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-- News Articles Index -- Olympus Announces New DSLR and Lens Nik Software Ships Viveza Plug-in for Aperture May's Tech Corner Posted Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest More Support For DxO Optics Pro v5.0 The Canon Forest Program Panasonic TZ50 PictoColor Releases iCorrect New PIXMA Photo Printer Canvas Prints New Underwater Housing For PowerShot SD1100 IS New Stylish Models From Nikon New Coolpix P80 Pentax Photo Contest Winners Pentax Hosts Student Photography Program Sony Announces Worlds Smallest Full HD Digital Camcorder April's Tech Corner Posted Adobe Releases PhotoShop Express Beta Olympus Posts New Firmware Update Sony Alpha 200 Full Review Posted Steve's "Best Cameras" Picks Mike Chaney's Tech Corner PMA 2008 Report

5/13/2008 12:01:00 AM

Olympus Announces New DSLR and Lens CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – The new Olympus E-520 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera delivers brilliant images thanks to advanced technologies that help take the blur out. Industry leading Image Stabilization built into the portable camera body compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any lens and even at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus Live View brings subjects into sharp focus on the camera’s HyperCrystal™ II LCD. Together, these technologies produce amazing results, along with the following features that further expand the DSLR experience: In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave DriveTM technology provides blur-free images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses; Face Detection Technology targets and locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits; Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while maintaining detail in the highlights; and Perfect Shot Preview enables photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it. Please read the entire E-520 Press Release. CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – Olympus has applied its optical expertise to develop the Zuiko Digital 18-36mm equivalent (ED 9-18mm Four Thirds) f4.0-f5.6, a super-wide-angle zoom lens covering a wide focal length range. This compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens can be used on any of the Olympus E-System digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera bodies, and measures only 3 inches long and weighs a mere 9.88 ounces for greater portability. Please read the entire Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm Press Release.

5/8/2008 8:46:00 AM

Nik Software Ships Viveza Plug-in for Aperture San Diego, CA - May 7, 2008 - Nik Software today released the Viveza plug-in for Aperture 2.1, Apple's groundbreaking photo editing and management software. The Viveza plug-in allows Aperture users to selectively control light and color in photographic images without ever having to leave Aperture. "With the power and popularity of Aperture, we want our customers to decide how and where they edit their digital photos," said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. "The continued enthusiasm around Viveza and U Point technology has been extraordinary and we worked closely with Apple to bring our tools to Aperture. Their new image editing SDK made it easy for us to bring our world-class solution directly into Aperture." "Aperture has been designed to put professional-level tools into the hands of everyone who is passionate about their photographs," said Rob Schoeben, Apple's vice president of Applications Product Marketing. "Viveza perfectly compliments Aperture by enabling photographers to make localized enhancements to brightness, contrast, or color without ever having to leave the application." The Viveza plug-in works seamlessly within Aperture's organizing and editing environment. Photographers simply place U Point powered Control Points directly on colors or objects such as sky, skin or grass to make targeted adjustments to an image within Aperture. Sliders make it easy to adjust brightness, contrast or color with just a few mouse clicks. Viveza automatically selects objects and seamlessly creates masks based on where the photographer places a Control Point. By working directly on the image, powerful selective enhancements can be accomplished in a fraction of the time needed by using other methods. Pricing and Availability Viveza is now available for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software at www.niksoftware.com. Boxed versions will be available from Nik Software and through specialty camera retailers throughout North America and the world by June 1, 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers. The suggested retail price of Viveza is $249.95. Viveza installs as an Aperture plug-in, fully compatible with Mac OS 10.5. Current owners of Viveza for Photoshop are eligible for a free update which includes Aperture compatibility by visiting www.niksoftware.com/viveza. For more information about Viveza, including video tutorials showing the software running within Aperture and a free 15-day fully functional Trial version, please visit www.niksoftware.com/viveza.

5/2/2008 11:43:00 PM

May's Tech Corner Posted Background Every once in a while I like to take a break from writing articles about how to do something technical and write about an interesting concept relating to technology. In June 2007 I wrote an article entitled "Say No to Cracks" that discussed software cracking and reasons to avoid cracked software. While that article focused primarily on why cracked software should be avoided, I also acknowledged the talent present in the hacking community in general. In this follow up, we take the concept of hacking one step further and we meet a man who is finding new ways to redirect that talent into something good! Be sure to read the entire May 2008 article.

4/30/2008 12:04:00 PM

Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 24, 2008 – In a continuing effort to inspire Americans to visit their national and state parks and photograph their beauty, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced a call for entries for the third annual Canon Photography In The Parks Photo Contest*. The contest invites eligible photography enthusiasts, from April 22nd to September 30th, 2008, to enter the contest by submitting images from any park or monument in America. Participants are invited to enter their "Inspirational Nature Images," the theme for this year's contest. Canon is also enhancing the photo contest by extending the age range of eligible participants to non-professional photographers ages 13 and up. "A picture captures a moment in time, but the right picture triggers an emotional reaction within people. Through our Photography in the Parks Photo Contest, we want people to seek out those inspirational images and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while doing it," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A. "As an environmentally-conscious organization, we encourage everyone to enjoy the beauty of nature, and also to work to protect it." The Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest From late April to the end of September, photographic enthusiasts are encouraged to submit their favorite photographs from an American park to the Canon Digital Learning Center. The winning photographer will receive a trip to a park of their choice, and a full suite of Canon photographic equipment. By logging onto www.usa.canon.com/parks, potential winners will not only have the opportunity to enter their favorite photos, but also forward an e-postcard of their submitted images to friends and family as a fun way to share their photographs. Visitors and Web surfers can also peruse the Canon Digital Learning Center to explore the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of classes across the country with renowned photographers. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and professional fine art printers so that Canon users can unlock the creative control that photography affords.

4/28/2008 10:33:00 AM

More Support For DxO Optics Pro v5.0 Paris, France – April 28, 2008 – DxO Labs announces today that DxO Optics Pro v5.0 now supports the Samsung GX20 DSLR camera body and an initial selection of lenses. DxO Optics Pro is the award-winning digital image enhancement tool for digital SLR cameras incorporating revolutionary optics, noise and exposure corrections in an easy-to-use, feature rich application for Mac and PC users. Please read the entire press release.

4/22/2008 2:49:00 PM

The Canon Forest Program Canon U.S.A. Plants The Seed For The Canon Forest Program Nationwide Promotion Offers Consumers an Opportunity to Make a Difference in Their Communities With the Help of Canon Lake Success, N.Y., April 22, 2008 – Canon U.S.A, Inc., a leader in digital imaging, and the American Park Network today announced The Canon Forest Program, a nationwide promotional campaign. Beginning in May and running through August, for every 10 new and existing Canon Generation Green products registered, Canon will plant a tree and offer consumers the opportunity to take part in several volunteer programs that will help to revitalize urban parks, gardens and public lands1. “Canon’s commitment to the environment and helping to make it more sustainable is an inherent part of our corporate philosophy and product offerings,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Through the Canon Forest Program, we want our customers to feel a connection with their Canon Generation Green products, knowing their purchases will contribute to planting trees and revitalization programs, which will help offset our collective carbon footprint.” Canon’s Generation Green line of products, which includes its PIXMA, imageCLASS printer products and scanners, offers paper-saving technology and energy-saving measures, as well as minimal product packaging, all helping to contribute to the overall sustainability of the environment. Canon believes that accountability is vital to its sustainability initiatives; this is why Canon, along with the American Park Network, will enable customers to keep track of the program’s progress by visiting www.usa.canon.com/green, when the program commences in May. Here visitors can register their new and existing Generation Green purchases; view a tree counter that will show where and how many trees have been planted, and other features on the site. Canon established the industry’s first and longest-running Cartridge Return Program in 1990. To date, more than 150,000 tons of toner cartridges have been diverted from landfills. In addition to Generation Green, Canon U.S.A. protects future generations by helping to preserve nature’s most valuable resources through the support of a wide range of environmental education and conservation initiatives, including the Canon Envirothon, one of North America’s largest high school environmental education competitions; the PBS Nature series; and scientific research and educational programs at Yellowstone National Park. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com/environment.

4/16/2008 10:12:00 AM

Panasonic TZ50 SECAUCUS, NJ (April 16, 2008) – Panasonic today introduced a new addition to its award-winning TZ-family of digital cameras, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ50 – complete with Wi-Fi capabilities, standard 802.11b/g wireless LAN connectivity and access to T-Mobile® HotSpot service, users can upload digital photos taken with the TZ50 directly to Picasa Web Albums, a free online photo-sharing service from Google. The 9.1 megapixel TZ50 is packed with a 28mm wide-angle lens, 10x optical zoom and the ability to record HD video, making it the ideal digital camera for active users. Be sure to read the entire TZ50 press release.

4/14/2008 12:35:00 PM

PictoColor Releases iCorrect Burnsville, MN, April 9, 2008 - - PictoColor announces iCorrect Online, a web-based color correction and color editing application built on its award-winning iCorrect color technology. Designed to give photo enthusiasts around the world direct access to its point-and-click approach to color correction, iCorrect Online promises to simplify the process of making the color right on millions of digital photos. The initial launch of iCorrect Online features PictoColor’s OneClick Color™ technology, its fastest and easiest approach to color correction and color editing. With a single click on any neutral color (black, white or gray), you can instantly correct the white balance, exposure and saturation of any digital photo. iCorrect OneClick automatically removes any color cast, corrects the tonal range, while adjusting the overall brightness and saturation making any photo more vivid and life-like. “With iCorrect Online, PictoColor continues it’s tradition of delivering powerful, yet intuitive and easy-to-use imaging tools to an ever growing world of digital photographers,” said Craig Huelskoetter, president. “By seamlessly integrating iCorrect Online with photo sharing communities, social networking sites and a growing list of web-based photo services, we intend to offer users around the world the fastest and easiest approach to improving their digital photos. There is simply no better or easier way to make the color right”. iCorrect Online is currently in beta and can be found at www.pictocolor.com. iCorrect Online and all of PictoColor’s products and technology can be easily customized or licensed for private label use by photo retailers, online photo services, web galleries and other interactive digital photo applications or brand building services.

4/14/2008 10:38:00 AM

New PIXMA Photo Printer LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 14, 2008 – Today's mobile professional has more pressure than ever to be able to conduct business almost anywhere. The new PIXMA iP100 Mobile Printer from Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, not only can address printing needs on-the-go, but can also deliver high-quality text and graphics for printing a last-minute business presentation. It affords users the ability to print beautiful borderless color photos from the car or even at the beach. Continuing Canon's history of outstanding quality in the mobile printer category, this printer has increased color resolution with faster printing speeds than previous models, while offering a number of accessories that make it easier to conduct business outside of the office. The lightweight Canon PIXMA iP100 Mobile Printer fits easily onto a desk with limited space or into a carry-on making it the perfect laptop companion for business or personal travel. Please read the entire iP100 press release.

4/12/2008 9:40:00 AM

Canvas Prints April 12th, 2008-- CANVAS PRINTS FOR LESS---Want a perfect gift for yourself or loved ones? How about a digital photo printed on the highest quality artist stretch matte finish canvas? It is WATER & UV resistant, for a truly long lasting Non-fading print. Your images and artwork on our canvas material will look their best. All you need to do is frame it and hang it in your place, or give it to someone you care for. To quickly and easily create an attractive piece of art from one of your photos just go to www.canvasprintsforless.com and follow the three easy steps to order the size canvas print you want. Your new art will be professionally prepared and delivered right to your door. Our pricing and production requirements are also listed on our site. What a great wedding, anniversary, vacation, or family reunion momento.

4/11/2008 2:54:00 PM

New Underwater Housing For PowerShot SD1100 IS Fantasea Line announces the release of a new housing specifically designed for the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS / IXUS 80 IS digital camera. The FSD-1100 housing, depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet, is fully functional providing photographers with access to all camera functions. Fantasea's new compact housing design and improved construction ensures easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls. The Fantasea FSD-1100 housing has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a 46mm threaded lens port. The FSD-1100 housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers' needs. Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing, hunting, backpacking and camping. The FSD-1100 protects the Powershot camera from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.   Power Switch Shutter Release Mode Menu Display Func / Set ISO Flash Mode Delete / Timer / Continuous Zoom Lever Macro / Infinity The FSD-1100, like all Fantasea housings, comes with an optional Accessory System which will enable photographers to further enhance their imaging capability. Cat. No. 1380 Free One Year Flood Insurance Policy As with all other Fantasea Camera Housings, in the event of accidental water leakage, the PowerShot camera inside is insured*. This attractive additional protection is exclusive only to Fantasea Housings and provides the ultimate peace of mind for photographers, who want to be sure their cameras are adequately and safely protected during use in these rugged environments. *According to the terms and conditions of the Flood Insurance Program. About Fantasea Fantasea Line is an international company dedicated to developing, manufacturing and marketing of creative and affordable product solutions for the diving, underwater photography and water sports markets. Fantasea's management has been involved in the diving, water sports and photographic industries for over 37 years. With offices and representatives worldwide, Fantasea cooperates with leading international manufacturers on joint venture projects for product development and distribution. For more information, please visit http://www.fantasea.com/.

4/10/2008 9:22:00 AM

New Stylish Models From Nikon MELVILLE, NY (April 10, 2008) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to introduce the new COOLPIX S52 and S52c to its Style Series of digital cameras. These cameras combine Nikon's stunning wave-surface camera body with advanced features designed to produce incredible pictures with ease. With 9.0 effective megapixels, a 3x, 38-114mm Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization and manual sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200, the COOLPIX S52 and S52c are for consumers looking for a stunning camera that takes equally stunning photos. Be sure to read the full press release.

4/10/2008 9:16:00 AM

New Coolpix P80 MELVILLE, NY (April 10, 2008) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the COOLPIX P80, a high-performance compact camera built to satisfy the needs of camera enthusiasts and family photographers alike. The P80 harmoniously integrates a 10.1 megapixel CCD image sensor with Nikon’s innovative EXPEED™ digital image processing concept and an 18x optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens designed with the compact and comfortable styling of the Nikon COOLPIX brand. Please read the entire P80 press release.

4/9/2008 11:39:00 AM

Pentax Photo Contest Winners Golden, Co. (April 7, 2008) - PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the winners of the PENTAX TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST. Featured on www.pentaxphotogallery.com , the contest called for travel images captured with PENTAX equipment between October 15, 2007 and Jan uary 31, 2008. Keitha McCall of Gainesville, Florida captured the grand prize with her image titled “Boy in Red” captured in Granada, Spain in 2007. Second place went to Minh-Tri Nguyen of Fremont, California for her image “Her Store” taken in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Andy Hone of Irvine, California captured third place with his image “Waterwalkers of Itsukushima Torii” captured in Miyahima, Japan. Complete details about the images, the winners and prizes are posted at: www.pentaxphotogallery.com

4/4/2008 9:27:00 AM

Pentax Hosts Student Photography Program Apr. 1, 2008 PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a PENTAX Student Photography Program to support budding photographers and photography educators with camera bodies, lenses and flashes at significant savings. Known for producing photography equipment that offers value, quality, ease-of-use, durability, and affordability, PENTAX takes great pride in the commitment to countless users who have learned and taught the art of photography with a PENTAX camera. The PENTAX Student Photography discounts are offered exclusively to full-time students at accredited institutions (high schools, colleges and universities) as well as full-time photography educators. Students and educators must observe the following conditions to qualify for these significant savings: Purchase the PENTAX equipment from an authorized PENTAX dealer between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008 Complete a PENTAX Student Program form (available for download at http://www.pentaxslr.com/studentprogram) Students must provide photography class enrollment certification (class schedule or copy of registration) and a copy of a valid student identification. Educators must submit a copy of course curriculum for their photography class and a copy of a valid faculty identification. Due to the significant discounts offered, all requirements listed must be met and approved by PENTAX Imaging Company and may not be combined with any other offers including consumer promotions and rebates. This program is valid to students and educators in the United States for purchases made in the United States. For more information, qualified photographers may e-mail customer.followup@pentax.com or call 1-800-877-0155 (press "0" and ask to speak to the PENTAX STUDENT PROGRAM). PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of binoculars, digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, scopes, eyepieces, mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

4/3/2008 12:02:00 PM

Sony Announces Worlds Smallest Full HD Digital Camcorder SAN DIEGO, Apr. 2, 2008 – The new pocket-sized Sony HDR-TG1 Handycam® camcorder’s weighty high-definition capability will appeal to vacationers who prefer to “travel light.” This diminutive camcorder weighs in at only ten ounces. It has an ultra-portable body measuring just 1.3-inches wide by 4.7-inches tall by 2.5-inches deep. Please read the entire HDR-TG1 press release.

4/1/2008 12:01:00 AM

April's Tech Corner Posted This month Mike talks about the difference between digital SLRs that feature an APS-C size imaging sensor (DX cameras) verses those with a "full-frame" sensor as well as his opinion on their advantages and disadvantages. Definitely a good read! Full Frame Versus DX Cameras

3/28/2008 9:21:00 AM

Adobe Releases PhotoShop Express Beta SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 27, 2008 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe Photoshop Express public beta, a free Rich Internet Application (RIA) available to anyone who wants to store, sort and show off digital photos with eye-catching effects. During the public beta period, Adobe will solicit Photoshop Express user feedback on product features and functionality, which will continue to evolve over time. As the newest addition to the Photoshop family line, Photoshop Express has taken much of Adobe's best image editing technology and made it simple and accessible to a new online audience. Photoshop Express allows users to store up to 2 gigabytes of images online for free, make edits to their photos, and share them online in creative ways, including downloading and uploading photos from popular social networking sites like Facebook. "Photoshop is trusted technology that has changed the visual landscape of our world. Now, Photoshop Express allows anyone who snaps a digital photo to easily achieve the high-impact results for which Adobe is known," said Doug Mack, vice president of Consumer and Hosted Solutions at Adobe. "Photoshop Express is a convenient, single destination where you can store, edit and share photos whether you're at home, school or on the road." Simple, Fun and Accessible With Photoshop Express, digital photos can be uploaded and sorted anytime, edited non-destructively to always preserve the original image, and shared from anywhere, on any Web browser. In a few easy clicks, Photoshop Express empowers anyone to make standard edits, such as removing blemishes and red-eye, converting to black and white, cropping and resizing, and much more. No experience is required to add special effects that will impress friends and family. In keeping with its one-click approach, Photoshop Express offers tricks like Pop Color which selects an object in an image, mutes the background color of the photo and allows the user to swap the object's color so it jumps off the page. Sketch effects help photos look like drawings and the Distort feature allows you to distort facial features or objects within the images for a comical or artistic effect. Even users with limited photo editing knowledge can simply select what looks best from a line-up of sample photos with visual hints showing different variations of the added effect. Photoshop Express offers a variety of creative sharing options, including uploading and showing off photos and slideshows in your own online "Gallery" hosted by Adobe, or conveniently embedding or linking photos to social networking sites and personal blogs without having to leave the application. Slideshows never looked better with animation that makes photos float and fly across the screen, allowing for viewer interactivity and unique presentation styles. Adobe Photoshop Family Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended are at the heart of the Photoshop family, joined by solutions for users at every level who want to bring out the best in their digital images. Photoshop Lightroom addresses the workflow needs of professional and serious amateur photographers. Photoshop Elements provides exciting tools and sharing options for photo hobbyists. Photoshop Express is the latest step Adobe is taking to leverage the advanced technology that underpins its award-winning creative products and deliver it to new online communities. In early 2007, Adobe also announced the availability of Adobe Premiere Express, an online video editing and mash-up tool on partner sites such as MTV and Photobucket. Adobe Premiere Express leverages the functionality found in Premiere Elements, a fully-featured desktop video editing program. Free and Available Now Adobe Photoshop Express beta is available now for free via any Web browser at http://www.photoshop.com/express. Photoshop Express was created with Flex, Adobe's free, open source framework for building RIAs. Flex applications provide a consistent, rich user experience across operating systems and all major browsers, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and others. An Internet connection and an up-to-date Flash Player 9 are all that are required to experience Adobe Photoshop Express. In its early phases, Photoshop Express is available to US residents-only in English. Users may experience slow performance if accessed outside of the US. Future plans include availability in other languages and countries. About Adobe Systems Incorporated Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

3/27/2008 12:51:00 PM

Olympus Posts New Firmware Update Thursday, March 27th, 2008 Today Olympus announced the release of a firmware update for two Olympus Digital Zuiko lenses. The lenses are the 14-42mm and 40-150mm. This firmware update will optimize the Live View autofocus function of these two lenses when used with the recently announced E-420 DSLR camera. Details: This update allows full compatibility with the Zuiko 14-42mm and 40-150mm when using the Imager autofocus mode on the E-420 DSLR. Note: The recently announced Zuiko 25mm lens is also compatible with the Imager autofocus mode. All Zuiko Digital SpecificTM lenses work flawlessly in either the Hybrid or Sensor autofocus modes which are additional autofocus options offered on the E-420 DSLR. The firmware can be updated through Olympus Master software. The following link explains how to update the firmware: http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/qa/contents/03b/ssoftware10.cfm Firmware updates for the Olympus E series DSLR bodies, lenses and flash units allow users to apply new technology to their system components, and are one of the advantages of a 100% digitally designed DSLR system.

3/26/2008 9:45:00 PM

Sony Alpha 200 Full Review Posted We've just added Steve's Conclusion as well as the Sample Photos page to our Sony DSLR-A200 review. Give it a read!

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