Image of the Day: Modern Fountain

Image by Kevin Tietz
Title: Modern Fountain
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

A crystal clear fountain pouring over the edge of a wall.

Keywords:
Art, attractive, beautiful, bright, Bubble, Bubbles, colorful, cutcaster, design, Elegant, Falls, Flow, Fountain, Geyser, Illuminated, image of the day, Impressive, POTD

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The Russell Brown Show - Advanced Masking

This tutorial demonstrates how to combine the refined edges of the Pen Tool and the soft transparent qualities of the Extract Tool in Photoshop CS3. The results are well worth the effort.

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FUJIFILM EXTENDS FLASH MEDIA LINE WITH NEW SECURE DIGITAL MEDIA CARDS

Four New Cards Introduced With Customer-Friendly Packaging

VALHALLA, N.Y., September 29, 2008 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., a leader in flash media products, today introduced four new Secure Digital (SD) cards, extending its trusted brand of flash memory. Meeting the higher consumer demand for high resolution picture-taking and video capabilities, the Fujifilm SD cards will provide faster speeds and flexibility for customers. The SD cards will be available in the following high quality formats, in compliance with SD Card Association standards:

* Secure Digital – 1 GB SD, 2 GB SD
* Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) – 4 GB SDHC, 8 GB SDHC, 16 GB SDHC
* Micro Secure Digital – 1 GB, 2 GB
* Micro Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) – 4 GB, 8 GB

The Fujifilm SD cards will also come in brightly colored, customer-friendly packaging, specially designed with easy to understand graphics ensuring that customers choose the cards best suited for their needs and devices. Features include prominently displayed capacity numbers (both on the packaging and the card), and color-coded formats: SD (Blue), SDHC (Red), Micro SD (Magenta), and Micro SDHC (Orange).

"We've found that there is a growing customer demand in the marketplace for higher capacity cards, as more users take video as well as higher-resolution photos with their digital cameras," said James Avato, vice president, Electronic Imaging Division, Fujifilm U.S.A., Inc. "And our new compact packaging design makes it even easier for customers to obtain the best possible flash media for their devices."

The cards will be available in October 2008. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmusa.com.

Source: FUJIFILM USA

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Cutcaster: How to report keyword spamming

Cutcaster is making it easy to report keyword spamming by just clicking on an icon to flag a particular image. The person who is flagging an image is remaining completely anonymously.

For more information continue reading at Cutcaster Blog.

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Crucial.com Honored with BizRate Circle of Excellence Award

Crucial.com recognized for providing outstanding customer satisfaction for the 7th year in a row

Fremont, CA, 29 September, 2008 -- Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today announced that for the 7th consecutive year, Crucial.com was awarded the BizRate® Circle of Excellence Award. Crucial.com is one of 81 elite online retail recipients to have met the rigid criteria set by BizRate Research for outstanding service from September 1, 2007 through August 15, 2008. This prestigious annual award is judged by customers, and recognizes the very best online retailers in customer satisfaction.

"We're extremely proud to receive this honor for the 7th straight year. Our customers really drive our success - they continually provide us with great feedback, which takes the guesswork out of understanding and responding to their needs," commented Rus Miller, director of e-commerce for Lexar Media. "We're always ready to listen to our customers in an effort to improve our performance."

Crucial.com received above-average customer ratings on seven key satisfaction
metrics, including:

1. Overall satisfaction
2. Product selection
3. Ease of finding products
4. Repurchase intent
5. Product met expectations
6. On-time delivery
7. Customer support

Source: Lexar

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Adorama: SanDisk Memory Card Deals

SanDisk 16 GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory Card
$24.95 after Mail-in Rebate

SanDisk 8 GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory Card
$16.95 after Mail-in Rebate

SanDisk 4 GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory Card
$17.95 after Mail-in Rebate

SanDisk 2 GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory Card
$4.95 after Mail-in Rebate

SanDisk 8 GB Extreme Ducati Edition CompactFlash Memory Card
$44.95 after Mail-in Rebate

SanDisk 4 GB Extreme Ducati Edition CompactFlash Memory Card
$24.95 after Mail-in Rebate

SanDisk 8 GB, Extreme III Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card.
$24.00 after Mail-in Rebate

SanDisk 4 GB, Extreme III Secure Digital (SDHC) Memory Card.
$9.95 after Mail-in Rebate

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Techbytes 9/29/08

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day - TechBytes 9/29/08

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FlauntR

FlauntR is a fun little online image editor. I is filled with features including slide show, photo sharing, online print, poster and canvas ordering. It supports the websites Bebo, Facebook Flickr, Picasa. It has more than 30 function and special effects, starting from Cropping, Rotating, Brightness, Exposure, … to Mosaic, Colour, and Sketch.

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Image of the Day: Planet Oxnard Harbor Houses

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: Planet Oxnard Harbor Houses
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Panoramic 360 degree shot of the Oxnard harbor houses.

Keywords:
architecture, blue, building, cutcaster, earth, globe, harbor, house, houses, image of the day, oxnard, pano, panorama, panoramic, planet, POTD, sky, urban, world

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Orphan Works Alert - Senate Passes Bill, House Expected to Follow

ORPHAN WORKS ALERT - ACT NOW! - Atlanta, GA, Sept. 27, 2008. SAA learned yesterday about an aggressive last-minute push by Congress to pass Orphan Works legislation.

The Senate was "hot lining" the Orphan Works Bill (S2913) for a vote, and the House was expected to follow suit.

We've now learned that the Senate bill was passed.

We must immediately turn our attention to the House.

We need to stop the House Judiciary Committee from folding their own bill (HR5889) and moving to adopt the Senate version.

PLEASE EMAIL CONGRESS RIGHT AWAY.

The CapWiz site is set up to make this a very quick and easy process. A letter is prepared, and all you need to do is enter your contact information.

Send an email now.

70 organizations and over 100,000 visual artists have united in opposing this bill in its current form. They represent photographers, illustrators, fine artists, songwriters, musicians, and countless licensing firms who all believe this bill will harm their small businesses.

With thanks to the Illustrators Partnership, the Capwiz site makes it easy to communicate to members of Congress. There's also a resource that encourages international participation.

Source: Stock Photo Talk

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PhotoshopCAFE TV - Creating a game type effect in Photoshop

Colin Smith shows you how to create a plastic squishy text effect. This is similar to what you may see on a video game box. These types of effects are a lot of fun to play around with and will stretch your creativity.

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Photo Shoot with D. Woods of Danity Kane

Join us at Miahaus Studios in Los Angeles for a Luxirie by L R G photo shoot with Danity Kane's D. Woods.

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Mobile movie screen for Nokia N96 and N95

DVB-T and video on the go on your personal movie screen

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 25.09.2008. - According to Carl Zeiss, anyone that wants to watch television or movies on Nokia's new N96 multimedia mobile phone in real cinema quality should purchase the cinemizer video eyewear. The cinemizer is currently on display in Cologne at the photokina trade fair (Hall 02.1, booth C019). The 115 gram video goggles simulate a more than one meter movie screen at a distance of two meters. The mobile movie screen can be connected to either the new N96 super class mobile phone or its predecessor, the N95. The N96 offers a unique feature: In addition to all video formats, the TV signal from the integrated DVB-T receiver is displayed on the video eyewear without loss of quality.

“Anyone that has experienced their favorite show, a TV movie, a music clip, a YouTube video or a soccer game on the cinemizer screen, will no longer be satisfied with a standard screen, not to mention a small phone display,” states Andreas Klavehn, Marketing Multimedia Devices Manager at cinemizer developer Carl Zeiss.

Source: Carl Zeiss

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CANON U.S.A. REVAMPS CANON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM TO OFFER NEW LEVELS OF SERVICE TO PRO PHOTOGRAPHERS IN 2009

Canon Professional Services Will Enhance Benefits for Pro-Level Shooters In New Three-Tiered Membership Program

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 25, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, announced today that it will be instituting a new Canon Professional Services (CPS) program beginning in the first quarter of 2009. The new CPS program, which will require all existing members to reapply, will offer three levels of membership – Silver, Gold and Platinum – to qualifying members, with each level receiving better and more extensive service benefits. The new CPS program is designed to provide the appropriate level of service for each professional demographic and to support members with faster service, loan equipment, and a range of other benefits to be announced in the coming months.

"A day without a camera is a day without revenue. It is with this sense of urgency that Canon U.S.A. is upgrading the level of service provided by our CPS program to better support our Canon professionals in the field," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "We recognize that our responsibilities to full-time professional Canon photographers extend beyond providing them the tools they need to support their livelihood. As a company, we must also provide an exemplary service and support structure for professionals, indicative of our commitment to the art of photography."

CPS Silver level membership will be offered free-of-charge to qualifying photographers. This level of membership includes a welcome kit, access to the CPS phone hotline and a 20 percent discount on repairsi. For professional photographers requiring a higher level of Canon support, CPS Gold level membership additionally includes access to loan equipment for a two week trial period and an expedited three-day turnaround on service items.ii Along with a 30 percent service discount, CPS Gold level membership includes two free Check & Clean vouchers. CPS Gold level membership will have an annual fee of $100*.

The CPS Platinum membership level will include priority access to loan equipment for two-week trial periods, 60 percent discount on repairsiii, expedited two-day turnaround on equipment service and backup equipment loans if service is longer than two days.iv CPS Platinum level membership will have an annual fee of $500*.

The current CPS program is no longer accepting new members. All current members, regardless of when their existing membership term expires, will continue in the current program through the launch of the new program, and all current memberships will then effectively terminate as of the new program launch date. The new CPS program will begin accepting membership applications via the CPS website, www.usa.canon.com/cps, sometime during the 1st quarter of 2009. Existing members may reapply as soon as the new application process becomes available.

For more information on Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s new Canon Professional Services program including qualification requirements and benefits for Silver, Gold, and Platinum level memberships, please check the CPS web page at: www.usa.canon.com/cps

Source: Canon

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CREO Color Servers Enable Customers to Expand their Business into the Photo Services Market

Rochester, NY, September 25 -- A new solution that leverages CREO Color Server Technology from Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group makes it easy for digital printers to enter the photo services market. The production performance, speed, and automation features of CREO Color Servers’ Photo Touch-up Software enable it to seamlessly integrate into a print service provider’s existing workflow, saving time, labor and costs associated with making corrections to images.

Photo Touch-up Software automatically analyzes, corrects and enhances the content of images, optimizing the quality of photo books, calendars, yearbooks, postcards and other image rich applications produced on a digital press, all at production speeds. Using a set of intelligent tools that users activate by simply checking a box, Photo Touch-up Software automatically evaluates digital photos and scanned archival images to determine if they require correcting, and, if so, makes adjustments only to precise areas within the image. Corrections are done in batches, rather than one at a time, for additional time savings. CREO Color Servers with Photo Touch-up Software will be shown at Graph Expo in October.

“Photo Touch-up Software serves as another way that a CREO Color Server connected to a digital press can help print providers expand into new business opportunities, such as photo finishing and services,” said Ilana Jucha, General Manager, CREO Branded Products. “The faster processing time and vibrancy of images produced using Photo Touch-up Software create a powerful solution that offers the potential for greater revenue and profitability without adding labor costs or processing time.”

Photo Touch-up Software includes a range of features for enhancing images, such as analyzing and correcting underexposure, overexposure and minor color cast problems, bringing out details in the dark and light areas of a photo, and reducing noise caused by high ISO settings in a photo. Other settings can remove the red eye effect caused by camera flash and remove JPEG artifacts often found in low quality or highly compressed JPEG files.

About Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group

Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group develops and supports high-performance CREO Color Servers and key workflow solutions for a range of digital production printers and presses. It also develops advanced on-demand applications to enable the creation of personalized direct mail, targeted catalogs and other powerful one-to-one marketing communications tools.

The group currently supplies CREO Color Servers to such industry leaders as Hewlett-Packard, IKON, Konica Minolta, and Xerox Corporation.

This independent unit of Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group will continue to help its customers leverage their investment in digital printing.

For more information about CREO Color Servers, visit www.creoservers.com

Source: Kodak

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Nikon Podcast #12: "Picture This!"

The host Mark Ellwood is talking about Nikon's uniqu "Picture This!" program with his guest David Parmet. They discuss in Nikon's Podcast #12 the camera and how the program went. Music composed by Frank Ferrucci.

Listen to Nikon Podcast #12

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ProStockMaster Starting Video Online Guide

ProStockMaster is starting an online video Guide to its stock photography workflow management software. Adding Stock Agencies and Selecting Images for Uploading are the first two.

These and others flash-based videos will replace and extend current "Quick Start Guide".

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Image of the Day: Female protesters with red flags

Image by Steve Estvanik
Title: Female protesters with red flags
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Female protesters with red flags at demonstration, Mexico City, Mexico

Keywords:
active, activity, cutcaster, demonstration, flag, image of the day, people, political, politics, POTD, protest, protesters, red, women

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TechBytes 9/25/08

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day - TechBytes 9/25/08

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Can Google Topple The iPhone?

Google unveiled its challenge to the iPhone, the G1, which runs the company's new proprietary Android software. Maggie Rodriguez talks with Daniel Sieberg about its features and flaws.

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Kodak Innovator To Receive Germany’s Highest Imaging Honor

German Photographic Society will present Steve Sasson with Cultural Award for inventing world’s first digital camera

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 24 -- Kodak’s Steve Sasson, inventor of the world’s first digital camera, will accept Germany’s highest honor for imaging, the Cultural Award, from the German Photographic Society (DGPh) at a September 27th ceremony in Cologne. The ceremony takes place during Photokina, the world’s largest photo and imaging trade fair.

The DGPh, with over 1,000 members, has represented the cultural interests of photography in Germany since its founding in 1951.

“The board of the DGPh unanimously decided to honor Steve Sasson with the Cultural Award for his epic-making invention of the first digital camera,” said Dr. Ulrich Nickel, President, German Photographic Society. “Virtually all digital images today, from still cameras to camera phones, are based on this Kodak development.”

Professor Gottfried Jäger, the ceremony’s laudatory speaker added, “His groundbreaking invention marks a watershed in the technical production and handling of images in our time.”

Sasson’s pioneering work began in 1975 and the technology employed for producing the first digital camera, using a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor, was patented in 1978.

“Steve Sasson’s visionary work changed the way people around the world take pictures and is the foundation for all of today’s digital cameras,” said Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eastman Kodak Company. “This great honor for Steve underscores the spirit of innovation embraced by our entire technical team, whose contributions continue to make Kodak a world leader in the development of groundbreaking imaging technology.”

The Cultural Award has been presented since 1959 to recognize outstanding service to photography in the arts, humanitarian, social, technical, educational or scientific fields. Previous award winners include internationally renowned scientists, inventors, writers, publishers, editors, lecturers, art directors and photographers.

This is the sixth recognition Sasson has received for his work on the first digital camera. Last year he was inducted into the U.S. Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame and also received the Visionary Award from the Photographic Manufacturers and Distributors Association (2007), the Distinguished Scholar Award from Peking University’s School of Journalism and Communication (2006), the Progress Award form the Photographic Society of America (2006), and Kodak’s Eastman Innovation Award (2001).

Sasson is the fourth Kodak researcher to be honored with the Cultural Award. Previous Kodak recipients were Dr. Leopold Godowsky in 1973, Dr. Wesley T. Hanson in 1977, and Dr. Paul B. Gilman in 1989.

Kodak will feature a two-part interview with Steve Sasson on their PluggedIn blog starting today at http://pluggedin.kodak.com as well as a podcast under Technology Briefs at http://kodak.com/go/podcast.

Source: Kodak

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Hasselblad Announces New Products, New Technology and New Directions

At photokina 2008, Hasselblad is introducing a new pricing strategy and exhibiting a range of new high-end products, including a new flagship camera, the H3DII-50, a versatile zoom lens in the HCD 4.0-5.6/35-90mm, and the HTS 1.5 Tilt and Shift adapter.*

Two new Hasselblad cameras put the world’s largest sensors into the hands of the pros
Hasselblad’s new H3DII-50 is the first camera on the market to feature Kodak’s 50 megapixel sensor, measuring 36×48mm and twice the physical size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. The H3DII-50 provides full 48mm coverage and has been designed to provide an ideal solution for commercial shooters, who demand the highest image resolution, and for any photographer who demands both creative flexibility and ultimate image quality.

Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad, says, “The H3DII-50 features the largest sensor currently available in the 48 mm segment and takes its place as the flagship of our H3DII line. Nevertheless, to show that we’re not going to rest on our laurels, we’re also announcing the forthcoming H3DII-60, an even higher end camera that we’ll launch in 2009. The H3DII-60 will feature a 60 megapixel sensor that provides 94% full-frame, 645 coverage. We feel that it’s important to emphasize the 94% coverage, because, although we hear the phrase 'full-frame' being used quite frequently, no manufacturer has yet achieved true medium format full-frame.”

Hasselblad HC/HCD lens line expands its leading market position
Hasselblad is also launching a new versatile zoom lens, the HCD 4.0-5.6/35-90mm, to join its expanding HC/HCD lens line. The HC/HCD lenses equal or outperform even the legendary Hasselblad/Zeiss lenses, including the iconic CF 3.5/100mm and CF 5.6/250mm SA, considered by most experts to be the finest lenses ever made for professional photographers.

“As part of our constant efforts to produce the world’s best lenses, our engineers have combined our advanced optical design models and the H System’s unique ability to digitally compensate for any aberrations with a new aspheric lens element design. The result is what we think will prove to be the highest performing zoom lens on the market today,” says Poulsen.

New HTS 1.5 Tilt and Shift Adapter brings new control and creative possibilities
A revolutionary new tilt and shift adapter, the Hasselblad HTS 1.5, is also joining the Hasselblad line-up. The HTS 1.5 allows photographers to use tilt and shift functionality with most of their existing or new HC/HCD lenses. “The result,” says Poulsen, “is the ability to be more creative and flexible with your photography and a level of image quality that is unmatched by any other product currently available. The addition of digital sensors that read and record all movements and Hasselblad’s proprietary digital lens correction mean that we can offer photographers both a unique level of quality and maximum ease of use.”

Revitalizing the medium format industry
Following the launch of the H3D camera line at the last photokina, Hasselblad has continued to drive the medium format industry towards a more integrated and complete camera solution.

“We’re very pleased with all the new products,” says Poulsen, “and with the general direction the photographic industry is taking. Four years ago, we paved the way for the medium format industry’s move towards truly integrated DSLRs. At the time, we were criticized for this move and even accused of killing off the medium format segment. We knew, however, that this move was key not only to the further advancement of high-end image quality, but also to the survival of the medium format industry itself.”

Poulsen sees the developments of the last four years as proof that Hasselblad’s strategy has been a sound one: “Now, four years down the road, all our competitors have followed our lead. Every one of them is hurrying to launch their own integrated solutions, which, for us, is a clear indication of a revitalized and evolving medium format segment. Hasselblad will continue to lead this segment, just as we’ll continue to drive the future development of high-end photography, as I’m confident our offering at this year’s photokina will show. We’ve been very busy over the past four years, developing new technologies and new products, further refining our existing product range, and addressing some of the issues that have kept a number of photographers from adopting the Hasselblad system.”

Hasselblad launches a new price model for all digital products
“Hasselblad’s success with our classic film based cameras was partly due to pricing true professional products at a level that was high, but still affordable, for both serious pros and enthusiasts,” explains Poulsen. “In these early days of large sensor DSLRs, our initial high pricing has been one of the main barriers to entry, keeping many high-end 35mm photographers from making the leap to the superior quality of a Hasselblad system.”

Therefore, in addition to the range of new products, Hasselblad is also announcing a significant price reduction for all of its camera products, enabled by the increased production volume of Hasselblad’s fifth generation DSLR series, combined with streamlined manufacturing costs and production synergies, and by following a long-established business model taken from the 35mm camera market.

“Two years ago at photokina, Hasselblad launched the H3D,” explains Poulsen, “bringing the advantages of 35mm system integration to the medium format segment. Now we are doing the same with regards to lower pricing. Most new high-tech products begin with a high price point and then, over time, increased volume and improved production techniques allow price reductions and more accessible products. Consumers are seeing this everywhere in technology, from flat panel televisions to 35mm digital cameras. Now this is happening in our industry too, although we are at a more mature, technical level than two years ago, which allows both increased system integration and a different pricing approach.”

Until now, Poulsen states, there has been no serious medium format entry-level product at an affordable price. The new, lower price for the Hasselblad H3DII-31, along with the new products, will provide such an entry point, he claims: “In the H3DII-31, 35mm users finally have access to a serious, high-end system. The H3DII-31, combined with the complete line of HC lenses, the new, versatile HCD 35-90mm zoom lens, the HCD 28mm lens and our new HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter, provides a complete high-end package that can cover the needs of any serious photographer as well as providing access to all the advanced features and benefits of the H3DII system. Naturally, we’re very pleased to be able to lower the entry point to our system and to be able to bring Hasselblad quality to a wider range of photographers."

The new pricing strategy will also entail other changes in Hasselblad’s business model, so that most of the upgrade and trade-up programs of the past will become unnecessary.

“Our new pricing will mean that photographers can actually purchase a new camera for more or less the same amount that they would have previously spent on an upgrade,” Poulsen comments. “This has two primary effects: it removes the need for complex trade-up programs and it enables photographers to keep their previous camera as a back-up when upgrading to a newer model - a common practice among 35mm users.” The H3DII-39 has a new price of $21,995 (H3DII-39 Multi Shot, $30,995) and the H3DII- 31 a new price of $17,995. All three cameras are available for immediate delivery. Priced at $27,995, the H3DII-50 is also available for immediate delivery and the H3DII-60, which will be priced at $35,995, will be available in April 2009. All camera systems will ship in the USA with a Hasselblad 80mm lens.

“It’s long been understood,” concludes Poulsen, “that for most discerning photographers the only reason not to have a Hasselblad was that you couldn’t afford one. But now, with our new pricing, we’re bringing the Hasselblad world a little more within reach, enabling a whole new generation of photographers to use our products.”

Source: Hasselblad

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EYE-FI MAKES PHOTO UPLOADS TWICE AS FAST; LAUNCHES CUSTOMIZED SERVICE UPGRADES

Also Adds New Photo Destinations; Cards Now Available at Best Buy Stores Nationwide

PHOTOKINA, COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 23, 2008 – Eye-Fi Inc. (www.eye.fi), makers of the world’s first wireless memory card for digital cameras, today announced enhancements to its family of Eye-Fi cards that will make the upload of digital photos from camera to computer twice as fast. The faster wireless speeds will also be made available to existing Eye-Fi users at no extra cost. In addition, users will be able to upgrade their Eye-Fi cards to add the individual services they want, including Web sharing, geotagging and hotspot access.

“Faster wireless uploads and the ability to add new services to your Eye-Fi card are significant advancements in making it more convenient and rewarding to save and share digital memories,” said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. “Even better, we’re able to offer this new convenience and flexibility to current users as well as new customers.”

Beginning October 5, new and existing Eye-Fi card owners can easily add features that are not already included on their cards and renew annual services. By using the updated Eye-Fi Manager Web application, users can add the following services to their cards:

Web Sharing – Users who have an Eye-Fi Home card can add Eye-Fi’s popular Web sharing service to send photos directly from their camera to one of more than 20 online photo sharing, printing, social networking or blogging sites using a wireless network, saving the time and hassle of manually uploading from the computer. Annual service fee: $9.99.

Geotagging – Users who have an Eye-Fi Home or Share card can add geotagging to their card.
Geotagging invisibly adds geographic information indicating where the photo was taken, allowing users to map where their memories were captured. Annual service fee: $14.99.

Hotspot Access – Users who have an Eye-Fi Share card can upgrade their card to automatically upload photos away from home at more than 10,000 Wayport hotspots and through open hotspots. Annual service fee: $14.99.

Also announced today, Eye-Fi users will be able to upload photos directly to one of two new online photo destinations: Apple’s MobileMe and AdoramaPix. MobileMe members can wirelessly send photos from their camera directly to their MobileMe Gallery which can then be viewed by friends and family on the Web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV. Available now, users will also be able to upload photos directly from their camera to their AdoramaPix account, where they can edit, share and make prints.

As a significant nationwide expansion, Eye-Fi cards will be available for purchase at more than 900 Best Buy stores throughout the United States, as well as at Circuit City, Ritz Camera Centers and major online retail sites.

By October 5, users will be able to enjoy Eye-Fi’s faster upload speeds and service upgrades, and purchase cards from Best Buy stores nationwide.
At the Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany, Sept. 23-28, Eye-Fi will demonstrate its family of products in booth # B19b in the USA/Canada Pavilion, Hall 4.1.

Eye-Fi’s family of products include the Eye-Fi Home, Eye-Fi Share and Eye-Fi Explore cards with MSRPs ranging from $79-$129 USD. Eye-Fi cards have garnered numerous awards, including PC World’s “The 100 Best Products of 2008” and Yahoo! Tech’s “Last Gadget Standing 2008.” For more information, please visit www.eye.fi.

Source: EYE-FI

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DALSA Extends Image Sensor Leadership in Medium Format Digital Photography With 6 Micron Pixel Platform

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 23, 2008) - This year's Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany, sees the launch of groundbreaking new products by some of the most dominant players in medium format photography, and DALSA (TSX:DSA) is proud to provide their most critical components-image sensors built on our new 6 micron pixel platform.

"These new image sensors continue DALSA's tradition of setting the standards by which all others are judged," said DALSA CEO Brian Doody. "Our 6 micron pixel platform enables medium format devices with 50, 60 megapixels and beyond, delivering spectacular, unprecedented resolution and image quality for the world's most demanding commercial studio applications."

Our technology has led the way in professional digital photography for more than a decade. In 1998 our image sensor group delivered the world's first 35mm full-frame imager, a six megapixel device that was a landmark in the revolutionary shift to digital that we now take for granted. Ten years later DALSA still leads the industry, supplying devices with ten times that resolution covering the full frame of 645 medium format film.

Of course, image quality depends on more than just pixel count. DALSA knows this better than most-our industry-leading image sensors have always offered higher throughput, exceptionally low noise, unmatched dynamic range, and better color, and our new 6 micron platform delivers even more of the performance professional photographers demand. With higher responsivity to compensate for smaller pixels, our new devices bring no compromises in performance. We continue to deliver superior angular response, which is vital for wide angle lenses or lens tilt and shift techniques.

DALSA's long history of innovation, our deep expertise, and our commitment to work closely with customers help us deliver the devices that camera developers dream of-devices that they can build into truly unique products.

With DALSA image sensors at the heart of the newest, highest-resolution and highest performance medium format digital camera systems, DALSA's leadership is clear. The world's best photographers will explore the possibilities that these remarkable new products bring, delivering incredible imagery for years to come. But technology does not stand still and neither does DALSA. We have earned our leadership position in the world's most demanding imaging applications through continual technology development, and the products unveiled by our partners at Photokina 2008 are only the beginning.

Stay tuned for more industry-leading image sensor innovation from DALSA.

Source: Marketwire

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Lightbox Pro by MediaFocus.com - a Free Online Image Selection, Communication & Collaboration Tool

Lightbox Pro is a versatile image selection tool that lets busy graphic designers, advertisers, web designers, and project managers streamline their workflow and easily collaborate with clients and others to discuss image choices. Use Lightbox Pro Free at www.MediaFocus.com.

Sarasota, FL, September 24, 2008 --(PR.com)-- MediaFocus.com, a supplier of high quality stock photography, just released Lightbox Pro, a free online image selection, collaboration, and communication tool. Lightbox Pro allows users to create a separate lightbox for each individual project, add images from multiple sources, rate images with star rating and flagging system, add notes to each individual image, email a password protected lightbox to a third party for review, give third party the option to add notes and rate images, and much more. Lightbox Pro is a versatile image selection tool that lets busy graphic designers, advertisers, web designers, and project managers streamline their workflow and easily collaborate with clients and other third parties to discuss image choices. The use of Lightbox Pro is free for all Members at MediaFocus.com. Memberships are free as well and offer additional benefits. Complete features and detailed instructions of Lightbox Pro are available at www.MediaFocus.com.

Source: PR.com

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Metadata Working Group Introduces First Specification for Interoperability and Preservation of Metadata in Digital Photography

Adobe, Apple, Canon, Microsoft, Nokia and Sony form Metadata Working Group.

COLOGNE, Germany - Sept. 24, 2008 - At Photokina 2008, industry-leading companies announced the Metadata Working Group, an organization formed in 2007 dedicated to solving key interoperability issues that make finding, organizing and searching for digital photos a challenge. Today, the Metadata Working Group has also introduced its first specification, which provides guidelines designed to increase interoperability and preservation of metadata in digital photographs.

"Lack of metadata interoperability has led to significant frustration for both consumer and pro photographers, and our companies have spent considerable resources trying to deal with the problem," said Josh Weisberg, chairman and founder of the Metadata Working Group and director of Microsoft's Rich Media Group. "Getting these industry leaders together to rally around metadata interoperability is a real turning point, one that we believe will result in technology that's easier for photographers to use. We've been working very hard to produce guidelines that are compatible across all applications, devices and services and that provide best practices for how, when and where metadata should be changed in popular file formats."

Metadata, sometimes referred to as "data about data," is important to digital photography because it allows photographers to tag their digital photos with information such as where and when they were taken. For both professional photographers and consumers, this enables basic activities such as being able to find and share photos. Although the digital photography industry has several metadata standards, these existing standards often overlap in purpose and lack interoperability guidance. The result is that many interoperability scenarios between devices, applications and services are not possible because no clearly defined rules and standards exist to ensure consistent use. The Metadata Working Group's initial guidelines target still photo metadata, with a focus on common consumer uses. The guidelines also identify overlapping content between existing standards and schemas.

"We've chosen to address the most common issues photographers face as we feel this will make the biggest impact for the average photographer," Weisberg said. "Down the road, we will expand our work to include other metadata issues relevant to photographers."

About Metadata Working Group
Based on a 2006 proposal by Microsoft, the Metadata Working Group (MWG) organization was created in 2007 by five founding members: Adobe Systems, Inc., Apple Inc., Canon Inc., Microsoft and Nokia. Sony Corp. joined the organization as a board member in 2008. The group is dedicated to the preservation and seamless interoperability of digital media metadata and to interoperability and availability to all applications, devices and services. For more information, please visit the Metadata Working Group Web site at http://www.metadataworkinggroup.com/.

Member Quotes
"Adobe has been a vocal advocate for greater metadata interoperability starting with our introduction of the XMP metadata format in 2001, and we're glad that XMP could be part of the foundation of these new guidelines," said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for Professional Digital Imaging at Adobe. "We believe that the combined knowledge of the Metadata Working Group member companies has resulted in a practical solution that will make it easier for developers to create products that work well together while preserving valuable information for customers."

"As the world's leading digital camera manufacturer, Canon is always looking for ways to make digital photography easier and more convenient," said Masaya Maeda, chief executive of Image Communication Products Operations at Canon. "The metadata guidelines we've developed through the Metadata Working Group are an important first step in making digital photography more accessible."

"For the great number of people who use Microsoft Windows for digital photography, we feel we have a responsibility to provide powerful products that are easy to use," said David Vaskevich, chief technology officer at Microsoft. "The Metadata Working Group is an important part of the work we're doing to make digital photography products that work well with other applications, devices and services, and ultimately that give photographers more choices."

"Our converged mobile devices and services have become important enablers for people to capture and share their lives," said Timo Ali-Vehmas, vice president of Compatibility & Industry Collaboration at Nokia. "The Metadata Working Group has a pivotal role in creating seamless interoperability of digital image metadata and, therefore, making it easier for consumers to create, find, organize and share their pictures."

"Sony's ongoing vision is to create new user experiences. We consider the Metadata Working Group a great opportunity for the industry to work together to improve the experience for consumers who enjoy digital photography," said Keiichiro Shimada, senior vice president, corporate executive and president of the Technology Development Group at Sony. "By contributing to the activities of the Metadata Working Group, Sony aims to continue to provide attractive digital imaging products and applications to consumers."

Source: Sony

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Alamy plans US office and increases their royalty percentage by 5% in early 2009

Alamy announced today on their blog that they planning to open a US office and increasing their royalty percentage by 5% in early 2009.


You can read the full blog post with a small video by clicking here.

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The Russel Brown Show - CS4 3D Spectral Panorama

Discover how to wrap any image around the inside of a sphere to create a panorama in Photoshop CS4. Then step into this digital space and use some of the new CS4 tools to look around you new world.

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onOne Software Outlines Product Support for Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended

Portland, OR September 24, 2008 - Digital photography software developer outlines product specific support for Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended

onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, today announces that all of their currently shipping Photoshop software plug-ins are already compatible with the new Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended software announced yesterday by Adobe. Specifically, the following Photoshop plug-ins from onOne Software are compatible with Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended.

* Plug-In Suite 4
* Genuine Fractals 5 Print Pro
* Genuine Fractals 5
* PhotoTools 1 Professional Edition
* PhotoTools 1 Standard Edition
* PhotoFrame 4 Professional Edition
* PhotoFrame 4 Standard Edition
* Mask Pro 4.1
* PhotoTune 2.2
* FocalPoint 1

"We're certain that users of our Photoshop plug-ins will find Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended software to be very compelling upgrades," said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. "We're delighted to announce that all of the current versions of our plug-ins are already compatible with both Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended so that our users can continue to maximize the power of Photoshop by simply running the installers they already have after installing Photoshop CS4."

"It's great to see plug-in developers like onOne rally around this latest release of Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended," said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for professional digital imaging at Adobe. "onOne added Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended support to their products quickly, so photographers and designers can easily make the move to one of the most highly anticipated releases of the Photoshop family line. Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended are designed to be open applications, so our partners can easily extend the value of the software and provide more creative and innovative options to the customers we serve."
Installing onOne Software plug-ins with Photoshop CS4

To enable the Photoshop plug-ins listed above to work with Photoshop CS4 or Photoshop CS4 Extended, owners of the products listed above can simply run the installer they already have for the respective plug-in after successfully installing Photoshop CS4 or Photoshop CS4 Extended.
Upgrade Information

Registered owners of previous versions of the onOne Software plug-ins for Photoshop listed above can upgrade to the current version of each plug-in for only $99.95 plus shipping if applicable. Alternately, these users may also upgrade directly to the Plug-In Suite 4 for $399.95, plus shipping if applicable (electronic versions are available for download as well). The Plug-In Suite 4 includes the most recent versions of all onOne Software plug-ins. Upgrades from Plug-In Suite 1, 2 or 3 to the Plug-In Suite 4 are available for $199.95 plus shipping if applicable. More information about onOne Software's upgrade program can be found at http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade.

Source: onOne Software, Inc.

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Time Inc. and Getty Images Jointly Launch LIFE.com

NEW YORK, Sept 23, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- New Site Offers Access to Millions of Iconic Photographs From Getty Images' and LIFE's Combined Photo Collections

3,000 New Contemporary Photos Uploaded Daily from Getty Images

Time Inc. and Getty Images will jointly launch LIFE.com, the companies announced today at the Interactive Advertising Bureau's MIXX Conference in New York City. LIFE.com will be jointly owned and operated by Time Inc. and Getty Images, and will provide access to the most comprehensive iconic and professional photography collections available anywhere online. Andy Blau, president of LIFE and SVP of Time Inc. Interactive, and Catherine Gluckstein, vice president of iStockphoto and Consumer Markets at Getty Images, will serve as CEO and CFO, respectively.

"LIFE.com brings together the two most-recognized brands in photography, making the defining images of our times even more accessible to people everywhere," said Jonathan Klein, co-founder and CEO of Getty Images. "We are thrilled to partner with Time Inc. on the launch of this exciting new venture."

LIFE.com will offer access to thousands of new photographs from Getty Images' award-winning photographers, including today's news, entertainment, sports, celebrities, travel, animals and many others. Consumers will also have access to millions of images from LIFE magazine, many of which have never been seen by the public. The collection contains the historic photos that LIFE published through the decades, in addition to many never-before-seen pictures of Hollywood stars, sports heroes, important people and events from the '30's though the '90's. Getty Images will be providing the majority of images at launch from its comprehensive archival and current collections. More than 3,000 new images will be uploaded daily from Getty Images.

"Image search is the fastest-growing type of online search, and LIFE.com will satisfy the public's desire for quality and relevant imagery through a visually pleasing and easy-to-browse website," says Blau. "Only three percent of the LIFE archive has been seen by the public," says LIFE.com editor Bill Shapiro. "This site will put everything on display. You'll be able to look at the biggest events of yesterday and the stories making news today with just a couple of clicks."

The new site, which was designed with Getty Images' industry-leading search technology, will be easy-to-use and navigate. When the site launches in early 2009, consumers will be able to interact intimately with imagery, including printing select photos, sharing photos with friends and family, playing the popular LIFE Picture Puzzle, creating collections of photos around special interests and purchasing photo albums of user-made collections. Through the site, consumers can view the photos the world is talking about by searching for recently added photos or viewing photos by topic. Searching for and viewing images on the site will be absolutely free.

Source: MarketWatch

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Top-list, Link-List, Webring, Link-Exchange

Top-Lists






Link-Lists

PhotoLinks - The Photography Network, The Photography Directory, ProsPhotos - Photography Website Directory, The Art List, PhotoClicks, Natur & Makrofotografie - Natur Photo Top 100, Top Photographysites, The Photography Toplist,

Webrings and other list

Webring for photo friends

previous page : random : next page : all pages

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Link Exchange

- Internet Business Magazine
- mygall - Kunstdruck 2.0
- PWP Photo Directory

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Techbytes 9/23/08

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day - Techbytes 9/23/08

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World's First Photo-Taking GPS Bike

Yahoo! has created the world's first social networking bike, built with a GPS enabled camera that takes a photo every 60 seconds, geo-tags it and uploads the pictures to Yahoo's photo web site, Flickr. (Sept. 23)

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Image of the Day: Beach Walk

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

Boardwalk at the beach in Laguna Beach California

Keywords:
beach, boardwalk, california, coast, cutcaster, horizon, image of the day, line, ocean, POTD, scenic, sea, seascape, summer, tourism, water, wooden

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Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma SD15, a 14 megapixel (2,652x1,768x3 layers) Digital SLR camera

This camera is the latest model in Sigma’s digital SLR camera SD series, powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor it can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location arranged in three layers.

The developing SD15 incorporates the "TRUE II" new image processing engine. It provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail. Incorporation of the large 3.0 inch LCD monitor and improved processing speed provide ease of operation of the camera.

Development of the SD15
Since October 2002, Sigma has introduced three digital SLR cameras, the SD9, SD10 and SD14 to the market. In March 2008 Sigma also introduced a high-end compact digital camera, the DP1 which uses the same large image sensor as is featured in Sigma’s digital SLR cameras. They have established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. Photographers expressed a desire to incorporate the image processing engine "TRUE", which is used in the DP1, into a digital SLR camera. In order to meet this demand, the SD15, with high resolution direct image sensor, has been designed around the new "TRUE II" image processing engine. This combination delivers superior image quality as well as improved processing speed, operation and performance.

Source: Sigma

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Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2, a 14 megapixel high definition digital camera, packing the full spec of a DSLR ...

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2, a 14 megapixel high definition digital camera, packing the full spec of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera.

The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2 compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR.

Sigma introduced the DP1 with a direct image sensor as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR to the market in March 2008 as a “unique, groundbreaking, compact digital camera with all the power of a digital SLR”. The multi award winning DP1 has established strong support from a wide range of photographers both amateur and professional. Building on this success, the DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, for increasing creative possibilities and superior image quality, improving handling and performance.

Click here for more details >>

Click here for DP2 Special Site >>

Source: SIGMA

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Lexar Enhances Digital Photography Experience by Increasing Speed of Popular Professional 133x Line Memory Cards to 233x

New CompactFlash Cards Deliver Workflow-Enhancing Benefits for the Growing Number of Photographers Who Have Embraced Digital SLR Cameras

Fremont, CA, September 23, 2008 -- Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, announced today that it has enhanced the performance of its Professional line of CompactFlash® (CF) memory cards to 233x, a significant speed advancement over the line's previous speed-rating of 133x. The Lexar Professional 233x CF memory cards are now UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) enabled and capable of minimum-sustained read and write speeds of 35MB per second - a considerable improvement over the previous read and write speeds of 20MB per second. These exceptionally fast cards are available in three popular capacities, including 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB, and deliver professional-level performance for a wider range of digital SLR users, including professionals and photo enthusiasts seeking high-capacity and high-speed performance. Lexar Professional 233x CF cards also greatly improve digital imaging workflow and convenience by reducing the time needed to transfer images from the card to the host computer. The new cards are also complemented by the line of Lexar Professional UDMA-compatible high-speed card readers. For more information about Lexar Professional 233x CF cards, please visit www.lexar.com.

"With the recent surge in popularity of digital SLR cameras, professional photographers and photo enthusiasts require flash memory cards that not only safely store all of their images, but also are fast enough to keep pace with rapid shooting," said Greg Agustin, senior product marketing manager, Lexar. "The new Lexar Professional 233x CF cards provide the reliability, speed, and capacity photographers require to shoot continuously and confidently, while improving post-production workflow capabilities."

The Professional 233x CF line enhances the performance of the broad Lexar Professional line, which includes Lexar Professional 300x CF products ranging from 2GB to 16GB in capacity, and Lexar Professional Secure Digital 133x products ranging from 2GB to 8GB. With this enhancement to the line, Lexar provides improved performance and choice of capacity throughout its Professional memory card offering.

The new Lexar Professional 233x CF cards include a limited lifetime warranty, free dedicated technical support, and the full version of Lexar Image Rescue™ 3, Lexar's award-winning image recovery software. Lexar Professional 233x CF memory cards will be available in October.

Lexar will be displaying the Professional 233x CF cards at Photokina 2008 at stand F022 E023 in hall 04.1.

Source: Lexar

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Zymmetrical News: Message Forum Tuned Up

Our Message Forums just got an extensive overhaul, with the goal to make it an absolutely comfortable place to communicate in - whether it's a suggestion or question about the site directed at us, or shooting the breeze with fellow Creatives.

What is shiny and new:
- New search capabilities multiple filter and criteria options.
- Points and rewards system.
- Improved forum navigation with AJAX Printer friendly option for topics.
- Email topic to a friend.
- Tag topics with keywords.
- Who’s Online with up to the minute accuracy.
- Improved upload capabilities for topic attachments.
- Use Quick Reply to quote multiple replies from multiple pages.
- Quickly jump to first unread post or the last post of a topic.
- Option to hide avatars and signatures of other users.
- Improved topic status capabilities.
- Improved method for creating polls.
- Improved support for mobile devices.
- Email notifications are sent as plaintext and html.
- CAPTCHA support to prevent spam from anonymous users.
- Automatically detect URLs in posts and convert to links.
- Automatically reduce the size of extra long links.
- Numerous performance improvements.

If you haven't participated yet, come on down and get involved - Zymmetrical thrives on your individual expertise and personality.

Source: Zymmetrical

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Phase One delivers unprecedented creative options for pro photographers

More freedom and creative opportunities for professional photographers following technical breakthroughs and successful alliances

COLOGNE, PHOTOKINA 2008, Sept. 23, 2008 -- Phase One today introduces pioneering advances in medium format digital photography that offer professional photographers more opportunity to perfect the moment of image capture, and reduce post processing work.

Phase One is demonstrating the following products that will ship in volume during Q4 2008 -- Booth B1, Hall 4.2.

• Advanced digital image capture. Sensor+ technology establishes a new paradigm for medium
format camera systems. For the first time, photographers can choose to shoot at either 15 or 60.5 megapixels at full frame, with no change in sensor coverage. In addition Sensor+ will add higher light sensitivity.
• Capture One 4 PRO workflow software. Achieves the highest level of image quality possible in
RAW processing.
• Extended lens range for Phase One 645 camera system. Successful alliances with Leica Camera, Mamiya and Hartblei are yielding high-quality optics with a growing range of available lenses. Now includes Phase One Classic one year or Value Added 3-year warranty.

SENSOR+ TECHNOLOGY
The Phase One P 65+ operates at a capture rate of up to 1 frame per second with a resolution of
60.5 MP resolution and the industry’s largest live capture area (53.9mm x 40.4). It offers a sensitivity range from 50 to 1600 ISO. Intelligent image compression technology (IIQ) produces choice of small 40 MB or large 60 MB RAW files.

Built into the P 65+, Sensor+ technology offers a capture mode by which photographers can “dial
down” to 15 MP resolution (pixel size 12 x 12 microns) and gain an ISO range of 100 to 1600 with smaller file sizes (ranging from small 10 MB to large 15 MB RAW files) for faster post processing.

CAPTURE ONE 4 PRO puts the photographer in control
Newly architected Capture One 4 PRO allows photographers to enhance and develop RAW digital files with excellent color and detail reproduction.

Unlike other imaging software, Capture One PRO does not enforce an arbitrary workflow. Rather, this application enables you to customize your menu, building the interface and custom palettes that best suit your work style or situation.

New or enhanced features include:

Lens enhancement tools solve distortion, sharpness falloff, light falloff and can produce customizable vignetting for creative effects.

Selective Color provides an intuitive toolset for customizing image colors to perfection.

With the all-new Skin Tone tool photographers can easily set and reproduce skin tones shot under a variety of light conditions even without using a gray card.

A redesigned Styles feature enables photographers to explore and create unique “looks” and to
reproduce them consistently with ease.

Capture One and Expression Media software are being demonstrated together at the Microsoft
booth Hall 04.1 Stand H049 G031.

NEW LENS RANGE
In addition to the Phase One 3.5/45 mm Tilt-Shift lens introduced earlier this month, Phase One is announcing a new lineup of high-quality lenses optimized for high resolution digital capture, including: 28mm f4.5, 45mm f2.8, 80mm f2.8, 120mm f4.0, 150mm f2.8, 75-150mm f4.5 zoom. These lenses are supported by the industry’s most comprehensive, advanced warranty and support program.

Phase One is also demonstrating a new 80 mm leafshutter lens, vertical grip, and additional accessories for the Phase One 645 camera system, that will be available Q109.

Pricing and Availability
Phase One P 65+ digital camera systems are expected in Q4 2008. The P 65+ digital back starts
at 39,900 USD, 29.990 EUR; the P 65+ camera system starts at 41,990 USD, 31.990 EUR.

Capture One PRO customers can upgrade to Capture One 4 PRO at no extra cost. For new customers, it is 399 USD and 299 EUR through Phase One’s e-shop. Capture One PRO release is
planned for October 15, 2008.

Volume shipments of lenses will begin Q4 2008. The 80mm leafshutter lens will begin shipping
Q109.

Source: PhaseOne

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HP Debuts Solutions to Accelerate Growing Digital Photo and Publishing Marketplace

COLOGNE, Germany - HP today announced the newest additions to its digital photography portfolio, designed to empower customers to do more with their digital assets across the printing ecosystem at retail, online or at home.

The technologies are being demonstrated in the HP booth in Hall 4.1 at Photokina 2008, one of the world’s largest photography tradeshows for consumers, professionals and retailers. Highlights include:

* The HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer – a professional photography solution that allows creative professionals and print service providers (PSPs) to produce gallery-quality black-and-white and color prints, photographs, art enlargements, digital designs and high-accuracy proofs. This new printer supports more than 50 Original HP large-format printing materials designed together with HP Vivera pigment inks, including the new HP Baryte Satin Art Paper.
* An extended HP Raster Image Processor (RIP) Certification Program to include the HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer. The program helps to align essential user performance expectations and the unique capabilities of the printer series for a wide range of large-format printing applications.
* The HP Indigo press 5500, HP’s best-selling digital press, has been enhanced with options to facilitate greater productivity, including an additional feeder, an in-line connection to the HP Indigo UV Coater and a kit for enabling printing on thicker media.
* European availability of recent additions to HP’s line of retail publishing solutions including the HP Photo Center PS3500, which incorporates the HP Photosmart ML1000 Minilab printer, the HP Photosmart PM2000e Microlab printer, and the HP Photosmart CL2000 Creative Printer. HP Retail Publishing Solutions help transform retailers’ traditional photo labs into publishing centers, which, in addition to prints, can produce rich digital media, including creative photo products and new forms of output.
* Expansion of HP’s portfolio of consumer-focused products that can be created and ordered in-store or at home through the online photo service Snapfish by HP, for retail pickup. This includes new additions to the Snapfish by HP photo collage collection, which turns treasured memories into the perfect gift for family and friends. Recently introduced in the United States and Europe, these new collage products include posters, prints, mugs and mouse pads.
* The HP Photosmart B8550 Photo Printer – a complete home printing solution featuring a new, affordable five-ink printing system that is ideal for producing large-format prints while maintaining the versatility of an everyday home printer.
* The HP Scanjet G3110 Photo Scanner – a scanning solution that makes it easy to preserve, share and archive photos, slides, negatives, documents and 3-D objects.

HP also highlighted customer and partner agreements for its home and large-format printing solutions, including:

* HP announced a partnership in July with department store Real, owned by METRO AG – one of Germany’s largest retailers – to provide self-service photo solutions in 300 of its stores across the country.
* Europe’s leading photo and telecom distributor, Swains International PLC, recently launched a new company – Retail Photo Solutions Ltd. – which will sell digital, dry retail publishing solutions from HP to the U.K. market.
* An exclusive agreement with custom book publisher Blurb to produce all of its offerings using HP Indigo presses. Standardization on the HP Indigo platform assures Blurb customers that their books will be fulfilled using the latest digital technology available.
* A collaboration between HP and Nikon to enable a simplified workflow in fine art reproduction with the Nikon D3 camera and the new HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer, using HP Artist Software technology.
* A combined offering from HP and Microsoft: beginning in 2009, HP will feature Windows® Live Photo Gallery and HP Creative Print Projects across the HP Photosmart and HP Deskjet consumer printing portfolios. This offering will allow users to print, share, organize and edit a wide array of creative print projects at home, such as photo books, collages, cards and calendars.

“The transition from analog to digital presents significant market opportunities for print service providers and creates opportunities for professional photographers and consumers to bring rich content to life,” said Michael Hoffmann, senior vice president, Graphics Solutions Business, HP. “Today’s announcements enhance HP’s portfolio of innovative digital photography solutions and services to enable this transformation of the photography industry and help customers create, access, manage and publish their content.”

More information regarding HP’s announcements at Photokina 2008 is available in an online press kit at www.hp.com/go/GSBfall08.

Source: HP

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