Hundreds Of North American High School Students To Compete At Annual Canon Envirothon

Teams Convene at California State University, Fresno, for One of North America's Largest High School Environmental Education Competitions

Lake Success, N.Y., July 29, 2010 – From August 1 through August 6, more than 270 teenagers from 45 U.S. states and 9 Canadian provinces will meet at California State University, Fresno, to participate as finalists in one of North America's largest high school environmental education competitions, the 2010 Canon Envirothon.

During the six-day competition, teams will be challenged on their knowledge of a variety of environmental issues including soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and a specially selected current environmental issue. For this year's competition, the topic is Protection of Groundwater Through Urban, Agricultural and Environmental Planning. Students will analyze the long-term and short-term impact of natural environmental occurrences, social and economic factors and human activities on ecosystems relative to how each may influence or directly impact natural resources and their management.

In addition to learning in-depth about environmental issues affecting our natural resources, teams will be competing for a share of more than $125,000 in educational scholarships as well as an array of Canon products. The competition is organized by the National Association of Conservation Districts, the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A) Forest Service and the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service in the U.S. and in Canada by the Provincial Forestry Associations.

"The decisions we make today regarding the conservation and preservation of our environment and natural resources will shape the future of our delicate planet," said, Bunji Yano, senior director and general manager, Corporate Communications, Canon U.S.A. "Canon believes environmental education among our future leaders is the key to a developing a sustainable and successful planet for years to come. The students at the Canon Envirothon will have a direct hand in solving the complex environmental issues related to conserving and preserving the planet's limited resources for future generations."

Sponsors since 1997, the Canon Envirothon is one of North America's largest high school environmental education competitions, in which more than 500,000 teenagers are involved during a year-long learning process that combines in-class curricula with hands-on field experiences. Five-member teams from schools and organizations throughout out the United States and Canadian provinces first compete in local competitions, organized by environmental agencies, for the honor to represent their respective state or province in the national competition. During the final competition, teams compete in a series of field-oriented tests under the supervision of foresters, soil scientists and wildlife specialists and also prepare and deliver oral presentations to panels of judges who evaluate each team on their problem-solving capabilities, oral presentation skills and recommendations to help solve the specific environmental challenge presented during the competition.

In addition to the Canon Envirothon, Canon U.S.A. supports a wide range of environmental education and youth programs including the PBS Nature series, various programs at Yellowstone National Park, and many additional local programs. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com/environment.

A list of the U.S. and Canadian schools/organizations participating in the 2010 Canon Envirothon appears below.

Canon Envirothon Media Center: www.envirothon.org Click on the media center for information about the competition, daily updates and photos of the winning teams. Photos of winning teams can be downloaded beginning Saturday, August 7, 2010.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009+, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2010 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
 

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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

State	Winning Team
Alabama	Oak Mountain High School
Alaska	Homer High School
Alberta	Sexsmith Secondary School
Arizona	University High School
Arkansas	Mills Team A
British Columbia	Chilliwack Secondary School
California	Arlington American Lions
Connecticut	Litchfield High School
Delaware	Charter School of Wilmington Team 1
Florida	John Carroll High School
Georgia	Rockdale 4-H
Idaho	Dennis Technical Education Center
Illinois	Taylorville High School
Indiana	True Arrow 4-H Gibson County
Iowa	Marshalltown High School
Kansas	Holton High School
Kentucky	Fayette County-Dunbar High School
Louisiana	Zachary Area Homeschoolers
Maine	Jay High School
Manitoba	Swan Valley Regional Secondary School
Maryland	Carroll County Boy Scout Venturing Crew 202
Massachusetts	Lexington High School
Michigan	All Natural Baby
Minnesota	Rushford-Peterson High School
Mississippi	Harrison Central High School
Missouri	Pembroke Hills High School
Montana	Cascade County 4-H
Nebraska	Superior High School
New Brunswick	Stanley High School
New Hampshire	Keene High School
New Jersey	Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES)
New Mexico	Tatum High School
New York	Candor High School
Newfoundland and Labrador	Corner Brook Regional High School
North Carolina	Vicious Vipers--"CHEAGD"
North Dakota	Sargent Central High School
Nova Scotia	Northumberland High School
Ohio	Chardon High School
Oklahoma	Ninnekah High School
Ontario	University of Toronto Schools
Oregon	Newberg High School
Pennsylvania	Penncrest High School
Prince Edward Island	Three Oaks Senior High School
Rhode Island	The Wheeler School
Saskatchewan	Luther College High School
South Carolina	Spartanburg High School
Tennessee	Montgomery Bell Academy
Texas	College Park Academy of Science and Technology
Utah	Logan High School
Vermont	Essex High School
Virginia	Jamestown High School
Washington	Stanwood High School
West Virginia	Jefferson FFA
Wisconsin	Middleton High School

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Humorous Video Provides a Look into the Crisis in the Profession of Professional Photography

The profession of professional photography and the consumers that buy that photography are confronted by a crisis that grows with each passing day. College students, soccer moms and even high school students without any training in photography are marketing their services to the buying public. These untrained camera owners are photographing weddings, senior portraits, family reunions and other once in a lifetime events without any training in photography and the average consumer has no idea until it is too late!

Fresno, California (PRWEB) July 26, 2010 - The profession of professional photography and the consumers that buy that photography are confronted by a crisis that grows with each passing day. College students, soccer moms and even high school students without any training in photography are marketing their services to the buying public. These untrained camera owners are photographing weddings, senior portraits, family reunions and other once in a lifetime events without any training in photography and the average consumer has no idea until it is too late!

In this short, humorous video the fictional character of Newfus is the new face of professional photography. From his "lemonade style" photo stand in his front yard, he attempts to sell passersby a photograph for 25 cents or wedding photography for $29.95. Newfus and his client quickly learn of his limited skills.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn-w7fDH6y4 Jeff Smith, Professional Photographer, author of 13 books about professional photography and owner of Smith & Co. Studios, a Senior Portrait Studio in Fresno, Ca., created this video to encourage those camera owners that want to pursue a career as a professional photographer to actually learn about photography before trying to work with clients, as well as trying to educate the buying public about this growing problem. Every person learning photography has to start somewhere, but paying clients are not the training ground for our profession.

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iPad Photography App: FlickStackr: Adorama Photography TV

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjYl2Tk1Bow



adoramaTV - Adorama Photography TV presents FlickStackr for the iPad.

This week Mark Wallace discovered a great iPad application that is called FlickStackr. The FlickStackr app brings Flickr photo sharing to the iPad. It allows you to browse photos in the Flickr universe, as well as your sets, your favorites and your contacts and their photos. You can upload photos and edit your photos' metadata. A unique feature is the Stack. The Stack lets you mark photos from you or any other people. This stack is saved on your iPad, so that you can keep this list without having to publish it to flickr. Useful when you want to review photos later.

For related articles and videos at the Adorama Learning Center, and to download FlickrStackr, go here: http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/iPad-Photography-App-FlickStackr-AdoramaTV

Visit http://www.adorama.com/alc/ for more photography videos!

Category: Howto & Style
Tags: photography, ipad, digital, FlickStackr, snapfactory, apple, app, camera, mark, wallace, adorama

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WDC Outdoor Portraits Masterclass with John Freeman

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlpLRA8Mbw



WhatDigitalCamera - Top pro photographer John Freeman demonstrates how to get better summer portraits outdoors using just natural light.

Category: Science & Technology
Tags: John, Freeman, Portraits, tutorial

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PANASONIC LUMIX LX5, THE ULTIMATE COMPACT HIGH-PERFORMING DIGITAL CAMERA AIMS FOR SUPERB PHOTO QUALITY, ESPECIALLY IN LOW-LIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

Panasonic LUMIX LX5 Features New High Sensitivity CCD and F2.0 Leica Lens for Shooting Stunning Photography and Vivid High Definition Videos

SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2010) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-LX5, the ultimate compact, high-performing digital camera offering photo enthusiasts the ideal camera for capturing professional-quality photos and High Definition (HD) video. With an ultra-bright F2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens, the LUMIX LX5 minimizes image distortion, resulting in stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail. The 24mm wide angle lens offers extraordinarily large viewing space and now the optical zoom is extended to 3.8x(90mm) making the LX5 even more versatile.

“The Panasonic LUMIX LX-Series cameras have been extremely popular models for us with professional and enthusiast photographers, who understand and value the superb image quality such a compact, affordable digital camera can offer,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We expect the same enthusiasm, if not more, for the LUMIX LX5, which features improvements to the lens and processing – resulting in even better images.”

The Panasonic LUMIX LX5 is a unique compact digital camera in that it offers superb image quality along with a super-bright lens and increased creative modes. The F2.0 lens is twice as bright as a F2.8 lens, making it easy to produce beautiful photos with a soft-focused background thanks to the shallow depth of field provided by the extra light. In addition to the newly-designed lens, the LUMIX LX5 features an image processing engine that combines technologies resulting in professional-quality photos, especially in low-light situations. Like its predecessor, the LUMIX LX5 features the highly-acclaimed 10.1-megapixel CCD, but it has an expanded dynamic range by increasing the sensitivity and the saturation.

The newly developed Venus Engine FHD image processor enables higher-speed, higher-performance while compiling the Intelligent Resolution technology. The triple CPUs in this imaging engine dramatically speeds up processing while achieving exceptional noise reduction performance. With its high-sensitivity CCD and the brightness of the lens, minimum illumination of the LUMIX LX5 is as low as 3 lux while shooting video.

In addition to capturing high-quality still photos, the LUMIX LX5 can record HD videos in AVCHD Lite, a format that allows almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. Creative video shooting modes include Creative Movie mode, where users can set shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. My Color mode and Film mode are available for more extended expression not only in photography but also in videography. The LUMIX LX5 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio and the 3.8x optical zoom is available while shooting video.

The LUMIX LX5 has also been redesigned externally – with a thicker grip making it easier to hold and a newly-incorporated turn-and-push jog dial achieves various selection and setting more quickly. The LUMIX LX5 also features a hot shoe, which allows for the attachment of a wide-variety of accessories, such as an optional Live View Finder which helps shooting under strong daylight with high visibility or an external flash. The 1:1 square format setting is added in the aspect ratio option which can be selected with the switch at the side of the lens barrel.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX LX5, include:

* The 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high resolution Intelligent LCD also redesigned by adopting High CRI (Color Rendering Index) backlight LED to greatly increase the color reproduction, making it more visible both in shooting and playing back images in any conditions from at dark night to under bright sunlight.
* Battery life is extended to shoot 400 photos (CIPA) per a single charge.
* A wide-variety of accessories, including a Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), External Optical View Finder (DMW-VF1), Wide Conversion Lens (DMW-LWA52), Conversion Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA6), MC Protector (DMW-MC52), ND Filter (DMW-LND52), PL Filter: DMW-LPL52, External Flashes, Leather Case (DMW-CLX5) and a Battery Pack (DMW-BCJ13).

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX5 will be available in late-August 2010 for a suggested retail of $499.95 and will be available in black and white models.

·Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

·The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

·The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The "AVCHD Lite" is a subset of the "AVCHD format" for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new "AVCHD Lite" Logo and the "AVCHD Lite" License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category.

·The "AVCHD Lite" and the "AVCHD Lite" logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

·AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

·Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

·HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

·YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

·All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

·This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

·Some accessories are not available in some countries.

·The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

·Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.


About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos.

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

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PANASONIC PACKS ADVANCED PHOTO AND VIDEO FUNCTIONS INTO A SLEEK, SLIM AND STYLISH LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA

New LUMIX FX700 is small in size and big on features, including a MOS sensor, 3” Touch-Screen LCD and Full 1080 High Definition Video

SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2010) – Panasonic announced today the addition of the new LUMIX DMC-FX700 digital camera, which records 1080 full High Definition (HD) videos in the AVCHD format and features a 3-inch touch-screen LCD. The 14.1-megapixel digital camera features a 24mm ultra wide-angle F2.2 super bright LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with a 5x optical zoom*1 making the LUMIX FX700 extremely versatile in low-light conditions and when capturing moving subjects.

“The 24mm ultra wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom on the LUMIX FX700 makes it a powerful and advanced addition to the FX-Series, known for being slim, sleek and high-performing,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX FX700 offers a complete suite of creative ways to capture superior quality photos and full HD videos in all shooting situations.”

The LUMIX FX700 adopts full touch-screen operation, which allows for Auto Focus (AF) to be set by touching the 3.0-inch, 230,000-dot LCD screen. Once a subject is locked with a single touch, the AF tracking function will follow the subject while moving. With the Intelligent Scene Selector, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject selected. All menus settings are now available with one-touch control for shooting images and videos.

The LUMIX FX700’s advanced 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens, a rarity for a compact camera of this size, makes it easy to capture many subjects due to the great depth-of-field provided by the extra light. Additionally, photographers now have a wider range of composition possibilities with approximately 213% larger viewing space compared to that of a 35mm camera.

The LUMIX FX700 can also record HD video in the AVCHD format, which allows for almost double the recording time in HD quality compared to the conventional Motion JPEG format. The LUMIX FX700 records in 1920x1080 full HD with enhanced picture quality and Intelligent Resolution technology. Along with this high-quality HD video with a 5x optical zoom*1, the FX700 also features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high-quality audio.

Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is further advanced in the FX700 with the addition of Motion Deblur mode* by updating the motion detection (Intelligent ISO Control) and brightness control (Intelligent Exposure) to gain the highest shutter speed possible. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer), the LUMIX FX700 reduces any blur either caused by handshake or a moving subject. Intelligent Burst mode now determines the frame rate in burst shooting according to the speed of the subject’s motion, making it easy to capture any image. Included in the iA suite of technologies is: POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.

The LUMIX FX700 features the new Venus Engine FHD image processor which includes advanced signal processing capabilities. It also incorporates Intelligent Resolution technology, which examines three areas pixel-by-pixel, to automatically detect and enhance any degradation created during the digital zoom process.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FX700 include:

· Handheld Night Shot: Using the high-speed MOS sensor, this new mode shoots 10 consecutive shots to simulate and detect the perfect shot of any subject while simultaneously fixing the subject’s position. Through the MOS sensor’s short shutter speed, exposure is increased while noise is reduced to create a blurless, beautifully- illuminated night shot without the use of a tripod.

· Battery Life: The high-performance Venus Engine FHD is also highly energy efficient despite its high processing capabilities, extending the battery life up to 300 shots (CIPA) on a single charge.

The Panasonic LUMIX FX700 will be available in black in late-August for a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital camera models, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.

*1 Equivalent to 35mm camera: 24-120mm.

*2The picture size may be reduced.

*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

*The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

*Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

*This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos.

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

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PANASONIC UNVEILS COMPANY’S FIRST FULL HYBRID DIGITAL CAMERA WITH MOS SENSOR AND HIGH-SPEED CAPABILITY

New LUMIX FZ100 Has Powerful 24x Optical Zoom*1 and 14.1-Megapixel MOS Sensor, Allowing for full 1080 High Definition Video Capabilities

SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2010) – Panasonic announced today the new LUMIX DMC-FZ100, a top-of-the-line model in the popular FZ-Series of LUMIX digital cameras with a newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens that features a powerful 24x optical zoom*1. As the company’s first hybrid compact digital camera with a MOS sensor, the LUMIX FZ100 can record full 1080 High Definition (HD) video – giving consumers a powerful hybrid that can shoot video and still photos with ease and professional-like quality.

“Panasonic is excited to be introducing its first full hybrid camera with MOS sensor – pursuing a higher level in resolution, sensitivity and speed,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “This new highly-functioning MOS sensor can record high-quality 1080 full AVCHD video, making it the ideal hybrid camera for both the casual shooter and the seasoned professional.”

The LUMIX FZ100 has an incredibly fast burst shooting in 14.1-megapixel full resolution at 11 frames per second with a mechanical shutter, and increases the frames per second to 60 in 3.5-megapixel recording. Additionally, the LUMIX FZ100 features continuous Auto Focus up to five frames per second at full resolution for great action shots. It also features Intelligent Burst shooting. The digital camera judges the appropriate shutter speed to suppress the motion blur according to the movement of the subject, rising as high as possible, activating the high sensitivity recording.

Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, a hallmark on all LUMIX digital cameras, now includes Motion Deblur mode*2. By updating the motion detection (Intelligent ISO Control) and brightness control (Intelligent Exposure) users can gain the highest shutter speed possible. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), the LUMIX FZ100 prevents any blur created from a handshake or a moving subject. The iA suite of technologies include: POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. Panasonic’s iA is also available while shooting video.

Featuring a free-angle 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD, the LUMIX FZ100 features wide-angle viewing with Face Recognition functions that automatically remembers registered faces for future recording. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects one of 6 Scene modes to best suit the shooting situation.

The LUMIX FZ100 also features Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. This high-quality stereo sound offers realistic sounds and effects to any movie. For greater sound quality, the LUMIX FZ100 has a newly-created port for an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) and a Wind Cut function is available to drastically reduce background wind noise.

The LUMIX FZ100 can record photos and HD video in AVCHD format on SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. Additionally, My Color mode, first introduced in the LUMIX G Micro Systems cameras, is a special option that gives freedom to the user’s creativity. With a variety of options including new Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic and High Dynamic B&W, the My Color mode makes it easy to create innovative images and videos using new intensive color, brightness and saturation levels.

Other features of the LUMIX FZ100 include:

· Bundled Software – PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos. Videos can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader, while also letting the user create a 360-degree rotation panorama file in .MOV files. The software is compatible with the Windows 7.

· Happy Mode – An option in iA that optimizes color, saturation and brightness to make both photos and movies more vivid and true to the color of the scene you memorized.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ100 will be available in black in late-August for a suggested retail price of $499.95. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.

*1 Equivalent to 35mm camera:25-600mm

*2 In the high speed burst shooting at 60fps, the picture size in max. 3.5-megapixel (16:9), 3-megapixel (3:2), 2.5-megapixel (4:3) or 2-megapixel (1:1)

*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

*The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

*Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

*This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

*Some accessories are not available in some countries.

*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

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FUJIFILM LAUNCHES POWERHOUSE 15X LONG-ZOOM POINT AND SHOOT DIGITAL CAMERA: THE FINEPIX F300EXR

Powerful New Addition to Fujifilm's Award-Winning F-Series Offers Advanced Capabilities with New Features in a Compact, Stylish Package

Valhalla, N.Y., July 21, 2010 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the FinePix F300EXR, a sleek, compact digital camera that combines intuitive use with the most advanced features, including an astounding 15x Fujinon Super Wide-Angle lens (24mm – 360mm equivalent) and Fujifilm’s next generation EXR technology with Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus, available in a point-and-shoot digital camera.

Encased in a beautifully sculpted black metal shell with a double coated lacquer finish and measuring only 23 mm thick¹, the FinePix F300EXR offers a 12-MegaPixel EXR Super CCD, a large, 3.0” High-Contrast 460K LCD, Intelligent Image Stabilization and HD movie capture at 720p.

“The primary concerns consumers have are speed of capture, blurry photos and image quality. With the FinePix F300EXR, you won’t miss the action or sacrifice image quality as it has Fujifilm’s EXR technology with Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus. It also has Intelligent Image Stabilization for users to achieve outstanding results in virtually any lighting condition without blurring,” said David Troy, director of marketing, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, Fujifilm North America Corporation, “Combine those features with a Fujinon 15x long-zoom lens and a new high contrast LCD in a chassis only 23mm thick and it helps make great pictures that people will love.”

Sharp, Clear 15x Zoom Lens
The FinePix F300EXR features a Fujinon 15x Super Wide-Angle optical zoom lens that produces crisp high resolution results throughout the focal range, from 24mm wide-angle to 360mm telephoto. The lens of the FinePix F300EXR also features Super EBC Coating that keeps ghosting and flare to minimum, allowing for optimal picture quality.

EXR Sensor Technology, with Hybrid High Speed AF
The next generation EXR sensor in the FinePix F300EXR incorporates Phase Detection pixels built-in to the CCD to realize Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus. It has the ability to intelligently decide between the two focusing systems on the camera. For example, when a bright, high-contrast subject is positioned in the center of the frame, Phase Detection AF works fast and accurately; and in dark scenes, Contrast AF is employed to work accurately.

The F300EXR uses both Phase Detection AF and Contrast AF to offer fast auto focus speeds in all scenes. To achieve an incredible auto focus speed of 0.158 seconds², Fujifilm engineers placed pairs of phase detection pixels on the EXR sensor, which work like external sensors on DSLRs. The F300EXR automatically selects the better focus system (Contrast or Phase Detection), by measuring the amount of light or contrast in the scene. The benefit for the photographer is immediate and obvious – an almost instantaneous capture of the subject in the frame, with no missed shots or subjects half out-of-frame.

Intelligent Image Stabilization
Long-zoom cameras need stabilization more than any other compact, with handshake and subject movement a particular problem in low light at telephoto range and in movie mode. With a newly enhanced gyro sensor, the new image stabilization system promises further improved image quality with reduced blurring and noise in still pictures and even when shooting movies at the full 15x optical zoom or in very low-light. The new sensor is able to overcome handshake and can compensate for both sharp and wide hand movements, therefore increasing ISO to freeze action is no longer so necessary, meaning beautifully sharp low-light pictures can be achieved at 400 ISO, rather than 800 or 1600 ISO at night scenery. The FinePix F300EXR also works to reduce blur to a minimum by deploying high ISO sensitivity to automatically increase shutter speeds, and CCD Sensor Shift Stabilization to counteract the problems of handshake. By cleverly combining these two, blur is reduced to an absolute minimum.

3.0” High-Contrast LCD
The FinePix F300EXR is fitted with a high contrast 460K-pixel 3.0” LCD. The high contrast LCD is a considerable benefit in bright light, and means that the camera can be directed at various shooting angles to enable framing of awkward shots. The LCD is bright and clear for beautiful rendition of shots in playback.

HD Movie Capture
With the ability to capture movies in HD quality – 720p – the F300EXR also has a Mini HDMI Port, making it quick and easy for users to realize the full benefits of their home theater system and to share all their special moments.

Motion Panorama 360 for the Perfect All-Round Shot
New to the EXR sensor, the F300EXR extends the sweep range to 360˚ (shots can also be taken vertically). Combined with high quality Fujifilm printing, astounding scenes can be taken, showing fine detail, low noise and high resolution at 180, 240˚ or a full 360˚ range.

Improved Pro Focus Mode
Introduced on the F70EXR, Pro Focus Mode has proved very popular with photographers. Through complex digital imaging technology, several images are combined to create a crisp shot of the subject against a defocused background and foreground. Ideal for portraits, nature photography or any subject that needs 'lifting' from its background, the FinePix F300EXR Pro Focus Mode provides satisfying professional results at the touch of a button. Results are even more simple to achieve as Pro Focus Mode has been now been combined with Face Detection and Face Recognition.

Face Recognition
With Face Recognition, users can register up to eight (8) faces, along with names, birthdays and categories, and the F300EXR will prioritize focus and exposure right on the faces of those special people. Users can also use Image Search to view images of a registered person. Compared to models from other manufacturers, Fujifilm’s Face Recognition has faster recognition speed, greater number of names displayed, and the ability to recall the most often shot subject.

Tracking Auto Focus
The F300EXR also has Tracking Auto Focus, which allows users to track a moving subject automatically for still picture capture.

The FinePix F300EXR also offers these additional features:

• Super Intelligent Flash: The FinePix F300EXR offers a flash control system which efficiently controls the level of flash for a given exposure to produce beautifully balanced flash illumination across the foreground and background. Gone are the ugly washout shots where the subject is blasted with light and the background dark and unexposed. Super Intelligent Flash is most useful in macro photography where the contrast between subject and background can be especially challenging, but is also effective for night and backlit photography.

• EXR AUTO Technology: Prized for bringing a new level of image quality to the consumer compact market, Fujifilm’s EXR technology has the unique ability to switch its behavior depending on the shooting conditions by automatically switching sensor modes. The FinePix F300EXR can be left on EXR Auto Mode and the camera will do all the hard work for you, or alternatively, you can manually select one of three EXR Priority modes for high resolution (HR), dynamic range (DR) or high sensitivity and low noise (SN).

• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal: To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix F300EXR is fitted with Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.

• Photobook Assist: Photobook Assist lets you select and organize images in your camera to create a digital photobook. You can download the photobooks to your computer using MyFinePix Studio software that is included.

The FinePix F300EXR will be available in late August 2010 at a retail price of $329.95.

*¹ 23 mm measured at the thinnest chassis point.
*² Based on Fujifilm research.

NOTE: For complete camera specifications, please go to: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, consists of four operating divisions and two subsidiary companies. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. FUJIFILM Optical Devices U.S.A., Inc. is a provider of binoculars, and optical lenses for the closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast, and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 20 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2009, and in the year ended March 31, 2010, had global revenues of $23.5 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 93 yen to the dollar.

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FUJIFILM ENHANCES EXR AND TOUCH SCREEN TECHNOLOGY WITH THE FINEPIX Z800EXR

Combining Style and Substance for the Ultimate Point-and-Shoot Experience

Valhalla, N.Y., July 21, 2010 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the FinePix Z800EXR, with next generation EXR sensor and Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus, adding to its stylish Z Series. The FinePix Z800EXR digital camera combines beautiful styling, with a generous 3.5” Wide (16:9) High Resolution Touch Screen to offer consumers the latest digital imaging technology wrapped up in a sleek, sophisticated package.

Available in matte black, red, gold or shell pink, the FinePix Z800EXR combines a large 3.5” LCD with a 12-MegaPixel Super CCD EXR sensor, a Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens (36-180mm equivalent) and ISO levels of up to 1600 at full resolution. Housed inside a full metal chassis, the FinePix Z800EXR will fit in any pocket or purse at only 16.9 mm¹ thin and features a horizontal lens cover with wave detail, which serves as the on/off switch, and an LED “Z” that lights up when the camera is in operation.

“The Z-Series has come to be known as Fujifilm’s fashionable camera line and the Z800EXR is no exception,” said David Troy, director of marketing, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “This time, we’ve added an EXR sensor with phase detection pixels to enable features like Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus, plus Intelligent Image Stabilization for great anti-blur protection. And those features, coupled with the highly responsive touch screen interface, give fashion-conscious consumers the ability to take photos that look as good as the camera does.”

Touch Screen Technology
The FinePix Z800EXR’s most appealing feature is its intuitive touch screen technology. The rich 460k-pixel 3.5” touch screen display panel facilitates effortless navigation of the camera’s many functions. The touch screen not only lets you take and view photos with the touch of a finger, but also provides a large, bright screen to compose and view your photos. With Dual Direction GUI and Dual Image Display, travelling though the FinePix Z800EXR’s functions are smooth and easy. Dual Direction GUI detects the orientation of the camera and automatically switches the direction of the menu button accordingly (for shooting, playback, multi-viewing and image search), while Dual Image Display splits the screen in various ways to view multiple images at once, so you can scroll through your images quickly and easily to locate the one you are looking for.

EXR Sensor Technology, with Hybrid High Speed AF
The next generation EXR sensor in the FinePix Z800EXR incorporates “Phase Detection pixel built-in CCD” to realize Hybrid High Speed Auto Focus. It has the ability to intelligently decide between the two focusing systems on the camera. For example, when a bright, high-contrast subject is positioned in the center of the frame, Phase Detection AF works fast and accurately; and in dark scenes, Contrast AF is employed to work accurately.

The Z800EXR uses both Phase Detection AF and Contrast AF to offer fast auto focus speeds in all scenes. To achieve an incredible auto focus speed of 0.158 seconds², Fujifilm engineers placed pairs of phase detection pixels on the EXR sensor, which work like external sensors on DSLRs. The Z800EXR automatically selects the better focus system (Contrast or Phase Detection), by measuring the amount of light or contrast in the scene. The benefit for the photographer is immediate and obvious – an almost instantaneous capture of the subject in the frame, with no missed shots or subjects half out-of-frame.

Intelligent Image Stabilization
Longer zoom cameras need stabilization more than any other compact, with handshake and subject movement a particular problem in low light at telephoto range and in movie mode. With a newly enhanced gyro sensor, the new image stabilization system promises further improved image quality with reduced blurring and noise in still pictures and even when shooting movies at the full 5x optical zoom or in very low-light. The new sensor is able to overcome handshake and can compensate for both sharp and wide hand movements, therefore increasing ISO to freeze action is no longer so necessary, meaning beautifully sharp low-light pictures can be achieved at 400 ISO, rather than 800 or 1600 ISO at night scenery. The FinePix Z800EXR also works to reduce blur to a minimum by deploying higher ISO sensativity to automatically increase shutter speeds, and CCD Sensor Shift Stabilization to counteract the problems of handshake. By cleverly combining these two, blur is reduced to an absolute minimum.

HD Capability
The FinePix Z800EXR also offers HD movie capture in 720p with sound and high quality HD stills playback at 1920x1080. Many consumers are happy to enjoy HD movies on their PC, but with the new HD Player (optional extra), which comes equipped with a remote control, families can gather around their home HDTV to enjoy amazingly detailed stills and high resolution movie playback.

Face Recognition Technology
With Face Recognition Technology, you can identify the people in a picture by name. Fujifilm’s Face Recognition Technology gives you the ability to pre-program 8 people into the camera. To do this, you start by taking a picture of the person you want to program into the camera and then tell the camera who that person is (e.g. Mom). You also have the option of inputting the category she belongs to (e.g. friends/family) and the date of her birthday. The next time you take a photo of her, the camera will cleverly recognize “Mom” and optimize the settings to ensure that exposure and focus are best suited to her, rather than the other people in the picture.

In addition, the FinePix Z800EXR’s Picture Search Tool is able to use the Face Recognition data (name, birthday and category) to help you find and playback your photographs quickly and easily. If you want to scroll through all pictures featuring “Mom” for example, the camera will be able to select them for you for easy viewing.

Motion Panorama 360 for the Perfect All-Round Shot
New to the EXR sensor, the Z800EXR extends the sweep range to 360˚ (shots can also be taken vertically). Combined with high quality Fujifilm printing, astounding scenes can be taken, showing fine detail, low noise and high resolution at 180˚, 240˚ or a full 360˚ range.

Photobook Assist
Photobook Assist lets you select and organize images in your camera to create a digital photobook. You can download the photobooks to your computer using MyFinePix Studio software that is included.

The FinePix Z800EXR also offers these additional features:

• EXR AUTO Technology: Prized for bringing a new level of image quality to the consumer compact market, Fujifilm’s EXR technology has the unique ability to switch its behavior depending on the shooting conditions by selecting any of 3 different sensor modes. The FinePix Z800EXR can be left on EXR Auto Mode and the camera will do all the hard work for you. It intelligently detects the scene type you are shooting and optimizes the camera’s focus, exposure and white balance and selects the best sensor setting, so whether you’re photographing flowers or a holiday landscape, you will get flawless photos at the press of a button. Or alternatively, you can manually select one of three EXR Priority modes for high resolution (HR), dynamic range (DR) or high sensitivity and low noise (SN).

• Touch Shot: Provides the ability for one touch focus and shooting for easy photo taking. After the user taps the focal point of choice for the shooting scene on the LCD display, the camera automatically sets the appropriate focus and functions, and then releases the shutter for optimal one touch picture taking.

• ‘Super Intelligent’ Flash: The FinePix Z800EXR offers a flash control system which efficiently controls the level of flash for a given exposure to produce beautifully balanced flash illumination across the foreground and background. Gone are the ugly washout shots where the subject is blasted with light and the background dark and unexposed. Super Intelligent Flash is most useful in macro photography where the contrast between subject and background can be especially challenging, but is also effective for night and backlit photography.

• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal: To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix Z800EXR is fitted with Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.

• Pet Detection: For those who enjoy the company of four-legged friends, the FinePix Z800EXR comes equipped with Fujifilm’s Pet Detection technology, allowing users the ability to detect up to 10 faces of dogs or cats and automatically optimize the focus. Pet Detection works by matching various dog or cat data of facial parts with patterns to detect the dog or cat being photographed.

• Easy Web Upload: The FinePix Z800EXR also has the Facebook/YouTube Automatic Upload feature which is perfectly suited for consumers who want to share their pictures and videos more easily. Users can mark their favorite images and videos for Facebook or YouTube upload so they are all ready to go when they next connect to their computer. No more time is wasted sorting through pictures on the computer – just connect to MyFinePix Studio (supplied with the camera) and all marked images and videos will upload directly to the respective site at the press of a button.

The FinePix Z800EXR will be available in late August 2010 at a retail price of $229.95.

*¹ 16.9 mm measured at the thinnest chassis point.
*² Based on Fujifilm research.

NOTE: For complete camera specifications, please go to: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, consists of four operating divisions and two subsidiary companies. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. FUJIFILM Optical Devices U.S.A., Inc. is a provider of binoculars, and optical lenses for the closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast, and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 20 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2009, and in the year ended March 31, 2010, had global revenues of $23.5 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 93 yen to the dollar.

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FUJIFILM EXTENDS S-SERIES WITH NEW LONG ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA

High Performance meets High Definition in S2800HD, with Powerful Zoom Range and Cutting-Edge HD Capabilities

Valhalla, N.Y., July 21, 2010 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced a new addition to its S-Series line – The FinePix S2800HD. Sporting a 14-MegaPixel 1/2.3” CCD, a powerful Fujinon 18x Wide-Angle optical zoom (28mm-504mm equivalent) and an extra large 3.0” High-Contrast LCD and electronic viewfinder, the FinePix S2800HD is perfect for advanced amateur photographers who want an affordable, step-up digital camera that will still fit in the palm of their hand.

HD Movie Capture
While the S2800HD has the ability to capture movies in HD quality –720p HD – it also has a Mini HDMI Port for quick and easy connection to a home theater system. The S2800HD also works with Fujifilm’s optional HD Player Kit – which includes an HD Card Reader that connects to your HDTV via HDMI Cable for true digital transfer of HD quality and a wireless Remote Control for video playback from the comfort of your couch – and you maximize your HD experience.

“With the combination of the powerful 18x wide angle long zoom and the 3.0-inch LCD on the FinePix S2800HD, consumers will realize the benefit of superior image quality,” said David Troy, director of marketing, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “In addition, the FinePix S2800HD enables users to capture still images and shoot video in true HD; and with the rapidly increasing adoption of HDTV, consumers are looking to view compatible HD content on their home entertainment systems.”

18x Fujinon Optical Zoom Lens
The FinePix S2800HD features a Fujinon 18x Wide-Angle optical zoom lens that produces crisp high resolution results throughout the focal range, from 28mm wide-angle to an astounding 504mm telephoto. It also features Instant Zoom, which enables the user to keep their subject in a shot at long distance by offering a wide viewing area around the frame and then immediately cropping to the subject once the photo is taken.

Smile / Blink Detection
In addition to Fujifilm’s signature Face Detection, the FinePix S2800HD has two fun and valuable features – Smile Detection recognizes the precise moment your subject smiles and releases the shutter only when this happens; and Blink Detection warns you if any of your subjects have blinked so that you can re-take the photo if necessary.

Tracking Auto Focus
The FinePix S2800HD also has Tracking Auto Focus, which allows users to track a moving subject automatically for still picture capture.

Motion Panorama Mode with Auto Stitch
Simply select Panorama mode and start shooting. Then, align the “+” symbol into the circle and the shutter will automatically release to seamlessly stitch the shots together in-camera. Perfect for landscape, large buildings or even party shots!

Automatic Scene Recognition
‘SR Auto Mode’ intelligently detects the scene type you are shooting and optimizes the camera’s focus, exposure and white balance, so whether you’re photographing flowers or a holiday landscape, you will get flawless photos at the press of a button.

Auto Picture Rotation
The FinePix S2800HD has the useful Auto Picture Rotation that ensures your photos are always viewed the right way in playback. Whether you have taken a landscape or portrait image, you can enjoy your pictures whichever way you are holding the camera, as the image will automatically rotate in the screen for easy viewing.

Image Retrieval
The FinePix S2800HD has the Picture Search tool which allows you to find photos quickly and easily. You can search by whichever Scene Mode the photo was taken. For instance if you select ‘Portrait,’ you can view all photos shot in Portrait mode, or ‘Macro’ to see all close up shots…etc. It’s a time saving feature which means that you will no longer have to waste time searching through all your photos to find the ones you are looking for.

The FinePix S2800HD also has these additional features:

• 3.0” High-Contrast LCD and Electronic View Finder: The FinePix S2800HD is fitted with a high contrast 230K-pixel 3.0” LCD and Electronic View Finder. The high contrast LCD is a considerable benefit in bright light and means that the camera can be directed at various shooting angles to enable framing of awkward shots, while the Electronic View Finder provides even more flexibility for the user.

• Dual Image Stabilization: Long-zoom cameras need stabilization more than any other compact, with handshake and subject movement a particular problem in low light at telephoto range. The FinePix S2800HD reduces blur to a minimum with a mechanically stabilized CCD sensor and high ISO sensitivity (to ISO 6400), so that blur is reduced to an absolute minimum.

• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal: To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix S2800HD is fitted with Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.

• Photobook Assist: Photobook Assist lets you select and organize images in your camera to create a digital photobook. You can download the photobooks to your computer using MyFinePix Studio software that is included.

The FinePix S2800HD is available in early September 2010 at a retail price of $259.95.

NOTE: For complete camera specifications, please go to: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, consists of four operating divisions and two subsidiary companies. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. FUJIFILM Optical Devices U.S.A., Inc. is a provider of binoculars, and optical lenses for the closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast, and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 20 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2009, and in the year ended March 31, 2010, had global revenues of $23.5 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 93 yen to the dollar.

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FUJIFILM EXPANDS J-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA FAMILY WITH FINEPIX JX280

New FinePix JX280 Continues J-Series Momentum by Merging Style with the Latest Technologies

Valhalla, NY, July 21, 2010 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the introduction of the FinePix JX280 to join its ultra-compact J-Series family of digital cameras. The FinePix JX280 offers consumers a compact digital camera packed with the latest features, and provides them with the perfect fit for their pockets as well as their wallets.

The FinePix JX280 employs a 14-Megapixel CCD, a 2.7” High-Resolution LCD and a Fujinon 5x wide angle (28mm-140mm) optical zoom lens.

“With an overwhelming consumer response to the J-Series cameras we introduced earlier this year, we wanted to give our customers an even greater range of options when it comes to price point and feature set,” said David Troy, director of marketing, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “With the JX280 digital camera, there is now another ultra-compact model that has great looks and features, all at a great price.”

Encased in a high-grade metal body, the JX280 is not only well protected from bumps and scrapes, but gives a simple, yet elegant design appearance. The FinePix JX280 comes in black and is a slim 18.5mm¹, easily fitting into any pocket or small purse.

HD Capability
The FinePix JX280 offers stunning HD movies in 720p with sound and high quality stills at 1920 x 1080. Many consumers are happy to enjoy HD movies on their PC, but with the new HD Player (optional extra), which comes equipped with a remote control, families can gather around their home HDTV to enjoy amazingly detailed stills and high resolution movie playback.

Tracking Auto Focus
The new JX280 features Tracking Auto Focus which is perfect for when you need to take a picture of a moving subject and can’t keep your subject in the frame. Just switch Tracking Auto Focus on and it will track your subject and ensure that you achieve a crisp picture with you subject in the center of the frame in perfect focus.

Motion Panorama Mode with Auto Stitch
Simply select Panorama mode and start shooting. Then, align the “+” symbol into the circle and the shutter will automatically release to seamlessly stitch the shots together in-camera. Perfect for landscape, large buildings or even party shots!

Smile / Blink Detection
Photos are all too often spoiled by people blinking or grimacing. Smile Detection works with Fujifilm’s highly-acclaimed Face Detection technology to detect smiles on faces – it will not take a picture until it detects a smile, so you’re guaranteed happy shots! Another new feature is Blink Detection which warns you if you have captured an image with people blinking, so you can re-shoot if necessary.

The FinePix JX280 offers these additional features:

• Scene Recognition Auto (SR AUTO): This mode intelligently detects the scene type you are shooting and optimizes the camera’s focus, exposure and white balance, so whether you’re photographing flowers or a holiday landscape, you will get flawless photos at the press of a button.

• Digital Image Stabilization: Digital Image Stabilization reduces image blur automatically and offers creative adaptability and excellent picture quality.

• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal: To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the JX280 model is fitted with Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.

• Photobook Assist: Photobook Assist lets you select and organize images in your camera to create a digital photobook. You can download the photobooks to your computer using MyFinePix Studio software that is included.

The FinePix JX280 will be available end of August 2010 at a retail price of $149.95.

*¹ Measured at the thinnest chassis point.

NOTE: For complete camera specifications, please go to: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, consists of four operating divisions and two subsidiary companies. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. FUJIFILM Optical Devices U.S.A., Inc. is a provider of binoculars, and optical lenses for the closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast, and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 20 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2009, and in the year ended March 31, 2010, had global revenues of $23.5 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 93 yen to the dollar.

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New Hasselblad Masters Book in Production

19/07/2010 2009 Winners Provide Insights to Their Projects.

The 2010 Hasselblad Masters Book is in production. This year's Masters' images recently were delivered to a New York graphic designer, who is currently developing the book. The new book will make its debut at Photokina in September.

For a sneak preview, the photographers tell us briefly how they approached this year's theme, "Emotions."

Nina Berman: Editorial
I photographed three public displays of emotion, and wound up selecting photos of the Steppers, marching band images, for the Masters book. I chose these for this project because I wanted to convey dedication and the feelings that arise from pursuing something passionately. I had seen the Steppers several years ago and never forgot the energy and joy they exhibit and create for those around them. I often photograph heavy subjects, those where my relationship to the subject is primarily intellectual, rather than emotional. For this project, I wanted to have fun and feel good and love what I was seeing through the viewfinder. Once I began, it was easy.


Joao Carlos: Wedding/Social
I decided to recreate a series of Love Tragedies through the ages, capturing them in fashion photography. With a composition and balance inspired by the Old Masters, the images reflect subjects that great painters or film directors have tackled. I chose centuries-old castles and palaces in Portugal to create a fairy-tale setting in which the characters play out their doomed love. The seven tragedies I selected to tell my story are Corpse Bride, Ophelia, Samson & Delilah, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella (which is tragic in my eyes), Bonnie & Clyde, and the Portuguese love tragedy Pedro & Inez. I have a lingering connection to each of them.

Alexandfelix, Alex Gertschen and Felix Meier: fine art
Our photography comes from new perspectives and opens unfamiliar eyes. For the Masters project, we worked with diverse materials and objects to create Thinking Constructions, which also reveal the character of the people. As is typical for our style, we put a lot of emphasis into the staging that preceded the actual shoot. The thinking construction contain a lot of "building blocks," many of which may change during the year. It is a picture of this moment only.

Mark Holthusen: Products
My images have a painterly atmosphere, which often reflect my love for unusual Americana, eccentric people and nontraditional subjects. Crimes of Passion, my series for the Hasselblad book, explores raw emotional states at the moment when passions meet reality. Before shooting in Reno fort three days, I cast the project online with real people exploring criminal emotions. Those images all proved too controversial, so I submitted the accompanying images instead to address the theme.

Claudio Napolitano: Portrait
I come from an Italian family of immigrants who escaped from a place with no future in 1945. Taking the point of view of children of all emigrants, my series, Keep Dreaming, examines basic emotions. Based on the theory of contrasts, of children surviving the chaos, I try to create mixed emotions with sweet and bitter images, playing with dark and light areas. I shot in Venezuela - one of the richest countries in the world and at the same time one of the biggest favelas (slums) - with never-ending violence and social segregation. Such big contrasts emphasize a feeling of no future.

Lyle Owerko: Upcoming
New York is a city of many paths, populated by people trying to get ahead and stand out from the crowd. My Urban Warriors series documents people in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn who choose to move through the urban landscape in an emotive and passionate way. Their rudimentary transportation - on skateboard, BMX, fixed-gear bike, or simply on foot - reflects a creative and independant spirit. The series celebrates their individualistic spirits and personal mindsets. I presented 10 to 20 black-and-white images from the series. I will be releasing a book, The Boombox Project (Abrams, October 2010), and an exhibition will launch at CLIC Gallery in New York, with a series of book launches to follow around the world.

Dirk Rees: Fashion/Beauty
A single image can represent everything; it is the most powerful and most memorable rendering of movement, precisely stopped in its time. My Masters project is based on movement and shape, body and motion. Raw emotion can be portrayed in the most abstract ways (dance), but also lends itself to the more commercial arenas (fashion) we are familiar with in our day-to-day lives. For example, I create high-impact shots that are choreographed leading into areas of more candid shots of simple portraits done when the person is almost unaware or too exhausted to think about it. Focus is placed on ideal bodies and an ideal use of bodies captured in that precise moment in a single image.

Stephan Zirwes: Architecture
My Masters images of Airports are part of a series that focuses on situations not usually visible to the public. Architectural elements tell a story frozen in time, but it’s not architecture alone that is emotional. It’s the context in which the architecture is related, its functions, and the circumstances in which I take the images. I shot these pictures while the airspace over Europe was closed due to the huge ash cloud created by Eyjafjallajokull, the Icelandic volcano. Thousands of people were trapped in airports, marooned, and the airport - usually a loud, crowed place of noisy chaos - suddenly became a place of silence, a private, quiet place.

The 2010 Masters book also includes work by award-winning commercial and documentary photographer Mark Zibert, General category, and Bang Peng, Landscape/Nature category, who believes that seeing and capturing images changes the photographer.

Watch for information on ordering the 2010 Hasselblad Masters Book.

Text by Alice B. Miller

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IPTC-PLUS Photo Metadata Toolkit For Adobe CS Released

Jul 19. 2010 11:07 by CEPIC - IPTC has released a Photo Metadata Toolkit for Adobe CS3 to CS5 products together with PLUS on the 15th of July.

It includes a User Guide for the already built-in IPTC panels of CS5 and adds IPTC Extension and PLUS fields to Adobe Bridge CS3 and CS4 by an easy to use IPTC-PLUS Metadata panel which comes with a comprehensive User Guide too.

This Toolkit boosts the easy and successful use of IPTC and PLUS photo metadata with Adobe CS3 to CS5 products.

Download and use the Toolkit free of charge.
Download the latest version v2 of the IPTC-PLUS Metadata panel

What is the Toolkit for?

The IPTC-PLUS Photo Metadata Toolkit for Adobe CS includes:

* For the IPTC Core and IPTC Extension file-info panels built into CS5: a comprehensive User Guide for both schemas
* A plug-in IPTC-PLUS Metadata Panel for Bridge CS3/CS4 for the IPTC Core, IPTC Extension and the PLUS metadata - with a comprehensive User Guide for all fields
* Example images

The panels built-into CS5 and the plug-in panels for Bridge CS3/CS4 include the granular metadata fields of the IPTC Photo Metadata and also a set of fields for the communication of image rights metadata, based on industry standard developed by the PLUS Coalition.
The Bridge panels add IPTC Extension and PLUS metadata capability to Adobe CS3 and CS4 as these versions have no built-in metadata panels available for these two standards, while CS5 has. Creating the plug-in panels was a joint effort of both organisations.

The User Guide documents aim at non-expert metadata writers. They cover the basic IPTC Core fields which keep the most essential information about an image and also the IPTC Extension fields which add fields to clearly identify all persons, organisations, locations and artwork object in the image, further they make model and property releases available and provide details about the creator, the copyright owner and the licensor of the image.

The guidelines for using the PLUS fields explain how to express the usage rights of an image in many variations, including constraints. The user guide documents were authored by David Riecks who has already written the first guide for the IPTC Core in 2005.

What's in the Toolkit?

This Toolkit is a package of 8 files:

* IPTC File Info panel in CS5 User Guide
This PDF document provides guidelines for all IPTC fields as available by the "IPTC" and the "IPTC Ext" File-Info panels delivered with Adobe CS5 products.

* IPTC-PLUS Metadata Panels for Bridge CS3 and higher
This file provides panels for IPTC Core, IPTC Extension and PLUS metadata. The panels may only be run from Adobe Bridge, version CS3 or higher. The intention this panel is to add IPTC Extension and PLUS capability to CS3 and CS4 as for both versions no corresponding file-info panels are available.

Download the latest version v2 of the panel
See the version history page for this panel

* IPTC-PLUS Metadata Panels - Installer
This is a script for installing the Panel script above.

* IPTC-PLUS Metadata Panels User Guide
This PDF document provides guidelines for all IPTC and PLUS fields as available by IPTC-PLUS Metadata panel, see above.

* 4 example image files
These image files have already a rich set of metadata and may be used as reference.

The Toolkit package can be downloaded and used free of charge.

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The NEW 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens is Now Available

Sigma Corporation of America’s new 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens now available
Ultra compact, large-aperture, standard zoom packs OS functionality and new, FLD glass

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., July 14, 2010 – Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the release of its new 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens.

This large-aperture, standard-zoom lens, which was first introduced in February at Photo Marketing Association International, is designed for small chip, APS-C digital cameras and incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilization (OS) functionality and new, FLD glass. The 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is an ultra compact lens with an overall length of just 3.6 inches.

The 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM covers a focal length from a 17mm wide angle, has a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens is currently available in Canon mounts at all authorized Sigma dealers for the MSRP of $980, and it will be available in Nikon, Sigma, Sony and Pentax mounts in the coming weeks.

The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Only Sigma has made it possible for Pentax and Sony shooters to utilize an anti-shake system in either the lens or the camera body. The compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder for all mounts, which makes accurate focusing fast and easy.

“This lens is a must-have for any photo opportunity,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “The fast aperture allows for shooting in low, existing light or at maximum range with a flash. This is an ideal, all-purpose lens for everyday shooting.”

Sigma’s FLD glass, which is used in the new lens, has an extremely high light transmission and anomalous dispersion, making it the top level of low dispersion glass available. With a performance equal to fluorite glass, this optical glass has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. These characteristics offer excellent correction for residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum), which cannot be corrected by ordinary optical glass and ensures high-definition and high-contrast images.

In addition, the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM also offers one hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements for excellent correction of distortion and astigmatism. It has Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting with superior peripheral brightness and Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) to provide quiet and high-speed auto focus. The lens’ rounded, seven-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to out-of-focus areas and its inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for use with the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filters.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer near you, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/where-to-buy-sigma. To use Sigma’s new Lens Finder Tool to find the best glass to suit your needs, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sigma-lens-finder. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

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