Software: PhotoME New Version 0.79R17

PhotoME is a powerful freeware that shows meta data and make it possible to edit the meta data of image files. The well organized layout makes it possible to analyse and modify Exif and IPTC-NAA data as well as analyses ICC profiles. Some of the features are:

- Support of Exif tags (Specification v2.21)
- Support of IPTC-NAA tags (Specification v4.1)
- Reading support of ICC profile data (Specification v4.2.0.0)
- Support JPEG, TIFF, GIF, PNG, Digital Negative RAW and all common camera RAW file types
- Support of Maker Notes of Canon, Nikon, Pentax, ...
- Support of manufacturer-defined data formats
- Visually show AF points
- Support of GPS data and locating in Google Earth, on Google Maps and 13 other mapping services
- Integration in the Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, ThunderBird, SeaMonkey, Netscape 9, Flock and Opera
- Quick Launch buttons to start linked graphic applications
- Support to display Thumbnail images
- Histogram function with single channel view
- Explorer integration
- File Drag&Drop out of the Explorer
- File browser
- Text output
- Import & Export of Exif- and IPTC-NAA-data for later import
- Online update function
- Descriptions to many Exif and IPTC-NAA tags
- XML based
- Multilingual (English, German, Spanish, Czech, Dutch, French, Italian and Turkish)

For more information and to download the program go to http://photome.de/home_en.html

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Tech Bytes 10/31/08

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day - Tech Bytes 10/31/08

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Image of the Day: Wind Wheel

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

A round and colorful wind wheel made from fabric.

Keywords:
blowing, circle, colored, colors, colour, curve, cutcaster, Detail, fun, image of the day, inwheel, joy, multicolored, nobody, plastic, play, POTD, rainbow, spin

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Tech Bytes 10/30/08

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day - Tech Bytes 10/30/08

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Stands at PICTA 2009 Available

Hamburg (GERMANY), OCTOBER 2008 - For the PICTA 2009, there are still stands available : usual stands as well as "stands for a day". A 'stand for a day' is an offer to agencies as well as to visitors that want to be present on business but do not intend to be present on all days of the fair. The price for members of the BVPA (German National Picture Association) is 450 Euro and for non-members 1.320 Euro per day and person.


Registration is open untill 15th November 2008.
Information for registration and further material is available here:
* http://www.luckwaldtmessen.de/index.php?page=picta
* http://www.bvpa.org/PICTA.php

Source: CEPIC

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Software: FotoSketcher New Version 1.7

A new version of FotoSketcher - the free program to turn your pictures into pieces of art - is now available. The interface receive a major update. It is clearer, prettier, more responsive, and includes an icon bar. Other new features are:

- batch processing
- load and save drawing parameters
- drag and drop image file on the application icon
- drag and drop image file on the source image pane
- optimised median filter (painting 3 rendering is now twice as fast)
- realistic frames
- add text to the drawing (signature, date, description...)
- possibility to cancel an operation
- no more freezes
- faster 'increase colour saturation' algorithm
- smooth resize source image to any size
- drag images with the mouse

You can find more information and download the program at http://www.fotosketcher.com

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JUPITERIMAGES ANNOUNCES SINGLE IMAGE PURCHASE OPTION FOR ALL RESOLUTIONS ON PHOTOS.COM PLUS

Half of All Downloads on Photos.com Plus Now from Stockxpert Contributors

(New York, NY - October 30, 2008) -- Jupiterimages, a division of Jupitermedia Corporation (Nasdaq: JUPM), today announced that its leading photo subscription Web site Photos.com will now sell images at all resolutions on a single image basis. In August, Photos.com introduced the first stock image subscription to combine user-generated content with professionally shot images. Single image prices will range from $5.00 for multimedia resolution images (1-2 MB) up to $70.00 for ultra resolution images (50 MB). No credits are required to purchase these images.

The user-generated content on Photos.com is supplied by Stockxpert (www.stockxpert.com), a leading source for community created content (Stockxpert is also owned by Jupiterimages). Since introducing the groundbreaking Photos.com Plus subscription in August, overall Stockxpert contributor royalties have increased by 11%. Stockxpert images also represent over half of all Photos.com Plus subscription downloads, and 31% of all Photos.com pay-per-downloads. Contributors receive a 30% commission for all single image purchases.

"Jupiterimages continues to demonstrate its unique ability to innovate and lead the industry by leveraging content across its portfolio of sites to create value for contributors and customers alike," said Alan M. Meckler, Chairman and CEO of Jupitermedia Corporation. "The introduction of single image sales at all resolutions represents a tremendous revenue opportunity for Stockxpert contributors by delivering their images to a large base of established customers. Creative professionals and image buyers can now choose from the leading subscription options or buy just the few images they need at an affordable price without having to first purchase credits."

Source: Jupitermedia

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE TO AWARD 3RD ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY GRANT

Magazine to target professional photographers in selection process

WASHINGTON (Oct. 27, 2008)—From Nov. 1, professional still photographers can apply for a $50,000 photography grant from National Geographic magazine. Offered for the third year, the grant, part of the magazine's ongoing commitment to documentary photojournalism, will be accompanied by guidance on a project undertaken by the photographer who is selected.

Any professional photographer whose primary source of income is his or her photography is eligible. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2009. The application process will require a written statement outlining a proposed or current project and examples of the applicant's photography. The work presented should demonstrate an ability to competently photograph the project being undertaken or proposed.

"We will be looking for a photographic project that improves our understanding and appreciation of the unique world in which we live," said David Griffin, NGM's director of photography.

Last year's grantee was Jonas Bendiksen, who is documenting the population explosion in Chongqing, a city in western China. The 2006 grantee, Eugene Richards, has covered people profoundly affected by the conflict in Iraq.

For complete details about the photography grant, rules and application, visit ngm.com/photogrant.

National Geographic magazine has a long tradition of combining on-the-ground reporting with award-winning photography to inform people about life on our planet. In 2008 it won three National Magazine Awards, for General Excellence, Photojournalism and Reporting. In 2007 it won two National Magazine Awards, for General Excellence and Photography. Its Web site won a 2008 Webby Award for best magazine Web site.

The magazine is the official journal of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit educational and scientific organizations. Published in English and 31 local-language editions, the magazine has a global circulation of around 8 million. It is sent each month to National Geographic members and is available on newsstands for $4.95 a copy. Single copies can be ordered by calling (800) NGS-LINE, also the number to call to apply for membership in the Society. The magazine's Web site is at NGM.nationalgeographic.com.

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Image of the Day: Otter

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

Otter balancing on a piece of wood looking at the water.

Keywords:
Animal, cutcaster, endangered, european, image of the day, mammal, Nature, otter, paws, POTD, predator, water, whiskers, wild, Wildlife, zoo

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Tech Bytes 10/29/08

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day - Tech Bytes 10/29/08

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Photographers with Digital Railroad Archives need to take immediate action

Today, an announcement was posted to the Digital Railroad web site that operations have shut down and the site may only be accessible for another 24 hours.

Visitors to DRR.net are now greeted with this notice: We're sorry to inform you that Digital Railroad (DRR) has shut down. On October 15th we reported that the company had reduced its staff and was aggressively pursuing additional financing and/or a strategic partner. Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful. Therefore Digital Railroad has been forced to suspend all operations. This archive may only be accessible for the next 24 hours.

SAA recommends that any photographer with a DRR archive act without delay to:

Ensure that all of your files and data are backed up.

Download all details of licenses made with outstanding royalties due.

Download a list of all registered users who have accessed your Archive.

Check that any monthly or annual fees do not continue to be billed to your credit card.

SAA is greatly concerned about the status of outstanding royalties due to photographers from DRR's Marketplace stock portal, as well as the manner in which this closure has been handled, giving loyal customers no reasonable advance warning or support. We will continue to monitor the situation and try to assist in any way we can on behalf of photographers.

Betsy Reid
SAA executive director

Source: CEPIC

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Why Images Are Rejected For Limited Commercial Value

Most of us contributors in microstock will receive this rejection reason from time to time:

Limited Commercial Value. We do not need this image at this time.

"No! ... That is not a helpful rejection reason! ... What should I do better? ..."

Well, there are many thought that go through your mind when reading this rejection reason. Shutterstock has a very good article this month about this massage. They did a very good job explaining this rejection reason, so that whoever will receive it also will learn from it.

read Shutterstock article: Why Images Are Rejected For Limited Commercial Value

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Book: The Digital Photography Companion

The Digital Photography Companion
Author: Derrick Story

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
The Digital Photography Companion gives you creative tips and technical advice for taking top-notch digital photos in a wide range of conditions. Professional photographer and teacher Derrick Story gives you plenty of examples of how to capture great shots of people, places, landscapes, and more.

Five Fun Photography Tips by Derrick Story, Author of The Digital Photography Companion

1) Produce Do-It-Yourself Product Shots:There are two ways to shoot items using tabletop photography: the hard way and the easy way. The hard way involves multiple studio lights, softboxes, umbrellas, and seamless backdrop paper. Professionals use this equipment to produce outstanding images for commercial advertising and high-end editorial work. But if you just want a nice picture of your old film camera to sell on eBay, you probably don’t want to set up an entire studio. So here’s the easy way: Find a window that you can set up a table next to. North-facing windows are great, but not necessary for this type of shooting. Cover the surface with white paper, and if you can, create a white backdrop too. This will be your work area. Put your camera on a tripod (or another stable surface) and adjust it so it’s facing the item that you want to photograph on the table. Move both the subject and the camera to achieve the best lighting possible via the open window. Once everything is in place, make a tabletop reflector out of white cardboard, or cardboard (or another rigid material) covered with aluminum foil. Position the reflector opposite the light source (window) so it bounces light onto the shadowy side of the item. Set the white balance to Cloudy and put your camera on self-timer. Now trip the timer and stand back. After 10 seconds or so, the camera will take the shot for you to review. Continue refining your setup until you get the shot you want. This simple setup can produce studio-like results with a fraction the cost or effort. Give it a try.

2) Use Sunglasses as a Polarizing Filter: Point and shoot cameras are the height of convenience, but not always versatility. Case in point is when you want to mount a polarizing filter to saturate the sky or reduce glare. There’s no where to put it! But that doesn’t mean your pictures are doomed to the blinding glare of a reflective world. You can, instead, remove those stylish neutral gray polarizing glasses from your head and place them in front of the camera lens. Quality sunglasses make great polarizing filters for compact cameras. Make sure that the lens of your sunglasses completely covers the front glass element of your camera. You’ll get best results when the sun is aligned along your shoulders. You don’t believe it works? Then take two shots, one with the sunglasses and the other without. You be the judge.

3) Devise a Shower Cap Inclement Weather Protector: The perfect travel companion for compact shooters is the hotel shower cap. These free accessories are the perfect rain protectors when you want to go outside and get the shot. Just poke a hole in the middle of the cap for the lens to protrude through, put your hands through the “stretchy” opening, and let the elastic close tight around your wrists. You now have a water resistant cover that enables you to work all of the controls--perfect for those shots of the kids splashing water in the gutter on a rainy day.

4) Preview Your Shots in B&W: Many cameras have a Black & White mode that enables you to capture grayscale images. This type of photography can be quite beautiful and is often considered artistic. The problem with B&W mode is that grayscale images are your only option. You may think you only want Black & White at the wedding reception... until the bride asks for color versions too weeks later. I recommend that you capture your pictures in color, then convert copies of them to B&W. That way you have all of your options open. But there’s still value to B&W mode, even if you choose to capture in color. It can help you preview your compositions in grayscale on the camera’s LCD monitor. By doing so, you can better compose your scene for the best Black & White output later on while working on your computer. Not to mention that it’s quite fun.

5) Tennis Ball Tripod Feet: Have you ever tried to use a tripod in the sand? You might as well be trying to steady your camera on chopsticks in rice. But you can bring stability to the situation, Buy a can of tennis balls, cut an “X” slit in each one, and slip them over the feet of your tripod. They will provide a much steadier platform for your three-legged friend.

Product Description
Are you ready to take photos that reflect your creative spirit, rather than just another set of snapshots? Then you want this book in your camera bag. Well-organized so you can look up topics quickly, The Digital Photography Companion gives you creative tips and technical advice for taking top-notch digital photos in a wide range of conditions, and for a variety of occasions. In other words, this book will help you make pictures that look better than everyone else's.

Professional photographer and teacher Derrick Story, whose online tips and podcasts at The Digital Story (www.thedigitalstory.com) have made him a popular photography blogger, gives you plenty of examples of how to capture great shots of people, places, landscapes, and more. He also provides a complete summary on camera features, tips for printing, sharing your images, and an overview of photo management applications.

Chapters include:

* What is It? -- Choose the right camera (DSLRs, compact cameras, or hybrids) and get a rundown on all of the typical features they offer, such as face detection, image stabilizers, diopter adjustment, focus assist light, RAM buffer, and more.


* How Does it Work? -- This A-Z guide of digital camera controls explains everything from Aperture Value (Av) Mode and Autoexposure to White Balance, the Zoom/Magnify Control, and everything in between.


* Shoot Like a Pro -- Advice for a variety of photographic adventures, such as capturing existing light portraits, creating powerful landscape images, and shooting fireworks, underwater portraits, infrared photos, and more, along with lighting and filter tricks.


* I've Taken Great Pictures, Now What? -- You get complete advice for sharing your photos, converting from color to balck & white and more, plus an overview of photo management applications, from Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to Apple iPhoto.


* Printing Made Easy -- Printing doesn't have to be a painful experience. Learn various options, including direct printing without a computer, ordering out, and selecting the right inkjet printer for home (and what to do with it once you get it there.).

You also get an appendix with Quick Reference Tables, as well as other useful tables scattered throughout the book.

The Digital Photography Companion offers you friendly advice so you can try techniques that may never have occurred to you -- approaches that will bring you more of what you're looking for when you click the shutter: Great looking pictures!

About the Author
Derrick Story is the digital media evangelist for O'Reilly, as well as the author of Digital Photography Hacks and Digital Photography Pocket Guide. You can listen to his photo podcasts and read his tips at The Digital Story. Aperture fans might want to check out his co-authored video training on Lynda.com titled, Aperture 1.5 Beyond the Basics.

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Computers controlled by gesture?

Computer users of the future could use gestures or even their minds to control their machines.

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Website: Splashup

Splashup is an online image editor. It is very Photoshop like with its drop-down, menus, floating tools palettes, and layer mode. Impressive for an only editor is that you can select part of an image and apply an effect to it alone. Unfortunately for the moment there is no help function and the selection of filters is small. For now it only connect to sites Facebook, Flickr, and Picasa.

http://splashup.com/

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Image of the Day: Fractal 30 brown star

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: Fractal 30 brown star
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Beautiful flows of brown colors build this fractal.

Keywords:
abstraction, artwork, backdrop, brown, color, colorful, complex, cutcaster, dynamic, effect, fractal, fractals, generated, image of the day, lines, mathematics, POTD, render, science, surreal

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Nikon Podcast #15: PhotoPlus Expo 2008

Join our host Mark Ellwood as he captures the sights, sounds and excitement surrounding Nikon's booth at this year's PhotoPlus Expo. Features interviews with booth attendees, media, professional photographers and more! Music composed by Frank Ferrucci.

Listen to Nikon Podcast #15

Source: Nikon

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FUJIFILM LAUNCHES SEEHERE.COM THE NEXT GENERATION IN ONLINE PHOTO SITES

Photo Sharing, Storage and Specialty Ordering Create Comprehensive Digital Photo Experience

VALHALLA, N.Y., October 22, 2008 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., today launched a new evolution in online photo sharing and printing, SeeHere.com. Designed to offer users the most comprehensive digital photo experience on the Internet, SeeHere.com fosters a creative environment where people can share, organize, customize, blog about, design gifts and do just about anything their imaging imagination allows.

"We know that people now use multiple photo web sites to store and share their photos and order prints and gifts. SeeHere.com provides them with all the tools they need in one easy-to-navigate web site," said Joan Rutherford, Vice President, Marketing Web for the Imaging Division of Fujifilm U.S.A. Inc. "The launch of SeeHere.com is consistent with Fujifilm’s long-held belief that, as a leader in the imaging industry, we have a responsibility to promote the enjoyment and power of the photographic image."

With SeeHere.com, users control the creative process. A unique free-form composer tool allows users to adjust the template to decide how many photos to use, select the size, color and orientation of the text, and choose from a selection of backgrounds, effects and decorations. Sharing is simple, too: in just a few clicks users can turn their web albums into customizable web pages with their own URL.

Prints, Photo Gifts, Photo Books, Calendars, Greeting Cards
SeeHere.com offers a full array of print and poster sizes, personalized photo gifts, calendars and photo books along with a broad range of contemporary greeting cards for all occasions. Using the free-form composer tool, each product can be designed to be as unique as the person creating them.

Sharing
SeeHere.com lets users create their own personally designed photo web pages, photo blogs or photo gallery pages in three simple steps:
Step One: Upload photos to create a web album
Step Two: Click to share the web album
Step Three: Type in your URL, set your permissions and share.
Friends and family can now view the photos and, if granted permission, they can upload their photos, make comments and order gifts and prints.

SeeHere Desktop Software
SeeHere.com also offers SeeHere Desktop, desk-top software that lets the user create the complete range of photo gifts and photo books, even when they’re not online – convenient for saving projects and working on projects while commuting or traveling. As soon as the user is back online the order is sent seamlessly to SeeHere.com for processing.

For more information, please visit: www.seehere.com.

Source: FUJIFILM

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Image of the Day: Woman Wearing Hat

Image by Henrik Lehnerer
Title: Woman Wearing Hat
You may buy this image under license at Cutcaster.

Portrait of a beautiful young woman with blond hair.

Keywords:
blond, cutcaster, eyes, female, hair, image of the day, POTD, woman, young

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Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure by Mikkel Aaland

Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure (Paperback)
Author: Mikkel Aaland

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This beautifully illustrated and eminently practical book offers a complete tour of Lightroom 2, the integrated digital photography workflow application that allows serious photographers to import, select, develop and showcase large volumes of digital images. Augmented by photos and case studies from a demanding road test in Tasmania, award-winning photographer Mikkel Aaland explains how Lightroom can improve the way you work.

After watching -- and often helping -- Adobe create Lightroom entirely from the ground up, Aaland (author of Photoshop CS3 RAW) decided to try it out in the field. He organized a group of top-notch photographers for a trek to Tasmania, the exotic island south of mainland Australia, where the only studio was Lightroom on a laptop. In Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure, Aaland uses hands-on knowledge from the trip to demonstrate how Lightroom can help you create the best possible image under any conditions.

This unique tutorial walks you step-by-step through Lightroom's:

* Library module for uploading, sorting, tagging, ranking and adding keywords to your images
* Develop module with Adobe Camera RAW for complete non-destructive color and tonal adjustments
* Slideshow module, where you select and size images, and export the show to HTML, Flash, or PDF formats
* Print module, which includes several templates for printing contact sheets or full images
* Web module, where you can create Flash or HTML web galleries



With many gorgeous examples shot in the exotic wilds of Tasmania, this book lets you see the results for yourself. Mikkel Aaland's trademark ability to teach complicated topics on digital imaging with straightforward, easy-to-follow text makes this book a valuable learning tool for anyone serious about digital photography.

About the Author
Mikkel Aaland is an award winning photographer and author of 12 books on digital photography, including Photoshop RAW (now in its second edition) and the first Lightroom Adventure (Iceland) edition. Mikkel is a prominent figure in the Lightroom community and with the adventure concept has established a strong place on Adobe's radar for this product. He's presented on Lightroom for Adobe at Photokina and Photo Plus Expo, and he taught the Lightroom 2-day seminar at this year's Macworld.

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SONY ANNOUNCES PRO-PHOTOGRAPHER PROGRAM

NEW YORK (PhotoPlus Expo #1018), Oct. 23, 2008 – Sony today unveiled its professional photographer program at the PhotoPlus Expo tradeshow.

Based on synergies between their unique styles of photography and Sony’s line of α (alpha) cameras, Sony hand-selected five professional photographers to be included in its first-ever professional photographe program. These pro-photographers—Andy Katz, David McLain, Christina Mittermeier, Brian Smith and Matthew Jordan Smith—have recently been using the alpha (model DSLR-A900) camera and an assorment of lenses.

By following their unique visions, each of the photographers created the images in a gallery that is on display today at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York City’s Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Visit Sony’s news and information site (www.sony.com/news/photoplus08) to find out more about the professional photography program, digital photo frames and SnapLab™ products unveiled at PhotoPlus.

Source: SONY

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DP1 Guide book now available

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce the availability of the DP1 Guide book, one of the Magic Lantern series of CAMERA guide books, published by Lark Books. It is written by well known writer/photographer Jason Schneider, who describes in depth how to get the most from the DP1 camera. It is profusely illustrated and bears the distinction of being the first Magic lantern guide book published in color. The MSRP is $12.95.

Source: SIGMA

Editorial Review by Amazon:

- The founding editor-in-chief of Popular Photography magazine brings his authority on camera design and technology to this complete guide toon the world’s first digital compact camera with an “SLR-sized” sensor.

- Packed with shooting advice and insider tips on making the most of this unique camera, this is a must for all DP1 users. *(Please note that this does not include wallet card.)

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CANON STRENGTHENS ITS LINE OF LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND GRAPHIC ARTS

New imagePROGRAF iPF6200, 12-Color, 24-Inch Large Format Printer Offers A New Level Of Versatility and Value for Printing Professionals

PhotoPlus 2008, New York, October 23, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of office imaging systems, inkjet technology and digital photography equipment, today unveiled the new imagePROGRAF iPF6200, a 24-inch wide large format printer using 12 colors of LUCIA pigment ink, designed for photographic and graphic arts professionals.

The iPF6200 is the latest addition to Canon's successful line of imagePROGRAF printers. The iPF6200 utilizes Canon's groundbreaking LUCIA color pigment ink, offering an extremely large color gamut and optimized for printing digital photographic imagery. Based on the award-winning iPF6100 platform, the iPF6200 includes a professional-grade software RIP, and an internal hard drive to create a streamlined workflow that is required by photographic professionals, making the iPF6200 an unbeatable value in its class.

The included RIP software is EFI's Colorproof eXpress, specifically designed for graphic arts professionals. Running on both Macintosh and Windows (including Vista) platforms, this RIP software controls ink in all 11-channels, yielding prints that utilize the widest color gamut possible out of the printer. The core of the RIP software is a genuine Adobe® PostScript® engine, and it accepts a wide range of file formats such as PS, PDF, TIFF, JPEG, and PSD directly. Colorproof eXpress provides an array of functionality that enhances the performance of the printer including hot folder workflow, remote job processing and one-click spot color handling, just to name a few. The installation process for the RIP is extremely simple thanks to the easy-to-use wizard, allowing the printer to be up and running within minutes. The program's intuitive interface allows the end user to be printing jobs correctly and accurately within a matter of minutes, while still ensuring the highest quality output that satisfy the most demanding and critical customers.

"Building upon the foundation set by our award-winning iPF6100, the new imagePROGRAF iPF6200 will offer photographic and graphic arts printing professionals an affordable printing solution without compromising quality or speed," said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. "In today's on-demand world, quick and consistent turn around times on printing jobs is essential, and the iPF6200 provides printing environments with the essential tools to stay ahead of the competition."

Ideally suited for commercial printing environments, the printer's internal 80GB hard drive allows the reprinting of jobs directly from the hard drive, effectively reducing the time needed to reprint from a workstation. The content of the hard drive can be accessed remotely via a built-in Web server using a browser for quick and easy job retrieval.

The iPF6200 utilizes the same world renowned 12-color printing engine as the iPF6100, offering up to 24-inch roll paper and the ability to print on cut sheet paper. A myriad of professional paper types are supported including popular photo luster, premium matte, as well as fine art photo rag. For example, a 23.6 inch x 33.1 inch size photographic image can be printed in just over 6 minutes* at a "High" image quality setting (2400 x 1200 dots-per-inch) on a photo luster paper. The printer is capable of borderless printing on roll paper, producing prints that are frame-ready, significantly reducing the workload on the production staff.

As photographers most commonly utilize Adobe® Photoshop® as a key component of their photographic workflow, the iPF6200 comes standard with the Print Plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop®. This Print Plug-in allows for a more simplified, color-managed printing workflow of digital images directly from Photoshop. Another new Canon innovation included with the iPF6200 is the Print Plug-in for Microsoft® Office, which provides the ability to add a large-format printing menu to the Microsoft® Office toolbar. This wizard-based extension simplifies large-format printing from Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint to the iPF6200.**

In addition to the host of new software applications that make large-format printing easier, the iPF6200 comes with PosterArtist 2008 Lite, an easy-to-use poster creation program that comes with a large variety of professionally designed poster templates and hundreds of clipart and stock images. With a few simple clicks, existing templates or new posters can be created right out of the box. For more advanced features, there is an option to purchase the full version of PosterArtist 2008, which includes more robust functionality including an automated design feature, image correction, variable data printing and more. To learn more about PosterArtist 2008 please visit : www.usa.canon.com/posterartist.

The imagePROGRAF iPF6200 printer is available immediately through authorized Canon U.S.A. dealers with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $3,495, including EFI Colorproof eXpress, a stand and a basket. With the introduction of the iPF6200, the new MSRP for the imagePROGRAF iPF6100 is $2,795.

Source: Canon U.S.A.

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JUPITERMEDIA CORPORATION SIGNS AGREEMENT TO SELL JUPITERIMAGES FOR $96 MILLION IN CASH

(New York, NY - October 23, 2008) -- Jupitermedia Corporation (Nasdaq: JUPM) ("Jupitermedia") announced today that it has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to sell its Online Images business to Getty Images, Inc. for an aggregate purchase price of $96 million in cash. Under the terms of and subject to the conditions set forth in the stock purchase agreement, Jupitermedia has agreed to sell all of the outstanding capital stock of Jupiterimages Corporation ("Jupiterimages"), an Arizona corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary, to Getty Images, Inc.

The Board of Directors of Jupitermedia has approved the transaction and resolved to recommend that JupitermediaÕs stockholders approve the transaction. Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by Jupitermedia's stockholders, regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. In addition, Alan Meckler, Jupitermedia's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a significant stockholder, and certain other stockholders, who, with Mr. Meckler, collectively hold approximately 35.9% of Jupitermedia's outstanding stock, have entered into definitive support agreements with Getty Images, Inc. to vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. In connection with the transaction, Jupitermedia will retain ownership of its Peoria, Illinois building and property and lease the facility to Getty Images, Inc. Jupitermedia expects to incur a non-cash loss of approximately $95 million upon the closing of the transaction.

Following the completion of the sale of Jupiterimages to Getty Images, Inc, Jupitermedia will continue to operate its Online media business, which consists of five distinct networks: internet.com and EarthWeb.com for IT and business professionals; DevX.com for developers; and Mediabistro.com and Graphics.com for media and creative professionals.

"We believe that this transaction will be beneficial to Jupitermedia and its stockholders, both in the near term and the long run, as it will allow Jupitermedia to pay off all of its bank debt. Upon closing of the transaction, we will continue focus on the further development and growth of our Online Media division," stated Alan Meckler.

Merrill Lynch & Co. is acting as financial advisor to Jupitermedia and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as legal advisor to Jupitermedia.

Important Additional Information Regarding the Stock Purchase Agreement will be filed with the SEC

This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any security holder of Jupitermedia. In connection with the stock purchase agreement, Jupitermedia Corporation will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement. THE PROXY STATEMENT WILL BE SENT TO JUPITERMEDIA CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS, WHO ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Jupitermedia Corporation investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents (when they are available) and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at its web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by going to Jupitermedia CorporationÕs Investors page on its corporate website at www.jupitermedia.com/corporate/investors.html.

Jupitermedia Corporation and its directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Jupitermedia Corporation in connection with the stock purchase agreement and the proposed transaction. Information about Jupitermedia Corporation and its directors and officers can be found in its proxy statements on Schedule 14A and annual reports on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as on Jupitermedia Corporation's Investors page on its corporate website at www.Jupitermedia.com/corporate/investors.html. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons may be obtained by reading the proxy statement for the proposed transaction when it becomes available.

Source: Jupitermdia

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icworldwide.com goes live

Paris (FRANCE), 22 OCTOBER 2008 - Catering to pioneering creatives seeking an alternative source for exclusive and innovative photography, International Collections Worldwide, Inc. today announced the launch of its new rights managed photography website www.icworldwide.com.

With a minimalist layout and distinctive gallery sections, the site was intentionally designed to display photography as photographers would want their work displayed.

For designers and creatives, imagery can be searched traditionally or by uniquely edited ic categories: the eye of ic, ic concepts, ic advertising, ic stories, ic editorial, ic vintage, and ic collections.

These distinctive subcategories were created to facilitate searching, spark creativity, and to give some suggested end uses for each image. However, the ultimate usage of each image is only limited by the imagination of the artist and designer.

From inception to layout to functionality, the site was designed to appeal to established creatives who know and appreciate the finer elements of premium photography and are searching for a site that shares this understanding. Those who “get it” and are seeking a place that “gets it”, can do so by visiting ic.worldwide at www.icworldwide.com.

Source: CEPIC

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Kursiv launches BloopPix

SWITZERLAND, OCTOBER 2008 - Swiss photoagency Kursiv launches BloopPix, a collection of royalty-free images at a competitive price. Bloop is the name of a sound of unknown origin, captured somewhere west of south america in deep sea. BloopPix comes from the deepest sources of the internet, but offers quality of known origin, with all that is needed for hasle-free licensing.

Little is known about the ultra-low frequency underwater sound called "Bloop", detected by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration several times during the summer of 1997. The sound was captured by sensors 3000 miles apart, which, together with the type of sound, suggests it was created by a giant animal in great depths. The source of the sound however remains unclear, as no known animal is able to produce such a sound and it stirs the imagination ever since.

From the depths of the internet, Kursiv launches BloopPix, to stir your imagination and to save your image budget. BloopPix is not from unknown origin, and has all the modelreleases you need for hasle-free licensing. BloopPix is another collection Kursiv launched in its budget section, which can be accessed directly through the search form on the Kursiv website.

"We do believe that there is a justified need for low priced image materials", say Karsten Risseeuw from Kursiv. "Of course we cannot offer any image to any price, that is why we diversify our offerings. BloopPix offers general royalty-free images of a good standard quality for a low price."

Kursiv covers roughly 10 million images from royalty-free and selected rights managed collections and offers specialized services for creative and editorial users as well as for corporate companies.

Source: CEPIC

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Software: FotoSketcher

The freeware FotoSketcher is converting digital images to paintings or sketches automatically. If you want to turn your landscape, seascape, still life, wildlife shot into a painting, a sketch or a drawing then FotoSketcher will do the job in just a few seconds. You can adjust the conversion with different parameters, for example saturation, drawing style, brightness, and more. You can find many examples at the FotoSketcher Gallery.

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50,000 Antique Photos

In El Paso, Texas, a local librarian is trying to crack the mystery of 50,000 unidentified antique photos found at a shuttered photo studio. (Oct. 21)

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Sigma Corporation of America will be exhibiting at the Photo Plus Expo 2008, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, in New York City

Sigma Corporation of America is pleased to announce that we will be exhibiting at the Photo Plus Expo 2008, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, in New York City. The show dates are Thursday, October 23 through Saturday, October 25, 2006. Our booth number is 1618. We will display a wide selection of Sigma professional imaging products, including EX series lenses and dedicated macro flash. We will also be showcasing the amazing new, DP1 compact digital SLR camera, featuring the third generation Foveon direct image sensor, with 14 million pixels sensors. This camera has the largest images sensor and individual pixels of any of the compact cameras, providing SLR quality images in a pocketable camera body. Click here to visit the DPS website >>

Also on display will be the unique APO 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG high speed telezoom lens, designed for both digital and 35mm film SLRs, and the new HSM type lenses for Sony and Pentax cameras (50-150mm F2.8 and 70-200mm F2.8 EX Macro DG lenses for Sony an Pentax) and the 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG zoom, the only full-frame 12-24mm lens available, providing angles of view up to 122 degrees when used with full frame digital and 35mm SLRs.

If you plan to attend the Photo Plus Expo www.photoplusexpo.com, please visit the Sigma exhibit at booth #1618. You can register for admission the exhibit hall, as a guest of Sigma, by using VIP code sigma08, when you register online.

Source: Sigma

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How to Choose, Instruct & Shooting With Models

How to Choose, Instruct & Shooting With Models - an instructional video by Yuri Arcurs on YouTube

Yuri Arcurs is showing

- What models to choose
- What models will sell well as stock
- How to easy instruct your models when you want small changes in position
- How to teach free pose

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Nikon D90 review

Video review of the Nikon D90 by CameraLabs on YouTube. Read a full review at
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D90/

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Cameratown Launches Redesigned Website to Celebrate its 5th Year

Rye, NH, United States, 10/21/2008 - Cameratown, a popular photography portal for consumers, hobbyists, and professionals, has launched a newly redesigned website to help celebrate their 5th year online.

The new design site makes it easier than ever before to find the latest information from around the web – from product reviews, tutorials and hot photography deals - to the latest product announcements, firmware updates and free software.

With so much new web content being created on a daily basis it is becoming increasingly difficult for individual articles or tutorials to attract large audiences - and just as difficult for consumers to find the information they looking are for without having to wade through pages of search results. Cameratown is here to help!

Ron Risman, founder of Cameratown.com, says that “The goal of Cameratown has always been to make it easier for both consumers and professionals to find great photography content. We do this by highlighting the latest reviews, tutorials and other content from around the web – and giving the consumer an easy way to find them. Search engines can often be a frustrating place to find great content since the results are typically ranked based on the popularity of the domain name or the quality of metadata on a page - and not the quality of the content.”

Along with a fresh new look, Cameratown now features a new video section where visitors can quickly find free video tutorials on lighting, shooting, editing, framing, archiving, and more - along with video product tours and how-to guides. All tutorials are listed by category, which makes it easy to find what you want, when you want it.
Over the past 4 years Cameratown has published over 6,200 new product announcements, 4300 product review summaries, 520 free tutorial listings, 2000 articles, 500 camera gallery links, and over 4500 daily deals.

Cameratown provides quick access to the latest:

Product Announcements: Visit us daily to see what hot, new products have just been announced. Product announcements are updated throughout the day, every day.

Professional Reviews: Quickly find the latest reviews from the best photography websites from around the web – all categorized by brand and model for easy reference.

Free Video Tutorials: The easiest way to learn is by watching and we constantly search video sites such as Yahoo, Vimeo, YouTube, and others looking to bring attention to the best tutorials. Cameratown also provides quick access to over 500 non-video tutorials in virtually every category of photography.

Firmware Updates: Many consumers don’t realize that manufacturers often release camera fixes via a software download. Cameratown provides quick access to the latest camera updates and sorts them by brand and model, making them easy to locate.

Camera Manuals: Can’t find your manual when you need it? No problem, Cameratown provides access to camera manuals from most manufacturers.

Compare Prices: Cameratown has partnered with Pricegrabber to provide a simple way for you to shop and compare prices on all the latest photography gear. Don’t buy until you’ve compared prices.

Daily Deals: We manually scour the web every day looking for great deals on photography-related gear. You can find the latest deals by visiting our deals page or by getting them delivered to you through our free e-mail deals and news newsletter.

Source: Newswire

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Just in time for the Holidays

A Digital Picture Frame is the perfect gift for anyone on your list this Holiday season. Digital Frames replace your traditional photo albums or picture frames with a unique, digital way to display your digital camera photos. With a digital frame, you'll save time and money by eliminating the unnecessary step of developing or printing your photos.

For those who want the latest technology in Digital Photo Frames, checkout EDGE new Wireless Digital Frame. This frame connects to your wireless Wi-Fi internet connection to automatically download photos and other content from the internet. You can even send photo's directly to someone else's Wireless Frame if they give you permission.

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PHOTOSHELTER LAUNCHES PERSONAL ARCHIVE 2.0, INCLUDING "30 SECOND WEBSITE" TEMPLATES

New features enable instant website creation, more self marketing tools, streamlined user interface and community forums

New York, NY, October 20, 2008 - PhotoShelter, an online community where thousands of independent photographers find success through image sales and archiving technologies, today unveiled Version 2.0 for its flagship product, the PhotoShelter Personal Archive. Today's release establishes PhotoShelter as the industry's most affordable solution to easily create and publish robust e-commerce photo-friendly websites, by providing a menu of pre-set templates designed to instantly "skin" a public Personal Archive account. The result is a standalone website with a unique, professional and clean aesthetic, powered by PhotoShelter, complete with galleries, search, and shopping carts, plus lightboxes, slideshows, and client login/password protection.

The new website templates complement PhotoShelter's existing Seamless Customization feature, which puts all of the powerful PhotoShelter features into photographers' own websites, while maintaining their unique look and feel. These new templates allow users to leapfrog any complex design or integration activity by instantly laying themes and styles atop the user's existing Personal Archive. PhotoShelter users can create a new website in no more than six clicks.

"Every serious photographer's website should serve as their digital storefront, yet too many photographers have avoided adding e-commerce, search, and security features because integration has been both complex and expensive," said Allen Murabayashi, CEO of PhotoShelter. "PhotoShelter now makes it simple and affordable to instantly convert a photographer's archive into a comprehensive, robust website for offering stock photography, prints, and other photo products. And, the templates can be applied in literally 30 seconds. We're constantly looking for new ways to create success for our community and this is a huge step forward."

"There are many web template companies, but none offer the same features as PhotoShelter," said wedding photographer Eric Hegwer (www.erichegwer.com). "PhotoShelter lets me to make sales to clients, including prints and direct digital downloads of images, and provides a rock solid archiving system for all my weddings. Now, with their easy-to-configure websites, I simply choose the photos I want to be on my website, and a few clicks later they are there.

PhotoShelter also today unveiled new features that enable photographers to market their images beyond their personal websites. New Flash-based widgets enable users to embed slideshows and individual images into any website or blog - with functionality that helps every image retain critical metadata and direct links back to the photographer's Personal Archive account, where images can be sold as prints or stock photography.

"Photographers must take advantage of all possible opportunities to expose potential clients to their work," said Allen Murabayashi, CEO of PhotoShelter. "These new features enhance a photographer's self marketing toolkit, enabling their images to spread virally across the web all while maintaining control of the image. At the same time, Orphan Works legislation makes it critical for content owners to track and establish ownership of imagery via metadata. We're taking the lead by helping photographers ensure images disseminated across the web can always link back to their Personal Archive account."

Also announced was an upgrade to PhotoShelter's innovative "Virtual Agency," which allows independent photographers to join together in groups with similar interests to market their work collectively as a niche stock agency. Monthly fees for use of the Virtual Agency have been removed, so users can group together without hesitation.

PhotoShelter also enhanced its community features available to Personal Archive subscribers. Starting today, a user forum is available to help subscribers interact for networking, technical discussion, and friendly banter. Included is an Image Critique Forum where subscribers can share images and obtain feedback from their peers.

The feature updates were also accompanied by a complete overhaul to the Personal Archive site navigation, including homepage and tour. While no functionality was removed, the design changes provide a streamlined, more logical user interface in response to customer feedback.

PhotoShelter will be demonstrating the new Personal Archive features at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York, October 23 through 25, in booth #1808.

Source: Photoshelter

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Canon U.S.A. Will Showcase Leading Scanning Technologies at the ARMA Annual Conference

Canon to Display Record Management Scanning Solutions and Sneak Preview of New imageFORMULA Product

Las Vegas, October 20, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of digital office imaging systems and solutions, will exhibit its leading document scanners, microfilm readers, and check transports at the 53rd ARMA International Annual Conference and Expo in Las Vegas. Also at the show will be a sneak preview of Canon's latest addition to its award winning imageFORMULA product line.

"Maintaining accurate, organized records is an essential business practice that all companies, large or small, must implement," said Jim Rosetta vice president and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. "At this conference, we will exhibit how Canon's digital imaging products can help organizations develop an efficient, streamlined record management system."

Helping to address the ever-changing and growing needs of managing records and information in the office or workplace, Canon will demonstrate how its leading image capturing systems will assist organizations in developing a more streamlined, efficient method to records management. Products at the show will include:

# imageFORMULA DR-X10C Production Scanner: The DR-X10c is fast, durable and reliable, making it perfect for document archiving, records management, and other centralized or consolidated scanning applications. It provides high-speed color scanning up to 128 pages per minute (ppm) and 256 images per minute. (ipm)I The DR-X10C boasts a resolution of up to 600 dpi and Canon's Three-Step Dust Prevention system- which helps remove and protect the scanning sensors from paper dust. It also captures a wide variety of documents with a maximum document size of 22x34 inches.II


# imageFORMULA DR-3010C Workgroup Scanner: Launched earlier this month, this is Canon's fastest and most reliable workgroup scanner. It is perfect for either mission-specific or casual use, in a wide variety of workflows. The DR-3010C offers scanning speeds of up to 30ppm and 60ipmIII and comes bundled with a suite of innovative software packages including Canon CapturePerfect 3.0, Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard, ScanSoft PaperPort SE 11, OmniPage 4 SE and Presto! BizCard Reader 5 software.


# MS-800II Digital Microfilm Reader / Scanner: The MS-800II is an easy-to-use, reliable microfilm reader that can handle all film / fiche formats. It is ideal for high-performance viewing, scanning, printing, and distributing high-quality microfilm images. The MS-800II features a large, easy-to-read screen and user-friendly control panel with multiple scanning modes. It scans images up to 11 inches x 17 inches in fewer than 4 seconds and comes bundled with ISIS/TWAIN Drivers, Scanning Utility 800, and Canon CapturePerfect 1.0.


# imageFORMULA ScanFront 220P Network Scanner: The ScanFront 220P offers users an easy-to-use, stand-alone, and secure solution for moving capture of hard-copy documents closer to the point of origin within the business process. It is ideal for decentralized or distributed scanning applications, and for easily sharing documents via a network. The 220P features an 8.4-inch color touch panel that allows for easy navigation as well as a preview of scanned images. It can scan at up to 25ppmIV, and captures color, grayscale and black and white images in various file formats including high compression and searchable PDF, TIFF and JPEG.


# imageFORMULA CR-180 Check Transport: Offering a fast, reliable solution for batch conversion of paper checks into electronic images, the CR-180 is perfect for high-volume distributed or branch capture, and remittance / lockbox processing applications. It can scan up to 180 double-sided checks-per-minuteV, while simultaneously reading Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data. The CR-180 delivers high-quality images compliant with Check 21 and features two output pockets for easier post-scan sorting, and a built-in endorser. It comes bundled with Silver Bullet Ranger Transport API software that allows users to mix and match the types of item processing software and hardware they select.


# imageFORMULA DR-7090C Universal Production Scanner: This is a sneak preview of the newest edition to the production scanner line, and is expected to launch later this year. The DR-7090C is flexible, reliable universal scanner, perfect for document archiving, records management, and other centralized scanning applications. In addition, it can handle a wide variety of document sizes and types and both flatbed and sheet-fed scanning capabilities.

Source: Canon U.S.A.

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New KODAK Capture Pro Software Version Offers Compatibility with Other Manufacturers’ Scanners

Increased Compatibility Provides New Choice to Help Businesses More Efficiently Manage Capture Systems

Rochester, NY, October 20 -- The latest version of KODAK Capture Pro Software serves as a new standard for businesses to seamlessly integrate all major brands of scanners through a single user interface and receive improved efficiency from their document capture processes. KODAK Capture Pro Software v. 1.1 is the first capture software available from a scanner hardware manufacturer that is compatible with both KODAK and third party scanners. Users of both KODAK and non-KODAK Scanners can now manage virtually any scanning operation – from desktop to production – with one intuitive graphic user interface.

“Growing businesses need a comprehensive, scalable document capture solution that seamlessly integrates with their current scanner fleet and maximizes the efficiency and productivity of their scanner operations,” said Robert Bijster, Worldwide Director, Software Products, Document Imaging, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “These latest enhancements to our Capture Pro Software even further simplify the scanning process, helping businesses work smarter and faster.”

Improved functionality helps businesses lower the total cost of ownership from training through operation. Added support for KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE 3500, 3510 and 3520 Model Scanners and continued support for KODAK i800 Series Scanners enables businesses to increase the longevity of existing hardware investments. In addition to third party scanner support, new toolbar functionality has been added to make the capture experience with KODAK Scanners even more productive than the previous version.

The software is now also available in Russian, Turkish and Czech, bringing the total to 15 languages, allowing businesses to work easily and seamlessly across global markets.

A multimedia training program, available in most local languages, provides out of the box set up that helps users quickly learn to use Capture Pro’s features, including Kodak’s “scan-to” function that allows for sending electronic documents to emails, PDFs and other applications. Other automated capabilities, including batch monitoring, thumbnail viewing and selective image display, streamline how captured documents are organized, identified and enhanced.

“Capture Pro Software will provide user functionality for approximately 150 third party manufacturers’ scanners with ISIS drivers and VRS. By offering compatibility with no “per click” charges, we’re providing performance capabilities at a highly competitive cost,” said Bijster. “For many businesses that require a full end-to-end solution from document capture to information management, our enhanced Capture Pro Software offers expanded integration with many third party document management systems, as well as the ability to image-enable vertical applications. In addition, we offer streamlined integration to MICROSOFT SHAREPOINT Server.”

Enhanced KODAK Service and Support offers businesses a central, reliable source for consultation on training, setup and application development for Capture Pro Software users. Service and Support also provides support for many of the third party manufacturer scanners that can be used with Capture Pro software. Multi-year contracts for Software Update and Support Assurance are available, ranging from 12 months to 36 months.

KODAK Capture Pro Software v. 1.1 is available from Kodak in Europe. The United States and Canada can expect availability in early 2009 through authorized resellers, starting at $499.00 U.S. retail price.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support.KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.

Source: Kodak

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Olympus Challenges Students To Capture “Your World” In Second Annual Photographers Of Tomorrow Contest

Prizes Include Olympus E-System Equipment and $5,000 Scholarship; Pro Photographers Critique Images, Public Vote Included for First Time

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., October 20, 2008 – Olympus today announced its second annual Photographers of Tomorrow contest, designed to inspire students enrolled in top photography programs. Under this year’s theme “YOUR WORLD: The Art of Technology Through Your Eyes,” students are encouraged to identify the innovation or technology that has had the greatest impact in their life and capture its beauty.

Starting today through February 28, 2009, students at participating universities can submit images at www.olympusamerica.com/yourworld. Participating schools include: Academy of Art University San Francisco, Art Institute of Colorado, Brooks Institute, Hallmark Institute of Photography, Maine Media College, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University at Commerce, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, University of Missouri – Columbia, and University of Texas – Austin.

“The Photographers of Tomorrow contest is a way for the next generation of pro photographers to showcase their work nationally, build their portfolios, and be recognized by their peers and critiqued by some of the world’s most accomplished photographers,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc.

Images will be judged by a panel of three award-winning Olympus Visionary photographers: Larry Price, Maki Kawakita and Nick Kelsh. Submissions will be judged on four criteria: originality, photographic quality, composition and appropriateness (each valued at 25 percent). Students may submit up to four images. Images must be taken with an Olympus E-System digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera. Complete rules and regulations are available at www.olympusamerica.com/yourworld.

A grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and an Olympus E-3 camera, ED 12-60mm f2.8/4.0 SWD Zoom lens, ED 50-200mm f2.8/3.5 SWD Zoom lens and gadget bag. The student’s professor will also receive a matching Olympus E-3 outfit. Finalist images will be posted online for “public voting” from March 31 through April 30, 2009. The winner of the public vote will receive an Olympus E-520 kit. The grand prize and public vote winners will be announced in May 2009.

The Olympus E-System is designed with revolutionary features that expand the frontiers of digital photography. Based on the Four Thirds Standard, Olympus offers 100 percent digital lenses for edge-to-edge sharpness in a durable, yet portable design. Olympus pioneered Full-Time Live View, Dust Reduction and other technologies for DSLRs, leading where others have followed.

ABOUT THE JUDGES

* Larry Price – A two time Pulitzer Prize Winning Photojournalist, Price has published photographs in Time, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, and National Geographic among others and has worked as an industry leading photojournalist and a photo editor at many of the country’s top newspapers and newswires.

* Maki Kawakita – A rising star in the global photographic scene and known for her “Kabuki Pop” style, Kawakita divides her time between celebrity portraiture, commercial work and a personal series she calls “Makirama.” She has photographed numerous celebrities and pop and style icons including Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Hillary Duff and many more. Kawakita’s Japanese, American and European influences shape her style and creativity, making her one of America’s most coveted fashion photographers.

* Nick Kelsh – One of the world’s top photographers, shooting for many of the “Day in the Life” series of books, and a renowned family and commercial photographer, Kelsh has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and has written numerous best-selling books including Siblings with Anna Quindlen and How to Photograph Your Baby. Kelsh is best known for his radiant, engaging, black and white images of children and babies.

ABOUT THE OLYMPUS VISIONARY PROGRAM

Established by Olympus Imaging America Inc. in partnership with some of today's most talented photographers, the Olympus Visionary program is dedicated to creating superb digital images with the help of Olympus' digital cameras and lenses. Olympus Visionaries span all fields of photography and work in a diversity of styles and subject matter, but they are united in realizing their creative vision through digital photography. The Visionaries use Olympus digital cameras in their daily assignments and personal work; participate in speaking engagements and appearances; and provide Olympus with input into equipment development. The Visionaries include several Pulitzer Prize-winning and Magnum photographers, as well as internationally-renowned photographers who have photographed assignments around the world.

For more information about the “Photographers of Tomorrow” contest, Olympus Visionaries or Olympus products, contact Charles Leone, Mullen Public Relations, 212-885-3803 or Charles.leone@mullen.com, or Jennifer Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5350 / (800) 622-6372 or the Olympus Web site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

Source: Olympus

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Canon U.S.A. To Exhibit Leading Scanning Technologies at AFP Annual Conference

Canon To Display Award-Winning Check Transport and Digital Scanning Solutions for Financial Marketplace

Los Angeles, October 19, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging technologies and supplier of check capture devices, will showcase the versatility of its check transports and digital document scanners, including the top of the line imageFORMULA CR-180 and CR-55 Check Transports, at the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) Annual Conference in Los Angeles.

Demonstrating its ability to improve efficiency, control and security for financial institutions and their customers through the use of scanning hardware, Canon will showcase its latest line of check transports and document scanners at Booth # 1061, including:

# imageFORMULA CR-180 Check Transport: A fast, reliable solution for batch conversion of paper checks into electronic images for simple and efficient processing, making it perfect for high-volume distributed or branch capture, and remittance / lockbox processing applications. It also scans up to 180 double-sided checks-per-minuteI, while simultaneously reading Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data. The CR-180 delivers high-quality images compliant with Check 21 and features two output pockets for easier post-scan sorting, and a built-in endorser. It comes bundled with Silver Bullet Ranger Transport API software that allows users to mix and match the types of item processing software and hardware they select.


# imageFORMULA CR-55 Check Transport: A convenient, compact solution to decentralize payment processing from the first point of presentment to settlement. Ideal for teller, branch, and remote deposit / merchant capture applications. It offers high-quality scanning, compliant with Check 21, at speeds of up to 55 checks-per-minute.II The CR-55 simultaneously reads MICR data and features a built-in endorser. Bundled with the Silver Bullet Ranger Driver as well as Infrared Double Feed Detection and Paper Thickness Adjustment capabilities for reliable paper feeding and image capture.


# imageFORMULA DR-4010C Departmental Scanner: A reliable solution that provides high-speed document scanning in a compact unit. Providing fast color scanning up to 40 pages-per-minute (ppm) and 80 images-per-minute (ipm)III the DR-4010C features Advanced Text Enhancement technology that allows the device to capture text from scanned documents by removing patterned backgrounds, and by enhancing light-colored texts.


# imageFORMULA DR-2510C Workgroup Scanner: A compact, easy-to-use solution that is perfect for mission-specific or casual use, in a wide variety of workflows. The DR-2510C offers scanning speeds of up to 25ppm and 50ipmIV and comes bundled with a suite of innovate software packages including Canon CapturePerfect 3.0, Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard, ScanSoft PaperPort SE 11, OmniPage 4 SE and Presto! BizCard Reader 5 software.

# imageFORMULA ScanFront 220P Network Scanner: The ScanFront 220P offers users an easy-to-use, stand-alone, and secure solution for moving capture of hard-copy documents closer to the point of origin within the business process. It is ideal for decentralized or distributed scanning applications, and for easily sharing documents via a network. The 220P features an 8.4-inch color touch panel that allows for easy navigation as well as a preview of scanned images. It can scan at up to 25ppmV, and captures color, grayscale and black and white images in various file formats including high compression and searchable PDF, TIFF and JPEG.


Canon will also be featured during the Conference at the AFP Vendor Showcase on Tuesday October 21 at Booth #855. At the Showcase, attendees will get an opportunity to hear why Canon is a leading supplier of check transport solutions, and the benefits that Canon solutions can bring, including improved costs, efficiencies, management, control, security, and compliance.

"As a recognized leader in scanning technologies, Canon is focused on providing advanced solutions to support the needs of the financial marketplace," said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. "At this conference, we will demonstrate efficient Canon scanning solutions that will help financial institutions and their customers streamline and accelerate overall payment and transaction processes and workflows."

Source: Canon U.S.A.

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