Aerial Image Providers Around the World Adopt New Intergraph(R) Digital Camera

Midwest Aerial Photography, Kyodo Surveying Co., Ltd., Beijing Guodian Jingwei Engineering Technology Co. and Geoplana Ingenieure purchase DMC II to meet evolving customer needs

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Four aerial imagery providers around the world – Midwest Aerial Photography in the U.S., Kyodo Surveying Co., Ltd. in Japan, Beijing Guodian Jingwei Engineering Technology Co. in China and Geoplana Ingenieure in Germany – have acquired the new Intergraph® Z/I Imaging DMC II camera to meet the ever-growing needs of the mapping and aerial photography industry.

The recently-announced DMC II is the first digital aerial camera in the industry to add a single monolithic panchromatic camera head to produce extreme wide-ground coverage for capturing large-scale, high-resolution imagery. The DMC II includes a total of five camera heads, less than any other frame-based, large-format camera system in the industry. The camera is part of Intergraph's new platform strategy, through which customized sensors are added to existing camera components to provide customers with cost-effective, modular options for various aerial acquisition needs while protecting previous investments. With three models to choose from – DMC II 140, DMC II 230 and DMC II 250 – even small and medium-sized companies can cost-effectively enter the digital imagery market, and customers can easily upgrade their systems as needed.

Midwest Aerial Photography, an aerial mapping photography specialist in the Midwestern United States, has acquired the DMC II for use in the USDA's National Resources Inventory (NRI) Program. The NRI is a statistically based sample of land use and natural resource conditions and trends on U.S. nonfederal lands. According to the USDA, it is the most comprehensive database of its kind ever attempted anywhere in the world. To support the program, Midwest Aerial Photography and others will acquire tens of thousands of aerial photos each year throughout the U.S.

"As a long-time user of Intergraph's film-based aerial cameras, our purchase of the DMC II marks our first foray into digital image acquisition," said Ken Scruggs, president of Midwest Aerial Photography. "Through high levels of data accuracy, four-band imagery and fast, efficient image production, the DMC II will play a critical role in cost-effectively delivering quality images to the USDA, while also being versatile enough to leverage for additional projects we undertake for government and private organizations across the country."

In APAC, Kyodo Surveying Co., Ltd. will implement a DMC II to conduct orthophoto production for the Geographical Survey Institute and Forestry Agency of Japan, while Beijing Guodian Jingwei Engineering Technology Co. in China has purchased two DMC II cameras for large-scale mapping and orthophoto generation.

"Due to the industry reputation of Intergraph and the tremendous local support available from Intergraph China, we are confident that the purchase of these two new cameras will significantly advance our image acquisition capabilities," said Mr. Xiao Xiaoliang, the general manager of Beijing Guodian Jingwei Engineering Technology Co.

Geoplana Ingenieure, a provider of imagery, mapping and GIS services in Germany, has also selected the DMC II as its first digital aerial camera, previously relying on film technology for aerial imaging. The camera will be used to provide mapping, GIS and photo flight services to mapping agencies, municipalities and utilities in Germany and surrounding countries, as well as to provide imagery to other users such as Google and Microsoft.

"The high system quality, attractive price point and protection of investment were key factors in our selection of the Intergraph DMC II," said Jens Knittel, CEO of Geoplana Ingenieure. "With the DMC II and Intergraph's new camera platform strategy, we will be able to successfully and cost-effectively enter into the digital image acquisition market, as well as easily upgrade our technology as customer needs expand."

The DMC was the industry's first large-format frame digital aerial camera, the first to be certified by the United States Geological Survey and the first to offer an innovative Solid State Disk (SSD) storage technology to decrease camera weight and footprint. Further information on Intergraph's photogrammetry solutions can be found at: http://www.intergraph.com/photo/default.aspx.

About Midwest Aerial Photography
Midwest Aerial Photography has established itself as the only firm in the Ohio region of the United States that specializes in aerial mapping photography. The company's primary focus is aerial mapping photography and the production of digital and traditional photo laboratory products for the photogrammetric industry within the United States. Midwest Aerial performs these services for all levels of government and private entities that require precision aerial data. More information can be found at: http://www.midwestaerialphoto.com.

About Kyodo Survey Co., Ltd.
Kyodo Survey Co., Ltd. was established in 1950 and is based in Nagano, Japan. The company provides spatial information for land surveying, building consultancy and compensation consultancy, as well as other types of geographic information. More information can be found at: http://www.kyo-soku.co.jp/index.php.

About Beijing Guodian Jingwei Engineering Technology Co.
Based in Beijing, China, Beijing Guodian Jingwei Engineering Technology is a corporation known for professional mapping and system integration, and is also a leader in aerial surveying, remote sensing, GIS, engineering surveying and software engineering. With a focus on advanced equipment and software, as well as reliable customer service, the company conducts a wide variety of imaging and engineering projects that support China's critical infrastructure. Further information can be found at: http://www.bjgdjw.com/EngLish/News/gsjj.asp.

About Geoplana Ingenieure
Geoplana Ingenieure is a provider of mapping, GIS and aerial imagery to a wide variety of organizations in Germany and surrounding countries. The company is based in the city of Marbach in Germany. Further information can be found at: http://www.geoplana.de/.

About Intergraph
Intergraph is the leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software that enables customers to visualize complex data. Businesses and governments in more than 60 countries rely on Intergraph's industry-specific software to organize vast amounts of data into understandable visual representations and actionable intelligence. Intergraph's software and services empower customers to build and operate more efficient plants and ships, create intelligent maps and protect critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world.

Intergraph operates through two divisions: Process, Power & Marine (PP&M) and Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I). Intergraph PP&M provides enterprise engineering software for the design, construction and operation of plants, ships and offshore facilities. Intergraph SG&I provides geospatially-powered solutions to the defense and intelligence, public safety and security, government, transportation, photogrammetry, utilities and communications industries. For more information, visit www.intergraph.com.

© 2010 Intergraph Corp. All rights reserved. Intergraph and the Intergraph logo are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corp. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

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Nikon Podcast #33: Focus on Lenses

Join Mark Ellwood as he sits down with Steve Heiner from Nikon while they discuss some of Nikon's newest NIKKOR lenses.

Nikon Podcast #33: Focus on Lenses

Join Mark Ellwood as he sits down with Steve Heiner from Nikon while they discuss some of Nikon's newest NIKKOR lenses. Mark and Steve focus in on the ever-versatile 16-35mm f/4, the portrait-perfect 24mm f/1.4, and the newly announced 200-400mm f/4 lenses. Stay tuned to find out what makes these lenses so special and what kinds of engineering marvels create a covetable piece of glass. Music composed by Frank Ferrucci.

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

For all other RSS readers, click here.

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Hasselblad’s Winning Streak Continues!

26/04/2010 For the fourth time - the second in two years! -a Hasselblad camera has won the TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) award for Best Medium-Format D-System.

This year, the H4D-40 with True Focus and APL (Absolute Position Lock) was chosen by editors of more than 20 photo magazines around the world.

The editors based their decision on five factors: innovation, the use of leading-edge technology, design and ergonomics, ease of use, and price/performance ratio.

TIPA judges noted that in addition to “making auto-focus easier and more accurate for photo professionals, the H4D series has been designed to meet the demands of high-end commercial photographers, who require the ultimate in both image quality and performance.”

Responding to Hasselblad’s latest win, CEO Larry Hansen commented, “We are honored to receive this prestigious award and proud of the company’s achievements in developing the H4D-40. This camera not only meets the needs of the established Hasselblad community of professional photographers, but will introduce 35mm DSLR photographers to the benefits of medium-format photography, including advances in image quality.”

Hasselblad Director of Product Management Peter Stig added that the H4D-40’s True Focus and Absolute Position Lock “provide a clever use of new technology. By providing this unique mechanism, with which photographers gain speed, accuracy and flexibility when focusing in a recomposed image, Hasselblad has solved one of the technological challenges facing serious photographers today.”

Hasselblad debuted the H4D in September 2009 in Florida, at the Kennedy Space Center to mark the 40th anniversary of the U.S. moon landing and Hasselblad’s first trip into outer space.

For more on the prestigious TIPA award, click here.

For more information about the H4D-40, click here.

Text by Alice B. Miller

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Getty Images to Acquire Rex Features

Acquisition Will Provide a Broader Selection of Compelling Entertainment Content to Meet Growing Demand for Celebrity Imagery

Getty Images, Inc., the world's leading creator and distributor of visual content and other media, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Rex Features, which includes Los Angeles-based Berliner Photography. The acquisition will benefit existing and potential customers by making even more celebrity content easily accessible.

"Celebrity and entertainment content is a growing and vital part of the editorial imagery industry and this acquisition positions us to meet and exceed the demand for nearly instantaneous material," said Jonathan Klein, co-founder and CEO of Getty Images. "Growing our entertainment imagery business continues to be a key strategic focus. The real winners will be our customers, who can now expect to see greater choice and more easily accessible imagery."

Getty Images intends to maintain Rex Features' brand and with the combined resources of Getty Images and Rex Features, Getty Images will continue to generate new imagery for their respective celebrity and entertainment collections. Additionally, Getty Images' global distribution channels will increase international customers' access to Rex Features' products and services.

The acquisition of Rex Features was driving by the continually evolving celebrity imagery business and gives Getty Images more coverage capabilities for events and portraiture and will expand the entertainment and celebrity imagery segment.

"Over more than five decades, Rex Features has built a strong heritage and reputation that Getty Images will build upon to the benefit of customers worldwide," added Klein. "Getty Images has always been dedicated to making strategic investments that will provide long-term value to our customers."

About Getty Images
Getty Images is the world's leading creator and distributor of still imagery, footage 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 provide inspiring work which appears every day in the world's most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and Web sites. Visit Getty Images at www.gettyimages.com 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.

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Nikon Focuses On Exceptional Image Quality At Super-Telephoto Focal Lengths With New AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II High Power Professional Zoom Lens

MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 27, 2010) – Today, the evolution of the super telephoto lens continues as Nikon Inc. announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens which delivers optical excellence and stunning image quality for professional photographers. Ideal for bringing to life exquisite detail for sports, nature and travel photography, this new lens affords a constant maximum aperture of f/4 and rugged construction for maximum versatility. Continued refinements and new technologies such as Vibration Reduction (VR) II, Nano Crystal Coat, and optimized autofocus (AF) modes enhance functionality and improve performance for discerning FX and DX-format photographers.

“The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm lens builds upon a proven design for professional level optics by incorporating the latest Nikon lens technologies to give photographers the edge in the field, and the ability to capture the most intricate of details with extraordinary fidelity,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of Marketing at Nikon Inc. “As both camera capabilities and the roles of photographers expand, NIKKOR enhancements will continue to meet demands and exceed expectations to remain the pinnacle of optical excellence for all types of photographers.”

Whether photographing the decisive play at home plate or predators of the Serengeti, the 200-400mm f/4 lens is an essential tool for photographers who require long focal lengths and maximum versatility without sacrificing image quality. The 200-400mm lens benefits from the addition of Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flaring. The result is unparalleled clarity and sharpness in challenging lighting environments typical to sports venues or harsh sunlight.

Additionally, this new NIKKOR lens features Nikon VR II image stabilization, which is specifically engineered for each lens for maximum performance. VR II is a valuable asset to those shooting photos or HD video, as image blur introduced by camera shake and telephoto magnification is significantly reduced. Users are able to shoot up to four stops* slower than otherwise possible, overcoming many of the challenges of handheld shooting with such extreme focal lengths. VR functionality is further augmented with Automatic Panning Detection and an Active VR Mode to help compensate for movement from an unstable position such as a moving vehicle. Additionally, VR is always engaged when shooting in the D-Movie mode on select Nikon D-SLRs, helping to stabilize HD video capture.

The new 200-400mm f/4 lens features a host of professional focusing features to further enhance functionality. Photographers can now select from three focus modes to match shooting conditions, including manual mode (M) and autofocus with manual override (M/A) mode, and new A/M mode which is used to avoid cancelling the AF setting by unintentionally moving the focus ring while shooting. The M/A and A/M focus modes enhance AF control with fast, secure switching from automatic and manual focus to adapt to personal shooting preference and techniques. Additionally, photographers can activate the AF Recall Mode at the press of a button that allows for instant return to a predetermined point of focus to confidently capture anticipated shots.

This professional lens is constructed of die-cast magnesium for maximum durability and is sealed to resist dust and moisture, with protective Meniscus glass to safeguard the lens’ front element. The optical formula features four Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for superior sharpness, color and image quality, while minimizing chromatic aberration. The lens also features Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, which enables high-speed autofocus performance with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation. Nikon's Super Integrated Coating further suppresses flare and offers superior color consistency throughout the frame.

Price and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers in late May 2010 with an estimated selling price of $6,999.95**. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the new 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; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*As determined in Nikon performance tests
**Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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Sigma Corporation's New 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM Lens Receives Technical Image Press Association Award

Standard Zoom Lens Honored With Coveted TIPA Award in the "Best Entry Level Lens" Category

RONKONKOMA, NY--(Marketwire - April 26, 2010) -  Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, announced today that the Technical Image Press Association has honored Sigma's 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens with its Best Entry Level Lens award.

This large aperture, standard zoom lens contains state-of-the-art enhancements, including the company's own Optical Stabilization (OS), which allows for hand-held photography even in a low-light situation. The OS feature allows Sony and Pentax users the ability to view a stabilized image in the viewfinder, a feature offered only by Sigma.

"With its versatility and outstanding zoom range, the 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM is an ideal all-around lens for serious photographers looking for a standard zoom for landscapes, portraits and many everyday photo needs," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. "We're very pleased that the Technical Image Press Association has recognized Sigma's continuing innovations and commitment to high standards of optical equipment at moderate prices."

TIPA editors vote each year for the best photo and imaging products introduced in Europe during the previous 12 months. When awarding products, TIPA takes into account innovation, ergonomics, design, ease-of-use, efficiency, price/performance ratio and other guidelines.
In its review, TIPA praised the versatile zoom of the 17-70mm and noted: "This modern, good zoom makes high-end optical features accessible to all."

With a large aperture of F2.8 on the wide end and F4 at the tele end, as well as a macro function with a minimum focusing distance of 8.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, this lens is ideal for a wide range of photography. The lens' Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) also ensures a quiet and high speed AF capability. It has a faster aperture than the typical camera "kit lens." It's three aspherical and extraordinary low dispersion glass elements provide critical sharpness and low distortion.

The 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens is currently available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Sony (D) and Pentax mounts for $680 MSRP in stores nationwide.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to you, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

About Sigma Corporation
For nearly 50 years, Sigma Corporation's expertise and innovation has driven the company's core philosophy of "knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination," with an emphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 50 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

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Fast Media Group launches stockphotodiscounts.com, the fast way to save on stock photos

London, 20 April 2010 – Fast Media Group launches stockphotodiscounts.com, the fast way to save on stock photos. With over 1.000 companies selling stock photography and countless independent photographers selling their work, finding the best pictures at the right price is a difficult task. Stockphotodiscounts.com solves this problem by aggregating all available stock photography deals. The site allows anyone to post a discount they find and companies can list their own deals and discounts in minutes. On top of that the stockphotodiscounts.com team works with a growing number of partners that offer discounts exclusively to visitors.

Stockphotodiscounts.com takes away the need for picture buyers to search the web for the best deals. It also takes away the burden of having to negotiate deals with several suppliers. Stockphotodiscounts.com now does the work by aggregating all available deals. On top of that stockphotodiscounts.com agrees unique and exclusive deals with a growing number of picture sellers. These discounts are only available to visitors of the website.

Stockphotodiscounts.com helps picture sellers get the message out quickly. Instead of designing marketing tools and communicating via resellers, promotions and discounts can be posted in minutes to be seen by a Global audience of picture buyers. Sellers can submit and manage a number of discounts that highlight several parts of their offering, from the introduction of a new collection to sales prices for older or less successful images.

“Our experience and connections in the stock photography industry allow us to agree discounts with a large range of stock photography sellers, from small specialists to some of the biggest companies”, said Marco Oonk, business development director at stockphotodiscounts.com. “This means that we’re able to take the hassle out of price negotiations for image buyers, so they can be confident to pay a fair price for their favourite products. At the same time the site offers a quick and flexible way for picture sellers to manage their collections by experimenting with deals, discounts and pricing.”

When a picture buyer clicks on a coupon code, the code is automatically copied to a clipboard while the picture buyer is sent directly to the website of the seller. At checkout the picture buyer can simply paste the code and claim the discount.

About Fast Media Group
Fast Media Group brings together picture buyers and sellers. Fast Media Group helps companies make informed decisions with news, articles and reports, save time finding the right suppliers and partners in a large directory, save money by claiming exclusive discounts and improve efficiency by connecting buyers and sellers in a real time community.

Fast Media Group is responsible for Fast Media Magazine (www.fastmediamagazine.com), a news and information website for picture buyers and sellers, and for stockphotodiscounts.com, the fast way to save on stock photos.

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New images: The volcanic eruption in Iceland

Apr 22. 2010 02:04 by CEPIC - NordicPhotos has new images and footage available of the volcanic eruption in Iceland from NordicPhotos Reykjavik office. NordicPhotos is also doing photo assignments. With close to 100 photographers contracted in Iceland and secured contracts with people living close to the Volcano.

Photo by David Jon Ogmundsson/NordicPhotos

NordicPhotos can provide unique images of the eruption and future developments. They will also be offering footage.

Here is a lightbox of some of the images that are online at the NordicPhotos site right now.

If you have any interest in any of these images, want to have info about assignment or would like to see the footage. Please contact NordicPhotos in Reykjavik at +354 562 5900 or send email to info@nordicphotos.com

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Adobe Announces Lightroom 2.7, Camera Raw 5.7 and DNG Converter 5.7 Release Candidates

Adobe today announced the Lightroom 2.7, Photoshop Camera Raw 5.7 and DNG Converter 5.7 Release Candidates, available for immediate download on Adobe Labs. The updates add raw file support for nine new popular camera models, including the Canon EOS 550D, Sony A450 and Olympus E-PL1. A full list of the newly supported cameras is below.

The term ‘release candidate’ indicates the updates are well tested but would benefit from additional community testing. Adobe encourages photographers to try out the newly added raw file support in this update and provide the product team with feedback so they can create the highest quality experience for customers working on a variety of hardware and software configurations.

Photoshop Lightroom software is today's digital photography workflow solution, allowing photographers to quickly import, process, manage and showcase images. The Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in provides fast and easy access within Photoshop to the raw image formats produced by many leading digital cameras. Adobe’s Digital Negative (DNG) format is a publicly available archival format for the raw files generated by digital cameras.

Pricing and Availability
The Lightroom 2.7 Release Candidate is available as a free download for Lightroom 2 customers, and the Photoshop Camera Raw 5.7 Release Candidate is available as a free download for Photoshop CS4 customers. The DNG Converter 5.7 Release Candidate is also available as a free download for all customers. Click here for more information and to test out the updates: labs.adobe.com/. Feedback can be provided on the Adobe User to User forum (forums.adobe.com).

In addition, photographers can also participate in the Lightroom 3 beta program and try out the new features in Lightroom 3 beta 2 for free. To learn more and download Lightroom 3 beta 2 visit: labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom3/.

Newly Supported Camera Models
Canon EOS 550D (Digital Rebel T2i/ EOS Kiss X4 Digital)
Kodak Z981
Leaf Aptus-II 8
Leaf Aptus-II 10R
Mamiya DM40
Olympus E-PL1
Panasonic G2
Panasonic G10
Sony A450

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Daemgen.net Releases ProCamera Version 2.7

/PRZOOM - Newswire/ - Daemgen.net announced the 2.7 version of ProCamera, the leading European application for iPhone Photography. A hybrid of German product quality and next-generation technology, allowing to take full advantage of all the iPhone's capabilities.

Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, 04/16/2010 – A hybrid of German product quality and next-generation technology, allowing to take full advantage of all the iPhone‘s camera capabilities.

ProCamera was developed in the city where Mercedes Benz crafted the world‘s first automobile. So, it should come as no surprise that the same quality standard continues in Daemgen.net’s technological advancements today.

ProCamera enables users to utilize their iPhone without limitations, transforming it into a high-end digital camera with full-resolution picture processing and the ease of a snapshot-camera.



The 2.7 version contains premium content such as:

• The Anti-Shake steady-mode, full-resolution zoom, high speed saving and patent-pending alignment tools like the Virtual Horizon (calibrated level meter).
• iPhone 3GS users additionally benefit from ProCamera‘s manual-focus and video-recording support.
• The 2.7 version introduces a built-in Photo Studio where users get the best out of their pictures with the tap of a finger.
• There are essential image adjustments such as Brightness and Contrast or the ability to lighten up low-light images by changing the Gamma value (Flash-Exposure correction), and • Black&White - or Sepia-filters to apply an artistic and professional touch to the photos.
• The combined use of effects is unlimited, and as expected all results are processed in highest quality and full resolution.

Da Vinci’s Golden Mean
One highlighted feature is described as the daVinci grid, which allows users to align objects in respect to the Golden Ratio, giving any image a natural, harmonic balance. Named after famous artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci, proponent of the Golden Mean rule.

Many artists and architects have proportioned their work since the Renaissance to approximate the Golden Ratio. Today, ProCamera embeds these sophisticated aspects into the ProCamera application. The Tips&Tricks section inside the app offers suggestions on how to fully utilize all aspects of iPhone Photography.

ProCamera (procamera-app.com): The very first advanced camera app on the AppStore continues to be the technological market leader. Bringing their customers simply more amazing features.
The ProCamera product website offers fully loaded information on all of its amazing features, a user guide and a web gallery. Their support team is always available for any requests.

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Hasselblad Shooters Find Inspiration on YouTube

19/04/2010 How often are you on YouTube? If you’ve ever done a search for Hasselblad product or workflow videos, you’ve discovered there are literally millions.

I searched for “photographers shooting with Hasselblad,” and came up with a list of some 150,000 stories. Did a search for “Hasselblad cameras” and tapped into 350,000 leads. My search for “Hasselblad photographers” generated a list of 11,500,000 stories and videos.

Hasselblad and photographers have been an enormously popular duo on YouTube for some time. The annual Masters final exhibition and tours, plus the popular website addition, Hasselblad Owners Club, have caused a sharp spike in the number of stories to inspire and inform.

The videos with the biggest draw, inevitably, involve high-end photographers discussing their digital workflow, the power of Hasselblad, the remarkable detail and resolution of their files, how Hasselblad enhances their images and their ability to tell a story through pictures. For example, early this year Hasselblad posted videos captured by Michael Grecco, Steve McCurry, and Kevin Then as they put the brand-new H4D-40 through its paces on demanding outdoor photo shoots.

A global resource, YouTube showcases the work, workflow, and lessons learned from photographers around the world. Director David Lynch, frequently honored for his work in cinema and television, presents some of the amazing things he has achieved with a Hasselblad H3DII-39. Another video gives the visitor a behind-the-scenes look at commercial photographer Daniel Allen shooting with the Hasselblad H3Dii 31 and a Profoto Ringflash for the January 2010 issue of WildTomato magazine on board an 87-foot yacht. U.K.-based Timothy Wallace is captured using a Hasselblad H3DII 39 and Elinchrom lights for a shoot with model 'Zara' for the project 'Fashion Kills.' In an application story on wedding portrait photographer Rodney Hobbs, Melbourne, Australia, he describes how his digital workflow and the Hasselblad system and features are a perfect fit.

Videos shot at the annual Masters exhibition tour convey powerfully the experience at these events. You might want to check out the interviews conducted in January when more than 500 VIP guests attended the exhibition opening in Copenhagen, at DASK Gallery. Australian-born, Copenhagen resident David Trood, 2006 Master, Germany photographer Jan Schlegel, 2009 Masters finalist, and Swiss photographer Marco Grob, 2007 Master, all shared their perspectives on the winning collection.

Among the millions of videos waiting to be tapped are a demo on loadiing the film holder of a classic Hasselblad camera, by Walter Lew of Photo Habitat, and a photo shoot by Russian photographer Maria Goncharova captured in Saint-Petersburg with a Hasselblad Zimushka-Zima.

The next time you’re on YouTube, conduct a search for Hasselblad, Hasselblad Photographers, etc. You’ll find an unlimited collection of informative, entertaining videos to inspire your next Hasselblad creations.

Text by Alice B. Miller

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iPad ™ Optimized Websites for Photographers and Artists

ISProductions announces a new version of its FolioLink photography and art website service that automatically optimizes clients’ FLASH online portfolios for the iPad interface. FolioLink is the first website service of its kind to offer iPad interface compatibility for all FLASH subscriber websites and requires no effort on the part of the photographers and artists.

This announcement comes at the right time for photographers and artists who need to quickly showcase images on location and want to take advantage of this new and increasingly popular venue. Photographers and artists who want to showcase their work on the latest technology and to a wide range of audiences will be pleased to find that their FolioLink scalable FLASH websites are automatically optimized for large HD screens, desktop monitors, small laptops, iPhones and now iPads. The FolioLink service automatically creates online presentations for each of these venues as well as a shadow HTML site that is optimized for full search engine indexing.

Those who have an iPad can visit any FolioLink subscriber’s photography or artist website and experience their online portfolio using common iPad interface actions such as tap, drag and pinch. Then, to see their full featured FolioLink website, load their same URL on a standard computer with a Flash plug - in.

FolioLink is designed for photographers and artists who want designer websites that they themselves can manage and update with ease. Three different account types allow subscribers to choose the functionality and site features they want from a simple HTML presentation, to FLASH designer websites, to the new Pro Account which includes an Image Archive for stock, client proofing and commission free e-commerce. Anyone can try the service with a free seven-day trial account.

FolioLink is a service of ISProductions, a Virginia-based technology company founded in 1987. The company focuses on the development of Internet tools geared to help photographers and artists capitalize on the business opportunities of the web.

Visit: http://www.foliolink.com/

iPad and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

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Animoto Introduces New Custom Themed Videos with the Launch of Animoto Collection

New York, NY, Apr. 13, 2010. Animoto, the video creation Web site that lets photographers quickly and easily create professional-quality videos from their photos and video clips, today announced Animoto Collections, a new series of design themes to accompany and enhance the mood of Animoto videos. Animoto Collections launches with “The Elements,” and will continue with rollouts periodically.

Each collection will feature several styles - “Air,” released today, is the first of the four styles in the Elements collection - Water, Earth and Fire will be rolled-out in the coming weeks.

“Animoto makes it quick and easy for professional photographers to create beautifully produced videos for their clients,” said Brad Jefferson, CEO & co-founder of Animoto. “Already an important tool in many photography studios, Animoto is focused on supporting the needs of photographers. Animoto Collections allows photographers to take customization one step further by picking a video style to accentuate the narrative arc of the story told through photos, video, music and text.”

The Element Collection starts with Air: gentle winds buffet imagery through elegant sun-streaks and light, wispy clouds. The rest of the collection will include:

    * Water – Take the plunge! Images are immersed in the currents of the deep, drenching them in vibrant, fluid animation
    * Earth – A planetary picture proliferation! Photos bloom into space, an abstract homage to mother Earth
    * Fire – Some like it hot! Spicy heat, flames of passion, infernos of infatuation turn photos up a notch

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. The technology takes into account every nuance of a song: the genre, structure, energy, rhythm, instrumentation, and vocals. Videos are produced in widescreen format and can be emailed, embedded on any Web site, shared via social network and mobile device, or downloaded in DVD-quality formats for display on computers, televisions, and even large projection screens.

Professional photographers receive the best of Animoto with an Animoto for Photography subscription. It allows photographers to create an unlimited number of unbranded, full-length videos for $249 per year. A three-month trial is also available for $99.

Animoto recently won Professional Photographer Magazine’s 2010 Hot One Award for Best Slideshow / Presentation.

For more information about Animoto's Collections please visit: http://animoto.com/collections/elements 

About Animoto
The founders of Animoto Productions include veterans of the entertainment industry who share a passion for helping people better share their stories and express themselves through online media by innovating technologies in the field of video production. Animoto Productions, founded in August 2006, is based in New York City with an office in San Francisco.

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J. Paul Getty Museum Announces Record Year For Photographs Donations

Over 1,000 Works Donated to the Department of Photographs in 2009; Special Initiative Celebrates Department's 25th Anniversary

April 12, 2010 - LOS ANGELES — The J. Paul Getty Museum announced today that calendar year 2009 yielded the largest number of donated works to the photographs collection in the Museum’s history. Last year, more than 1,000 photographs were donated to the Museum by 41 individuals, the largest number of donors in a single year to date. Many of these gifts were inspired by a special initiative commemorating the Department of Photographs 25th anniversary led by Dan Solomon, a member of the Getty Museum’s Photographs Council.

In addition to works donated by collectors who have supported the Museum for several years, this year’s gifts also include a large number of objects given by contemporary artists as part of the 25th anniversary initiative. Among some of the highlights of the newly donated works are: “I See What You’re Saying (Fork),” 2002, by Eileen Cowin; “Dogs Chasing My Car in the Desert,” 1996-2001, by John Divola; Alex Soth’s “Rebecca,” 2005, from his Niagara series; and “Cell Phones,” 2007, by Chris Jordan.

“This has been an extraordinary year for gifts to the Department of Photographs and we are grateful to the collectors and artists who have donated objects to the Museum – and particularly grateful to Dan Solomon and our Photographs Council for their continued dedicated support,” said David Bomford, acting director of the J. Paul Getty Museum. “In a year when we have had to face a reduced budget for acquisitions, it is especially heartening to know that we have not seen a reduction in the generosity of our donors and supporters.”

Adds Judith Keller, newly named senior curator for the Department of Photographs, “The 25th anniversary initiative was particularly important to last year’s acquisition efforts. The department very much appreciates Dan’s taking a leadership role in this effort. He and his wife Mary have always been among our most enthusiastic supporters.”

This year’s donations made the Getty’s already sizable collection of photographs by Manuel Alvarez Bravo and William Eggleston the best in the country. Earlier this year, the Getty Museum announced that Dan Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, who have regularly contributed to the Getty’s holdings, donated fifty-two prints by Bravo, which brings the collection of works by this late Mexican master to 247 photographs. Local patrons Caldecott Chubb and his wife Isabel, who have helped build the Museum’s Eggleston collection over the past ten years, gave a group of seventy-eight prints from the late 1970s by this America guru of the color medium.

“We are grateful to all the donors who chose the Getty for their contributions in 2009,” says Keller. “Their donations have deeply enriched our holdings by introducing artists not previously held at the Getty, like Gilles Peress, Robert Polidori, Liza Ryan, Brian Ulrich, Peter Wegner, and Pinar Yolacan.”

Photography is one of the newest, but also one of the largest, collecting areas at the Getty Museum. The department strongly favors collecting the most important photographers in depth so as to enable exhibitions and publications inspired by the collection. Since the Getty Center opened in 1997, the Department of Photographs has expanded its exhibition space from 1,700 to 7,000 square feet with the opening of the Center for Photographs in 2006.

About the Getty:
The J. Paul Getty Trust is an international cultural and philanthropic institution devoted to the visual arts that features the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation, the J. Paul Getty Museum, and the Getty Research Institute. The J. Paul Getty Trust and Getty programs serve a varied audience from two locations: the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Getty Villa in Malibu.

Sign up for e-Getty at www.getty.edu/subscribe/ to receive free monthly highlights of events at the Getty Center and the Getty Villa via e-mail, or visit our event calendar for a complete calendar of public programs.

Visiting the Getty Center: The Getty Center is open Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed Monday and major holidays. Admission to the Getty Center is always free. Parking is $15 per car, but free after 5pm on Saturdays and for evening events throughout the week. No reservation is required for parking or general admission. Reservations are required for event seating and groups of 15 or more. Please call 310-440-7300 (English or Spanish) for reservations and information. The TTY line for callers who are deaf or hearing impaired is 310-440-7305. The Getty Center is at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California.

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Paradigm Buys Ilford

Paradigm Global Partners LLP announces the acquisition of ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH

Paradigm Global Partners LLP today announced its acquisition of the global imaging manufacturer, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH, with the sole intention of realising the full value potential of this iconic imaging business.

Recognising the assets that ILFORD has to offer, including its capability for developing leading edge technology, its state of the art manufacturing facility and its world-renowned brand, Paradigm believes there is scope for significant future growth and value creation.

The Paradigm acquisition will maintain the financial stability of the company and provides a sound platform to manage future challenges. One of Paradigm’s philosophies, to secure the future of a business through investment, has already been realised with the approval of capital expenditure to move forward a key development in the manufacturing facility in Switzerland.

Clifford Herbertson, one of the Founding Partners of Paradigm said: “Our ethos is to build on the existing strengths of the companies that we acquire and ILFORD has many positive attributes. We bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table and in partnership with the existing Management Team of Ilford we believe we can generate significant growth for the business. Herbertson continued: “The transition in ownership has been swift and now our focus and attention will turn to building mutually-beneficial partnerships with our customers and better meeting the demands of the market.”

Commenting on Oji Paper, the former parent company of ILFORD, Michael McVicar, the other Founding Partner of Paradigm, concluded: “We are appreciative of the investments made by Oji Paper during its ownership of the business and the professional manner in which they engaged in negotiations and discussion around this transaction.”

Reflecting on the change in ownership Lars Sommerhauser, Chief Operating Officer, commented: “The last few years have been tough for the imaging business as a whole, including ILFORD. This announcement has injected a renewed sense of energy and excitement within the company and provided the business with focus and direction. We are committed to servicing the global market where there is a demand for the premium quality products that we manufacture and this will necessitate a strengthening of our business units in the USA and Asia.” Sommerhauser concluded: “ILFORD has a reputation for developing and manufacturing the best imaging products in the world and I believe that with this acquisition the ILFORD name will continue to be at the forefront of coating and imaging technology for many years to come.”

About PARADIGM:
Paradigm Global Partners LLP is an investment company that identifies businesses that are currently not realizing their full value potential and through active collaboration between management teams and experienced Paradigm professionals, seek to help the business realise its potential.
The company provides a strong blend of financial, strategic and operational expertise to help create lasting value in its companies.

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