Fotolia Announces Stock Video Collection

Leading source for legal, low-cost imagery announces launch of microstock video collection

NEW YORK, NY – April 28, 2009 – Today, Fotolia one of the world’s leading sources for legal, low-cost imagery announced the launch of its microstock video collection, which will supplement its current library of more than five million images and illustrations with a collection of more than 10,000 royalty-free video clips at microstock prices.

“Fotolia has been, for years, one of the world’s most trusted sources for high-quality, low-priced, legal imagery and illustration,” explains Oleg Tscheltzoff, co-founder and president of Fotolia, LLC. “In January, we began accepting submissions for stock video clips because of an overwhelming demand from our customers, and the submissions we’ve seen in just a few short weeks – more than 10,000 accepted clips – have shown us that Fotolia is able to attract some of the best videographers from around the world to license their work through our agency.”

Fotolia’s video collection features a wide variety of content – from animation and stop motion to digital film and traditional video. Clips range in size and length from 320 X 240 to 1920 X 1080, 24 – 30 frames per second, and 5 – 60 seconds long. These clips – including HD video clips – prices are starting for as little as $10. Contributors can learn more about the offering and register to begin submitting clips by logging on to http://us.fotolia.com/Info/Contents/Videos.

Since its launch in November, 2005, Fotolia has grown to offer one of the world’s largest libraries of legal, micro-priced images on the Web, offering professional and amateur photographers the ability to connect with more than 500,000 media buyers worldwide – from small businesses and design firms to some of the world’s most recognizable brands. With the launch of its stock video offering, Fotolia continues to expand its reach into new markets, satisfying the needs of videographers and video buyers worldwide by providing high-quality, low-cost alternatives to traditional stock video offerings.

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Tech Bytes 4/30/09

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day -- Tech Bytes 4/30/09

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Parents Magazine Offers Photography Tips to Moms and Dads Entering Pictures of Children in Cutest Baby Photo Contest

Amateur photography contest on Parents.com seeks pictures of babies 3-24 months old and pictures of kids 2-6 years for entry into Parents Magazine's annual cover contest. Two winners will be featured on the magazine's November 2009 dual cover.

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 29, 2009 -- Parents magazine is offering photography tips to hopeful moms and dads who are entering pictures of their chidren in the annual Parents.com cutest baby photo contest. The editors of Parents are holding the amateur photography contest to find the cutest pictures of babies 3-24 months old and pictures of kids 2-6 years old. Two winners will appear on special dual covers for the magazine's November 2009 issue.

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"I'm really impressed with all the pictures so far! But I'm even more blown away by all the cute kids. I'm so excited to find out who the winners will be!"
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Sharon Elcock, Sittings Editor at Parents, shared 10 photography tips for moms and dads entering pictures of children in this year's cutest baby photo contest:
1. Take photos with a really simple, but pretty background. You can keep the dirty dishes in your kitchen sink a secret! Instead, go for natural scenery in front of lush greenery or pretty flowers.
2. Pictures with food on the face are cute for Grandma's refrigerator - but not so much for the judges.
3. Try to capture your child in a care-free, happy moment. Photos that are too posed usually don't show your child's true energy and personality.
4. Try not to submit extreme close-ups please! It makes it hard to see the whole child.
5. Be honest with yourself about your child's temperament. Does he truly enjoy taking pictures or does he burst into tears the moment you point the camera at him? If he doesn't enjoy posing, get shots while he's engaged in an activity.
6. Avoid taking photos of your child with hats on, or with a towel draped over their head - we'd prefer to see the kid hiding under the towel!
7. Try taking pictures using interesting, fun angles.
8. We like happy photos! Leave the cranky faces for family members.
9. Have your camera ready at all times so you don't miss the money shot!
10. Take tons of pictures! Don't edit yourself as you go along, Professionals take hundreds of pictures to get the keeper!

Elcock says, "I'm really impressed with all the pictures so far! But I'm even more blown away by all the cute kids. I'm so excited to find out who the winners will be!"

About the cutest baby photo contest:
The entry period for the 2009 Parents cover model contest began on April 1 and ends June 24, 2009. Visit http://www.parents.com/cover-kid and complete the registration form, then follow the links and instructions to upload up to 6 current photos of your child into one of the two contest age categories: (1) children between the ages of 3 and 24 months on the date of entry, and (2) children between the ages of 25 months and 6 years on the date of entry. Photos must be recent, taken by the entrant, non-professional, unpublished and may not have won any prize or award. Photos must be .jpeg or .bmp image formats and cannot exceed 3 MB.

By submitting a valid Contest entry, you will automatically be entered for a chance to win the Parents $10,000 Sweepstakes. Contest entry is not required to enter the Sweepstakes. To enter the Sweepstakes without entering the Contest, go to http://www.parents.com/cover-kid and follow the instructions for Sweepstakes entry.

To view the Official Rules of the Sweepstakes, click here.

Parents magazine judges will review all of the photo entries and choose 40 semifinalists, 20 from each age category, based on the criteria set forth in the Official Rules. From July 28 to September 3, visitors to the Parents Magazine Cover Contest website are invited to cast their vote for their favorite semifinalists. Voter recommendations will not be used as criteria in the judging of entries in any round.

Ten finalists, five from the two age categories, will be selected to fly to New York City for a professional photo shoot. Two winners from the photo shoot, one from each age category, will be chosen for the November 2009 cover. The winner of the $10,000 sweepstakes will be notified by mail on July 8.

The child of each of the Grand Prize winners will be featured on the special double cover of the November 2009 issue of Parents magazine. The winner in the 3-24 month age category will be featured on the front cover, and the winner in the 25 month-6 years age category will be featured on the second, inside cover. Each of the Grand Prize winners will also receive a Macy's First Impressions or Greendog outfit, approximate retail value $75.00 and a $500.00 gift card to Macy's. Gift cards are subject to issuer restrictions.

To enter the Parents magazine cover kid photo contest, upload up to six cute baby pictures before June 24, 2009. Enter either at Parents Magazine Cover Contest (3 mos - 2 yrs) or at Parents Magazine Cover Contest (2 - 6 yrs).

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Canon U.S.A. Starts New Era Of Large Fromat Printers For The Technical Document And General Use Markets

Rapidly Growing imagePROGRAF Line Also Secures Number-Two Overall Market Share Position For Canon

Pittsburgh, April 29, 2009 – With the popularity and use of its award-winning large format printer line continuing to grow, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging and office solutions, today unveiled four new large format printers – the 36-inch imagePROGRAF iPF755 and iPF750, and the 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF655 and iPF650 – at the International Reprographic Association (IRgA) Convention and Trade show (Booth #825)

Specially designed to meet the demands of the Geographical Information System (GIS); Computer-Aided Design (CAD); Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC); Reprographics; and other Technical Document markets, these new, space-saving printers produce a diverse range of outputs from complex technical documents to spectacular full-color posters, faster and easier than ever before.

"The introduction of these new models extends Canon's ability to offer an effective, efficiently designed, top-tier, large format printing solution, while helping to increase productivity with many new, user-friendly features," said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. "By offering versatile, compact models which maintain our highest image quality, we're continuing to expand this highly successful and rapidly growing product line."

imagePROGRAF Captures #2 Market Share
Canon began offering innovative large format models in 2006 with the rollout of the imagePROGRAF iPF line. Since then, Canon has built its lineup of imagePROGRAF printers to include more than 20 versatile models that address the various large format printing needs of engineers, graphic art designers, photographers, and professional printing services. Canon has quickly established itself as a major player in the large format market, capturing the number-two market share position in the wide format aqueous inkjet market above 24-inches wide, in 2008, according to InfoTrends, a leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry.

"Capturing the number-two overall market share position is a testament to Canon's commitment in the large format printing market," said Tim Greene, director, Wide Format & Jetting Technologies, InfoTrends. "With its dedication to large format printing, Canon has developed some of the most advanced large format devices available."

New Model Features
The new, ENERGY STAR-certified models were developed to maximize productivity with limited user intervention by incorporating features such as media loading and ink replacement from the front of the machine, a new sub-ink tank system which ensures uninterrupted printing, and a new stackable media catch basketI that enables users to print continuously without removing each output as they finish. Combined with the new space-saving design, the capability to load media from the top of the device enables flush wall installation in almost any type of working environment.

Prior to this release, Canon U.S.A. provided Bard, Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers, LLC with one of the new imagePROGRAF models to test and sample the many new features included on the new devices. "The new imagePROGRAF models definitely raise the bar in terms of a well designed, user-friendly plotter," said Rajen Patel, IS/CADD manager, Bard, Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers, LLC. "The new compact design and fast print speeds make them an ideal upgrade for most large format printing environments."

Recognizing image-quality and productivity are always among the highest concerns, the new, five-color imagePROGRAF iPF755, iPF750, iPF655, and iPF650 feature a new magenta ink for brighter reds and blues and utilize a new, super-high-density print head with redesigned nozzles that eject 4 picoliter droplets of ink, consistently producing up to 2400 x 1200 dots-per-inch (dpi) output with precise lines that are accurate to ±.10%II and as fine as 0.02 mmIII. All new models are capable of printing a D/A1 color line drawing in approximately 28 secondsIV, thanks in part to a standard gigabit network interface and a new, independently-driven, dual-blade cutter. The imagePROGRAF iPF755 and the iPF655 also ship with a built in 80GB hard drive to streamline workflow for a medium-sized networked environment or for those printing larger sized files with complex images.

In addition to several new features that improve productivity and maximize space, the new models come bundled with enhanced accounting functions that collect printer job log information such as client ID, ink and media consumption, media type and output size. Users will now be able to obtain estimated printing costs from this technology as an easy way to track in-house usage or for billing customers. A Print Plug-in for Microsoft Office also ships with all new models, enabling users of any skill level to create large format printouts of documents, images or illustrations that were created by Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint programs. Also included with the new imagePROGRAF iPF755, iPF750, iPF655 and iPF650 is a new version of the popular PosterArtist Lite, a simple poster creation software program. In addition to the features on the current version of PosterArtist Lite, the new version offers additional choices for basic design layout and WYSIWYG text editing that allows you see text at the correct size and font as you type.

Canon is also very focused on providing complete workflow solutions for the imagePROGRAF line. With this concept in mind, the imagePROGRAF Alliance Partner Program was designed to join forces with leading digital imaging and printing software developers to create workflows that enhance the capabilities of the imagePROGRAF devices and provide end-users more control. With the introduction of the new models, the following Alliance Partners have already completed software development and are compatible with the new devices:

# Onyx
# EFI
# RATIO
# SA International
# SCP
# Sepialine
# PLP Digital Systems
# Wasatch

These new printers represent a new era in large format printing. Now a typical workgroup environment can install a large format printer on their network without concern over space or technical knowledge of printing to one of these devices. They offer the compact design and ease of use that allows any type of user to produce beautiful and quality outputs at a fast speed.

The new Canon imagePROGRAF models will be available immediately through Authorized Canon dealers and will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,995 for the iPF755, $4,495 for the iPF750, $3,195 for the iPF655, and $2,495 for the iPF650. A full version of PosterArtist is also available for $795.

# # #

I Capacity up to 20 sheets
II Line accuracy after user adjustment and user the same environmental conditions. Applies to media for line drawing only.
III Theoretical value based on data resolution.
IV When printing in Draft Mode and on Plain Paper, including cutting time. Mechanical print time, does not include processing and file transfer time.

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. Actual prices set by individual dealers and may vary.

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

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Getty Images Reignites Relationship with U.S. Olympic Committee

SEATTLE, April 29, 2009 - Getty Images, Inc. has announced today that it has renewed its agreement to serve as an Official Photographic Partner with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). Committed to providing the best, most complete coverage, Getty Images will continue to cover U.S. athletes as they prepare, train and ultimately compete at the 2010 and 2012 Olympic Games. Under the agreement, Getty Images will have the commercial rights for the licensing of U.S. Olympic photography to sponsors and licensees of the USOC.

In 1988, the USOC for the first time partnered with Getty Images, the leading creator and distributor of visual content and other digital media, to use photography of U.S. athletes from past Olympic Games. Since then, many of these images have been used on the USOC's website, in publications and promotional campaigns.

”The U.S. Olympic Committee is excited to continue its relationship with Getty Images,” said Lisa Baird, USOC Chief Marketing Officer. “During the last 21 years, Getty Images has consistently provided elite photographic coverage of U.S. Olympic sports in an indelible and unrivaled fashion. We look forward to seeing what lasting moments Getty Images will capture in the future.”

“Getty Images has a passion for sports photography and we are proud to be a part of the Olympic movement,” said Janey Marks, Director of Olympic Programs and Strategic Alliances for Getty Images. “Our comprehensive coverage has captured some of the most defining moments in U.S. Olympic sports history, making Getty Images the ultimate resource for all Olympic imagery worldwide. We are honored to have renewed our partnership with the USOC and are excited to capture many more iconic moments of these world-class athletes as they compete at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and beyond.”

In addition to the relationship with the USOC, Getty Images also serves as the Official Photography Agency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Its archive contains some of the most notable Olympic photographs dating from the 1896 Games in Athens to the most recent games in Beijing. The collection features some of the greatest moments in U.S. Olympic history including swimmer Michael Phelps as he earned his unprecedented eighth Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing; gymnast Mary Lou Retton victorious after winning All Around Individual competition at the 1984 Olympic Games; and, speed skater Bonnie Blair winning the gold medal in the 500 meters and 1000 meters at the 1994 Games, taking her Olympic Winter Games tally to a record five gold medals.

These images, among many more, can be viewed on Getty Images’ dedicated Olympics website, www.gettyimages.com/olympics, which includes 112 years of iconic sporting imagery.

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Christina Vaughan Lines Up For Asian Honour

London (UK), 28 APRIL 2009 - Christina Vaughan – founder of the world’s leading independent royalty free stock photography production company, Image Source – has been shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, part of the Asian Women of Achievement awards.

The Lloyds TSB sponsored awards were set up to identify Asian women making a significant contribution to British life, across the media, business, arts, politics and voluntary sector.

Since launching the business to the international market in 1999, Image Source now trades through over 200 photo agencies in over 80 countries. Christina was also the first non-American to be voted onto the Picture Agency Counsel of America Board in 2003 and is currently serving as their Vice President.

The judging panel was chaired by Sir Nicholas Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross and this year’s shortlist includes several prominent figures from the Asian community, including Seetha Kumar, head of BBC Online, Yasmin Qureshi, a leading barrister who is set to become the first ever female Muslim MP, and Hong Kong born choreographer and producer Carolyn Choa - wife of the late Oscar-winning film-maker Anthony Minghella.

The Asian Women of Achievement Awards, whose patron is Cherie Blair, will be announced during a ceremony at the London Hilton on May 20.

Founder of the awards, Pinky Lilani OBE, said: “Over the past 10 years the awards have become a real barometer of social change. The standard of this year’s nominations has been incredible, with the shortlist demonstrating the wealth of talent in the Asian community that we are keen to support and promote.”

Christina Vaughan comments: " It's an absolute privilege and honour for me to be recognised by these Awards. Image Source has a phenomenal success story to tell and I believe part of that success comes from the marvellous opportunity that I have had in my generation as a woman growing up in a modern day Britain that celebrates diversity, mixed heritage and shared culture from Asia. I am immensely proud of this heritage and the grounding it has given to me."

The Asian Women of Achievement Awards are hosted by Real Business magazine, in association with Lloyds TSB. For information on how to enter the awards visit: http://www.awaawards.com

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Deal: B&H: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Camera Body)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583953-REG/Canon_2764B003_EOS_5D_Mark_II.html/BI/2279/KBID/3038

Price- $ 2,699.95 + Free Shipping = $ 2,699.95 (check price)

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Software: Qtpfsgui (HDR)

Qtpfsgui is an open source graphical user interface application that aims to provide a workflow for HDR imaging. Qtpfsgui provides with just a few mouse clicks impressive HDR images (High Dynamic Range). Select the images with the different exposure and Qtpfsgui will read the EXIF data to set the options. You can also set the setting manually for the appropriate photo Tools. Usually you can create the HDR image with the default settings.

For more information go to http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net/index.php

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Software: Foto Mosaik Edda

With Foto-Mosaik-Edda you can create mosaic-pictures, which are composed of many small pictures (tiles), from your own photos.

The single pictures will be analysed and copied into one or more databases. You can use your holiday photos, pictures of the last family celebration or even take over whole picture-CDs into the database.

A simple to use wizard will guide you through the program and will turn the creation of your own photo-mosaic into a piece of cake. Amaze others with this extraordinary effect.

For more information go to http://www.sixdots.de/mosaik/en/

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Software: JetPhoto

You can create HTML-Albums, Diashows, and Flash-Albums with the free JetPhoto software. JetPhoto can read the images directly from the camera or from a directory. The software is easy to use and it also allows users to review photos on a map, which shows the locations where each photo was taken. JetPhoto matches digital photos with time-synchronized GPS tracks to locate photos automatically, and links photos on Google Earth and Google Maps.

For more info go to http://www.jetphotosoft.com/

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Snapixel Opens Stock Photography For Next Generation of Photographers

Snapixel Launches Openstock(TM) Ready-to-License System to Sell Photos

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) April 28, 2009 -- Snapixel, a new photography site that combines elements of the photo sharing site Flickr and the popular stock photography site Istockphoto, announces Openstock(TM), an innovative system that provides photographers with an easy-to-market solution to sell photos.

"The Snapixel model extends selling power to all levels of photographers. While not every image belongs in a stock photography marketplace, our ultimate goal is to widen the creative spectrum of traditional stock photography, without decreasing the value." said Ivan Wong, COO and Co-founder of Snapixel.

In the past, the price-point of semi-professional digital photography equipment and the high level of technical knowledge posed a barrier-of-entry. Now with the emergence of affordable DSLR cameras by electronic manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Sony and others, a larger pool of talent are producing higher quality photos.

Everyday, people throughout the world post creative photography on the web with no intention of selling their work. Whether it be the complex and lengthy application process posed by popular stock photography sites or a hesitation to acknowledge their work as commercially viable, these talented individuals produce diverse and engaging photography.

"We are creating an opportunity for the next generation of photographers and photo-enthusiasts, by offering reliable tools, secure storage and a platform that offers incremental income in a competitive market." said Adam Oliver, CEO of Snapixel.

Instant Scalability and Secure Storage
Built using the powerful scalability of Amazon Web Services(TM) cloud-computing platform, people can quickly and securely upload and organize their photos. Photos for sale can be distributed with a standard and extended license, or Creative Common licensing can be applied to images that are not-for-sale. Photos can be easily purchased with Snapixel credits, and prices will vary depending on the license type and size of an image.

Snapixel offers 1GB of free storage or a premium package for unlimited storage. Focused on community and fostering a positive environment, Snapixel is where photographers can connect with others to share comments, tips and critiques by starting or joining forums and groups.

About Snapixel
Based in San Francisco, Snapixel is a Flixya Entertainment LLC company that operates a network of media-related sites which include Imagebam, a global top 300 website hosting over 40 million images and Flixya, a social networking site that pushes 100% revenue to it's members via the Google Adsense API.

Snapixel is a photo sharing community and stock photography marketplace, providing all levels of photographers and photo-enthusiasts with the tools to upload, store, organize, share or sell their photos. The company's innovative Openstock(TM) ready-to-license system promotes the sale of unique, creative and commercially viable photos. Snapixel makes it easier for photographers to sell photos and receive a fair return. All transactions are processed and delivered by the eBay company Paypal.

For more information on Snapixel, visit www.snapixel.com

Press Contact:
Alexandra MacArthur
310-574-2826
alexandra(at)snapixel.com

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New Noise Ninja Standalone release adds Sidekick Mode

PictureCode has released a new version of Noise Ninja. The Noise Ninja Standalone version now has a Sidekick Mode. While Noise Ninja is in sidekick mode any files sent to Noise Ninja from external applications, drag and drop or the file open dialog will be automatically processed and saved without user interaction. This is particularly useful when using Noise Ninjas as an external editor for hosts like Lightroom. The official release is available on the download page.

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Picture Yourself on Maui…at the 2009 Maui Photo Festival & Workshops

Do you have a passion for photography? The Maui Photo Festival and Workshops will bring world-class pro photographers to one of the world's most photogenic destinations: Maui. This event is scheduled for September 16-20, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on Kaanapali Beach. Pack your camera bag and hele on (hurry) over to a first-of-its-kind island event that celebrates the exploding popularity of digital photography. Complete details and online registration are available at www.MauiPhotoFestival.com.

Kaanapali Maui, Hawaii (PRWEB) April 28, 2009 -- Digital photography has changed everything. The instant feedback in the camera and the creative flexibility of the digital darkroom have spawned a medium with limitless educational potential. Thousands of digital photographers -- novice to pro -- share a passion and a desire to take their skills to the next level. The 2009 Maui Photo Festival and Workshops will take them there.

The Maui Photo Festival and Workshops will bring world-class pro photographers to one of the world's most photogenic destinations: Maui. This event is scheduled for September 16-20, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on Kaanapali Beach. The event presents a blend of classroom sessions, location shoots, real-world assignments and hands-on photo excursions led by professional photographers. Organizers plan a series of event-long photo competitions for both amateurs and pros. Each evening at the MPF&W's Paradise Cinema (an outdoor big-screen theater on Kaanapali Beach), attendees will view the images and hear the stories of presenting photographers; learn the latest digital darkroom techniques from the sponsors; and check out the images shot that day and entered into competition. Complete details (and online registration) are available at the Maui Photo Festival website.

Presenters for this Maui Photo Festival & Workshops include Canon Explorers of Light Jack Reznicki, Rick Sammon and Eddie Tapp; former aerial combat photographers Stacy Pearsall and Andy Dunaway; award-winning portrait photographer Judy Host; Senior Creative Director at Adobe Systems Incorporated Russell Preston Brown and Adobe Senior Digital Imaging Evangelist Julianne Kost; international fine art photographer and founder of the Pacific Center of Photography, Michael Gilbert; Maui's own fine art photographer Randy Jay Braun; advertising, fashion and architectural photographer Lou Freeman; commercial, editorial and fine art photographer Tony Novak-Clifford; celebrity portrait photographer David Rose; Waimea Bay shorebreak surfing pioneer and photographer Clark Little; international underwater photographer David Fleetham of Hawaii; and more to come. The most up-to-date listing of presenters can be found at the Maui Photo Festival Website.

This sort of festival could happen anywhere. That's why the organizers intend to have Maui be just as big a star as the presenting pros. Each day will start with optional golden-hour excursions to some of the most beautiful landscapes and seascapes in the world -- including a trip to the top of a volcano -- to shoot some of the most spectacular sunrises.

The morning keynote presentations, in the Monarchy Ballroom, are meant to inspire. Then we'll break out into three tracks -- Digital Photography Basic Training, Prosumer to Pro, and The Digital Darkroom -- for a series of three one-hour morning classroom sessions.

Extended afternoon sessions will allow time for demonstrations and hands-on opportunities as well as optional excursions: Underwater photographers will take attendees to explore Maui's reefs; local ocean-going catamarans will pick attendees up from the beach to shoot Maui from the sea; or for the fearless, hop aboard a helicopter with a former aerial combat photographer and get a doors-off island photo tour -- including a rooftop landing at the Hyatt -- for the ultimate photo adventure.

But organizers warn that for this first festival, attendance is limited to 350 photographer attendees. The four-day festival registration fee of $695 includes an opening reception with pupu (appetizers) and no-host cocktails; three full days of morning keynotes, classroom sessions, and extended afternoon sessions; three more evenings in our outdoor Paradise Cinema on Kaanapali Beach, and a special Sunday wrap-up session. (Check the website for early registration discounts.) Registered attendees will also be able to choose from a list of optional golden-hour and afternoon excursions.

2009 Event Sponsors include: Adobe Systems Incorporated, Canon, Epson, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Graphic Authority, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the County of Maui.

For complete information, including a list of presenting professionals, go to the Maui Photo Festival Website. The Hyatt Regency Maui is offering special Maui Photo Festival room rate (that is too low to publish). Sign up for the email newsletter on the Maui Photo Festival & Workshops website to find out the attendee room rate at the Hyatt, special discounts, and when new presenters or excursions are added. For more information call (808) 283-8438.

(pau)
Contact:
Barbara Santos (925) 895-5841
or Terrie Eliker (808) 283-8438

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Tech Bytes 4/27/09

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day -- Tech Bytes 4/27/09

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Valdosta Photo Contest

Valdosta Photo Contest Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:04:00 EST

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PicScout applauds Google for its Similar Images Search

What a thrill it is to see Google's recent announcement of its new "similar image" search! One couldn't ask for better publicity. Free, too! First, it further validates the huge interest people have in finding and using images online, either for personal or business uses. When people search for images, they are most likely looking to use them for some purpose that very well may require licensing. If Google is helping people do that faster, all the better!

While Picscout has been a leading innovator in image-recognition technology, its business is not to help people find images. It's to help them manage their copyrights. If you're thinking that you could use Google's new image-search to do that on your own, consider these points:

FINDING YOUR IMAGES
* First you have to get Google image search to come up with one of your images in a search (not as easy as it looks), before you can even start with a "similar" search. And then your luck goes downhill faster. As reported by Plagiarism Today (http://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2009/04/24/google-similar-images-poor-copy-detection/trackback), the search isn't really all that good. But, that's almost beside the point. Even if it were perfect at finding exact matches, you have to do this for every image you own, one by one. Do you really have that much time on your hands?
* Picscout tracks entire collections of works... Every day.

FINDING "RELEVANT" USAGES
* Do you know the difference between a "relevant" use of your images and a big waste of time?
* Picscout does. And we deliver detailed reports that include the name of the company, a screenshot of the web page that used your image, contact information, and more.

RESOLUTIONS
* Do you know what to do if you find a match? Most people have no expertise or wherewithal to resolve usage disputes. If you try to contact the company yourself, chances are that you'll be either ignored or treated poorly. And you'll discover this only after weeks or months of trying.
* Picscout works with a select network of specially qualified copyright lawyers that can not only handle your case professionally with the other party, saving you valuable time, but also come up with a satisfactory resolution that doesn't alienate business relationships.

Sure, there are ways to "find" your images, ranging from dumb luck to brute force searching. But that doesn't mean a whole lot if nothing is happening. In the end, Picscout is far more than just a great image-recognition tech company. We provide full-service solutions that actually return results.

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Washington Week in Photos: Change in View

While the players in Washington may change, many of the events stay the same. So, the challenge for photographers is to make a weekly event look different. The AP's David Ake takes us through this week in photos. (April 27)

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Hasselblad H3DII-50 Named Product of the Year at Russia’s Photoforum

On April 9, the Hasselblad H3DII-50 was named Product of the Year in the Professional Photo Camera, High-End Class, when Hasselblad’s partner in Russia, Sivma-Phototechnika, attended Photoforum 2009 in Moscow.

As winner of this prestigious annual award, the Hasselblad H3DII-50 will be labeled accordingly in major retail operations, including photo specialty equipment retailers and Internet stores.

The jury panel that chose the H3DII-50, was headed by jury chairman Eugeni Uvarov, and comprised of representatives from leading industry publications in the Russian market, including Digital Camera Photo&Video, Digital Photo, Publish, Stuff, T3, Best Digital Cameras, Potrebitel: Photo Equipment and Video Cameras, Fotodelo, Photo Masterskaya, Cifrovik, Web portal http://www.prophotos.ru/, and an independent industry expert.

Held yearly since 2004, Photoforum’s Product of the Year competition recognizes the very best audio, video, photo, computer, mobile, and portable products in the Russian marketplace.

Hasselblad Foundation Names 2009 Photography Award Winner

American photographer Robert Adams from Astoria, Oregon, has been selected as the 29th winner of the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography.

The award was presented to Adams at a press conference at Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco, California, on April 14, 2009. Adams, born in Orange, New Jersey, in 1937, has documented the American West in black-and-white photographs for the past four decades, revealing the impact of human activity on the vestiges of wilderness and open space.
The Hasselblad Foundation presented the following citation:

“Robert Adams is one of the most important and influential photographers of the last 40 years. During that time, he has worked almost exclusively in the American West. As photography has changed and become fragmented, he has refined and reaffirmed its inherent language, adapting the legacies of 19th century and modernist photography to his own, very singular purpose. Precise and undramatic, Adams’ accumulative vision of the West now stands as a formidable document, reflecting broader, global concerns about the environment, while consistently recognizing signs of human aspiration and elements of hope, across a particular changing landscape.”

Adams was given a diploma [is this the same as the citation? If so, suggest we write, “In addition to the above citation, Adams received a gold medal and a check for SEK 500,000.”], gold medal, and a check for SEK 500,000. An exhibition of his work, Robert Adams – 2009 Hasselblad Award Winner, will open at the Hasselblad Center in Göteborg Art Museum on November 6, 2009.

The prize committee, which submitted its proposal to the Foundation’s board of directors, included: David Chandler, Chair, and director of Photoworks, Brighton, England; Catherine David, art historian, critic, and curator, Paris, France; Annica Karlsson Rixon, artist/photographer, School of Photography, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Sunhee Kim, artistic director, Bund 18, Shanghai, China; Jorge Ribalta, art critic and curator, Museum of Contemporary Art, Barcelona, Spain.

Said Adams, “Art has always asked, ‘Why get up in the morning? What makes life worthwhile?’ You’re always looking for some new purchase on that very basic question. I still think photography has a social function.”

To see a complete list of award winners, go to http://www.hasselbladfoundation.org/2008-graciela-iturbide/en/

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Image of the Day: Iris

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

Description:
Blue and green Iris isolated on white background.

Keywords:
purple, iris, stem, flower, nature, leaves, white, spring, fresh, isolated, floral, blue, petals, object, three, bulb, beauty, beatiful, isolate, season, flora, garden, green, detail, blossoming, botanical, botany, closeup, scent, bloom, plant, petal, florist, beautiful, blooming, blossom, close, day, flowers, gift, high, holiday, macro, mothers, plants, summer, valentine, violet, vivid

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Stock Images Sold Yesterday 4/25

This are some images I sold yesterday with Shutterstock, iStockphoto, or Dreamstime.

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Danica Patrick bikini shoot

Danica Patrick graces the cover of this month's Shape Magazine. Go behind the scenes of Danica's bikini photo shoot.

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Readymade Images exclusive at plainpicture

London (UK), 25 APRIL 2009 - plainpicture is taking on board the Readymade Images collection. 4,000 new images from the French agency are available exclusively via plainpicture in the UK and the German speaking countries.

Founded in 2006 by two key players within the Parisian photography world, Readymade Images presents an unconventional and progressive portfolio. Geared towards users in the design and creative field, the diverse and inventive interpretation of subjects fits perfectly with plainpicture's profile and photographic ideas.

For more information visit: http://www.plainpicture.com/en/news/readymade-images/

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Picturehouse Chicago a Sold-Out Success, AD Agency and Design Buyers Highest Attendee Group

New York (USA), APRIL 2009 - Picturehouse Chicago, held on Wednesday, April 16, 2009, was a sell-out for the fourth consecutive year. Photo agencies from around the world exhibited their collections at the River East Art Center to hundreds of area creatives who streamed through the venue.

Picturehouse organizes the only events of their kind in the stock picture business, bringing together buyers and suppliers of photography, illustration and footage. Rounding out the sold-out floor were over twenty first time exhibitors including Blend Images, Dreamstime, Glowimages, Learning Pictures, Munro Campagna, Schumann & Company, Tips Images, Trunk Archive… Foreign libraries such as akg-images, Axiom Photographic Agency, Fotofinder, picturemaxx, Nature Picture Library, PixPalace, Robert Harding, also made the journey to Chicago, counting on the US market and the current favorable exchange rates to boost international sales.

“Our table was swamped this year,” said Danita Delimont of Danita Delimont Stock Photography, a boutique agency specializing in worldwide travel and cultural images. Nancy Carter of North Wind Picture Archives said she liked the quality of the attendees. She added, “The show runs like clockwork. The food is fabulous. The venues are always artistically interesting as well as spotless.”

A breakdown of attendees by segment revealed advertising and design buyers were the largest group at 42%. In addition, book publishing buyers formed 15%; magazines and newspapers 9%; educational buyers 9%; with the remaining 25% of attendees falling into other miscellaneous buying categories.

Picturehouse President Deborah Free expressed her delight with the turnout and the cooperating weather. “Once again, we proved that art buying is alive and well in the Midwest. We had an absolutely beautiful spring day. Plus our free morning copyright session with attorney Nancy Wolff was a huge success.”

Erin Brady of Clear Channel Outdoor attended both the copyright session and the event. “The seminar was excellent. I thought the event was well put together. The vendor booths were great!” Designer Lisa Helminski of Helminski Studios said, “I look forward to this event every year. It’s very professional and helpful. You make it memorable.”

For information about the next event, Picturehouse New York on October 14, 2009, or to register to attend, please visit the Picturehouse website (www.picturehouse-us.com/newyork). Attendance is free for professional image buyers but prior registration is required for admittance.

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Sigma Corporation teams with magazine to empower young photographers

Sigma Corporation sponsors Nature's Best Photography Students Photo Contest; will provide equipment to young photographers who win the competition.

RONKONKOMA, NY, April 25, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is partnering with Nature's Best Photography Students online magazine to empower young photographers and provide a forum where they can share their images.

The company, which is preparing to launch the DP2, a pocket-sized camera with the power of a DSLR, is sponsoring the Nature's Best Photography Students Photo Contest, a bi-annual competition to identify some of the world's most talented, emerging photographers. As a sponsor of the contest, Sigma Corporation has provided funding for its management and an array of products to be awarded to its winners.

"As a company that has been around for more than 50 years, we've seen generations of photographers leave their photographic footprint in the industry," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. "It is imperative that we nurture the work of our future photographers and provide them with the resources they need to grow and learn as young artists. Nature's Best Photography Students is a wonderful publication that does this really well, and we are honored to partner with its founders in these efforts."

Anyone under the age of 21 is welcome to enter the next Nature's Best Photography Students Photo Contest by submitting up to 20 images for consideration between May 15 and Aug. 15 via the online submission form at http://www.naturesbeststudents.com/takeaction/. Participants will be asked to pay a one-time entry fee of $10 and parental permission is required for those entrants under 18 years old. One grand prize winner and a number of honorable mention winners will be awarded in the publication's online edition on Nov.15. Prizes will include sponsor-donated photography equipment and gift certificates, as well as the online publication of the winners' images.

"We began this contest less than a year ago to provide a venue for young photographers to be published," said Gabby Salazar who, at the age of 21, founded and edits the student publication with help from Nature's Best Photography magazine's founders and co-publishers Steve and Deborah Freligh. "I started with photography when I was 10, so I know how hard it can be and how much that validation means. In many cases, these kids' parents are the only ones who have ever told them how wonderful their images are, so this contest is a great way to boost their self esteem and help them pursue their dreams."

Nature's Best Photography Students is a quarterly, online magazine under its flagship publication Nature's Best Photography. The student publication provides a comprehensive blend of creativity, natural history education and new technology, while connecting and inspiring young people worldwide to explore the natural world through the enjoyment of photography, writing and outdoor experiences.

For information about the contest, contact Nature's Best Photography Students at students@naturesbestphotography.com. For information about Sigma Corporation, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com.

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Tech Bytes 4/24/09

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day -- Tech Bytes 4/24/09

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Leyio launches PSD in UK

The Personal Sharing Device uses Ultra-wideband technology to allow people to exchange digital content even when they're not near a computer.

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Master Macro 100 Offers Extreme Close-Up on Quality

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, LAS VEGAS/USA, 24.04.2009.
For the ultimate in image quality for table top cinematography, product shots, close-up inserts on feature films or any other application that requires a macro lens, the Master Macro 100 delivers images of breathtaking beauty. With a 1:1 magnification ratio, a maximum aperture of T2.0 and an optical design developed specifically for macro work, the Master Macro 100 delivers phenomenally sharp and contrasty images for extreme close-ups of the highest visual quality.

Unlike most other macro lenses, the Master Macro 100 has been designed and built by Carl Zeiss specifically for motion picture cinematography. The optical performance of the lens matches that of the Master Primes, sharing features such as exotic glass materials, special lens coatings and aspherical glass surfaces that require ultra-high precision in design and manufacturing. While other macro lenses create images that are visibly darker and softer in the corners, the Master Macro exhibits remarkably even illumination and resolution across the whole Super 35 frame. It also benefits from an advanced, multi-bladed iris, resulting in round and natural-looking out-of-focus highlights. The front element of the Master Macro 100 is set back within the lens housing, which protects it from the reflected light that can so often be a problem when lighting subjects positioned close to the front of a lens. In effect, the forward section of the lens acts as a shade, absorbing any stray light. This, in combination with the T* XP anti-reflex coating, strategically painted lens rims and special light traps, means that cinematographers may spend far less time worrying about unwanted light on the image than with any other macro lens. It also means that the Master Macro exhibits unsurpassed contrast and low veiling glare.

While a quick close-up can always be grabbed by using a Master Prime with a Master Diopter, the Master Macro 100 is the tool of choice when extreme close-ups of the highest image quality are required, for example on a high end commercial. With a magnification ratio of 1:1 and a close focus distance of only 0.35 m, it can magnify objects beyond what diopters would allow. Super Color Matched to the Master Primes, Ultra Primes, Ultra 16 lenses and Lightweight Zoom LWZ-1, the Master Macro allows cinematographers to create a consistent look on set rather than in post.

The Master Macro 100 is available in May 2009. The Master Macro 100 exhibits an extremely even illumination across the whole Super 35 frame and retains high resolution all the way from the center to the edges.

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My latest images for sale at Shutterstock: 4/23/09

My latest images for sale at Shutterstock:

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Tech Bytes 4/23/09

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day -- Tech Bytes 4/23/09

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Tech Bytes 4/22/09

Syracuse, NY - Top Stories of the day -- Tech Bytes 4/22/09

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TopFoto To Raise the Bar at the Picture Buyer's Fair

UK, 22 APRIL 2009 - Celebrating their new representation of The Granger Collection, New York, UK editorial specialist TopFoto have designed their stand at the Picture Buyers’ Fair to be as close to a public bar as they can get away with.

While stocks last (and the order is quite generous!) TopFoto will be giving away bottles of The Granger Collection-illustrated WILLIAM WILBERFORCE FREEDOM ALE Fair-Trade beer, brewed by TopFoto’s near-neighbour in Kent (the Westerham Brewery).

The ale is great example of using an image from TopFoto - on the lovely bottles.

Sales Manager Flora Smith says: “It’s a bit of fun. We’ve expanded our space to house and scan our negative collections, plus we have just added distribution of the wondrous Granger Collection, so it’s time to celebrate.”

TopFoto is sending out an email inviting the recipient to print and exchange for their free bottle at TopFoto’s Picture Buyers’ Fair stand 214. Make sure you get your TopFoto free bottle email by contacting marketing@topfoto.co.uk

Visit TopFoto at Stand 214
6 & 7 May, 2009
Picture Buyers’ Fair, Business Design Centre, Islington, London

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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.

Description:
A round and colorful wind wheel made from fabric.

Keywords:
blowing, blue, circle, color, colored, colors, colour, curve, detail, fun, green, joy, multi, multicolored, nobody, orange, pink, pinwheel, plastic, play, purple, rainbow, red, spin, spinner, spiral, summer, swirl, toy, turning, wheel, wind, windmill, yellow, tissue, cloth, fabric, motion

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Stock Images Sold Yesterday 4/22

This are some images I sold yesterday with Shutterstock, iStockphoto, or Dreamstime.

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NIKON RECEIVES NAPET MANUFACTURER SERVICE SUPPORT AWARD EIGHT YEARS IN A ROW

MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 21, 2009) – For the eighth consecutive year, the National Association of Photo Equipment Technicians (NAPET) awarded Nikon Inc. the Martin Strauss Memorial Manufacturer Service Support Award. This award recognizes Nikon’s continued commitment to quality and the efficiency of its National Service Department, Service Relations Department, and Parts Department.

“Being recognized by the photo industry as the leading provider of excellent service in our Service Department, Service Relations Department, and Parts Department is an accomplishment to be proud of,” says Arnold H. Kamen, Vice President of Operations & Customer Services. “Being recognized eight years in a row goes beyond our expectations and demonstrates our commitment and dedication to our customers.”

The efficiency of the Service, Service Relations and Parts Departments is integral to the success of Nikon’s retail partners, as it provides their customers with a valuable resource and deters product returns.

The Nikon Service Relations Department is available for active support to retail partners, authorized repair stations, and consumers seven days a week, 18 hours a day.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008.” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and

About NAPET
Through detailed skillfulness, the members of the National Association of Photo Equipment Technicians®, NAPET®, restore treasured photographic equipment for consumers and businesses alike. NAPET, a PMA® member association, bridges together independent camera repair businesses and photo manufacturers, and guides repair technicians in operating their businesses more effectively, efficiently, and profitably.

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Panasonic Unveils AG-HMC40, Low Cost AVCCAM Handheld With 10.6 Megapixel Still Photo Capability

* 3-Megapixel ¼” 3-MOS Imagers with Full HD Resolution 1080 and 720 Recording *

(WEBWIRE) – Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - LAS VEGAS, NV .– Here at NAB, Panasonic has expanded its professional AVCCAM line with the introduction of a more compact, lighter handheld camcorder – the AG-HMC40. Weighing less than 2.2 pounds, the new AVCCAM camcorder is packed with an impressive range of professional features including full HD 3MOS imagers, high-resolution 10.6-megapixal still photo capture, 12X optical zoom and high-quality, solid-state AVCHD recording on widely-available SD cards.

The HMC40 is an AVCHD format based camcorder that uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 high profile encoding, which provides a near doubling of bandwidth efficiency and improved video performance over the older MPEG-2 compression formats (e.g. HDV, DVD etc.). AVCHD high definition recordings look clean and crisp, even during fast motion, reducing the image degradation or dropout associated with older HDV recordings.

The HMC40 features a full resolution 2-megapixel, 1/4.1-inch 3MOS imager that produces stunning 1920x1080 HD images with high sensitivity. The camera captures still images with 10.6-megapixel resolution directly onto the SD card as a JPEG image. The handheld offers a 12X optical zoom (includes 2X, 5X, 10X) and professional image functions like Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) that helps compensate for wide variations in lighting, and a Cine-Like Gamma mode which gives recordings a more film-like aesthetic.

The HD camcorder records in all four professional AVCCAM recording modes, including the high-quality PH mode (average 21 Mbps/Max 24Mbps), the HA mode (approx.17 Mbps), the HG mode (approx.13 Mbps) and the extended recording HE mode (approx. 6 Mbps). It supports 1080/59.94i (in all modes) and 1080/29.97p, 1080/23.98p native, 720/59.94p, 720/20.97p, and 720/23.98p native (in PH mode only).

Using just one 32GB SDHC memory card, a user can record three hours of full resolution 1920x1080 video and audio in PH mode, four hours at HA mode and 5.3 hours at HG mode. In the HE mode, the camera can record up to 12 hours of 1440x1080 HD content – all on a single 32GB SDHC card.

The HMC40 comes standard with HDMI output, USB 2.0 (mini B-type devices), composite output (AV multi/ch1, ch2), analog component (mini-D), detachable XLR audio input and audio REC level adjustment dials. Users also have the choice of expanding the camera’s audio capability with 2-channel input, mic/line switchable and +48V options that are available for purchase separately. The camera’s 2.7-inch LCD monitor offers simple touch-panel operation and access to various solid-state recording functions such as pre-record, interval recording, shot marker and metadata capture.

In addition, this lightweight handheld offers invaluable professional features including waveform monitor display, focus assists such as focus bar display and enlarged display, time date stamp, user assignable focus ring, auto focus with face detection, zebra display, synchro-scan shutter function, three programmable user buttons, time code/UB recording, remote control terminal (for zoom, focus, aperture, REC start/stop controls).

AVCCAM content recorded on the SD card can be played back directly on a growing number of low cost consumer devices including solid-state HD players, Blu-ray players, game machines, laptop computers, and widescreen plasma displays with SD card slots. For editing or playback, professionals can transfer content from the SD Card to Mac or PC computers or by connecting the camera directly via its USB 2.0 interface.

AVCHD is supported by a wide range of editing options including Apple Final Cut Pro 6.0.5, Adobe Premier Pro CS4, EDIUS Pro 5 and EDIUS Neo 2. In addition, a free transcoder, available for download at www.panasonic.com/avccam, will convert AVCHD files to DVCPRO HD P2 and downconverted DV files for use with most existing professional editing packages.

Panasonic’s AVCCAM series brings the benefits of solid-state HD recording to budget-conscious professionals with a range of affordable camera and recorder products. In addition to HMC40, the AVCCAM line includes the popular AG-HMC150 handheld, the shoulder-mount AG-HMC70 and the new AG-HMR10 AVCCAM recorder and AG-HCK10 camera head. AVCCAM products record stunning professional AVCHD video onto inexpensive, reusable SD/SDHC cards, like digital still photography. As AVCHD files are digital, they can be transferred and stored on affordable, high-capacity hard disk drives (HDD) or optical storage media and transferred to future storage media as technology advances.

The HMC40 will be available in August at a suggested list price of $3,195.

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