New “Mamiya Leaf” Brand Delivers Strong Worldwide Synergy

Companies Integrate Products, Consolidate Worldwide Support, Service and R&D

TOKYO and TEL AVIV, January 16, 2012 – Mamiya Digital Imaging, a trusted manufacturer and developer of medium-format cameras and optics, and Leaf Imaging Ltd., a leading manufacturer and developer of digital backs for the medium and large-format photography markets, today announced that they have created a new, worldwide Mamiya Leaf brand that integrates both companies’ product lines into one complete medium-format digital camera system offering, streamlines new product development and establishes more efficient customer sales and support.

The new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a synergy of the best that these two companies can offer as highly competent suppliers of comprehensive, fully integrated high-end digital photography systems comprising digital camera backs, bodies and lenses. Together, the companies are focusing on delivering new Mamiya Leaf camera systems. Unified support from worldwide Mamiya Leaf partners/distributors is also expected to be a major advantage for photographers; they will now be able to enjoy one stop expert service for all of the various components of a Mamiya Leaf medium format digital camera system.

“Creating a new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a win-win situation for photographers” said Dov Kalinksi, Leaf General Manager. “Not only will photographers be able to immediately benefit from a highly advanced, fully-integrated medium format system from the industry’s leading suppliers, but they will also be able to enjoy powerful new products emerging from a unified R&D effort.”

“We are aligning our resources to ensure that customers will benefit from the extensive expertise residing in both Tokyo and Tel Aviv,” said Mamiya Digital Imaging President Toshio Midorikawa. “We are confident that the synergy created and the efficiency gained by simplifying our operations will enable us to serve our customers faster and better.”

Mamiya Leaf medium format digital systems comprise a broad range of equipment — from 22 to 80 megapixels. Camera bodies are manufactured by Mamiya; digital backs are manufactured by Leaf. Also available are Mamiya focal plane shutter lenses and Schneider Kreuznach-designed leaf shutter lenses. Cameras, lenses and backs will retain their respective Mamiya and Leaf labels and they will still be sold as individual components.

Included with all Mamiya Leaf systems are two native software options: the award winning Phase One Capture One and Leaf Capture.

About Mamiya Digital Imaging
For almost 70 years, Mamiya has been a name synonymous with excellence and innovation in professional photographic cameras and lenses. Mamiya Digital Imaging is dedicated to the professional and advanced amateur markets. For Mamiya it’s always been about one thing: the love of photography. A passion shared by enthusiastic owners of Mamiya cameras all over the world. For more information, please visit the new Mamiya Leaf website at www.mamiyaleaf.com

About Leaf Imaging, Ltd.
Leaf Imaging has been a pioneer in professional digital photography. In 1992, Leaf introduced the world’s first commercial digital camera back. Today, the Leaf Aptus-II digital backs are the choice of leading photographers. Leaf is dedicated to improving the quality of its products, technologies and services to support the advancement of professional digital photography. For more information, please visit the new Mamiya Leaf website at www.mamiyaleaf.com

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Jalbum Releases 10.3.1

Website: http://jalbum.net/

Jalbum 10.3.1

News and Updates

• Portuguese translation updated.

Bug fixes

• Windows version would hang when dragging and dropping images from the file chooser onto jAlbum. This bug has been around for over a year and is now finally fixed.
• Mac version would fail with "Could not initialize class com.adobe.xmp.impl.XMPMetaParser" error on OS X Lion
• Error reporting for skins that require "compatibility mode" to run wasn't tight

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Snapixel iPhone App PicYou

PicYou is the perfect tool for instantly sharing your photos and daily life with friends, family and the world.

With a simple photo you can connect with others from around the world and explore new things to do or see. PicYou is a great way to share stunning photos with friends, wherever you are. See a sweet shot? Snap it with your iPhone and let PicYou do the rest with its awesome filters and frames.

Best of all everything you do on your phone is also accessible online at the PicYou.com website. One click sign up with Facebook or Twitter accounts. Get started today!

Features

• Free PicYou filters (including Albion, Killowatt, Infatuation, Zeitgeist, Gammanation, Dreamy, Ralston, Cuttlefish and Hipster)
• Cool PicYou frames
• Unlimited uploads to the cloud
• Share your photos instantly on Facebook and Twitter
• Make new friends through giving and receiving likes & comments
• Full camera capability, front and back
• Access from the web at PicYou.com

Download the PicYou iPhone App

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Renaissance Photography Prize 2012

The Renaissance Photography Competition is now open for its fifth year

• £7,000 in prizes and week-long exhibition in the Mall Galleries
• Categories are Expression, Environment, Memory, Perspective, Disorientation
• Judges:
  Brett Rogers (Director, The Photographers’ Gallery)
  Mary McCartney (Photographer)
  Michael Hoppen (Gallery Owner)
  Brigitte Lardinois (Curator & Magnum Magnum Editor)
  Monica Allende (Picture Editor, Sunday Times Magazine)
• 100 entries will be shortlisted for exhibition at The Mall Galleries, 10th - 16th June 2012
• Celebrity private view: 13th June 2012
• Competition closes: 24th February 2012 
• All your entry fee will be donated to the Lavender Trust at Breast Cancer Care
• Enter at www.renaissancephotography.org or email info@renaissancephotography.org

Photographers from around the world will compete for prizes worth over £8,000 (US$12,000) when the Renaissance Photography Prize opens for entries on 5th December 2011.


Brett Rogers, Mary McCartney, Michael Hoppen, Monica Allende and Brigitte Lardinois will select 100 photos from thousands of entries to be exhibited at the prestigious Mall Galleries on London’s Pall Mall in June 2012. The shortlisted entries will be exhibited for one week, culminating in a celebrity private view on the evening of 13th June 2012, where the winners will be announced.

Renaissance was founded in 2006 by Fiona Gifford, a 39-year-old lawyer and keen amateur photographer who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 34.

“During my recovery period, day-to-day concerns became irrelevant, and I became more aware of the moments that really matter in life - moments of emotion, human connection, and wonder at the beauty of nature. What better way to represent those moments than through photography?”

In the four years since its inception, Renaissance has raised over £160,000 for the Lavender Trust at Breast Cancer Care.

Renaissance is open for entries between 5th December 2011 and 24th February 2012.

There will be five categories this year, Expression, Environment, Memory, Perspective and Disorientation. For further details please visit www.renaissancephotography.org

For more information, interviews or images from previous years, please contact Fiona Gifford on 07966 141 295 or info@renaissancephotography.org

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2012 Hasselblad Masters Awards Winners Revealed

Celebrating the best in photography and the tenth anniversary of the competition, Hasselblad has announced the 11 recipients of the Masters Award.

Hasselblad today announced the eleven winners of the prestigious Masters Award, one for each of eleven categories. A distinguished and diverse panel of international judges representing different sectors of the photo industry selected the winning images.

As always, the decision-making process was challenging due to the high volume and high quality of submissions, but jury members approached their task with enthusiasm and great interest, acknowledging the importance of the Masters awards program. Photographer and Grand Jury member Colin Prior explains that, "The Hasselblad Masters Competition is a showcase for photographic excellence and provides both up and coming and established photographers the opportunity for their work to be seen like no other." Australian portrait photographer Anne Geddes was excited to participate as a judge in this year's awards saying that, "It was an honor to be invited to participate as a jury member and to be able to give back to the photographic community."


For the second year in a row, the public was invited to vote for their favorite images-a practice that especially appealed to Grand Jury member Thomas Gerwers, Editor-in-Chief of ProfiFoto Magazine. "What is unique is that the public can view and judge the participating pictures online, so the Hasselblad Award is not happening in a black box but is all transparent," says Gerwers. He also comments that, "What I like is that Hasselblad has opened the contest for all kinds of professional photography, even for those which have not been taken with a Hasselblad."

Winners will be given access to an H4D, lenses and Phocus software for this year's project, creating a series of images based on their individual interpretations of the theme "evoke". Paul Waterworth, Hasselblad's Global Photographer Relations Manager explains, "The term evoke can mean many different things, so it will be very interesting to see how these photographers put their own visual spin on the theme."

The public will have to wait until photokina in September when the final work is presented in a special exhibition to see the end results of this creative exercise. As part of the Masters Awards, winners will also have their images published in the third annual commemorative Masters book: Masters Vol. 3 - EVOKE, which will also be presented at photokina.
Given the success of the 2012 Masters Finalists Tour this past fall and thanks, in part, to the support of sponsors broncolor, SanDisk and Epson, further exhibitions are planned for the latter part of the year. Hasselblad and the winning images will travel near and far-from Los Angeles and New York to Berlin, Tokyo, Beijing, Mumbai, Moscow and São Paulo and points in between-to share some of the best images of the competition with the rest of the world. Be sure to visit the Hasselblad website, VICTOR online magazine and subscribe to the Hasselblad Bulletin to find out more about the tour later in the year.

The 2012 Hasselblad Masters Awards winners, featured in the January issue of VICTOR online, are:

Architectural: Frank Meyl, Germany
Editorial: Jon Lowenstein, USA
Fashion/Beauty: Wai Kuen Eric Wong, Hong Kong
Fine Art: Christian Tagliavini, Switzerland
General: Ken Hermann, Denmark
Landscapes/Nature: Tom D. Jones, Belgium
Portrait: Denis Rouvre, France
Products: Joe Felzman, USA
Up & Coming: Vicente Ansola, Spain
Wedding/Social: Milosz Wozaczynski, Poland
Wildlife: Lucas Pupo, Brazil

To find out more about the new Masters 2012 and their winning images, visit VICTOR online at: www.victorbyhasselblad.com

Masters 2012, Architectural
Frank Meyl, Germany

Masters 2012, Editorial
Jon Lowenstein, USA

 

Master 2012, Fashion/Beauty
Wai Kuen Eric Wong, Hong Kong

Master 2012, Fine Art
Christian Tagliavini, Switzerland

Master 2012, General
Ken Hermann, Denmark

Master 2012, Landscapes/Nature
Tom D. Jones, Belgium

Master 2012, Portrait
Denis Rouvre, France

Master 2012, Products
Joe Felzman, USA

Master 2012, Up & Coming
Vicente Ansola, Spain

Master 2012, Wedding/Social
Milosz Wozaczynski, Poland

Master 2012, Wildlife
Lucas Pupo, Brazil

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ArcSoft's Perfect365 for Facebook Gives the World's Most Popular Social Network the Power of One-Click Makeovers

Fremont, California – ArcSoft, Inc., the industry leading software provider of imaging technologies and applications, today launched Perfect365 for Facebook. Now every user of the world's largest social network has the ability to touch up and make over portraits as they're uploaded. The application is immediately available at http://apps.facebook.com/perfectfbapp/.

Perfect365 is a free photo makeover application that lets users touch up their pictures with one-click. The application is currently available on Facebook, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC. The Facebook version allows users to select from one of the five preset styles, while the desktop versions provide more than 20 style templates, as well as options to customize the look.

"ArcSoft's 15 years of imaging expertise and understanding of the human face let us give users an easy, professional way to touch up their photos, with just one click," said ArcSoft founder and CEO, Michael Deng. "People don't want to spend hours using complicated photo editing software to fix little blemishes or bags that might ruin an otherwise great snapshot. Even fewer want to go through such hassle when posting photos to social networks like Facebook, and Perfect365 gives them an easy solution to this problem."

Important Links
ArcSoft Website: www.arcsoft.com
Perfect365 Website: www.perfect365.com
Perfect365 Twitter: www.twitter.com/perfect365
ArcSoft Twitter: www.twitter.com/ArcSoft_Inc
Perfect365 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Perfect365
ArcSoft Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArcSoftInc

About ArcSoft
ArcSoft, Inc. is an industry leading software developer of multimedia technologies and applications across desktop, mobile and embedded platforms. Working closely with major OEM manufacturers, ArcSoft offers a full line of imaging and video solutions that enhance the features, performance, and user experience of mobile phones, digital cameras, tablets, personal computers, and consumer electronics devices. For further details, visit www.arcsoft.com.

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The New Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Prime Lens Combines Practicality with Portability Resulting In A Versatile Portrait Lens

New NIKKOR Lens is Ideal for Low-Light, Portraiture and Adding Dramatic Background Blur to Both Photo and Video

MELVILLE, N.Y. (January 5, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G FX-format lens to its legendary line of NIKKOR lenses. The new 85mm is a fast, fixed focal-length lens with medium telephoto capabilities and a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 that is capable of performing a wide variety of imaging tasks with amazing sharpness and clarity.

“Whether a professional photographer who needs extreme sharpness or a photo enthusiast looking for an affordable, lightweight lens with amazing clarity, Nikon photographers appreciate and rely on the vast selection and dependability of NIKKOR lenses for their imaging needs,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “The new 85mm f/1.8 is fully optimized for capturing amazing photos and videos, while providing the ability to utilize background blur to compliment the subject of their photo.”

A welcome addition to Nikon’s growing line of versatile prime lenses, the new AF- NIKKOR 85mm is ideal for travel, general photography, low-light, landscape, portraiture and capturing movies with extreme depth of field. The 85mm is designed to capture photos utilizing beautiful image blur achieved due to its large maximum aperture. Furthermore, the lens is lightweight, easy to carry, and provides an equivalent focal length of 127mm when attached to a Nikon DX-format D-SLR camera body.

The construction of the 85mm f/1.8 consists of nine optical elements, with a seven-blade diaphragm which contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a natural appearance to out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance.

The new lens also comes equipped with a carefully engineered optical system optimized to deliver superior image quality. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation, which is essential when recording movies. The 85mm also features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooters needs. Additionally, Internal Focus (IF) design prevents the front element from rotating, allowing for the use of filters and attachments.

Price and Availability
The lightweight AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G will be available in March 2012 for a SRP* of $499.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

To see the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lens and other new Nikon products, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the "Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

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 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 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 @Nikon_USA.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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When There Is No Second Chance: The New Nikon FX-Format D4 Multi-Media Digital SLR is The Definitive Unification Of Speed And Precision

The New 16.2 Megapixel Nikon D4 Wields a Formidable Fusion of Swift Performance, Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High Caliber Photo and HD Multimedia Content


MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan 5, 2012) – The new Nikon D4 digital SLR builds upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship D-SLRs before it, engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that deliver speedy performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option.

Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 D-SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture incredible content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF System has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). Considered the new Nikon flagship, the D4 renders supreme image quality, a feat accomplished with a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and color. Photographers are also able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with the assistance of Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800 for low-light capture like never before. The Nikon D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never before seen HD-SLR video features for those who also need to capture multimedia content from the field.

“Speed without accuracy is irrelevant,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The status of a Nikon flagship camera is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon’s most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides Nikon’s most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”

Velocity Meets Versatility
Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as milliseconds matter when the action commences. Whether an assignment relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow or even streamlined camera controls, the D4 is the epitome of professional-caliber photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, including subject color as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a full-court fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will instill the confidence with consistently great results.

The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system. The fully customizable system offers users the ability to capture fast moving subjects and track focus with precision or select a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 D-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters or a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines,  photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.

The Nikon D4 D-SLR also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against D4’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure. In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Additionally, to capture every brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.

All of this image data is funneled through a 16 bit pipeline and are written to dual card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers blazing fast write times and extended capacity essential for multimedia professionals shooting stills and video.

Image Quality That Hits the Mark
The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colors in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.

Like the D3 and D3s before it, the Nikon D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible yet usable 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3µ pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth color gradation. For ultimate versatility, photographers can also take advantage of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording video.

Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.

There are also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and video. In addition to standard NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is also capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range with the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that merges consecutive exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can also be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.

Professional Multimedia Features
The Nikon D4 D-SLR is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional that needs the small form factor, low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only an HD-SLR can offer. The new features add functionality for those professionals looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, providing footage that is more than suitable for broadcast.

• Full HD video recording - Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.


• Full manual control of exposure - Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.


• Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View - By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display or appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.


• Audio recording for professionals - The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.


• Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes - Whether shooting for depth of field in FX format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080P HD resolution no matter what mode they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in full HD resolution all at 16:9 aspect ratio.


• Simultaneous live view output without display / simultaneous monitor - Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously. Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen, to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.


• Full-time AF - In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face detection and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.


• New LCD screen - The large high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen is 921K dots, and includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in up to 46x to check critical HD focus.


• Time lapse shooting - This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.


• Remote shutter operation - Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to be engaged by the shutter release button -users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger video recording.


• NIKKOR lens compatibility - The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 50 lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction.

Professional Construction, Superior Operability
The reputation and respect bestowed upon a Nikon D-Series flagship camera is earned from those who use it; therefore the chassis of the Nikon D4 is machined from magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF. The self diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch resistant 921,000-dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.

The overall controls and operability of the camera has also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with renewed ergonomics, such as a quick AF mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the camera’s rear for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, to continue the D4’s moniker of the best tool for just about any condition, key control buttons on the back of the camera can all be illuminated, making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.

Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time. Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both the photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. Nikon has also introduced the new WT-5A wireless file transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application is also in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D4 will be available in late February 2012 for the suggested retail price of $5999.95.^*

To see the new D4 D-SLR and other new Nikon products, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

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 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 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 @Nikon_USA.

* Suggested retail price listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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GNT Inc., a Japanese Mobile Contents Entity, Released Mobion Photo Lite Application Today, for iOS 4.0, an All-in-One Package to Enhance Your Photography Experience with Quality and Ease

Enhancing Life's memories, whether from yesterday, today or years ago! Filled with cool features, Mobion Photo Lite is the go-to app for photo lovers and story tellers alike. Tell your story and share it as you take pictures on the go! 

TOKYO, JAPAN, January 05, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Enhancing Life's memories, whether from yesterday, today or years ago! Filled with cool features, Mobion Photo Lite is the go-to app for photo lovers and story tellers alike. Tell your story and share it as you take pictures on the go!

Core features include:

• Shoot: Take a picture anytime and anywhere, with the swipe of a finger, only on this app!
• Share: Let everyone share in your moment on Mobion, Facebook and Twitter with auto shouts
• Store: Images automatically saved for ease of sharing and editing
• Play: Add music, your voice, icons, filters, photo frames, texts, and more to your photos
• Story: Record voice, add music, transitional effects and more to a collection of your photos
• World: - Sight-see through photos shared by your friends on the global map
• M-Cards: Holidays and daily m-cards are a fun and unique way to send anyone a special greeting

iTunes Download: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mobion-photo-lite/id485554118?mt=8

Mobion social networking platform:
Mobion is a place on the net with two independent worlds; a Real World and Virtual World where you can connect with real life connections while at the same time escape from reality and enjoy full freedom by becoming anyone you wish (virtual). Mobion SNS for PC users will be launched globally December 2012.

About GNT Inc:
Founded over 10 years, GNT Inc. is a leading mobile service company in Japan. Youthful, passionate, dynamic, constantly innovating and pushing technological boundaries, we are grasping the international market with 4 core mobile services: Mobile Media Services, Official Mobile Content, M-Commerce (E-Commerce) and Mobile Advertising. Additional information about GNT Inc is available at http://www.gnt.co.jp/en/.

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