Review

Nikon Coolpix P80 review : Many people consider a small model with a large optical zoom range the ideal digital camera. This type of easy-to-carry camera enables you to take every picture you like. The so-called Megazoom cameras are therefore still extremely popular, even though reflex cameras are gradually becoming smaller and cheaper. Nikon may have bid the Megazoom concept farewell just a tad too soon, as they rushed into their undeniably successful line of DSLR cameras. With the availability of the Nikon Coolpix P80, Nikon meet the demands of consumers; a demand that still exists in spite of the success of the digital SLR camera.
Nikon Coolpix P80 digital camera
The specifications of the Nikon Coolpix P80 are extremely promising. 10 Megapixels, 18x optical zoom, ISO range up to 6400 and an in-house produced EXPEED processor also found in the latest generation of DSLR cameras of Nikon, and all of this in a body with dimensions of only 110x79x78 mm. The Nikon P80 weighs a mere 365 grams without its battery and this is a lot less than a standard DSLR. The optical zoom range is large, starting at 27 mm which offers you a true wide angle. Thankfully, manufacturers are slowly but surely starting to recognize the benefits of a wide angle.
Optical image stabilizer on the Nikon P80
At maximum telephoto mode a focal length of 486 mm is obtained compared to a 35mm camera, and that is not bad. In order to obtain a sharp picture, you do need an optical image stabilizer. Nikon chose for the Coolpix P80 to apply a moveable sensor; which is a true image stabilization system that should guarantee carefree use of the large optical range in practice.
Edit pictures on the Nikon Coolpix P80
Nikon do not limit to picture-taking alone, also editing afterwards is taken into account. Like most Nikon cameras, the Nikon P80 has also been equipped with D-lighting. Dark areas in a picture are brightened, resulting in a more natural contrast. Naturally, this is done without overwriting the original. This is a very convenient functionality that can be frequently used in practice.
Continue to letsgodigital Review Nikon Coolpix P80

Samsung NV24 HD

2008-07-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: samsung,nv 24hd,touchscreen

Samsung NV100HD digital camera : The Samsung NV100HD is Samsung's new flagship of the NV range, featuring a world class 28mm Schneider Kreuznach Wide Angle Lens incorporated into a sleek body design and featuring Samsung’s intuitive Smart Touch 2.0 User Interface. Smart Touch makes it easier to navigate the cameras comprehensive set of features and with the ‘Matrix Menu’ users can now change functions even faster. Incorporating Smart Touch within a touch screen gives the user fast access to creative settings as well as intuitive control of images, for example, a simple X on the screen signifies delete. The Samsung NV100HD is priced at £229 and will be available from online retailers from August 2008.

Make HD videos with the Samsung NV100HD
The 14.7 megapixel NV100HD enables users to record high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings. The camera’s High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) delivers crystal-clear images and movies via a single cable for ease of use. Users can now watch their movies and pictures on a big-screen LCD or plasma - with superior HD quality. Samsung’s Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) means that it is possible to control the NV100HD and compatible Samsung TVs with just one remote control.

Samsung NV100 HD incorporates a 3" hVGA LCD screen
720p resolution video can be recorded at up to 30 frames per second and is easy to view on the 3.0” hVGA LCD screen. This screen has been specifically designed with 460K pixels to provide more detail and sharper images to view. The Samsung NV100HD also includes Dual Image Stabilisation - by integrating Optical and Digital Image Stabilisation the user obtains vastly improved image quality and outstanding shots without the blur, even in low light conditions.

Perfect Portait and Smile Shot on the Samsung NV100HD
The Samsung NV100 HD ultra-compact digital camera also features a highly sensitive ISO 3200 and Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System which contains a range of features; “Face Detection”, locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected, to ensure subjects are captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected in “Beauty Shot” mode facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone.

Samsung NV100HD equipped with a touch screen
“Thanks to the success of our award-winning NV range Samsung has achieved a number one position in the compact market. The Samsung NV100HD which has advanced features and a ground breaking Touch Screen Interface takes the success of NV into another phase” said Robert King, Director, Samsung Cameras UK.
Samsung NV100HD price & availability
The Samsung NV100HD is priced at £229 and comes complete with a rechargeable battery system. It will be available from leading high street and online retailers from August 2008. All Samsung Cameras include a two year warranty.

Canon EOS digital Rebel XS pre-order

2008-07-18T18:53:00.001-07:00

The Canon Rebel XS is available for pre-order on A

Technorati Теги: Canon EOS digital Rebel XS,pre-order,amazon.com

mazon.com for $699.99. Click here for the product page.

For the latest news, reviews and more, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon Rebel XS Reviews and Resources.

D3x and D90

2008-07-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

Thom Hogan has piped up on bythom.com with some thoughts and possible insider info on the coming Nikon D3x and D90 cameras. Word is that a D3x with the rumored 24+ megapixels should be announced around Photokina in September. The D80 replacement (the D90) may creep out past Photokina (perhaps PMA 2009).

"I of photographybay.com received a message out of Japan that the high-resolution camera is in the D3 body. I trust that message more than my guess, though please note that having one (usually good) source does not mean something is verified. . . . It seems that a D80 replacement should also be in that set of announcements, which should come just before Photokina, but we just haven’t seen any of the kinds of leaks and rumors we have with previous consumer bodies out of Thailand, so maybe the D80 replacement is going to be later than Photokina."

Technorati Теги: D3x,D90,rumors,Thom Hogan

I don’t have any insider info myself; however, my money is on a for sure showing of the D3x (or whatever they call it) at Photokina. I’m also starting to wonder whether or not Nikon will replace the Nikon D80 at all. I’m beginning to think that they’ll let the D40/D60 line handle the entry-level consumer and let the D70/D80 line die off.

via photographybay.com

Kenro reveals Digital Flash 600

2008-07-18T18:45:00.001-07:00

Technorati Теги: Kenro,Flash,Digital,600W

Press Release:
The kit consists of 2 x 600w heads, 2 x air cushioned stands, 1 x white umbrella and 1 x silver umbrella.
The advanced circuitry in the heads allows power to be adjusted in a range of 6 f-stops in 1/10th f-stop increments from full power down to 1/32nd. With this wide range, each head can be used as either a main light with a softbox or umbrellas (supplied), as a fill light or a background light.
The heads are equipped with a Mechanically Automated Power Dumping System (APDS). This means when the system is adjusted downward, excessive power in the capacitors is dumped out automatically. The unit also features tactile switches that are raised to aid touch and feel in low light conditions.
Specifications:

Power 215/240V105/120V
Output 600 W/ S
Flash Power Variation Full to 1/32
Flash Duration (Full Power) 1/620
Recycling Time full 2.5 sec half 1.3 sec
Guide Number Standard Reflector (m, ISO 100) 45.3 Umbrella Reflector (m, ISO 100) 32.0
Colour Temperature 5,600K
Fuse Flash 7 amp
Sync. Lead Voltage11V.
Modelling Lamp 250 W Halogen (E27)
Modelling Lamp Variability Full to 1/32
Volume 15.0x14.0x39.5 cm
Weight 3,940 gm
Product Code: TFSFD600/KIT

Paul Kench, Kenro's Managing Director said of the new kit: "This pro-level kit gives you two heads and accessories for what you would expect to pay for just one head from some other manufacturers. The build quality is beautiful and these units are suitable for professional studio use as well as other less-demanding situations. They are also extremely portable, so photographers wishing to do location portraiture, for example, will find them extremely useful."
The Suggested Retail Price of the Kenro Digital Flash 600 Kit is just £999.99 Inc VAT, or one 600 flash head is SRP £468.85. See www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.

Digtal Compact cameras goes Swarowski

2008-07-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Crazy adepts of Swarowski just have found another kind of target: they are going to modify existing models of digital compact cameras on the pictures below:

Canon IXUS 80 pink

Pentax Optio S10

Canon Ixus wireless

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 pink

Canon ixus 860 IS black

Nikon Coolpix S500

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T20 silver

Casio EX-S600 SD

Casio EX-S770 SD

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T50 black

Models awailable in Moscow city and the pricing is about plus 50-100% to the normal price of a clear photocamera device

Technorati Теги: Canon IXUS 80 pink,Canon ixus 800 IS,Canon ixus 860 IS black,Canon Ixus wireless,Casio EX-S600 SD,Casio EX-S770 SD,Nikon Coolpix S500,Optio S10,Samsung i7 silver,Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 pink,Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T20 silver,Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T50 black

Consortium Established to Develop and Promote Close Proximity Wireless Technology "TransferJet"

2008-07-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

TransferJet is a very short range, very high speed wireless transfer method developed by Sony Electronics earlier this year. The idea is that you move two devices within a few centimetres of each other in order to connect and transfer data.

No deep security or encryption is required, nor is any interference from other devices expected, because of the very short range. The short range also enables the very high speeds, without requiring a highly powered signal.

Now; a large number of major digital camera and other electronics manufacturers have signed up to a consortium towards further developing the technology. Canon, Kodak, Panasonic, Nikon, Olympus, and Samsung are amongst the corporations who have signed up with Sony's technology.

Although it has not been stated explicitly, the inclusion of so many camera manufacturers indicates that this is probably a feature which we will be seeing on many future digital cameras.

Full List of companies being involved:

Sony Corporation ("TransferJet Consortium" Administration)
Canon Inc.
Eastman Kodak Company
Hitachi Ltd.,
Victor Company of Japan
KDDI Corporation
Kenwood Corporation
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic)
Nikon Corporation
Olympus Imaging Corporation
Pioneer Corporation
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
Seiko Epson Corporation
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
Toshiba Corporation

TransferJet wireless technology enables a high speed data transmission rate of 560Mbps, while eliminating the need for complex setup and operation. Directly touching two compliant electronic products together allows files to be transferred automatically, without the need for an access point. For example, touching a TV with a digital camera enables photos to be instantaneously displayed on the TV screen. Alternatively, downloaded music content can be easily enjoyed by touching a mobile phone to a portable audio player. TransferJet can be used as a universal interface across all consumer electronics devices.

The "TransferJet Consortium" will develop specifications and guidelines ensuring interoperability between products incorporating the technology, establish licensing schemes and administer the use of the TransferJet logo. The Consortium will also promote the advantages across industries and to consumers. Through these initiatives, the Consortium will aim to create and expand the market for TransferJet products.

Nikon P6000 Rumors [via Eric on PhtographyBay]

2008-05-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

The rumor mill is in full swing on the Nikon P6000, which is purportedly the next big thing from Nikon’s point and shoot camera realm. Nikon has been fallling a little short of Canon’s more advance featured G9, which features RAW capture - a rarity in point and shoots these days. The Nikon P6000, a follow up to the Nikon P5100, is rumored to include RAW capture along with a number of other advanced features. The above image has been circulating around on a variety of photo forums and gadget sites. It’s about time too. It’s been about a year since Nikon announced the P5100, which followed the P5000 by only six months.

Here’s a quick summary of the key features rumored to appear in the Nikon P6000:
13.5 megapixels
4x optical zoom (28mm-112mm comparable)
Vibration Reduction
RAW image capture
Up to ISO 6400
Flash hotshoe

No word yet on a price though. Expect to hear more about the Nikon P6000 around Photokina 2008.
Technorati Теги: Nikon Coolpix P6000,rumors,Photokina 2008

Sensor cleaning for DSLR users

2007-11-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

The most powerful SensorLoupe™ comes in 7X

The NEW SensorLoupe™ 7X utilizes advanced (patent pending) features such as BriteVue XL™ technology with high quality BK9 optical glass, well-known for its high resolution and clarity. In addition, the NEW SensorLoupe™ 7X has six super bright LEDs with vari-angled orientation to help create a 3D image of dust particles, similar to how satellites capture stereoscopic images. SensorLoupe™ 7X even makes it possible to locate the smallest dust particles that can ruin even ultra-high resolution images.

The high quality optical glass used in the SensorLoupe™ 7X is coated with MgF2 for sharp crystal clear image in order to reduce chromatic aberrations and to achieve the highest optical resolution possible. The high caliber materials used in construction of the SensorLoupe™ provide a high resolution, sharp crystal clear image of the sensor. The BriteVue XL™ design aids to easily spot even the smallest dust particles on the sensor, succeeding where other tools fail.

The SensorLoupe™ 7X has many other uses, such as inspecting the chamber of the DSLR camera or analyzing negatives from film cameras. It is even possible to locate the tinniest dust particles, defect or scratches on the sensor as well. The SensorLoupe™ 7X is an indispensable tool for photographers that want to eliminate F22 tests and other dust screening methods, save time and keep shooting.
Other features include:
compact design
easy on/off switch
high grade materials
easy access to clean lens
neck strap
synthetic leather carrying case with belt clip

10 incredible Earth's photos taken by Canon/Nikon "cameras"

2007-11-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's not a secret that Canon and Nikon - the most famous and outstanding photomakers oа the world. Their equipment isn't only the compact and professional cameras. Their production is using by space shuttles and Earth telescopes. The biggest one observatoria on the Earth using Canon tech , and the biggest one Space telescope Hubble equipped by Nikon. H
Have a glance what do they see every day :)

1. richat structure, mauritania(above) the cause of the richat structure in the sahara desert of mauritania has been debated for many years. at first it was thought to be a meteor impact crater due to its circularity but this has since been disproven due to the lack of shock-altered rock in its vicinity. this massive (30 mile diameter) oddity is now believed to have been a rock dome sculpted over time by erosion. this incredible image was taken by the advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (aster) on october 7th, 2000.
2. aurora borealis
(above) an astounding and spooky photo of the natural phenomenon known as aurora borealis, taken on-board space shuttle atlantis during the sts-117 mission.
3. greenland’s eastern coast, august 21st, 2003

(above) the fractal coastline of greenland and its numerous fjords as seen from space.

‘little spots of white in the water seem to be ice originating from the deeper fjords that reach all the way to the icecap covering most of the island.’

4. egmont national park, new zealand(above) mt. egmont volcano last erupted in 1755 and is now situated at the centre of egmont national park. park regulations have ensured the survival of a forest which extends at a 9.5 km radius from the summit of the volcano, the result of which can be seen from space in the form of huge dark green disc. this photo was taken during the sts-110 mission, april 2002.
5. a total solar eclipse from space, 1999
(above) the shadow of the moon covers part of earth on august 11th, 1999 in this photo taken from mir space station. this shadow raced across earth at 2000 km/h, all areas under the centre of it plunged into darkness during a total solar eclipse. this was apparently one the final photos taken from mir.
6. mt. etna eruption, october 2001
(above) taken from the international space station in 2001, this is a photo of a particularly violent eruption on the island of sicily which produced a cloud of ash that travelled as far as libya. on the humongous version of the photo lighter coloured smoke can be seen near the volcano - this was caused by lava igniting nearby forests.
7. sri lankan coast, 26th december 2004(above) the ocean rapidly retreats 400 metres on the south-western coast of sri lanka, just 5 minutes prior to the arrival of a devastating tsunami.

(above) the swirling waters continue to batter the coast just moments after the main wall of water has hit.

8. an alluvial fan, xinjiang province, china

(above) covering an area 56.6 x 61.3 km and taken on may 2nd, 2002, this photo shows an alluvial fan that formed on the southern border of the taklimakan desert in china. an alluvial fan usually forms as water leaves a canyon, each new stream eventually closing up due to sediment - the result being a triangle of active and inactive channels. the blue ones on the left are currently active.
9. retreating glaciers in the bhutan-himalaya
(above) a beautiful but clear sign that glaciers are slowly melting due to global warming. easily visible are the ends of most of these glacial valleys’ surfaces turning to water to form lakes, a trend which has been noticed only in the last few decades.
10. hurricane isabel, 2003
(above) this terrifying photo of hurricane isabel was taken on the international space station in 2003 and illustrates the immense size of the hurricane’s eye. this particular hurricane was the deadliest of 2003 and winds reached 165 mph at its peak.

Canon EOS-5D Mark II and photos

2007-11-21T02:10:00.000-08:00

Canon EOS-5D Mk. II leaked?
A second version of Canon's EOS-5D may be in production, a listing error suggests. Amongst the possible cameras a photographer might have, the bug submission form for Capture One beta 4 (by Phase One) lists a "Canon 5D Mark II;" selections are otherwise fairly conventional, limited to a host of known cameras and digital backs. The mistake is given weight both by Phase One's leading-edge reputation and by the EOS-40D, which was similarly exposed, and then officially confirmed on August 20th.

The current 5D is considered in the top tiers of Canon's DSLRs, its highlight being a full-frame, 12.8-megapixel sensor. While Canon's 1D Mk. II cameras also have full frames, the 5D is the cheapest camera Canon offers with the feature, which provides more detail while restoring focal lengths cropped by most digital sensors.

Some days ago , one of the digital preview forum members took some unafficial photo of Mark II:

Japan started fingerprinting and photographing arriving foreigners

2007-11-20T21:10:00.001-08:00

Japan started fingerprinting and photographing arriving foreigners from Tuesday in a crackdown on terrorists, despite complaints that the measures unfairly target non-Japanese. Nearly all foreigners age 16 or over, including longtime residents, will be scanned. The only exceptions are diplomats, government guests and permanent residents such as Koreans who have lived in Japan for generations.
The fingerprints and photos will be checked for matches on terrorist watch lists and files on foreigners with criminal records in Japan. People matching the data will be denied entry and deported. Japan is the second country after the United States to implement such a system.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR,

2007-11-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, a new DX-NIKKOR zoom lens with built-in Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction. This compact, lightweight and affordable 3x zoom NIKKOR lens offers remarkable versatility and covers the essential focal range of 18 to 55mm. When mounted on any DX-format Nikon digital SLR camera, the picture angle is equivalent to that produced by a 27 to 82.5mm focal length lens on a 35mm-format film camera or Nikon FX-format camera.

Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) system minimizes the image blur caused by camera shake, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible.* Nikon VR technology enables dramatically sharper handheld shooting at dusk or at night, or even in poorly lit interiors. Another major advantage of Nikon’s VR function is that it produces a stable viewfinder image. This makes the process of framing and composition much more comfortable and accurate.
*As determined in Nikon performance tests

To deliver superior optical performance, Nikon set even stricter engineering standards for this new lens, and has achieved greater overall resolution. The newly developed optical system, optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras, incorporates a hybrid aspherical lens element that minimizes image-degrading distortion. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating ensures outstanding color balance and reproduction while greatly reducing ghosting and flare.

An ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) built into the lens body ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation. The seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening imparts a rich, natural look to out-of-focus elements. Furthermore, it boasts a short closest focus distance of 0.28 m/0.9 ft. throughout the entire zoom range.

With compact dimensions of Ø73 x 79.5 mm/Ø2.9 x 3.1 in. and a low weight of approx. 265 g/9.3 oz., this new lens is easy to handle and carry.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a significant addition to the DX-NIKKOR lens lineup, offering digital photographers enhanced flexibility for a wide range of applications.

Note:
DX-NIKKOR lenses are engineered and optimized for use on Nikon DX-format and FX-format digital SLR cameras. When mounted on an FX-format digital SLR, the camera’s DX-Crop Mode is automatically engaged, altering the image capture area accordingly. DX-NIKKOR lenses are not compatible with 35mm [135] or IX240 [APS] format film cameras.
Specifications, design, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Major Features
3x zoom lens covering the most frequently used focal range of 18 to 55mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX or 35mm format)
Vibration Reduction enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible
Optical design optimized for use with Nikon digital SLRs for superior performance
Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes lens aberration
High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
Rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
0.28 m/0.9 ft. closest-focusing distance throughout the entire zoom range
Accepts 52 mm filter attachments
Ergonomic lens barrel features rugged construction with a comfortable fit; separate zoom and focus rings provide the accuracy professionals expect

AF-S DX-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Specifications
Focal length 18-55 mm
Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture f/22-36
Lens construction 11 elements in 8 groups (with one aspherical lens element)
Picture angle 76° - 28°50’
Closest focus distance 0.28 m/0.9 ft. (throughout the entire zoom range)
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.31x
No. of diaphragm blades 7 (rounded)
Focusing Autofocus with built-in SWM and manual focus
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount) Approx. 73 x 79.5 mm/2.9 x 3.1 in.
Weight Approx. 265 g/9.3 oz.
Supplied accessories 52 mm snap-on front lens cap LC-52
Optional accessories 52 mm screw-in filters, Rear lens cap LF-1, Flexible lens pouch CL-0815, Lens hood HB-45

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. November 2007
Specifications(PDF)

New Kodak CCD

2007-11-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

New CCD from Kodak - Kodak have introduced a new advancement in Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor technology that significantly improves performance for applied imaging applications.

Press Release:

Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD technology platform will be the basis for a full portfolio of image sensor products targeted to markets such as industrial and scientific imaging, starting with the newly announced Kodak KAI-01050 Image Sensor.

The eighth generation of Interline Transfer CCD technology developed by Kodak, this new platform reduces pixel size by almost 50%, doubles the maximum frame rate available from the image sensor, and provides a significant increase in image quality compared to the previous technology generation. With these advancements, customers working in applied markets will have access to new levels of performance, improving the capabilities and performance of their imaging systems.

“Exceptional imaging performance is vital to the success of applied imaging applications,” said Chris McNiffe, General Manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solution group. “This new technology platform was developed specifically to address this need by improving key sensor parameters such as pixel size, frame rate, and image quality. As camera manufacturers develop products with our new KAI-01050 image sensor, and later with other image sensors developed using this new technology, they will be able to offer a new generation of cameras that provide improved throughput, performance, and quality for their customers.”

Kodak has a rich history of supplying image sensors for use in applied imaging markets. With a broad portfolio of interline transfer CCDs ranging from VGA to 16Mp in resolution, Kodak is a leading supplier of image sensors used today in applied applications such as the automated inspection and assembly of electronics components, traffic monitoring, and medical and scientific imaging. As these applications have evolved, the ongoing requirement for improved throughput and imaging performance has driven the development of this new sensor technology to address these needs.

Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD platform was developed using a clean sheet approach, leveraging best practices in Kodak sensor design to optimize the imaging performance available from these new devices. To facilitate the design process for camera manufacturers, Kodak will also use a common package layout with shared electrical specifications where possible for image sensors commercialized using this new technology, allowing manufacturers to develop a single camera design that can easily support multiple sensors.

The Kodak KAI-01050 Image Sensor is the first product to be commercialized using Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD technology. With a 1024 x 1024 array of 5.5 micron pixels, the sensor provides a readout speed of up to 120f/p/s in a ½in optical format. Engineering grade devices of the KAI-01050 are currently available, with volume production planned for early 2008.

How to buy digital SLR Camera

2007-11-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

Are you considering purchasing a digital SLR camera? HOW's resident technology expert reviews 6 options to help guide you to the right DSLR for your needs.

Need quick, quality, custom photos for a project? Ready to supplement the stock photos you're buying now? Getting the photos you want with a digital SLR camera is easier and more affordable than ever. But selecting the right DSLR has never been tougher. Prices are lower, image quality is better, hardware is faster and feature-richâ€”and there are more choices. That's great news for buyers.

To help HOW readers considering their next—or first—DSLR, we put together this quick guide to affordable cameras and essential accessories.

Affordable, Not Cheap
Not long ago, the price of admission for a DSLR was $1,500, then $1,000 and recently close to $500. But beyond price, most of the technology in expensive pro models has filtered down.

Affordable DSLRs are now easy to find in big box retailers. Six capable models are the Nikon D40/40x/ up to D80, Canon Digital Rebel XT/XTI also known as 350D/400D and Olympus 410/510.
Each of these are appropriate for shooting in a studio, at events or for landscapes. Each gives access to professional lenses. Yet there are some noteworthy differences. If you want some additional info - please comment on this. Good luck !

14 megapixels in an ultracompact body

2007-11-02T12:12:00.001-07:00

Imaging Expo Singapore. i've just saw a prototype of Yashica AV-1400-HD. And it seems like having 14 megapixels in its slim case ! The largest one i've seen on a compact camera. According to its distributor, the AV1400-HD is expected to be available in Singapore by end December. No pricing details as of this writing.

I have a little more information about the other models. The Yashica EZ8032 and EZ7033 are two decently slim shooters.
The 8.2-megapixel EZ8032 has a 2.5-inch LCD and a thickness of 22mm. Shutter speed ranges from 1 to 1/1,500 sec with an aperture of F2.8-4.9. The EZ7033 is a 7.2-megapixel camera with a 3-inch screen, 3x optical zoom and 18.5mm thick. Oddly, it has a maximum light sensitivity cap of ISO 400. Both cameras are priced at about $403 in Singapore.

Ghost of O'RLY owl !

2007-06-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Original photo by http://www.zaykovsky.livejournal.com .

Space airbus: Paris Air Show

2007-06-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

transSpace everyday flies. Looks like stupid for the first sight , but it's not. Actually , it's not the first hot try to make such a kind of trip come true. But this one is going to be completely made , because this project has a purse of 1 000 000 000 euro and giants of airlines and airbus makers such as Astrium
Airbus - the main boeing "enemy"
Eurocopter - helicopters producy
Ariane - rockets
Eurofighter - you understand what it mean )

Galileo - navigation technology and radars

The conception of this buisness-jet-like vehicle was promoted on a VIP-party decided to Paris Air Show , which starts today , June 18th. The full-scale model and concept 3d images were shown there . It will fly away from simple aiports , no cosmoports will be needed. As plan reaches the 12 km altitude it turns on rocket engines and get the 60 km crossbar just in 80 seconds ! Then reactive engines turn off and vehicle reaches 100 km height simply amain. And this territoria isn't belong to Earth , it's Space.
Boatful will have to unstrap seatbelts o feel zero gravity effect for 5 minutes , it's amazing ! And the cost amazing too - 200 000 euro , but it's much cheaper than another kinds of that trips.

By the way , design of this plane in the pipeline by world famous designer Marc Newson , he made the design of another concept aircraft - Kelvin 40. google it , i'm too lazy to make a link :P

Illuminators considered to be 30% bigger than simple airbus' , and there will be 15 of them , just for 4 passengers . So areals will be oooverwhelmy beautiful i think. Millons of people want to watch their planet from space since they were young .
Design concept and EADS engeneers dwells will continue till rhe end of this year , and there will be two ways of using it. And the 2nd way isn't belong to the war-sphere . It's for always-in-a- hurry-buisenessmans . Due to "space method" time of travel will be decreased a lot . Project has a lot of investors , so the first flies probably be in a 2011-2012.

Weird wicked laser

2007-06-11T12:32:00.001-07:00

Imagine a pocket laser , which really has a Power so you can melt plastic with it , you can get the paper burnt , you can slash with it and also light your cigar from 10ft distance . But i do not want you to smoke , why ? You ' ll know a bit later :)
There are lasers of different light wavelenght - red , blue , green. Actually , company makes green lasers the most power in seria .The green lasers create a beam you can see for miles in dark conditions. When people buy this lasers they are so proud of what their new gadgets can do, they can't help posting a video of their laser in action.
Red laser - high-powered laser product is actually the same device the US military uses to disorient and intimidate the enemy. Overkill? Maybe. Fun? Totally.
And , finally the blue lasers - the most difficult to made , scientiests tried to make them for years!!! And you can take it in your pocket now , for sure. Oh , and it can turn light from violet to red , imagine ?)

By the way , green laser visible in 193 km range , and it's still harmful in such a distances . The most powerful lasers are visible even in shiny weather .
If you got hooked - read my lips :
These laser devices are Wicked lasers. W i c k e d. Check it out. And they are the strongest laser gadgets you could buy in the world if you are not a military man )

P.S. Somebody told me that young boy was self-killed when he was looking on the mirror and put the laser light in it. OMG i don't think it's a joke ! [wickedlasers.com]

Concept Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650

2007-06-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 was revealed in Austria at the 2007 Wörthersee car show which caters to Volkswagen and Audi enthusiasts.
Like the Audi TT Clubsport Quattro which was also revealed at the show the GTI W12 650 is performance orientated. Instead of the usual engine options the GTI W12 650 is powered by a mid-mounted, longitudinal positioned, 6.0 litre twin-turbo W12 unit developing 650 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels the GTI W12 650 concept is capable of a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds and a 201 mph top speed. Enough to show up the vast majority of supercars.
The goal of the GTI W12 650 development team was to create a car which despite its enormous performance potential and technical differences could be clearly identified as a Volkswagen GTI. Therefore the GTI W12 650 uses the headlights, doors, bonnet and the tail lamps from the production car.
The biggest problem was supplying the centrally mounted engine with sufficient air, and also producing sufficient downforce at the rear axle without greatly altering the silhouette of the GTI W12 650 from the original. Therefore the C-columns were redesigned and the rear side windows run inward in such a way that they lead air to the engine.
To reduce rolling resistance and weight the wheels of the Volkswagen GTI W12 650 are made from a light alloy, and because of their large size a specially engineered tire had to be made.
On the inside the Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 features alcantara leather, race-look transparent "Flip UP" switch guards for vital functions, extra gauges and fire extinguishers integrated in place of the glove compartment.

Wallypower 118

2007-06-07T03:59:00.000-07:00

If you watched "The island" movie , then you saw nice yacht .Actually , it is not a dream , this yacht exists in our world :)

It is a luxury high performance superyacht which brings technology and fashionable design together in perfect harmony. So much so that the 118 WallyPower won the MYDA (Millennium Yacht Design Award). The Wallypower 118 is a unique yacht with marked characteristics like the vertical bow, lateral air inlets, and angular deck superstructure. The sleek minimalist lines of the 118 WallyPower are the result of an extensive research and development program that included water tank testing at the SSPA facility in Goteborg, Sweden, and wind tunnel testing at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399201/

Seoul Underground

2007-06-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to Seoul , South Korea ? See how beautiful its underground is. By the way , Korean underground is one of the world's cheapest undergrounds , so citizens of this country enjoy it completely. Don't you want to buy a ticket ? Sure single , not return !

Ping of you

2007-06-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hello people , just one new blog i think 'll be very interesting and useful for you. It will be dedicated to unusual concepts in architecture , vehicle production , sci-fi and etc. stuff , sometimes crazy , sometimes funny . But it will keep your eyes on .