VALHALLA, N.Y., September 29, 2008 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., a leader in flash media products, today introduced four new Secure Digital (SD) cards, extending its trusted brand of flash memory. Meeting the higher consumer demand for high resolution picture-taking and video capabilities, the Fujifilm SD cards will provide faster speeds and flexibility for customers. The SD cards will be available in the following high quality formats, in compliance with SD Card Association standards:
* Secure Digital – 1 GB SD, 2 GB SD
* Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) – 4 GB SDHC, 8 GB SDHC, 16 GB SDHC
* Micro Secure Digital – 1 GB, 2 GB
* Micro Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) – 4 GB, 8 GB
The Fujifilm SD cards will also come in brightly colored, customer-friendly packaging, specially designed with easy to understand graphics ensuring that customers choose the cards best suited for their needs and devices. Features include prominently displayed capacity numbers (both on the packaging and the card), and color-coded formats: SD (Blue), SDHC (Red), Micro SD (Magenta), and Micro SDHC (Orange).
"We've found that there is a growing customer demand in the marketplace for higher capacity cards, as more users take video as well as higher-resolution photos with their digital cameras," said James Avato, vice president, Electronic Imaging Division, Fujifilm U.S.A., Inc. "And our new compact packaging design makes it even easier for customers to obtain the best possible flash media for their devices."
The cards will be available in October 2008. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmusa.com.
About FUJIFILM
FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. is a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, providing digital and analog photographic Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media and Motion Picture Film products and services to consumers, professionals and businesses. For more information on Fujifilm U.S.A. products, customers can call 800-800-FUJI or visit www.fujifilmusa.com. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm U.S.A. via RSS, subscribe free at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
FUJIFILM Corporation (NASDAQ:FUJI) brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, photofinishing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 15 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2007, employs more than 70,000 people worldwide and in the year ended March 31, 2008, had global revenues of $24.7 billion. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.
Sony World Photography Awards 2009
• Collaboration with The Prince’s Rainforests Project
• Environment is central theme of this year’s awards
• Student programme to span six continents
A major new initiative, in association with The Prince’s Rainforests Project (PRP), was announced on Monday 22 September, at the launch of the second annual Sony World Photography Awards 2009 - a truly global competition which honours both professional and amateur photographers.
Speakers at the launch at the Seippel Gallery in Cologne included Scott Gray, Managing Director of the Sony World Photography Awards, James Kennedy, General Manager of Marketing Communications at Sony Europe, Vanessa Winship, winner of the 2008 I’iris d’or and Briony Mathieson from The Prince’s Rainforest Project. Also speaking were Ruth Eichhorn, Director of Photography, GEO Magazine and photographer and President of Magnum Photos, Stuart Franklin.
In addition to the 12 categories for professional photographers and the nine categories for amateurs, the Sony World Photography Awards are delighted to announce the partnership with The Prince’s Rainforests for the PRP Awards which complements this year’s theme of the environment.
Professional photographers will be submitting their portfolios in the hope of being selected for a fully-funded project to document the rainforest regions of the world. Amateur photographers will also be invited to submit their images for a global awareness campaign, using photography to educate and inform.
Also new to this year’s awards:
* An extended university programme which has grown from 10 universities in Europe in the inaugural year of the awards to 60 universities across six continents. The brief for this year’s student competition is to produce one image which highlights a single environmental issue specific to their country.
* The Festival @ The Sony World Photography Awards: a week-long festival of photography that takes place throughout the city of Cannes. Through talks, seminars, screenings, networking events, book signings and many other programmes and events, The World Photography Awards have created a programme for the photographic community to participate and network through. The Festival @ SWPA is also creating a new annual cultural event for the general public and all who enjoy contemporary art.
* A new category list for professional photographers spreading across the three photographic genres - photojournalism and documentary, commercial and fine art
* The introduction of the Sony Campaign Award for amateur photographers, which joins together a global obsession for football with the enthusiasm and passion of photography. Amateur photographers are invited to enter the Campaign Award with a single image that captures the beauty and spirit of football in unexpected places, with the winner having the chance of being one of the photographers used in Sony’s forthcoming digital imaging 2009 campaign work.
* A global touring exhibition - Discovering a World of Images - showcasing images by the 2008 winners and finalists which through the course of a year will visit Belgium; Cologne; Tokyo; Delhi; New York; Singapore; Rio de Janeiro; Moscow and Melbourne.
The Sony World Photography Awards welcome submissions from every corner of the world. Last year – the first year of the awards – over 70,000 entries were received from 178 countries. For both professional and amateur photographers, the categories cover a broad range of subjects from photojournalism to sport, architecture to fashion, offering an all-encompassing competition for the photographic world.
Now, in just their second year, the awards have grown to become much more than an awards programme. It is a mix of festival events, exhibitions, award schemes and student programmes throughout the year. In April 2009 the WPA will host Festival @ The Sony World Photography Awards, a week-long celebration of photography at the Palais des Festival in Cannes attended by some of the most influential names in the photography industry from around the world. The highlight of the week is the awards ceremony gala dinner when the winners in all the categories will be honoured and the Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year will be announced.
Through its many initiatives, the Sony World Photography Awards aim to unite the international photographic community.
Vanessa Winship, winner of the 2008 I’iris d’or comments: “In its in augural year, Sony World Photography Awards have provided an opportunity for me to have had my work judged by some of the photographers whose own work I most respect and admire. In an industry as competitive as my own I was delighted to have been singled out with this series of portraits. I am not a new photographer, but this award has certainly assisted in allowing new audiences to see my work, an important and necessary aspect to anyone working in a visual medium.”
World Photographic Academy
The awards are judged by the World Photographic Academy which today comprises close to 100 of the world’s leading photographers including Elliott Erwitt, Mary-Ellen Mark, Susan Meiselas, Bruce Davidson and Tom Stoddart; gallery owners; picture agencies; international Guilds; picture editors; critics and publishers. Their role is to promote excellence in photography and set the standard for award selections.
Key dates
2008
22 September Professional and amateur categories open for submissions
9 October Global tour opens in Tokyo
31 October Student Focus participating universities announced
25 November WPA Judges announced
2 December Global tour opens in New York
31 December Closing date for professional and amateur categories
2009
24 February Amateur and professional awards shortlist announcement
3 March Student Focus winners’ announcement
17 March Amateur and professional winners’ announcement
14-19 April Festival @ The Sony World Photography Awards - exhibitions and events in Cannes
16 April Sony World Photography Awards gala evening and ceremony
Notes to Editors:
• The Sony World Photography Awards (WPA), launched in 2007, lend a global platform for the photographic industry and community. Through a variety of international programmes including a week-long photography festival, an online magazine, a gallery, an international student programme and a touring exhibition, the WPA continually discovers new talent and creates avenues through which to reward photographers with the support and expertise of industry professionals
• Scott Gray, Managing Director of the WPA, is available for interview
• The WPA website - http://www.worldphotographyawards.org now features an online magazine and gallery. It also includes comprehensive information about the awards, the categories,
a current list of World Photographic Academy members, and key dates
• Images from the 2008 awards are available via the website’s press centre
• The l’iris d’or in 2008 was awarded to Vanessa Winship
• About the Prince’s Rainforests Project
While some rainforest nations are already working to reduce deforestation, developing countries cannot solve the problems alone as it is the demand from the developed world for products such as palm oil, beef and soya that is driving deforestation. Many organizations are working to find ways to address the problem and to pay the rainforest nations for the vital services which they provide. PRP intends to act as a bridge to facilitate dialogue between these interests and to identify and develop practical solutions.
PRP’s objectives are to find a way to:
• Establish true economic values for the services provided by the rainforests;
• Identify possible sources of finance to pay for those services; and
• Develop efficient and equitable transfer mechanisms, alongside the necessary technical and institutional capabilities that may be required, to ensure that the funds aimed at conserving rainforests also contribute to improving local people’s livelihoods in the long-term.
PRP is being assisted by a Steering Group comprising business leaders from Barclays, BSkyB, Climate Exchange Plc, Deutsche Bank, Finsbury, Goldman Sachs, KPMG, McDonald’s, Man Group plc, Morgan Stanley, Rio Tinto, Shell, Sun Media Group as well as key figures from the World Bank, Coalition for Rainforest Nations and the Global Canopy programme.
For more information please contact Briony Mathieson, Prince’s Rainforests Project, tel: 020 7024 5678 or Dr Arlo Brady Freud Communications, tel: 020 3003 6433
For more information contact:
Sony Europe Press Centre
e: presscentre@sony.eu
About Sony
Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be one of the world’s leading digital entertainment brands. Sony recorded consolidated global annual sales of EUR 55.44 billion (yen 8,871 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, based on an average market exchange rate for the same period of yen 160.0 to the EUR. It employs approximately 180,500 people worldwide.
In Europe, the Sony Group recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 12.73 billion (yen 2,328 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company's European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of EUR 9.55 billion for the same period.
• Environment is central theme of this year’s awards
• Student programme to span six continents
A major new initiative, in association with The Prince’s Rainforests Project (PRP), was announced on Monday 22 September, at the launch of the second annual Sony World Photography Awards 2009 - a truly global competition which honours both professional and amateur photographers.
Speakers at the launch at the Seippel Gallery in Cologne included Scott Gray, Managing Director of the Sony World Photography Awards, James Kennedy, General Manager of Marketing Communications at Sony Europe, Vanessa Winship, winner of the 2008 I’iris d’or and Briony Mathieson from The Prince’s Rainforest Project. Also speaking were Ruth Eichhorn, Director of Photography, GEO Magazine and photographer and President of Magnum Photos, Stuart Franklin.
In addition to the 12 categories for professional photographers and the nine categories for amateurs, the Sony World Photography Awards are delighted to announce the partnership with The Prince’s Rainforests for the PRP Awards which complements this year’s theme of the environment.
Professional photographers will be submitting their portfolios in the hope of being selected for a fully-funded project to document the rainforest regions of the world. Amateur photographers will also be invited to submit their images for a global awareness campaign, using photography to educate and inform.
Also new to this year’s awards:
* An extended university programme which has grown from 10 universities in Europe in the inaugural year of the awards to 60 universities across six continents. The brief for this year’s student competition is to produce one image which highlights a single environmental issue specific to their country.
* The Festival @ The Sony World Photography Awards: a week-long festival of photography that takes place throughout the city of Cannes. Through talks, seminars, screenings, networking events, book signings and many other programmes and events, The World Photography Awards have created a programme for the photographic community to participate and network through. The Festival @ SWPA is also creating a new annual cultural event for the general public and all who enjoy contemporary art.
* A new category list for professional photographers spreading across the three photographic genres - photojournalism and documentary, commercial and fine art
* The introduction of the Sony Campaign Award for amateur photographers, which joins together a global obsession for football with the enthusiasm and passion of photography. Amateur photographers are invited to enter the Campaign Award with a single image that captures the beauty and spirit of football in unexpected places, with the winner having the chance of being one of the photographers used in Sony’s forthcoming digital imaging 2009 campaign work.
* A global touring exhibition - Discovering a World of Images - showcasing images by the 2008 winners and finalists which through the course of a year will visit Belgium; Cologne; Tokyo; Delhi; New York; Singapore; Rio de Janeiro; Moscow and Melbourne.
The Sony World Photography Awards welcome submissions from every corner of the world. Last year – the first year of the awards – over 70,000 entries were received from 178 countries. For both professional and amateur photographers, the categories cover a broad range of subjects from photojournalism to sport, architecture to fashion, offering an all-encompassing competition for the photographic world.
Now, in just their second year, the awards have grown to become much more than an awards programme. It is a mix of festival events, exhibitions, award schemes and student programmes throughout the year. In April 2009 the WPA will host Festival @ The Sony World Photography Awards, a week-long celebration of photography at the Palais des Festival in Cannes attended by some of the most influential names in the photography industry from around the world. The highlight of the week is the awards ceremony gala dinner when the winners in all the categories will be honoured and the Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year will be announced.
Through its many initiatives, the Sony World Photography Awards aim to unite the international photographic community.
Vanessa Winship, winner of the 2008 I’iris d’or comments: “In its in augural year, Sony World Photography Awards have provided an opportunity for me to have had my work judged by some of the photographers whose own work I most respect and admire. In an industry as competitive as my own I was delighted to have been singled out with this series of portraits. I am not a new photographer, but this award has certainly assisted in allowing new audiences to see my work, an important and necessary aspect to anyone working in a visual medium.”
World Photographic Academy
The awards are judged by the World Photographic Academy which today comprises close to 100 of the world’s leading photographers including Elliott Erwitt, Mary-Ellen Mark, Susan Meiselas, Bruce Davidson and Tom Stoddart; gallery owners; picture agencies; international Guilds; picture editors; critics and publishers. Their role is to promote excellence in photography and set the standard for award selections.
Key dates
2008
22 September Professional and amateur categories open for submissions
9 October Global tour opens in Tokyo
31 October Student Focus participating universities announced
25 November WPA Judges announced
2 December Global tour opens in New York
31 December Closing date for professional and amateur categories
2009
24 February Amateur and professional awards shortlist announcement
3 March Student Focus winners’ announcement
17 March Amateur and professional winners’ announcement
14-19 April Festival @ The Sony World Photography Awards - exhibitions and events in Cannes
16 April Sony World Photography Awards gala evening and ceremony
Notes to Editors:
• The Sony World Photography Awards (WPA), launched in 2007, lend a global platform for the photographic industry and community. Through a variety of international programmes including a week-long photography festival, an online magazine, a gallery, an international student programme and a touring exhibition, the WPA continually discovers new talent and creates avenues through which to reward photographers with the support and expertise of industry professionals
• Scott Gray, Managing Director of the WPA, is available for interview
• The WPA website - http://www.worldphotographyawards.org now features an online magazine and gallery. It also includes comprehensive information about the awards, the categories,
a current list of World Photographic Academy members, and key dates
• Images from the 2008 awards are available via the website’s press centre
• The l’iris d’or in 2008 was awarded to Vanessa Winship
• About the Prince’s Rainforests Project
While some rainforest nations are already working to reduce deforestation, developing countries cannot solve the problems alone as it is the demand from the developed world for products such as palm oil, beef and soya that is driving deforestation. Many organizations are working to find ways to address the problem and to pay the rainforest nations for the vital services which they provide. PRP intends to act as a bridge to facilitate dialogue between these interests and to identify and develop practical solutions.
PRP’s objectives are to find a way to:
• Establish true economic values for the services provided by the rainforests;
• Identify possible sources of finance to pay for those services; and
• Develop efficient and equitable transfer mechanisms, alongside the necessary technical and institutional capabilities that may be required, to ensure that the funds aimed at conserving rainforests also contribute to improving local people’s livelihoods in the long-term.
PRP is being assisted by a Steering Group comprising business leaders from Barclays, BSkyB, Climate Exchange Plc, Deutsche Bank, Finsbury, Goldman Sachs, KPMG, McDonald’s, Man Group plc, Morgan Stanley, Rio Tinto, Shell, Sun Media Group as well as key figures from the World Bank, Coalition for Rainforest Nations and the Global Canopy programme.
For more information please contact Briony Mathieson, Prince’s Rainforests Project, tel: 020 7024 5678 or Dr Arlo Brady Freud Communications, tel: 020 3003 6433
For more information contact:
Sony Europe Press Centre
e: presscentre@sony.eu
About Sony
Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be one of the world’s leading digital entertainment brands. Sony recorded consolidated global annual sales of EUR 55.44 billion (yen 8,871 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, based on an average market exchange rate for the same period of yen 160.0 to the EUR. It employs approximately 180,500 people worldwide.
In Europe, the Sony Group recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 12.73 billion (yen 2,328 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company's European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of EUR 9.55 billion for the same period.
EOS Cashback Promotions
Purchase any of the following cameras by 12th January 2009 and get up to £60 (EUR 75) Cashback!
EOS 1000D (18-55 IS Kit only) = £30 Cashback (EUR 40)
New Offer - started 15th September, ends 12th January 2009.
EOS 450D (any configuration) = £50 Cashback (EUR 65)
Extended Offer - started 26th June, ends 12th January 2009.
EOS 40D (any configuration) = £60 Cashback (EUR 75)
Extended Offer - started 21st August, ends 12th January 2009.
Plus, there is an extra offer on the EOS 1000D where you can get up to 50% off an Experience Seminars course.
Click here for more information
EOS 1000D (18-55 IS Kit only) = £30 Cashback (EUR 40)
New Offer - started 15th September, ends 12th January 2009.
EOS 450D (any configuration) = £50 Cashback (EUR 65)
Extended Offer - started 26th June, ends 12th January 2009.
EOS 40D (any configuration) = £60 Cashback (EUR 75)
Extended Offer - started 21st August, ends 12th January 2009.
Plus, there is an extra offer on the EOS 1000D where you can get up to 50% off an Experience Seminars course.Click here for more information
Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro Review
The Olympus Zuiko Digital 50mm F2.0 Macro is a lens which we've held in high regard ever since we started using it for our reviews of Four Thirds camera bodies, and subjecting it to our full optical test suite shows precisely why. Certainly in terms of the studio results, it's the nearest we've yet found to a technically perfect lens (although it's important to appreciate that we haven't yet tested any comparable short tele macros for other formats). It's impressively sharp right across the frame even wide open, shows no significant lateral chromatic aberration or vignetting, and is near-perfectly corrected for distortion. Real world results not only bear this out, but also show that the lens maintains image quality across the entire focus distance range, making it suitable for macro, portraits and general-purpose short telephoto use alike - no mean feat at all. And in design terms it's compact and reasonably lightweight, yet solidly build and weatherproofed, providing a combination of features unmatched by any other manufacturer.
Of course there's no such thing as a perfect lens, and the 50mm F2 is not without its faults. Probably our biggest issue is with the focusing system, which is something of a let-down especially when compared to the internal-focus ultrasonic designs offered by competitors. The focus motor is relatively slow and noisy, and the lack of a focus range limiter switch can be a distinct irritation when shooting portraits. We're no fans of the electronic 'focus-by-wire' manual focus system either, as it's simply not as positive and precise as a well-designed mechanically-coupled focusing ring; overall this means the lens can sometimes be frustrating to use. The optics aren't completely faultless either, with a certain susceptibility to flare with a strong light source in the frame, and distinct bokeh chromatic aberration at wide apertures; however neither of these are particularly unusual problems in fast primes, and relatively rarely impact on the normal uses of this lens.
Andy Westlake
more : dpreview
Of course there's no such thing as a perfect lens, and the 50mm F2 is not without its faults. Probably our biggest issue is with the focusing system, which is something of a let-down especially when compared to the internal-focus ultrasonic designs offered by competitors. The focus motor is relatively slow and noisy, and the lack of a focus range limiter switch can be a distinct irritation when shooting portraits. We're no fans of the electronic 'focus-by-wire' manual focus system either, as it's simply not as positive and precise as a well-designed mechanically-coupled focusing ring; overall this means the lens can sometimes be frustrating to use. The optics aren't completely faultless either, with a certain susceptibility to flare with a strong light source in the frame, and distinct bokeh chromatic aberration at wide apertures; however neither of these are particularly unusual problems in fast primes, and relatively rarely impact on the normal uses of this lens.
Andy Westlake
more : dpreview
DCRP Review: Olympus E-520
The Olympus E-520 is a solid, full-featured digital SLR and an excellent value. For around $600 you get a camera that has features for both beginners and enthusiasts, good photo quality (in most situations), image stabilization, and responsive performance -- plus one of the better kit lenses on the market. The E-520 does have its flaws, though, including soft images, high ISO performance that's just fair, and the tendency to clip highlights. However, these issues shouldn't be much of a problem for the typical entry-level D-SLR buyer. While I'm not jumping up and down about it, the E-520 is still good enough to earn my recommendation.
The E-520 is a midsize digital SLR made mostly of plastic. Despite that, and its low price, the camera doesn't feel "cheap". The only build quality related item that bugged me was how easy it was to snap the battery door off. Thankfully, it snaps right back into place. The camera is easy to hold thanks to a nice-sized grip, though I wasn't a fan of the cluttered button arrangement. The camera has a standard FourThirds lens mount, and it supports all Zuiko digital lenses with a 2X focal length conversion factor. Since the E-520 has a sensor-shift image stabilization system, every lens you attach will have shake reduction. The camera also features Olympus' Supersonic Wave Filter, to help remove unsightly dust from the sensor.
On the back of the camera you'll find a 2.7" LCD display that can be used for live view, in addition to menu navigation and reviewing photos you've taken. The live view feature is decent, but it's been done better. It supports contrast detect autofocus on certain FourThirds lenses, but it's very slow. Face detection is available, but it didn't perform well in our tests. Visibility is just okay in bright outdoor light, but better in low light (even if it is in black and white). If you're using the E-520's viewfinder (which is the smallest of any digital SLR), the LCD turns into an information display, and you can quickly change most of the camera's settings at the push of a button.
Jeff Keller
more : dcresource
The E-520 is a midsize digital SLR made mostly of plastic. Despite that, and its low price, the camera doesn't feel "cheap". The only build quality related item that bugged me was how easy it was to snap the battery door off. Thankfully, it snaps right back into place. The camera is easy to hold thanks to a nice-sized grip, though I wasn't a fan of the cluttered button arrangement. The camera has a standard FourThirds lens mount, and it supports all Zuiko digital lenses with a 2X focal length conversion factor. Since the E-520 has a sensor-shift image stabilization system, every lens you attach will have shake reduction. The camera also features Olympus' Supersonic Wave Filter, to help remove unsightly dust from the sensor.
On the back of the camera you'll find a 2.7" LCD display that can be used for live view, in addition to menu navigation and reviewing photos you've taken. The live view feature is decent, but it's been done better. It supports contrast detect autofocus on certain FourThirds lenses, but it's very slow. Face detection is available, but it didn't perform well in our tests. Visibility is just okay in bright outdoor light, but better in low light (even if it is in black and white). If you're using the E-520's viewfinder (which is the smallest of any digital SLR), the LCD turns into an information display, and you can quickly change most of the camera's settings at the push of a button.
Jeff Keller
more : dcresource
DCRP First Look: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 may look like yet another digital SLR, but it's not. The G1 is the first Micro FourThirds camera, which does away with the mirror and optical viewfinder of a traditional D-SLR. Since there's no mirror box taking up space, this allowed Panasonic to shrink the dimensions of the camera and its lens mount. The result is the smallest camera on the market with interchangeable lenses: the DMC-G1.
Since the G1 lacks the traditional AF sensor found on regular D-SLRs, Panasonic had to find another way to provide autofocus, and they're using the cameras Live MOS sensor to provide fast contrast detect AF. The optical viewfinder has been replaced by an electronic one with a resolution that must be seen to be believed.
Here are some other highlights of the G1:
* 12.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor (same size as on a regular FourThirds camera)
* Venus Engine HD image processor
* Flip-out, rotating 3-inch LCD display + ultra-high resolution EVF
* Live view whose quality rivals a compact camera thanks to 60 fps refresh rate and fast, 23-point autofocus
* Dust reduction system
* Full manual controls + Intelligent Auto Mode (just like on Panasonic's compact cameras)
* Continuous shooting at 3 frames/second
* Hot shoe for external flash
* HDMI port
Since the DMC-G1 has a new lens mount, new lenses will have to be developed for it. The camera will be launching with F3.5-5.6, 14 - 45 mm and F4.0-5.6, 45 - 200 mm lenses, both of which have image stabilization. Further down the line are F4.0 / 7 - 14 mm, F1.7 / 20 mm, and F4.0-5.6 / 14 - 140 mm lenses.
So are current owners of FourThirds D-SLRs left out in the cold? Not completely. With an adapter, you'll be able to use all your FourThirds lenses on the DMC-G1, though they may not all support autofocus, at least initially.
Jeff Keller
more: dcresource
Since the G1 lacks the traditional AF sensor found on regular D-SLRs, Panasonic had to find another way to provide autofocus, and they're using the cameras Live MOS sensor to provide fast contrast detect AF. The optical viewfinder has been replaced by an electronic one with a resolution that must be seen to be believed.
Here are some other highlights of the G1:
* 12.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor (same size as on a regular FourThirds camera)
* Venus Engine HD image processor
* Flip-out, rotating 3-inch LCD display + ultra-high resolution EVF
* Live view whose quality rivals a compact camera thanks to 60 fps refresh rate and fast, 23-point autofocus
* Dust reduction system
* Full manual controls + Intelligent Auto Mode (just like on Panasonic's compact cameras)
* Continuous shooting at 3 frames/second
* Hot shoe for external flash
* HDMI port
Since the DMC-G1 has a new lens mount, new lenses will have to be developed for it. The camera will be launching with F3.5-5.6, 14 - 45 mm and F4.0-5.6, 45 - 200 mm lenses, both of which have image stabilization. Further down the line are F4.0 / 7 - 14 mm, F1.7 / 20 mm, and F4.0-5.6 / 14 - 140 mm lenses.
So are current owners of FourThirds D-SLRs left out in the cold? Not completely. With an adapter, you'll be able to use all your FourThirds lenses on the DMC-G1, though they may not all support autofocus, at least initially.
Jeff Keller
more: dcresource
SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH expands its B+W filter portfolio
Bad Kreuznach, September 23, 2008. From analog to digital - at Photokina 2008, Schneider-Kreuznach presents accessories and innovations for the B+W filter portfolio. MRC coating ("Multi Resistant Coating") developed by Schneider-Kreuznach comes as standard in the new filter line. It provides perfect anti-reflection, brilliant colors and high contrast. Lens and filters are optimally protected by this extremely resistant multi-layer broadband coating (eight layers on both sides) and the smooth surface. In addition, the scratch resistant, water and dirt repellent outer layer makes it easier to clean the glass surface. Due to its low residual reflection (0.5%) MRC reliably prevents ghost or double images, which can be caused by return reflections from chips.
Saturated colors and contrasts with B+W filters
The new MRC coated B+W infrared filter (620-1100 nm) is especially suited to experimental photography with digital cameras. It is now available as 092 MRC-IR and 093 MRC-IR.
The B+W blue filter 039 MRC is optimal for landscape stills. This SW filter for fine art photographers displays different green hues, such as leaves or plants, especially differentiated on SW films.
The B+W analysis filter for broadcasters is a special filter for analog shots. It simulates the contrast rendition of a movie scene for the human eye before the actual shot. The models ND 1.8 and ND 3.0 are available in this series.
Narrow bracket generation for digital cameras
The XS-PRO Digital is a newly developed bracket, which is especially suited for SLRs with wide angle and zoom lenses. It has a front thread for additional accessories such as lens screens or detentable lens covers. The bracket is made of brass and is matt black to prevent reflections. A Clear Type 007 MRC is now available. Planned are 010 UV MRC and the KSM circular pol-filter MRC.
The brochure "B+W filters for digital photography" presents detailed information on the full selection of filters for digital cameras from the extensive range of B+W filters, plus numerous tips for creative photography. The brochure is available in German and English.
Saturated colors and contrasts with B+W filters
The new MRC coated B+W infrared filter (620-1100 nm) is especially suited to experimental photography with digital cameras. It is now available as 092 MRC-IR and 093 MRC-IR.
The B+W blue filter 039 MRC is optimal for landscape stills. This SW filter for fine art photographers displays different green hues, such as leaves or plants, especially differentiated on SW films.
The B+W analysis filter for broadcasters is a special filter for analog shots. It simulates the contrast rendition of a movie scene for the human eye before the actual shot. The models ND 1.8 and ND 3.0 are available in this series.
Narrow bracket generation for digital cameras
The XS-PRO Digital is a newly developed bracket, which is especially suited for SLRs with wide angle and zoom lenses. It has a front thread for additional accessories such as lens screens or detentable lens covers. The bracket is made of brass and is matt black to prevent reflections. A Clear Type 007 MRC is now available. Planned are 010 UV MRC and the KSM circular pol-filter MRC.
The brochure "B+W filters for digital photography" presents detailed information on the full selection of filters for digital cameras from the extensive range of B+W filters, plus numerous tips for creative photography. The brochure is available in German and English.
onOne Software Outlines Product Support for Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended
onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, today announces that all of their currently shipping Photoshop software plug-ins are already compatible with the new Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended software announced yesterday by Adobe. Specifically, the following Photoshop plug-ins from onOne Software are compatible with Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended.
* Plug-In Suite 4
* Genuine Fractals 5 Print Pro
* Genuine Fractals 5
* PhotoTools 1 Professional Edition
* PhotoTools 1 Standard Edition
* PhotoFrame 4 Professional Edition
* PhotoFrame 4 Standard Edition
* Mask Pro 4.1
* PhotoTune 2.2
* FocalPoint 1
"We're certain that users of our Photoshop plug-ins will find Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended software to be very compelling upgrades," said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. "We're delighted to announce that all of the current versions of our plug-ins are already compatible with both Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended so that our users can continue to maximize the power of Photoshop by simply running the installers they already have after installing Photoshop CS4."
"It's great to see plug-in developers like onOne rally around this latest release of Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended," said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for professional digital imaging at Adobe. "onOne added Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended support to their products quickly, so photographers and designers can easily make the move to one of the most highly anticipated releases of the Photoshop family line. Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended are designed to be open applications, so our partners can easily extend the value of the software and provide more creative and innovative options to the customers we serve."
Installing onOne Software plug-ins with Photoshop CS4
To enable the Photoshop plug-ins listed above to work with Photoshop CS4 or Photoshop CS4 Extended, owners of the products listed above can simply run the installer they already have for the respective plug-in after successfully installing Photoshop CS4 or Photoshop CS4 Extended.
Upgrade Information
Registered owners of previous versions of the onOne Software plug-ins for Photoshop listed above can upgrade to the current version of each plug-in for only $99.95 plus shipping if applicable. Alternately, these users may also upgrade directly to the Plug-In Suite 4 for $399.95, plus shipping if applicable (electronic versions are available for download as well). The Plug-In Suite 4 includes the most recent versions of all onOne Software plug-ins. Upgrades from Plug-In Suite 1, 2 or 3 to the Plug-In Suite 4 are available for $199.95 plus shipping if applicable. More information about onOne Software's upgrade program can be found at http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade.
About onOne Software
onOne Software, Inc. a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, develops time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers. onOne Software solutions have been created to help photographers spend more of their time behind the camera taking pictures instead of the computer workstation. Such solutions include a wide range of easy-to-use plug-in enhancements for Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop Elements and Photoshop Lightroom.
onOne Software delivers the highest quality software products to users by working with industry leaders and continuing to develop core technologies for professional photo solutions on both Macintosh and Windows operating systems. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit www.ononesoftware.com or call 1-888-968-1468.
* Plug-In Suite 4
* Genuine Fractals 5 Print Pro
* Genuine Fractals 5
* PhotoTools 1 Professional Edition
* PhotoTools 1 Standard Edition
* PhotoFrame 4 Professional Edition
* PhotoFrame 4 Standard Edition
* Mask Pro 4.1
* PhotoTune 2.2
* FocalPoint 1
"We're certain that users of our Photoshop plug-ins will find Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended software to be very compelling upgrades," said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. "We're delighted to announce that all of the current versions of our plug-ins are already compatible with both Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended so that our users can continue to maximize the power of Photoshop by simply running the installers they already have after installing Photoshop CS4."
"It's great to see plug-in developers like onOne rally around this latest release of Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended," said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for professional digital imaging at Adobe. "onOne added Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended support to their products quickly, so photographers and designers can easily make the move to one of the most highly anticipated releases of the Photoshop family line. Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended are designed to be open applications, so our partners can easily extend the value of the software and provide more creative and innovative options to the customers we serve."
Installing onOne Software plug-ins with Photoshop CS4
To enable the Photoshop plug-ins listed above to work with Photoshop CS4 or Photoshop CS4 Extended, owners of the products listed above can simply run the installer they already have for the respective plug-in after successfully installing Photoshop CS4 or Photoshop CS4 Extended.
Upgrade Information
Registered owners of previous versions of the onOne Software plug-ins for Photoshop listed above can upgrade to the current version of each plug-in for only $99.95 plus shipping if applicable. Alternately, these users may also upgrade directly to the Plug-In Suite 4 for $399.95, plus shipping if applicable (electronic versions are available for download as well). The Plug-In Suite 4 includes the most recent versions of all onOne Software plug-ins. Upgrades from Plug-In Suite 1, 2 or 3 to the Plug-In Suite 4 are available for $199.95 plus shipping if applicable. More information about onOne Software's upgrade program can be found at http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade.
About onOne Software
onOne Software, Inc. a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, develops time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers. onOne Software solutions have been created to help photographers spend more of their time behind the camera taking pictures instead of the computer workstation. Such solutions include a wide range of easy-to-use plug-in enhancements for Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop Elements and Photoshop Lightroom.
onOne Software delivers the highest quality software products to users by working with industry leaders and continuing to develop core technologies for professional photo solutions on both Macintosh and Windows operating systems. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit www.ononesoftware.com or call 1-888-968-1468.
Nikon D40: 2008 Review
Launched two whole years ago, the Nikon D40 was the controversial stripped-to-the-bone DSLR. It was controversial because it still used the 6.1 megapixel sensor seen in the D50, D70 and even the D100 - which dates back to 2002. It was also controversial because the Nikon D40 was the first camera to lose the internal focus motor found in every AF-equipped Nikon since the 1980s. This means any AF or AF-D lenses (that do not feature the AF-I or AF-S built-in motors) will not autofocus with the Nikon D40. As there are still many AF-D lenses in the Nikon catalogue, some were justifiably upset at this move. However, two years on, we are beginning to see key AF-D lenses being replaced by AF-S models and we suspect that most prospective Nikon D40 owners would not find this limitation a problem. Especially today. So, it's possible we are seeing the beginning of the end of the AF-D lens line.
Despite the low cost, the Nikon D40 does not seem built down to a price. It feels nicely robust in the hand; light and plastic, but solid polycarbonate. The 2.5" rear LCD is bright and doesn't seem small unless you compare it to later designs. The menu system is also typical Nikon - easy and intuitive. And the button layout of this camera followed the trend set by the Nikon D100, standardising things to this day. That said, previous models lacked the Retouch menu to post-process images in camera. The Nikon D40 also lacks a top LCD, instead using a mode dial in its place, and sports just three AF points in the viewfinder. The rear-mounted LCD screen doubles up to show exposure details in shooting mode, however. Age shows itself by things like the lack of live view, but price is a great leveller.
The camera lacks the front sub-command dial, using instead the rear main command dial for adjusting aperture or shutter speed. Those fixated on manual mode and who have learned the push-me/pull-you finger and thumb motion to adjust settings on previous film Nikons will find this hard to get on with. The rest will just stick the camera in one of the auto modes and enjoy. The Nikon D40 has a pop-up flash, but this doesn't provide control over CLS external Nikon flashes.
Most will buy the Nikon D40 with the AF-S 18-55mm II kit lens, which is a good starting place. It's got a plastic barrel and lens mount and lacks VR, but the lens itself is good and weighs, well, almost nothing. The two fit together snugly and feel inherently right - the whole package is small and light enough to be carried virtually everywhere. It's not quite as tiny as the Olympus E420, though.
Alan Sircom
more : thinkcamera
Despite the low cost, the Nikon D40 does not seem built down to a price. It feels nicely robust in the hand; light and plastic, but solid polycarbonate. The 2.5" rear LCD is bright and doesn't seem small unless you compare it to later designs. The menu system is also typical Nikon - easy and intuitive. And the button layout of this camera followed the trend set by the Nikon D100, standardising things to this day. That said, previous models lacked the Retouch menu to post-process images in camera. The Nikon D40 also lacks a top LCD, instead using a mode dial in its place, and sports just three AF points in the viewfinder. The rear-mounted LCD screen doubles up to show exposure details in shooting mode, however. Age shows itself by things like the lack of live view, but price is a great leveller.
The camera lacks the front sub-command dial, using instead the rear main command dial for adjusting aperture or shutter speed. Those fixated on manual mode and who have learned the push-me/pull-you finger and thumb motion to adjust settings on previous film Nikons will find this hard to get on with. The rest will just stick the camera in one of the auto modes and enjoy. The Nikon D40 has a pop-up flash, but this doesn't provide control over CLS external Nikon flashes.
Most will buy the Nikon D40 with the AF-S 18-55mm II kit lens, which is a good starting place. It's got a plastic barrel and lens mount and lacks VR, but the lens itself is good and weighs, well, almost nothing. The two fit together snugly and feel inherently right - the whole package is small and light enough to be carried virtually everywhere. It's not quite as tiny as the Olympus E420, though.
Alan Sircom
more : thinkcamera
NEW TAMRON SP AF10-24mm Di II HIGH-PERFORMANCE ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS WITH UNPRECEDENTED FOCAL LENGTH RANGE (MODEL B001)
Tamron Co., Ltd (Mr. Morio Ono, President) announced the SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) featuring an unprecedented 2.4X zoom ratio in its class of ultra wide-angle zoom lenses. The innovative, high-performance ultra wide-angle zoom lens (model B001) is designed exclusively for Canon and Nikon digital SLRs with APS-C sized image sensors.(1) Pentax and Sony mount models will be announced at a later date.
The SP AF10-24mm Di II, the first-ever 2.4x ultra wide-angle lens for digital SLR cameras, features a focal length range with the 35mm equivalent of 16mm ultra wide-angle to 37mm semi-wide-angle(2) in a user-friendly lightweight, compact design. With this versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, photographers can capture magnificent vistas and extraordinary close-ups, bold compositions and unique perspectives, creating imagery impossible with standard wide-angle lenses.
The advanced optical system of this ultra wide angle lens features large-aperture, glass-molded aspherical elements, hybrid aspherical elements, as well as elements made of special low-dispersion glass, all of which combine to deliver high-quality imagery and performance.
(1) Di (Digitally integrated design)-II lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with APS-C sized smaller image sensors. Di II lenses are not designed for use with 35mm film cameras and digital SLRs with image sensors larger than 24mmx16mm.
(2) Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x
Main Features
Covers the Broadest Range Ever—from 10mm Ultra Wide-angle to 24mm—in It’s Class.
The new Tamron ultra wide-angle zoom lens covers the 35mm full-size format equivalent of 16-37mm, for the first time in this class of zoom lenses(3). This focal length range—10mm ultra wide-angle to 24mm semi wide-angle—enables the user to enjoy hassle-free wide-angle photography.
Features an Optical Design Optimized for Digital Camera Characteristics
• Special Optical Glass Materials for High Optical Performance
The new zoom lens uses a high-precision, large-aperture glass-molded aspherical lens element and three hybrid aspherical elements to minimize spherical aberration, coma, and distortion. In addition, a pair of LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements compensates for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations, delivering high optical quality.
• Optical System Designed to Optimize Angles of Incidence of Light Rays Reaching the Imager
The new ultra wide-angle zoom lens uses a new optical system designed to confine the changing angles of incidences of light rays reaching the imager within a certain scope over the entire image field, from the center to the periphery, addressing the effects of variances caused by zooming.
• Enhanced Peripheral Illumination
Peripheral light fall-off that becomes an image-degrading factor in wide-angle photography is minimized to ensure high optical quality from the center to the periphery.
• Outstanding Resolution
As an SP Di II class lens, it provides high optical quality in resolution, contrast, and flatness of image field.
• Internal Surface Coatings Reduce Ghosting and Flare
The lens uses newly developed multiple-layer coatings and internal surface coatings (i.e., multiple-layer coatings on cemented surfaces of plural lenses) to reduce the image degradation caused by the reflection of light rays entering from the lens front and affected by the imager.
Ultra-Compact, Lightweight Design
The new zoom lens covers a wider focal length range with a greater zoom ratio and offers a faster maximum aperture and enhanced optical quality than the existing SP AF11-18mm zoom lens (Model A13). Despite the higher specifications, the new zoom lens is lightweight and compact and accepts a 77mm filter, the same as the existing SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II zoom lens (Model A13).
Minimum Focus Distance of 0.24m (9.4”) Across Zoom Range
Because a close-focusing capability is essential in wide-angle photography, Tamron engineered a 0.24m (9.4”) minimum focus distance across the zoom range. This capability gives the user freedom to create images with an exaggerated perspective at the 10mm ultra wide-angle end and shoot with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 at the 24mm semi-wide-angle setting, the largest magnification ratio in its class(4).
Flower-shaped Lens Hood Is a Standard Accessory
A glare-reducing, flower-shaped lens hood is included as a standard accessory. The special hood provides optimum shading of light rays that enter from the rectangular frame outside the image field.
New External Design Expressing “State-of-the-Art Ultra Wide-angle Zoom Lens” in the Digital Era
• The new zoom lens features a refined exterior design that eliminates unevenness in the lens body and enhances its uniformity and smoothness, matching the designs of current digital SLRs.
• The metallic finish of the gold band on Tamron lenses makes it stand out as a Di II lens, and the layout of alphanumeric markings, including the TAMRON logo in the center of the control ring, has been improved for greater visibility.
• Exquisite black mat finish is applied to the black paint over the lens barrel for improved quality appearance.
• The rubber patterns on the zoom and focus rings have been enhanced to compliment today’s digital camera design style and ensure better handling.
(3) As of August 2008, according to Tamron’s research of ultra wide-angle zoom lenses designed for exclusive use on digital SLR cameras.
(4) As of August 2008, according to Tamron’s research on ultra wide-angle lenses designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras.
Specifications
Tamron SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Aspherical [IF]
Model: Name B001
Focal Length: 10-24mm
Maximum Aperture: F/3.5-4.5
Angle Of View: 108° 44' - 60° 20' (APS-C size equivalent)
Lens Construction: 12 elements / 9 groups
MFD (Minimum Focus Distance): 0.24m (9.4") (entire zoom range)
Diaphragm Blades : 7
Filter Size : Ø77mm
Size (Diameter x Length): Ø83.2mm x 86.5mm*
Weight : 14.3oz (406g)
Max. Mag. Ratio : 1:5.1 (at f=24mm)
Standard Accessory : Flower-Shaped lens hood
Compatible Mount: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony
*specifications based on Nikon mount
The SP AF10-24mm Di II, the first-ever 2.4x ultra wide-angle lens for digital SLR cameras, features a focal length range with the 35mm equivalent of 16mm ultra wide-angle to 37mm semi-wide-angle(2) in a user-friendly lightweight, compact design. With this versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, photographers can capture magnificent vistas and extraordinary close-ups, bold compositions and unique perspectives, creating imagery impossible with standard wide-angle lenses.
The advanced optical system of this ultra wide angle lens features large-aperture, glass-molded aspherical elements, hybrid aspherical elements, as well as elements made of special low-dispersion glass, all of which combine to deliver high-quality imagery and performance.
(1) Di (Digitally integrated design)-II lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with APS-C sized smaller image sensors. Di II lenses are not designed for use with 35mm film cameras and digital SLRs with image sensors larger than 24mmx16mm.
(2) Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x
Main Features
Covers the Broadest Range Ever—from 10mm Ultra Wide-angle to 24mm—in It’s Class.
The new Tamron ultra wide-angle zoom lens covers the 35mm full-size format equivalent of 16-37mm, for the first time in this class of zoom lenses(3). This focal length range—10mm ultra wide-angle to 24mm semi wide-angle—enables the user to enjoy hassle-free wide-angle photography.
Features an Optical Design Optimized for Digital Camera Characteristics
• Special Optical Glass Materials for High Optical Performance
The new zoom lens uses a high-precision, large-aperture glass-molded aspherical lens element and three hybrid aspherical elements to minimize spherical aberration, coma, and distortion. In addition, a pair of LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements compensates for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations, delivering high optical quality.
• Optical System Designed to Optimize Angles of Incidence of Light Rays Reaching the Imager
The new ultra wide-angle zoom lens uses a new optical system designed to confine the changing angles of incidences of light rays reaching the imager within a certain scope over the entire image field, from the center to the periphery, addressing the effects of variances caused by zooming.
• Enhanced Peripheral Illumination
Peripheral light fall-off that becomes an image-degrading factor in wide-angle photography is minimized to ensure high optical quality from the center to the periphery.
• Outstanding Resolution
As an SP Di II class lens, it provides high optical quality in resolution, contrast, and flatness of image field.
• Internal Surface Coatings Reduce Ghosting and Flare
The lens uses newly developed multiple-layer coatings and internal surface coatings (i.e., multiple-layer coatings on cemented surfaces of plural lenses) to reduce the image degradation caused by the reflection of light rays entering from the lens front and affected by the imager.
Ultra-Compact, Lightweight Design
The new zoom lens covers a wider focal length range with a greater zoom ratio and offers a faster maximum aperture and enhanced optical quality than the existing SP AF11-18mm zoom lens (Model A13). Despite the higher specifications, the new zoom lens is lightweight and compact and accepts a 77mm filter, the same as the existing SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II zoom lens (Model A13).
Minimum Focus Distance of 0.24m (9.4”) Across Zoom Range
Because a close-focusing capability is essential in wide-angle photography, Tamron engineered a 0.24m (9.4”) minimum focus distance across the zoom range. This capability gives the user freedom to create images with an exaggerated perspective at the 10mm ultra wide-angle end and shoot with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 at the 24mm semi-wide-angle setting, the largest magnification ratio in its class(4).
Flower-shaped Lens Hood Is a Standard Accessory
A glare-reducing, flower-shaped lens hood is included as a standard accessory. The special hood provides optimum shading of light rays that enter from the rectangular frame outside the image field.
New External Design Expressing “State-of-the-Art Ultra Wide-angle Zoom Lens” in the Digital Era
• The new zoom lens features a refined exterior design that eliminates unevenness in the lens body and enhances its uniformity and smoothness, matching the designs of current digital SLRs.
• The metallic finish of the gold band on Tamron lenses makes it stand out as a Di II lens, and the layout of alphanumeric markings, including the TAMRON logo in the center of the control ring, has been improved for greater visibility.
• Exquisite black mat finish is applied to the black paint over the lens barrel for improved quality appearance.
• The rubber patterns on the zoom and focus rings have been enhanced to compliment today’s digital camera design style and ensure better handling.
(3) As of August 2008, according to Tamron’s research of ultra wide-angle zoom lenses designed for exclusive use on digital SLR cameras.
(4) As of August 2008, according to Tamron’s research on ultra wide-angle lenses designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras.
Specifications
Tamron SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Aspherical [IF]
Model: Name B001
Focal Length: 10-24mm
Maximum Aperture: F/3.5-4.5
Angle Of View: 108° 44' - 60° 20' (APS-C size equivalent)
Lens Construction: 12 elements / 9 groups
MFD (Minimum Focus Distance): 0.24m (9.4") (entire zoom range)
Diaphragm Blades : 7
Filter Size : Ø77mm
Size (Diameter x Length): Ø83.2mm x 86.5mm*
Weight : 14.3oz (406g)
Max. Mag. Ratio : 1:5.1 (at f=24mm)
Standard Accessory : Flower-Shaped lens hood
Compatible Mount: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony
*specifications based on Nikon mount
Nikon D80 Firmware Update 1.11
This service provides software for upgrading D80 A and B firmware to Ver 1.11. When performing this firmware upgrade, be sure to upgrade both A and B firmware. Correct operation of your camera is not guaranteed if only A or B of the firmware is upgraded without upgrading the other part.
This firmware resolves an issue which, in rare cases, causes the battery indicator to blink whilst shooting regardless of the level of charge in the battery.
D80 Firmware Update 1.11 - Windows
D80 Firmware Update 1.11 - Macintosh
This firmware resolves an issue which, in rare cases, causes the battery indicator to blink whilst shooting regardless of the level of charge in the battery.
D80 Firmware Update 1.11 - Windows
D80 Firmware Update 1.11 - Macintosh
Samsung Introduces NaBee the Worldwide Wireless USB Solutions for Digital Cameras
COLOGNE, Germany—(BUSINESS WIRE)—September 23, 2008— Samsung Techwin, a worldwide innovator in digital camera technology, and Alereon, Inc., the Certified Wireless USB technology leader for Ultra Wideband (UWB) WiMedia solutions, today announced NaBee, a wireless connectivity solution for Samsung digital still cameras powered by Alereon’s AL5000 Worldwide Wireless USB Chipset. Leveraging Alereon’s worldwide second generation products, the new Samsung solution is the easiest and most convenient way to wirelessly connect a digital camera to a PC. Samsung will be demonstrating NaBee in their booth in Hall 04.2 booth G030 at Photokina in Cologne, Germany.
“We are pleased to work with Samsung, a true worldwide leader in the consumer electronics and digital still camera world,” said Eric Broockman, CEO of Alereon. “As the wireless USB market continues to expand, working with global leaders like Samsung, is an important part of Alereon’s strategy in the Wireless USB space.”
Samsung’s NaBee allows for a simple, high-speed wireless communication between a digital still camera and PC. Plug the miniature dongle into the camera USB connector, and its matching dongle into the PC and it connects just like a standard USB cable. NaBee will be available from all major catalog and online resellers, as well as selected retail outlets in December 2008.
Samsung selected Alereon following rigorous examination of available Certified Wireless USB products. Alereon was chosen based on worldwide compatibility, performance, cost, ease of integration and expertise in the UWB and Wireless USB space.
“As customer demand continues to grow for unique applications, we are dedicated to differentiating our products in powerful ways," said Seong-Young Han, Group Leader of New Business Development at Samsung Techwin. “Samsung is a worldwide leader in the digital camera market and continues to exemplify that leadership with today’s Wireless USB introduction showcasing creative innovation using new high speed wireless technology.”
Paramount to Alereon’s and Samsung’s differentiation is the ability to provide NaBee to customers worldwide. The Alereon AL5000 Chipset family transmits and receives WiMedia band groups one through six, which span frequencies of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz respectively. Unlike competitive bandgroup one or bandgroup three solutions, which may offer as little as a single channel in non-US applications, Alereon provides consumers in Europe, Japan, Korea, China and New Zealand with as many as 19 additional channels. Manufacturers standardizing on Alereon solutions can produce a single product or SKU that can be designed and sold worldwide with a simple software modification to meet local regulatory requirements.
About Samsung Techwin Co. Ltd
Please refer to Samsung Techwin website at http://www.samsungtechwin.com for the company profile.
About Alereon, Inc.
Alereon, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company using revolutionary Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio technology to develop high-bandwidth, low-power, low-cost Wireless USB and WiMedia UWB chipsets that are ideal for today’s personal computer and portable products, like digital cameras, mp3 players and cell phones. Our mission is to replace the complex tangle of wires that interconnect today's electronic devices with wireless links. For more information, visit http://www.alereon.com.
“We are pleased to work with Samsung, a true worldwide leader in the consumer electronics and digital still camera world,” said Eric Broockman, CEO of Alereon. “As the wireless USB market continues to expand, working with global leaders like Samsung, is an important part of Alereon’s strategy in the Wireless USB space.”
Samsung’s NaBee allows for a simple, high-speed wireless communication between a digital still camera and PC. Plug the miniature dongle into the camera USB connector, and its matching dongle into the PC and it connects just like a standard USB cable. NaBee will be available from all major catalog and online resellers, as well as selected retail outlets in December 2008.
Samsung selected Alereon following rigorous examination of available Certified Wireless USB products. Alereon was chosen based on worldwide compatibility, performance, cost, ease of integration and expertise in the UWB and Wireless USB space.
“As customer demand continues to grow for unique applications, we are dedicated to differentiating our products in powerful ways," said Seong-Young Han, Group Leader of New Business Development at Samsung Techwin. “Samsung is a worldwide leader in the digital camera market and continues to exemplify that leadership with today’s Wireless USB introduction showcasing creative innovation using new high speed wireless technology.”
Paramount to Alereon’s and Samsung’s differentiation is the ability to provide NaBee to customers worldwide. The Alereon AL5000 Chipset family transmits and receives WiMedia band groups one through six, which span frequencies of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz respectively. Unlike competitive bandgroup one or bandgroup three solutions, which may offer as little as a single channel in non-US applications, Alereon provides consumers in Europe, Japan, Korea, China and New Zealand with as many as 19 additional channels. Manufacturers standardizing on Alereon solutions can produce a single product or SKU that can be designed and sold worldwide with a simple software modification to meet local regulatory requirements.
About Samsung Techwin Co. Ltd
Please refer to Samsung Techwin website at http://www.samsungtechwin.com for the company profile.
About Alereon, Inc.
Alereon, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company using revolutionary Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio technology to develop high-bandwidth, low-power, low-cost Wireless USB and WiMedia UWB chipsets that are ideal for today’s personal computer and portable products, like digital cameras, mp3 players and cell phones. Our mission is to replace the complex tangle of wires that interconnect today's electronic devices with wireless links. For more information, visit http://www.alereon.com.
Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital
With remote TTL function for Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung and Sony Alpha
A world first! The mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital, a completely redesigned, wireless Metz macro-flash, is equipped with two individually-controllable, swivelling reflectors integrated in the housing. The new ring-form macro-flash thus ensures balanced and precise lighting and also maximises the scope for customising light arrays in the macro area. With its individually variable reflectors (0°-20°) and the highly sensitive light distribution, there are no limits to personal creativity. It is easy to set light accents that are appropriate for each theme. And all this with maximum user-friendliness, because the Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digitally regulates light through the automatic wireless TTL*, which provides reliable and precise lighting – or provides differentiated lighting via its special slave function, by means of six different part-lighting levels.
* Flash device with master function required (e.g. 58 AF-1 digital).
First class user convenience
The mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital lies snug in the hand. Small, light, handy – with a practical clip mechanism so it can be fixed to all standard lenses. With independent power supply, so that photographing is not disturbed by troublesome cables.
In addition, an intuitive, attractive DOT matrix display makes the Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital simplicity itself to use.
Versatile macro flash with TTL and slave with learning function
The remote TTL flash operation of the mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital can be used for digital cameras of the following makes: Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung and Sony-Alpha. In this case, the camera must either have an integrated flash unit acting as master, or be equipped with add-on flash (e.g. Metz 58 AF-1 digital).
In slave mode, the mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital is also suitable for nearly all other makes of camera.
Manual flash operation can be carried out via a synchronous cable.
In addition, Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital learns autonomously in the conventional slave mode! Its learning function ensures that the small slave flash is reliably triggered every time by the flash integrated in the camera – even if this sends out a ranging pre-flash. In individual cases, this specific cooperation is attained by trial triggering in slave mode. In this case, the light amount emitted can be varied across 6 light levels.
The bouncer disc included in the scope of delivery performs especially valuable service by ensuring even illumination. Rechargeable batteries or AAA batteries, compactly accommodated in the device, efficiently power the device.
Equipped as standard with USB-interface for software updates via Internet.
Adapter rings in the sizes 62, 67 and 72 mm are optionally available.
Technical specifications for Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital
Flash output
* max. GN of 15 for ISO 100/21° and 50 mm
* High number of flashes (e.g. 200 full flashes with NiMH batteries, 1000 mAh)
* Flash recycle time 0.3 – 5 secs (depending on the energy source and flash output)
Basic configuration
* Wireless TTL flash control
* Two reflector system, individually pivoting (0°, 10°, 20°) and separately controlled
* Ratio function (light distribution from left to right
* Horizontal (20°) pivoting reflector
* Dot matrix display
* Standard 50 mm illumination
* Enclosed bouncer disc for softer illumination
* Adjustable light (modelling light)
* Integrated autofocus auxiliary light
* Flash standby and exposure control indicator on flash unit
Basic flash functions
* TTL remote flash operating mode (as slave unit)
* Slave flash mode with pre-flash suppression
* Slave flash mode with learn function
* Manual flash mode with 6 partial lighting levels
* 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation
Flash functions for specific camera models in remote TTL mode
Operates as slave flash unit in the following operating modes:
* E-TTL – remote flash mode (Canon)
* i-TTL- remote flash mode (Nikon / Fujifilm)
* P-TTL remote flash mode (Pentax / Samsung)
* Four-Thirds TTL remote flash mode (Olympus / Panasonic / Leica)
* ADI remote flash mode (Sony Alpha)
Prepared for the future
* Firmware update via integrated USB port possible
* Additional adapter rings available for 62, 67 and 72 mm
Power sources
* AAA alkaline magnesium batteries
* AAA lithium batteries
* AAA NC or NiMH rechargeable batteries
Included in delivery
* 52, 55 and 58 mm adapter rings
* Bouncer disc
* IR clip-ons
* Belt pouch
A world first! The mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital, a completely redesigned, wireless Metz macro-flash, is equipped with two individually-controllable, swivelling reflectors integrated in the housing. The new ring-form macro-flash thus ensures balanced and precise lighting and also maximises the scope for customising light arrays in the macro area. With its individually variable reflectors (0°-20°) and the highly sensitive light distribution, there are no limits to personal creativity. It is easy to set light accents that are appropriate for each theme. And all this with maximum user-friendliness, because the Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digitally regulates light through the automatic wireless TTL*, which provides reliable and precise lighting – or provides differentiated lighting via its special slave function, by means of six different part-lighting levels.
* Flash device with master function required (e.g. 58 AF-1 digital).
First class user convenience
The mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital lies snug in the hand. Small, light, handy – with a practical clip mechanism so it can be fixed to all standard lenses. With independent power supply, so that photographing is not disturbed by troublesome cables.
In addition, an intuitive, attractive DOT matrix display makes the Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital simplicity itself to use.
Versatile macro flash with TTL and slave with learning function
The remote TTL flash operation of the mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital can be used for digital cameras of the following makes: Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung and Sony-Alpha. In this case, the camera must either have an integrated flash unit acting as master, or be equipped with add-on flash (e.g. Metz 58 AF-1 digital).
In slave mode, the mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital is also suitable for nearly all other makes of camera.
Manual flash operation can be carried out via a synchronous cable.
In addition, Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital learns autonomously in the conventional slave mode! Its learning function ensures that the small slave flash is reliably triggered every time by the flash integrated in the camera – even if this sends out a ranging pre-flash. In individual cases, this specific cooperation is attained by trial triggering in slave mode. In this case, the light amount emitted can be varied across 6 light levels.
The bouncer disc included in the scope of delivery performs especially valuable service by ensuring even illumination. Rechargeable batteries or AAA batteries, compactly accommodated in the device, efficiently power the device.
Equipped as standard with USB-interface for software updates via Internet.
Adapter rings in the sizes 62, 67 and 72 mm are optionally available.
Technical specifications for Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital
Flash output
* max. GN of 15 for ISO 100/21° and 50 mm
* High number of flashes (e.g. 200 full flashes with NiMH batteries, 1000 mAh)
* Flash recycle time 0.3 – 5 secs (depending on the energy source and flash output)
Basic configuration
* Wireless TTL flash control
* Two reflector system, individually pivoting (0°, 10°, 20°) and separately controlled
* Ratio function (light distribution from left to right
* Horizontal (20°) pivoting reflector
* Dot matrix display
* Standard 50 mm illumination
* Enclosed bouncer disc for softer illumination
* Adjustable light (modelling light)
* Integrated autofocus auxiliary light
* Flash standby and exposure control indicator on flash unit
Basic flash functions
* TTL remote flash operating mode (as slave unit)
* Slave flash mode with pre-flash suppression
* Slave flash mode with learn function
* Manual flash mode with 6 partial lighting levels
* 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation
Flash functions for specific camera models in remote TTL mode
Operates as slave flash unit in the following operating modes:
* E-TTL – remote flash mode (Canon)
* i-TTL- remote flash mode (Nikon / Fujifilm)
* P-TTL remote flash mode (Pentax / Samsung)
* Four-Thirds TTL remote flash mode (Olympus / Panasonic / Leica)
* ADI remote flash mode (Sony Alpha)
Prepared for the future
* Firmware update via integrated USB port possible
* Additional adapter rings available for 62, 67 and 72 mm
Power sources
* AAA alkaline magnesium batteries
* AAA lithium batteries
* AAA NC or NiMH rechargeable batteries
Included in delivery
* 52, 55 and 58 mm adapter rings
* Bouncer disc
* IR clip-ons
* Belt pouch
Award-winning Joby launches bigger, stronger Gorillapod Focus tripod for professional-size cameras
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Joby, Inc. is pleased to announce the arrival of the Gorillapod Focus(TM), a unique, bendable tripod engineered to support SLR cameras with larger telephoto lenses or digital video cameras. Designed with professionals and motivated amateurs in mind, the Gorillapod Focus is the biggest, strongest Gorillapod(R) yet and is the fifth addition to the growing and award-winning Gorillapod family.
The Gorillapod Focus provides the stability of a standard tripod at a fraction of the size and weight -- only 1.1 pounds (500g). Sturdy machined aluminum sockets, debuting in an anodized gunmetal finish, offer incredible flexibility while ensuring a rock-solid hold in almost any environment. The Gorillapod Focus uses a stainless steel screw for maximum strength to support an amazing 11 pounds (5kg) of gear. It's shipped with a 1/4-20 thread universal camera screw built in as well as a 3/8-inch adapter screw for use with professional ball heads.
Cleverly designed to help capture "hard to get" images like time-lapse, available-light, night-time or long-exposure, the Gorillapod Focus helps photographers refine their imaging skills. Wrap it around a railing, twist it around a tree branch, loop it onto a shopping cart, stand it on a table in the studio, or perch it on a rock during a hike! The possibilities for taking unique images are endless. And, it makes a great travel companion, folding up to fit in most gear bags.
At $149.95, Joby's new Gorillapod Focus offers the same great features and functionality of all Gorillapods. The medium-sized members of the family are the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom for cameras up to 6.6 pounds (3kg) and Gorillapod SLR for cameras up to 1.75 pounds (800g). The lightweight, original Gorillapod supports compact digital cameras up to 11.5 ounces (325g). And, the Go-Go! is an original Gorillapod that comes with clips to attach cell phones, PDAs and music/video players for mobile entertainment on the go.
The Gorillapod debuted in February 2006 and now sells in over 40 countries. The Gorillapod Focus is available on-line at http://www.joby.com/.
About Joby
Founded in 2005, Joby, Inc. has established itself as a leader in the design and development of innovative products for the consumer electronics market. Joby is a privately held company headquartered in San Francisco, California. For more information about Joby please visit http://www.joby.com/.
The Gorillapod Focus provides the stability of a standard tripod at a fraction of the size and weight -- only 1.1 pounds (500g). Sturdy machined aluminum sockets, debuting in an anodized gunmetal finish, offer incredible flexibility while ensuring a rock-solid hold in almost any environment. The Gorillapod Focus uses a stainless steel screw for maximum strength to support an amazing 11 pounds (5kg) of gear. It's shipped with a 1/4-20 thread universal camera screw built in as well as a 3/8-inch adapter screw for use with professional ball heads.
Cleverly designed to help capture "hard to get" images like time-lapse, available-light, night-time or long-exposure, the Gorillapod Focus helps photographers refine their imaging skills. Wrap it around a railing, twist it around a tree branch, loop it onto a shopping cart, stand it on a table in the studio, or perch it on a rock during a hike! The possibilities for taking unique images are endless. And, it makes a great travel companion, folding up to fit in most gear bags.
At $149.95, Joby's new Gorillapod Focus offers the same great features and functionality of all Gorillapods. The medium-sized members of the family are the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom for cameras up to 6.6 pounds (3kg) and Gorillapod SLR for cameras up to 1.75 pounds (800g). The lightweight, original Gorillapod supports compact digital cameras up to 11.5 ounces (325g). And, the Go-Go! is an original Gorillapod that comes with clips to attach cell phones, PDAs and music/video players for mobile entertainment on the go.
The Gorillapod debuted in February 2006 and now sells in over 40 countries. The Gorillapod Focus is available on-line at http://www.joby.com/.
About Joby
Founded in 2005, Joby, Inc. has established itself as a leader in the design and development of innovative products for the consumer electronics market. Joby is a privately held company headquartered in San Francisco, California. For more information about Joby please visit http://www.joby.com/.
Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital
The Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital is now available in five versions. The Canon and Nikon versions that have been available for some time now have be supplemented with models for Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung and Sony Alpha digital cameras. Thus, depending on the camera manufacturer, the highly-specific E-TTL-flash mode, i-TTL, Four Thirds-TTL flash mode, P-TTL or ADI flash operating modes are available. With these two sophisticated entry-level models Metz offers the right flash solution for users of all these digital cameras.
In addition, the user is impressed by the 36 AF-4 digital’s likable, simple operation. Even bounce flashes become child’s play, due to the vertically-tilting reflector. The manually-adjustable zoom reflector has other advantages. By adjusting the reflector to different focal lengths, the illumination angle of the 36 AF-4 digital can be fully exploited.
It looks good and is child’s play to operate. The reliable TTL-compatible flash unit from Metz enables perfectly illuminated flash photography – thanks to a GN of 36 in a relatively large range. In addition, the integrated zoom reflector can be manually adjusted to the required focal length (range 28-85 mm). A fine thing… all it takes is one touch to optimise the light output.
Furthermore the 36 AF- 4 digital offers a range of practical special functions such as the fill-in flash for daylight shots (camera dependent) that makes it possible to effectively illuminate areas of dark shadow. And an integrated AF measuring beam that is a valuable focusing aid under poor light conditions. And the practical flash standby indicator in the camera viewfinder.
Technical specifications for Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital
Flash output
* max. GN of 36 for ISO 100/21° and 85 mm
* high number of flashes (e.g. 450 full flashes with alkaline-magnesium batteries)
* Flash recycle time 0.1 – 6 secs (depending on the energy source and flash output)
Basic configuration
* Vertically-tilting reflector +90°
* LED displays
* Manual zoom reflector for 28 - 85 mm illumination
* Integrated autofocus measurement flash
* Flash standby and exposure control indicator on back of flash unit and in camera viewfinder
Basic flash functions
* TTL flash mode
* 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation (adjustable at camera)
* Manual flash exposure correction for TTL or automatic flash mode (only if adjustable on the camera)
* Automatic fill-in flash
Camera-specific flash functions
* E-TTL flash mode (Canon)
* i-TTL flash mode (Nikon / Fujifilm)
* P-TTL flash mode (Pentax / Samsung)
* Four-Thirds TTL flash mode (Olympus / Panasonic / Leica)
* ADI flash mode (Sony Alpha)
Prepared for the future
* Firmware update possible via Metz Service
Power sources
* 4 x AA alkaline-manganese batteries
* 4 x AA NC or NiMH rechargeable batteries
In addition, the user is impressed by the 36 AF-4 digital’s likable, simple operation. Even bounce flashes become child’s play, due to the vertically-tilting reflector. The manually-adjustable zoom reflector has other advantages. By adjusting the reflector to different focal lengths, the illumination angle of the 36 AF-4 digital can be fully exploited.
It looks good and is child’s play to operate. The reliable TTL-compatible flash unit from Metz enables perfectly illuminated flash photography – thanks to a GN of 36 in a relatively large range. In addition, the integrated zoom reflector can be manually adjusted to the required focal length (range 28-85 mm). A fine thing… all it takes is one touch to optimise the light output.
Furthermore the 36 AF- 4 digital offers a range of practical special functions such as the fill-in flash for daylight shots (camera dependent) that makes it possible to effectively illuminate areas of dark shadow. And an integrated AF measuring beam that is a valuable focusing aid under poor light conditions. And the practical flash standby indicator in the camera viewfinder.
Technical specifications for Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital
Flash output
* max. GN of 36 for ISO 100/21° and 85 mm
* high number of flashes (e.g. 450 full flashes with alkaline-magnesium batteries)
* Flash recycle time 0.1 – 6 secs (depending on the energy source and flash output)
Basic configuration
* Vertically-tilting reflector +90°
* LED displays
* Manual zoom reflector for 28 - 85 mm illumination
* Integrated autofocus measurement flash
* Flash standby and exposure control indicator on back of flash unit and in camera viewfinder
Basic flash functions
* TTL flash mode
* 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation (adjustable at camera)
* Manual flash exposure correction for TTL or automatic flash mode (only if adjustable on the camera)
* Automatic fill-in flash
Camera-specific flash functions
* E-TTL flash mode (Canon)
* i-TTL flash mode (Nikon / Fujifilm)
* P-TTL flash mode (Pentax / Samsung)
* Four-Thirds TTL flash mode (Olympus / Panasonic / Leica)
* ADI flash mode (Sony Alpha)
Prepared for the future
* Firmware update possible via Metz Service
Power sources
* 4 x AA alkaline-manganese batteries
* 4 x AA NC or NiMH rechargeable batteries
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 First Thoughts
Providing a larger image sensor in a compact camera body has, in the past year, arguably become the holy grail of consumer camera development. It seems that all of the major camera manufacturers are working on a solution to this technical problem, or are talking about a solution, or are talking about why they're not working on a solution. In each case, the quest for DSLR image quality in a smaller, more accessible camera has become almost all-consuming in the build up to the 2008 holiday season.
Panasonic was one of the early adopters on this bandwagon, joining Olympus in the development of a Micro Four Thirds standard that specifies squeezing a Four Thirds format DSLR imager into a space requiring about half the depth of the full-size Four Thirds mount. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is the first actual camera to come to market taking advantage of this development, and when Panasonic called to see if we wanted to spend a day shooting a pre-production G1 in conjunction with the European launch of the camera in Cologne, Germany, we weren't about to turn down the opportunity. I had spent some hands-on time with another pre-production Lumix G1 prior to this week's shooting event, and have already made my opinions about the G1 as a concept clear. The only question remaining in my mind is whether the actual camera lives up to this concept's lofty aims.
David Rasnake
more : digitalcamerareview
Panasonic was one of the early adopters on this bandwagon, joining Olympus in the development of a Micro Four Thirds standard that specifies squeezing a Four Thirds format DSLR imager into a space requiring about half the depth of the full-size Four Thirds mount. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is the first actual camera to come to market taking advantage of this development, and when Panasonic called to see if we wanted to spend a day shooting a pre-production G1 in conjunction with the European launch of the camera in Cologne, Germany, we weren't about to turn down the opportunity. I had spent some hands-on time with another pre-production Lumix G1 prior to this week's shooting event, and have already made my opinions about the G1 as a concept clear. The only question remaining in my mind is whether the actual camera lives up to this concept's lofty aims.
David Rasnake
more : digitalcamerareview
Sony A900 SLR Digital Camera First Impressions Review
The Sony Alpha 900 offers a full frame SLR at a reasonable price. In the short time we got to use it, it appeared sturdy, well designed, with clearly labeled buttons and a logical menu structure. It also fits well into the hand and is comfortable to hold, although it is somewhat bulky. Having the vast majority of functions assigned independent buttons is fantastic as it avoids navigating menus whenever possible. Unfortunately, with such an advanced camera, it's difficult to get a proper impression in such a limited amount of time. You really require a longer period to get to grips with the bevies of settings and tools offered by this camera. From the time we did get with it, we were immensely impressed by the five frames per second burst mode, as well as the layout of the camera. But for $3000, we really want to get it into our lab for testing before offering any final judgments.
Likes
- Full frame for a reasonable price
- Solid, weather resistant construction
- Well laid out controls and settings
- Unique buttons for most common settings
Dislikes
- Heavy (2 lbs before battery and lens)
- Still costs $3000
Tim Barribeau
more : digitalcamerainfo
Likes
- Full frame for a reasonable price
- Solid, weather resistant construction
- Well laid out controls and settings
- Unique buttons for most common settings
Dislikes
- Heavy (2 lbs before battery and lens)
- Still costs $3000
Tim Barribeau
more : digitalcamerainfo
Leica Camera and Fujitsu Microelectronics Co-develop Image Processing System Solution for High-end Digital SLR Cameras
New image processing system to feature outstanding image quality, fast processing times, and low power consumption-
Tokyo and Cologne, Germany, September 24, 2008 – Leica Camera AG (“Leica”) and Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited (“FML”) announced today the co-development of an image processing system solution for high-end digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, to be featured in Leica’s next-generation cameras.
A digital SLR camera prototype, the LEICA S2, featuring the new image processing system will be exhibited by Leica (Stand 02.1 Hall A001) at the Photokina exhibition, to be held in Cologne, Germany from September 23 to 28.
Background
The number of image pixels handled by digital still cameras, such as digital SLR cameras and those on mobile phones is continually rising, with higher definition becoming a key selling feature. As a result, there has been a rise in demand for low power consumption and faster image processing systems. Satisfying these conflicting conditions is a challenge for design engineers.
Since 2001, FML has offered its Milbeaut series of image processing devices for cameras, delivering high-definition imagery, fast processing speeds, and low power consumption. Widely used in digital SLR, compact digital still, and mobile phone cameras, the Milbeaut series is meeting market requests in advance. Milbeaut technology offers various functions on a single chip as required by these cameras, including image compression/decompression (image codec), noise reduction and memory card processing.
For nearly a century Leica Camera has worked to position itself as a globally-renowned and reputable camera manufacturer, recognized for its outstanding expertise in camera imagery-related technologies, which are testament to its refined high-quality product offerings. The company is actively engaged in the development of digital camera technologies, demonstrated by the release in 2006 of its first digital still camera, the LEICA M8, featuring the popular Leica M series body.
Newly Developed Solution
Given the aforementioned market requirements, the new image processing system solution for high-end SLR cameras uses Leica’s MAESTRO image processor based on FML’s Milbeaut technology, coupled with its control software.
The latest technology in FML’s Milbeaut series features improved power management, thereby achieving extremely low power consumption. High-speed operation is achieved by the employment of two embedded CPUs: Fujitsu’s FR-80 and FR-V (VLIW architecture) and additional accelerators. The combined faster operation of both software and hardware enables superior image processing performance.
For this joint development, Leica and FML created a team of dedicated hardware and software engineers to leverage the companies’ expertise and know-how. By combining the strengths of FML’s image-processing Milbeaut technologies with Leica’s high-definition imaging technologies, the companies now offer an industry-leading image processing solution.
Stefan Trippe, COO of Leica Camera commented, “Leica’s philosophy is to deliver the very latest technology to its customers - as a result, this joint development with Fujitsu Microelectronics, will enable Leica to continue to lead the field in terms of picture quality.”
“Fujitsu Microelectronics welcomes this opportunity for co-development with Leica. Leica’s expertise and reputation in the camera industry, combined with our Milbeaut imaging-processing LSI technology, will result in a truly outstanding high-end SLR digital camera”, said Joji Murakami, Corporate Vice President at Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited.
Future Developments
The new solution platform resulting from this collaboration has been established for, and will hereon become a basis for the planning and development of new Leica products, as well as enabling easy implementation of FML’s next-generation devices. Furthermore, the newly created platform will enable the stable development of future image processing systems.
About Leica Camera AG
Leica Camera AG is an international company operating in the optical industry with headquarters in Solms, Germany. All the products from the three areas of photography, sport optics and field observation have one task in common: to create a better image. The product range covers a broad selection of cameras for photography, projectors for presenting images, binoculars, scopes and distance measurement equipment for observation. All Leica cameras and lenses, all projectors, binoculars, scopes and laser distance measurement devices are the result of years of experience, uncompromisingly high standards of quality as well as continuous further development – created in the high-tech laboratory and Leica’s manufacturing facility. Top quality materials, combined with reliable precision mechanics and meticulous manufacture guarantee to create brilliant images.
For more information, please see: http://en.leica-camera.com/home/
About Fujitsu Microelectronics (FML)
Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited (FML) is a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) manufacturer that provides highly reliable, optimal solutions to meet the varying needs of its customers, through LSI offerings including ASIC/COT, ASSP and power management ICs, and flash microcontrollers. Along with building on its wide-range expertise focusing on imaging, wireless, and security LSI applications, FML also pursues initiatives for power efficiency and undertakes environmentally-conscious countermeasures. Headquartered in Tokyo, FML was established as a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited on March 21, 2008. Through its global sales and development network with sites in Japan and other regions in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., FML offers LSI solutions to the global marketplace. For more information: http://jp.fujitsu.com/group/fml/en/
Tokyo and Cologne, Germany, September 24, 2008 – Leica Camera AG (“Leica”) and Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited (“FML”) announced today the co-development of an image processing system solution for high-end digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, to be featured in Leica’s next-generation cameras.
A digital SLR camera prototype, the LEICA S2, featuring the new image processing system will be exhibited by Leica (Stand 02.1 Hall A001) at the Photokina exhibition, to be held in Cologne, Germany from September 23 to 28.
Background
The number of image pixels handled by digital still cameras, such as digital SLR cameras and those on mobile phones is continually rising, with higher definition becoming a key selling feature. As a result, there has been a rise in demand for low power consumption and faster image processing systems. Satisfying these conflicting conditions is a challenge for design engineers.
Since 2001, FML has offered its Milbeaut series of image processing devices for cameras, delivering high-definition imagery, fast processing speeds, and low power consumption. Widely used in digital SLR, compact digital still, and mobile phone cameras, the Milbeaut series is meeting market requests in advance. Milbeaut technology offers various functions on a single chip as required by these cameras, including image compression/decompression (image codec), noise reduction and memory card processing.
For nearly a century Leica Camera has worked to position itself as a globally-renowned and reputable camera manufacturer, recognized for its outstanding expertise in camera imagery-related technologies, which are testament to its refined high-quality product offerings. The company is actively engaged in the development of digital camera technologies, demonstrated by the release in 2006 of its first digital still camera, the LEICA M8, featuring the popular Leica M series body.
Newly Developed Solution
Given the aforementioned market requirements, the new image processing system solution for high-end SLR cameras uses Leica’s MAESTRO image processor based on FML’s Milbeaut technology, coupled with its control software.
The latest technology in FML’s Milbeaut series features improved power management, thereby achieving extremely low power consumption. High-speed operation is achieved by the employment of two embedded CPUs: Fujitsu’s FR-80 and FR-V (VLIW architecture) and additional accelerators. The combined faster operation of both software and hardware enables superior image processing performance.
For this joint development, Leica and FML created a team of dedicated hardware and software engineers to leverage the companies’ expertise and know-how. By combining the strengths of FML’s image-processing Milbeaut technologies with Leica’s high-definition imaging technologies, the companies now offer an industry-leading image processing solution.
Stefan Trippe, COO of Leica Camera commented, “Leica’s philosophy is to deliver the very latest technology to its customers - as a result, this joint development with Fujitsu Microelectronics, will enable Leica to continue to lead the field in terms of picture quality.”
“Fujitsu Microelectronics welcomes this opportunity for co-development with Leica. Leica’s expertise and reputation in the camera industry, combined with our Milbeaut imaging-processing LSI technology, will result in a truly outstanding high-end SLR digital camera”, said Joji Murakami, Corporate Vice President at Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited.
Future Developments
The new solution platform resulting from this collaboration has been established for, and will hereon become a basis for the planning and development of new Leica products, as well as enabling easy implementation of FML’s next-generation devices. Furthermore, the newly created platform will enable the stable development of future image processing systems.
About Leica Camera AG
Leica Camera AG is an international company operating in the optical industry with headquarters in Solms, Germany. All the products from the three areas of photography, sport optics and field observation have one task in common: to create a better image. The product range covers a broad selection of cameras for photography, projectors for presenting images, binoculars, scopes and distance measurement equipment for observation. All Leica cameras and lenses, all projectors, binoculars, scopes and laser distance measurement devices are the result of years of experience, uncompromisingly high standards of quality as well as continuous further development – created in the high-tech laboratory and Leica’s manufacturing facility. Top quality materials, combined with reliable precision mechanics and meticulous manufacture guarantee to create brilliant images.
For more information, please see: http://en.leica-camera.com/home/
About Fujitsu Microelectronics (FML)
Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited (FML) is a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) manufacturer that provides highly reliable, optimal solutions to meet the varying needs of its customers, through LSI offerings including ASIC/COT, ASSP and power management ICs, and flash microcontrollers. Along with building on its wide-range expertise focusing on imaging, wireless, and security LSI applications, FML also pursues initiatives for power efficiency and undertakes environmentally-conscious countermeasures. Headquartered in Tokyo, FML was established as a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited on March 21, 2008. Through its global sales and development network with sites in Japan and other regions in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., FML offers LSI solutions to the global marketplace. For more information: http://jp.fujitsu.com/group/fml/en/
Hasselblad's Revolutionary Tilt and Shift Adapter Expands its Scope
Hasselblad’s revolutionary tilt and shift adapter expands its scope to wrok with 100mm lens and set of extension rings for macro photography.
Following the overwhelmingly positive response from the professional photographic market, Hasselblad has extended the tilt and shift capabilities of its lenses by developing its ingenious HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter, originally designed for its HCD28mm, HC35mm, HC50mm and HC80mm lenses, to work with both its HC 2.2/100mm lens and its set of 13mm, 26mm and 52mm HE extension rings for macro photography. Staying true to its philosophy of camera integration, Hasselblad has also introduced digital feedback from the HTS 1.5 to the H3D camera and Phocus software by logging in the metadata of the image files all adjustments of the HTS. On the H3D camera this feedback adds on-line control of the exact tilt/shift movements, and it enables the automatic execution of Hasselblad’s digital lens correction to optimise image quality, eliminating color aberration, distortion and vignetting. When photographers subsequently browse through the metadata, they can see the exact tilt, shift and rotation applied for each shot.
While maintaining the optical excellence of Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses, the HTS 1.5 delivers corrective and creative image control to the users of the H3DII series of cameras and opens entire new segments of photography to this exciting form of photographic expression. Hasselblad will be demonstrating the exciting potential of the HTS 1.5 on its stand (Hall 2.1, Stand A020/B029) at photokina.
Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad Chief Executive Officer, says, “We are extremely excited about this product. Thanks to its extreme portability, the HTS 1.5 will not only bring creative image control to demanding applications such as architecture and landscape photography, but opens the doors to a wide range of exciting new creative application areas. This means more creativity for all photographers in their current shooting style as well as the opportunity to enter into new areas of photography.”
The HTS 1.5 is also a telephoto converter, extending the focal length of a mounted lens by a factor of 1.5. The lens’s image circle is enlarged by that same factor, which creates a big enough margin for tilting and shifting, while also preserving the character of the lens. The shift ranges up to 18mm and the tilt up to 10 degrees, while rotation either left or right extends to a maximum of 90 degrees.
Expanding on Hasselblad’s camera integration strategy, the HTS 1.5 delivers a new groundbreaking level of image quality and precision, never before achieved with a tilt and shift camera. The HTS 1.5 is equipped with integral sensors on all axes that tell the camera exactly where the lens is positioned and what its optical axis point is, so that correct perspective and lens alignment are obtained automatically within the camera. The sensors also communicate key data to the camera in order to enable Hasselblad’s digital lens correction for optimal image quality. Certain lens movements require that the image be re-focused, and with the HTS 1.5 solution, this occurs automatically too. These superior results are achieved by integrating superior digital technology with the benefits of superior optic movements.
Poulsen concludes, “The continuing need for optical image control is clear from the large number of photographers who use some form of hybrid camera for movement shots. These ‘mix and match’ capture systems don’t provide the optimum format or performance gained by integrating superior digital technology with the benefits of superior optic movements. At Hasselblad we don’t want to talk about view cameras or large- or medium-format, but rather of an integrated professional image capture system, designed to offer the maximum flexibility and benefits to its user. Today’s technology should deliver a system that will satisfy the most demanding photographer with any project they are undertaking and I believe that the H3DII and accessories such as the HTS 1.5 have gone a long way towards helping photographers to achieve that goal.”
The Hasselblad HTS 1.5 adapter is priced at €3,600/$5,395/£2,695 excluding tax and will be available from January, 2009.
Following the overwhelmingly positive response from the professional photographic market, Hasselblad has extended the tilt and shift capabilities of its lenses by developing its ingenious HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter, originally designed for its HCD28mm, HC35mm, HC50mm and HC80mm lenses, to work with both its HC 2.2/100mm lens and its set of 13mm, 26mm and 52mm HE extension rings for macro photography. Staying true to its philosophy of camera integration, Hasselblad has also introduced digital feedback from the HTS 1.5 to the H3D camera and Phocus software by logging in the metadata of the image files all adjustments of the HTS. On the H3D camera this feedback adds on-line control of the exact tilt/shift movements, and it enables the automatic execution of Hasselblad’s digital lens correction to optimise image quality, eliminating color aberration, distortion and vignetting. When photographers subsequently browse through the metadata, they can see the exact tilt, shift and rotation applied for each shot.
While maintaining the optical excellence of Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses, the HTS 1.5 delivers corrective and creative image control to the users of the H3DII series of cameras and opens entire new segments of photography to this exciting form of photographic expression. Hasselblad will be demonstrating the exciting potential of the HTS 1.5 on its stand (Hall 2.1, Stand A020/B029) at photokina.
Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad Chief Executive Officer, says, “We are extremely excited about this product. Thanks to its extreme portability, the HTS 1.5 will not only bring creative image control to demanding applications such as architecture and landscape photography, but opens the doors to a wide range of exciting new creative application areas. This means more creativity for all photographers in their current shooting style as well as the opportunity to enter into new areas of photography.”
The HTS 1.5 is also a telephoto converter, extending the focal length of a mounted lens by a factor of 1.5. The lens’s image circle is enlarged by that same factor, which creates a big enough margin for tilting and shifting, while also preserving the character of the lens. The shift ranges up to 18mm and the tilt up to 10 degrees, while rotation either left or right extends to a maximum of 90 degrees.
Expanding on Hasselblad’s camera integration strategy, the HTS 1.5 delivers a new groundbreaking level of image quality and precision, never before achieved with a tilt and shift camera. The HTS 1.5 is equipped with integral sensors on all axes that tell the camera exactly where the lens is positioned and what its optical axis point is, so that correct perspective and lens alignment are obtained automatically within the camera. The sensors also communicate key data to the camera in order to enable Hasselblad’s digital lens correction for optimal image quality. Certain lens movements require that the image be re-focused, and with the HTS 1.5 solution, this occurs automatically too. These superior results are achieved by integrating superior digital technology with the benefits of superior optic movements.
Poulsen concludes, “The continuing need for optical image control is clear from the large number of photographers who use some form of hybrid camera for movement shots. These ‘mix and match’ capture systems don’t provide the optimum format or performance gained by integrating superior digital technology with the benefits of superior optic movements. At Hasselblad we don’t want to talk about view cameras or large- or medium-format, but rather of an integrated professional image capture system, designed to offer the maximum flexibility and benefits to its user. Today’s technology should deliver a system that will satisfy the most demanding photographer with any project they are undertaking and I believe that the H3DII and accessories such as the HTS 1.5 have gone a long way towards helping photographers to achieve that goal.”
The Hasselblad HTS 1.5 adapter is priced at €3,600/$5,395/£2,695 excluding tax and will be available from January, 2009.
Hasselblad HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm Aspherical zoom lens
Hasselblad have launched the first zoom lens optimised for H3D DSLR camera system.
24/09/2008 Specifically aimed at those high-end 35mm DSLR users who are increasingly looking to buy in to the superior quality offered by a Hasselblad H3DII DSLR - now available at a far more attractive price point - Hasselblad today launches its HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm Aspherical zoom lens. Complementing Hasselblad’s existing HC 3.5-4.5/50-110mm zoom lens, the new HCD 35-90mm lens offers a wider angle of view to provide new Hasselblad users with a range corresponding to a 25-70mm zoom on a 35mm DSLR.
The HCD 3.5-4.5/35-90mm Aspherical, which can be used with all H3D camera systems, is also the first HC/HCD lens to employ glass elements with aspherical surfaces, allowing more compact designs with fewer lens elements. Compared with the HC 3.5-4.5/50-110mm lens, not only does it provide a wider angle of view, but it is also thinner and about one third lighter, while still delivering an image quality far superior to a zoom lens on a 35mm DSLR, without any loss in the flexibility.
To achieve its compact form, the light projection of the lens has been designed for the ‘48mm full format’ sensor of the H3DII-39 and H3DII-50. At the wide-angle setting, in particular, Hasselblad’s designers have balanced improvements in lens performance with a slightly greater distortion and vignetting as these are eliminated by Hasselblad’s Digital APO Correction (DAC) without any compromise on quality. The outcome is a powerful tool that zooms from an impressive 83 degree, wide-angle to just beyond the fringes of a normal lens.
Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad’s Chief Executive Officer, comments, “As well as providing existing customers with the finest photographic instruments to create the finest digital photographs, we’re also obviously eager to help new customers, who feel they are reaching the limit of the image quality of 35mm DSLRs, to move up to a Hasselblad and experience the full range of additional benefits provided by the medium format DSLR. We’ve therefore significantly reduced the prices of our H3DII camera systems to make them more attractive and financially viable propositions and are introducing accessories, such as the new zoom lens, to appeal to the high-end 35mm user.”
“Like all HC/HCD lenses,” he continues, “the new HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm Aspherical zoom lens has been designed to generate the highest optical quality, but the use of aspherically surfaced glass elements has, for the first time, also allowed us to design a lighter and more compact lens. The zoom range of the lens also lends itself to universal usage to such an extent that photographers may well find that it covers all their needs - we like to think of it as the Swiss Army knife of zoom lenses!”
The Hasselblad HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm Aspherical zoom lens is priced at €4,990/$6996/£3,695 excluding tax and will be available from January 2009.
24/09/2008 Specifically aimed at those high-end 35mm DSLR users who are increasingly looking to buy in to the superior quality offered by a Hasselblad H3DII DSLR - now available at a far more attractive price point - Hasselblad today launches its HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm Aspherical zoom lens. Complementing Hasselblad’s existing HC 3.5-4.5/50-110mm zoom lens, the new HCD 35-90mm lens offers a wider angle of view to provide new Hasselblad users with a range corresponding to a 25-70mm zoom on a 35mm DSLR.
The HCD 3.5-4.5/35-90mm Aspherical, which can be used with all H3D camera systems, is also the first HC/HCD lens to employ glass elements with aspherical surfaces, allowing more compact designs with fewer lens elements. Compared with the HC 3.5-4.5/50-110mm lens, not only does it provide a wider angle of view, but it is also thinner and about one third lighter, while still delivering an image quality far superior to a zoom lens on a 35mm DSLR, without any loss in the flexibility.
To achieve its compact form, the light projection of the lens has been designed for the ‘48mm full format’ sensor of the H3DII-39 and H3DII-50. At the wide-angle setting, in particular, Hasselblad’s designers have balanced improvements in lens performance with a slightly greater distortion and vignetting as these are eliminated by Hasselblad’s Digital APO Correction (DAC) without any compromise on quality. The outcome is a powerful tool that zooms from an impressive 83 degree, wide-angle to just beyond the fringes of a normal lens.
Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad’s Chief Executive Officer, comments, “As well as providing existing customers with the finest photographic instruments to create the finest digital photographs, we’re also obviously eager to help new customers, who feel they are reaching the limit of the image quality of 35mm DSLRs, to move up to a Hasselblad and experience the full range of additional benefits provided by the medium format DSLR. We’ve therefore significantly reduced the prices of our H3DII camera systems to make them more attractive and financially viable propositions and are introducing accessories, such as the new zoom lens, to appeal to the high-end 35mm user.”
“Like all HC/HCD lenses,” he continues, “the new HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm Aspherical zoom lens has been designed to generate the highest optical quality, but the use of aspherically surfaced glass elements has, for the first time, also allowed us to design a lighter and more compact lens. The zoom range of the lens also lends itself to universal usage to such an extent that photographers may well find that it covers all their needs - we like to think of it as the Swiss Army knife of zoom lenses!”
The Hasselblad HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm Aspherical zoom lens is priced at €4,990/$6996/£3,695 excluding tax and will be available from January 2009.
New Phocus 1.1 for Mac and Phocus 1.0 for Windows Extend the Functionality and Appeal of Hasselblad’s Image Processing Software
24/09/2008 Hasselblad today offers new image processing capabilities to its Mac users with the launch of Phocus 1.1 for Mac and brings the world’s most powerful image processing software to its growing numbers of Windows users with the launch of Phocus 1.0 for Windows. Windows users of the Hasselblad H3DII – the world’s most advanced DSLR – now have access to a processing toolbox that is both intuitive to use, having been modelled on popular workflow software, and that is capable of extracting the best images from the world’s most advanced digital camera system and the world’s largest raw image files.
Both new versions of the software introduce international language support, enabling the Phocus interface to be run natively in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. Further increasing the integration of the H3D with Phocus, both versions can now also interpret the feedback from the Hasselblad HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter, which logs all movements as metadata, enabling the automatic execution of Hasselblad’s digital lens correction to optimise image quality, eliminating color aberration, distortion and vignetting. When photographers subsequently browse through the metadata, they can see the exact tilt, shift and rotation applied for each shot.
Phocus 1.1 for Mac offers users a number of other additional capabilities: • Free rotation tool, allowing users to correct any imbalance in the level of the horizon in an image; • Overlay functionality in main viewer and live video mode enabling greater precision in setting up creative shots; • Custom white calibration tool, ensuring a perfect neutral balance over the whole image and eliminating color casts; • H3D camera firmware upgrade functionality, so that once customers have downloaded the latest firmware from the Hasselblad web site, Phocus will make sure that the firmware is correctly uploaded to the camera system; • Series of workflow support functions, introduced at the specific request of customers and incorporating shortcuts to make Phocus even easier to use.
Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “By modelling it on popular workflow, such as Aperture or Lightroom, we tried to ensure that the first version of Phocus was as familiar and appealing as possible. The great reception it received proved that this was the correct approach and so we’re now extending the powerful software toolbox, which provides seamless integration between the H3D camera and the computer system, to our growing customer base of Windows users, while increasing the functionality in the Mac version of the software to enable professional photographers to get more from both their images and their photography in general.”
While Phocus has been enhanced and its performance optimised, the fundamental attributes of the software remain the same:
• Uncompromising Image Quality and Moiré Removal Technology Phocus RAW processor delivers perfect colors through the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, and includes digital lens corrections for color aberration, distortion and vignetting (DAC I, II and III). Designed to save hours of post-production work, Phocus’s leading edge moiré removal technology also allows image detail to be preserved, even on extremely high resolution images.
• Camera controls Phocus provides extended controls for the operation of Hasselblad cameras, including live video for easier shot set-up and workflow, and the ability to control the lens drive for focusing when the camera is in a remote position or when the digital capture unit is mounted on a view camera.
• Flexible Workflow The Phocus GUI allows photographers to benefit from the ability to customise their set-up to suit their workflow and work with multiple high resolution images simultaneously.
• Additional Metadata Phocus extends the metadata included in all Hasselblad images and facilitates accurate and detailed cataloguing and indexing as well as the easy management of images. Also included is GPS data functionality, allowing a host of new functions, such as linking GPS data directly to Google Earth for simple geographic reference, making image storage and retrieval much easier.
• Perfect Viewing Quality The Phocus Viewer allows users to enjoy image viewing quality equal to that found in Photoshop and provides photographers with the capability to customise layout and composition to suit their current or desired workflow.
Hasselblad Phocus 1.1 for Mac and Phocus 1.0 for Windows are immediately available for registered users to download from www.hasselblad.com and includes a comprehensive user manual and training tutorial video in QuickTime format. Phocus comes free of charge with all Hasselblad digital camera products.
Both new versions of the software introduce international language support, enabling the Phocus interface to be run natively in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. Further increasing the integration of the H3D with Phocus, both versions can now also interpret the feedback from the Hasselblad HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter, which logs all movements as metadata, enabling the automatic execution of Hasselblad’s digital lens correction to optimise image quality, eliminating color aberration, distortion and vignetting. When photographers subsequently browse through the metadata, they can see the exact tilt, shift and rotation applied for each shot.
Phocus 1.1 for Mac offers users a number of other additional capabilities: • Free rotation tool, allowing users to correct any imbalance in the level of the horizon in an image; • Overlay functionality in main viewer and live video mode enabling greater precision in setting up creative shots; • Custom white calibration tool, ensuring a perfect neutral balance over the whole image and eliminating color casts; • H3D camera firmware upgrade functionality, so that once customers have downloaded the latest firmware from the Hasselblad web site, Phocus will make sure that the firmware is correctly uploaded to the camera system; • Series of workflow support functions, introduced at the specific request of customers and incorporating shortcuts to make Phocus even easier to use.
Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “By modelling it on popular workflow, such as Aperture or Lightroom, we tried to ensure that the first version of Phocus was as familiar and appealing as possible. The great reception it received proved that this was the correct approach and so we’re now extending the powerful software toolbox, which provides seamless integration between the H3D camera and the computer system, to our growing customer base of Windows users, while increasing the functionality in the Mac version of the software to enable professional photographers to get more from both their images and their photography in general.”
While Phocus has been enhanced and its performance optimised, the fundamental attributes of the software remain the same:
• Uncompromising Image Quality and Moiré Removal Technology Phocus RAW processor delivers perfect colors through the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, and includes digital lens corrections for color aberration, distortion and vignetting (DAC I, II and III). Designed to save hours of post-production work, Phocus’s leading edge moiré removal technology also allows image detail to be preserved, even on extremely high resolution images.
• Camera controls Phocus provides extended controls for the operation of Hasselblad cameras, including live video for easier shot set-up and workflow, and the ability to control the lens drive for focusing when the camera is in a remote position or when the digital capture unit is mounted on a view camera.
• Flexible Workflow The Phocus GUI allows photographers to benefit from the ability to customise their set-up to suit their workflow and work with multiple high resolution images simultaneously.
• Additional Metadata Phocus extends the metadata included in all Hasselblad images and facilitates accurate and detailed cataloguing and indexing as well as the easy management of images. Also included is GPS data functionality, allowing a host of new functions, such as linking GPS data directly to Google Earth for simple geographic reference, making image storage and retrieval much easier.
• Perfect Viewing Quality The Phocus Viewer allows users to enjoy image viewing quality equal to that found in Photoshop and provides photographers with the capability to customise layout and composition to suit their current or desired workflow.
Hasselblad Phocus 1.1 for Mac and Phocus 1.0 for Windows are immediately available for registered users to download from www.hasselblad.com and includes a comprehensive user manual and training tutorial video in QuickTime format. Phocus comes free of charge with all Hasselblad digital camera products.
Hasselblad Announces New Products, New Technology and New Directions
24/09/2008 At photokina 2008, Hasselblad is introducing a new pricing strategy and exhibiting a range of new high-end products, including a new flagship camera, the H3DII-50, a versatile zoom lens in the HCD 4.0-5.6/35-90mm, and the HTS 1.5 Tilt and Shift adapter.*
Two new Hasselblad cameras put the world’s largest sensors into the hands of the pros
Hasselblad’s new H3DII-50 is the first camera on the market to feature Kodak’s 50 megapixel sensor, measuring 36×48mm and twice the physical size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. The H3DII-50 provides full 48mm coverage and has been designed to provide an ideal solution for commercial shooters, who demand the highest image resolution, and for any photographer who demands both creative flexibility and ultimate image quality.
Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad, says, “The H3DII-50 features the largest sensor currently available in the 48 mm segment and takes its place as the flagship of our H3DII line. Nevertheless, to show that we’re not going to rest on our laurels, we’re also announcing the forthcoming H3DII-60, an even higher end camera that we’ll launch in 2009. The H3DII-60 will feature a 60 megapixel sensor that provides 94% full-frame, 645 coverage. We feel that it’s important to emphasize the 94% coverage, because, although we hear the phrase 'full-frame' being used quite frequently, no manufacturer has yet achieved true medium format full-frame.”
Hasselblad HC/HCD lens line expands its leading market position
Hasselblad is also launching a new versatile zoom lens, the HCD 4.0-5.6/35-90mm, to join its expanding HC/HCD lens line. The HC/HCD lenses equal or outperform even the legendary Hasselblad/Zeiss lenses, including the iconic CF 3.5/100mm and CF 5.6/250mm SA, considered by most experts to be the finest lenses ever made for professional photographers.
“As part of our constant efforts to produce the world’s best lenses, our engineers have combined our advanced optical design models and the H System’s unique ability to digitally compensate for any aberrations with a new aspheric lens element design. The result is what we think will prove to be the highest performing zoom lens on the market today,” says Poulsen.
New HTS 1.5 Tilt and Shift Adapter brings new control and creative possibilities
A revolutionary new tilt and shift adapter, the Hasselblad HTS 1.5, is also joining the Hasselblad line-up. The HTS 1.5 allows photographers to use tilt and shift functionality with most of their existing or new HC/HCD lenses. “The result,” says Poulsen, “is the ability to be more creative and flexible with your photography and a level of image quality that is unmatched by any other product currently available. The addition of digital sensors that read and record all movements and Hasselblad’s proprietary digital lens correction mean that we can offer photographers both a unique level of quality and maximum ease of use.”
Revitalizing the medium format industry
Following the launch of the H3D camera line at the last photokina, Hasselblad has continued to drive the medium format industry towards a more integrated and complete camera solution.
“We’re very pleased with all the new products,” says Poulsen, “and with the general direction the photographic industry is taking. Four years ago, we paved the way for the medium format industry’s move towards truly integrated DSLRs. At the time, we were criticized for this move and even accused of killing off the medium format segment. We knew, however, that this move was key not only to the further advancement of high-end image quality, but also to the survival of the medium format industry itself.”
Poulsen sees the developments of the last four years as proof that Hasselblad’s strategy has been a sound one: “Now, four years down the road, all our competitors have followed our lead. Every one of them is hurrying to launch their own integrated solutions, which, for us, is a clear indication of a revitalized and evolving medium format segment. Hasselblad will continue to lead this segment, just as we’ll continue to drive the future development of high-end photography, as I’m confident our offering at this year’s photokina will show. We’ve been very busy over the past four years, developing new technologies and new products, further refining our existing product range, and addressing some of the issues that have kept a number of photographers from adopting the Hasselblad system.”
Hasselblad launches a new price model for all digital products
“Hasselblad’s success with our classic film based cameras was partly due to pricing true professional products at a level that was high, but still affordable, for both serious pros and enthusiasts,” explains Poulsen. “In these early days of large sensor DSLRs, our initial high pricing has been one of the main barriers to entry, keeping many high-end 35mm photographers from making the leap to the superior quality of a Hasselblad system.”
Therefore, in addition to the range of new products, Hasselblad is also announcing a significant price reduction for all of its camera products, enabled by the increased production volume of Hasselblad’s fifth generation DSLR series, combined with streamlined manufacturing costs and production synergies, and by following a long-established business model taken from the 35mm camera market.
“Two years ago at photokina, Hasselblad launched the H3D,” explains Poulsen, “bringing the advantages of 35mm system integration to the medium format segment. Now we are doing the same with regards to lower pricing. Most new high-tech products begin with a high price point and then, over time, increased volume and improved production techniques allow price reductions and more accessible products. Consumers are seeing this everywhere in technology, from flat panel televisions to 35mm digital cameras. Now this is happening in our industry too, although we are at a more mature, technical level than two years ago, which allows both increased system integration and a different pricing approach.”
Until now, Poulsen states, there has been no serious medium format entry-level product at an affordable price. The new, lower price for the Hasselblad H3DII-31, along with the new products, will provide such an entry point, he claims: “In the H3DII-31, 35mm users finally have access to a serious, high-end system. The H3DII-31, combined with the complete line of HC lenses, the new, versatile HCD 35-90mm zoom lens, the HCD 28mm lens and our new HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter, provides a complete high-end package that can cover the needs of any serious photographer as well as providing access to all the advanced features and benefits of the H3DII system. Naturally, we’re very pleased to be able to lower the entry point to our system and to be able to bring Hasselblad quality to a wider range of photographers."
The new pricing strategy will also entail other changes in Hasselblad’s business model, so that most of the upgrade and trade-up programs of the past will become unnecessary.
“Our new pricing will mean that photographers can actually purchase a new camera for more or less the same amount that they would have previously spent on an upgrade,” Poulsen comments. “This has two primary effects: it removes the need for complex trade-up programs and it enables photographers to keep their previous camera as a back-up when upgrading to a newer model - a common practice among 35mm users.”
The H3DII-39 (including HC 80mm lens) has a new price of €14,995 (H3DII-39 Multi Shot excluding lens, €19,995) and the H3DII-31 (including HC 80mm lens) a new price of €11,995. All three cameras are available for immediate delivery. Priced at €17,995, the H3DII-50 (excluding lens) is also available for immediate delivery and the H3DII-60, which will be priced at €22,995 (excluding lens), will be available in April 2009.
“It’s long been understood,” concludes Poulsen, “that for most discerning photographers the only reason not to have a Hasselblad was that you couldn’t afford one. But now, with our new pricing, we’re bringing the Hasselblad world a little more within reach, enabling a whole new generation of photographers to use our products.”
Two new Hasselblad cameras put the world’s largest sensors into the hands of the pros
Hasselblad’s new H3DII-50 is the first camera on the market to feature Kodak’s 50 megapixel sensor, measuring 36×48mm and twice the physical size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. The H3DII-50 provides full 48mm coverage and has been designed to provide an ideal solution for commercial shooters, who demand the highest image resolution, and for any photographer who demands both creative flexibility and ultimate image quality.
Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad, says, “The H3DII-50 features the largest sensor currently available in the 48 mm segment and takes its place as the flagship of our H3DII line. Nevertheless, to show that we’re not going to rest on our laurels, we’re also announcing the forthcoming H3DII-60, an even higher end camera that we’ll launch in 2009. The H3DII-60 will feature a 60 megapixel sensor that provides 94% full-frame, 645 coverage. We feel that it’s important to emphasize the 94% coverage, because, although we hear the phrase 'full-frame' being used quite frequently, no manufacturer has yet achieved true medium format full-frame.”
Hasselblad HC/HCD lens line expands its leading market position
Hasselblad is also launching a new versatile zoom lens, the HCD 4.0-5.6/35-90mm, to join its expanding HC/HCD lens line. The HC/HCD lenses equal or outperform even the legendary Hasselblad/Zeiss lenses, including the iconic CF 3.5/100mm and CF 5.6/250mm SA, considered by most experts to be the finest lenses ever made for professional photographers.
“As part of our constant efforts to produce the world’s best lenses, our engineers have combined our advanced optical design models and the H System’s unique ability to digitally compensate for any aberrations with a new aspheric lens element design. The result is what we think will prove to be the highest performing zoom lens on the market today,” says Poulsen.
New HTS 1.5 Tilt and Shift Adapter brings new control and creative possibilities
A revolutionary new tilt and shift adapter, the Hasselblad HTS 1.5, is also joining the Hasselblad line-up. The HTS 1.5 allows photographers to use tilt and shift functionality with most of their existing or new HC/HCD lenses. “The result,” says Poulsen, “is the ability to be more creative and flexible with your photography and a level of image quality that is unmatched by any other product currently available. The addition of digital sensors that read and record all movements and Hasselblad’s proprietary digital lens correction mean that we can offer photographers both a unique level of quality and maximum ease of use.”
Revitalizing the medium format industry
Following the launch of the H3D camera line at the last photokina, Hasselblad has continued to drive the medium format industry towards a more integrated and complete camera solution.
“We’re very pleased with all the new products,” says Poulsen, “and with the general direction the photographic industry is taking. Four years ago, we paved the way for the medium format industry’s move towards truly integrated DSLRs. At the time, we were criticized for this move and even accused of killing off the medium format segment. We knew, however, that this move was key not only to the further advancement of high-end image quality, but also to the survival of the medium format industry itself.”
Poulsen sees the developments of the last four years as proof that Hasselblad’s strategy has been a sound one: “Now, four years down the road, all our competitors have followed our lead. Every one of them is hurrying to launch their own integrated solutions, which, for us, is a clear indication of a revitalized and evolving medium format segment. Hasselblad will continue to lead this segment, just as we’ll continue to drive the future development of high-end photography, as I’m confident our offering at this year’s photokina will show. We’ve been very busy over the past four years, developing new technologies and new products, further refining our existing product range, and addressing some of the issues that have kept a number of photographers from adopting the Hasselblad system.”
Hasselblad launches a new price model for all digital products
“Hasselblad’s success with our classic film based cameras was partly due to pricing true professional products at a level that was high, but still affordable, for both serious pros and enthusiasts,” explains Poulsen. “In these early days of large sensor DSLRs, our initial high pricing has been one of the main barriers to entry, keeping many high-end 35mm photographers from making the leap to the superior quality of a Hasselblad system.”
Therefore, in addition to the range of new products, Hasselblad is also announcing a significant price reduction for all of its camera products, enabled by the increased production volume of Hasselblad’s fifth generation DSLR series, combined with streamlined manufacturing costs and production synergies, and by following a long-established business model taken from the 35mm camera market.
“Two years ago at photokina, Hasselblad launched the H3D,” explains Poulsen, “bringing the advantages of 35mm system integration to the medium format segment. Now we are doing the same with regards to lower pricing. Most new high-tech products begin with a high price point and then, over time, increased volume and improved production techniques allow price reductions and more accessible products. Consumers are seeing this everywhere in technology, from flat panel televisions to 35mm digital cameras. Now this is happening in our industry too, although we are at a more mature, technical level than two years ago, which allows both increased system integration and a different pricing approach.”
Until now, Poulsen states, there has been no serious medium format entry-level product at an affordable price. The new, lower price for the Hasselblad H3DII-31, along with the new products, will provide such an entry point, he claims: “In the H3DII-31, 35mm users finally have access to a serious, high-end system. The H3DII-31, combined with the complete line of HC lenses, the new, versatile HCD 35-90mm zoom lens, the HCD 28mm lens and our new HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter, provides a complete high-end package that can cover the needs of any serious photographer as well as providing access to all the advanced features and benefits of the H3DII system. Naturally, we’re very pleased to be able to lower the entry point to our system and to be able to bring Hasselblad quality to a wider range of photographers."
The new pricing strategy will also entail other changes in Hasselblad’s business model, so that most of the upgrade and trade-up programs of the past will become unnecessary.
“Our new pricing will mean that photographers can actually purchase a new camera for more or less the same amount that they would have previously spent on an upgrade,” Poulsen comments. “This has two primary effects: it removes the need for complex trade-up programs and it enables photographers to keep their previous camera as a back-up when upgrading to a newer model - a common practice among 35mm users.”
The H3DII-39 (including HC 80mm lens) has a new price of €14,995 (H3DII-39 Multi Shot excluding lens, €19,995) and the H3DII-31 (including HC 80mm lens) a new price of €11,995. All three cameras are available for immediate delivery. Priced at €17,995, the H3DII-50 (excluding lens) is also available for immediate delivery and the H3DII-60, which will be priced at €22,995 (excluding lens), will be available in April 2009.
“It’s long been understood,” concludes Poulsen, “that for most discerning photographers the only reason not to have a Hasselblad was that you couldn’t afford one. But now, with our new pricing, we’re bringing the Hasselblad world a little more within reach, enabling a whole new generation of photographers to use our products.”
Nikon D90: Camera Test
It would seem logical for the first DSLR with video capture to come from a company that also makes camcorders. Nikon defied that logic, though, by creating the D90 ($1,000, estimated street, body only; $1,300 with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens). And not only does it capture movies, it captures 720p high-definition video with sound. On top of that, it ably replaces the highly regarded D80 as Nikon's main midlevel DSLR.
Borrowing its 12.3MP APS-Csized CMOS sensor from the higherend D300, the D90 is the fourth successive 12MP Nikon DSLR. Clearly, the company has eased off the megapixel race, instead focusing on other areas of image quality, such as low noise at high ISOs and convenient features. And the results are impressive. In our lab tests, the D90 scored Excellent in overall image quality right up through ISO 3200.
Philp Ryan
more : popphoto
Borrowing its 12.3MP APS-Csized CMOS sensor from the higherend D300, the D90 is the fourth successive 12MP Nikon DSLR. Clearly, the company has eased off the megapixel race, instead focusing on other areas of image quality, such as low noise at high ISOs and convenient features. And the results are impressive. In our lab tests, the D90 scored Excellent in overall image quality right up through ISO 3200.
Philp Ryan
more : popphoto
Nik Software Announces New Sharpener Pro™ 3.0
New plug-in for Photoshop® and Aperture™ incorporates U Point® technology for precise selective sharpening
Las Vegas, NV – September 4th, 2008 (Photoshop World, Booth #321) – Nik Software today announced the latest version of its popular Sharpener Pro photographic plug-in for use with Adobe® Photoshop® and Apple® Aperture™. Designed for professionals and photo enthusiasts, Sharpener Pro 3.0 is the most advanced and powerful sharpening solution for photographers, eliminating the guesswork typically required for achieving superior and consistent results.
Now featuring Nik Software’s patented U Point technology, Sharpener Pro 3.0 enables photographers to selectively sharpen objects within their images. U Point powered Control Points are easy to use and offer precise control over sharpening intensity without the need to create complicated selections and layer masks.
"Sharpener Pro 3.0 has been dramatically improved with a range of new features, including powerful creative sharpening tools, a soft proofing option, and integrated U Point technology," said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. "This new version of Sharpener Pro offers the most comprehensive tools for optimally sharpening images for any output device while also offering photographers the complete control they expect, "Slater concluded."
Key Features
* New U Point Powered Control Points - Enables precise, selective sharpening control
* Updated Output Sharpening - Provides the ultimate control to create perfectly sharpened images on all devices and media types such as display, inkjet, continuous tone, half tone, and hybrid tone
* New Creative Sharpening - Enhances fine details and textures with new structure, focus, and local contrast tools for drawing attention to desired areas within the image
* New Industry-First Sharpening Soft Proof - Allows detailed inspection of sharpening results on screen before printing, eliminating costly test prints
* New Output Presets - Enables custom settings to be saved for consistent, professional results
* Updated RAW Presharpener - Retains and enhances sharp details within images without amplifying noise and other artifacts
* Updated Powerful Selective Tool (Photoshop only) - Enables the use of Photoshop’s brush tools to paint in sharpening selectively
* New Smart Filter Support (Photoshop only) - Provides compatibility with Adobe Photoshop’s Smart Objects enabling adjustments to sharpening after Sharpener Pro has been applied
* New Multi-Image Support (Aperture only) - Provides compatibility with Aperture’s multi-image support, allowing photographers to easily copy and paste settings between images to maintain consistency
Pricing and Availability , & Promotion with Gekko-brand Fine Art Papers
Sharpener Pro 3.0 will be available in September for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com) in four languages (English, French, German, and Spanish) and will be available through specialty camera retailers in October of 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers.
The suggested retail price of Sharpener Pro 3.0 is $199.95. Upgrades from any previous version are available for $99.95. Sharpener Pro 3.0 installs as a plug-in for either Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1 and is available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard. For more information about Sharpener Pro 3.0, including video tutorials showing the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and a free 15-day fully functional trial version, please visit www.niksoftware.com/sharpenerpro.
About Nik Software, Inc.
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine®, Viveza™, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software.
Las Vegas, NV – September 4th, 2008 (Photoshop World, Booth #321) – Nik Software today announced the latest version of its popular Sharpener Pro photographic plug-in for use with Adobe® Photoshop® and Apple® Aperture™. Designed for professionals and photo enthusiasts, Sharpener Pro 3.0 is the most advanced and powerful sharpening solution for photographers, eliminating the guesswork typically required for achieving superior and consistent results.
Now featuring Nik Software’s patented U Point technology, Sharpener Pro 3.0 enables photographers to selectively sharpen objects within their images. U Point powered Control Points are easy to use and offer precise control over sharpening intensity without the need to create complicated selections and layer masks.
"Sharpener Pro 3.0 has been dramatically improved with a range of new features, including powerful creative sharpening tools, a soft proofing option, and integrated U Point technology," said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. "This new version of Sharpener Pro offers the most comprehensive tools for optimally sharpening images for any output device while also offering photographers the complete control they expect, "Slater concluded."
Key Features
* New U Point Powered Control Points - Enables precise, selective sharpening control
* Updated Output Sharpening - Provides the ultimate control to create perfectly sharpened images on all devices and media types such as display, inkjet, continuous tone, half tone, and hybrid tone
* New Creative Sharpening - Enhances fine details and textures with new structure, focus, and local contrast tools for drawing attention to desired areas within the image
* New Industry-First Sharpening Soft Proof - Allows detailed inspection of sharpening results on screen before printing, eliminating costly test prints
* New Output Presets - Enables custom settings to be saved for consistent, professional results
* Updated RAW Presharpener - Retains and enhances sharp details within images without amplifying noise and other artifacts
* Updated Powerful Selective Tool (Photoshop only) - Enables the use of Photoshop’s brush tools to paint in sharpening selectively
* New Smart Filter Support (Photoshop only) - Provides compatibility with Adobe Photoshop’s Smart Objects enabling adjustments to sharpening after Sharpener Pro has been applied
* New Multi-Image Support (Aperture only) - Provides compatibility with Aperture’s multi-image support, allowing photographers to easily copy and paste settings between images to maintain consistency
Pricing and Availability , & Promotion with Gekko-brand Fine Art Papers
Sharpener Pro 3.0 will be available in September for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com) in four languages (English, French, German, and Spanish) and will be available through specialty camera retailers in October of 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers.
The suggested retail price of Sharpener Pro 3.0 is $199.95. Upgrades from any previous version are available for $99.95. Sharpener Pro 3.0 installs as a plug-in for either Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1 and is available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard. For more information about Sharpener Pro 3.0, including video tutorials showing the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and a free 15-day fully functional trial version, please visit www.niksoftware.com/sharpenerpro.
About Nik Software, Inc.
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine®, Viveza™, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software.
Nik Software Announces Free Update to Dfine® 2.0
New update to Dfine 2.0 brings award-winning noise reduction to Aperture™, adds compatibility with Photoshop® Smart Objects, and provides new debanding control
Cologne, Germany (Photokina Hall 4.1, Stand F001) - September 22th, 2008 – Nik Software today announced availability of a free update to its award-winning Dfine 2.0 noise reduction software plug-in. Dfine version 2.1 becomes the latest of the Nik Software tools to offer compatibility with Apple® Aperture™ 2 and compatibility with Smart Objects within Adobe® Photoshop®. The update also includes a new debanding control that allows users to address banding artifacts that can occur in some images.
Dfine continues to raise the bar in digital photographic noise reduction. Dfine provides superior noise reduction while maintaining detail and sharpness throughout an image and providing unprecedented selective control over noise reduction by employing Nik Software’s U Point® technology.
"This new update to Dfine addresses two of the top requests from users," said Michael Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software, Inc. "We are pleased to be able to provide photographers using Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop with Dfine’s best in class noise reduction and its unique selective controls as a free upgrade to Dfine 2.0"
Key Features
* New Smart Filter Support (Photoshop only) - Provides compatibility with Adobe Photoshop’s Smart Objects enabling modifications or adjustments to noise reduction after Dfine has been applied.
* New Multi-Image Support (Aperture only) - Provides compatibility with Aperture’s multi-image support, allowing photographers to easily reduce noise in several images without leaving Dfine’s interface.
* New Debanding Control - Resolves issues in which unwanted horizontal or vertical banding artifacts are introduced in the capture process. Dfine is the only product designed specifically to handle this issue.
Availability
The Dfine 2.1 update is available as a free download to registered owners of Dfine 2.0 directly from Nik Software at www.niksoftware.com. Customers that purchase Dfine 2.0 through retail stores are also eligible for the update.
Dfine 2.1 is a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture 2.1 and is available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard. For more information about the software, including video tutorials highlighting the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and a free 15-day, fully functional trial version, please visit www.niksoftware.com/dfine.
About Nik Software, Inc.
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine®, Viveza™, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software.
Cologne, Germany (Photokina Hall 4.1, Stand F001) - September 22th, 2008 – Nik Software today announced availability of a free update to its award-winning Dfine 2.0 noise reduction software plug-in. Dfine version 2.1 becomes the latest of the Nik Software tools to offer compatibility with Apple® Aperture™ 2 and compatibility with Smart Objects within Adobe® Photoshop®. The update also includes a new debanding control that allows users to address banding artifacts that can occur in some images.
Dfine continues to raise the bar in digital photographic noise reduction. Dfine provides superior noise reduction while maintaining detail and sharpness throughout an image and providing unprecedented selective control over noise reduction by employing Nik Software’s U Point® technology.
"This new update to Dfine addresses two of the top requests from users," said Michael Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software, Inc. "We are pleased to be able to provide photographers using Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop with Dfine’s best in class noise reduction and its unique selective controls as a free upgrade to Dfine 2.0"
Key Features
* New Smart Filter Support (Photoshop only) - Provides compatibility with Adobe Photoshop’s Smart Objects enabling modifications or adjustments to noise reduction after Dfine has been applied.
* New Multi-Image Support (Aperture only) - Provides compatibility with Aperture’s multi-image support, allowing photographers to easily reduce noise in several images without leaving Dfine’s interface.
* New Debanding Control - Resolves issues in which unwanted horizontal or vertical banding artifacts are introduced in the capture process. Dfine is the only product designed specifically to handle this issue.
Availability
The Dfine 2.1 update is available as a free download to registered owners of Dfine 2.0 directly from Nik Software at www.niksoftware.com. Customers that purchase Dfine 2.0 through retail stores are also eligible for the update.
Dfine 2.1 is a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture 2.1 and is available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard. For more information about the software, including video tutorials highlighting the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and a free 15-day, fully functional trial version, please visit www.niksoftware.com/dfine.
About Nik Software, Inc.
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine®, Viveza™, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software.
Nik Software Announces "Complete Collection" of Award-Winning Digital Photographic Filters
Complete Collection includes Photoshop® and Aperture™ versions of Dfine® 2.0, Viveza™, Color Efex Pro™ 3.0, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ 3.0
Cologne, Germany (Photokina Hall 4.1, Stand F001) - September 22th, 2008 – Nik Software today announced the availability of its new Complete Collection of the company’s award-winning digital imaging software products. This new product bundle includes all of the latest versions of Nik Software’s products available at a discounted price of $599, which represents a savings of $450 if purchased separately.
All products now include Nik’s patented U Point® technology (www.upoint.com) for precise control of selective editing functions without the need to create complicated selections and layer masks. U Point powered Control Points found in each of Nik Software’s products are easy to use and, by working directly on the image, powerful selective enhancements can be accomplished in a fraction of the time needed by using other methods.
"The Complete Collection offers photographers an opportunity to buy all Nik Software products at substantial savings," said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. "And with U Point technology fully integrated into all of our plug-in products, photographers can do even more with their images and have complete selective control within all Nik products," Slater concluded.
Each of the products included in the Complete Collection are compatible with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard, and work seamlessly within Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture.
Availability
The Complete Collection is available for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com) and through specialty camera retailers in October 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers.
The suggested retail price of the Complete Collection is $599 (USD), which represents a savings of $450 (USD) over purchasing each product separately. Each of the software products in the bundle installs as a plug-in filter for either Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1. For more information about the software, including video tutorials highlighting the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and free 15-day fully functional trial versions, please visit www.niksoftware.com.
About Dfine 2.0
Dfine improves the quality of digital photos by easily eliminating Contrast and Color noise as well as "banding" while maintaining rich details. Automatic noise reduction streamlines workflow and U Point technology provides unprecedented selective control and power. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/dfine
About Viveza
Viveza, powered by U Point® technology for direct on-image editing, is the most powerful and precise tool available to control light and color in photographic images. For the first time, corrections and enhancements to brightness, contrast or color can easily be made in a fraction of the time needed by other tools without the need to create complicated selections or layer masks. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/viveza
About Color Efex Pro 3.0
Color Efex Pro 3.0 filters are the leading photographic filters for digital photography. Widely used by many of today's professional photographers, the award-winning Color Efex Pro includes U Point technology for superb selective control and offers 52 traditional and stylizing filters that let users quickly and easily perform high quality retouching, color correction and creative enhancements. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/colorefexpro
About Silver Efex Pro
Silver Efex Pro provides complete power and control to create professional quality black-and-white images from your color digital photographs, and features award-winning U Point technology for precisely controlling detail and tonality. Advanced imaging algorithms protect against unwanted artifacts, a comprehensive collection of emulated black-and-white film types, and a state-of-the-art grain reproduction engine help produce the highest quality black-and-white images possible while providing more freedom to experiment. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro
About Sharpener Pro 3.0
Sharpener Pro 3.0 is the most advanced and powerful sharpening solution for photographers, eliminating the guesswork typically required for achieving superior printed results while providing the most control possible. New adaptive sharpening algorithms, award-winning U Point technology for selective sharpening, and sharpening soft proofing that allows inspection of results before printing all combine to ensure images have the desired sharpness of detail with repeatable, professional results. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/sharpenerpro
About Nik Software, Inc.
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine®, Viveza™, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software.
Cologne, Germany (Photokina Hall 4.1, Stand F001) - September 22th, 2008 – Nik Software today announced the availability of its new Complete Collection of the company’s award-winning digital imaging software products. This new product bundle includes all of the latest versions of Nik Software’s products available at a discounted price of $599, which represents a savings of $450 if purchased separately.
All products now include Nik’s patented U Point® technology (www.upoint.com) for precise control of selective editing functions without the need to create complicated selections and layer masks. U Point powered Control Points found in each of Nik Software’s products are easy to use and, by working directly on the image, powerful selective enhancements can be accomplished in a fraction of the time needed by using other methods.
"The Complete Collection offers photographers an opportunity to buy all Nik Software products at substantial savings," said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. "And with U Point technology fully integrated into all of our plug-in products, photographers can do even more with their images and have complete selective control within all Nik products," Slater concluded.
Each of the products included in the Complete Collection are compatible with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard, and work seamlessly within Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture.
Availability
The Complete Collection is available for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com) and through specialty camera retailers in October 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers.
The suggested retail price of the Complete Collection is $599 (USD), which represents a savings of $450 (USD) over purchasing each product separately. Each of the software products in the bundle installs as a plug-in filter for either Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1. For more information about the software, including video tutorials highlighting the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and free 15-day fully functional trial versions, please visit www.niksoftware.com.
About Dfine 2.0
Dfine improves the quality of digital photos by easily eliminating Contrast and Color noise as well as "banding" while maintaining rich details. Automatic noise reduction streamlines workflow and U Point technology provides unprecedented selective control and power. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/dfine
About Viveza
Viveza, powered by U Point® technology for direct on-image editing, is the most powerful and precise tool available to control light and color in photographic images. For the first time, corrections and enhancements to brightness, contrast or color can easily be made in a fraction of the time needed by other tools without the need to create complicated selections or layer masks. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/viveza
About Color Efex Pro 3.0
Color Efex Pro 3.0 filters are the leading photographic filters for digital photography. Widely used by many of today's professional photographers, the award-winning Color Efex Pro includes U Point technology for superb selective control and offers 52 traditional and stylizing filters that let users quickly and easily perform high quality retouching, color correction and creative enhancements. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/colorefexpro
About Silver Efex Pro
Silver Efex Pro provides complete power and control to create professional quality black-and-white images from your color digital photographs, and features award-winning U Point technology for precisely controlling detail and tonality. Advanced imaging algorithms protect against unwanted artifacts, a comprehensive collection of emulated black-and-white film types, and a state-of-the-art grain reproduction engine help produce the highest quality black-and-white images possible while providing more freedom to experiment. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro
About Sharpener Pro 3.0
Sharpener Pro 3.0 is the most advanced and powerful sharpening solution for photographers, eliminating the guesswork typically required for achieving superior printed results while providing the most control possible. New adaptive sharpening algorithms, award-winning U Point technology for selective sharpening, and sharpening soft proofing that allows inspection of results before printing all combine to ensure images have the desired sharpness of detail with repeatable, professional results. For more product information including video lessons visit: www.niksoftware.com/sharpenerpro
About Nik Software, Inc.
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine®, Viveza™, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)
