Color Calibration Simplified – Review of the Pantone/GretagMacbeth hueyTM posted and a promotional discount offered. huey is a budget monitor calibration and ambient light compensation system. click here for the review. CLICK HERE for the review and to order using the promotional code
EPSON INTRODUCES GROUNDBREAKING PHOTO STUDIO FLATBED SCANNERS WITH 6400 DPI RESOLUTION, PLUS FLUID MOUNT CAPABILITIES ON THE HIGHER-END MODEL LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 22, 2006 – The Epson Perfection V700 Photo and Epson Perfection V750-M Pro scanners are making their debut as the first scanners for photo studio applications that offer capabilities typically found in high-end commercial lab scanners, at a much more affordable price. These two scanners were created with the professional and amateur photographer in mind and provide groundbreaking resolution that is achieved using a new Dual Lens System. In addition, a new fluid mount accessory (offered on the Pro model), allows photographers to perform wet scans on a flatbed scanner, which is especially valuable for enhanced scratch removal and grain reduction from black and white film. The Epson Perfection V700 Photo and Epson Perfection V750-M Pro both incorporate the Epson Dual Lens System, which is a new double lens scanning system that enables super resolution (6400 dpi) scanning of 35mm, 2 ¼”, and 4”x 5” medium format film. High resolution (4800 dpi) scanning is also available for transparency and reflective scanning. Depending on the resolution selected, the lens carriage will switch and the appropriate lens will be set in place. Click here for the release
Hasselblad Celebrates Centenary of Founder's Birth with Launch of Limited Edition Hasselblad 503CWD Digital Camera In recognition of the centenary of Victor Hasselblad's birth on March 8, 2006, Hasselblad today unveiled the Hasselblad 503CWD Anniversary Kit, a prestigious high-end photographic system that offers state-of-the-art digital capture technology elegantly integrated with a classically designed Hasselblad 503CW body. Combining the rugged reliability of the black and chrome V System body, with its range of high performance, central shutter-based lenses, and the technology of Hasselblad's new CFV digital back, the exclusive Hasselblad 503CWD perfectly melds the heritage of the old Hasselblad with the focus of the new Hasselblad on digital high-end photography to create a new digital workhorse. Of undoubted appeal to the Hasselblad connoisseur, the camera delivers the perfect blend of versatility and simplicity in a compact, professional tool that gives the user complete control over digital image capture and is a pleasure to operate. The 503CWD Anniversary kit will be supplied as a limited edition of 500 cameras, each one numbered and engraved with Victor Hasselblad's signature. Reassuringly solid, the kit comprises a 503CWD body with waist-level finder, specially marked focusing screen and chrome winding lever, a Zeiss Planar CFE 2.8/80mm lens and a CFV digital back, and will be supplied with a beautifully produced book marking Victor's anniversary. For existing Hasselblad V System users, the new CFV digital back, the successor of the V96C back, will also be available separately. Built to match the design and functionality of the Hasselblad V System cameras, it can be easily and elegantly integrated into an existing Hasselblad system, enabling the photographer to work in exactly the same manner and with their preferred equipment, but with the productivity benefits of digital photography over film. The Hasselblad 503CWD will be available from Hasselblad's Digital Partners in March at a list price of $12,995. The Hasselblad CFV will similarly be available at a list price of $9,995.
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM lens This large aperture telephoto zoom lens has a minimum focusing distance of 100cm (39.4”) throughout the entire zoom range. It is very convenient for close-up photography. This lens uses two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glasses and two SLD （Special Low Dispersion） glasses for utmost correction against chromatic aberrations. This lens’ super multi layer lens coating reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming systems. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling. A removable long tripod collar (TS-41) is included as a standard component. When this lens is used with the 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters (optional), it becomes a 98-280mm F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or a 140-400mm F5.6 AF telephoto zoom lens respectively.
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of five new lenses for Four Thirds System. Sunday, 26 February 2006 - PMA 2006: Sigma has announced five new EX lenses with Four-Thirds mounts for users of Olympus' E-system SLRs. The lenses include three primes (30mm F1.4, 105mm F2.8 Macro, 150mm F2.8 Macro), a fast standard zoom (18-50mm F2.8) and a long telephoto zoom (50-500mm F4-6.3). DC lenses: 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM, 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC DG lenses: MACRO 105mm F2.8 EX DG, APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM Two DC lenses (18-50mm F2.8 EX DC and 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM) and three DG lenses (MACRO 105mm F2.8 EX DG, APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM and APO 50- 500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM) are designed to maximize the potential of the digital imaging, and housed in a compact and lightweight construction. Our lens line-up for Four-Thirds mount is increased to total eight models with the introduction of these new lenses. Large maximum aperture of F1.4, specifically designed for Four Thirds cameras.
Sandisk Announcements SanDisk Doubles Capacity of Innovative USB-Flash Memory Combo Card ORLANDO, FL, Feb. 26, 2006 – SanDisk ® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced a 2-gigabyte (GB) SanDisk Ultra ® II SD ™ Plus card, thus doubling the capacity of its award-winning storage card that combines USB connectivity and flash memory storage. The card looks and functions like a typical SD card and its high speed makes it ideal for digital cameras, camera phones and digital video cameras. Folding the unique card in half reveals a high-speed USB 2.0 connector that plugs into any USB port to easily and quickly transfer photos or other data to a computer without the need for a separate card reader. SanDisk Doubles Capacity Of Its SanDisk Extreme III Cards - Its Fastest Digital Film Cards For Professional Photographers ORLANDO, FL, Feb. 26, 2006 - SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced the addition of new card capacities to its Extreme III line of flash cards for professional digital cameras that are double the highest capacity points currently available. The new cards include the 8-gigabyte (GB)1 CompactFlash®, 2GB SD™ and 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ digital film cards. SanDisk Announces 4-Gigabyte Memory Stick Pro Duo Cards For Digital Photographers ORLANDO, FL, Feb. 26, 2006 - With increasing sales of high-resolution digital cameras, video camcorders and other electronics devices that require more memory capacity and speed, SanDisk ® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced the 4-gigabyte (GB) SanDisk Ultra ® II Memory Stick PRO Duo ™ card. The addition of this card to its high-speed SanDisk Ultra II line of flash memory cards represents a doubling of its highest capacity card in this card format. Click Here for all three press releases
Olympus and Panasonic Cameras Olympus Corporation (Olympus) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) have been engaged in joint development of cameras that comply with the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable-lens-type digital SLR cameras, and will display the fruit of their labors at the PMA 2006 International Convention and Trade Show that starts today, February 26, in Orlando, Florida. Olympus will exhibit the E-330, a recently introduced product that incorporates jointly developed technologies, and Panasonic will announce development of the DMC-L1, its first digital SLR camera. A prototype of the DMC-L1 will also be exhibited. The two cameras are the result of an agreement announced on January 13, 2005, under which Olympus and Panasonic agreed to jointly develop underlying technologies and key components, and promote the introduction of digital SLR camera products that take full advantage of the significant user benefits offered by the Four Thirds System standard. Click here for the press release
LUMIX DMC-L1 Breaks New Ground: Panasonic's First Digital SLR Camera with Interchangeable Lens Panasonic is pleased to announce the development of our first interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera, the LUMIX DMC-L1. State-of-the-art digital and optical technologies developed for our compact digital cameras have been crystallized to make LUMIX a top camera brand while helping establish a new photographic culture for the digital age. Panasonic is drawing on these leading technologies, and the emotional excitement of true-to-life photographic images, as we announced in our entry to the digital SLR market in 2005. The DMC-L1 being introduced today is an entirely new kind of digital SLR camera. It is operated much like a traditional film camera but provides a variety of innovative features that increase the fun of shooting photos. While the DMC-L1 is digital, it has a classic design that will remind users of traditional analogue cameras. These characteristics, together with a shutter speed control dial on the camera body and an aperture ring on the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens (also being introduced), distinguish the DMC-L1 from conventional digital SLRs in both design and operation. Click here for release
LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH Lens Leica Camera AG and Panasonic are pleased to announce the development of a new interchangeable lens based on the Four Thirds standard. Featuring a focal length from 14mm to 50mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm to 100mm), the new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens is the first interchangeable lens from Leica developed exclusively for digital SLR cameras. The “D” signifies that it is designed for the new digital system. The partnership between Leica and Panasonic has resulted in rigorous quality standards for the development and manufacturing of this interchangeable lens, so that the technology and expertise of Leica Camera and Panasonic will be integrated at their highest levels. Both Panasonic and Leica Camera AG are confident that the results of their cooperative efforts will be successful and highly evaluated by customers. Click here for the press release
Bibble Labs releases 4.6 update with Noise Ninja Technology and Intel Macintosh Support. Other improvements include revised user interface and more speed. PMA 2006 Orlando, FL (February 24th, 2006) - Bibble Labs, Inc. announced today the immediate availability of version 4.6 of its popular Raw Workflow software. Bibble 4.6 offers a major breakthrough via the direct integration of Noise Ninja Technology from Picture Code, LLC. High ISO noise and digital artifacts are one of the more challenging aspects of today’s digital workflow. Historically photographers have had to use 3rd party tools and extra post processing steps to deal with this noise “After the fact”. By directly merging Noise Ninja technology into Bibble’s already blazing fast workflow, better results can now be achieved in shorter amounts of time. Click here fore more info
Sony Introduces Eighty Gigabyte Digital Photo Album ORLANDO, Fla. (PMA, Booth #4150), Feb. 25, 2006- Sony Electronics is transforming static, digital images into a rich audio visual experience with the world's first dedicated photo storage unit with high-definition output. Featuring eight slideshow styles with image transitions synchronized to pre-installed background music and high-definition video output, the new HDPS-L1 hard drive photo storage unit offers an interactive way to view and share high-resolution photos from holidays, reunions and birthday parties on a home theatre system. The HDPS-L1 hard drive photo storage unit eliminates the effort required to organize printed photos, as it automatically sorts picture files by their creation date. It also provides the option to group images by type, such as travels and holidays. About half the size of a typical DVD player, the device is easily incorporated into a home theatre system with standard audio and video cables that connect to a television. A wireless remote control helps "surf" through years of photos by theme or date, select slide show styles, and adjust the volume for background music. This will cost about $300.00 Click here for the press release
Nikon Introduces All-New Capture NX Software MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 21 -- Nikon today introduced Capture NX, an all-new image processing and editing software that gives digital photographers powerful tools complimented by simple and visual operation that streamlines their workflow. Capture NX, the next generation of Nikon's popular Capture software, inherits the robust RAW (NEF) processing capabilities from Nikon Capture 4.4, and combines these with brand new features such as Nik Software, Inc.'s revolutionary, patented U Point(TM) technology, seamless image-browsing and advanced batch-processing capabilities, superior color management control and comprehensive system compatibility with Nikon's Digital Imaging System. Capture NX's intuitive interface design offers photographers a rewarding experience and delivers powerful performance while maintaining an ease-of-use that is welcomed by enthusiasts of all skill levels. Click here for the press release
Nikon Announces New Nikon View Pro Software - Offers Faster Viewing and Management of Large Quantities of Images, and Ensures Seamless Compatibility with Nikon Capture NX(TM) MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 21 -- Nikon today announced Nikon View Pro, high-speed, versatile software designed to deliver faster viewing, processing and management of large quantities of images, helping make the professional workflow more productive. With digital photographs growing in size and resolution, professional photographers will welcome Nikon View Pro's enhanced features including faster browsing of NEF (RAW) files*, an all-new IPTC(1) information editor, versatile display modes for image comparison, and FTP transfer compatibility(2). Nikon View Pro is an ideal compliment to the new Capture NX software, and together the two can significantly speed up a professional photographer's workflow. Click here for the press release
CANON'S NEW GALLERY-QUALITY PIXMA PRO9000 AND PIXMA PRO9500 PHOTO PRINTERS ARE FIRST TO EARN "PRO" DESIGNATION LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 21, 2006—Canon extends its industry-leading role among professional photographers and advanced amateurs with the introduction of two affordable, new professional photo printers: the 10-color PIXMA Pro9500 and the eight-color PIXMA Pro9000 models. The first Canon PIXMA printers to earn the Pro designation, both the PIXMA Pro9500 printer—which utilizes long-lasting, pigment-based inks—and the PIXMA Pro9000 printer—which uses long-lasting, dye-based inks—produce brilliant, gallery-quality prints up to 13"x19" on a variety of specialty media and fine art papers. "These printers are a breakthrough not simply for Canon but for the industry," stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We have not simply reformulated inks; we have re-examined the selection of inks needed to create some of the finest, long-lasting prints possible." Click here for the full release
CANON'S NEW imagePROGRAF iPF5000 LARGE FORMAT PRINTER LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 21, 2006—Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of office imaging systems, ink-jet technology and digital photography equipment, today unveiled the new 12-color imagePROGRAF iPF5000 pigment ink large format printer, designed to produce professional-style prints at unparalleled speeds with outstanding archival image quality. This next evolution in Canon's large format portfolio provides one of the industry's largest color gamuts with Canon's 12-color inkset featuring new Lucia pigmented inks. Engineered for speed and advanced image quality, the iPF5000 model uses Canon's new L-COA controller and dual print heads to lay down ink quickly and accurately using the most nozzles per color in the industry. Coupled with a suite of innovative image processing software, the iPF5000 device is ideal for professional photographers and digital artists looking to have their images stand out in a crowd. "The imagePROGRAF iPF5000 printer provides a range of newly developed technological features above and beyond previous Canon products including a large new inkset to position Canon as the premier digital imaging solution provider from capture through output. The iPF5000 model is truly the next generation in large format printing," said Tod Pike, senior vice president, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Canon has capitalized on its heritage and reputation in the digital imaging market to bring about this outstanding print solution for the high-end digital artist and photographer." Click here for the full release
Canon unveils the 30D Feb 21, 2006 - Canon's new EOS 30D brings proven EOS technology to a new level, giving photographers an unbeatable photographic experience. The EOS 30D incorporates a host of new features with Canon's highly acclaimed 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor. The EOS 30D includes enhanced operational features such as a new 2.5 inch LCD monitor, true spot metering, a durable new shutter mechanism and Canon's Picture Style feature, all in an sturdy, magnesium-clad body. With all these new features the EOS 30D is truly perfection, refined. Exceptional digital SLR with exclusive 8.2 Megapixel Canon CMOS Sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor User-selectable high-speed and low-speed continuous shooting at 5 fps or 3 fps – up to 30 (JPEG), 11 (RAW) or 9 (RAW+JPEG) consecutive frames when set at 5 fps and fast 0.15-second startup time Large 2.5 inch LCD monitor that can be viewed at extreme angles up to 170° New and improved features: Picture Style for superior command of in-camera color, contrast and sharpness, spot metering and shutter durability of approximately 100,000 cycles Impressive 9-point Wide-area AF with a dual precision sensor at the center One-touch direct printing and improved PictBridge features, including more custom print effects and printing with shooting information Fully compatible with all EF and EF-S Lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories click here for more info
Canon updates EF 85mm f/1.2L, adds EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS to lens lineup Canon today has unveiled two new lenses: the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is an update of the L-series telephoto that Canon first introduced in 1989, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is the first fixed maximum aperture zoom designed specifically for its 1.6X-sensor cameras, including the new EOS 30D