2009 Hasselblad Global Conference

Entrance to the NASA Kennedy Space Center

From September 24 – 26, 220 happy invited guests converged on Orlando, Florida to attend the 2009 Hasselblad Global Conference. The singular choice of holding the event at NASA’s legendary Kennedy Space Center was in itself ample incentive for the guests to come. The Scandinavian-based company celebrated its history as well as heralding its future by staging part of the conference where Apollo 11 lifted off with Hasselblad moon cameras on board and unveiled the new H4D camera series together with the latest Phocus 2.0 imaging software.

Dr. Buzz Aldrin and press representatives

Hasselblad CEO Christian Poulsen and Dr. Buzz Aldrin

A gathering of leading photography and aerospace experts as prestigious as the one at the Florida event will not be seen again for a long time. Hasselblad CEO Christian Poulsen took part along with senior management from the company’s research and development team to celebrate with familiar friends from NASA. And even the “Man on the Moon” himself appeared in person with his wife Lois: astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to ever set foot on the moon as part of the 1969 Apollo mission and one of the first Hasselblad photographers to capture images in space. The 79-year-old veteran astronaut answered journalists’ questions, sharing details about his life and the unforgettable moon flight with equal portions of humor and philosophical insight. One perhaps little-known fact was that Hasselblad cameras are still awaiting the return of humans in the Sea of Tranquility, where the equipment had to be left behind to reduce weight on board the lunar lander.

Dr. Buzz Aldrin with his new Hasselblad 503CW

featuring the CFV-39 digital back

At the conference Aldrin became the proud owner of a Hasselblad camera – a 503CW from the legendary V series – presented to him personally by Christian Poulsen, equipped with farsighted technology in the form of the CFV-39 digital back. The unparalleled combination of proven and ground-breaking technology demonstrates how Hasselblad’s faithful customer base can continue to use their cameras far into the digital age.

Gala-Dinner in the Apollo/Saturn V Center beneath the mighty Saturn V rocket

The three-day program gave attendees many unique glimpses into the mysteries of aeronautics and behind-the-scenes information about Hasselblad. Those taking part in a VIP tour of the spacious Cape Canaveral space center were able to capture images from the past and future of space exploration. As part of a compact university training course, photographers were given useful tips on how to put their Hasselblad equipment to the most effective use from expert Hasselblad engineers themselves. The conclusion to the 2009 Hasselblad Global Conference was a banquet for the guests in the Apollo/Saturn V Center beneath a huge Saturn V rocket. The 110 m space rocket measuring 10 m in diameter created a genuinely overwhelming backdrop for the closing event.

Canon Rebel T1i 500D and Nikon D5000 for DSLR Beginning Photographers

Wiley published two new Books about the Canon Rebel T1i / 500D (outside US) and the Nikon D5000 for Digital SLR Novices Photographers

“These books are the result of meeting so many people who gave up trying to learn from traditional photography books and magazines, which tend to feature technical lingo and advanced topics that are tough for beginners to decipher. As a result, they didn’t have the knowledge they needed to achieve the professional results they envisioned when they invested in their cameras. These books, by contrast, explain all the features of the latest entry level DSLR cameras, as well as how handle common tasks like getting images onto a PC and printing, in simple, straighforward language." The assumption is that the reader has little to no knowledge of general photography terms or techniques. The goal of each book is to familiarize the reader with the controls and features of their camera so they can apply them to any shooting situation. Chapters cover: • Shooting in auto-mode • Adjusting image quality and size • Reviewing images • Controlling exposure • Using focus features • Managing color • Printing and sharing • Exploring the on-board controls • Using live view and playback modes • Dialing in exposure and lighting controls • Manipulating focus and color controls • Situational shooting and video recording • Getting pics onto a PC for editing • Printing, posting online, and other ways to share images • Part of Tens including ten editing tricks and pro functions Julie Adair King has been covering digital cameras and photography for over a decade. Along with the previous six editions of Digital Photography For Dummies, Julie Adair King has also written For Dummies guides covering specific Nikon and Canon digital SLR cameras, as well as Digital Photos Projects For Dummies. She also works one-on-one with beginning digital photographers in the classroom at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre.

Canon PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II TIPA Award 2009

Best Expert Photo Printer in 2009: Canon PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II

The TIPA panel were impressed with the PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II, as it enables gallery-quality imaging: “(it) uses a 10-colour pigment based single ink system, including matte black and photo black. This allows photographers to print on gloss and matte media with exceptional colour accuracy and gamut, without the need for swapping ink tanks.” The addition of 16-bits per channel print capability offers exceptionally smooth tonal gradations in both colour and monochrome photo prints of up to A3+ or 14” wide.

Minox DC 7022 Slim Digital Camera

Measuring 94.5 x 55 x 23 mm the Minox DC 7022 slim has a resolution of up to seven megapixels, a 28 mm wide angle lens with 4x optical zoom as well as an extra large TFT color monitor which measures 3.0 inches in diagonal and a smooth, black anodized aluminum body. With its light weight of just 124 grams the DC 7022 slim is extremely “pocket-friendly“ and can be packed away almost anywhere to take away. A 3.0 inch TFT-Display takes up practically the whole of the camera back. This digital camera has a 1/2.5 inch CCD-image sensor and an optimized Minoctar lens. With its 4x optical zoom the lens also has scope for selecting the image detail. A fast autofocus and the short shutter delay ensure spontaneous snapshots and a fast image sequence. To make sure that also images taken in the telephoto range are not spoilt by camera shake the DC 7022 has an electronic image stabilization. This feature additionally supports long exposures under difficult light conditions or macro shots. With the automatic white balance the photographer can rely on natural color rendition. Several flash functions and the possibility to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor from ISO 50 to ISO 1600 in six stages allow further individual adjustment of the camera to the ambient conditions.

Besides this, the new DC 7022 slim can take video clips and make voice recordings to accompany the digital pictures – a speaker and a microphone are integrated in the camera body for this purpose. The data are stored on an SD card with a capacity of up to four gigabyte (SDHC) and there is an additional 32 megabyte internal memory in the camera. The power supply is provided by a long-lasting lithium ion battery. Featuring a PictBridge interface the DC 7022 slim can be directly connected to appropriate peripheral equipment at home or away, enabling the print out of pictures without a computer, for example. For fast and easy transfer of the images to a computer the Minox DC 7022 slim features a digital USB 2.0 interface. The scope of delivery of the Minox DC 7022 slim includes a power adaptor, USB and video cable, lithium ion battery, wrist strap, ever-ready case as well as a user manual and CD-ROM with software.

Photos © MINOX - All rights reserved - www.minox.de

2007-07-05 - Last update: 07-04-2009

Minox DC 6033 WP Digital Camera

Boasting a sturdy body which is watertight to a depth of ten meters, the DC 6033 WP digital camera stands up to dust, water, sand and salt and has been specially designed for use in a rough environment. This camera is geared to capture perspectives, whether canyoning, on the beach, diving or sailing, or in hard everyday working life. It has a 6 megapixel CCD sensor. The high quality multicoated MINOCTAR lens which delivers neutral color rendition features a 42 mm fixed focal length (in 35 mm format terms) and permits macro shots from a distance of 60 cm from the subject. It is also impact-resistant and hard wearing – despite weighing in at just 230 grams with dimensions of 78 x 120 x 43 mm.

The choice of subject and viewing of the image after the shot is even possible under water with the 2 inch TFT color monitor on the back of the MINOX DC 6033 WP. An integrated electron flash unit automatically brightens up the scene or, alternatively, only if selected to do so by the photographer. In addition to this, there are various exposure programs to help the user in special situations. The photographer can, for example, choose between an underwater, portrait, sports, landscape or night-time mode. Otherwise the automatic mode takes over all necessary adjustments and controls everything from pin-sharp focus to the correct exposure. ISO sensitivity and white balance can also be adjusted automatically or manually.

The extended scope of the DC 6033 WP includes the use as PC-Cam or the recording of video clips. Besides the slot for SD memory cards with a capacity of up to 2 gigabytes, it has a 16 megabyte internal flash memory. For independence when traveling commercially available AA batteries or rechargeable batteries are available as power source. The camera has a digital USB port and a PictBridge interface for direct printer connection. The scope of delivery of the MINOX DC 6033 WP includes two AA batteries, a wrist strap, case, USB cable, CD-Rom with software as well as a user manual.

Photos © MINOX - All rights reserved - www.minox.de

05-07-2007 - Last update: 07-04-2009

Understanding Shutter Speed - Creative photography

Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second, Paperback, Amphoto Books, 2008, 160 p.

The first book in the Understanding Photography series, Understanding Exposure, was a runaway best-seller, with more than 250,000 copies sold. Now author Bryan Peterson brings his signature style to another important photography topic: shutter speed. With clear, jargon-free explanations of terms and techniques, plus compelling "before-and-after" photos that pair a mediocre image (created using the wrong shutter speed) with a great image (created using the right shutter speed), this is the definitive practical guide to mastering an often-confusing subject. Topics include freezing and implying motion, panning, zooming, exposure, Bogen Super Clamps, and rendering motion effects with Photoshop, all with helpful guidance for both digital and film formats. Great for beginners and serious amateurs, Understanding Shutter Speed is a very good handy guide to mastering shutter speed for superb results.

Bryan Peterson, a professional photographer, is the author of Understanding Exposure, Beyond Portraiture, Learning to See Creatively, and Understanding Digital Photography. A well-known instructor, he is the founder of the online school The Perfect Picture School of Photography. He lives in Chicago.

Jobo photoGPS Specifications

New capture and process technology provides a lightweight and easy-to-use GPS unit that significantly changes the way photographers track a photograph’s exact location

• Capture time: approximately 0.2 seconds
• Memory capacity: around 1000 locations (build in 128MB memory)
• Accuracy: 10m
• Geodata: via Tele Atlas Map Material (Country, City, Street, POI)
• Hot-shoe interface: Standard hot-shoe (ISO 518:2006)
• Power source: Internal rechargeable120mAh cell (non user replaceable)
• System Information: via 2 LED’s (System Status)
• Supported file formats: JPEG, RAW with XMP Sidecar file
• PC connectivity: USB2.0
• Battery charging electrical source: USB2.0
• Dimensions: Main unit without adapter 68 x 20 x 43 mm
• Weight: 80 g
• System requirements: Windows XP (SP2) and Vista (SP1), MAC
• Included accessories: USB cable, CD-ROM with photoGPS matching software, organizer and viewing software

More about Jobo photoGPS - More Jobo photoGPS pictures

Photo (c) Jobo AG - All rights reserved

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR Specifications

• Number of effective pixels [1] 12.0 million pixels
• CCD sensor: 1/1.6-in. Super CCD EXR
• Storage media: Internal memory (Approx. 48MB) / xD-Picture card TM (16MB - 2GB) / SD memory card / SDHC memory card [2]
• File format: Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.2 [3]) / Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG) with sound / Audio: WAVE format, Monaural sound(Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
• Number of recorded pixels: Still image: L: 4:3 4,000 x 3,000 / L: 3:2 4,000 x 2,664 / L: 16:9 4,000 x 2,248 -- M: 4:3 2,816 x 2,112 / M: 3:2 2,816 x 1,864 / M: 16:9 2,816 x 1,584 --S: 4:3 2,048 x 1,536 / S: 3:2 2,048 x 1,360 / S: 16:9 1,920 x 1,080
• Lens: Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens, F3.3 (Wide) - F5.1 (Telephoto)
• Lens focal length: f=6.4 - 32.0mm, equivalent to 28 - 140mm on a 35mm camera
• Digital zoom: Approx. 4.4x
• Aperture: Wide: F3.3 / F9.0, Telephoto: F5.1 / F14.0
• Focus distance (from lens surface): Normal: Wide: Approx. 45cm / 1.5ft. to infinity --Telephoto: Approx. 80cm / 2.6ft. to infinity -- MacroWide: Approx. 5cm - 80cm / 0.2ft. - 2.6ft.Telephoto: Approx. 50cm - 1m / 1.6ft. - 3.3ft.
• Sensitivity: Auto / Auto(3200) / Auto(1600) / Auto(800) / Auto(400) / Equivalent to ISO 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 (Standard Output Sensitivity)* Number of recorded pixels: ISO6400: "M" or "S", ISO12800: "S"only
• Exposure control: TTL 256-zones metering
• Exposure mode: Programmed AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual
• Shooting modes: Mode dial: Auto, EXR, Natural Light, Natural Light & with Flash, SP, P, M, Movie -- SP: Portrait, Portrait Enhancer, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Night (Tripod), Sunset, Snow, Beach, Underwater, Museum, Party, Flower, Text
• Image Stabilization: CCD-shift type
• Shutter speed: (Auto mode) 1/4 sec. to 1/1500 sec., (All other modes) 8 sec. to 1/1500 sec.
• Continuous shooting: Top-3 (max. 1.4 frames/sec.) -- Top-12, High speed (max. 5 frames/sec., number of recorded pixels: "S" only) -- Final-3 (max. 1.4 frames/sec.) -- Final-12, High speed (max. 5 frames/sec., number of recorded pixels: "S" only) -- Long-period
• Focus: Auto focus (Area, Multi, Centre) / Continuous AF, AF assist illuminator available
• White balance: Automatic scene recognition -- Preset: Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm white), Fluorescent light (Cool white), Incandescent light, Underwater lighting -- Custom
• Self-timer: Approx. 10sec. / 2sec. delay
• Flash: Auto flash / Effective range (ISO AUTO): Normal: Wide: Approx. 60cm - 4.3m / 2.0ft. - 14.1ft. -- Telephoto: Approx. 60cm - 2.8m / 2.0ft. - 9.2ft. -- Macro: Approx. 30cm - 80cm / 1.0ft. - 2.6ft. / Flash modes: Red-eye removal OFF: Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro.Red-eye removal ON: Red-eye Reduction Auto, Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro.
• LCD monitor: 3.0-inch, Approx. 230,000 dots, TFT color LCD monitor, Approx. 100% coverage
• Movie recording: 640 x 480 pixels / 320 x 240 pixels (30 frames/sec.) with monaural sound* Zoom function cannot be used during movie recording.
• Photography functions: EXR mode (EXR AUTO, RESOLUTION PRIORITY, HIGH ISO&LOW NOISE PRIORITY, D-RANGE PRIORITY), Film Simulation, Face Detection (with Auto red-eye removal), Power management, Framing guideline, Frame No. memory
• Playback functions: Face Detection (with Red-eye removal), Slideshow, Trimming, Multi-frame playback (with Micro Thumbnail), Sorting by date, Image rotate, Resize, Voice memo
• Video output: NTSC / PAL selectable
• HD output: Analog component/HDC-1 component video cable for digital camera
• Digital interface: USB 2.0 High-speed
• Power supply: NP-50 Li-ion battery (included) / CP-50 with AC power adapter AC-5VX (sold separately)
• Dimensions: 97.7(W) x 58.9(H) x 23.4(D)mm / 3.8(W) x 2.3(H) x 0.9(D)in. (excluding accessories and attachments)
• Weight: Approx. 175g/6.2oz. (excluding accessories, batteries and memory card)

[1] Number of effective pixels: The number of pixels on the image sensor which receive input light through the optical lens, and which are effectively reflected in the final output data of the still image. [2] See the Fujifilm website to check memory card compatibility. [3] Exif 2.2 is a newly revised digital camera file format that contains a variety of shooting information for optimal printing.

© 2009 FUJIFILM - Specifications are subject to change - http://www.fujifilm.com/

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR Compact Digital Camera

First announced at Photokina 2008, Fujifilm's new EXR technology makes its first appearance in the FinePix F200EXR.

Following a long line of famous Super CCD sensors in cameras like the FinePix F10 and FinePix F31fd, the FinePix F200EXR is designed by Fujifilm to be a perfect camera for the photographic enthusiast. Primed to be the class-leading compact of 2009, the FinePix F200EXR utilises brand new, ground-breaking technology to create an unprecedented level of image quality from a consumer level compact. Using the human eye as the basis for the perfect camera sensor, Fujifilm has yet again extended technological boundaries, creating a Super CCD capable of registering excellent levels of detail when switched to its high resolution mode, but at the same time, capable of offering excellent quality in low light and superb highlight detail in contrasty light when switched to its high sensitivity and wide dynamic range modes respectively.

In addition to the 12 Megapixel 1/1.6"Super CCD EXR and completely redesigned EXR Processor, the FinePix F200EXR inherits its rich feature set from the FinePix F100fd, which includes a powerful Fujinon 5x wide angle optical zoom lens, and the most powerful face detection technology on the market, Face Detection 3.0, with auto red eye removal. On top of this, the F200EXR offers 5 Film Simulation Modes, a 3.0" high-resolution 230,000 dots wide view LCD, HD Photo Output, Dual Image Stabilisation and sensitivity up to ISO 12800 (3 million pixel only).

This combination of cutting-edge technology encased within a pocketable digital compact body means that advanced amateur photographers through to professionals will be able to take breathtaking pictures in the most challenging of conditions.

A versatile photographic sensor

Faced with a market driven by the demand for higher pixel counts, yet conscious that high concentrations of pixels on small sensors can produce diminishing quality returns, Fujifilm engineers had a radical rethink about sensor technology. Why not make a sensor that can flex its behaviour according to the scene to be photographed? Why not give full resolution when bright light allows, but use the pixels in a different way when the light is not ideal? The FinePix F200EXR offers 3 switchable modes in one sensor:

• High Resolution mode, which deploys all twelve million pixels, and is designed to offer the finest detail of intricate subjects when light is full and even;
• High Sensitivity and Low Noise mode, which caps two adjacent pixels together to produce 6 million large photodiodes, which are big enough to absorb light in the darkest of conditions, to produce low-light shots of extraordinary quality with minimal noise and grain; and
• Wide Dynamic Range mode, which captures different exposures with two sets of six million pixels, which, when combined, gives an excellent level of detail in highlights that would otherwise be lost.
• In EXR Mode, the photographer can choose which sensor setting is preferable for the subject to be photographed by choosing High Resolution Priority (HR) to maximise resolution, High ISO and Low Noise Priority (SN) for high quality low-light work or D-Range Priority (DR) for the best detail with contrasty subjects.

Very Good Pictures - Automatically

The FinePix F60fd was the first digital camera to introduce SR AUTO (Scene Recognition AUTO), allowing photographers to let the camera determine the settings to ensure correct exposure, colour reproduction and lighting. The FinePix F200 EXR takes the next technological step by combining Scene recognition technology with EXR technology by automatically and intelligently choosing the correct Super CCD EXR Priority in conjunction with a range of other controls (image quality, exposure, focus, white balance etc). Now, the photographer can let the camera choose the best sensor mode by using the revolutionary EXR AUTO mode, which is the most efficient mechanism yet invented to quickly optimise the camera's settings to allow the photographer to concentrate on capturing the perfect shot. EXR Auto offers six modes to choose from: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Backlit Portrait, Night, and Night Portrait. As an example, when taking close subject, FinePix F200EXR will intelligently choose Macro mode by recognizing the scene. Then the sensor will switch to the best EXR mode that is suitable for the scene. Intelligently switching into one of High Resolution Priority (HR), High ISO and Low Noise Priority(S/N), and D-Range Priority (DR) to capture the best possible shot.

The FinePix F200EXR also retains Fujifilm's improved exposure modes. New "Super intelligent flash" can control technology that even lets you take flash assisted macro shots without flash washout. Enables to capture subjects and background in bright, clear a natural detail over the full flash range including ultra close-ups. Other popular exposure modes such as Natural Light and with Flash (giving the user a choice of flash 'on' or flash 'off' shots) or Natural Light, is featured to capture great candid portraits when powerful flash might be intrusive.

Like all great compacts, the FinePix F200EXR lets the photographer decide the best shooting mode. On AUTO, the camera deploys 12 million pixels and operates like other standard high-class compacts. On MANUAL, the aperture and shutter speed can be chosen independently, while PROGRAM mode offers a choice of Program AE and Aperture Priority AE.Don't Leave Without Your Favourite FilmPhotographic versatility is stretched yet further with the addition of five Film Simulation modes. Producing beautiful images is something which is in the very DNA of Fujifilm, and Fujifilm engineers are determined to leverage the considerable strengths gained through years of perfecting film to making the best sensor possible. Introduced to compacts for the very first time, the FinePix F200EXR offers Velvia / Vivid mode for rich and luscious landscapes, Provia / Standard mode for excellent, sharp, standard photography, ASTIA / Soft mode for fine, smooth tonality, Black and White for dramatic monochromes and Sepia for a warm-toned period look are also featured.

Great on TV Also

Images captured by the FinePix F200EXR look breathtaking when displayed on an HDTV. With standard HD cameras, HD-out means pictures can de displayed in the correct aspect ratio in excellent resolution. But with the FinePix F200EXR, noise and grain in the shadows is hardly noticeable while highlights, so often poor with conventional cameras, can be seen in excellent detail. And colour, sometimes washed out and insipid, looks bold and dramatic, especially when Film Simulation modes are used.

The Full Package

The FinePix F200EXR is fitted with the same sharp lens that made its predecessor such a winner. With its precision optics and massive 5x zoom range, from wide 28mm to long telephoto of 140 mm, the optic delivers sharp, crisp pictures to the sensor every time. And with CCD shift image stabilisation combined with high sensitivity, shots will be blur-free time after time, even in the most difficult of conditions. The FinePix F200EXR can shoot up to super high sensitivity ISO 12800.

Finally, to help with quick focusing, the FinePix F200EXR is fitted with Fujifilm's Face Detection 3.0, which is regarded to be one of the most accurate and speedy on the market. Faces can be 'found' instantly and accurately at any angle.

Key features at a glance:

• Brand NEW Super CCD EXR 12 megapixel switchable sensor
• 5x (28-140mm) wide-angle optical zoom lens
• Dual Image Stabilisation
• 3" clear view LCD screen
• Ultra high sensitivity in low light (ISO 6400 at 6MP resolution & 12800 at 3MP resolution)
• Full manual controls (including aperture and shutter priority)
• EXR Auto (Portrait, Night, Macro, Landscape. Night portrait & Backlit portrait)
• Film Simulation mode (Provia/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Black & White, Sepia)
• Full Photo HD output
• Available in Carbon Quartz

Availability: End of February 2009. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of the launch.

Pictures © 2009 FUJIFILM - All rights reserved - http://www.fujifilm.com/

Other New Compact Cameras Posts:

• Fujifilm A100 Compact Cameras [02.2009]
• Fufifilm A150 Compact Camera [02-2009]
• Kodak Easyshare M380 Digital Camera [01.2009]
• Kodak Z980 Digital Camera [01.2009]
• Compact Photo Samsung M310W [01.2009]
• Compact Photo Samsung ST50 [01.2009]
• Compact Photo Samsung WB500 [01.2009]
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 digital still camera [01.2009]

OLYMPUS DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS

Links to the posts about Olympus DSLR on this blog

• E-1
• E-10
• E-20P
• E-3
• E-30
• E-300
• E-330
• E-400
• E-410
• E-420
• E-500
• E-510
• E-520

Lumix DMC-G1 receive 2008 Photokina Star

Panasonic New Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera Lumix DMC-G1 Receives 2008 Photokina Star Panasonic Corporation is pleased to announce the new digital interchangeable lens camera LUMIX DMC-G1 as winner of the famous “Photokina Star” at Photokina 2008, held through 23-28 September in Cologne, Germany.

The “Photokina Star” is appointed by photo specialist magazines PHOTO PRESSE and digit!, published by Klie Verlagsgesellschaft (Publishing), and is awarded to products or services that are determined to be the absolute highlights of the show amongst the whole selection of exhibited photographic instruments.

Photokina STAR Highlight of Photokina 2008 : Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1“Mit der G1 stellt Panasonic die erste Systemkamera der neuen Micro Four Thirds Spezifikation vor. Durch den Verzicht auf den Schwingspiegel wird eine extrem kompakte Bauweise für Kameras und Wechselobjektive ermöglicht. Die G1 bietet 12 Megapixel Auflösung und ist in den Farben Schwarz, Rot und Blau erhältlich

---“By the G1, Panasonic launches the first system camera based on the new Micro Four Thirds standard. The elimination of the mirror box enables an ultra-compact construction of the camera and lenses. The G1 features 12 megapixel resolution and will be available in colors black, red and blue.”---

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers

Updated and expanded from Martin Evening’s bestselling The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers, the new edition describes in detail the features of the newly released Lightroom 2 software from a photographer’s perspective, and shows how to use them to achieve the best results

Martin Evening, an established commercial and fashion photographer, knows first-hand what photographers need for an efficient workflow. He shows readers how to work with images shot in the RAW or JPEG format, create and manage a personal image library, apply tonal adjustments to multiple images quickly, integrate Photoshop Lightroom 2 with Adobe Photoshop, and more.

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers is now available at Peachpit.com, Amazon.com, and Safari Books Online.

About The Author

Martin Evening is a London-based advertising and fashion photographer and noted expert in both photography and digital imaging. In addition to being a bestselling author, Evening is sought after for speaking and lecturing. He also works with the Photoshop and Lightroom engineering teams, consulting on new feature development and alpha and beta testing. He is one of the founding members of PixelGenius, a software design company producing automated production and creative plug-ins for Photoshop.

www.peachpit.com

Dance Nudes. A Work in Progress. Photography by John Dady

Photo (c) 2008, John Dady, All rights reserved

A fine art photography enterprise offering B&W and color photos taken, processed (except color), scanned and printed by myself. I specialize in the nude, especially the nude in dance.

At present I work in silver gelatin 645 format and printing is on an archival inkjet, 12 color printer.

• Publish Date: June 14, 2008
• Dimensions: Standard Portrait - 72 pgs
• Hardcover, Dust Jacket: $43.95
• Hardcover, ImageWrap: $45.95

http://www.johndady.com/

Eye-Fi secures $5.5 million in series a funding

The round was co-led by Opus Capital and Shasta Ventures. Eye-Fi is developing wireless-enabled products and services that intend to make the “ease of use” promise of digital photography a reality. Carl Showalter, general partner for Opus Capital, and Robert Coneybeer, managing director for Shasta Ventures, have joined Eye-Fi’s board of directors.

“Digital cameras have made it very easy to take pictures, but it’s a chore to get photos off the camera to a place where you can print or share them,” said Coneybeer. “This is a very real problem affecting both consumers who own digital cameras, and companies in the digital photography industry looking to boost profits. We see a huge market opportunity for Eye-Fi because anyone with a Wi-Fi network and a digital camera is a potential customer.”

Eye-Fi was founded in August 2005 by Yuval Koren, president and CEO; Ziv Gillat, vice president of marketing and sales; Eugene Feinberg, hardware architect; and Berend Ozceri, systems architect. The team has five decades of collective experience in delivering successful products at companies including Apple, Atheros, Cisco and Silicon Graphics.

“Wireless technology can enhance digital photography and help the market reach its full potential by removing some key obstacles,” said Ben Bajarin, analyst and strategist at Creative Strategies. “Wireless networks will make it easier to synchronize, upload and share photos, and provide other valuable services like geo-tagging to indicate where the photograph was taken.” said Bajarin.

“Remember that sense of anticipation you felt when you picked up your prints from the local store? We want to bring that excitement back to photography,” said Koren. "Our services will use wireless technology to automatically upload photographs from a digital camera, making it easy for people to experience the real magic of digital photography."

Eye-Fi will use the funds for product development, operations, support, marketing and production. The company plans to release its first product, which is currently in beta trials, later this year.

About Eye-Fi - Founded in 2005, the company is dedicated to building services that help consumers navigate, nurture and share their visual memories. Eye-Fi’s patent-pending technology works with Wi-Fi networks to automatically send photos from a digital camera to online, in-home and retail destinations. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., the company’s investors include Opus Capital and Shasta Ventures. More information is available at www.eye.fi

About Shasta - Shasta Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in technology-enabled businesses serving consumers and enterprises. Located in Menlo Park, Calif., Shasta Ventures manages a $210 million fund. Shasta was formed in 2004 by venture capital veterans and has made 19 investments to date across consumer and business services, infrastructure and software. For more information on Shasta Ventures, please visit www.shastaventures.com

About Opus Capital - Opus Capital is a venture capital firm with more than $1 billion capital under management, investing in committed, high integrity entrepreneurs building early-stage technology companies. The team has participated in the successful outcomes of more than 80 companies (including 50 IPOs) in the U.S. and in Israel including AirGate PCS, Electronics for Imaging, FedEx, Genesys, Harmonic, Precept Software and Vantive. Opus Capital is headquartered on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park, California.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 Ultra-Compact Telephoto Zoom

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6

Size compared to standard Business Card

(c) Olympus Imaging Corporation

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6

mounted on Olympus E-330 digital SLR Body

(c) Olympus Imaging Corporation

ZUIKO DIGITAL interchangeable lenses are specifically designed to maximize the performance potential of the image sensors in “Four-Thirds System” digital SLR cameras. Newly announced ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0–5.6 lens is a lightweight, ultra-compact telephoto zoom lens that offers outstanding value.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0–5.6 is the lightest (220g) and smallest lens in its class*, and boasts the shortest minimum shooting distance (0.9m). Its wide zoom range is equivalent to 80–300mm on a 35mm camera, and its Four-Thirds System design assures outstanding portability that makes interchangeable lens photography easier. (*) as an interchangeable telephoto zoom lens covering telephoto ranges over 200mm: 35mm equivalent (as of November 13th, 2006, by Olympus study)

Main Features

･ Lightweight and Ultra-Compact Design

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 uses ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and high-performance glass elements and an optimized zoom range to ensure outstanding performance and portability. Packing the equivalent of 300mm telephoto power in a barrel only 72mm long, and weighing just 220g, it makes it easy to enjoy true telephoto shooting in the field. The lens’s 3.8x zoom covers a wide range of focal lengths, and offers performance equivalent to 80-300mm on a 35mm camera.

･ Excellent Close-Focusing Capability

An inner focusing system assures that lens length remains constant, and provides close focusing from 90cm at any focal length.

Other Features

･ Superior Imaging Characteristics

ED and high refractive index glass elements are used to minimize chromatic aberration, coma flare, and image curvature. Sharp, high-contrast imaging is achieved at the outer periphery of the lens at all focal lengths. Advanced technologies for high image quality include multi-coating to reduce ghosting and flaring in backlight, and the use of a circular iris to achieve smooth, soft, background defocusing.

･ Filter Support

A non-rotating mount ensures that filters do not rotate when the lens is focused, making it much easier to shoot when using polarizing filters.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 is scheduled to go on sale in Japan on November 23, 2006.

Specifications of the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6

Focal Length: 40-150mm (35mm Equivalent: 80-300mm)

Lens Construction: 12 Elements in 9 Groups, including 1 ED Lens

Focusing System: Internal Focusing System

Angle of View: 30.0-8.2 Degree

Closest Focusing Distance: 0.90m~∞

Maximum Image Magnification: 0.14x (35mm Equivalent: 0.28x)

Minimum Field Size: 124 x 93 mm

Number of Blades: 7

Aperture: Maximum F4.0 (40mm) - F5.6 (150mm) - Minimum F22.0

Filter Size: Ø58 mm

Diameter: Ø65.5 mm

Total Length: 72.0 mm

Weight: 220g

Can be used with Tele Converter EC-14 and Extension Tube EX-25

Accessories: Lens Hood LH-61D, Lens Cap LC-58C

Major focus on digital photography at Macworld Expo 2006

 

IDG World Expo announced a major focus on digital photography at Macworld Conference & Expo 2006, taking place January 9-13, 2006 at San Francisco's Moscone Center. Several new features have been added to this year's event that will provide attendees with more education, services and product insight about digital photography - always one of the most popular topics at Macworld.

Aperture

January's Macworld will mark the first in-depth public training on Apple's newly launched product, Aperture - the first all-in-one post-production tool for professional photographers. Taught by best-selling digital photography author, Derrick Story, this conference session is part of the Power Tools Conference and provides two full days of in-depth training on this powerful tool.

Digital Photography Exhibitors

The leading companies in the digital photography industry will be exhibiting or sponsoring at Macworld. A sample of those exhibiting companies include: Adobe, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Quark, FileMaker, Lowel-Light, HP, Epson, Filmloop, Light Crafts and B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio.

Digital Photography Day

Sponsored by Olympus, FileMaker and Lowel-Light, this new Macworld educational feature provides attendees the opportunity to improve digital photography skills in one day under the instruction of top-notch industry photographers. Professional and novice classes will include classroom instruction; outdoor shooting; indoor lighting and shooting; downloading and critique; editing; and organizing and sharing images.

The Dr. Is In - Digital Photography Help

This new Exhibit Hall feature is a complimentary service where attendees can bring prints, camera (bring cables for download) or images on flash storage to the digital photography doctors in the Creative Corner of the Macworld Exhibit Hall and let members of the American Society of Media Photographers give pointers. The Doctors will be in all week. Open to all Exhibit Hall attendees.

Digital Photography Birds-of-a-Feather: ASMP/ SFDIG: "The Digital Camera of 2015"

The American Society of Media Photographers will host Mac industry luminary David Pogue of The New York Times, as he discusses the next decade of digital photography. You'll hear about the screens, batteries, storage devices, and software of the next decade's digital camera, including which current annoyances will go away and which will only get worse. Features virtual video visits from the top visionaries at Kodak, Nikon, and Canon. 1/11/06 at 6:00 p.m. Open to all Exhibit Hall attendees.

Photoshop Feature Presentation

Photoshop expert Russell Brown of Adobe will entertain and educate with an "altered" view of Photoshop, guaranteed to make you smile. Russell will take you on a wild and wacky ride through some of the key new features found in Photoshop CS. 1/13/06 at 10:00 a.m. Open to all attendees.

Photoshop Education

-- Users Conference: "Photoshop Digital Creation: Uncanny Realism," 75 minute session.

-- Users Conference: "Photoshop CS2: Secrets to Levels and Curves," 75 minute session.

-- Power Tools Conference: "Professional Photoshop," two full days of in-depth training.

-- Taste of the Conference: "Photoshop CS: Essential Tips & Tricks," gives essential, time-saving techniques on Photoshop. 1/11/06 at 5:00 p.m. Open to all Exhibit Hall attendees.

Digital Photography Education

Users Conference: Learn how to use a digital camera, take better pictures and share them with friends, family and other associates with sessions on Wednesday. Thursday sessions offer tips, tricks and vision to the advanced Digital Photographer. This track includes five unique 75-minute sessions.

Compact Samsung Digimax i5

Samsung Releases the Inner Zoom Type Slim Digital i-5 Camera

Samsung Techwinhas announced that it is releasing a new-concept slim digital camera. The 5 mega-pixel, 3x optical zoom digital camera i-5 is the brainchild of the ¡®Slim, Stylish & Smart¡ concept.

With the ambition of capturing the slim-type digital camera market, Samsung Techwin spent about 5 million dollars over a period of 8 months on research and development for the i-5, which is the first Samsung product to incorporate inner zoom technology, which give the camera its slim (17.3mm) design.

Unlike the competing products, the body is made of stainless steel, which has exceptional durability against scratches and shocks.

The product is available in fashionable silver, red, black and gray colors.

The SF (safety flash) function, Samsung Techwin¡'s unique technology, has also been upgraded substantially to minimize camera shake and obtain much more natural colors when taking indoor pictures without using flash. This technology is expected to attract attention from younger consumers, since turning the flash off can protect young people¡'s eyesight, and also produces more natural pictures in places like the inside of cafes.

Responding to consumer need for larger and clearer displays, the i-5 incorporates a 230,000-pixel, large 2.5-inch TFT LCD, which provides viewing of much larger and clearer images as well as achieving higher contrast and more vividness of color.

The video (MPEG-4, VGA, 30fps) function, the inherent strength of Samsung Digimax products, is now available with 3x optical zoom during shooting. This product is a good alternative to conventional camcorders as it can shoot videos of up to 2 hours and 10 minutes with only 256MB of memory.

Technological know-how accumulated over a long period has made it possible to improve resolution, exposure and AWB (auto white balance) accuracy, and increase the initial start-up and shot-to-shot speeds. Also, the product can be charged using a 24-pin mobile phone charger approved by the Korean TTA (Telecommunications Technology Association), providing the convenience and portability suitable for a slim camera.

A Samsung Techwin spokesperson told the press that the product includes a number of advanced multimedia functions, unlike other slim-type products that only put emphasis on portability and design. The ¡®Slim, Stylish & Smart¡ concept puts into the consumer's hand not only a slim and stylish design, but also a variety of useful functions, giving them true satisfaction.

SAMSUNG - PRESS RELEASE - 26.09.2005

Protection for digital photos

A MINOX laboratory (at Siegen, Germany) copies pixel by pixel onto traditional chemical film

The long term storage (archiving) of digital images is under discussion as nobody really knows just how long the current media will last. So to be sure that valuable digital images may still be seen by future generations, Carsten Chadt of the MINOX laboratory LAB811 at Siegen has added another service to his portfolio. His answer to archiving digital photos is to copy them on either traditional chemical 35mm negative or positive slide film – the proven answer to prevent data loss.

Carsten Chadt explains: “Well maintained traditional film material is known to last for at least a century or two and reproduction is easy." Loss of data can be caused by many different means. The storage medium ages, they may get damaged or deleted by accident or another unknown and that is today’s standards may not be read by future hardware and software. Therefore, it should be common practice to regularly copy to the latest standards, but in practice this is becoming more and more complex as the number and size of the files grow. The answer is that pixel by pixel and basic colour by basic colour the information of digital photos will be transferred by cathode rays to conventional film material by a newly developed machine. This provides the ability to produce classic photos on demand on photo paper. Also, to the best of our knowledge today, every future scanner will be able to read films or transparencies as they are optical memories. Chadt is fully convinced by the quality of his service and says: “There are currently machines on the market which copy the digital photo from the monitor – but not this one! With our method the picture is systematically reproduced in colour and resolution to the analogue image.” The capability of the machine known as the CCG film recorder is eleven million pixels. Customers can supply their data via CD, DVD or storage card to have them professionally copied. It’s for sure that many photographers will use this service to safeguard special digital photos as memories for the future.

Photo (c) Minox / LAB 811 - All rights reserved - http://www.lab811.com/

Cambo Wide DS-350 Lens system

Cambo Wide DS-350 Lens system

Cambo Photographic introduces a new addition to the well-designed Cambo Wide DS camera system.

Introducing Schneider’s new DIGITARXL 5,6/35mm lens, designed for excellent performance optimised for digital high-end photography in a dedicated lens mount combined with a universal mount for many digital camera backs on the existing Cambo Wide DS body, Cambo offers a unique camera for the architectural shooter who needs perspective control in combination with digital wide angle photography.

Cambo Wide DS-350

Front view with 35 Digitar Lens 

Photo (c) Cambo

Cambo Wide DS-350

Rear view with Leaf Valeo 22

Photo (c) Cambo

The Cambo Wide DS-350 is a complete camera that accepts digital backs such as Leaf, PhaseOne, Imacon, EyeLike or Sinar with mounts for Hasselblad V-series, Hasselblad H-1, Mamiya 645AFD or Contax 645 compatible backs. The ideal chipsize is the current appr. 4x5 cm format (22 megapixel). The Wide DS ’s double shift allows for combined vertical and horizontal movements for perspective control. The movement in the “filmplane” even offers the possibility for stitching images together utilising the maximum viewing angle Schneider’s Digitar 35 XL offers up to 90 mm of image circle (102o) with high optical resolution, which allows for up to 20 mm shift in any direction without loss of image quality.

Most of the recent digital backs offer portability with built-in storage and image review, which offers great opportunities in combination with Cambo’s Wide DS system for interior, exterior and landscape photography and high resolution images for the demanding professional photographer.

This new Lens system is fully compatible with the existing Wide DS body, existing users of the Cambo Wide DS system can aquire the adaptation as a separate item to add to their equipment.

Designed and manufactured by
Cambo Fotografische Industrie B.V.
Web site: www.cambo.com

HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera

HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera

Hewlett-Packard announced the first 1-megapixel camera with digital zoom available for under $400 -- the HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera.

HP believes the PhotoSmart C30 camera, which also features enhanced image-quality capabilities, provides the best price/value ratio ever offered in a 1-megapixel digital camera.

"This combination of new features, coupled with a very competitive price, will put digital photography within reach for even more users," said Cheryl Katen, general manager of HP's Home Imaging Division. "Whether they're looking for a high-quality photo or want an image to send over the Web, this digital camera will meet their needs."

The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera's improved image quality is based on a built-in CCD (charged-coupled device) and primary-color (RGB) filter and HP's image-processing enhancements. These image-quality features help users create bright, true-to-life photos that offer exceptional clarity. The new RGB filter is designed to reduce the chromatic noise level and capture images that are sharper and more pleasing to the eye. The color sensor also enhances image sharpness and color fidelity, creating more appealing images with noticeably finer details and rich, fully saturated colors.

The camera's 2X digital zoom enables users to minimize file size and boost image size by cropping out unwanted portions of a photo. The new feature provides users with photos that are instantly ready to e-mail to friends and colleagues.

Digital zoom is built into the HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera, making it unnecessary for users to tote around heavy, breakable lenses. The user still has the convenience of a compact, lightweight camera with the advantage of zoom.

The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera comes with a color LCD (liquid crystal display) located on the rear panel of the camera. The color display allows users to preview photos they want to take, review and select the photos they want to upload to their PCs or delete unwanted photos on the spot.

The camera ships with a 4MB removable CompactFlash memory card, which acts like re-usable digital film. The camera works with all industry-standard CompactFlash cards, which are available in various capacities, and it also includes an ac adapter and long-life batteries.

The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera comes with HP photo-finishing software, which automatically downloads photos whenever the camera is connected to a PC; features index-page printing; and provides exclusive page-layout capabilities to enable efficient use of paper.

U.S. Pricing and Availability: The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera, available now, is expected to sell for approximately $399 through retailers in North America. The camera is expected to be introduced in other regions of the world at later dates.

HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY

www.hp.com