Image of the Day: Kite Surfing

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: Kite Surfing
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Surfer with colorful kites at the beach.

Keywords:
beach, cutcaster, fun, image of the day, kite, kitesurfing, ocean, outdoor, POTD, sport, surf, surfboard, surfer, surfing, water, wave, waves

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

PCPhoto

PCPhoto is a top digital photography magazine. Get the latest news, equipment reviews and previews, photography tips and more.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

An exhibit of photography legend, Richard Avedon

As a fashion photographer, Richard Avedon captured the essence of glamorous stars and world celebrities like no other. But the US photography legend also breathed life into ordinary people. The late artist's career of 60 years, on show in a retrospective in Paris until the end of September.

Source: Voxant

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Image of the Day: Railroad Tracks

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: Railroad Tracks
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Railroad tracks shown in a different perspective in black and white

Keywords:
black, cutcaster, gravel, image of the day, outdoor, path, POTD, rail, railroad, rails, railway, track, tracks, traffic, train, traintrack, transit, travel, white

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

DigaPixBlog

DigaPixBlog is devoted to the judging, critiquing and scoring of your submitted photographs. Readers may enter their comments and questions on any image presented. The purpose of this site is to give honest opinions and suggestions to amateur photographers (one who loves the craft) that want to improve their photographic skills and image quality.

DigaPixBlog owner JL Morris has judged photography for 18 years and found there are no set rules as to what makes a great photograph. It either grabs you or it does not. What appeals to him may be rejected by another. It is up to the photo artist to make the final determination. Think of this blog as if you were presenting your images in a gallery and the person in front of you, not knowing you are the artist, is giving their comments about the work being displayed. They are neither right nor wrong, it’s only their opinion you are overhearing.

http://www.digapixblog.com/

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Stockxpert Newsletter 029

Interesting Articles Links form the Stockxpert Newsletter:

• The Golden Ration and the Elementary Construction in Photography
• Creating Exhibition Quality Black and White Prints
• Adding a Scanline Effect

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Shutterstock Newsletter - Issue 9/08

Interesting Articles Links form the Shutterstock Newsletter:

• New Subcription Plan with Higher Payouts
• Rejection Reasons #4: Similar Submission
• When Should I submit Pictures of Snowmen?

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Image of the Day: El Capitan

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: El Capitan
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

El Capitan is one of the magnificent mountains in Yosemite.

Keywords:
california, climbing, cutcaster, El Capitan, image of the day, landscape, mountain, photography, POTD, travel, Yosemite

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

DailyAwards

DailyAwards is the best photo contest website! They have more then 5700 photographer participating. You can find contest in the categories: Abstract, Aquatic, Architecture, Black and White, Cityscape, Digital Art, Flowers, Landscape, Macro, Nature, Night, Other, Panorama, People, Pets, Photojournalism, Portrait, Seascapes, Sport, Still Life, Sunset, Unexpected, Wedding, and Wildlife. Further you can find a very active forum with always helpful members. You can also find helpful articles and a challenge sections with user driven topics.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

The Big Picture

The Big Picture is a is a Photo News Blog that shows the news with big picture. Current news stories are:

- Scenes from Rio de Janeiro
- Beijing 2008 - It's a wrap
- Women's Olympic Fencing
- The New King of Tonga
- ...

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Microsoft and Nikon Enter Into Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

Thursday, August 28, 2008 - REDMOND, Wash., and TOKYO — Microsoft Corp. and Nikon Corp. have signed a patent cross-licensing agreement to further the development of each company’s current and future product lines.

The agreement covers digital cameras made by Nikon as well as a broad range of other consumer products each company manufactures and sells. The agreement was signed by representatives from both companies at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Wash. Although the contents of the agreement have not been disclosed, the parties indicated that Microsoft is being compensated by Nikon.

Microsoft and Nikon have a long history of collaborating to bring high-quality, cutting-edge consumer products to the market, including wireless cameras and RAW processing technologies. The companies believe that this patent cross-licensing agreement will substantially benefit customers of consumer products including digital cameras. Both parties will be able to innovate openly with each other’s technologies, enabling new features and products to come to market.

“This agreement will extend and enhance our already successful, long-standing collaboration with Nikon, and will allow us to provide even better products to our customers,” said Josh Weisberg, director of the Rich Media Group at Microsoft.

“This agreement is another great example of how industry leaders are coming together to collaborate through intellectual property licensing, and by doing so enabling innovation that will ultimately benefit the consumer,” said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft. “We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio, and we are pleased to be working with an industry leader such as Nikon.”

“At Nikon, we want to continue to lead the industry in pioneering photography solutions and give our customers access to innovative technology,” said Naoki Tomino, director, member of the board and General Manager of Intellectual Property Headquarters at Nikon. “This agreement is a natural extension of our long-standing relationship with Microsoft, and we look forward to collaborating and bringing exciting new products to the market.”

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Technology

The licensing agreement is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 500 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant research and development investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio. Over the past two years, Microsoft has entered into similar agreements with Alpine Electronics Inc., Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd., Kenwood Corp., Kyocera Mita Corp., LG Electronics, NEC Corp., Nortel Networks, Novell Inc., Olympus Corp., Onkyo Corp., Pentax, Samsung, Seiko Epson Corp. and Victor Co. of Japan Ltd. (JVC).

More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/ip.

Source: WebWire

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Image of the Day: 4th July Foot

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: 4th July Foot
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Patriotic foot with red shoe and blue white striped sock.

Keywords:
blue, day, fashion, feet, female, girl, girls, image of the day, independence, legs, patriotic, POTD, red, shoe, sock, striped, stripes, usa, white, young

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Kursiv releases keywording software

Switzerland, 27 August 2008 - Keywording is time consuming and expensive. With "KIM Keywording" swiss photoagency Kursiv launches a new software for faster keywording of images with a variety of unique features. The product offers a structured approach to the keywording of large amounts of images and supports up to 10 languages.

Images without keywords cannot be found in the internet and thus will not be sold. Good keywording is essential for photoagencies and photographers, and becomes even more important with the ever increasing number of images available on searchengines worldwide.

What is considered a "good" keywording is dependent on your own requirements and those of your distribution partners. Not all searchengines in the web are the same. KIM Keywording allows you to keyword once, and create a variable output according to your needs.

KIM Keywording realizes this by applying a "contextual keywording". A context is more important as the keywords themselves. A context means a keyword in a unique setting. Whenever a new keyword is added to the keyword database, it gets the unique context from its unique position within the keyword hierarchy.

The keyword "Switzerland" for example is linked to a larger context of "geography Europe Western Europe Switzerland" and the word "snowing" comes from the larger context "nature phenomena weather snow snow flake snowing". Every single context also has fields for plurals and synonyms, and all this for up to 10 languages.

Once an image has been keyworded with KIM Keywording, the software "knows" what contexts were applied to that image. This allows for adjustments to the keyword catalog, like deactivating plurals, or expanding synonyms and the like. Pushing a button will then update all keywords of all images.

KIM Keywording supports up to 10, also non-latin languages. As many agencies send out their images to different service partners for the keywording of several languages, no such extra hasle is required when using KIM Keywording. New languages can be added to the keyword database in which every unique context allows for unique and precise translations. Once the new language is added to the keyword database, the additional language can be applied to all already keyworded images with a simple mouseclick. As all images have been keyworded with unique contexts, the result is an extremely fast and reliable workflow with correct translations.

KIM Keywording reads and writes IPTC Core fields from TIFF- and JPEG files. Export of metadata is possible for many formats, including CSV, Excel, XML, etc. KIM Keywording is a cross platform software for Mac and Windows and can now be purchased in a version for 1 or 10 languages.

Further informations, screencasts as well as a test version can be found here:
http://www.kursiv.com/index.cfm?/softwarehome_en&refid=12376&shid=6

Source: CEPIC

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

G.A.P Adventures Holds Travel Photo Story Contest

August 27, 2008 - With only a few weeks remaining in The Great G.A.P Adventures Photo Story Contest, G.A.P Adventures, a world leader in adventure travel, is encouraging travellers to share the stories that inspired their best photos. Prize packs include more than $5,000 in Sony DSLR cameras as well as a $1,000 G.A.P Adventures travel voucher.

The contest, which has been running since May, has received more than 500 entertaining, creative and inspiring entries resulting in 75,000 votes. User voting will determine the Grand Prize winning story/photo combination at the conclusion of the contest.

Congratulations to Chris Clinton, our early bird winner who won a 10.1 MP digital camera and underwater housing combo from Sony...a perfect combination for future wild and watery adventures!

To enter, simply upload the travel photo on the G.A.P Adventures contest page and write a short story between 150-500 words to accompany it. The only requirement is that the photo must be from a G.A.P Adventures trip or other travel experience.

All approved submissions will appear online for the duration of the contest, which will run until September 15, 2008. Full contest details can be found at http://www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo-story-contest.

Source: G.A.P. Adventures

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Image of the Day: Macaw Parrot

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: Macaw Parrot
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Macaw near the beach in Ventura California.

Keywords:
Animal, bird, colorful, cutcaster, endangered, exotic, image of the day, Macaw, Nature, parakeet, parrot, parrots, POTD

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

CANON U.S.A. AND KOFAX RELEASE NEW OPTION FOR CANON'S imageFORMULA DR-X10C PRODUCTION SCANNER

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 27, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of digital imaging technology, and Kofax plc, a provider of Intelligent Capture and Scanning solutions, announce the release of a controller board option for Canon's imageFORMULA DR-X10C High-Speed Color Production Scanner that can leverage Kofax's Virtual ReScan (VRS) functionality.

The imageFORMULA DR-X10C, Canon's flagship DR-Scanner model, is designed for high-volume, paper intensive environments with an impressive suggested daily volume of 60,000 scans, and scanning speeds up to 128 pages-per-minute (ppm) and 256 images-per-minute (ipm)i. Kofax VRS improves the accuracy of data captured from scanned documents that are processed by intelligent character recognition (ICR) and optical character recognition (OCR) technology, significantly reducing the need for manual corrections.

VRS performs a real-time, multi-point inspection of the images created as documents pass through a scanner, identifying and correcting any impairments that could impact ICR's and OCR's ability to read them correctly. The Kofax CGA Board option implements the VRS capabilities via hardware allowing users to complete scanning tasks at high speeds for the VRS features selected.

"The Canon imageFORMULA DR-X10C scanner is the flagship model in Canon's DR-Series Scanners," said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. "The combination of Canon's digital scanners and Kofax's advanced image processing technology will help maximize VRS scanning performance in high-volume environments."

According to Andrew Pery, Kofax's chief marketing officer, "Image quality significantly impacts the success of data extraction, recognition and retrieval. By incorporating the Kofax solution into the Canon imageFORMULA scanner, Canon and Kofax can help users reduce the time involved in manual document preparation and dramatically enhance the quality of their scanned images."

The Kofax VRS Kit for Canon imageFORMULA DR-X10C scanners, which includes the Kofax CGA controller board and CD containing VRS software designed specifically for the imageFORMULA DR-X10C, is available through authorized Canon dealers, select distributors and Canon resellers for a suggested retail price of $2,550.

Source: Canon U.S.A., Inc.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

NIKON D90 DIGITAL SLR ANSWERS THE CALL FOR CREATIVE FREEDOM WITH ADVANCED FEATURES THAT BENEFIT ALL LEVELS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS

It's All You Need: The 12.3 Megapixel Nikon D90 D-SLR Premieres with the New
18-105mm VR Lens to Give Photographers Superb Image Quality, Live View Shooting, Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, and HD Movie Clip Recording

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D90, a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera that redefines the creative boundaries of digital photography allowing photographers to easily create stunning still images and High Definition (HD) movie clips with sound—with the same camera. A host of Nikon core technologies were leveraged to develop the D90’s scope of versatility, calling on years of photographic and optical expertise. Whether consumers are graduating from an advanced compact digital camera or are a seasoned D-SLR enthusiast, the Nikon D90 emphasizes brilliant image quality and versatility with its exclusive advanced Scene Recognition System, intuitive creative controls, blazing fast performance and the industry-first ability to create HD movie clips at 720p in the new D-Movie mode.

Inspired by Nikon’s acclaimed flagship DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300, and building on the success of the wildly popular D80, the D90 delivers stunning image quality. The CMOS image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels combined with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system deliver outstanding images with fine details, smooth tones, brilliant colors and low noise across a broad ISO range.

Photographers are able to easily compose stunning images using the Live View Mode on the large 3-inch 920,000-dot high-resolution LCD screen. The 11-point auto focus (AF) system utilizes Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System and Face Detection to help make the best shot in a variety of environments. Matched with the new versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-105mm Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization lens, and a burst rate of up to 4.5 frames per second, photographers can confidently capture fast action and precise moments as they unfold. Also helping to ensure no memory is missed, the D90 offers fast handling with a power-up time of a mere 0.15ms and split-second shutter response measuring just 65ms, eliminating the frustration of pictures lost to shutter lag.

“The D90 delivers incredible imaging performance and control, setting a new standard for its class. This marriage of outstanding still image performance and HD movie clip capacity represents the dawn of a new age for D-SLR cameras. The D90’s handling characteristics and long list of features are sure to deliver the photographic experience that Nikon photographers have come to expect from Nikon engineering,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “Everyone at Nikon is especially eager to see the myriad of ways that imaginative D90 photographers will explore the world of cinematic 24fps HD video through the eyes of NIKKOR optics.”

Legendary Image Quality
For shooting in a variety of lighting conditions, the D90 has a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200 (expandable to Lo 1 ISO 100 and Hi 1 ISO 6400) to deliver incredible low-noise images. The camera also employs an Image Sensor Cleaning function that works to free image-degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images.

The new D90 companion lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR provides a versatile focal length, and the benefits of Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. Nikon VR reduces the image blurring effects of camera shake allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible*, assuring dramatically sharper images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Borrowed from Nikon's professional line of digital cameras, the D90 is the most affordable camera to include Nikon's Scene Recognition System and adds newly-developed advanced Face Detection technology. The intelligent Scene Recognition System interprets color and brightness information of each individual shot from the 420-pixel RGB sensor, and applies changes to AF, auto exposure and auto white balance. The D90 can also detect up to five faces using the new Face Detection system, producing flattering portraits with astounding definition and accuracy. While in playback mode, simply press the zoom button and portraits captured with Face Detection can be immediately magnified to ensure proper focus on the subject and faces are displayed on the LCD screen within brackets for easy reference and subject tracking.

The D90 benefits from Nikon’s comprehensive digital image processing engine, EXPEED, which provides smooth tones, rich colors and defined image details, as well as enhanced processing performance. Additionally, Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating each scene, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of over 30,000 scenes derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. To push the creative boundaries even further, Variable Center-Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing.

The Next Big Blockbuster
For the first time in digital SLR photography, Nikon introduces the addition of the D-Movie mode, allowing consumers to create their own HD movie clips (1280 x 720) with sound from their D-SLR camera. Photographers will appreciate the cinematic qualities that come from the 24fps frame rate, which matches theatrical film, whether producing vacation clips or creatively melding stills with video. Additionally, the large size of the D90’s DX-format sensor, combined with the optical superiority and broad selection of NIKKOR lenses, provides shooters with the ability to capture amazing perspectives not possible with typical camcorders. D-Movie clips also benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which is automatically activated during recording to aid the low-light capability that trumps many other hybrid devices. Users can record movie clips onto an inserted SD / SDHC card, created as Motion JPEG AVI files that are easily edited with widely available video editing software. The D90 also features an HDMI terminal, allowing viewing of both pictures and movies on High Definition televisions.

D90 Delivers Peak Performance
The D90's unprecedented start up time and imperceptible shutter lag derives from the same standards as the professional sports photographer choice, the Nikon D3. JPEG bursts can be shot as rapidly as 4.5 frames per second, allowing photographers to capture detailed action sequences or catch fleeting expressions that might otherwise be missed. Images are also processed and previewed rapidly at 120ms, which is less time than it takes to move an eye from the viewfinder to the screen. Users are also able to creatively stop the action with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second or create long-time exposures down to 30 seconds.

Nikon's 11-point AF also offers best-in-class speed and performance, helping to ensure sharp focus at any focal length. Adopting a refined version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Module, the AF system’s center area wide-frame operation adds inherent focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for when changing the composition after focusing on a subject.

Push Creative Boundaries to the Limit
No matter the level of experience, the D90 makes high-quality photography fun and easier for a remarkably broad range of picture-takers. Users can enjoy complete control over all manual features or let the camera optimize settings automatically. For the camera novice and photography enthusiasts, the D90 puts all of the tools to explore new creative possibilities at their fingertips through the simple menu-driven interface. For those looking to enjoy the added performance and versatility of digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Mode dial with Advanced Scene modes on the camera. There are many options when it comes to realizing creative vision, such as Picture Control settings to provide an assorted palette of color effects that optimize color, saturation and hue through user-selected choices of Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape. Popular editing tools such as Nikon’s exclusive D-Lighting and image trimming, image overlay, and a wide assortment of color filters can also be applied to images after capture. The D90 also provides new options for in-camera image enhancement, including:

• Distortion Control: Adjusts lens aberration
• Straighten: Helps to correct linear inclination of an image for straight horizons and landscapes
• Fisheye Effect: In camera filter produces optical effects similar to a fisheye lens

Skillfully Capture Inspiring Images
The D90 has been engineered with the photographer in mind with an intuitive interface that places a variety of automatic and advanced features at the hands of the user. The camera is built to withstand the rigors of an urban excursion or backcountry safari while boasting an impressive shutter mechanism that is tested to 100,000 cycles for durability. Whether upgrading from a compact digital camera or already a seasoned hobbyist, the D90 D-SLR will help anyone take great pictures, thanks in part to the following new features:

• Battery life: New circuitry enhances power consumption, affording up to 850 shots in typical conditions on a single charge of the Lithium Ion battery (CIPA standard)
• Viewfinder: The bright viewfinder offers a luminous 0.94x magnification to more accurately compose images
• LCD screen: The high-resolution 920,000-dot, 3-inch LCD screen gives a 170-degree angle of view to make both composing and sharing easy and fun
• New playback function: Users can show their images in either four, nine or 72 thumbnail images, or use a new calendar format to easily find photos; users can also show their photos via Nikon's Pictmotion slideshow, including background music
• Built-in Flash: The built-in Speedlight offers a guide number of approximately 18/56 (ISO 200) and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full iTTL mode

Nikon System Legacy
The D90 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikon’s extensive selection of NIKKOR lenses, including DX NIKKOR lenses, which are designed for optimum performance with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. NIKKOR lenses offer legendary optical superiority and add to the D90’s ability to deliver outstanding images. Paired with the D90 is the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which provides a versatile 5.8x optical zoom and VR image stabilization, for even sharper handheld picture taking. This lens offers a 27-157.5mm focal length in 35mm equivalent, a one-lens solution that offers a broad focal range to let photographers get up close and personal to their subjects from a distance, or wide for breathtaking landscapes. The built-in Silent Wave Motor ensures quick and quiet AF operation, while an aspherical element and ED glass deliver high resolution, high contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion.

Photographers will also enjoy advanced functionality anywhere in the world with system accessories designed for the adventurous globe trekker. When used with the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit (available separately beginning November 2008), the D90 provides geotagging to images with latitude, longitude and altitude data imprinted on the images' metadata. Users can also prolong their adventure with the MB-D80 battery pack that accepts two EN-EL3e or six widely available AA-size batteries. Additionally, photographers can share and upload their images with a wireless interface optimized for the Eye-Fi™ wireless enabled SD card wherever there is a wireless network.

The D90 is also fully compatible with Capture NX2 software (available for purchase separately), Nikon’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap into the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX2 affords photographers the ability to use revolutionary control points.

Price and Availability
The D90 will be available throughout the United States beginning September 2008 at an MSRP of $999.95** for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit that includes the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. The GP-1 GPS unit will be available in November 2008, and pricing will be announced near the time of its delivery to the marketplace. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Source: Nikon USA

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Olympus Names Prestigious Judges for 2008 BioScapes International Digital Imaging Competition

CENTER VALLEY, PA., August 26, 2008 – Olympus America today announced the judges for its fifth annual BioScapes International Digital Imaging Competition, which honors the world’s finest life science images, both still and moving, as captured through light microscopes. The judges include some of the most widely recognized international researchers and photographers in the biomedical field, reflecting the competition’s goal of honoring the world’s most striking and significant life science images.

The judges for the 2008 competition are Dr. Claire M. Brown, of McGill University’s Life Sciences Complex Imaging Facility in Montreal, Canada; Dr. Douglas Murphy, Director of the Light Microscopy Facility at Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Farms Research Campus, Ashburn, Va.; Dr. John M. Murray, of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, Pa.; and world-renowned photomicrographer Wim van Egmond of The Netherlands.

The Olympus BioScapes International Digital Imaging Competition focuses on the amazing stories being told through the images and movies captured in today’s life science laboratories, and on the remarkable confluence of science and art. The world’s foremost forum for recognizing life science images captured through light microscopes, it carries a top prize worth $5,000. Each entrant can submit up to five still images, image sequences, or movies. Any magnification and any brand of equipment can be used; judges are not given equipment/brand information when judging. Deadline for entering the 2008 competition is September 30; winners will be notified in October, and publicly announced in December. For more information or to enter the competition, visit www.olympusbioscapes.com.

Source: Olympus America Inc.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Fotolia Welcomes Its 4 Millionth Image

New York, NY – August 26, 2008 – Fotolia, one of the world’s leading sources for legal, low-cost imagery welcomes its four millionth image, titled “Hot Air Balloon” and uploaded by Christopher Völlmya, a Fotolia contributor from Switzerland.

"We are pleased to be announcing our four millionth image,” says co-founder and president Oleg Tscheltzoff. “Since the beginning Fotolia have prided ourselves in bringing together top photographers and illustrators with a wide variety of media buyers. We are thrilled to be able to spotlight the work of a Fotolia photographer with our own milestone. Without our photographers, we would not have had the success we have today, as one of the world’s leading providers of high-quality, micro-priced images.”

Fotolia’s contributors range from amateur enthusiasts who use the site to supplement their incomes or for the chance to see their work in print or online, to professional photographers who make generous incomes as full-time microstock contributors. Fotolia has also attracted photographers from some of the world’s largest and best-reputed agencies as contributors, due to our broad variety of media buyers. Since its launch in November, 2005, Fotolia has grown to offer the world’s largest library of legal, micro-priced images on the Web. Professional and amateur photographers alike have the ability to connect with more than 300,000 media buyers – ranging from small home businesses to the world’s top brands.

Christopher Völlmya

Source: fotolia

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Deal this Week: Adorama: Nikon Coolpix S520

Nikon Coolpix S520 Digital Camera, 8.1 Megapixel, 3x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 2.5" LCD Display, Black

For price click here.

Description:
The Nikon Coolpix S520 Digital Camera provides a resolution of 8 effective megapixels and the cameras 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens incorporates Nikon's acclaimed Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization technology along with a Sensitivity equivalent to ISO 2000 to ensure that your photos will always look great - regardless of lighting conditions or subject movement. And all of these features are mediated by Nikon's innovative EXPEED image processing system which provides enhanced noise reduction and an improved signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio.

The Nikon S520 incorporates Nikon's user-friendly imaging innovations known as Nikon In-Camera Innovations. These include In-Camera Red-Eye Fix which automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography, D-Lighting which compensates for excessive backlight or insufficient flash in images and Face Priority AF which automatically finds and focuses on up to 5 people's faces within one frame, ensuring clear, crisp portraits.

Furthermore, the S520 includes Nikon's Coolpix Software Suite for organizing, editing and sharing your photos. The Coolpix S520 also provides innovative and helpful scene modes so you are assured to select the perfect settings for a variety of shooting situations. The latest scene mode developed by Nikon is the Food Mode - it allows for users to capture beautiful close-up images of food at high ISO settings in restaurants or other locations where flash photography is not desired.

In addition, the S520 enables users to select three of their favorite 16 available scene modes to appear in the Mode menu for quicker access and favorite images can now be saved to individual albums using the in-camera image organization system.

The Coolpix S520 has a bright, high resolution 2.5-inch LCD monitor with an anti-reflective coating, thereby easing the composition and viewing of photos even in direct sunlight and an acrylic panel over the LCD that prevents damaging scratches and fingerprints. Furthermore, the quality-crafted aluminum body has a streamlined profile and a slim, ergonomic design that Style-conscious photographers will love.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Deal this Week: Adorama: Minox DC 7022

Minox DC 7022 Slim Autofocus Digital Camera, 7 Megapixel, 4x Optical Zoom Lens, 4.8x Digital Zoom, 3" TFT Screen

For price click here.

Description:

Stylish companion with a dream figure: The new MINOX with 7 megapixels, 4x zoom and an extra large display

The MINOX DC 7022 slim creates new dimensions in the digital compact camera class. Measuring just 94.5x55x23mm it is a true frontrunner in the segment of ultra-flat digital cameras & also boasts outstanding technical features.

These include a resolution of up to 7 megapixels, a 28 mm wide angle lens with 4x optical zoom as well as an extra large TFT color monitor which measures 3.0 inches in diagonal. A smooth, black anodized aluminum body makes this new MINOX DC 7022 slim a stylish and attractive companion.

With its dream measurements and light weight of just 124 grams the DC 7022 slim is extremely "pocket-friendly" and can be packed away almost anywhere to take away.

A feature that really stands out is the large 3.0 inch TFT-Display which takes up practically the whole of the camera back. Getting the subject into viewand later assessment of the image results are a joy, even from various angles.

Centerpieces of the MINOX DC 7022 slim are also a 1/2.5 inch CCD-image sensor aswell as an optimized MINOCTAR lens. Perfectly coordinated and in combination with the signal processing of the camera these components deliver exceptionally sharp and brilliant images. With its 4x optical zoom the lens also has enormous scope for selecting the image detail.

A fast and exact autofocus for every situation and the short shutter delay ensures spontaneous snapshots and a fast image sequence. When processing the images afterwards the high resolution of the sensor enables top quality printing of smaller posters and powerful enlargements of details.

To make sure that also images taken in the telephoto range are not spoilt by camera shake the DC 7022 has an electronic image stabilization. This feature additionally supports long exposures under difficult light conditions ormacro shots.

With the automatic white balance the photographer can always rely on natural color rendition. Several flash functions and the possibility to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor from ISO 50 to ISO 1600 in six stages allow further individual adjustment of the camera to the ambient conditions.

Besides this, the new DC 7022 slim can take video clips and make voice recordings to accompany the digital pictures a speaker and a microphone are integrated in the camera body for this purpose. The data are stored on an SD card with a capacity of up to four gigabyte (SDHC) & there is an additional 32 megabyte internal memory in the camera. The power supply is provided by a long-lasting lithium ion battery.

Featuring a PictBridge interface the DC 7022 slim can be directly connected to appropriate peripheral equipment at home or away, enabling the print out of pictures without a computer, for example. For fast and easy transfer of the images to a computer the MINOX DC 7022 slim features a digital USB 2.0 interface.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Photoshop Tutorial: The Dodge Tool for Isolations Over White

A tutorial that shows you how you can quickly and easily clean up your photos shot over white or light gray by using the dodge tool in Adobe Photoshop. This allows you to avoid having to make a selection or using masking.

Author: thesupe87

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Adobe Unveils Photoshop Elements 7 and Introduces Photoshop.com Membership

New Photoshop.com Membership Boosts Capabilities of Desktop Experience

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Aug. 26, 2008 —Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 7 software with new Photoshop.com membership, a milestone release of the No. 1 selling consumer photo-editing software*. Available for Windows®, Photoshop Elements 7 makes it quick and easy to organize, edit, create and share amazing photos with others by leveraging the editing power of Photoshop software, the professional standard for image editing. For the first time, Photoshop Elements 7 customers will have the option to sign-up for one year of membership on Photoshop.com, extending the capabilities of the software by providing helpful templates and creative tutorials delivered on a regular basis. Other benefits include: automatic online backup and storage of photos and videos, access to photos and videos from virtually anywhere, and interactive options to share memories with great impact.

In addition, Adobe today announced Adobe Premiere® Elements 7 software, a complete video-editing solution (see separate press release). Available separately or together in a single retail bundle package, Adobe Photoshop Elements & Adobe Premiere Elements bundle give photo and video enthusiasts everything they need for a complete digital imaging experience.

“With Photoshop Elements our ultimate goal is to give people the ability to tell personal and high-impact stories with their photos,” said Doug Mack, vice president and general manager of Consumer and Hosted Solutions at Adobe. “We strike a balance between editing punch and ease, so a user doesn’t have to be a pro to produce impressive results. The new Photoshop.com membership takes Photoshop Elements to the next level - extending beyond the desktop - by giving our customers access to their photos and videos from virtually anywhere, providing secure backup, delivering inspiration to fuel creativity and enabling users to keep the photos and creations they share fresh and exciting.”

Create Picture-perfect Photos with Powerful yet Intuitive Editing Tricks
Photoshop Elements makes it easy to tell amazing stories through memorable photos. The new Scene Cleaner, based on Adobe’s innovative Photomerge® technology, creates the ideal photo by letting users simply brush away unwanted subjects, such as tourists in a vacation shot who may be impacting the main subject of the photo. The new Smart Brush helps users apply incredible effects to a specific area of a photo with a single stroke, making it a snap to improve lighting and add rich textures with access to more than fifty sophisticated effects. Common editing tasks, such as whitening teeth or brightening blue skies, are a breeze to fix with the one-step Quick Fix tools. Surfaces can be softened while retaining edges and details crisp with a new filter ideal for portrait shots. Also, a new selection of Online Albums, based on Adobe Flash® technology, offers users a richer interactive experience.

New Membership on Photoshop.com Inspires Users and Keeps Them Connected
Users can push their creativity even further with Photoshop.com membership, offered in two levels, Basic1 and Plus2. For those who want fresh, creative project ideas delivered straight to the desktop, the option to purchase an annual Photoshop.com Plus membership guarantees inspiration will come on a regular basis in the form of new tutorials, seasonal artwork, themed templates and more. In addition, Photoshop.com Plus membership provides 20GB of storage - enough for 15,000 photos, four hours of DVD-quality videos or a combination of both. Online back-up keeps memories safe from computer failure or natural disaster, with access from anywhere, via a personal account linked to the software. Photoshop.com Basic membership can be experienced for free, providing 5GB of storage, access to photos and videos virtually anywhere and online photo sharing in a fun interactive environment.

Photoshop.com members also will be able to upload photos directly from a mobile phone. The addition of Photoshop.com Mobile beta, a rich Adobe Flash® based mobile application, offers camera phone users the easiest way to upload, share and access photos using their Photoshop.com account. Photoshop.com Mobile runs in the background and allows consumers to take photos, send messages and run other applications while pictures are being uploaded to their Photoshop.com account. To learn more about Photoshop.com Mobile and for a list of supported phones, visit http://www.adobe.com/products/pscom/mobile/.

More information about Photoshop.com membership can be found at:
www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/membership/.

Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 and Adobe Premiere Elements 7 for Windows will be available in local retail outlets such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco (Photoshop Elements 7 only), Office Depot, Office Max and Staples in October 2008. Consumers can pre-order the products at www.adobe.com , www.amazon.com , www.bestbuy.com and www.costco.com . The products will be available separately for US$99.99. Photoshop Elements 7 & Premiere Elements 7 bundle also will be available for US$149.99.

Photoshop.com Plus membership will be available for purchase from within the products for US$49.99 and Basic membership can be experienced for free. Information about other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade and support policies for other countries is available at www.adobe.com/go/photoshopelements. Photoshop.com membership is available in the U.S. only.

*Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service (April 2002 to April 2008) based on units sold (North America).

1. Photoshop.com Basic membership does not require the purchase of any Adobe product, including Photoshop Elements 7 and Premiere Elements 7.

2. With Photoshop.com Plus membership, annual membership terms apply.
About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

Source: Adobe

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

Picturehouse New York opens in new venue on October 29th

PAVILION, NY, August 21, 2008 – Stock imagery buyers are invited to meet image suppliers from around the globe in New York on October 29th. This, the 8th annual Picturehouse New York event, is the premier forum for keeping abreast of developments in the stock industry, bringing together over a hundred image suppliers for a day.

This year’s event moves to the prestigious Altman Building in New York’s Chelsea District, and will retain the fun and friendly atmosphere Picturehouse is known for, including free refreshments (including beer and wine after 5PM), many prizes and giveaways. Entry is free to professional stock imagery buyers and researchers – pre-registration required: www.picturehouse-us.com/newyork

“It’s a great venue for learning about new vendors and seeing – sometimes for the first time – vendors we already do business with,” said Christie Silver, McGraw-Hill School Solutions Group, who has attended for many years. “In my opinion, the New York event should be held twice a year, not once. It’s that good.”

More than 25 first-time exhibitors are among this year’s line-up, which include industry giants, such as Corbis, Jupiterimages, Getty Images and Masterfile; agencies representing photographers, such as Digital Railroad, IPNstock, and PhotoShelter; and a host of specialty niche archives ranging from aerospace (Boeingimages), agriculture (Grant Heilman), architecture (LOOK), humor (The Cartoon Bank), fine art (akg-images), food (Stockfood), historic (North Wind Picture Archives, Everett Collection), medical/science (Phototake), travel (Danita Delimont Stock Photography), to nature and wildlife (Nature Picture Library, National Geographic Stock). All licensing and pricing models will be represented including rights managed, royalty free, subscription and microstock. The event also features a variety of companies providing innovative software solutions to buyers.

Background

Picturehouse Marketing US LLC, based in Pavilion, New York, stages one-of-a-kind events that bring together buyers and suppliers of stock photography, illustration and footage in Chicago, New York and San Francisco, and is affiliated to the Picturehouse network that has been staging events around the world since 2001 (see calendar below). The company also maintains an online directory of image suppliers at: www.imagesources.org/search

Source: CEPIC

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES TWO NEW SELPHY COMPACT PHOTO PRINTERS OFFERING A STYLISH DESIGN AND CREATIVE FLAIR

Creative Enhancements Allow Consumers To Personalize Those "Can't Miss" Moments

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. a leader in digital imaging, today announced two new additions to the popular SELPHY compact photo printer line: the SELPHY ES3 and SELPHY ES30. A first for a Canon compact photo printer, the SELPHY ES3 will now include one gigabyte of internal flash memory for storage of memorable photos. With significantly more creative options to embellish photos, digital photographers and scrapbookers will be able to customize their photos more than ever before using these new printers.

Featured in the new SELPHY ES3 Compact Photo Printer is the inclusion of internal flash memory which allows for images to be stored directly on the printer making sharing with friends and family even easier. Consumers will no longer have to worry about uploading images from a memory card each time and can print out up to 1000 memorable images on command.

Consumers will be able to choose from a variety of ways to customize and optimize their photos with significant advancements to the frame, clip art and calendar functions. A total of 47 frame templates are now included on the SELPHY ES3 and 18 on the SELPHY ES30 Compact Photo Printers. For parents who like to add clip art to their photos, there are 28 different types of colorful illustrations on the ES3 while there are 10 on the ES30, ranging from "Happy Birthday" cakes to musical notes. The number of layouts for the "Calendar" function has been increased to 12 and there are six different types of background colors as well. With the use of the Easy Scroll Wheel, setting changes can be made in the Creative Print function making it possible to preview the image with creative touches prior to printing.

"The popular SELPHY Compact Photo Printer line is known for its ease-of-use, high image quality and compact stylish design," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "The addition of these two new compact photo printers further solidifies and expands upon this with new features such as the internal memory on the SELPHY ES3 Compact Photo Printer and all of the new creative options."

A new wide-angle viewing 3.5-inch LCD monitor can be found on the Canon SELPHY ES3 while the SELPHY ES30 Compact Photo Printer comes equipped with a 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD monitor to make checking images in horizontal and vertical directions very easy to do. The Image Optimizer helps to automatically correct exposure and adjust the brightness, contrast and sharpness of the images to help ensure the images being printed come out their best.

Both the Canon SELPHY ES3 and SELPHY ES30 Compact Photo Printers have been designed with portability in mind. The newly designed carrying handle makes it easy for the printer to be carried from room to room. With the power adapter now being built into the printer's body, only the power cable needs to be connected to operate the printer. In addition to the integrated ink and paper cartridges found on previous SELPHY models, two new "Easy Photo Packs" are now available that can add a gold and/or silver effect on all your photographs. A variety of 15 types of memory cards are supported from Compact Flash to microSD cards, which can now be inserted without the use of an adaptor.1 PictBridge enabled digital cameras can be connected to these compact photo printers as well.

The estimated selling price of the SELPHY ES3 Compact Photo Printer is $199.99, and $149.992 for the SELPHY ES30 Compact Photo Printer.

1 Compatible memory cards include CompactFlash Card, Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, SD Card, miniSD Card, microSD Card, SDHC Card, miniSDHC Card, microSDHC Card, MultiMediaCard, MMCplus Card and HC MMCplus Card. xD-Picture Card, MMCmobile Card, MMCmicro Card, RS-MMC Card and Memory Stick Micro require an additional adaptor, which must be purchased separately.
2 Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Source: Canon U.S.A., Inc.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

PRINT WI-FI, PRINT CANON: THE IMAGING LEADER ANNOUNCES TWO ALL-IN-ONE PHOTO PRINTERS FOR TODAY'S HOME USER

New PIXMA MP980 All-In-One Printer is the Ultimate Feature-Rich Photo Printer with Gray Ink for Black and White Photos and Wireless Connection1

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced two new Wi-Fi inkjet multifunction devices1, the PIXMA MP980 and PIXMA MP620 Photo All-In-One (AIO) printers. Both the PIXMA MP980 and PIXMA MP620 Photo AIO printers offer aspiring photographers the features and quality of a personal digital darkroom and office productivity machine in one inkjet device. The PIXMA MP980 is the first AIO printer to include a separate gray and photo black ink, for truly neutral black-and-white photo printing, a key demand for an SLR camera user. The flagships of the Canon AIO printer line, both models have a sleek modern styling, smaller footprint and curved exterior to fit the décor of any home or office.

"Canon customers are busy and look for devices that fit their lifestyles both personally and professionally," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "These two new all-in-one devices from Canon work to fit these fast, hardworking lifestyles with Wi-Fi connectivity, fast print speeds, and the tools to help make their lives a little easier and more fun."

The PIXMA MP980 and the MP620 Photo All-In-One printers feature Canon's Auto Photo Fix, which help to reduce the steps necessary to print a beautiful photo. Auto Photo Fix, detects the type of photo being printed - portrait or scenery - and will help to correct red eye, enhance facial tones, optimize brightness and contrast while improving color saturation to provide better looking photo output without manual photo editing. For added convenience, both new printers will automatically switch modes with the insertion of a memory card or PictBridge connection, routing users to the photo menus to preview images and print.

Both models also feature Canon's new Auto Scan Mode, reducing the steps necessary to scan and save a file from eight to two. This feature helps users by detecting what type of document is being scanned - a Photo, Business Card, text Document - and automatically crops and saves files to PDF or JPEG based on the image type. These automatic software features make these devices even easier to use and generate excellent output.

CANON PIXMA MP980 PHOTO ALL-IN-ONE PRINTER
The All-In-One printer for the photography enthusiast, the PIXMA MP980 Photo AIO comes packed with just about all the features an aspiring photographer could want, with the built-in convenience of Wi-Fi or ethernet enabled printing1. Equipped with Canon's six-color individual ink tanks, part of the new ChromaLife100+ system for long-lasting vibrant photos2, the MP980 Photo All-In-One printer also includes a gray and photo black ink, for true black and white photography. Photo enthusiasts have always been inspired by the grace and style of black and white images. The included Easy Photo Print Pro software helps produce true monochrome tones that rival silver halide prints. This software is also used with the Canon PIXMA Pro series printers.

Users will marvel at the MP980's Photo All-In-One's print speed, producing 4 x 6 inch photo lab quality photos in approximately 20 seconds3. Compatible with a range of fine art papers, the MP980 Photo All-In-One is ideal for the demanding photographer that may not be quite ready for a wide format printer, but still wants those high-end photo features. The MP980 Photo AIO printer is also equipped with film scanning capabilities of negatives or slides for reflectives. The use of the Canon white LED scanning system eliminates warm-up time, and therefore does not require the LEDs to remain lit in between scans, for additional energy-savings4. The PIXMA MP980 Photo All-In-One printer will have a estimated selling price of $299.995.

CANON PIXMA MP620 PHOTO ALL-IN-ONE PRINTER
The successor to Canon's highly popular PIXMA MP610 model, the PIXMA MP620 Photo All-In-One Printer is geared for the home user that needs Wi-Fi1 or ethernet connectivity in a smaller device to be shared by the family. The PIXMA MP620 photo printer features a five-color inkset, delivering a 4 x 6 inch borderless lab quality print in approximately 41-seconds3. With 9600 x 2400 maximum dpi color resolution6, and a minimum one-picoliter droplet size, users can expect outstanding detail in their photos along with laser sharp documents. With the Canon Quick Start feature, the MP620 is ready to operate virtually immediately after the power is turned on keeping it ready at a moment's notice for quick printing needs. The PIXMA MP620 model gives the user convenient AIO functions including the ability to scan to memory card or USB drive7. With the use of the Easy Scroll Wheel and the 2.5-inch LCD screen, it is very easy to navigate and choose whether to scan, print or copy. The PIXMA MP620 Photo All-In-One printer will have a estimated selling price of $149.995.

Canon FINE Technology and ChromaLife100+ System
Both the PIXMA MP980 and MP620 Photo All-In-One printers utilize Canon's individual inktank system with FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology. The new Canon ChromaLife100+ systems dye ink, when used with genuine photo papers, help produce a wider color gamut for true color reproduction. Plus both AIO photo printers produce beautiful long-lasting lab-quality prints with enhanced fade resistance for up to 300 years when stored in an archival-quality photo album, using Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (PP-201)2.

Generation Green - Size Matters
Canon has made an effort to decrease the size of each of its new printers and packaging as part of the Generation Green initiative. While this reduction of up to 26 percent from previous models in size may go unnoticed by the average consumer, the smaller sizes allow Canon to pack more printers per pallet, allowing the Company to reduce the number of shipments required to fulfill demand, thereby reducing the carbon emissions by decreasing the number of overall shipments each year. This process abides by the guidelines established for Smart Way Transport. Generation Green is Canon U.S.A.'s initiative focusing on environmentally conscious efforts with the company's CanoScan scanners and PIXMA and imageCLASS printer products.

The New Canon Photo Album 3"x 3" Pocket Size
Perfect for showing off pictures of the family, Canon has re-invented the wallet-sized photo with the new Photo Album 3"x 3" Pocket Size. The ultimate stocking stuffer or personalized party favor, the small pocket-sized album holds 12 different photos, as well as a custom wraparound photo hardcover. The hardcover wrapping can be customized and printed using your own images for a truly unique photo album experience. The albums print out on letter-sized perforated sheets which can be folded and assembled into the 3x3 inch album in just minutes without glue or scissors. Twelve pictures help tell the complete story of the family vacation, or give grandparents a great pocket-sized brag book.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1Wireless printing requires a working Ethernet network with wireless 802.11b/g capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.
2Based on accelerated testing by Canon in dark storage under controlled temperature, humidity and gas conditions, simulating storage in an album with plastic sleeves. Canon cannot guarantee the longevity of prints; results may vary depending on printed image, drying time, display/storage conditions, and environmental factors. See www.usa.canon.com/chromalife100plus for additional details.
3Print speed measured as soon as first page beings to feed into printer. Output speed will vary depending upon a number of factors. See www.usa.canon.com/printspeed for additional details.
4The time required for the light source to reach sufficient operating temperature. Film scanning excluded.
5Prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
6Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/9600 inch at minimum.
7Compatible memory cards include SD™ Memory Card, SDHC™, MultiMediaCard® (v4.1), MultiMediaCard® Plus (v4.1), CompactFlash® Card, Microdrive®, Memory Stick®, Memory Stick PRO™, Memory Stick Duo™ and Memory Stick PRO Duo™. The following can be used with the addition of a special adapter sold separately: miniSD™ Card, miniSDHCTM, microSD™ Card, microSDHC™, RS-MMC™ (v4.1), Memory Stick Micro, xD-Picture Card®, xD-Picture Card® (Type M), and xD-Picture Card® (Type H).

Source: Canon U.S.A., Inc.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES TWO NEW PHOTO PRINTERS WITH IMPROVED INK FOR STUNNING PRINTS

The PIXMA iP4600 and PIXMA iP3600 Deliver Canon-Quality Photos and Performance

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – Consumers looking to produce beautiful photos at home, or quickly print out a term paper need to look no further than the new PIXMA iP4600 and PIXMA iP3600 printers announced today by Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging. Easy, efficient and economical are the guiding principles behind Canon's new printers, with simple-to-use software, individual ink tanks, and faster print speeds to deliver high-quality photo prints, and fast documents. The enhanced ChromaLife100+ enabled ink set and Easy-PhotoPrint EX software bundled with the new printers helps even the novice user produce stunning, long lasting photos.1

The newest formulation of genuine Canon inks, found in both the PIXMA iP4600 and iP3600 printers, not only improves how long photos can last but helps to create vivid prints time and time again. The new system expands color reproduction, especially in red areas, and produces a more neutral black to improve contrasts. The Canon software that comes with both the PIXMA iP4600 and iP3600 models gives customers the tools to make a good photo truly great. The Canon Auto Photo Fix, which is incorporated into the Easy-PhotoPrint EX software, helps to reduce the steps necessary to print a beautiful photo. Auto Photo Fix detects the type of photo being printed - portrait or scenery - and when activated will help correct red eye, enhance facial tones, optimize brightness and contrast and improve color saturation to provide better looking photo output without manual photo editing. The Canon PIXMA iP4600 and PIXMA iP3600 printers will produce a 4 x 6 inch lab quality, borderless photo in approximately 20 and 41 seconds, respectively.2

"Giving customers the choice of these two new single function printers as well as the current line of business and home photo AIO products provides a variety of options for different needs and price-points," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

CANON PIXMA iP4600 PHOTO PRINTER
The combination of Canon FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) printhead technology, ChromaLife100+ system, Genuine Canon Photo Papers, and Easy-PhotoPrint EX software make the PIXMA iP4600 printer a real value to the whole family. Parents and grandparents will enjoy the premium photo quality and enhanced fade resistance, while students will be able to print out their work quickly and efficiently. The Canon PIXMA iP4600 printer features a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi for its highest quality photo prints.3 High print speeds and exceptional quality are achieved by using the Canon FINE print head technology to deliver consistent droplets, as small as one picoliter, accurately onto the paper. For the parents and students printing text, the print speeds of up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black, and up to 21 ppm for color, are sure to get the job done quickly.2 The printer features two paper trays that can hold a total of 300 pages and a built-in automatic duplexer for printing double-sided documents without having to manually turn the paper. The Canon PIXMA iP4600 Photo Printer will be available with a estimated selling price of $99.99.4

PIXMA iP3600 PHOTO PRINTER
For the budget-minded consumer, the Canon PIXMA iP3600 printer will fit the bill with a estimated selling price of just $79.994 while still delivering quality output at a maximum of 9600 x 2400 color dpi resolution.3 The iP3600 printer also features Smart LED equipped individual ink tanks and the Canon-exclusive FINE print head. Also equipped with dual paper paths for ease-of-use and convenience when switching between paper types or sizes, the iP3600 really helps increase efficiency in the home office. Printing speeds are up to 26 ppm in black and up to 17 ppm in color.2

Canon FINE Technology and ChromaLife100+ System
The PIXMA iP4600 and iP3600 printers utilize Canon's 5-color, individual ink tank system with FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology. With a minimum one-picoliter droplet size and up to 9600 x 2400 dpi color resolution.3 The new Canon ChromaLife 100+ system, a combination of the latest select genuine Canon ink, select genuine Canon Photo Papers and FINE print technology, produces beautiful long-lasting lab-quality prints with enhanced fade resistance for up to 300 years when printed on genuine Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (PP-201) and stored in an archival-quality photo album.1

Canon's New Photo Album 3"x 3" Pocket Size
Perfect for showing off pictures of the family, Canon has transformed the wallet-sized photo with the new Photo Album 3"x 3" Pocket Size. The ultimate stocking stuffer or personalized party favor, the small pocket-sized album holds 12 different photos, as well as a custom wraparound photo hardcover. The hardcover wrapping is customizable using your own images for a truly unique photo album experience. The albums print out on letter-sized perforated sheets that can be folded and assembled into the 3x3 inch album in just minutes, without glue or scissors. Twelve pictures help tell the complete story of the family vacation, or give grandparents a great pocket-sized brag book.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 Based on accelerated testing by Canon in dark storage under controlled temperature, humidity and gas conditions, simulating storage in an album with plastic sleeves. Canon cannot guarantee the longevity of prints; results may vary depending on printed image, drying time, display/storage conditions, and environmental factors. See www.usa.canon.com/chromalife100plus for additional details.
2 Print speed measured as soon as first page begins to feed into printer and will vary depending upon a number of factors. See www.usa.canon.com/printspeed for additional details.
3 Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/9600 inch at minimum.
4 Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

Source: Canon U.S.A., Inc.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

CANON U.S.A. STIMULATES THE CREATIVITY OF EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW EOS 50D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

Canon's New DIGIC 4 Image Processor Fuels the 15.1 Megapixel Resolution, Expanded ISO Range and Enhanced Noise Reduction of the New EOS 50D Digital SLR

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon's professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.

Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model - which will remain in Canon's line - with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports.

"Advanced amateur photographers blur the line between the hobbyist and the professional, looking for professional features and capabilities in their equipment that will allow them to capture that awe-inspiring image. Canon is constantly striving to provide these shooters with the most advanced imaging technology, like the new EOS 50D Digital SLR camera, to fuel their passion for photography, and help them achieve their creative potential," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
Improved Image Quality
The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera's 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera's DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.

The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings - H1 and H2 - of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and color. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings- Standard/Weak/Strong/None - to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.

As part of the camera's internal image processing, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge.

Helping to ensure each picture's subject is clearly visible, Canon's enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimize images while they are being taken, but can also optimize images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer.

A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera's screen, for better clarity and color. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognizes the needs of today's photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files.

The camera is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal center cross-type AF point that's effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision.

Canon Gets Creative For Advancing Amateurs
Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new "CA" Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera's mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to "blur the background" or "lighten or darken the image." These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera's drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera's LCD screen.

Better Live View
For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera's 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include "Quick Mode AF," "Live Mode AF," and "Face Detection Live Mode AF" that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera's Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera's CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition.

Two Small RAW Formats
In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera's flexibility.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 50D has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon's DPP software.

Pricing and Availability
The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00*. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00*.

New EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images. The new lens features Canon's built in Optical Image Stabilization system which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed roughly 4 steps faster, for better image clarity, even in shaky shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m/1.5 ft. at all zoom settings, this new lens should prove to be ideal for those situations where swapping lenses isn't an option. An ideal complement to the EOS 50D SLR camera and all other EF-S compatible EOS SLR cameras, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores this October at an estimated selling price of $699.00*.

Source: Canon U.S.A., Inc.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments

CANON U.S.A. COMBINES SLIM DESIGN AND HIGH-END FEATURES IN ITS REVAMPED A-SERIES AND ULTRA-ZOOM LINE OF DIGITAL CAMERAS

New Models Feature Slimmer, Compact Body and Easy-To-Use Features

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, is expanding its PowerShot line of digital cameras with the announcement of two new additions to its affordable A-series line, and one new ultra-zoom digital camera to its SX-series of ultra-zoom cameras. Sporting a new look, the PowerShot A1000 IS and PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras combine the robust feature-set consumers have come to expect from Canon's point-and-shoot digital cameras, coupled with a sleek design, giving a slimmer, lighter and more compact body to this camera line. The new PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera offers users all the benefits of a point-and-shoot camera, but with the ultra-zoom optical range needed to capture shots from the orchestra when seated in the balcony.

The Canon PowerShot A1000 IS digital camera features a 10-megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom lens, DIGIC III Image Processor and comes in four stylish, two-toned colors. The PowerShot A2000 IS digital camera also has a 10-megapixel resolution, as well as DIGIC III Image Processor and is equipped with a 6x Optical Zoom lens, and a 3-inch LCD screen. The PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera features a 9-megapixel resolution, DIGIC III Image Processor, 3-inch LCD screen and 10x Optical Zoom lens. All cameras allow for close-up shots for those important occasions where you can't be right on top of the action and a zoom may be required - all with the ease of popping in two AA batteries so a shot is never missed. Each camera is equipped with an optical image stabilized lens to help reduce camera shake, and High ISO Auto which takes into account the subject's movement, which helps to provide crisp and clear images regardless of how far the zoom extends.

Building upon the user-friendly reputation of the PowerShot family, all three cameras feature Easy Mode, which limits camera functions to the basics for simplified operation, creating ease-of-use for even the most entry-level camera owner. Additionally, the cameras are equipped with PictBridge and Canon Direct Print, enabling consumers to print photos anywhere.

"With the new A-Series cameras, users don't have to sacrifice cutting-edge technology for innovative style, or ease-of-use" said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "These cameras include the best technology Canon has to offer, along with colorful and unique designs that pack today's lifestyle trends into an affordable, compact digital camera. Additionally, the new SX camera is the ultimate in compact functionality. This camera will meet the technology needs of beginners and photo enthusiasts alike."

Advancing the A - PowerShot A1000 IS and A2000 IS Digital Cameras
The new PowerShot A-Series cameras remain perfect for families purchasing their first digital camera, travelers who don't want to worry about charging their batteries while "on-the-go" and new parents looking for an affordable, family-friendly camera that perfectly captures special moments. At the same time, a revamped design also makes these cameras the ultimate choice for the style-conscious consumer. The PowerShot A1000 IS digital camera evokes elegance with its gentle curved grip, and offers the opportunity for individual expression via its four color choices; gray, blue, gold and purple. The two-tone silver PowerShot A2000 IS digital camera features a clean, modern silhouette and a matte finish around key controls for a high-end look and feel.

Ultra Zoom - PowerShot SX110 IS Digital Camera
The new PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera is perfect for the parent trying to capture the winning goal or the outdoorsman trying to capture the perfect sunset. At the same time, this modern-looking and elegant form, available in both black and silver , is easy to hold and fits snuggly in the palm of your hand. What's more, the 3-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use control dial make capturing and viewing images seamless.

Availability and Pricing
Scheduled to be available in September, the PowerShot A1000 IS and the PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras will have suggested selling prices of $199.99* and $249.99*, respectively. Also, available at the end of August, the PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera will have a suggested selling price of $299.99*. All cameras include two AA batteries, 32MB SD memory card, USB interface cable, AV cable, wrist strap and Canon's software suite.

Source: Cannon U.S.A.

>> Keep Reading: Full Post and Comments