Photo Infos

New “Mamiya Leaf” Brand Delivers Strong Worldwide Synergy

2012-01-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Companies Integrate Products, Consolidate Worldwide Support, Service and R&D

TOKYO and TEL AVIV, January 16, 2012 – Mamiya Digital Imaging, a trusted manufacturer and developer of medium-format cameras and optics, and Leaf Imaging Ltd., a leading manufacturer and developer of digital backs for the medium and large-format photography markets, today announced that they have created a new, worldwide Mamiya Leaf brand that integrates both companies’ product lines into one complete medium-format digital camera system offering, streamlines new product development and establishes more efficient customer sales and support.

The new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a synergy of the best that these two companies can offer as highly competent suppliers of comprehensive, fully integrated high-end digital photography systems comprising digital camera backs, bodies and lenses. Together, the companies are focusing on delivering new Mamiya Leaf camera systems. Unified support from worldwide Mamiya Leaf partners/distributors is also expected to be a major advantage for photographers; they will now be able to enjoy one stop expert service for all of the various components of a Mamiya Leaf medium format digital camera system.

“Creating a new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a win-win situation for photographers” said Dov Kalinksi, Leaf General Manager. “Not only will photographers be able to immediately benefit from a highly advanced, fully-integrated medium format system from the industry’s leading suppliers, but they will also be able to enjoy powerful new products emerging from a unified R&D effort.”

“We are aligning our resources to ensure that customers will benefit from the extensive expertise residing in both Tokyo and Tel Aviv,” said Mamiya Digital Imaging President Toshio Midorikawa. “We are confident that the synergy created and the efficiency gained by simplifying our operations will enable us to serve our customers faster and better.”

Mamiya Leaf medium format digital systems comprise a broad range of equipment — from 22 to 80 megapixels. Camera bodies are manufactured by Mamiya; digital backs are manufactured by Leaf. Also available are Mamiya focal plane shutter lenses and Schneider Kreuznach-designed leaf shutter lenses. Cameras, lenses and backs will retain their respective Mamiya and Leaf labels and they will still be sold as individual components.

Included with all Mamiya Leaf systems are two native software options: the award winning Phase One Capture One and Leaf Capture.

About Mamiya Digital Imaging
For almost 70 years, Mamiya has been a name synonymous with excellence and innovation in professional photographic cameras and lenses. Mamiya Digital Imaging is dedicated to the professional and advanced amateur markets. For Mamiya it’s always been about one thing: the love of photography. A passion shared by enthusiastic owners of Mamiya cameras all over the world. For more information, please visit the new Mamiya Leaf website at www.mamiyaleaf.com

About Leaf Imaging, Ltd.
Leaf Imaging has been a pioneer in professional digital photography. In 1992, Leaf introduced the world’s first commercial digital camera back. Today, the Leaf Aptus-II digital backs are the choice of leading photographers. Leaf is dedicated to improving the quality of its products, technologies and services to support the advancement of professional digital photography. For more information, please visit the new Mamiya Leaf website at www.mamiyaleaf.com

Jalbum Releases 10.3.1

2012-01-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

Website: http://jalbum.net/

Jalbum 10.3.1

News and Updates

Portuguese translation updated.

Bug fixes

Windows version would hang when dragging and dropping images from the file chooser onto jAlbum. This bug has been around for over a year and is now finally fixed.
Mac version would fail with "Could not initialize class com.adobe.xmp.impl.XMPMetaParser" error on OS X Lion
Error reporting for skins that require "compatibility mode" to run wasn't tight

Snapixel iPhone App PicYou

2012-01-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

PicYou is the perfect tool for instantly sharing your photos and daily life with friends, family and the world.

With a simple photo you can connect with others from around the world and explore new things to do or see. PicYou is a great way to share stunning photos with friends, wherever you are. See a sweet shot? Snap it with your iPhone and let PicYou do the rest with its awesome filters and frames.

Best of all everything you do on your phone is also accessible online at the PicYou.com website. One click sign up with Facebook or Twitter accounts. Get started today!

Features

Free PicYou filters (including Albion, Killowatt, Infatuation, Zeitgeist, Gammanation, Dreamy, Ralston, Cuttlefish and Hipster)
Cool PicYou frames
Unlimited uploads to the cloud
Share your photos instantly on Facebook and Twitter
Make new friends through giving and receiving likes & comments
Full camera capability, front and back
Access from the web at PicYou.com

Download the PicYou iPhone App

Renaissance Photography Prize 2012

2012-01-10T05:51:00.001-08:00

The Renaissance Photography Competition is now open for its fifth year

£7,000 in prizes and week-long exhibition in the Mall Galleries
Categories are Expression, Environment, Memory, Perspective, Disorientation
Judges:
Brett Rogers (Director, The Photographers’ Gallery)
Mary McCartney (Photographer)
Michael Hoppen (Gallery Owner)
Brigitte Lardinois (Curator & Magnum Magnum Editor)
Monica Allende (Picture Editor, Sunday Times Magazine)
100 entries will be shortlisted for exhibition at The Mall Galleries, 10th - 16th June 2012
Celebrity private view: 13th June 2012
Competition closes: 24th February 2012
All your entry fee will be donated to the Lavender Trust at Breast Cancer Care
Enter at www.renaissancephotography.org or email info@renaissancephotography.org

Photographers from around the world will compete for prizes worth over £8,000 (US$12,000) when the Renaissance Photography Prize opens for entries on 5th December 2011.

Brett Rogers, Mary McCartney, Michael Hoppen, Monica Allende and Brigitte Lardinois will select 100 photos from thousands of entries to be exhibited at the prestigious Mall Galleries on London’s Pall Mall in June 2012. The shortlisted entries will be exhibited for one week, culminating in a celebrity private view on the evening of 13th June 2012, where the winners will be announced.

Renaissance was founded in 2006 by Fiona Gifford, a 39-year-old lawyer and keen amateur photographer who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 34.

“During my recovery period, day-to-day concerns became irrelevant, and I became more aware of the moments that really matter in life - moments of emotion, human connection, and wonder at the beauty of nature. What better way to represent those moments than through photography?”

In the four years since its inception, Renaissance has raised over £160,000 for the Lavender Trust at Breast Cancer Care.

Renaissance is open for entries between 5th December 2011 and 24th February 2012.

There will be five categories this year, Expression, Environment, Memory, Perspective and Disorientation. For further details please visit www.renaissancephotography.org

For more information, interviews or images from previous years, please contact Fiona Gifford on 07966 141 295 or info@renaissancephotography.org

2012 Hasselblad Masters Awards Winners Revealed

2012-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the best in photography and the tenth anniversary of the competition, Hasselblad has announced the 11 recipients of the Masters Award.

Hasselblad today announced the eleven winners of the prestigious Masters Award, one for each of eleven categories. A distinguished and diverse panel of international judges representing different sectors of the photo industry selected the winning images.

As always, the decision-making process was challenging due to the high volume and high quality of submissions, but jury members approached their task with enthusiasm and great interest, acknowledging the importance of the Masters awards program. Photographer and Grand Jury member Colin Prior explains that, "The Hasselblad Masters Competition is a showcase for photographic excellence and provides both up and coming and established photographers the opportunity for their work to be seen like no other." Australian portrait photographer Anne Geddes was excited to participate as a judge in this year's awards saying that, "It was an honor to be invited to participate as a jury member and to be able to give back to the photographic community."

For the second year in a row, the public was invited to vote for their favorite images-a practice that especially appealed to Grand Jury member Thomas Gerwers, Editor-in-Chief of ProfiFoto Magazine. "What is unique is that the public can view and judge the participating pictures online, so the Hasselblad Award is not happening in a black box but is all transparent," says Gerwers. He also comments that, "What I like is that Hasselblad has opened the contest for all kinds of professional photography, even for those which have not been taken with a Hasselblad."

Winners will be given access to an H4D, lenses and Phocus software for this year's project, creating a series of images based on their individual interpretations of the theme "evoke". Paul Waterworth, Hasselblad's Global Photographer Relations Manager explains, "The term evoke can mean many different things, so it will be very interesting to see how these photographers put their own visual spin on the theme."

The public will have to wait until photokina in September when the final work is presented in a special exhibition to see the end results of this creative exercise. As part of the Masters Awards, winners will also have their images published in the third annual commemorative Masters book: Masters Vol. 3 - EVOKE, which will also be presented at photokina.
Given the success of the 2012 Masters Finalists Tour this past fall and thanks, in part, to the support of sponsors broncolor, SanDisk and Epson, further exhibitions are planned for the latter part of the year. Hasselblad and the winning images will travel near and far-from Los Angeles and New York to Berlin, Tokyo, Beijing, Mumbai, Moscow and São Paulo and points in between-to share some of the best images of the competition with the rest of the world. Be sure to visit the Hasselblad website, VICTOR online magazine and subscribe to the Hasselblad Bulletin to find out more about the tour later in the year.

The 2012 Hasselblad Masters Awards winners, featured in the January issue of VICTOR online, are:

Architectural: Frank Meyl, Germany
Editorial: Jon Lowenstein, USA
Fashion/Beauty: Wai Kuen Eric Wong, Hong Kong
Fine Art: Christian Tagliavini, Switzerland
General: Ken Hermann, Denmark
Landscapes/Nature: Tom D. Jones, Belgium
Portrait: Denis Rouvre, France
Products: Joe Felzman, USA
Up & Coming: Vicente Ansola, Spain
Wedding/Social: Milosz Wozaczynski, Poland
Wildlife: Lucas Pupo, Brazil

To find out more about the new Masters 2012 and their winning images, visit VICTOR online at: www.victorbyhasselblad.com

Masters 2012, Architectural
Frank Meyl, Germany

Masters 2012, Editorial
Jon Lowenstein, USA

Master 2012, Fashion/Beauty
Wai Kuen Eric Wong, Hong Kong

Master 2012, Fine Art
Christian Tagliavini, Switzerland

Master 2012, General
Ken Hermann, Denmark

Master 2012, Landscapes/Nature
Tom D. Jones, Belgium

Master 2012, Portrait
Denis Rouvre, France

Master 2012, Products
Joe Felzman, USA

Master 2012, Up & Coming
Vicente Ansola, Spain

Master 2012, Wedding/Social
Milosz Wozaczynski, Poland

Master 2012, Wildlife
Lucas Pupo, Brazil

ArcSoft's Perfect365 for Facebook Gives the World's Most Popular Social Network the Power of One-Click Makeovers

2012-01-09T05:28:00.001-08:00

Fremont, California – ArcSoft, Inc., the industry leading software provider of imaging technologies and applications, today launched Perfect365 for Facebook. Now every user of the world's largest social network has the ability to touch up and make over portraits as they're uploaded. The application is immediately available at http://apps.facebook.com/perfectfbapp/.

Perfect365 is a free photo makeover application that lets users touch up their pictures with one-click. The application is currently available on Facebook, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC. The Facebook version allows users to select from one of the five preset styles, while the desktop versions provide more than 20 style templates, as well as options to customize the look.

"ArcSoft's 15 years of imaging expertise and understanding of the human face let us give users an easy, professional way to touch up their photos, with just one click," said ArcSoft founder and CEO, Michael Deng. "People don't want to spend hours using complicated photo editing software to fix little blemishes or bags that might ruin an otherwise great snapshot. Even fewer want to go through such hassle when posting photos to social networks like Facebook, and Perfect365 gives them an easy solution to this problem."

Important Links
ArcSoft Website: www.arcsoft.com
Perfect365 Website: www.perfect365.com
Perfect365 Twitter: www.twitter.com/perfect365
ArcSoft Twitter: www.twitter.com/ArcSoft_Inc
Perfect365 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Perfect365
ArcSoft Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArcSoftInc

About ArcSoft
ArcSoft, Inc. is an industry leading software developer of multimedia technologies and applications across desktop, mobile and embedded platforms. Working closely with major OEM manufacturers, ArcSoft offers a full line of imaging and video solutions that enhance the features, performance, and user experience of mobile phones, digital cameras, tablets, personal computers, and consumer electronics devices. For further details, visit www.arcsoft.com.

The New Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Prime Lens Combines Practicality with Portability Resulting In A Versatile Portrait Lens

2012-01-07T07:06:00.001-08:00

New NIKKOR Lens is Ideal for Low-Light, Portraiture and Adding Dramatic Background Blur to Both Photo and Video

MELVILLE, N.Y. (January 5, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G FX-format lens to its legendary line of NIKKOR lenses. The new 85mm is a fast, fixed focal-length lens with medium telephoto capabilities and a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 that is capable of performing a wide variety of imaging tasks with amazing sharpness and clarity.

“Whether a professional photographer who needs extreme sharpness or a photo enthusiast looking for an affordable, lightweight lens with amazing clarity, Nikon photographers appreciate and rely on the vast selection and dependability of NIKKOR lenses for their imaging needs,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “The new 85mm f/1.8 is fully optimized for capturing amazing photos and videos, while providing the ability to utilize background blur to compliment the subject of their photo.”

A welcome addition to Nikon’s growing line of versatile prime lenses, the new AF- NIKKOR 85mm is ideal for travel, general photography, low-light, landscape, portraiture and capturing movies with extreme depth of field. The 85mm is designed to capture photos utilizing beautiful image blur achieved due to its large maximum aperture. Furthermore, the lens is lightweight, easy to carry, and provides an equivalent focal length of 127mm when attached to a Nikon DX-format D-SLR camera body.

The construction of the 85mm f/1.8 consists of nine optical elements, with a seven-blade diaphragm which contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a natural appearance to out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance.

The new lens also comes equipped with a carefully engineered optical system optimized to deliver superior image quality. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation, which is essential when recording movies. The 85mm also features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooters needs. Additionally, Internal Focus (IF) design prevents the front element from rotating, allowing for the use of filters and attachments.

Price and Availability
The lightweight AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G will be available in March 2012 for a SRP* of $499.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

To see the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lens and other new Nikon products, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the "Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

When There Is No Second Chance: The New Nikon FX-Format D4 Multi-Media Digital SLR is The Definitive Unification Of Speed And Precision

2012-01-07T06:56:00.001-08:00

The New 16.2 Megapixel Nikon D4 Wields a Formidable Fusion of Swift Performance, Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High Caliber Photo and HD Multimedia Content

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan 5, 2012) – The new Nikon D4 digital SLR builds upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship D-SLRs before it, engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that deliver speedy performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option.

Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 D-SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture incredible content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF System has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). Considered the new Nikon flagship, the D4 renders supreme image quality, a feat accomplished with a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and color. Photographers are also able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with the assistance of Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800 for low-light capture like never before. The Nikon D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never before seen HD-SLR video features for those who also need to capture multimedia content from the field.

“Speed without accuracy is irrelevant,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The status of a Nikon flagship camera is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon’s most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides Nikon’s most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”

Velocity Meets Versatility
Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as milliseconds matter when the action commences. Whether an assignment relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow or even streamlined camera controls, the D4 is the epitome of professional-caliber photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, including subject color as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a full-court fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will instill the confidence with consistently great results.

The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system. The fully customizable system offers users the ability to capture fast moving subjects and track focus with precision or select a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 D-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters or a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines, photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.

The Nikon D4 D-SLR also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against D4’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure. In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Additionally, to capture every brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.

All of this image data is funneled through a 16 bit pipeline and are written to dual card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers blazing fast write times and extended capacity essential for multimedia professionals shooting stills and video.

Image Quality That Hits the Mark
The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colors in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.

Like the D3 and D3s before it, the Nikon D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible yet usable 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3µ pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth color gradation. For ultimate versatility, photographers can also take advantage of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording video.

Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.

There are also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and video. In addition to standard NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is also capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range with the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that merges consecutive exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can also be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.

Professional Multimedia Features
The Nikon D4 D-SLR is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional that needs the small form factor, low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only an HD-SLR can offer. The new features add functionality for those professionals looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, providing footage that is more than suitable for broadcast.

Full HD video recording - Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.

Full manual control of exposure - Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.

Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View - By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display or appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.

Audio recording for professionals - The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.

Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes - Whether shooting for depth of field in FX format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080P HD resolution no matter what mode they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in full HD resolution all at 16:9 aspect ratio.

Simultaneous live view output without display / simultaneous monitor - Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously. Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen, to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.

Full-time AF - In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face detection and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.

New LCD screen - The large high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen is 921K dots, and includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in up to 46x to check critical HD focus.

Time lapse shooting - This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.

Remote shutter operation - Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to be engaged by the shutter release button -users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger video recording.

NIKKOR lens compatibility - The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 50 lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction.

Professional Construction, Superior Operability
The reputation and respect bestowed upon a Nikon D-Series flagship camera is earned from those who use it; therefore the chassis of the Nikon D4 is machined from magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF. The self diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch resistant 921,000-dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.

The overall controls and operability of the camera has also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with renewed ergonomics, such as a quick AF mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the camera’s rear for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, to continue the D4’s moniker of the best tool for just about any condition, key control buttons on the back of the camera can all be illuminated, making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.

Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time. Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both the photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. Nikon has also introduced the new WT-5A wireless file transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application is also in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D4 will be available in late February 2012 for the suggested retail price of $5999.95.^*

To see the new D4 D-SLR and other new Nikon products, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

* Suggested retail price listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

GNT Inc., a Japanese Mobile Contents Entity, Released Mobion Photo Lite Application Today, for iOS 4.0, an All-in-One Package to Enhance Your Photography Experience with Quality and Ease

2012-01-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Enhancing Life's memories, whether from yesterday, today or years ago! Filled with cool features, Mobion Photo Lite is the go-to app for photo lovers and story tellers alike. Tell your story and share it as you take pictures on the go!

TOKYO, JAPAN, January 05, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Enhancing Life's memories, whether from yesterday, today or years ago! Filled with cool features, Mobion Photo Lite is the go-to app for photo lovers and story tellers alike. Tell your story and share it as you take pictures on the go!

Core features include:

Shoot: Take a picture anytime and anywhere, with the swipe of a finger, only on this app!
Share: Let everyone share in your moment on Mobion, Facebook and Twitter with auto shouts
Store: Images automatically saved for ease of sharing and editing
Play: Add music, your voice, icons, filters, photo frames, texts, and more to your photos
Story: Record voice, add music, transitional effects and more to a collection of your photos
World: - Sight-see through photos shared by your friends on the global map
M-Cards: Holidays and daily m-cards are a fun and unique way to send anyone a special greeting

iTunes Download: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mobion-photo-lite/id485554118?mt=8

Mobion social networking platform:
Mobion is a place on the net with two independent worlds; a Real World and Virtual World where you can connect with real life connections while at the same time escape from reality and enjoy full freedom by becoming anyone you wish (virtual). Mobion SNS for PC users will be launched globally December 2012.

About GNT Inc:
Founded over 10 years, GNT Inc. is a leading mobile service company in Japan. Youthful, passionate, dynamic, constantly innovating and pushing technological boundaries, we are grasping the international market with 4 core mobile services: Mobile Media Services, Official Mobile Content, M-Commerce (E-Commerce) and Mobile Advertising. Additional information about GNT Inc is available at http://www.gnt.co.jp/en/.

Carl Zeiss Launches 2011 Photography Contest: “Every Moment Tells a Story”

2011-12-31T06:46:00.000-08:00

Entries until January 15, 2012 on Flickr photo community

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 12.2011 -Every moment tells a story. That is the theme of the Carl Zeiss Photo Contest 2011, which was launched today. Anyone can enter the contest provided the photos are shot with a ZEISS lens. It also does not matter if the photographer uses an SLR reflex camera or a smartphone with a ZEISS lens.

The theme

„We are looking for that moment when you not only see a subject, but also a story. We are searching for that very special moment,” says Martin Dominicus, Head of Marketing of the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “Every life, every situation and every place is full of such moments. The ability to capture a moment in such a way that you recognize the story behind it — this is, and has always been, the high art of photography.”

Carl Zeiss encourages photographers from around the world to look for moments that fit the theme, and to submit their best image. The ability to consciously stage a moment of time into an image and press the shutter button at just the right time was mastered by the legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. He always knew what image he wanted to depict when the shutter was released. „Cartier-Bresson had an unmistakable way of expressing the story of a moment. We look forward to seeing how the participants of our photography competition capture the moments of everyday life in their own individual style,” says Dominicus.

As in 2010, this contest will again take place on the global online photo community Flickr. Participants should upload their best image to the theme “Every moment tells a story” on the official Carl Zeiss group on Flickr and tag it with the keyword “ZEISSContest2011“.

For more information about the contest and the terms of participation, visit: www.zeiss.com/photo/contest

The jury

Photographers and photo enthusiasts have until Sunday January 15, 2012 to submit their images on Flickr. Subsequently, the jury, consisting of Carl Zeiss employees and professional photographers, will shortlist the best images. One of the jury members will be the well-known Slovak photographer and researcher Filip Kulisev, who has received several international photography awards for his spectacular landscape photography.

The highest number of points will be given to images that have been consciously composed and in which one can recognize a story. The Flickr community will select the ten best images from the jury’s shortlist by designating them as a “favorite”. The images that receive the most “favorites” on Flickr will win.

The prizes

1st prize:
A ZEISS lens of the winner’s choice (ZE or ZF.2) with exclusive engraving +
Carl Zeiss T* UV filter +
Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap +
Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit

2nd prize:
Nokia Lumia 800 smartphone with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens

3rd prize:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 digital camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens

4th prize:
Logitech HD Pro webcam C910 with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens

5th and 6th prizes:
Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap +
Carl Zeiss knapsack+
Carl Zeiss watch +
Carl Zeiss umbrella +
Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit

7th and 8th prizes:
Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap +
Carl Zeiss umbrella +
Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit

9th prize:
Carl Zeiss Comfort Camera Strap +
Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit

10th prize:
Carl Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit

Canon Speedliting with Multiple Flashes

2011-12-29T06:07:00.000-08:00

YouTube link: http://youtu.be/hk7IRg1ApGE

by BHPhotoVideoProAudio - In this Canon-specific workshop, you will learn the how and why of using multiple Speedlites off-camera. Our emphasis will be on the wireless system built into Canon Speedlites. We will explore all the settings on both the master and slave Speedlites.

Category: Education
Tags: Canon, 480, exII. ex. II, speedliting, speedlit, speed, lights, flash, photography, bh, bandh, photo, video, pro, audio, event, space

The EPSON International Pano Awards 2012

2011-12-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

Over US$25,000 in cash and prizes! Enter online at www.thepanoawards.com

Professional and amateur photographers around the world are invited to enter The EPSON International Pano Awards to compete for over $25,000 in cash and prizes.

Early-bird entries are open from December 2011 until Friday 20th of April 2012.

The third Epson International Pano Awards is dedicated to the art of panoramic photography. Advances in digital photography and software such as PTGui and Adobe Photoshop has resulted in an explosion in image stitching, especially in the panoramic format. Panoramic film photography also remains alive and well.

The Epson International Pano Awards showcases the work of panoramic photographers worldwide and is the largest and most important competition for panoramic photography.

The 2011 competition saw 3,586 images submitted from 985 photographers in 62 countries.

The 2012 competition is now open for all professional and amateur photographers with an increased combined prize pool of more than US $25,000 in cash and prizes!

Prizes include an Epson Stylus Pro 7900 printer, an Epson Stylus Pro 4900 printer, an Epson EB-1775 Ultra-Slim Projector and US$5000 cash.

2011 saw the successful introduction of a new VR/360 category for ‘immersive’ panoramic photography. The competition also presented a display of winning and high scoring images a the PMA Photo Imaging trade show in Sydney in June, which was attended by tens of thousands of people.

In 2012 we hope to expand the VR category, and will repeat the highly popular PMA display, this time held in Melbourne in May.

The judging panel includes some of the world's top panoramic photographers and industry professionals, including members of the IAPP and IVRPA.

Color Splurge 1.4 Free for iOS: Selectively Remove/Alter Color in Photos

2011-12-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

Indie developer Vijay Doddavala today announces Color Splurge 1.4 free for iOS, his photography app that allows users to create dramatically enhanced photos by selectively removing or altering the color of people and objects in the photo. The #5 Photo app in the U.S. app store, Color Splurge makes it easy to turn a color photo completely black & white, and then selectively replace the original colors or paint in new ones. It works with most photos from the camera, Facebook, or photo library.

Bangalore, India (PRWEB) December, 2011 - Indie developer Vijay Doddavala today is pleased to announce Color Splurge 1.4 free for iOS, his photography app that allows users to create dramatically enhanced photos by selectively removing or altering the color of people and objects in the photo. In the Top 5 Photo apps in the U.S. App Store for all of December, Color Splurge makes it easy to turn a color photo completely black & white, and then selectively replace the original colors or paint in new ones. The app works with most photos from the camera, Facebook, or the iOS Photo Library. Color Splurge features: unlimited undos, revert to original, zoom in & out, move photo left/right & up/down, compatibility with most photo resolutions, powerful save & export & import, continuously variable color selection for 16 million possible shades, and post card delivery with built-in Sincerely Ship capability, which creates and ships a 4 x 6 personalized postcard anywhere in the world.

In the age of iOS photography, where billions of snapshots are in circulation around the globe, it is not easy to make a portrait photo stand out. A technique long used by professionals, selective desaturation, produces dramatic results by accenting a black & white photo with splashes of color. Until recently, a photographer needed a costly Photoshop-like piece of software to expertly execute this graphic sleight of hand. Now, Color Splurge produces professional results effortlessly in a free app for iOS. Formerly named Color Splurge - Color/Recolor/Gray/Splash Color/Colorize, the app includes all these functions, plus much more.

To start, users can use photos from any of the following sources: Facebook Profile photo, Facebook Album photos, iOS Photo Library or Album, built-in camera, or Clipboard. Once opened in the app, the user can completely desaturate (remove the color from) the photo with one button. Next, the creative photographer uses the normal two-finger gesture to zoom in to the photo, making it easier to add color to a small area. Two-finger manipulation of the photo is easy, even on an iPhone-sized screen. Finally, the user can choose from two kinds of color accents: natural or artificial. Natural accents reveal the actual, original color "beneath" the B&W photo. Artificial accents allow the user to paint a translucent color over any part of the B&W photo, turning an orange blue if desired. Because it is a semi-transparent layer of color, the details of the object, including highlights and shadow, show through, which adds realism. Photo retouchers can dial in any one of more than 16 million colors, and can paint using a fingertip or variable sized paintbrush. Another choice is to colorize the entire photo, for example, add a sepia tint uniformly to the entire picture.

Feature Highlights:

* Selective desaturation - remove color from selected areas

* Colorize - pick the color you like and paint your photos

* Get the images from your Facebook Album, Facebook Profile Photo, Photo Album, and Camera

* Upload your work to Twitpic, Facebook Albums, Phone Album, Email and Clipboard

* Supports Undo with unlimited (until memory is full in your device) number of levels

* Save as many projects as you want

* Multiple resolutions to choose while Uploading your images

* Copy the image to the clipboard and use it wherever you like

* Zoom In, Zoom Out and Pan using your two fingers

* Use the Brush size that works for you

* See the Brush tip while working on the image, so that it will be easy for you while working on the image

* And it is free

With their new photo finished, Color Splurge artists can save the photograph to the iOS Photo Library or the Clipboard. Integrated export and upload options include: email, Facebook Albums, Twitpic, and the newly incorporated post card feature. The app includes a built-in, optional service called Sincerely Ship. This third-party photo specialist offers Color Splurge users the opportunity to have their custom photo printed as a 4 x 6 post card with a personalized message, and then mailed anywhere in the world. Customers are billed directly through Sincerely, Inc., known for their Postagram service.

"It has been very gratifying to see Color Splurge become a Top 10 Photography app in more than 30 App Stores worldwide," commented Vijay Doddavala. "My plan is to continually improve it and keep it free, so that more and more people can enjoy it."

Device Requirements:

    iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
    Requires iOS 3.2 or later (iOS 5 tested)
    6.5 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Color Splurge 1.4 is now free (ad-supported) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photo & Video category.

Vijay Doddavala
http://www.photoandvideoapps.com/

Color Splurge 1.4
http://www.photoandvideoapps.com/Apps/ColorSplurge/ColorSplurge.html

Purchase and Download
http://itunes.apple.com/app/color-splurge-color-recolor/id473535285

PhotoBiz.com Develops Powerful iPad App for Photographers

2011-12-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

PhotoBiz Proofing is an iPad companion to our powerful slideshow based presentation system, Client Viewing. PhotoBiz Proofing is the perfect solution for photographers and creative professionals that are looking to proof albums, private viewing galleries, or entire events for large groups. Some of the most advanced features are dynamic resizing, customizable labels/messages, multilingual ready and social network sharing integration.

Greensboro, NC (PRWEB) December, 2011 - For PhotoBiz.com’s customers that have Client Viewing, there is now a feature packed iPad app for mobile proofing. This is a great mobile way to show off their work in a “Flash” like application on an iPad. It is the perfect app for PhotoBiz clients to display their photography while on the go, be it at a speaking engagement, at shows or at training seminars.

PhotoBiz Proofing is the perfect companion to PhotoBiz’s powerful online proofing tool. The integration that our iPad app holds with the PhotoBiz Client Viewing System provides a seamless mobile shift in such a way that requires ZERO extra work. The full screen display will show the photographer’s images in detail and the zoom feature offers an even more enhanced view. PhotoBiz Proofing is a high impact presentation app that is multilingual with complete social network sharing integration that has the potential to be one of our customer’s favorite selling tools.

The photographer’s clients can securely log in to PhotoBiz Proofing {itunes link} (they can even have a guest with Dual Login) to view as a slideshow or select from large thumbnail menu. This great tool for album proofing is just right for allowing clients to narrow down their selections with easy one-click addition or removal of “Favorites”. Individual image comments or editing requests can be submitted so that the photographer can update images and retain all comment history until final client approval.

As an innovative leader in the photographic/web industry PhotoBiz.com is always on the lookout for new technology to better serve our customers and reach out to new ones. Already in development and scheduled to be released soon will be an Android supported version of the app.

For more information about the new PB Viewer iPad app or PhotoBiz.com visit http://www.PhotoBiz.com or visit us on Facebook at http://www.photobizfanclub.com.

New Pixel Blend Pro iPhone App Transforms Photos into Impressionist Art

2011-12-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - To help photographers transform their images into impressionist art, Michael Valdez today introduces the innovative new app Pixel Blend Pro, giving iPhone users unique and unexpected tools to manipulate their digital photos in dramatic ways previously only possible with film.

Pixel Blend Pro lets photographers scratch, smudge, and smear their photos in new ways to give them a painterly look that is unique in the App Store. Based on the innovative iPad app Pixel Blend HD, Pixel Blend Pro for the iPhone adds many new features including changing tool sizes, applying new textures, and an eraser tool.

"Pixel Blend Pro can help you find your inner artist by creating original photo art," said Michael Valdez, creator of the app. "You can easily create impressionistic effects by manipulating the pixels of your images."

Pixel Blend was inspired by Polaroid SX-70 time zero film manipulation, a process that used original tools such as paperclips to distort the film's soft emulsion into a beautiful new look.

In the app, photographers can choose from unique tools to manipulate their photos in subtle or dramatic ways. A slider can be used to increase or decrease the size of each brush.

Available tools include:

* Toothpick

* Knitting needle

* Crochet hook

* Dental tool

* Wooden knife

* Eraser

Also, Pixel Blend Pro lets users apply a sandpaper texture to photos or choose from 3 new textures.

A unique feature of the app is the ability to change the photograph's temperature - this affects how each tool works so users can achieve the exact effect they are looking for. Hot temperatures allow for maximum movement of the photo's pixels while cold temperatures are used for less movement.

Completed photos can quickly shared with friends by email, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, or Flickr.

Features of the Pixel Blend Pro app include:

* Create impressionist images - Photos can be transformed in beautiful new ways, giving them a painterly look

* Unique tools - Photos can be scratched, smudged, and smeared to create original, unexpected effects

* 3 new textures - Sandpaper and other textures give a dramatic "real world" look to digital images

* Use any photos - Users can pick any image from their iPhone or iPad, or take a new picture to manipulate.

* Share photo art - Finished photos can be sent by email, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, or Flickr

Device requirements:

* iPhone or iPod touch

* Requires iOS 4.0 or later

* 6.3 MB

Pricing and availability:

Pixel Blend Pro (for iPhone and iPod touch) is currently available for sale worldwide through the App Store in the Photo and Video category for $1.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies). Pixel Blend HD (for iPad) is also available for $1.99 USD. Review copies are available upon request.

Website Links

Pixel Blend http://www.pixelblend.me

Purchase Pixel Blend Pro http://itunes.apple.com/app/id486949989

Purchase Pixel Blend HD http://itunes.apple.com/app/id449226514

Sample Photos - Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/1760215@N22/

Corporate Identity

Based in Nevada, Michael Valdez specializes in creating photography apps for the iPad and iPhone. His first app, Pixel Blend HD for the iPad, allows users to apply impressionist effects to their digital photos. Pixel Blend Pro is now being released for the iPhone. Copyright (C) 2011 Michael Valdez. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Scott Kelby Launches New Photography Lighting Magazine Exclusively for the Apple iPad

2011-12-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

Light It: The How-To Magazine for Studio Lighting and Off-Camera Flash is the first digital photography lighting magazine made exclusively for the Apple iPad®. It features the industry’s top experts on photography lighting. The free debut issue boasts more than 50 pages of articles, lighting techniques, equipment overviews, and more. The digital-only format allows for stunning photographs, videos, and web links for a whole new reader experience.

TAMPA, FL – August 24, 2011 – Today, best-selling Photoshop® and photography book author, Scott Kelby released a new iPad-only digital magazine called Light It: The How-To Magazine for Studio Lighting and Off-Camera Flash through his KelbyTraining.com division. The debut issue is free and available now on iTunes in the App Store.

Light It is for photographers of all skill-levels who use lighting or want to explore lighting concepts. The debut issue of Light It is being distributed free of charge as part of the Light It app, also free, that serves as the “magazine rack” for all future issues. No subscription is required.

The free debut issue of Light It features contributions from executive editor Scott Kelby, with features from editorial photographer Zack Arias; Help-Portrait founder Jeremy Cowart; and one of today’s most influential photographers Joe McNally. Regular contributors include Matt Kloskowski and Rafael "RC" Concepcion from The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and KelbyTraining.com; sports, adventure, and editorial photographer Tom Bol; senior portrait photographer James Schmelzer; fashion photographer Frank Doorhof; wedding photographer and Guinness record holder Jason Groupp; commercial photographer Erik Valind; and Brad Moore.

“The future is digital, so there will be a digital version of
everything we do going forward. There has to be. The cheese
has been moved.” – Scott Kelby

Light It was conceived and designed specifically for the iPad to incorporate crisp, sharp photos and embedded videos and links with the intuitive feel of a print magazine. “Our number-one goal with Light It is to give readers an easy-to-read app that doesn’t get in the way of the learning. If we have to teach people how to read it, we’ve failed,” said Kelby.

The launch of Light It as an iPad-only publication represents a bold new step for Scott’s company, Kelby Media Group, since the company’s origin is deeply rooted in the print publishing business. “I think the future of magazine publishing is digital, and I personally now prefer to read magazines on my iPad, which is something I never thought would happen,” said Kelby. “With iPad publishing, you can try new things, experiment, and even launch new magazines without the massive risk normally associated with print publishing. The future is digital, so there will be a digital version of everything we do going forward. There has to be. The cheese has been moved.”

KelbyTraining.com selected Aquafadas Digital Publishing System to produce Light It. Aquafadas’ tools let designers create fully interactive apps and content for iPad and iPhone by using the tools they are familiar with, Adobe® InDesign® and QuarkXPress®, and without requiring programming skills. The company also provides creative software for Flash®, HTML5, photo and video editing, and is a leader in the digital comics market with AveComics, used by French and international publishers to publish comics to tablets and smartphones.

“We are very pleased Scott Kelby selected Aquafadas as his digital publishing partner, and very happy that the features of our Digital Publishing System are able to meet the exceptional demands of a magazine for creative professionals like Light It,” said Claudia Zimmer, Aquafadas CEO.

For more information on Light It including video, graphics, press kit links and more quotes from Scott Kelby, please visit: KelbyTraining.com/LightIt.

About Scott Kelby
Scott is the founder and president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) the largest Photoshop training resource in the world with more than 72,000 members; and KelbyTraining.com, which offers online classes on photography, lighting and the Adobe Creative Suite. He is editor-in-chief of Photoshop User, the executive editor of Light It, and creator of KelbyTV.com where he hosts two top-rated weekly video podcasts, PhotoshopUser TV and The Grid. He also serves as training director for KelbyTraining LIVE, the official Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour, and is the technical chair of the Photoshop World Conference & Expo. In addition to being a Photoshop expert and photographer, Scott is also the world’s #1 bestselling author of all Photoshop and photography books.

The International Loupe Awards WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

2011-12-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

The 4th Annual International Loupe Awards consists of 8 open categories, 3 amateur categories and the exciting introduction of the world’s first Medium Format Fine Art Prize (winners to be announced early 2012). It is one of the world’s richest photographic competitions, and this year attracted over 4500 entries from around the world.

The 2011 International Loupe Awards Open Image if the Year, ‘Darter (Anhinga Melanogaster)’ is by Sydney professional photographer Jackie Dean, who receives US$20,000 in cash and a pair of Sonic Blades from Liquid Base.

Jackie is a multi award-winning photographer and past Director and National Board member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography 2002-2010. She operates a commercial photographic business specializing in architecture, as well as lecturing part-time in commercial photo imaging.

Of the winning photograph Jackie says, ‘I photographed this magnificent female Darter at Doraís Creek, Morisset, NSW whilst on assignment photographing a large architecturally designed house. The creek ran along the bottom of the garden where I was quite mesmerized by the female Darter with her 5 chicks in a tree. I waited patiently for her to walk to the end of the bough of the tree and she opened her wings and just seemed to pose for me. To everyone who entered the International Loupe Awards we are all winners as photography makes us more aware of the world in which we live.’

The 2011 International Loupe Awards Amateur Image if the Year, ‘Lighting the Landscape’ is by amateur photographer Vi Wilson from Queensland, Australia.

Vi wins a huge prize package from Kayell Australia consisting of an Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 Studio Flash Kit, Epson R3880 A2 Desktop Printer, $500 worth of Canson Infinity Photo and Fine Art Inkjet Papers, Lastolite TriFlip 8 in 1 75cm Deluxe Kit, Drobo 4 Bay Storage Robot data backup, Spyder3Studio SR and a Spyder Checkr by Datacolor.

Vi says, ‘The morning I took that photo was unbelievably special. I was alone with nature with no one or anything there to bother me. I had been shooting some landscapes with another photographer for the previous three days, and I almost decided to sleep in. Glad I didn’t as it had snowed during the night and everything was lightly dusted with snow. By the time I got to the location the sun had barely risen, then the light raked across the fields of stubble creating a subtle golden glow. It was magic and I think for the first time I knew what I had to do, how to capture it and what I would do with it later (not a lot I might add).’

Vi adds she has been motivated by comments made by Grand Master of Photography Peter Eastway, who said, ‘Hard to develop a style without pre-visualization…hard to pre-visualize without knowing what you want…hard to create without knowing what is possible.’

The 2011 International Loupe Awards is proudly supported by Kayell Australia, Epson Australia, F-Stop, Better Photography Magazine, Genius Printing, Lastolite Professional, Mentem Learn, Datacolor Spyder, Drobo, Elinchrom, AIPP, Canson and Sofitel Luxury Hotels.

Previous winning and highly ranked images from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 competitions can be seen onthe website www.loupeawards.com

Nikon Podcast 46 – Holiday Photo Tips for 2011

2011-12-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Join host Mark Ellwood and guest Steve Heiner talk about taking great photos during the holiday season. Key tips include pre-focusing to get the perfect shot quickly and using proper scene modes for appropriate environment and other useful tips.

Nikon Podcast 46: Holiday Photo Tips for 2011

Join Mark Ellwood as he sits down with Steve Heiner to discuss tips to take great photos this holiday season. Steve discusses tips such as pre-focusing to ensure quick capture of key moments and great Nikon features such as easy panorama mode to get the entire family in one frame and food mode to try shooting food photography of delicious holiday dishes.

Listen and subscribe to this podcast in iTunes by clicking here.

For all other RSS readers, click here

G Adventures & Leading Travel Blogger Gary Arndt Co-Host Exclusive Photography Tour

2011-12-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

TORONTO, ON, December 13, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- G Adventures, the world's adventure travel leader, teams up with Gary Arndt, a Wanderer in Residence and creator of everything-everywhere.com, to co-host an exclusive photography tour. Departing May 5, 2012 the Great Wide Everywhere trip explores a number of celebrated national parks and natural wonders around the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas, offering travellers a unique opportunity to travel, learn and build their photography skills alongside one of the world's most influential travel bloggers.

"There's no doubt that a large part of any travel experience is photography - capturing those picture-perfect moments. I've been very fortunate and have had the opportunity to document and explore many regions of our planet," says Arndt.

"I'm excited to share my love of photography and travel with others on this trip," adds Arndt. "The tour visits many iconic sites that will serve as the perfect backdrop and subjects for photo shoots."

Throughout the 15-day adventure ($2299 USD), travellers will receive hands-on training and participate in a number of guided shoots, covering a wide variety of topics and techniques. Daily review sessions will also create opportunities to learn more about the craft of photo editing.

Tour highlights include an evening photo walk of Las Vegas' infamous strip and visits to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. In San Francisco, travellers will have the chance to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods National Monument.

Only 11 spaces are available on the tour.

Win a Free Trip
For two weeks beginning January 2, 2012, travel and photo junkies will have the opportunity to win a spot on the exclusive adventure. To enter, contestants must visit www.everything-everywhere.com. The winner will be announced on January 16, 2012.

For more information or to make a reservation please visit www.gadventures.com/NUNPP, www.everything-everywhere.com, www.facebook.com/gadventures and www.facebook.com/EverythingEverywhere.

About Gary Arndt
Gary Arndt has been traveling the world since 2007, and has become one of the foremost travel authorities on the internet. He blogs at Everything-Everywhere.com which has been named by Time Magazine as one of the Top 25 Blogs on the Web. As an award winning travel photographer and a member of the G Adventures' Wanderers in Residence program he has become a popular source of travel inspiration online.

About Wanderers in Residence
As G Adventures ambassadors who have been globetrotting for a combined period of over 15 years in more than 350 countries, the industry-leading bloggers embark on various trips and provide ideas and feedback on the tours. Stories, photographs, videos and experiences from the road, along with travel tips, expertise and advice, are shared on the Wanderers in Residence blog, in addition to their own online communities of more than 242,800 followers. To learn more please visit www.gadventures.com/blog/wanderers-in-residence/.

About G Adventures
G Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures to over 100 countries to more than 100,000 global travellers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure - people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, G Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its travellers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, please visit www.gadventures.com and www.planeterra.org.

New campaign to embed information permanently in digital media

2011-12-14T05:52:00.001-08:00

London(England), 13 December 2011 -- A picture may be worth 1,000 words, butpermanently attached descriptions are worth a lot more as photos travel throughthe digital world. A campaign has been launched now to embed descriptive andrights information in digital media and to retain it during the whole lifecycle.

Theinitiative has been launched by the International Press TelecommunicationsCouncil (IPTC), the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s), andthe Association of National Advertisers (ANA), with the support of tradeorganisations representing visual arts and photo agencies. It aims to establishthe practice of applying descriptions and the copyright status of the contentas metadata, and to embed it permanently during the electronic exchange ofdigital photo, text, audio or video files.

Thispractice is based on the principles defined by the Embedded Metadata Manifestoon the web site www.embeddedmetadata.org which invites organisations and individuals tosupport the campaign.

Thecampaign is designed for producers and users of digital media and the hardwareand software vendors who play a key role in enabling interoperability in dataexchange. The business benefits for both producers and users include efficientdelivery, successful retrieval, and improved rights management.

"Metadatais an important driver for business productivity, so it should always be

retained.Too much data is currently lost," said Michael Steidl, managing directorof the IPTC which created the Embedded Metadata Manifesto. "It is time forcontent creators, distributors and software vendors to work together to bringabout conditions where business can make use of metadata to track and preservemedia files, copyright and other rights, as this is critical for the creativeindustries that depend on that for their existence.”

“Embeddingdescriptive information into commercial files, removes manual steps, andduplication of effort, which can save time and money, and forms the foundationfor more efficient operations, measurement, and monetization of advertisingassets. These are the core reasons why the 4A’s and ANA partnered to createAd-ID, the United States standard for identifying Advertising assets across allmedia platforms,” said Harold Geller, Senior Vice President CrossCountry-Industry Workflow for the 4A’s.

The fivekey principles of the Embedded Metadata Manifesto are:

Metadata is essential to describe, identify and track digital media and shouldbe applied to all media items which are exchanged as files or by other meanssuch as data streams.
Mediafile formats should provide the means to embed metadata in ways that can beread and handled by different software systems.
Metadatafields, their semantics (including labels on the user interface) and values,should not be changed across metadata formats.
Copyright management information metadata must never be removed from the files.
Othermetadata should only be removed from files by agreement with their copyrightholders.

Aboutthe IPTC:

The IPTC,based in London, is a consortium of the world's major news agencies, newspublishers and news industry vendors. It develops and maintains technicalstandards for improved news exchange that are used by virtually every majornews organisation in the world. Its standards include the Photo Metadata standardsIPTC Core and Extension, the family of G2-Standards (NewsML-G2, EventsML-G2 andSportsML-G2), NITF, rNews, and the IPTC NewsCodes. Visit the web site is www.iptc.org or follow @IPTC on Twitter.

Aboutthe 4A’s:

The 4A’s(American Association of Advertising Agencies) is the national tradeassociation of the advertising agency business and provides leadership,advocacy and guidance to the industry. The management-oriented associationfounded in 1917 helps its members build their businesses, and acts as theindustry’s spokesperson with government, media, and the public sector. Itsmembership comprises virtually all of the large, multinational agencies andhundreds of small and mid-sized agencies across the country. More than 1,200member agency offices served by the 4A’s employ 65,000 people, offer a widerange of marketing communications services, and place 80 percent of allnational advertising. For more information, visit www.aaaa.org.

Aboutthe ANA:

Founded in1910, the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) leads the marketingcommunity by providing its members with insights, collaboration, and advocacy.ANA's membership includes 400 companies with 10,000 brands that collectivelyspend over $250 billion in marketing communications and advertising. The ANAstrives to communicate marketing best practices, lead industry initiatives,influence industry practices, manage industry affairs, and advance, promote,and protect all advertisers and marketers. For more information, visit www.ana.net, follow @ANAmarketers on Twitter,join us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ANA),or visit our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/ANAmarketers).

Jimon Magazine #4 - "The Killers"

2011-12-06T09:47:00.001-08:00

Jimon Magazine #4 - "The Killers" from Melissa Rodwell on Vimeo.

The Exclusive Behind the Scenes Photography Video for Jimon Magazines Fall Fashion Issue with Photographer Melissa Rodwell.

Brought to you by:

The Fashion Photography Blog:
fashionphotographyblog.com

Melissa Rodwell Photography
melissarodwell.com

Credits:

Song by: The Pixies "Where is My Mind"
Video Shot by: Tim Sands
Edited by: Tyler Mitchell

Posing, Lighting, and Photographing Models

2011-11-27T15:12:00.001-08:00

YouTube link: http://youtu.be/EvT53FX6Ax4

by ImprovePhotography on 2011 - Jim Harmer from ImprovePhotography.com shows off one free lesson from his "30 Days to Professional Quality Portrait Photography" online class. Go to ImprovePhotography.com for more!

Category: Howto & Style

Tags: photography, lighting, strobist, speedlight, yn-560, yn 560, flash, portrait photography, tips, flash photography tips, reflector, diffuser, 5-in-1 reflector, senior portrait, headshot

Hasselblad Just Made You a Brand New Camera

2011-11-27T07:25:00.001-08:00

And It’s Only a Click Away! Whether you’re already the proud owner of a Hasselblad H4D-40, H4D-50, H4D-50MS or H4D-200MS camera – or still considering making the move to Hasselblad photography – Hasselblad has some great news for you.

The Hasselblad H4D-60 set new industry standards for performance, resolution, and quality in medium format DSLR cameras and included a comprehensive firmware upgrade that brought a range of new features and functions such as:

One-Click, instant digital focus check
Two directional, electronic spirit level
An improved, high resolution display
New rear display with grip info displayed on the back

So Where’s My New Camera?
These new features will now be included in all new H4D cameras. And if you are already the proud owner of an H4D camera?

That’s where the great news comes in - a simple, free firmware upgrade will add each and every one of these features to your existing H4D-40, H4D-50, H4D-50MS or H4D-200MS camera*. Think of it as buying one camera and getting another, newer one, absolutely free. THE FIRMWARE UPGRADE IS AVAILABLE NOW.

To find out more about these great new features or simply to see what the H4D line of cameras can do to change your photography, check out the links to the right.

For further information, click here.

*Firmware upgrades listed above will not be able to be ported to the H4D-31 or CFV 39/50. H4D-50 customers, who have upgraded from the H3DII-50 and H3DII-50MS, can have their camera further upgraded with a new digital shell unit including new electronics and display for MRSP 1.990€ excl. VAT.

This offer is valid until March 31, 2012.

Nikon Podcast 45: The Revolutionary Nikon 1 System

2011-11-27T07:11:00.001-08:00

Host Mark Ellwood and guest Steve Heiner talk about the new Nikon 1 System, an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses.

Nikon Podcast 45: The Revolutionary Nikon 1 System

Join Mark Ellwood as he sits down with Nikon’s Steve Heiner to discuss some of the best features of the new Nikon 1 System, an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses built from the ground up to strike the perfect balance of performance and portability. Steve and Mark discuss the Nikon J1 and V1, as well as the benefits and features of the new camera system.

Listen and subscribe to this podcast in iTunes by clicking here.
For all other RSS readers, click here.

Nikon Launches iP-PJ Transfer App for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch

2011-11-20T09:28:00.001-08:00

Supports The New COOLPIX S1200pj with Built-In Projector Allowing Users to Project Content from iOS Devices

Melville, N.Y., November 16, 2011 – Nikon Inc. has announced the release of the iP-PJ Transfer App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch¹, now available on the App Store. The app enables users to project content stored on an iPhone or iPod touch using the new COOLPIX S1200pj with built-in projector.

The iP-PJ Transfer App lets users easily project still images in thumbnail and full-frame displays, business documents created with common presentation tools and websites² from their iPhone or iPod touch³. Whether sharing with friends and family or business colleagues, the iP-PJ Transfer App gives users quicker access to more content and lets them share it in a unique way with the COOLPIX S1200pj.

“With the introduction of the COOLPIX S1200pj, Nikon has delivered an easier way for consumers to share their photos and movies,” said Sharon Henley, Nikon’s senior manager of product lifecycle control. “Now, with the addition of the iP-PJ Transfer App, the COOLPIX S1200pj can project content straight from a user's iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.”

The COOLPIX S1200pj, Nikon’s third projector-equipped model, offers a 40% increase in projection brightness over its immediate predecessor and projects vivid images up to 60 inches.

The iP-PJ Transfer App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

¹Compatible with iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPad and iPod touch 4^th generation
²All contents must be registered with the application before projection is possible
³iP-PJ Transfer runs as an iPhone app on the iPad and iPad 2

Canon U.S.A. Provides Updates On EF Lens Availability

2011-11-20T09:10:00.001-08:00

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., November 16, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced updated availability information for three of its EF lenses:

Canon EF 200‐400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x lens availability yet to be determined
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens availability yet to be determined
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens availability yet to be determined

Additional information regarding the shipping date of each lens will be made available as soon as possible.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x lens

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x is being developed as an L-series super-telephoto lens with an integrated 1.4x extender and high-performance Image Stabilizer technology. The new lens will offer exceptional flexibility by incorporating a built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm for sports and wildlife photography. High-quality images with high levels of resolution and contrast will be possible through the use of advanced optical materials such as fluorite crystal. The new lens will also include dust- and water-resistant construction designed for extended usage under harsh conditions.

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Sports and Nature Photography

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for those situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability over its predecessor. Great for a wide range of applications, the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is ideal for professional photojournalism, sports photography and nature and wildlife photography. The optical formula of the new lens has been enhanced to include two fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by 18 percent from 136.5 oz to 112.5 oz.
The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available for an estimated retail price of $10,499.

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Wildlife and Photojournalism

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is the successor to the current EF 600mm IS lens first introduced in 1999. This new lens has been engineered for outstanding optical performance and durability and includes two new fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping photographers in the field, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 27 percent from 189.1 oz to 138.3 oz.
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available for an estimated retail price of $12,999.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

###

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Lytro, Inc. Unveils the World’s First Consumer Light Field Camera

2011-11-16T08:29:00.001-08:00

Groundbreaking new camera instantly captures interactive, living pictures to share with friends and family online

(click on the photo to change the focus point)

Mountain View, CA – 2011 - Today, Lytro, Inc. unveiled the first Lytro consumer light field camera, introducing a new way to take and experience pictures. Unlike conventional cameras, the Lytro light field camera captures all the rays of light in a scene, providing new capabilities never before possible, such as the ability to focus a picture after it’s taken. The pocket-sized camera, which offers a powerful 8x optical zoom and f/2 lens in an iconic design, creates interactive ―living pictures‖ that can be endlessly refocused. The camera is available in two models and three colors, starting at $399.

The Lytro is the only consumer camera that lets people instantly capture a scene just as they see it by recording a fundamentally richer set of data than ever before. Lytro cameras feature a light field sensor that collects the color, intensity, and the direction of every light ray flowing into the camera, capturing a scene in four dimensions. To process this additional information, Lytro cameras contain a light field engine that allows camera owners to refocus pictures directly on the camera. When the Lytro’s living pictures are shared online, the light field engine travels with each picture so anyone can interact with them on nearly any device, including web browsers, mobile phones, and tablets without having to download special software.

The Lytro’s sleek design was created with simplicity in mind. With no unnecessary modes or dials, the camera features just two buttons—power and shutter—and has an intuitive glass touchscreen that lets pictures be viewed and refocused directly on the camera. While the Lytro camera houses complex technology, it is fundamentally easy to use, opening new creative opportunities for anyone interested in sharing their favorite memories with friends and family.

The Lytro camera’s features include:

- Form follows function: The Lytro’s unique compact
design is driven by its 8x optical zoom lens, which features
a constant f/2 aperture. The Lytro’s anodized aluminum
body is lightweight yet sturdy. At less than eight ounces,
the Lytro puts remarkable power in a pocket-sized camera.

- Proprietary light field science: The Lytro is the only
camera that captures life in living pictures. Its innovative
light field sensor captures 11 million light rays of data (or 11
megarays), including the direction of each ray, something
conventional cameras don’t do. The light field engine then
processes the data into a picture that is displayed in HD quality.

- Unparalleled speed: The Lytro’s speed ensures that people never miss a moment. It turns on instantly and has an instant shutter. With no need to auto-focus, the Lytro has no shutter delays.

- Low-light sensitivity: By using all of the available light in a scene, the Lytro performs well in low-light environments without the use of a flash.

- Significant storage: The Lytro is available in both 8GB and 16GB models, storing 350 and 750 pictures respectively. In addition, our first camera owners will enjoy free storage for the light field pictures they’ve uploaded to Lytro.com.

- Seeing in 3D: Coming soon! Captured as a full light field, all pictures taken with the Lytro are inherently 3D. Special light field algorithms, available in 2012, will be applied to the light field pictures to enable viewing on any 3D display and to enable viewers to shift the perspective of the scene.

The Lytro light field camera is accompanied by Lytro’s desktop application, a free software download that easily imports pictures from camera to computer. Currently available for Mac OS X, the desktop application lets people view, interact with, organize and share their light field pictures. Lytro pictures can then be uploaded to Lytro.com to be shared via Facebook, Twitter, blogs, or as links in email messages. Once shared, Lytro’s living pictures allow viewers to live the moment with the photographer and explore a scene like never before. Viewers can continually interact with Lytro pictures – focusing them over and over – expanding the creative possibilities of each and every shot.

Concepts related to the light field and computational photography have been researched in academic circles for more than a century. Light field science was the subject of Lytro CEO and Founder Dr. Ren Ng’s Ph.D. dissertation in computer science at Stanford, which was awarded the internationally recognized ACM Dissertation Award in 2007 as well as Stanford University’s Arthur Samuel Award for Best Ph.D. Dissertation. Dr. Ng’s research focused on miniaturizing light field technology into the body of a single camera to make it practical for everyday use.

The digital still camera market is large and growing with $38.3 billion in worldwide revenue in 2010 and expectations to increase to $43.5 billion worldwide by 2015.* Visual storytelling is universal, with 60 billion photos shared on Facebook in 2010, projected to reach 100 billion photos by this summer.

Light field photography was once only possible with 100 cameras tethered to a supercomputer in a lab, said Ng. ―Today it’s accessible to everyone in a camera that’s small and powerful, but incredibly easy to use. Our goal is to forever change the way people take and experience pictures, and today marks our first major step.

Pricing & Availability
The Lytro camera is available in two models: 8GB ($399, 350 pictures, in Electric Blue or Graphite) and 16GB ($499, 750 pictures, in Red Hot). It is now available to order at Lytro.com and will ship in early 2012. The Lytro desktop application will be available initially for the Mac operating system; a
Windows version will be available in 2012.

For more information on the Lytro camera, please visit
www.lytro.com/camera. For b-roll and product images, visit
www.lytro.com/press.

For a demonstration of living pictures, visit the Lytro Picture Gallery:
www.lytro.com/living-pictures.

About Lytro:
Lytro is transforming the camera into a powerful computational photography platform, forever changing the way everyone takes and experiences pictures. The first Lytro light field camera offers photographic capabilities never before possible, such as focusing a picture after it’s taken, and creates interactive living pictures that can be endlessly refocused and enjoyed by friends and family online. CEO Ren Ng, whose Ph.D. research on light field photography won Stanford University’s prize for best thesis in computer science in 2006 as well as the internationally recognized ACM Dissertation award, founded the company in 2006. For additional information, visit Lytro.com.

* Digital Still Cameras: Devices, Features, Lenses, Sensors, and Semiconductors, In-Stat (2011)

Blurb Launches Beautiful ebooks for the iPad

2011-11-13T07:15:00.001-08:00

A game-changer: creating visually rich ebooks at the click of a button

San Francisco, Calif. — 2011 — Blurb, the creative publishing platform, announced the introduction of ebooks for Apple’s iPad® and iPhone®. Not only are the Blurb ebooks truly optimized to display images and text beautifully, they are created using Blurb’s easy-to-use bookmaking tools, Bookify™ and BookSmart®. Moreover, any book previously created with these tools can now be output as an ebook, automatically, with a click of a button.

Until now most self-published authors wanting to create a visually rich ebook had to hire a software developer to produce it, costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars and taking many weeks. With Blurb’s new ebook offering, the file conversion happens automatically in moments, and costs just $1.99 per download, saving Blurb authors considerable time, money and frustration.

“This is not just an ebook offering, it’s way more than that. Blurb now lets authors create their book once and then output their book to either print or ebook formats, from the same file, quickly and automatically. Fans and customers can then buy whichever version they prefer at the Blurb bookstore. That’s game-changing,” said Eileen Gittins, Founder and CEO.

Blurb ebooks include all the design and interaction benefits of Apple iOS® technology: two-page spreads, pinch and zoom capabilities and uncompressed images, providing a stunningly rich visual experience, with no quality compromise.

Like all Blurb books, ebooks can be listed for sale at the Blurb bookstore. Authors can set their own price and keep 100% of the mark-up from sales.
More information about ebooks can be found at: http://www.blurb.com/ebook

About Blurb®

Blurb® is a creative publishing and marketing platform that unleashes the creative genius inside everyone. Blurb’s platform makes it easy to design, publish, market and sell professional-quality books, using the Blurb Bookify™ online bookmaking tool, Blurb’s free, award-winning Blurb BookSmart® app or by using Blurb’s PDF to Book workflow. Blurb’s bookstore and online marketing tools enable customers to market and sell their books, and keep 100% of their profit. Blurb’s social and community features allow customers to create and share Blurb books among friends and colleagues with ease.

Blurb was founded by Eileen Gittins in 2005, and includes a team of design, Internet and media veterans who share a passion for helping people bring their stories to life. In 2010, Blurb shipped just under 1.4 million books to more than 70 countries and territories. In 2010, Blurb was ranked the fastest growing media company on the Inc. 500. Blurb is based in San Francisco with offices in London. For more info, visit www.blurb.com.

Nikon Podcast 44: Photoplus 2011

2011-11-13T06:35:00.001-08:00

Host David Schloss and guest Steve Heiner bring you the latest from PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo 2011. Adventure photographer Lucas Gilman also joins to talk about his photographic techniques and insights from the field.

Nikon Podcast 44: PhotoPlus 2011 and Lucas Gilman

Join David Schloss as he sits down with Nikon’s Steve Heiner to discuss the latest sensations at PhotoPlus 2010, including latest Nikon 1 system cameras the J1 and V1 and the rugged COOLPIX AW100. Steve also gives an update on the latest photographers in the Nikon Featured Photographers site. Adventure photographer Lucas Gilman, takes a break from the Nikon booth to speak about his photographic techniques and insights of working internationally.

Listen and subscribe to this podcast in iTunes by clicking here.

For all other RSS readers, click here.

Yuri Arcurs Free Photo Business Bootcamp

2011-11-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for newhorizons, new opportunities; a way to make your mark on the world? Are youdedicated and driven to succeed in the dynamic and vibrant world ofphotography?

The Yuri ArcursInternational Commercial Photography Academy is the perfectopportunity for you!

Boasting an eliteinternational academy program, it hopes to produce the most gifted photographyclass of 2015.

This privately fundedprogram will run for three years, during which the participants will beprovided with a free education that includes food, basicaccommodation, Internet, access to Apple Mac computers and top-of-the-rangecamera equipment, plus the added possibility of earning pocket money based onthe participants performance.

This three yearphotography course will include tuition from some of the industry's foremostexperts and working experience through interactions with real projects, clientsand top models.

The Yuri ArcursInternational Commercial Photography Academy is looking to recruit 10- 15 of the most motivated, ambitious and bright candidates for this tuitioncourse.

Candidates will be begiven the opportunity to prove their mettle during a two-week long photographyboot camp in January 2012. Very little photography knowledge is needed,and Yuri Arcurs Photography will equip you with what you needto know.

Danish-born YuriArcurs is one of the industries leading photographers and shootslifestyle photography at the highest commercial level, as well as being theworld's highest seller of stock photography.

Yuri is also one of thehighest earning photographers in the world and as a testament to this, PDNmagazine voted him one of the most influential photographers of the decade. Heis dedicated to the highest quality of digital photography and was recentlyinducted into a small, select group of photographers sponsored by Hasselbad.Yuri was recently granted one of the largest sponsorship agreements ever madeby Profoto, Sweden.

A quick Google searchgenerates close to 2.1 million hits which is twice as many as the former DanishPrime Minister!

But along with all of theaccolades and success, hard work and determination walked hand in hand.

With the YuriArcurs International Commercial Photography Academy he is offering 10- 15 lucky candidates a chance to get a firm foothold in this competitiveindustry with a practical, highly informative three year education. Candidateswho would otherwise not be able to afford such a notable education will havethe chance to begin a promising career upon a firm and knowledgable foundation.

The Yuri ArcursInternational Commercial Photography Academy is an opportunity thatall fledgling photographers and creatives alike cannot afford to let pass by.
For more information onthe criteria for application visit www.arcurs.com

Applications to be in nolater than 1 DECEMBER 2011.

PhotoShelter Launches Free Photo Business Bootcamp

2011-10-30T08:59:00.001-07:00

5-Week email series shares business and marketing best practices for serious photographers; 40+ curated interviews with respected photographers and industry experts

New York, NY (PRWEB) October, 2011 - PhotoShelter (http://www.photoshelter.com), the worldwide leader in photography portfolio websites, sales and marketing tools for photographers, launches the Photo Business Bootcamp, a powerful compilation of free photography business advice packed into a five-week email series for photographers seeking guidance to grow their businesses and drive more revenue. The Photo Business Bootcamp features blog interviews, tutorials, webinars, and videos with contributed insights from some of the most respected photographers, business consultants and marketing professionals in the industry. Registration is free and photographers can sign up directly here: http://bit.ly/PSbootcamp

The Photo Business Bootcamp features a curated presentation of PhotoShelter’s “greatest hits” content designed to help photographers attract more clients, generate more work, and focus on the key elements to effectively manage their businesses. The five-week curriculum includes:

        WEEK 1: Inspiration: The Secrets to Success
        WEEK 2: Growing Your Photography Business
        WEEK 3: Your Website: Your Most Important Business Tool
        WEEK 4: Mastering Online Marketing
        WEEK 5: Selling Your Services & Your Photos

“We’ve compiled sound business advice from successful photographers and marketing pros who know what works,” says Allen Murabayashi, CEO of PhotoShelter. “Our goal is to help guide photographers who want to launch their careers, as well as those already in the game, on how to achieve greater success in the photography business. These courses offer strategies, tactics, and inspiration to make that happen.”

Photo Business Bootcamp participants will receive a weekly email over the course of five weeks following their registration date. PhotoShelter’s Photo Business Bootcamp will run indefinitely.

About PhotoShelter
PhotoShelter is the leader in portfolio websites, photo sales, marketing and archiving tools for photographers. Over 70,000 photographers worldwide use PhotoShelter to power their success online, with customizable website templates, searchable photo galleries, e-commerce capabilities, and bulletproof image storage. Photographers can create a professional PhotoShelter website in under five minutes, or customize the design of PhotoShelter to power their existing photography website. A complete solution designed to make the business of photography easier to manage - PhotoShelter offers image security, online image delivery, and advanced marketing tools like SEO and social media sharing capabilities so photographers can make their images work harder for them. To join our community or try PhotoShelter for $1, visit http://www.photoshelter.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Canon U.S.A. Presents Two Highly Anticipated Imaging Products at the PhotoPlus Expo 2011

2011-10-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Canon Will Debut the New PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Photo Inkjet Printer and the EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera at the Canon Booth #402.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 27, 2011 – Reaching new heights in imaging excellence, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, will showcase the Company's latest imaging products, including the new PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Photo Inkjet printer and the revolutionary EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera,* at PhotoPlus Expo 2011 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City (Booth #402).
Attendees will receive hands-on demonstrations of Canon's award-winning EOS DSLR and PowerShot cameras, VIXIA high-definition (HD) video camcorders and PIXMA photo inkjet printers. In addition, the Canon Digital Learning Center website will broadcast live stage presentations of Canon's acclaimed Explorers of Light, such as Vincent Laforet, Clay Blackmore and Vincent Isola, to audiences online.
"Designed for professionals and enthusiasts in the photographic and imaging industries, PhotoPlus Expo offers Canon the opportunity to connect directly with photo enthusiasts, igniting inspiration and imagination," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "With the Company's complete line of imaging solutions, Canon is proud to continuously offer photographers a complete professional ecosystem needed to capture and create high-quality images and prints."

A new way to print professional photos

Delivering superb printing performance, the new Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Photo Inkjet printer features a newly developed 12-ink system, five of which are monochrome, along with a new FINE Print Head which helps deliver consistent and superb results to meet the demands of professional photographers. As part of the 12-ink system, a new Chroma Optimizer is included to aid in the accuracy and quality of prints. In addition to increasing the color gamut, the Chroma Optimizer further increases the black density when printing on glossy media types for a deeper, darker black. For the first time in a Canon PIXMA Professional Printer, the PIXMA PRO-1 Printer uses a tubular ink-delivery system - with the ink tanks conveniently located on either side of the printer - helping to improve the print speed when compared to the existing PIXMA Pro printer models. With this system, the PIXMA PRO-1 Printer can produce a 13x19-inch print in approximately 4 minutes and 20 seconds, helping to increase productivity in any photography studio¹.

Canon's EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera* Re-Designed from the Inside Out

Making its debut at PhotoPlus Expo, the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera helps take tradition to a whole new level with a completely new 61-Point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System (the first of its kind for a DSLR AF system), 12 frames per second (fps) of fast shooting, a newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Image Sensor and Full HD Video Recording. The EOS-1D X DSLR camera features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors as well as a DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the CMOS Image Sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise and a significant increase in data processing speed than their predecessors. As the new leader in Canon's arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon's lineup.
In addition to the Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Inkjet Printer and the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera, Canon U.S.A. will display its complete line of input to output equipment, such as:

Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras and EF lenses

From the EOS 5D Mark II to the EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR camera, each Canon EOS model and EF lens provide various opportunities to shoot beautiful and captivating still images as well as HD video. Each camera possesses a large CMOS Image Sensor, DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and advanced AF System. The perfect complement to Canon's EOS Digital cameras is the Company's impressive EF lenses. From the standard zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens to the 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM telephoto zoom lens, the wide variety of Canon EF lenses make them an ideal fit for any professional photographer looking to capture beautiful images near or afar.

Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras

Canon's advanced PowerShot Digital cameras capture high-quality photos and HD video, by using the latest Canon optics, Canon's new DIGIC 5 image processor enhanced image quality and HS SYSTEM that delivers clear images with minimal noise and maximum details in shadowy areas. Among the PowerShot cameras on display will be the PowerShot G12, PowerShot S100, and SX40 HS Digital cameras, each equipped with a high-megapixel CMOS Sensor, HD Video Recording with stereo sound and 32 pre-defined scenes with Advanced Smart AUTO. These models also include High-Speed Burst HQ, Intelligent Image Stabilization, and a host of options for creative control. This combination of style, performance and image quality in each PowerShot Digital camera makes it the perfect pocket-friendly companion for professional photographers looking to capture images and video at a moment's notice.

Canon High Definition (HD) Camcorders

Offering photo aficionados and alike the ability to easily capture stunning HD video for everyday use, most VIXIA camcorders, such as the VIXIA HF G10 and the VIXIA HF M41, utilize Canon's proprietary HD CMOS Pro Sensor which incorporates large, sensitive pixels, resulting in high video resolution, outstanding low-light performance and an expanded dynamic range. The VIXIA camcorders also possess Dual SDXC-compatible Card Slots, which help ensure that users always have multiple sources of memory and allow for super-high capacity storage that expands as the capacity of SD memory cards increases. For added flexibility, these camcorders also offer HD-to-SD down-conversion for easy sharing and editing on standard definition systems, while preserving the original HD video.

Canon PIXMA Wireless Photo All-In-One Printers and SELPHY CP800 Compact Photo Printers

To produce high-quality prints while maintaining overall ease of use, look no further than Canon PIXMA Inkjet Photo printers. The new PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-in-One printers feature built-in Wi-Fi capability for easy printing and scanning of images and documents wirelessly². Both printers feature the Intelligent Touch System which offers a sleek, responsive touch panel so only the buttons you need light up. Additionally, photo enthusiasts can unlock their creative printing side with Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print³software , both of which have been upgraded from earlier versions. The Canon SELPHY CP800 Compact Photo Printer is an easy-to-use compact photo printer that produces exceptional quality and allows users to print creatively, with features such as the Shuffle layout feature that arranges multiple images in an enjoyable and creative format. When paired with the optional battery, the CP800 can also be made truly portable.

PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II and Pro9000 Mark II Photo Printers

The Canon PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II Photo Printer features 10 pigment-based ink colors - photo black, matte black and gray as well as cyan, magenta, yellow, photo cyan, photo magenta, red and green - allowing users the benefit of a wide color gamut for stunning color prints, as well as three levels of black for true black-and-white photographs. Designed for the pro and advanced amateur fine-art photographers, the printer provides outstanding resolution and droplet control utilizing Canon's double-encoder system to help produce gallery-quality prints. The eight-color dye-based PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Photo Printer's impressive quality and speed are the result of the Canon FINE print head technology coupled with a high-performance, high-density 6,144-nozzle print head, which is capable of producing nearly invisible ink droplets of two-picoliters.

PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II and Pro9000 Mark II Photo Printers

The CPS Lounge will be open to the public on October 26 at noon, the day before PhotoPlus Expo opens and will be located in rooms 2D02/03 and 2D04/05 and throughout the PhotoPlus Expo during show hours. In addition to answering questions and providing Clean & Check services throughout PhotoPlus Expo, Canon Professional Services will also host a number of great opportunities for CPS members to enjoy additional membership benefits:

Print Signings
On October 27, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., legendary rock 'n' roll photographer and CPS member Bob Gruen will be signing copies of one of his iconic images for the first 100 Gold and Platinum CPS members to visit the lounge. These limited edition prints will be produced on the new Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Inkjet printer.
On October 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CPS Lounge, Canon Explorer of Light Vincent Isola will be signing prints of a legendary jazz performer for Gold and Platinum members. Images will be printed on the new Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Inkjet printer. Vincent Isola has won numerous awards for his work and teaches digital photography, printing, and lighting techniques to photographers throughout the country.
Free Large Format Print Sample of Your Own Image
Throughout PhotoPlus Expo, Canon will station an imagePROGRAF iPF6350 Large Format printer in the CPS Lounge where Gold and Platinum members will be able to receive a sample print of their own image, limited to one print per member.
Free Clean & Check
Gold and Platinum members will be able to take advantage of free on-site Clean & Check services for up to two Canon professional DSLR or lens models. All equipment must be dropped off before 5 p.m. on October 28 in order to guarantee turnaround before the show ends. The lounge will not be accepting additional equipment to service on October 29.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

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* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
¹ Gartner, Inc. Magic Quadrant for MFPs and Printers, Worldwide, S. McNee, F. De Silva, 24 October 2011.
² Wireless printing requires a working network with wireless 802.11b/g or 802.11n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.
³ Full HD Movie Print allows printing from HD or Full HD "MOV" movie files created by Canon EOS Digital SLR or PowerShot digital cameras. From PC, or Mac with Intel(r) processor. Print quality is determined by video resolution. Function does not upscale video resolution. Requires Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.5 or later, or Canon ImageBrowser 6.5 or later.

Nikon launches the free my Picturetown Pad application for iPads and iPhones

2011-10-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Support for playback of data recorded using the new Motion Snapshot function built into Nikon 1 J1 / V1

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that its free my Picturetown Pad application for iPads and iPhones is available for download from Apple's App Store. The my Picturetown Pad app allows users to enjoy using my Picturetown, Nikon’s online image sharing and storage service, with their iPads and iPhones.

In addition to supporting playback of data recorded using the Motion Snapshot* function, which offers a new form of imaging expression and has been built into Nikon’s new Nikon 1, Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens, my Picturetown Pad also supports book view and a map view that utilizes information recorded with cameras equipped with a GPS function. What's more users can enjoy using my Picturetown with their iPads and iPhones with greater convenience through collaboration with Facebook and Twitter.

*The Motion Snapshot function records a still image and roughly a second of movie footage beginning before and ending after the time the shutter-release button was pressed. The 2.5-seconds worth of movie footage recorded in Motion Snapshot mode is played back in slow motion for a total playback time of 10 seconds that includes the still image and original background music for an impressive playback experience.

The new Nikon 1, Advance Camera with Interchangeable Lens just released by Nikon respond to the latest needs of the digital generation. Nikon will continue to offer fun, new forms of imaging expression with features such as those that combine still images and movie footage, and also continue to expand its services to offer users more ways to share their digital images.

Primary my Picturetown Pad features

Convenient viewing of photos and moviesThe user interface optimized for the iPad and iPhone display allows users to view photos and movies uploaded to my Picturetown with ease and comfort. As images are cached as they are viewed, display is much faster when they are viewed again at a later time. Users can also create albums and change the manner in which images are sorted using simple touch operations.
Playback of Motion Snapshot dataData recorded using the new Motion Snapshot function built into Nikon’s new Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens and uploaded to my Picturetown can be played back using the my Picturetown Pad app.
Book view
Photos can be viewed with a beautiful layout resembling those found in photo books and magazines. Shooting information is displayed under each photo, and as layout is random, photos are displayed differently each time, allowing users to enjoy a new perspective each time this view is enabled.
- *Book view is available when the app is used on an iPad.
Map view
Photos with which location information has been recorded using the GPS function built into models such as the Nikon COOLPIX AW100 can be displayed on a map. In addition, photos with heading information recorded can be displayed with the information, making viewing them on a map more fun.
Share photos on Facebook and TwitterNot only can photos or photo links to images uploaded to my Picturetown be sent to your own Facebook or Twitter account, but when the my Picturetown Pad app is running, photos and photo links to images taken with the iPad or iPhone can also be sent to Facebook or Twitter. These photos taken with the iPad or iPhone are also uploaded to my Picturetown at the same time. What's more, comments can be added to photos when they are sent to Facebook or Twitter.
Users can also enjoy sharing their digital images more with family, friends, and acquaintances with the ability to use iPad or iPhone contact data to e-mail images (photos and movies).
Applicable devices iPad, iPad 2, iPhone and iPod touch
Supported OS versions iOS 4.2 and iOS 4.3
- *iPad, iPhone and iPad touch are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.
- *Products, brand names and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Applicable devices	iPad, iPad 2, iPhone and iPod touch
Supported OS versions	iOS 4.2 and iOS 4.3

Nikon offers the free iPhone application, iP-PJ Transfer for more convenient projection of iPhone contents using the projector built into the COOLPIX S1200pj

2011-10-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

TOKYO-Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the iP-PJ Transfer iPhone application, which is available free of charge for download. This application enables projection of contents stored on an applicable iOS device by the projector built into the COOLPIX S1200pj when the two are connected.
The iP-PJ Transfer application can be downloaded from the App Store application download page.

Download URL

When iP-PJ Transfer is downloaded to your iOS device, still images and business documents created with common applications such as Word and Excel stored on the iPhone, and even websites can be projected by the COOLPIX S1200pj. In addition, functional collaboration between applicable iOS devices and the COOLPIX S1200pj has been increased with the ability to transfer data from a computer to the application via iTunes or Wi-Fi for direct registration of contents from a computer. Registered contents can then be projected using the COOLPIX S1200pj.

Nikon will continue to propose new ways of enjoying digital imaging.

Nikon Podcast 43: Robert Knight and Rock Photography

2011-10-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Host Mark Ellwood and photographer Robert Knight talk about his prolific work in photographing some of the most iconic musicians in rock and roll history.

Nikon Podcast 43: Robert Knight and Rock Photography

Alternative content

Join Mark Ellwood as he sits down with photographer Robert Knight to discuss how he was able to photograph some of the most recognizable rock musicians in the past 40 years as well as the tips and gear he uses in this line of documentary photography.

Listen and subscribe to this podcast in iTunes by clicking here.
For all other RSS readers, click here.

FUJIFILM In North America Launches New Photo Cleaning Tips Website

2011-10-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Site Features Tips on Cleaning Photos, Negatives and Albums, and Includes Demonstration Video

Valhalla, N.Y., October, 2011 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation announces the launch of “Tips for Cleaning Damaged Photos” website for consumers, located at: http://photorepairinstruction.fujifilmusa.com in the U.S., and in Canada at: www.fujifilm.ca/products/film_photography/photo-cleaning-tips/index.html.

In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan earlier this year, many precious photographs were damaged and washed away, so Fujifilm in Tokyo launched its “Photo Rescue Project” site in Japanese. In the following weeks and months, the U.S. was hit with a number of natural disasters, including flooding in the Midwest and south, and most recently in the northeast with a hurricane and additional heavy rains that caused floods, so Fujifilm in North America launched its “Tips for Cleaning Damaged Photos,” a similar site with instructions in English.

The site includes advice on cleaning traditional photographs; processed film negatives; photo albums; dye sublimation photos, such as kiosk or instant print photos; and inkjet photos, such as those from home printers. Also included is a demonstration video providing viewers with step-by-step instruction.
“Fujifilm recognizes how important photos are, especially in times when they may be in danger of losing them,” said Manny Almeida, vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “So if someone has photos or negatives that are damaged by caked-on mud or sand, Fujifilm wants to offer some tips that people may find successful in cleaning their prints.”

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfilment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing 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 16 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2010, and in the year ended March 31, 2011, had global revenues of $25.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.
* At an exchange rate of 86 yen to the dollar.

Getty Images Announces Flickr's 250,000th Image Milestone

2011-10-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

Dynamic Flickr Collection Reflects Passion of Worldwide Community of Photography Enthusiasts

LONDON – October 19, 2011 – Getty Images, a leading creator and distributor of visual content and other media , and Flickr®, a Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO) service and one of the world’s largest photo sharing communities, today announced an exciting milestone for the Flickr Collection. Just two years after the debut of this first-of-its-kind collection, the Flickr Collection has grown to 250,000 images, featuring compelling and innovative content from a global community of photography enthusiasts from over 115 countries. Available for licensing exclusively on gettyimages.com, the Flickr Collection reflects the customer’s diverse needs for authentic and regional imagery around the world.

In September 2011 alone, 30,000 new images were available to license from the Flickr Collection and over 1,000 images are typically uploaded on daily basis. There are currently more than 32,316 images submitted from UK-based artists and contributors. The 250,000^th image to be added to the Flickr Collection was “Two little boys,” shot by Sally Anscombe from Ormskirk, Lancashire UK. Sally, a professional photographer, captured the image of her two children, George and James, as they stood on a bed and stared out a window of her Lancashire home.

The growth of the Flickr Collection can be attributed to Getty Images’ dedicated team of photo editors who work with networks around the globe on a daily basis, communicating what is needed at a local level and working with contributors to ensure this is reflected in the imagery that is shot. As a result, Getty Images has been able to not only increase the number of images within the Flickr Collection, but to also ensure that the Collection has an abundance of content from all regions around the world.

“The Flickr collection has proved a massive success for us in our aim to bring a different and a varied range of imagery to the marketplace,” explained Andrew Saunders, Getty Images SVP of Creative. “For us, the 250,000 image milestone emphasizes how dynamic and engaged our Flickr community of contributors truly is and we continue to be thrilled by the imagery being creating for this real life collection.” The Flickr collection features imagery from the highly conceptual to everyday scenes of believable and regionally relevant content, with thousands of new images added each month to meet the evolving needs of Getty Images’ customers.

Distinct trends and common themes from UK-based Flickr contributors feature observational, outdoor life, family life and urban living. Throughout Getty Images’ Flickr Collection, some of the most popular UK subjects have included kids, food, travel and pets.

For more information and to view Getty Images’ Flickr Collection, please visit: www.gettyimages.co.uk/flickr.

About Getty Images
Getty Images is one of the world’s leading creators and distributors of still imagery, video and multimedia products, as well as a recognized provider of other forms of premium digital content, including music. Getty Images serves business customers in more than 100 countries and is the first place creative and media professionals turn to discover purchase and manage images and other digital content. Its award-winning photographers and imagery help customers produce inspiring work which appears every day in the world’s most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and websites. Visit Getty Images at www.gettyimages.co.uk to learn more about how the company is advancing the unique role of digital media in communications and business, and enabling creative ideas to come to life.

Hasselbladusa is Introducing the H4X

2011-10-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

There comes a point in everyone’s life when your body just can’t take anymore. When you wish you could trade it in for a new one. Now, with the launch of the H4X, we are giving our Hasselblad H1/H2/H2F camera users a unique opportunity to do just that.Since the launch of the H1 in 2002, and its successor the H2/H2F, thousands upon thousands of professional photographers and rental studios have come to rely upon these sturdy workhorses for their bread and butter. After almost a decade of continuous use and hundreds of thousands of exposures, however, many H1 and H2/H2F bodies are growing tired and are now in need of refurbishment or replacement.

As Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives… but the one most responsive to change.” And not to disrespect the honorable Charles, but we at Hasselblad think that you can have it all – strength and the ability to change. That’s why we have developed the H4X.

The H4X provides a fantastic successor or upgrade to your H1 or H2/H2F body and supports all H System lenses, most third party backs*, and even features a film back option. The H4X also provides a technological bridge to our faithful H1 and H2/H2F customers enabling them to take advantage of all the features that photographers have come to expect from a Hasselblad H4 series camera, including Hasselblad’s world-acclaimed True Focus technology, which allows you to concentrate completely on creativity without worrying about focus mechanics, and the ability to use the HVD 90x viewfinder optimized for the 36×48mm format.

The H4X – the evolution continues.

For more information, please go to: www.hasselblad.com/H4X

*All third party backs currently supported by the H1 and H2/H2F bodies will also be supported by the H4X.

Tamron Release / P-Iris Mega-Pixel Vari-Focal Lens

2011-10-30T06:27:00.001-07:00

Tamron Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Saitama City; President: Morio Ono) announced the release of a 1/3”-format 2.8-8mm F/1.2 Mega-Pixel Vari-Focal with P-Iris (Models M13VP288IR) that is compatible with 3 Mega-Pixel Day/Night cameras and delivers full high-definition 1080p images over the entire focal length range, both in visible and near infrared light ranges.

Development Concept

As a result of the rising demand for higher image quality in security systems, requirements for higher pixel sensors are increasing. Existing lenses were unable to implement fine automatic iris control to suit various monitoring environments. Therefore bright areas in particular tended to result in an image quality loss due to the diffraction phenomenon caused by small opening aperture. Meanwhile, there is a growing need for mega-pixel cameras to deliver high quality images over the entire angle of view, and with greater depth of field. To overcome these issues, Tamron engineers have developed a P-Iris Vari-Focal Lens equipped with a bipolar drive stepper motor that allows fine iris control to suit any environment.

Main Features

1. High performance 3 Mega-Pixel Lenses
Through the use of an Aspherical element and a special LD (Low Dispersion) optical glass material in its advanced optical system, the new Vari-Focal Lens realize high optical performance that is a perfect match for 3 Mega-pixel cameras, delivering high image quality equivalent to 1080p full high-definition. At the same time, the lens features fast maximum open aperture of F/1.2 that helps to increase the sensitivity of the camera.

2. Stepper motor design allows the precise control of iris setting
There is often a drastic drop in image quality with ordinary lenses due to diffraction phenomenon caused by small opening apertures. Normally, a galvanometer is used to control the iris of the lens but precise adjustments of the aperture to a desired position was not possible. By using a stepper motor to control the iris, this lens is capable of adjusting the aperture at a position that does not cause diffraction, enabling an appropriate level of exposure by utilizing the camera shutter speed.*1 The result is that high quality, high contrast images can be recorded, even in bright outdoor areas. This fine tuning control will allow the user to acquire the best image quality delivering good depth of field at most installations.

3. Mega-Pixel resolution even in “Night Mode”
Tamron's 3 Mega-Pixel Lens delivers superb clear images from “Day Mode” to “Night Mode”. 3 Mega-Pixel resolution is achieved in both modes.

4. 100 degree horizontal angle, Super-Wide-Angle lens
The wide horizontal angle of view-100.1 degrees-makes it possible to cover the entire room when positioning the camera in a corner. Supported by 3 Mega-Pixel resolutions, this image can be cropped and still show a clear image to see what is happening in the room.

5. Clear images without color smear by minimizing chromatic aberration
The Mega-Pixel IR Corrected lens uses an optical design pursuing minimization of chromatic aberration to the maximum extent in order to realize clear images without color smear. In addition, by employing advanced countermeasures against light reflection on the lens surface including multi-layer coatings, Tamron engineers have successfully minimized the light reflection, realizing clear images without ghosting and flare.

6. Highly accurate mechanical construction
In designing the Mega-Pixel IR Corrected lens, Tamron enhanced the precision of each part and component, and shifted to mass-production by using advanced manufacturing technologies. Before going into mass-production, all structural causes that are likely to lead to image degradation, including image displacement and one-sided blur, were eliminated.

7. Compact design
The Mega-Pixel IR Corrected Lens realizes virtually the same compactness as the conventional models (M13VM308/M13VG308 3.0-8mm F/1.0 lenses).

8. Designed to match any camera
The amount of protrusion of the rear element from the lens mount is reduced in order to prevent interference with components within the camera. As a result, the lenses can be mounted on almost all camera models.

YouTube: TWiT Photo 30: Jeremy Cowart

2011-10-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

YouTube link: http://youtu.be/V428YdN57_c

by twit - Hosts: Catherine Hall and Leo Laporte.
Learn why celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart doesn't like to be known simply as a "photographer". This incessantly creative mind has traveled the world to not only create incredible art, but also to utilize his artistic skills to help those in need. Watch a video of Jeremy's process creating "A Portrait of Christ" from a composite of faces, and see the unbelievable stories from his humanitarian work with Help-Portrait.com that will have you near tears.

Guest: Jeremy Cowart
Don't miss a chance to watch or listen to your favorite photographers -- download and subscribe to TWiT Photo podcast on iTunes for free.
Jeremy's Tips

1) When shooting outside, set your white balance to "shade". It just makes the skin tones look better, warmer and healthier.

2) All you really need is 1 light. There's a reason my friend Zack Arias teaches the "One Light Workshop". I take my one light with me everywhere I go and pretty much use it everywhere too.

3) Treat your subject like you would a friend. For most people, getting their photo taken is like going to the dentist. It's very awkward and uncomfortable. They hate it most of the time. So just talk to them, joke around, get to know them. You'll get better images for it.
Jeremy's Favorite Gears

Profoto AcuteB 600
Epson 4900

LINKS
Jeremy's Blog
Follow Catherine on Twitter. You can also check out her blog here.Download or subscribe to this show at twit.tv/photo.
Thanks to Cachefly for providing the bandwidth for this podcast.
Running time: 1:04:14

Category: Science & Technology
Tags: Leo Laporte, Catherine Hall, photography, DSLR

Photoshop Tutorial: Different Methods for Making Selections

2011-10-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

YouTube link: http://youtu.be/W70HWB3QIQU

by thesupe87 - http://www.arenacreative.com/blog Photoshop video tutorial on making selections of a goldfish or any other object in Adobe Photoshop.

Category: Education
Tags: bob mizerek, miz, miz photoshop tutorials, photoshop, photoshop techniques, photoshop tips, photoshop tutorial, photoshop video tutorial, robert mizerek, tutorial video, video tutorial, adobe, Adobe Photoshop, making selections, pen tool, magnetic lasso tool, selections, cutting out, objects

Tilt-Shift Lens: Ep 204: Digital Photography 1 on 1: Adorama Photography TV

2011-10-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

AdoramaTV Presents Digital Photography One on One. In this week's episode Mark answers a viewer's question regarding the the use of a tilt shift lens- what it does and how to use one to make a variety of photos. Join Mark on location and in the studio as he explains the fundamentals of using a tilt shift lens, how it affects perspective, and how you can make unique images with this special lens.

Products featured in this episode:
Tether Table Tether Tools Aero Table, Standard Edition Portable Computer Tethering Platform, http://www.adorama.com/TTA1SBLK.html
Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body http://www.adorama.com/ICA5DM2.html
Benro A2691TB1 Transfunctional Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod http://www.adorama.com/BEA2691TB1.html
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Manual Focusing Lens fhttp://www.adorama.com/CA174AFU.html

Visit http://www.adorama.com/learn for more photography videos!

Category: Education

Tags: Adorama, Adorama TV, Mark Wallace, snapfactory, snapfactory studios, Photography, Digital, Digital Photography, camera, tips, Tilt, Shift, Tilt Shift, Diarama, Selective Focus, Miniature Scene, Depth of Field, Tilt-Shift, Pictures, Tutorial, Demonstration

FUJIFILM Optical Devices Post New Video Tutorial On Lens Cleaning As Part Of Larger Social Media Initiative

2011-10-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

WAYNE, N.J., October 3, 2011 – Whether camera operators are seasoned pros or weekend videographers, they risk losing valuable shots or footage due to specks of dust or dirt on their lenses. While the urge is strong to wipe the lens surface with your T-shirt, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division recently posted a video tutorial on “How to Clean A Lens” on its YouTube channel, Facebook page, and corporate blog.

The three-minute video, the first installment of a multi-part video series on “Lens Care Maintenance,” features Thom Calabro, director of marketing and product development for FUJIFILM North America Corporation’s Optical Devices Division. Supported by on-screen graphics and illustrations, Calabro describes proper lens cleaning techniques including:

Using a chemical-free, anti-static microfiber cloth
Using an air gun and lens brush to wipe off loose dust
Do not pour lens cleaning fluid directly on a lens because it can damage internal mechanisms
Use a gentle, circular wiping motion starting from the center of the lens working outwards

The “Lens Care Maintenance” series expands the Fujifilm Optical Device Division’s online video library, including tutorials on ‘Optimum Focus,’ ‘Optical Stability,’ and many that detail the features of the company’s industry-leading lens line.

The videos are part of a social media initiative introduced in March 2011 as a means to better inform the market about the unique benefits and features offered by FUJINON lenses.

“In producing these video tutorials, our goal is to help our customers get the best possible performance and longevity for their equipment investment,” said Calabro. “Video is an effective, fun way to convey technical information about our lenses, as well as to profile cutting edge customers and applications like stereo 3D. And today’s social media environment makes it easy for people worldwide to view these clips at their convenience.”
The videos can be accessed on the FujinonBroadcast channel on YouTube, as well as the corporate Facebook page and Fujifilm Optical Device Division blog.

Nikon Continues To Help Emerging Photographers Gain Valuable Career Experience At Barnstorm XXIV

2011-10-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Nikon Sponsors the 24th Eddie Adams Workshop to Support 100 of the World’s Most Promising Young Photojournalists

JEFFERSONVILLE, N.Y. (Oct. 5, 2011) - From October 7-10, Nikon will sponsor 100 of the world’s most promising and talented young photojournalists in upstate New York for the 24th Annual Eddie Adams Workshop, also known as “Barnstorm.” As in years past, renowned and award-winning professional photographers and photo editors will mentor the handpicked selection of students during the intense and instructive four-day workshop.

To prepare Barnstorm participants for the ever-changing world where multimedia content is becoming more prevalent each and every day, students will have the opportunity to use Nikon’s extensive professional digital SLR camera system, including a full complement of NIKKOR lenses and accessories to push the boundaries of content capture and sharing.

“The Eddie Adams Workshop has established a legacy of producing some of the world’s finest photojournalists, and Nikon is proud to have been a sponsor from the beginning, 24 years ago.” said Bill Pekala, general manager of Nikon Professional Services and Eddie Adams Workshop board member. “At the end of the day, the quality of the image is what matters, and Nikon is honored for the opportunity to provide this elite group of carefully selected students with access to Nikon's extensive line of professional cameras and optics for capturing still and motion pictures - the same gear used by many working professionals in every part of the world.”

The students’ learning experience is tailored around the ever changing and evolving digital industry. During the workshop, participants will have full access to a state-of-the-art digital photo and multimedia studio equipped with all of the latest technologies. Nikon technical experts will be available onsite to offer advice and guidance to the students. Additionally, Nikon will provide access to professional camera equipment such as the D3X, D3S, D700, D300S and D7000, allowing these students to capture the world around them in stunning detail and clarity. Students will also benefit from the experience and advice of legendary professional mentors, including those from some of the world’s most well known photojournalism publications.

During the workshop, the Barnstorm students are divided into 10 teams, with each team paired with a photographer, an editor and a researcher. Each day consists of hands-on activities such as shooting and editing, as well as speeches and panel discussions from industry veterans. Over the course of the workshop, students are exposed to many types of photography, including photojournalism, fine art photography, studio portraiture, underwater work, long-term projects and conflict photography.

In addition to sponsoring Barnstorm, Nikon will present the Eddie Adams’ Nikon Equipment Scholarship to the top student from the workshop. A panel of judges will select a student based on the work he or she presents during the workshop, and that student will receive an assortment of professional Nikon camera gear ideally suited to a career as a photojournalist. This kit will include the renowned D3S D-SLR, SB-900 Speedlight, and the versatile combination of the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 VR NIKKOR lenses.

“The modern photojournalist has to be creative enough to expertly adapt to an ever-changing and expanding world of publications and mediums, from photo to video, from print to online and everything in between,” said Alyssa Adams, executive director, Eddie Adams Workshop. “It is especially gratifying that Lung Liu, a Vietnamese refugee, was the 2010 Nikon award winner. Eddie Adams championed the Vietnamese Boat People with his Boat People photos that were presented to Congress, influencing a movement to allow Vietnamese refugees into the U.S.”

About Barnstorm: The Eddie Adams Workshop
Now in its 24th year, the purpose of the Eddie Adams Workshop is to create a forum where the exchange of ideas, techniques, and philosophies can be shared between both established members and newcomers of the profession of picture journalism. The workshop is a tuition-free, invitation-only event. Attendees are portfolio-selected by the Eddie Adams Workshop Board of Directors. For more information, please visit www.eddieadamsworkshop.com.

About NPS
Nikon Professional Services provides valuable assistance for pros in every segment of the photography field, including newspaper, industrial, police and forensic, medical photography, commercial studios and even special movie productions. NPS is also available to work with national photographic organizations offering advice and assistance, demonstrations of the latest Nikon products, and lectures on various photography topics. NPS is also well known as a resource for professional photographers at various field events. For more information on NPS and membership requirements for the program, please visit www.nikonpro.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 60 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

ANIMOTO Video Creation Service Now Smarter, Easier And Faster With New Creation Flow

2011-10-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

--Adds “Vintage” Video Style for Even More Choices to Create Amazing Videos --

New York City, October 4, 2011 - Animoto, the maker of the innovative and award-winning online video creation service, today announced an all-new, smarter video creation flow that makes it even easier to quickly produce pro-quality videos from photos, video clips and music. The company also added a new video slideshow style to its library, called Vintage Voyage, which lets anyone produce videos with an antique, old-world feel.

“The magic of Animoto has always been the ability for anyone to quickly create extraordinary videos through a simple, intuitive interface that doesn’t feel like an editing tool,” said Brad Jefferson, CEO of Animoto. “Our all-new creation flow is a huge leap forward in simplicity and provides the framework for us to innovate on our vision faster, while addressing user-requested features more quickly.”

The new Animoto creation process has been redesigned from the ground up to accelerate the creation of video slideshows. The new setup allows the creation of a video in as few as five clicks. Another benefit of the new creation flow is an expandable workspace that can display up to 300 thumbnail photos at a time -- making it easier to create longer videos. Editing is also easier with full-size image previews, and the ability to preview text from within thumbnails.

Vintage Voyage, Animoto’s 26th video style, is ideal for everything from creating an artistic trip down memory lane, to showcasing a rustic trip to Europe.

To get started, users create and share their own 30-second Animoto video for free. For unlimited full-length videos, a monthly subscription to Animoto Plus is available for $5, or users can choose an annual subscription for $30. Another option, Animoto Pro is available for $39 a month, or $249 for an annual subscription, and is ideal for businesses, including professional photographers.

About Animoto:
Animoto (www.animoto.com ) is a video slideshow creation service that enables consumers, professionals and businesses to easily make and share professional-looking videos that will amaze friends, family and others. The Animoto team, which includes entertainment and technology industry veterans, has leveraged their expertise to develop a web-based service that makes it easy for people to quickly create and share their stories through video – using photos and/or videos. The heart of Animoto is its Cinematic Artificial Intelligence™ technology that thinks like an actual director and editor, using the same sophisticated post-production skills and techniques that are used in television and film. A fast-growing company, Animoto Productions is based in New York City with an office in San Francisco.

SIGMA Photo Pro 5.1 Software is now available for download

2011-09-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that SIGMA Photo Pro 5.1 (Ver.5.1.0) for Windows and SIGMA Photo Pro 5.1 (Ver.5.1.0) for Macintosh is available for download.

DP series and SD series camera users can now download the latest Sigma Photo Pro software.

Benefits of the Sigma Photo Pro software update:
SIGMA Photo Pro 5.1 (Ver.5.1.0) for Windows

The Exposure Picker function is added.
In processing X3F files from the SD1, Highlight processing is improved.
Various bugs have been corrected to achieve more stable operation.
Updated Italian Help menu.

SIGMA Photo Pro 5.1 (Ver.5.1.0) for Macintosh

The Exposure Picker function is added.
In processing X3F files from the SD1, Highlight processing is improved.
The Network drive is now recognized by Mac OS X10.7.
Various bugs have been corrected to achieve more stable operation.
Updated Italian Help menu.

SIGMA Photo Pro 5.1 (Ver.5.1.0) for Windows and SIGMA Photo Pro 5.1 (Ver.5.1.0) for Macintosh is available for download at the following site: SD1 Special Site

Pentax Announces The OPTIO RZ18 With 18x Zoom

2011-09-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

GOLDEN, CO. (September, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced the Optio RZ18 digital compact camera. Featuring a slim, lightweight body, the new model offers a powerful 18X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 25mm wide angle to 450mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format). The Optio RZ18 is the latest addition to the RZ zoom lens series, which provides photographers simple, effortless shooting of a wide variety of subjects and occasions, from travel and landscape to action and spectator sports.

The Optio RZ18 features include:
•    Generous 18X zoom (equivalent to 25-450mm) with extra wide angle lens captures subjects near and far.
•    High resolution 16 megapixel sensor for large prints or aggressive image cropping.
•    Slim footprint for outstanding portability and inconspicuous use.
•    Multiple PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) image stabilization options, including sensor-shift SR, for sharp images in any lighting.
•    Large 3 inch LCD with HVGA resolution (460,000 dots).
•    Powerful automatic shooting modes such as Auto Picture and scene modes take the guesswork out of great photography.
•    Creative special effects filters add artistic flair to the common snapshot.
•    Advanced 9-point autofocus with a 4cm super macro mode.
•    Face detection for perfectly focused and exposed portraits, includes a dedicated pet recognition feature.
•    Widescreen HD video in 720p at 30 frames per second.
The Optio RZ18 will available in black, pearl white or metallic orange for $299.95USD in October 2011.

PENTAX Imaging Company is a leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of Hoya Corporation.

On July 1, 2011, Hoya announced an agreement to transfer the PENTAX Imaging Systems business to RICOH Corporation. The effective date of the sale is set for October 1, 2011. Additional details may be found here: www.pentaximaging.com/news

idxSoft LLC Announces PicBlitz Virtual Photo Manager V3.20

2011-09-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

PRZOOM - /newswire/ - Prospect, CT, United States, 09/13/2011 - PicBlitz Virtual Photo Manager is a surprisingly fast, full featured image viewer and organizer for Windows with a do it first, save it later design. Mouse hovering makes it very user friendly, blazingly fast and intuitive - idxSoft.com

PicBlitz Virtual Photo Manager has the power to handle more than 500,000 photos and images in the blink of an eye; at speeds you've only dreamed of. Featuring mouse hovering, instant search, slide show, batch resize, brighten, rotate, colorize and quick rename, copy and move commands without needless prompts. With a do it first, save it later design, there's no need to update the hard drive until all organization and modifications are complete. View an image instantly just by moving the mouse; there's nothing easier. Search through 100,000 images as quickly as an online search. Download a trial at idxSoft.com

Imagine having your photos viewed as fast as a video; PicBlitz unleashes the power hidden inside of your PC. It's designed to work the way humans think: Organize and modify first, double check everything and then safely write them back to disk. Have too many images? PicBlitz finds them no matter where they are hidden on the drive. Then view them by date, folder, or name. Change the resolution and size for quick upload to the web. Clear the clutter safely; a junk folder holds the bad images so they can be reviewed before recycling them.

A short description could never explain all the power and speed PicBliz has; try it yourself, risk-free, fully functional for 21 days. You'll fly through JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, ICO, and GIF formats. View RAW digital camera formats like .NEF and more. Give it the test, scan everything on your drives; see images you've never knew existed. PicBlitz integrates with Windows Explorer and external software. It's designed for professionals. A home version handles 50,000 images (35% off). Runs on Windows 7, Vista, XP and has passed Microsoft designed tests to ensure compatibility. Find out more at idxSoft.com

idxSoft LLC, (idxsoft.com) located in Prospect CT, develops software using Microsoft .NET technologies for the Windows platform and has in business since 2010. Using proprietary data matrix objects, we create outstandingly fast software for the Windows environment. In addition to PicBlitz, we are designing document and PDF lookup and organization software returning results similar in speed to online searches.

Canon U.S.A. Announces PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS Models With New DIGIC 5 Image Processor Providing Enhanced Resolution and Faster Shooting Speeds

2011-09-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

Featuring Full HD Video Recording, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 15, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announces the addition of two feature-packed digital cameras, the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, to its award-winning lineup of point-and-shoot models. In addition to superb low-light performance and increased overall speed, these two cameras include a new DIGIC 5 image processor, HS SYSTEM, Full HD video capture, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS providing clearer, smoother looking images.

"Photo enthusiasts are always on the search for that next great camera to help them achieve the best results," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "The inclusion of the new DIGIC 5 image processor and Full HD recording capabilities on both new models will provide users with the tools needed to capture brilliant images and videos as they continue their photographic journey."

A challenging task for the photographer on assignment or appointed family photographer is working under low-light conditions. Helping improve the quality of images from those situations is Canon's HS SYSTEM, where the camera's image processor and high-sensitivity image sensor work in tandem to enhance low-light image quality. With the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, Canon has introduced a new DIGIC 5 image processor, maintaining the cameras' superb low-light image quality while improving overall camera operation and color accuracy. The new image processor has improved noise reduction and advanced Multi-area White Balance optimizing color tones of both subject and background under multiple light sources.

High-speed, High-quality, High-performance

An added benefit of the DIGIC 5 image processor is the incorporation of the new High-speed Burst HQ¹providing users with the ability to continuously capture a maximum of eight frames. This new feature will allow the story of a child scoring the winning goal on the soccer field or a marathon runner crossing the finish line to be told frame-by-frame through the eye of the photographer.

Intelligent IS

One of the most important innovations for a point-and-shoot camera has been Image Stabilization (IS) since it helps improve image quality by reducing camera blur for both images and videos. Canon has taken this technology one step further with the new Intelligent IS which automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning, Dynamic, Powered, Tripod) to optimize image stabilization and help achieve crisp, blur-free images for various shooting conditions.

It's an HD World

When the time comes to share one of those "can't miss" moments from a family day at the park or of a pride of lions on a safari expedition, the use of HD video is becoming more popular than ever. As a leader in HD video capture, Canon has incorporated Full HD recording (1920 x 1080) capabilities for both new models. Providing exceptional resolution for crystal clear HD video, both cameras have a dedicated movie record button in addition to having the ability to zoom while recording, further enhancing the overall user experience. An HDMI terminal output has also been included for easy sharing of videos with stereo sound on HD ready televisions

PowerShot S100 Digital Camera

When the PowerShot S95 Digital camera was announced in 2010, it received critical praise for having an impressive feature set and superb low-light capabilities. Building upon the success of this model is the PowerShot S100, featuring a host of upgrades making it a must-have for any photo enthusiast. Featuring a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor -- part of the HS SYSTEM -- this versatile camera has a 24-120mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom, GPS functionality and is capable of achieving improved low-light performance of up to ISO 6400. Additionally, the camera utilizes an f/2.0 lens increasing the camera's low-light performance by allowing additional light to reach the sensor while creating a shallow depth-of-field for portraits with dynamic, soft backgrounds. The PowerShot S100 will also now be available in either black or silver. Other features of this camera include:

A large 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for easy viewing of those images and menu options.
GPS capabilities² where satellites collect data of the latitude, longitude and altitude of an image's location, which is then stored to the image's EXIF data³. A map utility software is included with the camera to view the locations where images were captured. There's also an internal GPS logger to track the day's photographic route.
A full range of shooting and recording modes similar to those found in DSLR cameras including RAW + JPEG and a control ring on the front of the camera for quick, manual adjustment of key functions such as ISO, zoom and focus.
Compatibility with the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash, which is an optional flash accessory that operates wirelessly and increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot S100 Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in early November.*

PowerShot SX40 HS

When visiting the local zoo or sitting in the stands of a youth football game, having a camera that has the flexibility to capture images at close-up and far-off distances is a necessity. Canon's PowerShot SX40 HS is just the camera one would need to ensure those images are of high-quality. Other features include:

An incredible 35x optical zoom range (24mm-840mm) with image stabilizer and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor -- part of the HS SYSTEM – the camera can capture low-light images of enhanced image quality up to ISO 3200.
A 2.7-inch wide vari-angle LCD has been included for easy viewing of images and menus from almost any angle.
Improved Smart AUTO settings to ensure the settings are intelligently selected based upon the cameras 32 predefined shooting situations.
The Zoom Framing Assist button, which helps the user steady the camera when tracking a moving subject at extreme telephoto settings keeping it in focus.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot SX40 HS Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in late September.*

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

###

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners. All ppm's and imps's based on letter-sized output unless otherwise noted.
* Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
¹ The continuous shooting speed is approximately 9.6 fps for the PowerShot S100 and approximately 10.3 fps for the PowerShot SX40 HS.
²In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore, be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country.
³As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated.

onOne Software Announces Perfect Photo Suite 6 for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture

2011-09-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

New products perfect effects, perfect portrait, perfect mask and the perfect layers update provide photgraphers with essential tools to realize their photographic vision.

onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative, timesaving solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today announced Perfect Photo Suite 6 along with new products Perfect Effects, Perfect Portrait, Perfect Mask, and an update to Perfect Layers. All products in the Perfect Photo Suite 6 now work as standalone applications in addition to working directly from within Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop.

Giving photographers intuitive tools that work where they do, the Perfect Photo Suite 6 now offers solutions for photographic effects, portrait retouching, creating and working with multilayered files, replacing unwanted backgrounds, image resizing, depth of field control, and edge effects, in one affordable package. The Perfect Photo Suite 6 includes Perfect Effects 3, Perfect Portrait 1, Perfect Mask 5, Perfect Layers 2, Perfect Resize 7, FocalPoint 2 and PhotoFrame 4.6.

With this new version of the Perfect Photo Suite 6, photographers can now move effortlessly between individual applications within the Suite and have complete flexibility to use the products where they work. The Perfect Photo Suite 6 now operates not only as a plug-in for Photoshop but also as a standalone application. This additional functionality means that the Suite can be used directly within Lightroom and Aperture without the need for a separate host application as was previously required. Perfect Photo Suite 6 will continue to include full support for Photoshop CS5 and CS4 with many of the products now functioning as Smart Filters.

“We are extremely excited about Perfect Photo Suite 6,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “We have always set our sights on creating tools that help photographers create high quality images so that they can spend more time behind the camera or with clients, and less time behind the computer. With the release of the completely new products Perfect Portrait, Perfect Effects, Perfect Mask and the update to Perfect Layers, the Perfect Photo Suite 6 provides photographers with products that are even more intuitive to use, and that integrate seamlessly into their workflow, so that they can realize their photographic vision.”

Perfect Photo Suite 6 includes full versions of the following onOne Software products:

Perfect Effects 3 (New!): Perfect Effects builds on the popularity of PhotoTools to provide an even faster and more powerful way to create images with impact. Perfect Effects 3 includes a complete library of professional photographic effects that can be previewed live, full screen, on an image before being applied. Perfect Effects 3 now includes blending options that provide even more control over how effects are combined and applied.

Perfect Portrait 1 (New!): Perfect Portrait is a completely new product that offers the latest innovations in portrait retouching for photographers. Photographers can now focus on the art of retouching and portrait creation because the most time consuming tasks have been automated in Perfect Portrait. Perfect Portrait automatically finds faces and features in images so that photographers can get directly to the work of retouching and enhancing an image. Improving skin texture and color, removing blemishes and enhancing features like eyes, lips and teeth have never been easier.

Perfect Layers 2 (New!): Perfect Layers allows photographers to combine photos for endless creative options. Create and edit multi-layered files with Perfect Layers directly from Lightroom and Aperture, or as a standalone application. All Perfect Layers files can be edited in Photoshop later. Perfect Layers is the heart of the new Perfect Photo Suite 6.

Perfect Mask 5 (New!): Perfect Mask 5 is the next generation of Mask Pro, the leading software for background replacement. Perfect Mask takes the core strengths of Mask Pro to another level, by automating many common masking tasks with incredible accuracy. Perfect Mask’s new masking technology makes selecting subjects and isolating backgrounds surprisingly easy. With Automatic Background Removal, an initial mask is made on the image and can then be fine-tuned using the Erase and Refine Tools. With these new features, high quality masks can be created in just a few clicks. Perfect Mask 5 makes masking tough subjects like hair and glass on complex backgrounds easy.

Perfect Resize 7: Perfect Resize 7—powered by Genuine Fractals—is the industry standard for image resizing. It is renowned across the photographic and printing industries for its ability to increase image size well over 1000% without the loss of sharpness or detail that is normally expected. The patented, fractal based interpolation algorithms work like nothing else and the results speak for themselves.

PhotoFrame 4: Add the perfect finishing touch to images and layouts with PhotoFrame. With over one thousand design elements like film edges, borders, textures, backgrounds and adornments, PhotoFrame 4.6 even has complete layouts where users can simply drop an image in and they are done. It is the easiest and fastest way to add an authentic darkroom touch with a film edge or to create beautiful albums or scrapbook pages.

FocalPoint 2: Like bringing the camera lens inside Photoshop, FocalPoint 2 gives photographers the best way to add the most realistic depth of field and selective focus control to any image after it is photographed. Photographers now have an incredible amount of flexibility and control over the look of the blur with FocalPoint 2’s new blur algorithm, FocusBrush, Lens Presets and multiple FocusBug features.

Availability

The new Perfect Photo Suite 6 will be available in late October 2011. Owners of the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, Plug-In Suite 5 or earlier versions, can upgrade to Perfect Photo Suite 6 for $149.95. Perfect Photo Suite 6 is available to new users for $299.95. Customers who own one or more of the products in Perfect Photo Suite 6 will be able to upgrade as well by visiting http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade. For more information on the Perfect Photo Suite 6, please visit http://www.ononesoftware.com.
For those that have purchased the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 on or after August 7, 2011, onOne Software will issue a complimentary upgrade to the Perfect Photo Suite 6 via download when it is available in late October 2011.

About onOne Software

onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, develops timesaving 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. The products include a wide range of easy-to-use applications and plug-in enhancements for Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture applications and the iPhone and iPad. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com or call 1-888-968-1468.

New Greenpeace iPad app marks 40 years of environmental photo-activism

2011-09-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

WEBWIRE – Monday, September 05, 2011 -Perpignan – A Greenpeace iPad application showcasing four decades of dramatic photography from the environmental frontline was launched during this week’s Visa pour l’Image photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France.

The Greenpeace Images HD, which is free to download from iTunes, features iconic imagery ranging from the first Greenpeace voyage to stop nuclear weapons testing in 1971, right through to activists taking action to prevent environmental crimes today.

“Greenpeace has always sought out innovative ways of telling stories that inspire people towards action; the iPad app opens up whole new ways of using provocative photography, to not only communicate the threats our planet faces, but to engage people in countering these threats and finding solutions ”, said Greenpeace International Head of Photography John Novis.

“This year marks Greenpeace’s 40th year on the environmental frontline - the Images App keeps us at the cutting edge of communications, by keep people up to date with our campaigns and showcasing our remarkable images archive – created by photographers who are not only bearing witness, but exposing and helping to put a stop to environmental crimes.”

On August 31, the prestigious Visa pour l’Image festival, in Perpignan, honoured the 30-year relationship between French photojournalist Pierre Gleizes and Greenpeace, with an open-air projection at the city’s Campo Santo cathedral. Gleizes’ powerful 1982 images of activists protesting the dumping of nuclear waste at sea – which contributed to the banning of the practice - are also featured in the app.

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.

The Greenpeace Photography Application is available for download from iTunes, at:
http://itunes.apple.com/app/greenpeace-images-hd/id451106852?mt=8

Both the images featured in the app, and screenshots of the app are available from the Greenpeace Picture Desk.

Follow the Greenpeace picture desk on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/greenpeacepix

International Loupe Awards 2011

2011-09-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

The International Loupe Awards is now open for entries. Over US$80,000 in cash and prizes!

Enter online at www.loupeawards.com

Note: Due to an unfortunate Trademark conflict, our name has changed this year from The International Aperture Awards to The International Loupe Awards.

The 4th Annual International Loupe Awards consists of 8 open categories, 3 amateur categories and the exciting introduction of the world’s first Medium Format Fine Art Prize.

The Medium Format Art Prize is a premier showcase of medium and large format imagery. It is open to all photographers, both professional and amateur, however entries must be captured using a medium or large format film or digital camera. Short-listed entries will then become part of an exhibition to be showcased in various locations. The major prize for The Medium Format Art Prize is an Epson Stylus Pro 7900 printer.

The Major Open Awards prize is US$20,000 in cash! The top 5 Open category placings will receive a cash prize with first place in each winning US$1000. The 2010 winner was Daniel Cedras of Florida USA for his image ‘Great Egret with nesting material’;

The major Amateur prize has also been announced, including a huge prize package from Kayell Australia consisting of an Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 Studio Flash Kit, Epson R3880 A2 Desktop Printer, $500 worth of Canson Infinity Photo and Fine Art Inkjet Papers, Lastolite TriFlip 8 in 1 75cm Deluxe Kit, Drobo 4 Bay Storage Robot data backup, Spyder3Studio SR and a Spyder Checkr by Datacolor.

The 2010 Amateur winner was Ben Ryan of Queensland, Australia, with his entry ‘Long Ride’;

Also new for 2011 is the integration of the Pro Feedback image assessment system into the judging process. The judges now have the option to not only offer feedback on how an image can be improved, but to pinpoint exactly where more attention needs to be focused in a given entry.

The 2011 International Loupe Awards is proudly supported by Kayell Australia, Epson Australia, F-Stop, Better Photography Magazine, Genius Printing, Lastolite Professional, Mentem Learn, Datacolor Spyder, Drobo, Elinchrom, AIPP and Canson.

Previous winning and highly ranked images from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 competitions can be seen on the website www.loupeawards.com

Regular entries close 15th October, 2011.

- ends -

For enquiries and more information, or to become a Media Partner, contact; Nathan Oxley, Curator: media@loupeawards.com

Images from previous competitions are available for publication on request (no charge, photo credit only)

PhotoCardApps.com Releases the 'Photo Cards-Lighting Edition' Application for Photographers

2011-09-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

PRZOOM - /newswire/ - Sacramento, CA, United States, 09/04/2011 - The "Photo Cards - Lighting Edition" application is launching on the top 3 mobile platforms to provide maximum availability to photographers as a handy resource in the field or on location with 16 lighting setups and diagrams, instructions and photo.

The "Photo Cards - Lighting Edition" application is now available at photocardapps.com for the top three mobile platforms. This application provides the mobile user with 16 different lighting setup cards, each with a lighting diagram, instructions specific to that lighting setup, and a photo taken with that lighting setup. There are seven setups that were created with 1 light, six setups created with 2 lights, and three setups created with 3 lights.

This application serves as a great resource whether the photographer is just starting out with lighting and posing as well as for someone looking for some new ideas for some different lighting setups. The photos for this application were all taken in the studio but can easily be replicated hot shoe camera flashes, studio strobes, or even reflectors and natural lighting setups.

The concept for the cards was developed as part of an instruction DVD published by John Hoeft. The DVD provides training on studio lighting (photographydvds.com) and is aimed at beginning and amateur photographers that are looking for good foundational information on lighting in a studio environment. The response to the printed cards that were included with the DVD was so positive that this electronic version was subsequently developed for mobile computing devices.

"I have always loved sharing my passion for photography with other photographers and developing this application is a real personal milestone for me." said John Hoeft, owner of HoeftPhoto and author of the Photo Cards - Lighting Edition. "When I was developing these materials I tried to put myself in my audiences shoes and give them what I was really looking for when I first started shooting with flashes and strobes. I think this application with its 16 lighting setups and 54 example photos is what I would have found to be quite beneficial when I was struggling with this type of lighting early on. "
The "Photo Cards - Lighting Edition" application is available now for Apple, Android, and BlackBerry platforms and the link to each can be found at photocardapps.com, All trademarks are property of their respective trademark owners.

About HoeftPhoto
John Hoeft (HoeftPhoto.com / PhotoCardApps.com) is a local part-time photographer in the greater Sacramento, California area with over 35 years of photography experience. In addition to the usual photography pursuits John is also very active in the instruction of photography to local photographers. He currently is the Organizer of three local Meetup groups in the Sacramento, California area with over 650 total members. John will typically conduct 1 or 2 hands-on workshops per month for small groups of students on a variety of photographic topics.

Panasonic Expands Popular LUMIX FZ Series With Premium 24x Super-Zoom, 3D Shooting Compact Digital Camera

2011-08-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

New Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 Digital Camera Packs a Powerful 24x Optical Zoom in High-Quality 25mm Ultra Wide-Angle Leica Lens That Shoots Full HD Video

SECAUCUS, NJ (August 26, 2011) – Panasonic today introduces the newest addition to its super-zoom LUMIX FZ-Series digital cameras. The new LUMIX DMC-FZ150 is fully equipped with a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and a powerful 24x Optical Zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) available for shooting both stills and videos. Additionally, the LUMIX FZ150 has two of Panasonic’s newest features – newly advanced Nano Surface Coating technology which helps minimize light reflection that causes ghost and flare – and the new 3D Photo Mode.

As the top-end model of LUMIX’s popular FZ series, the FZ150 combines a new 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the renowned Venus Engine giving the camera high-performance image recording capability in both higher light sensitivity and speed. And as a step-up from the recently announced LUMIX FZ47’s 1920 x 1080 60i video feature, the FZ150 realizes 1920 x 1080 60p Full-HD AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. It is also possible to take still images while recording video simultaneously (3.5-megapixel) and the powerful 24x optical zoom is available in video recording. The FZ150 incorporates a stereo zoom microphone with a Wind Cut function, so that videos come with high-quality stereo sound through Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator.

“Panasonic continues to strive to meet the photography demands of its consumers by providing unique features and advanced technology in all our LUMIX digital cameras,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the 24x Optical Zoom and 3D shooting capabilities the FZ150 is a versatile, powerful camera that gives users endless options to take creative and high-quality images and videos.”

The Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 sec never misses fleeting photo opportunities. To encourage step-up users to enjoy shooting even more, full manual control is available with the FZ150. Users can enjoy image shooting while expressing their intention not only in photos but also in video, utilizing a host of options including the new Creative Control and Photo Style with a wide variety of preset options. The effective hand-shake correction system POWER O.I.S. now gains Active mode, which helps to record stable video even if shot while walking.

The LUMIX’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode powerfully assists in any shooting situations to get the best results. Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the FZ150 extending the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x, maintaining the picture quality while combining a digital zoom. This means the 24x optical zoom can virtually extend to a 32x equivalent. Not only drawing near the subject that is far away with its powerful optical zoom, the 25mm ultra wide angle lens captures approx.196% wider angle of view compared with a standard 35mm camera. This is helpful for shooting dynamic landscape or indoor group portrait.

The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode is also available in video recording. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent D-range Control also support shooting beautiful videos with ease. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation, to optimize visual quality. The Intelligent D-range Control makes images look more natural by preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights to optimize the exposure for each part of an image. It also ensures a beautiful reproduction of gradation and details.

A new 12-Megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor pursuing Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed has been incorporated along with the renowned Venus Engine enabling the FZ150 to excel in image processing power. The combination of these powerful components results in the S/N ratio improvement by 3.9dB (ISO 100) to 4.7dB (ISO1600) compared with the predecessor – the FZ100. Newly developed Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness of the part of the picture. Both high frequency noise that occurs in the dark part and low frequency noise in the light part are suppressed even in a picture. As a result, Images recorded in low-lit situations are now dramatically clear.

The Venus Engine has a quad-circuit system for processing large amount of progressive Full HD data at high speed. Not only 1920 x 1080 60p smooth Full-HD video recording, but also super fast consecutive shots at 12 fps (without auto focusing) and 5.5 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. It is also compatible with recording high-speed video at 220fps in QVGA. At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine, realizes a super-fast response time. The auto focus gains approx. 50% faster speed compared with the FZ100, achieving Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second. The speed in AF Tracking also becomes faster, thanks to the improved tracking performance which doubles its sampling frequency.

The FZ150 provides the new Creative Control mode with a selection of artistic effect modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Film Grain and Pin Hole. In addition, Photo Style is newly added to the FZ150 for the expression of finer nuance. It has Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets, while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each.

As a further step-up from the FZ47, the FZ150 is equipped with a hot shoe allowing attachment of various accessories including an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash (DMW-FL220 / FL360 / FL500). The FZ150 is also compatible with an optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.

The newly-added 3D Photo mode takes 20 panning shots and then the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images – one for the right eye and one for the left eye – to synthesize a 3D composite. The 3D image can then be viewed on any VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO which can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 include:

- Motion Deblur Mode, which helps to prevent blur.
- Intelligent Handheld Nightshot Mode, which generates beautiful night scenery with illumination by layering multiple images shot consecutively.
- PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.5 BD Edition Software makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored on the PC with quick start-up and fast read-in of images. Recorded videos can be edited with the Short Movie Story function and written into MPEG2 to burn onto a Blu-ray or DVD disc.

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 will be available in black for a suggested retail price of $499.99, starting in late-September 2011. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

*¹The "AVCHD Progressive" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

Some accessories are not available in some countries.

The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Canon's Latest Powershot Cameras Set New Standards For Image Capture

2011-08-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

New PowerShot SX150 IS and ELPH Cameras Showcase Extraordinary Image Quality with Every Shot

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 23, 2011 – Today's tech-savvy consumers expect to have a photo-capturing device always at hand that is adept at producing exquisite images and video without sacrificing quality. Delivering these users' must-haves, Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, announced three new PowerShot Digital cameras that capture beautiful still images and great high-definition video: the PowerShot SX150 IS, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS (the world's thinnest digital camera with 12x optical zoom and a 28mm wide-angle lens1) and the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS. Built to handle a wide range of shooting situations with ease and accuracy, each camera is equipped with features such as impressive zoom, a new Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) system, Smart AUTO with 32 shooting scenes, High-Speed Burst mode and HD video capture. The ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS Digital cameras also include Canon's renowned HS SYSTEM to handle shooting in low light.

"With a strong reputation of imaging excellence, Canon incorporates acclaimed quality, design innovation and intuitive engineering into each product," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "With the inclusion of advanced features, such as the HS SYSTEM and HD video in these new PowerShot cameras, we continue to reach new levels of performance and design to satisfy our users."

Key Features:

Small Cameras, Big Zoom

The impressive zoom with optical image stabilization found in all three new PowerShot models allows users to snap a memorable, highly detailed shot from a variety of distances. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is equipped with a 12x wide-angle optical zoom and 28mm lens. In the compact ELPH series, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS is the thinnest camera to date, with a 12x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, while the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS has an 8x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens.

Increase Camera Intelligence

Helping to capture blur-free images and video, Canon introduces the new Intelligent IS system in these PowerShot models. To deliver crisp, undistorted images in various shooting conditions, Intelligent IS automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning Dynamic, Powered and Tripod) to optimize image stabilization.
Many novice photographers are intimidated when adjusting camera settings. Canon eliminates this issue with its Smart AUTO feature, which analyzes faces, brightness, colors, distance and movement and selects the appropriate setting based on 32 predefined shooting scenes for stills and 21 scenes for video.

Shoot Better in Low Light

Low light photography is a challenge even for a seasoned photographer. To assist the user, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS utilizes Canon's HS SYSTEM that combines a 12.1-megapixel, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor to enhance image quality in low-light settings. The HS SYSTEM also reduces noise at high ISO speeds and expands the camera's dynamic range to allow for greater detail and color when shooting in darker settings. The HS SYSTEM can also help compensate in situations where a flash can't be used, such as a wedding or dance recital.

Never Miss the Action

Determining the right moment to "freeze" what you are shooting can be difficult in action scenes. The High-Speed Burst mode in the PowerShot ELPH models ensures that you never miss out on the fast-moving or unpredictable moments. With the simple hold of the shutter button, the High-Speed Burst mode shoots continuously, capturing up to 7.8 frames per second (fps) in the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and 8.7 fps in the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS.

Elevate Video to High Definition

Today, the ability to switch between shooting still images and high-definition video is a key consideration when customers shop for a new camera. Providing stellar video-shooting capability in a compact frame, Canon has incorporated 1080p Full HD video recording into the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS, while the PowerShot SX150 IS camera features 720p HD video recording. Each camera can optically zoom while filming and has a dedicated movie button for quick access to the video-recording mode. The PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH310 HS cameras also include Movie Digest mode that shoots a four-second video before capturing a still image and then automatically combine a full day's worth of videos into one clip. All three PowerShot cameras are also iFrame capable, allowing for quick and easy sharing and editing across multiple platforms and devices.

PowerShot Products:

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera

The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is equipped with a 12x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens, 720p HD video recording, Intelligent IS and Smart AUTO. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera also features a 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4 Image Processor. This new camera includes manual-shooting capabilities, such as aperture priority and shutter priority for optimal artistic control that any photography aficionado will appreciate. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera includes a discreet-shooting mode to help ensure a low disturbance when capturing photos, and a 3-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and scrolling through menus. Available in black and red, the PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of September for an estimated retail price of $249.99.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS Digital cameras

The PowerShot ELPH 510 HS Digital camera features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a 12x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, Canon's HS SYSTEM and 1080p Full HD video recording. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera also includes a High-Speed Burst mode, Intelligent IS and Smart AUTO. Available in red, black, and silver, this camera has a 3.2-inch wide, touch-panel LCD screen, offering fast and easy menu navigation. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera also has Touch Shutter, simply touch the screen where you want to focus and release your finger to take a photo. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of October for the estimated retail price of $349.99.
The PowerShot ELPH 310 HS Digital camera has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with an 8x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, Canon's HS SYSTEM and 1080p Full HD video recording. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera features a High-Speed Burst mode, Intelligent IS and improved Smart AUTO. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera includes a 3-inch LCD screen and comes in five vibrant colors: purple, blue, pink, green and silver. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of October for an estimated retail price of $259.99.

The Canon HF-DC2 High-Power Flash

To further enhance the built-in flash of the PowerShot lineup, Canon has developed the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash , which increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet and supports 24mm wide-angle shooting with the wide-panel attachment. The HF-DC2 automatically fires in-sync with the camera's built-in flash and operates wirelessly to capture subjects at twice the range of the camera's built-in flash. The HF-DC2 includes a mounting bracket that attaches to the camera, but it can also be hand-held or mounted on a tripod. The HF-DC2 High-Power Flash is scheduled to be available in December for an estimated retail price of $149.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

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¹ As of August 23, 2011.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Availability, specifications and prices subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by the individual dealer and may vary.

Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced; Over $75,000 in Prizes will be Awarded

2011-08-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

Underwater Photography Guide is pleased to announce that the prestigious Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition 2011 will be accepting images between August 9 and November 20, 2011.

Marina Del Rey, CA - Underwater Photography Guide is proud to announce it is accepting entries for the second annual Ocean Art Photo Competition 2011.

There are over $75,000 worth of prizes, including over 25 liveaboard and scuba diving resort packages, dive equipment, and much more. Grand prizes include an all-inclusive 10-night stay at Kungkungan Bay Resort in Indonesia, an 18-night stay in Papua New Guinea including a trip on the M/V Febrina, an 11-day voyage on the SMY Ordina, a cruise on the Rocio Del Mar to the Socorro Islands, an 11-night cruise with Kararu Dive Voyages, a 7-day charter on the Nai’a in Fiji, a 5-night stay at Wananavu Beach Resort in Fiji, a week-long stay for two with Maluku Divers in Ambon, and a voyage on the Nautilus Explorer.

This is one of the largest underwater photography competitions held in terms of prizes.

The competition has 12 categories, including a Novice dSLR category and 3 compact camera categories, giving underwater photographers of all levels a chance to win a great prize. Unique categories include SuperMacro, Cold/ Temperate Water, Nudibranchs, and Divers/ Fashion. The more traditional categories include Wide-Angle, Macro, Marine Life Portraits, and Marine Life Behavior.

Winners from each category will be awarded a package at a fantastic resort or on a liveaboard. Winners will be able to rank the prizes they would like to receive, making it more likely for winners to receive a prize they want.

Judges include world-renowned underwater photographers Martin Edge, Marty Snyderman, Tony Wu, and Bonnie Pelnar. Martin Edge is the author of The Underwater Photographer, a top-selling book on underwater photography. Marty Snyderman has won an Emmy and has been published in dozens of top publications such as National Geographic. Tony Wu is a renowned underwater photographer and author of Silent Symphony. Bonnie Pelnar has been published in numerous diving and travel magazines, and conducts photography workshops at tropical destinations around the world

Photos must be submitted before the deadline on November 20, 2011.

We look forward to your participation. Information can be found on our Ocean Art Photo Competition page at http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/underwater-photo-contest. Looking for inspiration? Here are the winning photographs from the 2010 Ocean Art Photo Competition.

Underwater Photography Guide is a website and online magazine dedicated to helping underwater photographers and scuba divers learn and improve their underwater photography. For more information, please visit http://www.uwphotographyguide.com.

PhotographyTalk.com Invites Digital Photographers to Become Online Writers

2011-08-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

PhotographyTalk.com, a leading photography forum and social networking site, announced today that it is expanding its Web site, with a new, free service that allows digital photographers to submit articles and supporting photos.

Santa Ana, CA (PRWEB) August, 2011 - PhotographyTalk.com, a leading photography forum and social networking site, announced today that it is expanding its Web site, with a new, free service that allows digital photographers to submit articles and supporting photos.

All photographers are invited to write and submit articles focused on tips and techniques they’ve learned, and successfully put into practice. They may also upload photos and captions that will help PhotographyTalk.com members and visitors understand how to use those tips. Topics could include equipment techniques, camera, lenses, lighting, exposure, etc. and specific types of photography, such as nature, portraits, sports, travel, family, weddings, etc.

PhotographyTalk.com also welcomes articles and photos about photographers’ experiences and the challenges they faced when trying to capture a particular photo or satisfying a client’s requirements. Other categories of articles accepted are post-production techniques and photography business methods and best practices.

“Our visitors want exact information to help them with specific photography problems, or to learn the correct methods for various types of photography they haven’t tried yet,” said Alex Schult, president of PhotographyTalk.com. “Becoming a PhotographyTalk.com writer is simple, free and an easy way to bring more attention to a photographer’s work or his or her photography business.”

Schult added that a writer’s name, article, photos and know-how will be read and seen on one of the largest online photography sites, plus he or she will have the advantage of PhotographyTalk.com’s massive social media reach.

“Sharing your ideas, thoughts and photos on PhotographyTalk.com could lead to paying assignments and purchases of your photos. It’s also a great way to find photo buddies, mentors or mentoring opportunities in your locale,” said Schult.

Interested photographers can submit their articles and photos with an easy-to-use article submit form on the PhotographyTalk.com Web site or via the site’s Forum section on tips and taking photos.

About PhotographyTalk.com – PhotographyTalk.com has quickly grown to become a prime resource where all photographers—beginners, intermediates and seasoned professionals—are able to share their passion for and enjoyment of the art of photography. They communicate with fellow enthusiasts at the same ability level or with the same interest in a specific type of photography and help each other advance their skills and improve their photography.

National Geographic Seeks Youth Photographers For 5th Annual International Photography Contest

2011-08-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Kids Can Enter to Win Trips to Costa Rica and Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — Young photographers around the world are invited to take part in the 2011 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids. The competition is conducted in partnership with the U.S. edition of National Geographic Kids magazine (also available in Canada) and nine local-language editions of the magazine in Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Lithuania, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The overall international grand-prize winner will receive a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., while the U.S./Canada grand-prize winner will receive a trip to Costa Rica.

U.S. and Canadian contestants ages 6-14 may enter now through Oct. 31, 2011, by submitting one photo in any or all of four categories: People, Animals, Scenery and Humor. Photos can be black-and-white or color, and shot with a digital camera or with conventional film. Entries can be submitted online at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/contests/kids-photo-contest/ or via regular mail. Entry forms and official contest rules are found at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/contests/photo-contest-rules. Void where prohibited.

"National Geographic’s International Photography Contest for Kids encourages budding photographers from around the globe to capture their world and share it with others in a creative way" said Melina Bellows, International Photography Contest judge and executive vice president and chief creative officer for Books, Kids and Family at the National Geographic Society. "Kids have such a fun, unique point of view, and we hope this contest inspires future National Geographic photographers"

One grand-prize winner from the U.S./Canada regional contest will be selected from the four first-place category winners to receive a nine-day, eight-night trip for a family of four to Costa Rica, courtesy of The Adventure Company and the Adventure Center. The four first-place category winners in the U.S./Canada region will win digital camera kits, a selection of National Geographic books and will be entered into the global National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids for a chance to win the International Grand Prize: a five-day, four-night trip to Washington, D.C., featuring a special tour of National Geographic headquarters.

Each participating international local-language edition will submit its winning entries in each category to National Geographic headquarters to be judged alongside the winning U.S./Canada entries by a panel of three National Geographic experts: Melina Bellows; Annie Griffiths, National Geographic photographer; and Jay Sumner, National Geographic Children’s Publishing photo director.

The judges will announce the overall grand-prize winner of a trip to National Geographic headquarters in January 2012. Winning entries from each country will be featured in that country’s edition of National Geographic Kids magazine.

National Geographic Kids, geared toward children ages 6-14, is an interactive, multitopic magazine covering animals, entertainment, science, technology, cultures and current events. The magazine has 19 international editions, including the U.S. edition that is also available in Canada.

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National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. Its numerous industry awards include Periodical of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.1 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its website is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.

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New “Mamiya Leaf” Brand Delivers Strong Worldwide Synergy

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Jalbum 10.3.1

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Renaissance Photography Prize 2012

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GNT Inc., a Japanese Mobile Contents Entity, Released Mobion Photo Lite Application Today, for iOS 4.0, an All-in-One Package to Enhance Your Photography Experience with Quality and Ease

Carl Zeiss Launches 2011 Photography Contest: “Every Moment Tells a Story”

Canon Speedliting with Multiple Flashes

Category: EducationTags: Canon, 480, exII. ex. II, speedliting, speedlit, speed, lights, flash, photography, bh, bandh, photo, video, pro, audio, event, space

The EPSON International Pano Awards 2012

Color Splurge 1.4 Free for iOS: Selectively Remove/Alter Color in Photos

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The International Loupe Awards WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Nikon Podcast 46 – Holiday Photo Tips for 2011

G Adventures & Leading Travel Blogger Gary Arndt Co-Host Exclusive Photography Tour

New campaign to embed information permanently in digital media

Jimon Magazine #4 - "The Killers"

Posing, Lighting, and Photographing Models

Hasselblad Just Made You a Brand New Camera

Nikon Podcast 45: The Revolutionary Nikon 1 System

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Canon U.S.A. Provides Updates On EF Lens Availability

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Blurb Launches Beautiful ebooks for the iPad

A game-changer: creating visually rich ebooks at the click of a button

About Blurb®

Nikon Podcast 44: Photoplus 2011

Yuri Arcurs Free Photo Business Bootcamp

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Canon U.S.A. Presents Two Highly Anticipated Imaging Products at the PhotoPlus Expo 2011

Nikon launches the free my Picturetown Pad application for iPads and iPhones

Support for playback of data recorded using the new Motion Snapshot function built into Nikon 1 J1 / V1

Primary my Picturetown Pad features

Nikon offers the free iPhone application, iP-PJ Transfer for more convenient projection of iPhone contents using the projector built into the COOLPIX S1200pj

Nikon Podcast 43: Robert Knight and Rock Photography

FUJIFILM In North America Launches New Photo Cleaning Tips Website

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onOne Software Announces Perfect Photo Suite 6 for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture

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New Greenpeace iPad app marks 40 years of environmental photo-activism

International Loupe Awards 2011

PhotoCardApps.com Releases the 'Photo Cards-Lighting Edition' Application for Photographers

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Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced; Over $75,000 in Prizes will be Awarded

PhotographyTalk.com Invites Digital Photographers to Become Online Writers

National Geographic Seeks Youth Photographers For 5th Annual International Photography Contest

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Tags: Canon, 480, exII. ex. II, speedliting, speedlit, speed, lights, flash, photography, bh, bandh, photo, video, pro, audio, event, space

Category: Science & Technology
Tags: Leo Laporte, Catherine Hall, photography, DSLR