The Hasselblad Masters Awards: Evolution

One of the most prestigious photographic awards programmes in the world - described by one Hasselblad Master as 'like winning a Nobel prize'- is set for the next step in its evolution.

As the curtain comes down on the world-acclaimed Masters Awards Programme 2012 it is already rising again with a 2014 agenda that includes two new photo-categories - Project//21 and Underwater. The competition is also now open to photographers shooting with cameras of 16MP and above, regardless of the camera's brand or format.

What happened in 2012:

The names of the eleven 2012 winners (selected from 110 finalists and from over 2,500 submissions) were first revealed at the beginning of the year and their individual work projects for the special'Evoke'Masters book project began immediately. These highly accomplished photographers have been equipped with the latest Hasselblad equipment and focused on challenging their own creative boundaries for the project.

The biennial Masters Awards competition is organised to coincide withphotokinaand in September 2012, in the Boulevard of Competitions area at the Kölnmesse, tens of thousands of visitors to the world's largest imaging trade fair, were entranced by the ultra large series of'Evoke'prints.

After photokina the 2012 three continents Masters Winners 2012 Tour was jam-packed at every venue; Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Berlin and London - before its conclusion in Shanghai.

Photographers were invited to test Hasselblad cameras, shoot with a Master in a studio environment, engage in a seminar experience and chat with experts at social evening events.

What happens next:

Nearly four thousand photographers submitted images (by the August 31st, 2012deadline) in a total of twelve categories: Fine Art, Landscapes/Nature, Wedding/Social, Portrait, Fashion/Beauty, Editorial, Products, Architectural, General, Wildlife, Project//21 and Underwater.

For the first time in the history of the competition Hasselblad has allowed entries from photographers who have been active professionals for more than three years and who use cameras of 16MP and above, regardless of brand or format.

Winners of the 2014 awards will have use of Hasselblad equipment for a period of approximately four months to create a new set of images for the fourth special Masters Commemorative Book and will receive a trophy at photokina 2014. All winning images will also be published on the Hasselblad global website and then presented at exhibitions around the world.

The internal Hasselblad jury has already begun the process of shortlisting 120 finalists - ten photographers in each category.

The finalists will be announced in January 2013 and the public has the chance to vote for their favourite image.

www.hasselblad.com/masters

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BenVista releases PhotoZoom 5

ARNHEM, December 4, 2012 -- Today BenVista announced the release of their new photo resizing software PhotoZoom 5. The release includes two versions, PhotoZoom Pro 5 and PhotoZoom Classic 5, which are available for both Windows and Mac platforms as of now.

The PhotoZoom series is specialized in enlarging and downsizing digital images while preserving their original quality, for which it uses BenVista's patented, award-winning S-Spline(R) technologies. PhotoZoom 5 also removes noise and JPEG compression artifacts. Besides compatibility with Windows 8 and OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), PhotoZoom 5 introduces various new features and improvements.

Version 5 offers the option to combine cropping and resizing into one process. This makes it easy to for example convert a photo with a 4:3 width-to-height ratio into 16:9 (Full HD), without stretching the picture out of its original proportions. Instead, a specific area with proportions equal to the output image is selected and resized.

BenVista's most advanced technology for enlarging and downsizing images is S-Spline Max. Although the technology creates excellent results, it also requires a lot of computing power. To reduce processing time, PhotoZoom Pro 5 now uses both multi-core processors and GPU acceleration.

Says D.S. Schoolwerth, CEO at BenVista, "Quality-wise, S-Spline Max was already the number one image enlargement method in the world. But it was not the fastest method around, so we are much pleased by the addition of GPU acceleration. It allows PhotoZoom Pro 5 to produce image enlargements of the same excellent quality as PhotoZoom Pro 4, but it does the job up to five times faster."

PhotoZoom 5 comes with a redesigned interface layout, making it more accessible, flexible, and user-friendly. Another workflow improvement is the new option to create "resize profiles". These are full compilations of the user's favorite settings which, once created, can be selected with a single click.

Demo versions of PhotoZoom Pro 5 and PhotoZoom Classic 5 can be downloaded directly from the BenVista website: www.benvista.com. Upgrade options are available for existing PhotoZoom users.

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The Model Agency Super Site, UK Model Agencies, Announce A Record Breaking Month With More Unique Visits Than Ever Before

http://www.ukmodelagencies.co.uk proves they have the secret to modelling success. The largest online model agency directory in the UK has just announced record figures with more visitors than ever to their winning websites all about modelling. The company with a team of experts dedicated to dishing out model advice, news and information, are delighted with their new visitor stats for the busy month of October. Over 25,000 unique visits is an early Christmas present they say.

London, UK (PRWEB UK) 23 November 2012 - It's been a bumper month for model visitors, according to the team at UK Model Agencies. Recording more unique visitors than ever before, October has been a record breaking month and November is certainly shaping up to beat that.

'I think it's down to the fact that we have a very readable and enjoyable website,' says Jim Dawson, Chief Press Officer for UK Model Agencies. 'We pride ourselves on sourcing new information, anything we feel would help a model either starting out in the modelling industry or one who has already established their career. Our text is aimed at all levels of experience and there is something for everyone. We have a really dedicated team here who all have their own experience, who love to share their knowledge, making UK Model Agencies a website a model can rely on.'

UK Model Agencies have been at the forefront of the modelling industry for many years, creating a website dedicated entirely to model advice, model information and the biggest comprehensive list of model agencies in the UK. Each day the winning team research up to date and relevant aspects of the entire modelling industry and update their website accordingly, proving a hit with aspiring models all over the country and internationally too.

'We have a really fantastic team here,' commented Helen Stark, fashion editor for UKMA. 'We each specialise in various forms of the modelling industry and we all have our own bits which we love to do. One of my mainly jobs is to research what's hot and what's not, updating and reporting the model news articles daily. I have to scour the Internet, the fashion magazines and peak newspapers for any juicy model gossip, sourcing all the interesting information and relevant articles which our readers will find interesting. It's really tough having to learn all about the latest celebrity gossip and get paid for it,' she laughs.

UKMA and their partners, La Mode London, the model advice specialists and commercial photography company in the heart of modelling London, offer honest and open modelling advice. Between the two companies, they show models how to make the industry work for them and how to break into the industry. They shout about anything which is useful or helpful to a model at any stage in their career. As well as reporting all the latest model gossip and fashion news, they update their huge directory of model agencies throughout the UK, also providing a comprehensive list of modelling photographers in a model's hometown.

'By doing what we do and adding to the website daily,' says Jim, 'it keeps the site relevant and up-to-date, but it also gives me great pleasure because I love a bit of showbiz gossip and it's certainly not a chore.'

The model agency directory certainly keeps their ears to the ground and the results are proving positive, with reports of their highest visitor numbers than ever seen in their website history.
Jim says,' we are all delighted with the results. It really has been a very, very busy week with nearly 30,000 e-mails sent out to our partners clients, updating models and keeping them in the know. We inform them of latest modelling jobs and casting calls as soon as we hear about them, because it is so important for a model to keep their eye on the ball, to keep up-to-date with news and never let an opportunity pass them by.'

Visit http://www.ukmodelagencies.co.uk and keep up-to-date with gossip, fashion facts and figures, a website full to bursting with all the latest advice a model need.

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FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES LTO ULTRIUM GENERATION 6 DATA CARTRIDGES

First LTO in the world produced with Barium Ferrite magnetic particles

Valhalla, N.Y., November 21, 2012 — FUJIFILM Recording Media U.S.A., Inc., a division of FUJIFILM Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of data storage media, today introduced its new LTO Ultrium 6 data cartridge.  The Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 6 cartridge is the first in the world produced with Barium Ferrite magnetic particles using Fujifilm’s core NANOCUBIC technology.  The LTO Ultrium 6 cartridge offers a super high compressed (2.5x) storage capacity of 6.25TB with a transfer rate of up to 400 megabytes per second.

“At Fujifilm, our technological advances are based on Fujifilm’s proprietary core technologies, and these help us meet the rapidly increasing demands that our customers have for long term file storage and data management,” said Peter Faulhaber, president, Fujifilm Recording Media USA, Inc. “Fujifilm chose to use Barium Ferrite magnetic particles instead of the current metal particles, because Barium Ferrite is chemically stable, which leads to enhanced performance and longer archival life.”

Nano Technology
Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 6 data cartridges use Fujifilm’s advanced NANOCUBIC coating process, which incorporates three Fujifilm proprietary technologies:

• Nano-particle Technology:  Finer particles (30% smaller than metal particle used on LTO-5)
• Nano-dispersion Technology:  Uniform particle dispersion by applying high-dispersed binder.
• Nano-coating Technology:  Improved ultra-thin layer coating to realize an even thinner magnetic layer.

As part of Fujifilm’s overall commitment to develop environmentally sustainable products, Fujifilm’s LTO Ultrium 6 cartridge offers a reduction on its impact on the environment by eliminating brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from all the mechanical parts of Fujifilm LTO-6 cartridges. Tape is already viewed by many in the data storage industry to have less of an impact on the environment than other storage options because it consumes less energy.

LTO technology is a powerful, scalable, adaptable open tape format developed and enhanced by the Technology Provider Companies (TPC) – HP, IBM and Quantum – to help address the growing demands of data protection in the midrange to enterprise-class server environments.

LTO Ultrium 6 Features
Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 6 cartridges offer more space to record specific cartridge information, with the introduction of a 16K Cartridge Memory (IC chip).  This feature allows the user to record cartridge load/unload history and easily monitor the cartridge health.

Fujifilm’s unique high-rigidity reel design prevents hub deformation, which could result in tape edge damage.  This feature is particularly important as the tape length gets longer and thinner.

In addition, Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 6 cartridges with BaFe have a long archival life (over 30 years) and show good performance when used with older drives that have aged from repeated use.

LTO Generation 6 hardware will be backward write compatible with LTO Ultrium 5 data cartridges and backward read compatible with LTO Ultrium 4 data cartridges.  As with the previous generation, LTO Ultrium 6 hardware will incorporate the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Linear Tape File System (LTFS) dual partitioning functionality.

Fujifilm’s newest line-up will include an LTO Ultrium 6 WORM cartridge for Write-Once Read-Many applications, such as data storage compliance standards which require a non-rewriteable format.

Largest LTO Assembly Plant in the World
To meet the growing demands of the LTO industry, Fujifilm has restructured its U.S. manufacturing facility in Bedford, Massachusetts to increase the assembly capacity, allowing for greater flexibility and Just-in-time (JIT) Manufacturing.   As a result, this facility has become the largest LTO assembly plant in the world.

Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 6 data cartridges will be available through approved Fujifilm resellers.
For more information on LTO tape technology, product roadmaps and for general information on the format, visit www.ultrium.com.

About NANOCUBIC and Barium-Ferrite magnetic particles
Already recognized by the industry as an enterprise-class tape solution, Fujifilm NANOCUBIC technology combines nano-scale particles, a unique dual-coating process and advanced dispersion techniques to achieve an ultra-thin magnetic layer that produces higher resolution for recording digital data, ultra-low noise and high signal-to-noise ratios that are ideal for Magneto-Resistive and Giant Magneto-Resistive heads. Fujifilm’s newest generation tape storage media applies NANOCUBIC technology to barium-ferrite particles, a naturally stable crystalline particle that does not corrode or change chemically over time, making it an optimal particle for data storage applications. Due to the crystalline anisotropy, the ultra-fine barium-ferrite particles have high coercivity for superior performance high-density recording. The unique Fujifilm NANOCUBIC technology coats the barium-ferrite particles in a very uniform manner (with thickness variation of less than 10 percent across the length of the tape), resulting in a much smoother magnetic surface to significantly enhance performance.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM Recording Media U.S.A., Inc. is the US-based manufacturing, marketing and sales operations of professional broadcast video and data tape recording media for FUJIFILM Corporation. The company provides broadcast and data center customers and industry partners with a wide range of unique data center accessories, value-added services and programs. Based on a history of thin-film engineering and magnetic particle science such as Fujifilm NANOCUBIC technology, Fujifilm creates breakthrough data storage products. For more information on Fujifilm Recording Media products, customers can call  800-488-3854  or go to www.fujifilmusa.com/tapestorage. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe free 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 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2011, and in the year ended March 31, 2012, had global revenues of $27.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

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OLYMPUS INTRODUCES A NEW BRIGHT F1.8 MICRO FOUR THIRDS® LENS FOR BRILLIANT SNAPSHOTS IN CHALLENGING SITUATIONS

New M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 High-Grade Lens Easily Captures Spontaneous Moments in Remarkable Detail

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 15, 2012 – Today, Olympus adds to the Micro Four Thirds family of lenses with the release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 lens (34mm in 35mm equivalent), a bright, wide-angle, single-focal-length lens ideal for snapshot street shooting, landscape photography or capturing subjects in challenging low-light environments. This high quality, compact lens features a stunning metal body and a Snapshot Focus mechanism for pan focusing with a distance indicator. 

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 has nine carefully placed lens elements in six groups to deliver sharp images of subjects with beautiful, eye-catching depth of field. The advanced optical system features three aspherical lenses, including a Dual Super Aspherical element to correct aberrations, as well as a High Refractive index lens to correct high spherical aberrations. Each lens element is polished to an ultra-high level of working precision only possible with the progressive techniques developed by Olympus master craftsmen, and carefully assembled to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability. Olympus’ exclusive ZERO (ZUIKO Extra-low Reflection Optical Coating) lens coatings are applied to the elements to reduce lens flare and ghost images even when shooting against the light.

The Snapshot Focus mechanism lets users easily take spontaneous, blur-free images by shifting the focusing point to a specific distance. Sliding the focus ring back reveals range markings on the lens barrel, including distance and depth of field scales, which can be used as guides as the user adjusts the focal distance by rotating the ring.

With a total length of just 1.4 inches, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 is incredibly compact and adds to the rapidly growing lineup of Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses that enhance the performance and versatility of Olympus OM-D® and PEN® Compact System Cameras. The sophisticated, textured metallic finish projects a stylish, classic look that complements the design of Olympus® compact system cameras.
Ideal for capturing brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) videos, the lens employs Olympus' proven MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocusing mechanism featuring an inner focus system to drive this single-focal-length lens for fast and quiet focusing.

The optional LH-48B Lens Hood and LC-48B Lens Cap are designed exclusively for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 and both are elegant in design with a finely textured metallic outer finish and distinctive, classic appearance. The Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder, originally developed for use with the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f2.8 lens, is also compatible with the new lens.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 17mm f1.8 Lens will be available in December. Estimated Street Price: $499.99

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/m-zuiko-digital-17mm-f1-8.html


ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder. ©2012 Olympus Imaging America Inc.

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European Commission-backed Project to Boost Digital Content Forges Ahead

Linked Content Coalition will Make Online Content more Accessible and User-friendly

Nov 21. 2012 by CEPIC_2 - This media industry-led technical project, that aims to create the basis for a universally recognisable way to communicate rights information for online content, is forging ahead. The objective is to create something that would achieve what the banking sector’s “IBAN” achieves. The IBAN allows transactions to take place between banks all over the world despite each bank having their own internal systems. The LCC work will enable a similar level of functionality for accessing, using and sharing all kinds of digital content whether that be text, music or film, for example. Every sector has its own system for expressing and managing rights. LCC is doing the groundwork to make it possible to create that umbrella layer of communication over the whole content sector like the IBAN. ​

Progress of the technical work was presented at the project’s second plenary in Brussels last week and it is clear already that the LCC is on track to create a unique rights reference model for the entire content sector. Some of the draft technical papers can be viewed at: http://www.linkedcontentcoalition.org.

The project, that will be subject to peer review and testing, is due for completion in January 2013.

• Click here for more information.

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The Nikon Photo Contest 2012-2013: A Call for Entries

This Year’s 2012-2013 Nikon Photo Contest Seeks to Join Amateur and Professional Photographers from Around the World in a Celebration of Creativity and Photographic Vision

TOKYO, JAPAN – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce a call for entries to the 2012-2013 Nikon Photo Contest, one of the largest international photo contests in the world. Nikon hopes to provide an opportunity for photographers of all types to express themselves and showcase their creative work.  For the 34^th installment of the contest, Nikon has added categories for video, “Motion Snapshots” taken with Nikon 1 system cameras, and a Participants’ Award for the most popular entry, chosen by contest entrants. Entries can be submitted from December 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013.

Held since 1969, the Nikon Photo Contest (NPC), formally known as the Nikon Photo Contest International (NPCI), was created with the goal of “contributing to the development of photographic culture by providing a venue of communication among photographers from around the world, be they professionals or amateurs.”

For this year’s contest, Nikon is seeking entries in four categories:

Category A: Single photo
Category B: Composite photo – composed of a series of two to five photographs
Category C: Photographic videos – featuring videos up to 45 seconds in length
Category D: Motion Snapshot – combination of still images/movies available with the Nikon 1 system line of cameras

The judges include active and well-known international photographers who will select a total of 54 works to be given first, second and third prizes in each category, in addition to a Grand Prize for the most outstanding overall entry. A new addition this year is a “Participants’ Award” given to the most popular entry chosen by the contest entrants. Winning entries will be announced in the summer of 2013 and will be included in a public exhibition (location and date to be announced).

Guidelines for the Nikon Photo Contest 2012-2013

Eligibility
The contest is open to all professional and amateur photographers, regardless of age, sex or nationality.

Theme
No theme is specified for any of the four categories.

Entry Period
December 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013

How to Enter
Entries must be submitted online. Visit the Nikon Photo Contest 2012-2013 website (www.nikon-photocontest.com), complete the entry form and submit your work.

Submissions
Each entry is limited to a total of ten works in categories A and B: for example, two entries of one photograph each in the single photo category and one entry of four photographs in the composite category would total six works.
The same works or portions of the same works cannot be submitted in both Category A and B.
Each entrant can submit one work in each of categories C and D. These works can be in addition to works submitted in categories A and B.
Entry is restricted to original works that have not been published and to which the entrant holds the rights.
Works that have been submitted to other previous or ongoing contests will not be accepted. This includes those that are submitted to another contest after being entered in the Nikon Photo Contest.

Eligible Works
Categories A and B
Image data files created with digital cameras (including medium and large format cameras)
Images that have been retouched using software or by other means will be accepted
Both color and monochrome images will be accepted (Scans of photographs taken with film cameras are not eligible)
File Size: Up to 20MB
File Format: JPEG/150 dpi recommended
The standard color space for the judging process is sRGB
Entrants may be requested to provide higher resolution images for publication or display purposes related to the contest

Category C
Movie files containing videos created from footage shot using the movie recording function on digital still cameras (including medium and large format cameras)
Length: 45 seconds
Each movie entered must be in MOV format, with a file size 200MB or less
Any music used must be either copyright-free and performed and recorded by the entrant or a person designated by the entrant (commercial recordings of copyright-free music may not be used) or be works for which the entrant holds the rights and for which the rights have not been transferred to a copyright collective.
Category D
Motion Snapshot files created with the Motion Snapshot feature on Nikon 1 cameras
Entries must be in MOV format

Judging/Announcement of Results
Entries will be published to the Nikon Photo Contest website after the first round of judging following the completion of the entry period. Current plans call for entries to be published at the end of April, 2013. The final winners will be determined after the second and final rounds of judging in April and June, respectively, with the final results announced on the Nikon Photo Contest Website in the summer of 2013.  All entrants will be eligible to vote for the “Participants’ Award” for most popular entry. To learn more about Nikon’s judges from around the world, please visit www.nikon-photocontest.com/en/#/judge.

Awards and Prizes
All winners will receive trophies and prizes of Nikon products with values determined by the type of prize.  The most outstanding entry in categories A, B and C will receive the Grand Prize, while 48 additional prizes will be awarded in categories A, B and C for first, second and third place winners. The top three entries in category D will receive prizes as well.

The “Participants’ Award” winner and “NIKKOR Award” winner (best work shot with a NIKKOR lens) will be awarded prize money and a trophy. An exhibition of the prize-winning works will be held in 2013 at a date and time to be determined. The Grand Prize winner and first-place finishers in each category will be given the right to post other works to a photo gallery on the Nikon Photo Contest 2012-2013 website.

Notes

1. The Grand Prize will not be awarded if no eligible entry is submitted.
2. All winners will receive a trophy.
3. Non-cash prizes may not be exchanged, transferred, or redeemed for cash.

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; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 70 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial  (800) NIKON-US  or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.

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Sirqul Announces Appture Redesign and Feature Updates

PRZOOM - /newswire/ - Seattle, WA, United States, 10/29/2012 - Appture’s new update includes a sleek, new design, the ability to take multiple photos at one time, support for iPhone 5 and iOS 6, and more - Sirqul.com. When users update, they are welcome to a black and light gray theme. The intuitive user experience remains in tact. Users will intuitively enjoy private group photo and audio sharing, therefore Sirqul recommends upgrading to this latest version as soon as possible. Appture has streamlined the photo taking process by allowing users to take multiple photos at the camera screen while also allowing audio to be recorded. For instance, now users can take pictures of their friends’ karaoke audio performance without worrying about missing the perfect shot. This allows users to share more photos faster, with the people that matter the most. But that’s not all that this update of Appture has to offer. Appture has also been optimized for iPhone 5 and iOS 6. “We know there are a lot of people who have upgraded to iOS 6 or have purchased an iPhone 5. We wanted to be sure we provided an end-to-end experience from legacy iOS devices to the very latest iOS devices.” –Jim Harkins, CEO of Sirqul, Inc. Users only have to add an album title. Users can now fill in the appropriate album information and invite friends and family at their convenience. Even with these great updates, Appture retains its simple charm. Voice and audio are key differentiators that have been improved for quality and reliability. Users are still able to leave voice comments, annotate their photos, chat in real-time, edit their photos with custom filters, and integrate with their existing photo accounts on various social networks. About Sirqul, Inc. Appture is powered by Sirqul.com, a Seattle-based startup that has created a ubiquitous social platform enabling consumers and brands to create their own distributed, Social-Location-Mobile solutions as a means of driving awareness and engagement through viral adoption. Appture is the first of many applications that will be released this fall. For more information about Sirqul and Appture, visit their website.

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THE ALL NEW GH3 – CHANGING PHOTOGRAPHY Engineered For the Multimedia Photographer

September 17, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic is proud to introduce the new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless DMC-GH3.  The LUMIX GH3 is not just a compact, lightweight camera. It is an attractive, top-of-the-line mirrorless single lens system camera that is tough enough to withstand the extreme conditions of heavy field use.

The new Live MOS Sensor achieves high-resolution images with minimum noise. And the new Venus Engine attains high-speed, high-quality signal processing. These features combine to maximize shooting fun and operating ease. Another prominent feature of the LUMIX GH3 is a tough body that is rugged enough to stand up to professional use. It features a magnesium alloy full diecast body and advanced splash / dustproof construction that was achieved by sealing the sections of the camera body to enable shooting under extreme conditions. Although the LUMIX GH3 integrates features a class above other G Series models, it is still compact when compared with an SLR camera featuring equivalent performance and functions. The body has enabled a new control layout with three dials on the front and back as well as single-function buttons. The LUMIX GH3 allows users to capture images in extreme environments and provides superb mobility. It also records still images consecutively at a rate of about 6 fps. The LUMIX GH3 is proud to assume the role of Panasonic's flagship digital single-lens mirrorless camera.

The video recording capability, which is highly acclaimed in the GH2, now comes with more variety of options in its format and bit rate to meet wide-ranging needs. It is packed with advanced technologies developed by Panasonic for professional video creation.

The LUMIX GH3 uses OLED displays both in its viewfinder and in the rear free-angle monitor. Panasonic has also developed optional accessories to expand the shooting possibility of DMC-GH3. A detachable battery grip DMW-BGGH3 for vertical viewing angle, integrates control featuring splash/dustproof design. The external TTL flash DMW-FL360L comes with wireless function and even integrates LED for video recording. A Stereo Shotgun microphone DMW-MS2 is also available. They represent a first of their kind for Panasonic LUMIX cameras.

Panasonic also offers a full lineup of lenses that reinforce the LUMIX GH3. The LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-HS12035) is currently on the market. In addition to this, Panasonic is releasing a new fast F2.8 telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. (H-HS35100) to introduce with the LUMIX GH3. These two lenses achieve high resistance performance against splash and dust when combined with the LUMIX GH3.

The LUMIX G lens lineup includes a variety of models with superb image rendering, such as Leica lenses and smooth, silent power zoom lenses suitable for video recording. *This is the largest lineup of interchangeable lenses for a digital single lens mirrorless camera*. And Panasonic will continue to develop and introduce new lenses with distinctive features.

*As of 17, September 2012.

Delivering the highest ever picture quality with a new Live MOS sensor: The DMC-GH3 realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens and precision AF achieves high resolution, optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction achieves lifelike image rendering and high precision auto exposure and white balance with live light metering results in faithful color reproduction.

The newly developed 16.05 effective megapixel Live MOS sensor boasts wide dynamic range and high sensitivity image recording even at ISO 12,800 or ISO 25,600 in extended mode. The key point here was reducing noise, for which Panasonic focused on the following three areas: (1) minimizing noise in the sensor, (2) preventing sensor noise from entering the output signal, and (3) preventing noise from entering the signal processing circuit, power supply line and grounding line. To reduce noise, it is also important to design the power supply wiring and the signal wiring connected to the engine to be as close to the same length as possible. These measures not only suppress noise but also help to improve processing speed. Standard sensitivity is from ISO 200 to ISO 12,800, but the user can set sensitivity to ISO 125 or ISO 25,600 by using an extension function. The LPF (Low Pass Filter) has been also newly designed to minimize generation of moire while drawing maximum resolution of the image out of the sensor.

The image processor Venus Engine is also refined to achieve superior noise reduction. With a combination of 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) and MNR (Multi-process Noise Reduction), both bright area and dark area are faithfully reproduced with minimum noise across the entire focusing range in high sensitivity image recording.

The built-in flash is enhanced to feature more power and flexibility. The new built-in flash of GN12 equivalent (ISO 100 •m) / GN17 equivalent (ISO 200 •m) covers 24mm wide angle of view. Synchronization for flash dimming and exposure compensation is available with adjustment of 1/3EV Step ±3EV. Manual control and a sync terminal are newly added for more versatile use of external flash.

The GH3 also integrates HDR (High Dynamic Range) to cope with the extreme bright and dark contrast that you get, for example, with backlighting, or when consecutive photos are taken with different exposure levels and overlapped. Blown highlights and blocked shadows are then deleted and a single photo is composed. All processing is done in the background, so you can take your next shot without having to wait, ensuring that you don't miss a photo opportunity.

Other practical shooting functions including Time Lapse Shot or Multiple Exposure are available on DMC-GH3. The electronic shutter with silent operation prevents pixel declination which is undesirable in photographing of commercial products.

Awesome quality of video for unlimited expressions – versatile recording formats, bitrate and frame rates:

Panasonic defies the conventional boundaries of a digital camera elevating the potential of video recording capability even higher. Users can freely choose the format from AVCHD, AVCHD Progressive, MP4 or MOV with the frame rate at 60p(NTSC), 30p(NTSC) or 24p according to the usage*. The DMC-GH3 is capable of recording ultra high bit rate video recorded at 72 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 50 Mbps (IPB). And it is capable of recording continuously for an unlimited time**.

Heat generated during long continuous recording can cause problems. It not only affects internal components but can also degrade image quality. Effective thermal diffusion is an essential design challenge. By drawing on the expertise accumulated through its many years of developing camcorders, Panasonic has revamped and redesigned the electronic parts arrangement and internal structure to achieve the optimum layout. This has eliminated heat problems in the LUMIX GH3.

When recording the video in MOV, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD, the DMC-GH3 automatically generates multiple seamless files for continuous recording. During playback, the AVCHD Progressive / AVCHD files are reproduced with seamless, interruption-free continuity. The DMC-GH3 also embeds SMPTE-compliant Time Code either in Rec Run or Free Run count-up methods, which makes it easy to synchronize the multiple video footage or sound source in the post production workflow. Time Code Value can be started at any point of [Reset], [Manual Input] and [Current Time]. Drop frame or Non Drop Frame time code is selectable***.

For high quality sound recording, DMC-GH3 adopts Dolby Digital® for AVCHD　Progressive /AVCHD videos and linear PCM(LPCM) for non-compressed video recorded in MOV. In addition to the built-in stereo microphone, the GH3 is equipped with two 3.5mm terminals for an external microphone and headphones to facilitate sound recording.

The DMC-GH3 also features Creative Video mode: Exposure mode and Slow/Fast-Motion mode. In the Exposure mode, four manual video modes: Program AE / Aperture-Priority / Shutter-Priority / Manual Exposure can be selected and they will faithfully reflect your shooting intent, and give you a wide range of video images. The Slow/Fast-Motion mode enables slow-motion (40% / 48% / 80%) and fast–motion (160% / 200% / 300%), all in Full-HD.

Not only full-time AF, AF Tracking and Face Recognition AF are also available. The Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted to it and lets it stand out to attract attention.

*60p(NTSC) video recording is not available in AVCHD and MP4 video recording.

**In the model for PAL areas, motion image can be recorded up to 29 min 59 sec.

***Available in the model for NTSC regions.

Intuitive response with nimble movement: All cameras in the LUMIX G assortment adopt Contrast AF for their focus system. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy when shooting with a bright lens with a wide open aperture.

The DMC-GH3 features ultra-high-speed AF which makes it possible to capture fast-moving subjects clearly. Both accuracy and speed are improved over high-end DSLRs with Phase difference AF with the GH3’s advanced Contrast AF system.  The camera and the lens exchange the digital signal at 240 fps to minimize the time to focus. Together with the quick start-up and short release time lag, the DMC-GH3 never lets photographers miss fleeting shooting opportunities.

The DMC-GH3 boasts high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for LVF (Live View Finder) and rear monitor. Increasing the resolution of the display area to 1,744K-dot equivalent, the new 16:9 Wide Screen LVF boasts approx.1.34x / 0.67x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view and eye point of approximately 21 mm.  The 3.0-inch 614K-dot free-angle OLED rear monitor (3:2 aspect) with wide-viewing angle rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down offers approx. 100% of field of view. The OLED rear monitor adopts static touch control for smoother operation either in shooting or in playback.

The DMC-GH3 captures moving subjects clearly with the burst shooting at 6 fps in full resolution (max. 18 consecutive shots of RAW+JPEG) and 20 fps in 4-megapixel recording using an electronic shutter(max. 80 consecutive shots of JPEG).

Superb controllability and rugged design: Panasonic developed DMC-GH3 in pursuit of the best-balanced body design possible with the ergonomic grip and optimum layout of control buttons and dials. Each button has a single function to allow intuitive operation. Major controls such as shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO and white balance settings can be quickly adjusted with the front/rear dials and rear jog dial.  Users can customize a total of 7 function buttons (5 in buttons and 2 in the touch menu tab) by allotting a function they use often. The control panel is fully redesigned enabling even more intuitive operation. The new LUMIX GH3 is tough enough to withstand heavy field use. The main structural features of the LUMIX GH3 are its magnesium alloy full diecast frame and splash / dustproof construction.

Like previous models, the LUMIX GH3 has many moving parts, such as the free-angle OLED rear monitor. Thus, ensuring a high level of splash / dust resistance was not an easy task. In particular, careful attention was given to the popup flash. To prevent vignetting caused by the lens, the popup flash incorporates a sliding mechanism that raises the flash to its operating position. Panasonic has taken thorough measures to prevent the entry of dust and water from this section. There are also splash/dust-proof interchangeable lenses (LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. and LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S.) and the new Battery Grip DMW-BGGH3 to secure its high resistance.

A variety of interfaces: The DMC-GH3 comes with a variety of connection terminals for more flexible shooting options. The newly added 3.5mm microphone jack allows high quality audio recording using an external microphone. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack enabling monitoring the recorded audio while shooting video real-time. The DMC-GH3 is also capable of real-time image output not only on the OLED display (LVF or the rear monitor) but also on the external monitor via an optional HDMI mini cable simultaneously while recording video. It is suitable for professional video that requires serious monitoring of the imagery. Users can choose to output only the recording content or the content with the setting menus individually depending on the display.

Creative Expression: The DMC-GH3 incorporates Photo Style and Creative Control for more unique expression tailored for the photographer.  With Photo Style, users can manually choose from 6 color types to get even more detailed image settings, or to match the shooting situation. In addition, the contrast, sharpness, saturation or noise reduction for each mode parameter can be customized in 11 steps and stored in memory. In Custom Mode, finely customized settings can be stored for easy recall and use.

The Creative Control lets you enjoy making the image even more impressive. A total of 14 filters are available - Expressive, Retro, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter and One Point Color. Most of the filters can be used in video recording, too. With the new GUI and menu tabs, switching filter effect is extremely easy and is possible to preview via the Live View. Effect parameter, defocusing area and exposure compensation are also adjustable.

Wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi: The DMC-GH3 integrates a built-in Wi-Fi® module for wireless connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) to expand shooting possibilities. A smartphone or a tablet can be used to remote control and a remote monitor. What the camera is seeing is displayed live smoothly on the smartphone/tablet, and it is possible to set various controls including focus, exposure compensation, ISO, WB and Photo Style in addition to shutter release via live view using Wi-Fi.

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Pixoto To Add Stock Photo Sales

After experiencing dramatic growth through their increasingly popular photography contest platform, Pixoto.com announces plans to add stock photo sales to their website.

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) September 24, 2012 - Pixoto, the innovative online photography community, recently added the ability for its photographer members to add their photos to the upcoming Pixoto Stock Photo Service. The company has experienced explosive growth since its inception in 2011 and has attracted over 100,000 members due to its proprietary image ranking and voting system called ImageDuel. Pixoto is the first photo contest site that ranks every image submitted by an unbiased quality score.

Pixoto members now have the potential of earning money from their photos by simply checking a “License for Stock” box when uploading them to Pixoto. Pixoto members will earn a fee when designers, editors and marketers purchase and download their photos for use in their editorial and commercial works.

Pixoto Stock, through the use of its ImageDuel voting system, hopes to revolutionize micro-stock licensing for images. Pixoto believes that its ability to rank every image submitted gives them, and their members, several key advantages over traditional stock photo sites:

1. Crowd Validated: With the average top ranked image on Pixoto being voted on by over 100 unique people, buyers can be 100% confident that people love the photo
2. Faster Search: With Pixoto the best images show up first in every search result eliminating hours of paging through mediocre images
3. Fresher Images: An amazing stock photo submitted today will be on the top of the search results tomorrow
4. More variety: Anybody can be a stock photographer with Pixoto because the best images will always rise to the top so they will be able to source stock photos from a much broader audience

Pixoto’s photography contest system is completely innovative, leveling the playing field between participants, who can sign-up for free. Photographers submit images in preset categories such as wildlife, travel, architecture, and specific themes, etc., which are then matched against one another in side by side votes called ImageDuels. The results of the ImageDuels, which are completed by Pixoto members, are used to generate a proprietary ImageScore. The average image on Pixoto collects votes from 100 unique people.
Pixoto gives awards for the best photos in each category every day and its weekly contests have cash prizes. So far, the company has realized astonishing participation from players with over 1 million images already submitted and over 56 million votes cast to date. Pixoto’s ImageDuel system is particularly advantageous for photographers looking for artistic feedback from their peers, as well as the capacity to earn awards, enhancing their own business’s marketing potential.

With the addition of their upcoming stock photo sales to their photography contest arm, Pixoto will add yet another dimension to their increasingly robust presence as an online photography community. Serving artists and photographers alike, the expanded sales presence will reach the public at large, allowing for cross-fertilization of the company’s entire enterprise.

About Pixoto:
Founded in 2011 in Boulder, CO, Pixoto has quickly become the web’s leading photo contest site with more than 100,000 members in more than 150 counties and over 1 million images submitted. Pixoto’s revolutionary ImageDuel voting system aggregates millions of individual voter preferences to create “leaderboards” of the best images in the world. For additional information, please visit http://www.pixoto.com.

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Performance that Fuels the Passion: The New Nikon D600 Puts FX-Format in Focus for Photo Enthusiasts

As Nikon's Smallest, Lightest and Most Affordable Full-Frame HD-SLR, the D600 Packs in Powerful, Pro-Grade Photo and Video Features with Wireless Sharing and Capture Capabilities

MELVILLE, N.Y. – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the 24.3-megapixel (MP) D600, a camera that is designed to deliver the image quality and performance benefits of a full frame FX-format sensor to the enthusiast looking to take their dedication to the next level. The Nikon D600 offers a remarkable value, merging the perfect combination of a lightweight, compact form factor and superior image quality, making the leap into FX-format photography more attractive than ever. 
Whether shooting stills or Full HD video, advanced features and Nikon technologies like the newly developed high resolution CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image processing engine are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding creative vision. Additionally, Nikon’s new optional WU-1b wireless adapter allows users to shoot high quality HD-SLR images and transfer them to their mobile device, making it easier to stay connected, without the need for wires.

“For many, image making is so much more than a hobby; it is a way of life that changes the way the world is perceived. The Nikon D600 represents a new category of camera for this user and demonstrates Nikon’s devotion to the passionate photographer who is always looking for new ways to express their creativity through their photos and HD videos,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “By offering users the advanced FX-format and key features inherited from our professional cameras, along with new functions like optional wireless capabilities, Nikon is inspiring photographers by providing an imaging experience that satisfies like never before.“

Superior Image Quality
Nikon’s FX-format offers photographers exciting image quality possibilities, from dazzling dynamic range and exacting detail to stellar low-light ability. The D600 employs Nikon’s newly developed, large 24.3 MP FX-format CMOS Sensor (35.9 x 24mm) to offer photographers a versatile camera that provides amazing image quality and sharpness, with ample resolution to tackle almost any project. Because the needs of the advanced amateur varies widely, the new CMOS sensor provides a wide ISO range from 100-6400 (expandable from 50-25,600) to give photographers maximum low-light flexibility yielding clean images with minimal noise and accurate color. The full ISO range can also be used while capturing HD video in challenging light. Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 3 image processing engine interprets the massive amount of image data flowing from the sensor to quickly process images and HD video. The result is striking images and impressive HD video that exhibits faithful color reproduction and tonal range throughout the frame.

Precision Technology Engineered for the Enthusiast
Enthusiasts of all types demand the best from their gear, and the Nikon D600 is a camera engineered with intuitive features that give photographers an edge in the field. Whether shooting lush landscapes, action sports or the elusive animals of the Serengeti, Nikon’s Scene Recognition System and 2,016 pixel RGB sensor excels in any situation. By recognizing the scene prior to capture, the system meticulously analyzes factors such as color and brightness with extraordinary precision and compares all the data using Nikon’s exclusive 30,000 image database. The result is enhanced AF performance and flattering exposures.

For precise AF performance in a wide variety of shooting conditions, the D600 features a 39 point AF system with the new MultiCAM 4800FX AF module. This AF array is well suited to a wide variety of shooting styles and disciplines, offering AF modes to let users select a single point, continuous AF, Dynamic AF or use 3D tracking to keep pace with a moving subject throughout the frame. Additionally, the system features nine cross type sensors for maximum accuracy, while seven AF points are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters with an aperture value up to f/8 for extreme telephoto applications.

To keep up with action sports, active wildlife or the photo opportunity that unexpectedly arises, the D600 is ready to shoot in 0.13 seconds, with a 0.052 second shutter release.  The camera emphasizes speed and performance, from overall operation and image processing, helped in part by the exceptional EXPEED 3 processing engine. The camera is also capable of bursts of images at 5.5 frames per second (fps) at full resolution with full AF, to capture decisive moments. To further enhance speed and workflow, images and video can also be rapidly transferred to dual SD card slots that are compatible with the latest SDXC and UHS-1 high speed standards.

Enthusiasts will also appreciate other thoughtful features made to appeal to more advanced photographers, such as the 100% frame coverage seen through optical viewfinder. The wide and bright view makes it easy to compose in a variety of conditions, and affords the ability to enjoy shooting for hours on end with minimal eye fatigue. Additionally, the D600 features several scene modes and features to enhance creativity, including one-touch access to Picture Control functions through a new dedicated button. Photographers can also shoot images in High Dynamic (HDR) mode for amazing highlights, and create awe-inspiring time lapses with ease.

Experience Full HD
The Nikon D600 has advanced video features that are ideal for those ready to embrace the world of HD-SLR video, as well as those already enjoying its benefits such as manual control, depth of field, low-light ability and lensing options. This camera gives users the ability to record Full HD at varying frame rates and resolutions including 1080p video at 30, 25 or 24p, and 720p video at 60, 50 and 30p. When shooting HD video at the highest quality setting, up to 20 minutes can be recorded, or up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds in normal quality for added convenience when shooting static shots such as interviews and events. The large 3.2-inch 921K dot LCD screen makes it easy to preview images or video captured, navigate the menu system or confirm critical HD focus, while automatic brightness control adapts seamlessly to changing lighting conditions.

Sophisticated video features help to increase the production value on any project, including full manual control of exposure, and the ability to switch between FX and DX-format (1.5X) at Full HD for a telephoto boost and alter depth of field. Users can opt to focus manually or can take advantage of the full-time AF while recording to help ensure faces are in focus or track a moving subject. Additionally, videographers have the ability to capture audio with the onboard microphone or record stereo audio externally using the mic input. Audio can be monitored through the headphone jack and levels can be displayed on the LCD with peaking.

In addition to the ability to play back HD video and images through the HDMI terminal, users are also able to experience pro-grade video features in the Nikon D600. For monitoring and streaming applications, the image can be displayed on the LCD screen while simultaneously shown on another monitor through the HDMI, with or without shooting data. What’s more, the D600 adds the ability to transfer uncompressed video via the HDMI connection, which can then be routed to a digital recorder or similar device.

Remote Sharing and Capture
Photography is a form of expression, which can now be shared more ways than ever before through social networks and online communities. To accompany the D600, Nikon has also announced the optional WU-1b Wireless Adapter that allows users to connect wirelessly to the camera. A companion Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for Android™ based mobile devices is also available at no additional cost. ¹ Furthermore, an application for the iPhone® and iPad® mobile digital devices will be available on September 15, 2012.²

When connected, users are able to share their images taken with the D600 through their mobile device to their social circles, as well as send and download images from their camera to a compatible device.³ The adapter also allows users to remotely fire the D600’s shutter from up to 50 feet from the camera, which is ideal for capturing photos from unique vantage points.

NIKKOR, Speedlight and System Compatibility
Supporting the D600 is Nikon’s heritage in optical excellence, more than 70 NIKKOR AF and AF-S compatible lenses for maximum versatility. Those with DX-format lenses will also be happy to know that these lenses can also be used on the camera as well as the ability to set DX crop for stills or video to extend the reach of telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.

The new Nikon HD-SLR is also a gateway to Nikon’s renowned Creative Lighting System (CLS) which illuminates a whole new world of creative image making using multiple Speedlights. A built-in Speedlight commander can control multiple Speedlights such as Nikon’s SB-700, SB-910 or Wireless Close Up Speedlight System, and the camera can also control up to two individual speedlight groups for further creative control.

Constructed to Inspire
Built to withstand the wide variety of shooting conditions enthusiasts face, the body of the D600 is sealed and gasketed against dirt and moisture. The camera uses magnesium alloy top and rear construction to provide a lightweight camera with maximum durability. The shutter has been tested for 150,000 cycles, and sensor cleaning is also employed. The battery is rated for approximately 900 shots, affording photographers the ability to shoot all day. Additionally, the optional MB-D14 Multi Power Battery Pack extends the grip for comfort and can effectively double the battery capacity when using two batteries.

The D600 is also built with an emphasis on handling with thoughtful ergonomics and button placement, in a body that is compact enough to carry comfortably on any excursion. The hand grip has been improved for comfort, while the overall impression from using the camera is reassuringly solid. To avoid accidental engagement, the shutter button has been recessed, while the Mode Dial can be locked.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D600 will be available on September 18, 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,099.95*, for body only, or with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR for the SRP of $2,699.95*. The WU-1b will be also available on September 18, 2012 for an SRP of $59.95*. The MB-D14 Multi Power Battery Pack will be available in late September for an SRP of $322.00*. For more information on the new Nikon D600 and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

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; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 70 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon's heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.

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¹ Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.
² iPad ,iPhone and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
³The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility Application must be installed on the smart device before it can be used with the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter connected to the Nikon D600. The application can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play™. for use with an Android platform smartphone (2.3 series or later) and tablet (3.0 series or later). For the iOS mobile platform, the application can be downloaded free of charge from iTunes® online store on September 15, 2012 for use with iOS version 5.1 or 5.1.1.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

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