domenica 31 luglio 2011

Blurb Updates Blurb Mobile App

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Blurb has released an update to its iOS app, Blurb Mobile. Designed to enable easy and fast story creation using rich media content, the app now boasts new features including, Story Stream, where friends can instantly share and comment on each other’s stories using their iPhones. Blurb also announced a new enhanced and optimised iPad version of Blurb Mobile that brings the features of the app to the iPad. Blurb Mobile is free to download from the iTunes App Store and each customer receives a story channel on Blurb.com/mobile to share their stories online.
Blurb Press Release
Blurb Mobile’s Story Stream Instantly Shares Your Personal Media Stories With Your Friends
Blurb Mobile also introduces an enhanced and optimised version for the iPad

London, UK — July 28, 2011 — Blurb, the global creative publishing platform today announced a significant social update to its popular iPhone application, Blurb Mobile. Designed to enable easy story creation using personal media, including photos, videos and audio, the app now boasts new features including, Story Stream, where friends can instantly share and comment on each others stories anywhere and anytime using their iPhones.

To share media stories, customers can access their Facebook and Twitter network and automatically connect to their friends list, as well as other Blurb Mobile storytellers, who can be added and followed via the new Story Stream channel.  As soon as a story has been posted, friends will be able to view it and provide immediate feedback using Blurb Mobile’s new text commenting feature. Bringing real time personal media story channels to the iPhone introduces a new direction for social sharing.

“Each day amazing new stories are being created and shared via the Blurb Mobile app. We have seen the real time announcement of a baby’s birth broadcast out to friends and families, travels to remote locations including ambient sound and video shared with the folks back home, and professional designers capturing and sharing ideas to send to their clients,” said Eileen Gittins, CEO and Founder of Blurb. “With this new social version of Blurb Mobile, your friends’ stories show up automatically in your Story Stream on your iPhone, iPad or on the Web; it really is the next best thing to being there.”

Blurb also announced a new enhanced and optimised iPad version of Blurb Mobile that brings all of the great features of the app to the iPad. Within the app’s “My Story” and “Story Stream” channels, stories are now automatically sync’d between a customer’s iPhone and iPad. The interactive nature of the iPad shines through as the application combines easy story creation features with professional quality story results. Blurb Mobile’s full screen image editing mode allows a story author to easily rotate, crop and add audio and text caption to their story’s photos and video.

One of the most creative aspects of the app is enhanced on the new iPad version. Video and photos can now be interactively sequenced into meaningful stories with the story author having complete control over the sizing of the story stage. Leading media journalists are excited about being able to quickly capture, edit and share a story with their editors, or, a larger audience in a few minutes.  Business customers are also leveraging the iPad’s high resolution large screen and Blurb Mobile to quickly create and share social media promotions and product announcements.

Blurb Mobile is free to download and each customer receives a story channel on Blurb.com/mobile to share their stories online. In addition, Blurb Mobile Plus provides an in-app upgrade path for customers seeking additional photo, video and audio capability.  All stories can be made public or private.

The new Blurb Mobile update can be downloaded at:  http://itunes.apple.com/app/blurb-mobile/id430933688?mt=8&ls=1

About Blurb®
Blurb® is a creative publishing and marketing platform that unleashes the creative genius inside everyone. Blurb’s platform makes it easy to design, publish, market and sell professional-quality books, using the Blurb Bookify™ online bookmaking tool, Blurb’s free, award-winning Blurb BookSmart® app or by using Blurb’s PDF to Book workflow. Blurb’s bookstore and online marketing tools enable customers to market and sell their books, and keep 100% of their profit. Blurb’s social and community features allow customers to create and share Blurb books among friends and colleagues with ease.

Blurb was founded by Eileen Gittins in 2005, and includes a team of design, Internet and media veterans who share a passion for helping people bring their stories to life. In 2010, Blurb shipped just under 1.4 million books to more than 70 countries and territories. In 2010, Blurb was ranked the fastest growing media company on the Inc. 500. Blurb is based in San Francisco with offices in London. For more info, visit http://www.blurb.com.

Ricoh GXR firmware Upgrade 1.37

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Ricoh has posted a firmware upgrade for its GXR system. Version 1.37, which affects the Ricoh GXR camera body, GR LENS A12 28mm F2.5, GR LENS A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO, RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC and RICOH LENS P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC, addresses the following issue: “The focus setting may not be reflected properly if the shooting mode is manually set to [S] mode (Shutter priority mode) in the [Edit My Settings] menu.” S10 owners get an additional bug fix related to the One-Press M Mode function. The firmware updates can be downloaded from the website below.
Website: Ricoh GXR Firmware

sabato 30 luglio 2011

MiMedia Partners with Digital Memories

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Online backup experts MiMedia have teamed up with Digital Memories to offer customers a combined digitisation-backup service. Customers who enlist Digital Memories to scan photos will have the option to automatically pre-populate a MiMedia account. MiMedia offers 7GB of free storage space to any and all consumers, and Digital Memories customers with media collections larger than 7GB will still receive three months of MiMedia for free, with a discount on conversion.
Website: MiMedia
Website: Digital Memories
Mimedia Press Release
MiMedia Partners with Digital Memories to Preserve Photographs in the Cloud Forever

Port Chester, NY (July 26, 2011) — As digital media collections become increasingly important to consumers, the digitization of old photos is as critical as ever. However once photos are digitized and on a computer, what’s to stop them from disappearing with a stolen laptop or during a hard drive crash? Teaming online backup and access with top-of-the-line photo scanning, MiMedia and Digital Memories are taking photo collections from analog to digital to the cloud, where they are perpetually accessible.

“Even as digital media collections continue to grow exponentially, the average person still has albums, piles of old photos, fading slides, negatives, and shoeboxes of memories that can be destroyed in any number of ways,” said Erik Zamkoff, CEO, MiMedia. “MiMedia has partnered with a trusted digitization service in Digital Memories to make photo archiving a painless process that will keep generations-worth of memories safe and secure.”

Beginning today, customers who enlist Digital Memories to scan photos will have the option to automatically pre-populate a MiMedia account.  MiMedia offers 7GB of free storage space to any and all consumers, and Digital Memories customers with media collections larger than 7GB will still receive three-months of MiMedia for free, with a discount on conversion.

MiMedia offers consumers secure storage and universal access to all of their files, including music, pictures and video. While other back-up services offer limited access and sharing portals lack security, MiMedia addresses both of these needs. The company leverages geo-redundant back-up, a web-based interface for in-browser access, sharing capabilities and a patent-pending Shuttle Drive—a plug and play USB hard drive that drastically reduces the initial upload time. MiMedia also presents user photos, videos, and music in an easy-to-navigate and attractive interface.

Founded in 2002 by two brothers in Ohio, Digital Memories is a family-owned digitalization service focused on the consumer market, but with the capabilities to handle professional photo collections. The company handles orders nationwide via FedEx Express shipping.

“We’re thrilled about the ability to take the family history from the dusty attic, or shoebox, all the way to the cloud,” said Robert Blau, Founder, Digital Memories. “Both MiMedia and Digital Memories realize that digital media is becoming increasingly important to consumers. We make sure consumers can enjoy their photos in a digital format, while MiMedia keeps these photos alive in the cloud forever and makes them readily accessible from anywhere.”

About MiMedia
MiMedia brings consumers a totally new approach to online backup—a way to protect, access, enjoy and share their digital lives all in one place. MiMedia will back up and protect personal files in a secure online storage account. Beyond online backup, MiMedia also provides instant on demand access to files from anywhere. The company is privately held and based just outside of New York. For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at http://www.MiMedia.com.

Switronix XP-DSLR-GH2

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Switronix has released the XP-DSLR-GH2, a power cable for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 compact system camera. Featuring a regulated 9.2v connector jack with an inline female P-Tap connector for 12V DC, housed in an enclosure, the XP-DSLR-GH2 also includes both red and green LED indication to display battery power status. The cable can be used in association with a Switronix accessory or used solo with a PRO-X series Lithium-ion battery product.
Website: Switronix
Switronix Press Release
SWITRONIX RELEASES NEW POWER CABLE FOR PANASONIC LUMIX GH2 CAMERAS
(July 27, 2011) – Long Island, NY – Announcing the XP-DSLR-GH2, the newest addition the Switronix’s line of versatile XP model DSLR cables. The XP model cables can be used in association with a Switronix accessory or used solo with a PRO-X series lithium-ion battery product. The cable features a regulated 9.2v connector jack for the OEM Panasonic (DMW-DCC8) Lumix DMC-GH2 camera with an inline female P-Tap connector for 12vdc, housed in an enclosure. The XP-DSLR-GH2 also includes both red and green LED indication to display status of battery power.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input: DC 11-17v
Output for Camera: DC 9.2v, 3A
Output for P-Tap: DC 11-17v, Unregulated
Green LED Indication: Power input
Red LED Indication: Camera power output
Length: 48”

Symform Announces 100GB of Free Cloud Storage

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Symform has announced that for a limited time, it is giving 100GB of cloud storage for free to new and existing customers. Billed as “the industry’s first decentralised cloud storage solution”, Symform uses RAID-96 to geographically distribute, encrypt, and shred its data. Note that in order to take advantage of the free offer, you must contribute 150GB of excess local storage back to the storage cloud. For more information, visit the website below.
Website: Symform
Symform Press Release
Symform Announces 100GB of Free Cloud Storage

Company Offering the Greatest Cloud Storage Value Now Offers the Most Free Capacity

SEATTLE, WA – July 27, 2011 – Symform, the company revolutionizing the cloud storage marketplace by offering the world’s safest, fastest, and most cost-effective solution for businesses, today announced, for a limited time, it is giving 100GB of cloud storage for free to new and existing customers.  Businesses and organizations of all sizes, Managed Service Providers, and IT Professionals, can now access and experience, durable, and highly available decentralized cloud storage at no cost.
“Symform is a better cloud storage solution because our decentralized model provides better security, speed, and redundancy at a low flat fee,” said Matthew J. Schiltz, CEO of Symform.  “No other company can match the value or unlimited storage offering in the cloud, and our 100GB free offer makes it easy for customers and partners to take advantage of the the latest advancements in cloud storage.  When people try Symform they love the value.”
“The greatest advances in technology and business often come from breaking the rules,” said Paul Burns, President of Neovise, an analyst firm focused on cloud computing. “Symform is doing just that when it comes to cloud storage. On the technology side, the use of customer owned, distributed storage is revolutionary. On the business side, the cost equation is so improved that Symform can offer 100 gigabytes for free.”
Data storage management needs continue to grow - the IDC 2011 Digital Universe Study predicts digital data will more than double every two years. Cloud storage has been introduced as an alternative storage solution, but adoption has been slow as a result of the high costs associated with managing this growth of data.
“You know the model is broken when you can buy two terabytes of local storage for $80 but that same amount of storage in the cloud costs $12,000 or more each year,” Schiltz added.
The Symform Storage Cloud is the industry’s first decentralized cloud storage solution, which is a giant leap forward over traditional storage, back up, and disaster recovery solutions.  Symform breaks away from the common centralized data center cloud storage model, which is costly due to the additional overhead costs for disk space, increased bandwidth, and the electricity needed to house and cool servers. In addition, a data center is more susceptible to vulnerability as a single point of failure.  Symform uses RAID-96 to geographically distribute, encrypt, and shred its data, which makes it more secure. This approach allows Symform to deliver data protection and unlimited secure cloud storage at a low flat fee at a fraction of what customers would pay for other cloud storage offerings. 
For more information on how to obtain 100GB of free storage from Symform, as well as updated free offerings, visit: http://www.symform.com.
About Symform

Symform, a privately held company based in Seattle, has reinvented cloud storage. The patented Symform Storage Cloud protects your data in a way that is faster, cheaper, more secure and reliable than anything traditional cloud storage providers can offer.

Symform, Symform Storage Cloud, the Resilient Storage Architecture, and RAID-96 are trademarks of Symform, Inc. References to other companies and their products acknowledge the trademarks owned by their respective companies and are for reference purposes only.

Symform ha annunciato che per un tempo limitato, si sta dando da 100GB di cloud storage gratuito per i clienti nuovi ed esistenti. Presentato come "la prima soluzione del settore decentrato cloud storage", Symform utilizza RAID-96 per la distribuzione geografica, la crittografia e distruggere i suoi dati. Si noti che per sfruttare l'offerta libera, è necessario contribuire in eccesso di 150 GB di storage locale nuovo al cloud storage. Per ulteriori informazioni, visitare il sito sottostante.
Sito web: Symform
Symform Comunicato Stampa
Symform annuncia 100GB di Cloud Storage gratuito

Società che offre il massimo valore Cloud Storage offre ora la capacità più libero

SEATTLE, WA - 27 luglio 2011 - Symform, la società ha rivoluzionato il mercato cloud storage, offrendo al mondo più sicuro, veloce e più conveniente soluzione per le aziende, ha annunciato oggi, per un tempo limitato, si sta dando da 100GB di cloud storage per le aziende gratuitamente ai clienti nuovi ed esistenti. e organizzazioni di ogni dimensione, fornitori di servizi gestiti, e professionisti IT, possono ora accedere e di esperienza, la conservazione durevole, e altamente disponibile nuvola decentrata a costo zero.
"Symform è meglio una soluzione di cloud storage, perché il nostro modello decentrato fornisce una maggiore sicurezza, velocità e ridondanza a un basso prezzo di piatto", ha detto Matthew J. Schiltz, CEO di Symform. "Nessun'altra azienda può corrispondere al valore o che offre spazio illimitato in la nuvola, e la nostra offerta gratuita 100GB lo rende facile per i clienti e partner a trarre vantaggio dalle più recenti progressi nel cloud storage. Quando la gente prova Symform amano il valore. "
"Il più grande progresso tecnologico e di business spesso provengono da infrangendo le regole," ha detto Paul Burns, Presidente di Neovise, una società di analisi focalizzata sul cloud computing. "Symform sta facendo proprio questo quando si tratta di cloud storage. Dal punto di vista tecnologico, l'uso di proprietà del cliente, storage distribuito è rivoluzionario. Dal punto di vista di business, l'equazione costo è così migliorato che Symform in grado di offrire 100 gigabyte gratis. "
Esigenze di gestione dello storage dei dati continuano a crescere - l'IDC 2011 Studio Digital Universe predice dati digitali saranno più del doppio ogni due anni. Cloud storage è stata introdotta come una soluzione di storage alternativa, ma l'adozione è stata lenta a causa degli elevati costi associati alla gestione di questa crescita dei dati.
"Sai il modello è rotto quando è possibile acquistare due terabyte di storage locale per 80 dollari, ma la stessa quantità di memoria nella nube costa $ 12.000 o più ogni anno", ha aggiunto Schiltz.
Il Cloud Storage Symform è la prima decentrata soluzione di cloud storage, che è un enorme passo avanti oltre storage tradizionali, eseguire il backup e soluzioni di disaster recovery. Symform si stacca dal comune centralizzato di archiviazione dati del modello centro cloud, che è costosa a causa della spese generali aggiuntive per lo spazio disco, ampiezza di banda maggiore, e l'elettricità necessaria per ospitare i server e fresco. Inoltre, un data center è più suscettibile di vulnerabilità come single point of failure. Symform utilizza RAID-96 per la distribuzione geografica, crittografare e fare a brandelli i suoi dati, il che lo rende più sicuro. Questo approccio permette Symform per fornire protezione dei dati e un numero illimitato di cloud storage in tutta sicurezza a un basso prezzo di piatto ad una frazione di quello che i clienti a pagare per le altre offerte di cloud storage.
Per ulteriori informazioni su come ottenere 100 GB di spazio libero da Symform, così come aggiornato l'offerta gratuita, visitate il sito: http://www.symform.com.
Chi Symform

Symform, una società privata con sede a Seattle, ha reinventato il cloud storage. Il sistema brevettato di Cloud Storage Symform protegge i dati in un modo che è più veloce, più economico, più sicuro e affidabile di qualsiasi altra cosa tradizionali fornitori di cloud storage in grado di offrire.

Symform, Symform Cloud Storage, l'architettura di archiviazione resilienti, e RAID-96 sono marchi di riferimento Symform, Inc. ad altre società ed i loro prodotti riconoscono i marchi registrati di proprietà delle rispettive società e sono usati solo come riferimento.

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye Lens Availability Update



Last week, I passed along a reader’s tip that a limited number of Canon 8-15mm f/4L lenses would be making their way into the US this week.  It looks like that is now coming to pass since B&H is taking pre-orders for the 8-15mm Fisheye lens.
As you may be aware, when B&H opens items up for pre-order, it generally means that they will be shipping within a few days.  Based on the numbers I was given by the tipster, I wouldn’t expect these to last long.

Firmware Friday: Leica S2, Ricoh GXR, Sigma DP1x & DP2x

Camera    Firmware Update
Below you will find this week’s firmware updates.  Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.
Leica S2 firmware version 1.0.1.8 – “[I]ncludes a revision of the setting procedure for auto-bracketing. Additionally, the menu-control button at the top right of the camera can now be programmed to carry out a custom function, allowing users quick access to settings.” [Leica website owners' area]
Ricoh GXR firmware version 1.37 – “The focus setting may not be reflected properly if the shooting mode is manually set to [S] mode (Shutter priority mode) in the [Edit My Settings] menu. In the [M] mode (Manual Exposure mode), after you have set aperture and a shutter speed using the [One Press M mode] function, then if you change a shutter speed, aperture may be also changed.” [Ricoh website]
Sigma DP1x firmware version 1.02 – “Capture priority mode is incorporated RAW+JPEG. simultaneous recording is incorporated. High AF speed is enhanced. Functions related to focus frame is enhanced. Image quality of the LCD monitor is improved. Enlarge Display function when in AF is added. Switching focus mode order is changed to enhance the integration with the DP2x. A phenomenon which produced noise under certain conditions is fixed.” [Sigma website]
Sigma DP2x firmware version 1.01 – “RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording is incorporated. Functions related to focus frame is enhanced. A phenomenon which produced noise under certain conditions is fixed.” [Sigma website]

venerdì 29 luglio 2011

ClickrChart Launches

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ClickrChart is a new Web-based application aimed at identifying the most interesting photographers and their photos in the Flickr world. “ClickrChart extracts the top 100 most popular photos, using the secret interestingness recipe created by Flickr,” says ClickrChart owner Gianluca Merlo. “The website provides free daily, weekly and monthly charts as well as interviews with the most popular photographers in order to promote a photographic culture and encourage rookies to improve themselves.”
Website: ClickrChart

1Ds Mark IV Dimensions Outed?

A little thing, but a thing.
Did the folks at Gigapan out the dimensions of an upcoming 1Ds Mark IV?

You can check out the page for yourself over at Gigapan. The numbers are width, height, depth and mass.

Via:  http://www.canonrumors.com

giovedì 28 luglio 2011

Sconti aggiuntivi sul Mark II 9000 & 9500 Mark II Via Domani USA Canon

Additional Rebates on the 9000 Mark II & 9500 Mark II Via Canon USA Tomorrow
Starting July 29, 2011.
The Pixma 9000 Mark II and Pixma 9500 Mark II will receive additional rebate amounts when purchased with a Canon DSLR. Both printers have mail in rebates if bought on their own. The rebates will become official tomorrow. I hear you’re basically going to get a free A3+ printer with the purchase of any Canon DSLR.
New Printers Coming?
Yes, we’ll see new A3+ printers announced in the coming weeks. I’ve been told there will be a 12 ink solution.

The EF 8-15 f/4L Fisheye Has Landed

The EF 8-15 f/4L Fisheye Has Landed
E 'allo stato brado!
Così, la data di fine luglio è successo!
L'obiettivo EF 15/08 f/4L Fisheye è sbarcato a La Camera Store a Calgary, in Canada.

CrashPlan PRO

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CrashPlan PRO è un nuovo servizio di cloud backup per le piccole e medie imprese comprese studi fotografici. "Come un fotografo professionista, dimenticando per il backup mette le immagini a rischio e potrebbe essere fiscalmente disastroso", l'azienda dice. CrashPlan PRO funziona discretamente, offrendo backup automatico continuo, sia online che ad unità collegate. Il programma dispone di cross-platform forWindows supporto, Mac, Linux e Solaris (sia client che server) e il supporto con più destinazioni. Ci sono due piani tariffari a disposizione - spazio illimitato per computer (7,49 dollari al mese), oppure un numero illimitato di computer per un importo scelto di stoccaggio (da 50 GB a 4 TB). CrashPlan PRO è disponibile immediatamente per i clienti negli Stati Uniti e Canada. Disponibilità a livello mondiale è previsto nel 4 ° trimestre.
Codice 42 Doftware Comunicato Stampa
Codice 42 software introduce CrashPlan PRO per le PMI
Prodotto offre di livello enterprise di backup con i consumatori facilità d'uso per i non titolari di aziende IT

(Minneapolis, MN - 29 giugno 2011) - Codice 42 Software Inc., creatori di CrashPlan e CrashPlan PROe, premiato software di backup per la casa e enterprise, annuncia l'immediata disponibilità di CrashPlan PRO, un nuovo servizio cloud backup per le piccole e medie imprese (PMI) del mercato.

Progettato specificamente per le esigenze di backup unica di piccole e medie imprese, CrashPlan PRO funziona discretamente, offrendo backup automatico continuo, sia online che ad unità collegate. Semplificato CrashPlan PRO, basata su web dashboard di gestione permette ai manager di monitorare con facilità tutti i backup degli utenti, condotta gestione in tempo reale, a livello aziendale e controllo delle impostazioni di backup. Se una azienda ha due computer o 200, tutti i computer desktop e laptop sono protetti.

"Non volevamo semplicemente rebrand il nostro prodotto di consumo e lo chiamano 'business', né abbiamo striscia giù il nostro prodotto enterprise e rinominarlo. Invece, abbiamo iniziato con un blankslate e chiese: 'Che cosa le aziende realmente bisogno?' ", Ha detto Matthew Dornquast, fondatore e CEO, Codice 42 Software. "Quello che ogni azienda ha bisogno è la sicurezza e l'affidabilità di un prodotto enterprise combinato con la facilità d'uso di un prodotto di consumo. E, naturalmente, che vorrebbero avere il supporto da parte di persone che conoscono davvero il backup, disponibile via telefono, email e chat dal vivo. Questo è esattamente ciò che stiamo offrendo oggi ".
WithCrashPlan PRO, tutti i dati sono protetti con crittografia a 448-bit prima di lasciare mai il computer, il che significa anche i dati aziendali più sensibili è sicuro e sicuro nella nuvola. CrashPlan PRO dispone anche di cross-platform forWindows supporto, Mac, Linux e Solaris (sia client che server), il supporto destinazione multipla, un supporto ineguagliabile per il backup portatile, di de-duplicazione e reporting completo.

CrashPlan PRO è disponibile immediatamente per i clienti negli Stati Uniti e Canada. Disponibilità a livello mondiale è previsto nel 4 ° trimestre 2011.
Ci sono due piani tariffari a disposizione - spazio illimitato per computer, o un numero illimitato di computer per un importo scelto di stoccaggio.
Di archiviazione illimitato - $ 7,49 al mese per il backup di un singolo computer con spazio illimitato
Computer illimitato - Piani di gamma da 50 GB a 4 TB media di meno di $ 5/computer/month *
Per ulteriori informazioni su CrashPlan PRO o per scaricare un 30-giorni di prova gratuita, visitare il sito http://www.crashplanpro.com.
A proposito di Codice 42 Software, Inc.
Codice 42 Software, una società privata con sede a Minneapolis, Minnesota, è stato lo sviluppo di software per proteggere i dati del mondo dal 2001. Da CrashPlan per i consumatori, per CrashPlan PRO per le PMI, per CrashPlan PROe per l'impresa, tutte Codice 42 offre i prodotti multi-destinazione, multi-piattaforma di backup on-site, off-site e on-line. Per ulteriori informazioni, visitare http://www.code42.com.
* Sulla base media di circa 20 GB di dati per computer

Deal Alert: Refurb Canon 5D Mark II for $1999

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon USA’s online store is currently offering solid deals on several Canon bodies, including the Canon 5D Mark II for $1999.
There are also a number of refurbished Speedlites and lenses available direct from Canon USA.

Smith-Victor Introduces New Photo and Video Lighting Kits

Smith-Victor KSBQ-2600 1100W Pro Soft Box 3-Light Kit w/Accent Light
Smith-Victor KSBQ-2600 1100W Pro Soft Box 3-Light Kit w/Accent Light
Smith-Victor has put together several new photo and video kit lighting options that include both flash and continuous output lights.
The new kits are based on Smith-Victor’s Flash 110i, FlashLite Monolight and Quartz Halogen series.  Look for these and other lighting kits from Smith-Victor here at B&H Photo.
Below, you will find a short rundown of each of the new kits, as described by Smith-Victor.

FlashLite 110i Kits

There are three new kits in the FlashLite 110i series which are designed for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. The FlashLite 110i is a 110 watt-second variable power AC monolight with 60-watt quartz halogen modeling lamp.  The strobe light features a test button, ready light and optical slave for wireless triggering. Smith-Victor’s FlashLite 110i kits include a light stand, mount and sync cord.
The FlashLite 110i kits include:
  • FL170K 330 Total WS, FlashLite Basic Studio 3-Light Soft Box Kit contains three 110i (110Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights with flash tubes, one Smith-Victor 16”x 16” soft box, three 110iML 60-watt quartz modeling lamps, two Smith-Victor 45” black-backed white panel umbrellas, three Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL180K 330 Total WS, FlashLite Deluxe Basic Studio 3-Light Soft Box Kit feature three 110i (110Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights with flash tubes, two Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft boxes, three 110iML 60-watt quartz modeling lamps and one Smith-Victor barn door, one Smith-Victor color filter set (CF110), one Smith-Victor snoot (SN110), three Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL190K 110 Total WS, FlashLite Starter/Add-on  Kit includes one 110i (110Ws) FlashLite Strobe light with a flash tube, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box, one 110iML 60-watt quartz modeling lamp, one Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stand, one soft sided TB990 carrying case and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL195K 110 Total WS, FlashLite Basic Hair Light Kit w/ Boom Arm includes one 110i (110Ws) FlashLite Strobe light with a flash tube, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box, one MB110 mini-boom arm, one 110iML 60-watt quartz modeling lamp, one Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stand, one soft sided TB990 carrying case and Imaging with Light Guide.

FlashLite Monolight Kits

There are six new kits in the FlashLite Monolite series, designed for professionals and amateurs.  “Our Smith-Victor monolights feature a wide range of features at affordable prices,” explained Higgins. The kits include either the FLC200 or FLC300 monolights that offer constant color technology and infinitely variable flash power settings.
The FlashLite Monolight kits include:
  • FL300K 320 Total WS, FlashLite Essential Starter/Add-on  Soft Box Kit includes one FLC300 (320Ws) FlashLite Strobe light, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box, one Smith-Victor C4-12C UV corrected flash tube and one ESR 100-watt quartz modeling lamp, one Smith-Victor PL7R 7 ½”high gain reflector, one flash tube protector, one Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stand, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL400K 400 Total WS, FlashLite Portable Power 2-Light Soft Box Kit offers two FLC200 (200Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box, one Smith-Victor 45” black-backed white panel umbrella, two Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, two Smith-Victor C4-12C UV corrected flash tube, two ESR 100-watt quartz modeling lamp, two Smith-Victor PL7R 7 ½”high gain reflectors, two flash tube protectors, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL500K 540 Total WS, FlashLite Essential Location 3-Light  Soft Box Kit offers one FLC300 (320Ws) FlashLite Strobe light, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box, one Smith-Victor C4-12C UV corrected flash tube and one ESR 100-watt quartz modeling lamp, two 110i (110Ws) FlashLite strobe lights with flash tubes, two 110iML 60-watt quartz modeling lamp, one  Smith-Victor BD110 barn door (for 110i FlashLite), one Smith-Victor 45” black-backed white panel umbrella, two Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL600K Kit 640 Total WS, FlashLite Maximum Power 2-Light Soft Box  Kit offers two FLC300 (320Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box, one Smith-Victor C4-12C UV corrected flash tube and one ESR 100-watt quartz modeling lamp, one Smith-Victor 45” black-backed white panel umbrella, two Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL700K 750 Total WS, FlashLite Essential Location 3-Light  Soft Box Kit features two FLC300 (320Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” (FLC2400) soft box,  two Smith-Victor C4-12C UV corrected flash tubes (FL300), two ESR 100-watt quartz modeling lamps, two Smith-Victor PL7R 7 ½”high gain reflectors, two flash tube protectors, one 110i (110Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights with flash tube, one 110iML 60-watt quartz modeling lamp, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box (FLC24), one Smith-Victor 45” black-backed white panel umbrella, three Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • FL800K 860 Total WS, FlashLite Essential Location 4-Light  Soft Box w/Boom Arm Kit includes two FLC300 (320Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” (FLC2400) soft box, two Smith-Victor C4-12C UV corrected flash tube and two ESR 100-watt quartz modeling lamps, two 110i (110Ws) FlashLite Strobe lights with flash tubes, two 110iML 60-watt quartz modeling lamp, one Smith-Victor 24”x 24” soft box (FLC24), one Smith-Victor MB110 mini-boom arm (for 110i FlashLite), one Smith-Victor 45” black-backed white panel umbrella, four Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.

Quartz Halogen Kits

There are four new kits in the Quartz Halogen series. The Quartz Halogen kits include the 765-UM light that is ideal for extended duration use when shooting portraits, products and video interviews and the SV-840 light, a lightweight, all-aluminum on-camera quartz halogen video light.
The Quartz Halogen kits include:
  • K48 1300-Watt, 3-Light Pro-Quartz Portraiture Soft Box Kit w/Accent Light consists of two heavy-duty 765-UM quartz halogen lights, two Smith-Victor 24”x 32” heat resistant soft boxes (SBC2432), two DYH 600-watt 3200°K quart halogen lamps (765-UM), three Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, one SV840 AC/DC constant light, built-in barn doors , built-in daylight (Dichroic) filter, one  JCD 100-watt quartz halogen lamp (for SV840), and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • KQ84 1300W 3-Light Ultra Quartz Location Light Kit w/Accent Light offers two Q80 light heads, two Smith-Victor 45” white umbrellas, two DYS 600-watt quartz halogen lamps (for Q80), two Smith-Victor umbrella stand adapters (UM-4), one SV840 AC/DC constant light, built-in barn doors, built-in daylight (Dichroic) filter, one JCD 100-watt quartz halogen lamp (for SV840), three Smith-Victor AC dimmers (DC-1) , three Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • KSB-500F 300-Watt, 1-Light Economy Soft Box Light Kit w/Stand-Daylight Balanced includes one SBL-1 light fixture w/ 5/8” light stand mount, one Smith-Victor 24”x 32” heat resistant soft box, one Smith-Victor 75-watt daylight fluorescent lamp, and one Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stand, and Imaging with Light Guide.
  • KSBQ-2600 1100W Pro Soft Box 3-Light Kit w/Accent Light consists of two SBQ-2432, 24”x 32” all-in-one soft box lights, two EHC 500-watt quartz halogen lamps (for SBQ-2432), two mogul base to G9.5 adapters (MOG-G9.5 ADAPT), one SV840 AC/DC constant light, built-in barn boors, built-in daylight (Dichroic) filter, one JCD 100-watt quartz halogen lamp (for SV840), three Smith-Victor 8-foot black-anodized light stands, and Imaging with Light Guide.

Additional Features to the kits Include:
  • All kits with two or more lights include a high quality Smith-Victor Umbrella.
  • All kits with two or more lights include a high-quality Smith-Victor soft case with wheels for ultimate portability or safe storage.



Mind-Blowing Display Created Using 250 Canon DSLRs and Flash Units


For their music video for the song “Bright Siren“, Japanese band androp created a mind-blowing giant display using Canon 60D DSLRs and strobes as the individual pixels. They used 250 separate cameras and flash units, and controlled each one individually using a computer program. Every single light used was real, and no computer-generated trickery was used. You can also check out the behind-the-scenes video they made.

Leica Lens Holder Lets You Use Your Backup Lens for Stabilization



Leica offers a funky $200 lens holder accessory for its M system film rangefinders that screws into the tripod mount and lets you store an extra lens on the bottom of the camera. Here’s the description found on the site:
[...] the second lens also serves as a handle when it’s inserted into its bayonet mount, helping to provide additional stability when shooting handheld at long exposure times. The setup could even be used as a miniature tripod.
Makes sense. As we all know, the first thing a Leica shooter thinks when they drop big bucks on a new lens is, “Hmm. I’ll bet this lens would also work well as a mini-tripod!”.

mercoledì 27 luglio 2011

Olympus E-PL3 Gets Priced in US

News image
Olympus America has also announced availability and pricing for the Olympus E-PL3. Also called the Olympus PEN Lite, the 12-megapixel E-PL3 is the latest Micro Four Thirds model, offering speedy auto-focus, a tiltable rear screen, flash hot-shoe, accessory port, in-body image stabilisation and a selection of Art Filters. The camera will be available from September in two different configurations; a zoom kit including the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm lens and a prime kit including the 17mm f/2.8 pancake lens (read review). The estimated street price for each kit is $699.99. The news comes after similar pricing announcements by Olympus UK and Olympus Europe.
Olympus Press Release
Swing Into Action! Olympus Unleashes The Highly Anticipated PEN E-PL3 Camera Featuring Tilting LCD And The New VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder  

Price and Availability Announced for Compact PEN E-PL3 Camera That Delivers Maximum Flexibility, Innovation and Amazing Image Quality for All; New Accessory Viewfinder Expands Your Point of View
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., July 27, 2011 – Imaging enthusiasts will rejoice knowing that they can finally get their hands on the desirable Olympus PEN E-PL3 – a powerful camera designed for photographers craving a portable camera with pro quality and point-and-shoot simplicity. The PEN E-PL3 is an interchangeable lens camera offering a sleek, metal body packed with versatile controls and lenses with professional image quality.
Available in September, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 will be sold at the affordable price of $699.99 and will deliver amazing image quality and lightning fast speed for brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video. It will ship bundled with either a wide-angle zoom M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens (28mm-84mm equivalent), optimized for fast autofocus (AF) and silent AF operation, or the M. Zuiko 17mm ultra-compact and portable wide-angle pancake lens (34mm equivalent).
The PEN E-PL3 is a member of the Olympus PEN family of compact system cameras that also includes the new E-P3 and E-PM1. Designed to help innovation seekers capture and share their unique visions, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 combines pro quality with the portability of a point-and-shoot and features found on bulkier DSLR-type cameras.
Packs a Powerful Punch in a Small Package
The E-PL3 offers something for everyone. Packed with the technology and image quality normally found in a DSLR, it’s the size of a small, portable point-and-shoot camera and can easily travel with you. Its 3-inch, tilting high-resolution LCD screen helps you see high above the crowd to capture amazing stills and HD video of live performances, sports events and more. Easily move to eye-level to capture superb detail of children at play or even lower to the ground to record baby’s first steps or a pet soundly sleeping. Never worry about missing a spontaneous moment because the E-PL3 shoots at 5 frames per second.
Offering the versatility of interchangeable lenses, excellent quality low-light shooting thanks to the camera’s AF Illuminator, a high ISO of up to 12,800, with a blazing fast autofocus system, a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor and TruePic™ VI Image Processor, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 becomes the ultimate travel companion. Discretely document all of the color and pageantry of the city, even in low-light, as you make your way to your next destination.
Staying in for a more relaxed evening at home? Tech-enthusiasts will want to keep the E-PL3 ready by their side to capture friends and family, while showcasing their creativity. Easy-to-use technologies like in-camera Art Filters and image effects empower users to apply their unique artistic vision to images and videos so they can easily share professional-quality creations. Accessing all of the camera’s options is quick and easy with a new intuitive interface.
Availability
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 kit will be available in black, white, red and silver, starting in September 2011. The kit includes the PEN E-PL3 body, lens, USB cable, video cable, BLS-1 Li-Ion battery pack, Li-Ion battery charger, shoulder strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, manuals and registration card.
The updated Olympus Viewer 2 software is included with all new Olympus PEN cameras. The software helps users edit and organize photos and play back AVCHD video. Olympus Viewer 2 also enables users to experience new functions, including the application of new art filters, effects and variations.
U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Body with MSC M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED m14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 Zoom or 17mm Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99

Akvis ArtWork 6.0

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Akvis has updated its ArtWork software, which transforms photos into paintings using various techniques. Version 6.0 introduces the Pastel style. Photos can now be converted into an image with soft, velvety strokes similar to those created by pastel crayons. Also new to Version 6.0 is the addition of batch processing mode for the standalone version. (This was previously only available for the plugin version via a Photoshop action.) Users who own previous versions of ArtWork can upgrade to Version 6.0 for free.
AKVIS Press Release
AKVIS ArtWork 6.0. Color Your World In Pastels!
July 27, 2011 - AKVIS announces the release of ArtWork version 6.0. AKVIS ArtWork transforms photos into paintings using various techniques. An ordinary photo can be turned into a work of art. ArtWork is available in plug-in and standalone versions for Windows and Mac.
Version 6.0 introduces the Pastel style. Photos can now be converted into an image with soft, velvety strokes similar to those created by pastel crayons.
Would you like to do something special with your photos? Would you like to express artistic talent without the years of time it takes to become a master Try AKVIS ArtWork and transform even your ordinary photos into works of art.
AKVIS ArtWork is truly the perfect virtual artist which can create images in various painting styles. With ArtWork you can transform a photo into an oil painting, create an image in the style of comics, make a pen and ink drawing, a watercolor painting, or even a linocut. You can create a piece of art out of any digital photo: an oil portrait of your friend, a landscape watercolor painting, a funny poster with your dog or even an impressive linocut print to decorate your bedroom. The transformation of a digital photo into a painting happens before your very eyes, so you can follow the birth of a work of art in real time!
Version 6.0 of ArtWork introduces the Pastel style.
This style is only available under the Home Deluxe and Business licenses. The Pastel style bridges the gap between drawing and painting. It allows you to convert a photo into an image in the style of a pastel, formed by soft, velvety strokes with soft edges reminiscent of pastel pencils or crayons.
The Pastel style includes nine ready-to-use presets which will help you to quickly create pastel drawings in a variety of styles: from sketches made with short strokes (as if with a thin pastel pencil) to drawings made with the soft delicate strokes of crayons. The presets can be applied “as is” or be modified. You can also use the Stroke Direction tool to add your own creative touch by changing the direction of the strokes and the Smudge tool to improve your result by manually refining irregularities after processing.
Also new to Version 6.0 is the addition of batch processing mode for the standalone version. This was previously only available for the plugin version via a Photoshop action. Batch processing is very useful when working with a large number of photos. Try it to create cartoon animations from your home videos.
In Version 6.0, support for RAW files has been added, as well as a list of Recent Files, and an OS File dialog for loading and saving files. Compatibility with Mac OS X Lion has also been improved.
Many photo editing enthusiasts have already expressed themselves using ArtWork’ s features. Take a look at these Examples.
AKVIS ArtWork is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plug-in to a photo editor.
AKVIS ArtWork runs on Windows 7/Vista/XP and on Mac OS X 10.4-10.7.
Download AKVIS ArtWork v.6.0 for Macintosh and Windows here.
Users who own previous versions of ArtWork can upgrade to Version 6.0 for free.
AKVIS ArtWork sells for $72 USD for Home version (either Plugin or Standalone, 5 styles), $129 USD for Home Deluxe (Plugin and Standalone, 6 styles, including new Pastel), $189 USD for Business (Plugin and Standalone, 6 styles, including new Pastel, for commercial use).
AKVIS ArtWork is available in the AKVIS Alchemy Bundle which includes the full line of AKVIS programs at a discounted price.
The software is also part of the AKVIS Artistic Bundle (Sketch, ArtWork, and ArtSuite), which sells for $149 for the plug-in version or $169 for the standalone version. This is a savings of $44 when compared to the price of these three programs purchased separately.

Canon and Ilford are Giving Away Free Pro Prints


Canon Ilford Try My Photo
Canon and Ilford just launched a campaign to promote their respective professional printer and paper products.  To entice photographers to look further into their products, the companies are giving away free 8.5″ x 11″ prints using Canon PIXMA printers and Ilford GALERIE Smooth Pearl paper.
To take advantage of this offer, you can upload a JPEG image to their “Try My Photo” website and it will be printed and mailed to you for free.
Use these links to find deals on the PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II and PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II printers.  You can find Ilford GALERIE paper here at B&H.

Nikon DSLR Announcement Pegged for August 24, 2011 – D4, D800 and D400 Rumored as Possibilities


Nikon-D4
Since we’re getting into camera launch season, it should come as no surprise to start hearing little trickles of details from manufacturers on their upcoming products.
Nikon Rumors has “confirmed” with its mysterious (yet often very accurate) sources that August 24 is D-day (or, perhaps D4 day) for the next big Nikon press event.  Details on which products will actually be announced have yet to be revealed, but you can expect plenty of rumors to creep up over the next few weeks.
And, it’s likely we’ll see leaks of the coming cameras as well since Nikon has become one of the leakiest camera manufacturers of late.
High on the list of expectations are a D3s, D700 and D300s replacements, which are presumably dubbed as the D4, D800 and D400.  Each of these existing models are ripe for replacement and an expected bump in resolution and video functionality; however, conflicting recent reports suggest either a D4 and D400 combo or a D4 and D800 combo (but not all three together) coming soon.
What are you crossing your fingers for as we wait for August 24 to arrive?

JP to Distribute Micromuff in UK

News image JP Distribution has announced that it has been appointed as the UK distributor of Micromuff, an HDSLR accessory developed to eliminate the wind noise associated with built in camera microphones. Conceived by filmmaker and designer Will Hutchinson, Micromuff attaches directly to the camera body using die-cut Velcro rings. Made using high quality acoustic fur and a unique cutting process, Micromuff sells for £12.95+PP.
Press Release
JP To Distribute Micromuff
JP Distribution is pleased to announce the latest addition to our growing portfolio.
Designed by filmmaker and designer Will Hutchinson, Micromuff is an accessory which improves the sound quality of exterior video recordings. Compatible with most video capable DSLR’s, the Micromuff attaches directly to the camera body, to dramatically reduce the effect of wind noise.
“Even the tiniest amount of breeze is capable of destroying a sound recording with distortion and audio clipping”. says Will. “This affordable little accessory works incredibly well at solving the problem”.
Developed and manufactured in the UK, the Micromuff is made using high quality acoustic fur, and a unique cutting process, which retains the full length of fur-pile edge to edge. It attaches to the camera using die-cut Velcro rings, for easy attachment and removal.
“Whilst at first glance it may look like a novelty”, says Will, “it is an effective and dependable solution and a serious bit of kit, perfect for outdoor filming of any kind - walking, bird watching, sports, the beach, weddings.”
Whether you are professional or amateur, a keen enthusiast or hobbyist, low-budget film maker or occasional video dabbler, Micromuff is an indispensable gadget that you’ll want to keep in your kit bag permanently.
To see the results for yourself please visit http://www.micromuff.com

This is the new full frame Noktor HyperPrime 50mm f/0.95 lens

full frame Noktor HyperPrime 50mm f0.95 lens This is the new full frame Noktor HyperPrime 50mm f/0.95 lens
This is the a picture of the new full frame Noktor HyperPrime 50mm f/0.95 lens. There are not details about the lens mount, but the fact that is a full frame lens limits it to Sony/Nikon/Canon/Leica cameras. Some more details:
  • can be used on mFT and NEX cameras with an adapter
  • round aperture opening instead of hexagon shape
  • slide out hood
  • metal ring around the lens
  • the lens will be different from the current APS-C version
  • the marking on the front reads “Made in Japan”.

Magnum Turns to Crowdsourcing to Tag Their Massive Photo Collection


Want to play role in the legendary agency Magnum Photos? Well, now you can as a “Magnum Tagger”. The cooperative is having a tough time keeping their large archive of historical photographs organized and easily searchable. Of the 500,000 images they’ve uploaded to the web, about 200,000 have little or no associated metadata. Magnum has decided to tackle this problem by crowdsourcing it, asking for volunteers to sift through the photographs and add useful information. For the trial run they’re looking for 50 volunteers, which shouldn’t be hard to find given the hundreds of thousands of followers they have on sites like Twitter and Facebook.
Maybe they should take a page out of Google’s book by turning image tagging into a game!
Sign Up to be a Magnum Tagger (via Popular Photography)

Microsoft Finally Adds RAW Support to Windows Explorer

Great news for PC users: Microsoft has finally released a free codec pack for Windows Vista and Windows 7 that allows you to view and work with the RAW files of more than 120 different cameras directly in Windows Explorer. Simply download and install the codec pack to get started.

Microsoft Camera Codec Pack (via 1001 Noisy Cameras)


Olympus Rolls Out VF-3 External Viewfinder

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Olympus has officially launched the VF-3 add-on electronic viewfinder. Priced at £179.99, the Olympus VF-3 is cheaper than the existing VF-2 - no wonder given that this is a lower-specified model offering a lower resolution (922,000 dots), magnification (0.97x) and eye-point (17.4mm). Fortunately, the 100% frame coverage remains, and unlike the VF-2, the VF-3 comes with a shoe lock mechanism that prevents the finder from slipping out of the camera’s hot-shoe. The Olympus VF-3 is compatible with the XZ-1 compact and all digital PEN cameras except the E-P1.
Olympus Press Release
Olympus PEN family gets new electronic viewfinder
High power, high res VF-3 viewfinder enhances new PEN camera range
London, 27 July 2011 – Olympus has launched a new high-resolution electronic viewfinder to boost the imaging power of its stylish PEN
Micro Four Thirds cameras – the new PEN (E-P3), PEN Lite (E-PL3) and PEN mini (E-PM1). The VF-3 offers a 100% field of view and more than four times the resolution of rival electronic viewfinders for comparable cameras, so it’s ideal for capturing high-zoom close-ups in excellent picture quality. Compact, lightweight and just as sleek as a PEN camera, the VF-3 tilts up to 90° making it easy to shoot movies and stills from tricky angles, even in difficult light.
The VF-3 is available from mid-August 2011 for £179.99.
VGA quality locked in
With a resolution of 922,000 dots, approximately 1x magnification and a 17.4mm eye point, the VF-3 delivers superb performance and excellent value-for-money. The bright, high-res display makes it easy to zoom in and capture sharp stills and High Definition movies, especially with a telephoto lens. Another bonus is the reliable lock mechanism that keeps the viewfinder firmly attached to the camera, no matter what. Designed specifically to work seamlessly with the Accessory Port on next-generation PEN cameras*, the VF-3 is a smart accessory for ambitious and casual photographers alike.
The Olympus VF-3 is available in silver from mid-August 2011 for £179.99.
* The VF-3 is compatible with the XZ-1 compact and all PEN cameras except the E-P1.
VF-3 key features:
 Bright 920,000 dot display for clear focussing even in poor light
 100% field of view for accurate framing
 Approx. 1x magnification for easy size reference
 17.4mm eye point to relieve strain on your eyes
 Wide adjustment range of -3 to +1 dioptre for people with glasses
 Attractive and compact looks match sleek PEN design
 Lightweight at just 28g
 Shoe lock mechanism that keeps the viewfinder firmly attached
 Soft case supplied

New S-Frames from Sony

News image Sony has announced new additions to its S-Frame Gift series of digital photo frames. Available in a choice of panel sizes from 7” up to 10”, Sony’s three new S-Frames offer easy and intuitive operation, slideshow and clock/calendar display modes, and an energy-saving timer. The Sony S-Frame DPF-C1000, C800 (pictured) and C70A models are compatible with Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD(HC) memory cards and come with WSVGA-, SVGA- and WQVGA-resolution viewing panels respectively. The new S-Frame Gift Series models will be available from September 2011.
Sony Press Release
THE PERFECT GIFT: EASY-TO-USE DIGITAL PHOTO FRAMES FROM SONY

Three new S-Frame models with great picture quality, choice of slideshows and energy-saving timer

New models from 18cm (7-inch) up to 26cm (10.1-inch)
Energy-saving timer available on all models
Wide range of slideshows and clock/calendar displays

The S-Frame range of digital photo frames from Sony grows with the introduction of three stylish new models, all offering sparkling picture quality and smart features.

Available in a choice of panel sizes from 18cm (7-inch) up to 26cm (10inch), S-Frame combines desirable looks with simple operation.

Transfer images on your camera’s memory card, then choose from an exciting range of slideshows and clock/calendar display modes. Operation is friendly and intuitive: simple buttons and on-screen icons guide you through making adjustments and selecting display modes with no fiddly menus.

All new models feature an energy-saving timer that’s kinder on your pocket and the environment. The timer can be set to switch the photo frame into power-saving standby mode any time it’s not needed – like at night or during the day when you’re out at work.

S-Frame Gift Series: DPF-C1000/C800/C70A
These elegant S-Frame models make a beautiful gift for friends or family. Just transfer images from your camera’s memory card (compatibility with Memory Stick PRO Duo™ and SD/SDHC formats). Then enjoy a crisply detailed view of your favourite photos with rich, lifelike colours. All models feature an energy-saving timer, and offer a choice of four slideshow patterns plus a choice of attractive clock and calendar displays.

The new S-Frame range from Sony will be available from September 2011.

Sony S-Frame Innovation Series

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Sony is launching two new models in its S-Frame Innovation series of digital picture frames. The S-Frame HD1000 and HD800 can play HD videos shot in AVCHD format, and are also capable of playing back MPEG4, MPEG1 and Motion JPEG videos shot with a wide range of cameras and camcorders, including the latest Cyber-shot and Handycam models from Sony. Both picture frames can of course display still photographs as well, and each comes with two gigabytes of built-in storage. The HD800 is a 8” frame with a WVGA-resolution panel, while the HD1000 is a 10” model boasting WSVGA resolution. Both of these spny digital picture frames will be available from September.

Canon Pixma MG5320 & Pixma iP4920

News image
Canon has announced a new photo inkjet printer and a new all-in-one device. The Canon Pixma iP4920 Photo Inkjet Printer ($99.99) utilises the ChromaLife100 + ink system with five individual ink tanks, and produces a 4”x6” borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds. The Pixma MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One device ($149.99, pictured) uses the same ink system and is capable of a similar printing performance, but can additionally be used as a photocopier and a scanner. Both new products feature significant upgrades to Canon’s Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print software.
Canon Press Release
CANON U.S.A. ENHANCES CREATIVITY NEW PIXMA PRINTERS
Significant Software Upgrades for Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 26, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the introduction of two new photo printers, the PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One1 and the PIXMA iP4920 Photo Inkjet Printer models. Developed to enhance the overall user experience, both printers feature significant upgrades to Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print2 software.
“One of the most important attributes consumers look for in a printer product is high-quality output and versatility,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technology and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “These new PIXMA printer models will undoubtedly meet this demand while also allowing consumers to show their creative side as well.”
Printing Flexibility
An incentive for those who have registered with the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY service or Picasa Web Albums is PIXMA Cloud Link, which provides the ability to print, directly through the PIXMA MG5320 printer without the use of a computer, photos from photo albums stored in those services3. Users of PIXMA Cloud Link will also have access to exclusive templates including stationary, envelopes, memos, calendars and many others.  In addition, the PIXMA MG5320 printer is 802.11n Wi-Fi certified allowing for a fast network transfer rate. Wireless networks can be set up with the press of one button when using a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Canon U.S.A. offers its award-winning service and support online for all of its consumers looking to set up any of the new Wi-Fi products at, http://www.usa.canon.com/wirelesshelp.  Here customers have access to manuals and video tutorials to assist in setting up a Wi-Fi device.
The Canon EPP mobile app, for use with compatible Android and Apple smartphones and tablets, will be upgraded in August to have documents scanned on the printer to then be sent directly to a compatible device.  Users can also print pdfs of documents that were created with the App directly from compatible devices whereas in the past only photos were able to be printed.
Creative Personalization
Since its inception, the Canon Easy-PhotoPrint EX software has provided users with an easy way to get the most out of prints by creating albums, calendars and stickers from almost any image.  Now with the latest version, users can bring creativity to a whole new level with the addition of Fun Filter Effects similar to scene modes found on the latest Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras.  Images can be customized with Fish-Eye, Miniature and Toy Camera effects to make them even more memorable while being a conversation piece at the same time.  In addition, there is an option to change the focus of the image to have it appear softer and the ability to blur specific aspects of the background, an effect previously only captured with a SLR.  Adding to the versatility of these Canon PIXMA printers is the ability to print directly on to CDs, DVDs, and Blue-rays allowing users to personalize media in a creative way while creating fun photo projects at the same time.
Full HD Movie Print, which is available on both new PIXMA printers, has been enhanced to produce clearer images of frames from videos captured on compatible HD Canon EOS and PowerShot Digital Cameras.  This technology allows users to tell the story of a video captured in the park or at a memorable event frame by frame in a more unique way than before.  One new aspect is the ability to merge multiple images into one final shot so users will be able to capture nearly every portion of a golfer’s swing or a baby’s first steps.  In addition, a new layout feature allows printing up to 72 individual images on one sheet of paper.
PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printer
For the consumer interested in a high-quality multifunction printer which is easy to use and affordable, the Canon PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printer should be at the top of the list.  This printer features five individual ink tanks which is part of the ChromaLife100 + ink system4 and help to produce a 4” x 6” borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds 5.  In addition the printer has a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi6.  This new PIXMA office machine will deliver output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents6 and approximately 9.3 ipm for color7.  The Advanced Media Handling options such as Auto Duplex printing which helps conserve your paper supply and a two-way paper feed that can help reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a project.  The LCD has been repositioned toward the middle of the printer helping to streamline the navigation process and achieving a more sleek and stylish design.  The size of the LCD screen has also been increased to 3.0-inches for easy viewing and navigation through menus.
The Canon PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printer will have an estimated selling price of $149.99.
PIXMA iP4920 Inkjet Photo Printer
The Canon PIXMA iP4920 Inkjet Photo Printer is an ideal choice for the consumer interested in an affordable, single function printer producing superb quality.  Utilizing the ChromaLife100 + ink system4 with five individual ink tanks, the printer is capable of producing a 4”x6” borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds5. This new PIXMA machine delivers output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 9.3 ipm for color7.  In addition, the printer has a maximum color resolution 9600 x 2400 dpi6 and is capable of Auto Duplex printing to help conserve paper.  The overall functionality of the PIXMA iP4920 printer helps make this printer a perfect addition for any home or office.
The Canon PIXMA iP4920 Photo Printer will have an estimated selling price of $99.99.
Canon CREATIVE PARK
Looking to extend creativity beyond just photos and documents? Consumers can try Canon Inc.‘s CREATIVE PARK website at http://www.canon.com/c-park. The site offers free 3-D paper craft projects, scrapbooking templates and embellishments, novel greeting cards, and educational materials. As an added bonus with the purchase of select PIXMA printers, including the MG5320 and the iP4920, consumers will be provided with exclusive printable content through CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM8.  This content includes post cards, albums, and many more projects including paintings by artists such as Norman Rockwell.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is an exclusive online photography resource and service for owners of registered qualified Canon products. Camera owners who have registered a qualifying Canon camera via their Canon Account can upload and share up to 2GB of photos with friends and family. Members also gain access to informative photography-related articles on topics such as macro shooting, portrait photography, printing tips and print projects to get the most out of their photos. Owners of registered qualifying printers can use their photos to create greeting cards, calendars and much more with Print Projects!  Printer members are provided with a wide array of helpful articles to enhance their experience with their Canon printer and to help them create inspiring projects.  The Video Podcast Service – available for owners of registered qualifying camera and video products – enables those members to upload videos to be shared and viewed, which can also be used with the Apple iTunes® application and downloaded to access on a compatible Apple iPod or iPhone mobile device.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list.  Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at http://www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting http://www.usa.canon.com/rss.
1 Wireless printing requires a working network with wireless 802.11 b/g or 802.11 n capability.  Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.
2”Full HD Movie Print” allows printing from HD or Full HD “MOV” movie files created by Canon EOS Digital SLR or PowerShot digital cameras.  From PC, or Mac with Intel® processor. Print quality is determined by video resolution. Function does not upscale video resolution. Requires Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.5 or later, or Canon ImageBrowser 6.5 or later.
3 Subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use of Canon image Gateway or Picasa Web Albums, depending on the service the consumer is using
4 Canon cannot guarantee the longevity of prints; results may vary depending on printed image, drying time, display/storage conditions, and environmental factors. See http://www.usa.canon.com/chromalife100 plus for additional details.
5 Photo print speeds are based on the standard mode driver setting using photo test pattern(s) and select Canon Photo Paper.  Print speed is measured as soon as the first page begins to feed into the printer and will vary depending on system configuration, interface, software, document complexity, print mode, types of paper used and page coverage.  See http://www.usa.canon.com/printspeed for additional information.
6 Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/9600at minimum.
7ISO/IEC 24734, 24735 define the default print and copy speed measurement methods. Print speeds are the averages of ESAT in Office Category Test for the default simplex mode, ISO/IEC 24734, excluding time to print the first set. Copy speed is the average of FCOT, ISO/IEC 24735 Annex D. ADF copy speed is the average of ESAT in General Performance Test for the default simplex mode, ISO/IEC 24735, excluding time to copy the first set. See http://www.usa.canon.com/ipm for additional details.
8 To access CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM from a qualifying printer, all of the software and the full set of Genuine Canon Inks that came with the printer must be properly installed.

martedì 26 luglio 2011

Una Canon 5D MKIII per il 2012?

No Finalized 5D Mark III Yet [CR2]

A quanto pare la 5D Mark III non è ancora un prodotto finalizzato e ci sono ancora due decisioni da prendere prima che il prodotto sia pronto per il consumo.
  1. Dividere la linea 5D in una fotocamera e un avanzato fotocamera funzionalità video.
  2. Una telecamera tra la 5D Mark III e 1D
E 'stato anche menzionato l'ancora e le squadre video all'interno di Canon è molto indipendente e non c'è sovrapposizione tra i due reparti. Ci potrebbe essere qualche sconvolgimento interno presto al riguardo.
Non aspettatevi una nuova fotocamera 1D/1Ds funzionalità video ad avanzare più di tanto.
Febbraio 2012 sarà la prima di un annuncio che affronterà la linea 5D.

Apparently the 5D Mark III is not yet a finalized product and there are still 2 decisions to be made before the product is ready for consumption.
  1. Split the 5D line into a still camera and an advanced video feature camera.
  2. A camera between the 5D Mark III and 1D
It was also mentioned the still and video teams within Canon is very much separate and there is no overlap between the two departments. There could be some internal shakeup soon in that regard.
Do not expect a new 1D/1Ds camera to advance video functionality all that much.
February 2012 would be the earliest for an announcement that will address the 5D line.

Deal Alert: Last-Gen Mac Mini e MacBook Air scontati

MacBook Air
Sulla scia dei modelli recentemente annunciato, Amazon ha appena pubblicato sconti per le generazioni precedenti di Mac Mini e MacBook Air. È possibile ottenere una ultima generazione di MacBook Air a partire da $ 834. Ecco il Pagina affare per questi prodotti su Amazon.com.

Sony Cyber-shot TX55

News image
The Sony Cyber-shot TX55 is the world’s thinnest compact camera. Measuring just 12.2mm thick, the Sony TX55 also offers a 16 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, Full HD AVCHD movies, 5x optical zoom and a 3.3”  OLED touch screen. New ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology boosts the zoom range to 10x without any loss of quality, and the TX55 can also capture 12 megapixel-level still photos during Full HD video shooting. The Sony Cyber-shot TX55 will be available in black, pricing and release date to be announced.
Sony UK Press Release
SONY INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S THINNEST COMPACT CAMERA*
THE NEW DSC-TX55 CYBER-SHOT™
• Highest-resolution Exmor R CMOS Image Sensor yet (16.2 effective megapixel) with Full HD AVCHD movie
• Clear Image Zoom up to 10x with new ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology
• Shoot 12 megapixel-level still photos during Full HD movie recording
• Just 12.2mm** slim with 8.3cm (3.3”) wide OLED touch-screen; compatible with Memory Stick Micro™ (M2) and MicroSD cards
• Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR mode, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D Still Image
• Exciting in-camera artistic treatments with Picture Effect
* Among models with an optical anti-shaking system function as of 20 July, 2011. Based on Sony internal survey.
**Measurement excludes lens cover.
At just 12.2mm thick the new TX55 Cyber-shot™ camera from Sony has an iconic design and is the slimmest Cyber-shot™ yet. Despite its tiny dimensions it’s packed with features that make it incredibly easy to capture the moment with amazing still photos, Full HD video and amazing 3D images.
Enabling its incredible slimness, the TX55 is the first Cyber-shot™ camera that includes a slot to accept Memory Stick Micro™ (M2) and MicroSD/SDHC flash memory cards. Sony offers a choice of ultra-compact, high quality media in capacities up to 16GB (newly introduced M2 Mark2, ideal for AVCHD video shooting) / 8GB (microSDHC). All cards come with free PC software (available via download), File Rescue for quick, easy recovery of deleted or damaged photos and files, and x-Pict Story™ that simplifies creation of dazzling slideshows from your photos.
Packed into the tiny body of the Cyber-shot™ TX55 is a 16.2 megapixel Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, for unsurpassed image quality in any light conditions. It also boasts new ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology that boosts zoom range to 10x without any loss of quality at the image sensor’s maximum resolution (16.2 million pixels).
For further improvements in all conditions the Superior Auto mode can be activated for both stills and movie shooting, recognising 36 scenes, such as Twilight when the advanced mode takes two shots so the best can be selected.  Or Portrait mode when the camera uses the anti-blink function.
What’s more it features a large 8.3cm/3.3” Xtra Fine capacitive OLED wide touch screen making framing and reviewing still images and movie clips incredibly easy.
Movies can be captured in Full HD AVCHD as well as 16.2 megapixel still images. It also shoots super-detailed panoramas with 42.9 megapixel resolution, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D Still Image to enjoy on your 3D TV[1].
Another new introduction is ‘Clear Image Zoom’ that boosts magnification without lowering pixel count in the final image. Exclusive to Sony, ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ processing further extends the camera’s 5x optical zoom range, allowing full-resolution 16.2 megapixel images with a maximum 10x zoom.
‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology also significantly boosts still image quality during movie recording. At the touch of the shutter button, ‘Dual Rec’ grabs up to 10 detail-packed 12 megapixel-level still photos without interrupting Full HD video shooting.
Newly enhanced with additional optical image stabilisation for vertical and horizontal handshake correction, Optical SteadyShot Active Mode*** compensates for handheld camera movements during Full HD video shooting. You’ll enjoy crisper, blur-free movie clips at all zoom settings, even if you’re holding the camera while walking.
Intelligent Sweep Panorama also features HR (High Resolution) mode, letting you capture breath-taking 42.9 megapixel panoramas. Just sweep the camera: then enjoy the results on your connected HD TV, or zoom in with PlayStation3 to reveal the finest details.
3D Still Image captures dramatic 3D photos, simply press the shutter button once: 3D Still Image grabs a pair of frames in quick succession, estimating depth information to create a dramatic three-dimensional still image. Other 3D shooting options include 3D Sweep Panorama and Sweep Multi Angle.
The incorporation of a highly sensitive Exmor R™ CMOS sensor with 16.2 effective megapixels resolution means that whether shooting still images or Full HD video, you’ll be rewarded with incredible image detail and ultra-low picture noise – even in low light conditions.
Making its Cyber-shot™ debut on the TX55, Picture Effect mode broadens everybody’s artistic options with an exciting range of in-camera image treatments. You don’t need special editing software: just press the shutter button. A choice of seven Picture Effect options includes HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy Camera, Partial Colour, Pop Colour and Soft High-key.What’s more the TX55 can achieve DSLR-like picture quality without fuss. Superior Auto mode recognises a wide range of shooting situations, adjusting exposure and other settings for more professional-looking images with low noise and high dynamic range.
The compact, beautifully styled new Cyber-shot™ TX55 is available from September 2011. The range of MSA[X]GN2 memory Stick Micro™ and SR[X] series MicroSD/SDHC media cards are available now.
Also available is a soft and sleek but padded case LCS-TWH, which comes in a range of colours. To keep the beautiful touchscreen looking slick, try the PCK-L33WCS screen cover, and BC-TRN2 is perfect for fast battery charging.
* Among models with an optical anti-shaking system function as of July 20, 2011. Based on Sony internal survey.
**Measurement excludes lens cover.
*** *Movie mode only. The hand shake correction while walking works most effectively at and around wide end.
Cyber-shot™ TX55 key technical specifications
Features DSC-TX55
Effective Pixels Approx. 16.2 Megapixels
Image Sensor 1/2.3 type (7.77mm) “Exmor R CMOS sensor”
Processor BIONZ
Lens “Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar”
26mm wide angle
Zoom 5x (optical) / 10x Clear Image Zoom in maximum resolution
ISO 3200
Intelligent Sweep Panorama Yes
3D Sweep Panorama Yes
Sweep Multi Angle Yes
LCD screen size 8.3cm (3.3”)
Battery Life 125mins (250 shots) – CIPA standard with LCD on
Image stabiliser Optical SteadyShot Active
Video recording Full HD 1080/50i movie AVCHD
Internal memory Approx.19MB
Approx. dimensions WxHxD (mm) 92.9mm x 54.4mm x 13.2mm including lens cover
Weight (body only, excluding media and battery) Approx. 94g
Available colours Black

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