X-RITE TO ACQUIRE AMAZYS HOLDING AG the owners of GretagMacbeth January 31, 2005 - X-RITE TO ACQUIRE AMAZYS HOLDING AG, Agreement Will Create a Global Leader in the Color Industry Combination Expected to Lead to Enhanced Quality, Increased Scale, Greater Innovation and Improved Operational Efficiency Grandville, Mich. / Regensdorf, Switzerland, January 31, 2006 – X-Rite, Incorporated (Nasdaq: XRIT) and Amazys Holding AG (SWX: AMSN), two leading providers of color measurement solutions comprised of hardware, software and services for the verification and communication of color data, today jointly announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which X-Rite will offer to purchase all of the outstanding registered shares of Amazys Holding AG for a purchase price of approximately US$280 million or CHF 77 per share plus 2.11 shares of X-Rite, Incorporated stock per share. Amazys develops, markets and supports hardware, software and services to measure and communicate color under the GretagMacbeth brand. Click here for full release
January 25, 2006 - Olympus announces a series of new and updated digital cameras. Click on any of the headlines for the press release New Olympus Stylus 810 Merges Slim Design And High Performance With Innovative Features January 25, 2006 Olympus Announces New Stylus 710: Sleek Design, Superior Performance And All-Weather Durability January 25, 2006 Olympus Introduces Rugged Versatility With Style: The Revolutionary Stylus 720 SW Digital Camera January 25, 2006 Olympus Announces New SP-320 Digital Camera Designed To Deliver Powerful Optics And Creative Versatility January 25, 2006 Olympus Innovates Again With Evolt E-330: The World's First Interchangeable Digital SLR With A "Live View" LCD
January 25, 2006 ALIENSKIN SOFTWARE Ships EXPOSURE The closest thing to film since film, Exposure brings the look and feel of film to digital photography. You can now digitally simulate the vivid colors of Velvia®, the rich blacks of Kodachrome®, or the sensitivity of Ektachrome®, as well as the warmth and softness of dozens of other film stocks, both color and black and white. In addition, Exposure models the size, shape, and color of real world film grain. Use this level of subtle reproduction to simulate the distinct looks of films such as Ilford® 3200 Delta and long discontinued Ektachrome EES and GAF® 500. Exposure also simplifies your workflow, collecting color, dynamic range, softness, and grain controls in one plug-in. Correct a colorcast, soften a digital portrait, and tweak contrast with one, easy-to-use tool. Or define your signature look and save it as a one-click effect. Click here for more information
January 23, 2006 - A new article on image archiving using CD and DVD media is available in the education section. It includes why optical media deteriorates and tips on use and care of optical media. Click here for the article
Adobe releases Camera Raw 3.3 update This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original Camera Raw plug-in that was installed with Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 and 4.0 software. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras. Local Site - Windows version only Adobe Sites Click here for the Windows update Click here for the Mac update
January 19, 2006 Konica Minolta Announces Withdrawal Plan for Camera Business and Photo Business Konica Minolta has long been a leading company in photo imaging business covering wide range of imaging from input to output. In addition, we have provided inspiring products and services by fusing our unique technologies. In camera business, we have expanded picture-taking opportunities by developing innovative technologies such as the world’s first autofocus cameras. In 1962, our camera, well-accepted for its high reliability, boarded on the US’s first manned spaceship “Friendship 7.” Also, ever since introduction of the world’s first body-integral autofocus SLR camera, Maxxum/Dynax series, in 1985, SLR cameras have become more popular among picture-takers, and we have succeeded in selling 16 million units of interchangeable lenses since then. However, in today’s era of digital cameras, where image sensor technologies such as CCD is indispensable, it became difficult to timely provide competitive products even with our top optical, mechanical and electronics technologies. In photo business, represented by the silver-halide photography such as color film and color paper, we have produced Japan’s first photographic paper in 1903, and Japan’s first color film in 1940, thus pioneering joy of photography for more than a century. In 1984, we introduced the world’s first compact washless photofinishing system known as a minilab system. The minilabs contributed to the expansion of worldwide photographic market by making photos closer to consumers and amazingly shortening delivery time. Click here for the complete release Partial Transfer of Certain Assets Related to Digital SLR cameras Since July 2005, Sony Corporation (Sony) and Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. (Konica Minolta PI) have been working on the joint development of digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. Sony, Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. and Konica Minolta PI are pleased to announce that they have decided to transfer a certain portion of Konica Minolta PI ’s assets related to digital SLR cameras to Sony, and at the same time, that Konica Minolta PI will consign its customer service operation for Konica Minolta cameras and related products* to Sony. Agreement to this effect was reached today. Under this agreement, on March 31 2006, Sony will receive certain assets from Konica Minolta PI that are necessary for the development, design, production and so forth of digital SLR cameras compatible with Konica Minolta PI’s “Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system”.** Sony will accelerate development of new digital SLR cameras based on and compatible with the Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system with a view to marketing these models this summer. On the basis of its ongoing “selection and concentration”, Konica Minolta Group will concentrate on its core “business technologies” field and its strategic “optics and display devices” field and withdraw from camera business*** as of March 31, 2006. At the same time, Konica Minolta PI will partially transfer certain assets related to digital SLR cameras to Sony. From April 1 2006, Konica Minolta PI will consign the customer service operations for Konica Minolta cameras and related products* to Sony, and Sony will implement service operations from that date onward.
January 18, 2006 ZEISS Lenses for Nikon F Mount Carl Zeiss AG of Oberkochen, Germany is about to introduce ZF, a new range of interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras, both analog and digital. ZF lenses bring the highly acclaimed Carl Zeiss image quality to the Nikon SLR camera system, which has been the preferred equipment of millions of professional and ambitious amateur photographers for decades. ZF lenses can also be used on the Sinar m professional digital camera and a multitude of industrial video cameras. ZF lenses provide Nikon F-mount cameras with the creative potential and phototechnical performance available so far only in the Contax system. In addition, ZF lenses incorporate new technical advances from the ZEISS Ultra Prime®, Master Prime® and DigiPrime® lenses for motion picture cameras. Results have been seen in feature films like "Lord of the Rings", "Alexander", "King Arthur", "Air Force One", "Collateral", "King Kong" and many commercials and music clips. Like the ZEISS lenses for motion picture, ZF lenses feature unusually high mechanical quality, fixed focal length, very precise manual focussing, reliability, and exceptional durability. Special attention is paid to guarantee absolute color matching throughout the whole range of lenses resulting in state-of-the-art image quality. The first ZF lens will be the Planar T* 1,4/50 ZF, which, in its Contax RTS version, was rated the world's best fast standard lens by "Popular Photography" in 1999. It will be followed by the Planar T* 1,4/85 ZF, which in its Contax RTS version became known as a great portrait lens and story-teller. Both lenses will become available in spring 2006. The Pricing will be suitable competitive with similar items in the Nikon F-system. Several more ZF lenses will be introduced during 2006. With the introduction of ZF lenses, Carl Zeiss will set up a new international distribution network and will announce information on availability of the ZF lenses at www.zeiss.com/photo.
Fremont, Ca., January 17, 2006– Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies announced availability of its new Professional CompactFlash® (CF) and Secure Digital™ (SD) flash memory cards designed to deliver optimal performance in all digital SLR cameras and speed-rated 133X, or capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 20MB per second. Lexar’s new flash memory products signify the company’s continued commitment to providing professional photographers with reliable flash memory cards that deliver near instantaneous image read and write speeds, and seamless operation throughout each step of the digital imaging workflow process enabling the user to spend more time taking pictures. Like all of Lexar’s Professional series CompactFlash memory cards, the new 133X cards include Lexar’s Write Acceleration Technology (WA). The WA technology allows digital cameras to exchange and store images faster, thus attaining near instantaneous image-write speeds in cameras supporting this feature. In addition, the new 133X CompactFlash and SD cards include Image Rescue 2.0, Lexar’s award-winning image recovery software, a trial version of Photo MechanicÔ 4.0, the popular image browsing software from Camera Bits, and Corel® Paint Shop Pro® 9, an image editing and enhancement software package. As with all of Lexar’s professional products, each card includes a lifetime warranty and unlimited access to Lexar’s dedicated technical support team for professional photographers. In addition to a valuable suite of software, Lexar is providing additional value to its 2GB SD flash memory card package by including a high-speed USB 2.0 Card Reader with its 133X cards to proactively address an industry compatibility issues that may otherwise arise with some SD card readers. Lexar’s new 133X speed-rated Professional Series CompactFlash and SD flash memory cards are currently available in photo specialty stores and through online resellers.
January 17, 2006—Fuji introduces a buffer upgrade for its S3 Pro camera that increases its continuous frame shooting by a factor of 2.5. This upgrade cost is $379 Click here for the upgrade form and details
Regensdorf, Switzerland. – Jan. 16, 2006 – GretagMacbeth, together with Pantone, today announced the availability of huey™, an easy-to-use monitor calibration tool designed for digital photo enthusiasts, gamers and any computer user wanting absolute color and clarity. Developed in partnership with GretagMacbeth and brought to market by Pantone, huey is based on GretagMacbeth’s technology for professional-level products and delivered in an easy-to-use, affordable device – a true breakthrough in terms of form, function and usability. About the size of a small marker, huey delivers excellent results on LCD, laptop and CRT displays without requiring users to have any knowledge of color management. In addition, huey is the first monitor calibration device to continually adjust the monitor as room lighting changes. Click here for more information
Nikon prepares to strengthen digital line-up for 2006 Wednesday January 11, 2006 Following the success of our digital line-up over the last seven years, which has resulted in more than 95% of Nikon’s UK business being within the digital area, Nikon Corporation has made the decision to focus management resources on digital cameras in place of film cameras. This decision will allow Nikon to continue to develop products that match the demands of an increasingly competitive market place. Despite this growing competition Nikon Corporation has continued to outperform the market, and has recently reported positive financial results which saw group net profit climb by 20% in the fiscal first half which ended in September. Group sales also increased by 9.8% to 342.85 billion yen in the same period. Sales of high end digital SLR cameras and the success of products like the D70s and D50 have helped contribute to these positive figures. As the film camera market shrinks and the popularity of compact digital cameras increases, demand for products that offer advanced features and extra value is continuing to grow. High performance digital SLR cameras are performing well as users shift from film-based SLR cameras or upgrade from compact digital cameras to digital SLR cameras. As a result of the new strategy Nikon will discontinue production of all lenses for large format cameras and enlarging lenses with sales of these products ceasing as soon as they run out of stock. This also applies to most of our film camera bodies, interchangeable manual focus lenses and related accessories. Although Nikon anticipates that the products will still be in retail distribution up to Summer 2006. In recognition of Nikon’s commitment to professional photographers we will continue to manufacturer and sell the F6, our flagship film model, as well as a number of manual interchangeable lenses. Sales of the manual FM10 will also continue outside Europe. More
Vancouver, WA - Jan. 9, 2006 - Wacom Technology Corporation’s new Intuos3 12x19 pen tablet is specifically designed for photographers, designers, artists and engineers who are using multiple large monitors or a large widescreen display such as the 30” Apple® Cinema® HD display. Like the recently introduced Intuos3 6x11, the Intuos3 12x19 features an active area with an aspect ratio (height-to-width) that is a great match to the screen aspect ratio of either a widescreen display or standard displays used together. This provides optimal pen control and efficient use of the entire tablet. Click here for the release
January 10, 2006 - ACD Systems ships ACDSee Pro - View, process, edit, organize, catalog, publish, and archive your photo collections with the precision and control demanded by professional photographers around the globe. Get full RAW support and RAW processing, powerful organizing tools like customizable folders and categories, quick editing features, visual tagging and full color management support for ICC and ICM profiles to meet all of your professional needs. If you’re looking for an end-to-end digital photo software solution for all your photography workflow needs, ACDSee Pro is the answer. Chick here for details
January 9, 2006 - Hasselblad launches the world's first 39 Mpixel DSLR camera and comprehensive line of 39 Mpixel digital backs: Based on the Hasselblad H2 camera with its range of high performance, central shutter-based lenses, and featuring extended digital features, such as Digital APO Correction (DAC) and Instant Approval Architecture, Hasselblad is proud to introduce the Hasselblad H2D-39. This product is the world's first high-end, 39 Mpixel, digital auto-focus camera. In addition, Hasselblad is announcing three new 39 Mpixel digital back products including the CFH-39, CF-39 and CF-39MS. Visit the links below to download the press release and detailed product information. Press Release Word version pdf version Product details: H2D-39 CFH-39 CF-39 MSRP Pricing: H2D-39: $29,995 CFH-39: $29,995 CF-39: $29,995 CF-39MS: $37,995 Availability: H2D-39 and CFH-39: February 2006 CF-39: March 2006 CF-39MS: April 2006 Visit the Hasselblad USA website for more detailed product information. www.hasselbladusa.com
Adobe Unveils Lightroom Public Beta and Delivers New Technology for Digital Photography Workflows Professional Photographers Instrumental in Developing New Modular Software to Import, Manage, Develop, and Showcase Images SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jan. 9, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced the public beta of Adobe® Lightroom™, an all-new digital imaging solution for professional photographers. With its modular, task-based and streamlined environment, Lightroom's goal is to deliver a complete photography workflow. As Adobe collects more feedback from photographers, modules and feature sets will likely change, as customers decide on their popularity and priority within digital photography workflows. Initially available as a beta for Macintosh, Lightroom will later support both the Windows® and Macintosh platforms. Click here for the release Click here to download the Mac Beta and learn more
January 2, 2006 - Bibble Labs has updated its RAW workflow software to v4.5. New version features support for all the newest DSLR's including Nikon D200, D2X , Canon 5D, 1D Mark II N, Rebel XT 350D, 20D, 1D Mark 2, 1DS Mark 2, Nikon D70, D2H, Olympus E500, Sp310, Sp350, Sp500UZ, E1 E300, Pentax *ist DS, DL & DS2, Minolta Maxxum 5D, 7D, A200 , Kodak Dcs Pron/c and Sony DSC-R1 to name a few. Click Here for more information and to get a trial version