Review – Canon EF 50mm f/1.4

Review – Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
By: Justin VanLeeuwen | Twitter
Discuss the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
First-time Digital SLR owners often approach me, asking “What should my next lens purchase be?” They’ve quickly outgrown the use of their kit lens, and are looking to try and re-create images that they’ve seen online and in publications. In almost every situation, they want to create great portraits of family members and kids, or take killer detail shots of their cooking. In these cases, their desire to create an image with a shallow depth of field, where focus quickly fades to a blurred background, is what motivates their search. I whole-heartedly recommend that anyone with a SLR should purchase a 50mm lens. It’s a bokeh gateway drug with its ability to create pleasing out of focus backgrounds for anyone at every budget.
At the time of this writing, Canon produces a 50mm f/1.8, a 1.4 and a 1.2 (Sigma currently produces a 50mm f/1.4 as well). Each of these lenses increases the amount of available light to your camera sensor, as well as decreasing the area of sharp focus as the number lowers. With the increase of light, comes an increase in price too. The Canon 50mm f/1.4 is resting comfortably below the middle at ~$399.99 (SRP). To jump up to the 50mm 1.2, you’d be looking at a four-fold increase in price while the 50mm 1.8 is a budget lens at $125.99 and comes with some noticeable compromises in quality.

Canon 5DMKIII 1/8000th f/1.8 ISO 400

Build
While the outer shell of the 50mm 1.4 is clearly stronger than the 50mm 1.8, it doesn’t stands up to the high quality build of the 50mm 1.2. The added weight gives me more confidence in the lens and its durability as often the correlation is more metal parts (and often larger glass). The larger shaft also allows for a focus meter, which the 50mm 1.8 lacks. The focus ring is small but useful for manual focus, and its autofocus is fast, though a bit noisy. The front element does extend when focusing on closer objects and retracts when approaching infinity. Since it’s not an L-lens, there’s no expectation of weather sealing and, indeed, it is not sealed. Lens hoods are also not included with non L-lenses, though they are available to purchase separately, and while its perfectly useable without one, it is prone to some flare, which a hood would serve to minimize or eliminate.
Image
When buying the Canon 50mm f/1.4, the main selling factor, for me, was its comparative image quality. It is sharp at f/2.0 and I didn’t find a large enough difference with it over the 50mm 1.2 (at least, not for the price), but enough of a change of sharpness, vignetting, and chromatic aberration over the 50mm 1.8 to justify the slight added expense. Of particular interest, I find a bokeh comparison a great way to judge the quality.

Bokeh Comparison

I made some adjustments to boost contrast to help see how defined the pentagon shape of the bokeh produced by the 50mm f1.8 is, but hardly see any difference in the shape between the 1.4 and 1.2. These results become less obvious when wide-open, but this is reflective of how your bokeh may be formed when shooting. This is also not a commentary on the overall quality of the bokeh, which is more of a personal feel, but this type of test was my original reason for avoiding the 1.8 and going for the 1.4.
I’ve never been particularly concerned with vignetting and chromatic noise; it’s something we have to work through with any lens. The 50mm 1.4 handles these things very well, with a manageable vignette that I find compliments many portraits. When correcting for (minor) lens distortion in Lightroom, I often leave the vignette correction off, embracing its vignetting ability to help drive focus on the image I created.
As I mentioned, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is sharp at f/2.0 onwards which is where I most often shoot it. F/1.4 is still usable but be wary of how shallow your depth of field becomes at this focal range and aperture. I find it best to shoot objects just close to infinity (between five and ten feet) to maximize the background blur while still achieving focus on my subject. Much closer and I have difficulty keeping a subject all in focus unless I stop down to increase the depth of field.

Canon 5DMKII 1/800th, f/1.6 ISO 100

Who’s it for?
Anyone and everyone. Seriously! Where can’t you find use for a 50 mm lens? Light, fast and inexpensive, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 can infiltrate low-light situations, light weddings or photojournalist work. Not just for portraits, a fast 50mm can work as an optimal “detail” lens: versatile in capturing bouquets, dinner placing, all allowing focus to be drawn to the subject while beautifully blurring out the background.

Canon 5DMKIII, 1/200th f/2.0 ISO 50

Aspiring food photographers may find better use of a 50mm lens than a 100mm macro (believe me, I get asked this a lot) since it provides suitable distance from the plates to encompass a setting as well.
Families with children, pets, or both, with larger professional photographic aspirations, or not, should all own this lens. You will take the photos you always wanted to take* by using a 50mm relatively wide-open. It’s the only lens I took to the hospital to photograph my son’s birth, requiring no flash, and I certainly never felt like I needed something else.
It’s great for taking portraits of all kinds, including full-body on a full-frame camera (behaves a lot like an 85mm on a crop body), and reasonably close portraits. Nothing’s prohibiting you from stopping it down to more manageable apertures like 2.8 either.

Canon 7D 1/2500th f/2.0 ISO 200

*Of course a fundamental understanding of the operation of your camera, shutter speed, white balance, aperture, and composition will also be quite useful. But you get what I mean.
Conclusion
Given direct comparisons between Canon’s other 50mm offerings, I can only conclude that the 50mm f/1.4 offers the best value for quality, and perhaps so of any lens. While so much of my kit has been sold off and “upgraded” to those magical red L-rings, I’ve happily stuck with my 50mm f/1.4. Not even using a 50mm 1.2 for a month was able to convince me otherwise. Was the later better? Sure! Absolutely, it was a remarkable lens to use, and I look back at some of my images and those of others who own the lens and it’s helped create some truly magical moments. But so has the 1.4, and for significantly less money. While the pros and wealthy may always flock towards the top of the line “best of”, some of us can give up minute gains that we’d never much notice in favour of something more affordable and almost as good.
Pros

• Great quality
• Fast glass, zoom zoom.
• Very nice quality of bokeh
• Buy this lens over the 50 1.2 and get $900 extra in your wallet! (from not spending more)

Cons

• Not as sharp at equal apertures as the 50mm f/1.2 L
• Colour and contrast not as nice as the 50mm f/1.2 L
• Weight and build not as nice as the 50mm f/1.2 L
• It’s not the 50mm f/1.2 L
• A bit old and lacking some of the modern advancements in optics, potentially replaced in the lens lineup soon (replacement will cost more though, as does the Sigma 50mm f/1.4)

Hasselblad all set to launch its first retail store

Hasselblad, one of the world's best known imaging brands, is about to launch its first-ever retail outlet.

The company, famous for over half a century for its world-leading, technically advanced, medium format cameras for high-end professional and amateur photographers - and now with an additional portfolio of ground breaking consumer cameras for photo-enthusiasts worldwide - will open for business in Tokyo's fashionable Harajuku area on September 14.

The new store launch in Japan is the latest move in Hasselblad CEO Dr. Larry Hansen's extensive new investment programme aimed at making it easier for more people across the globe to own a Hasselblad camera. Dr. Hansen said: "This is a landmark day for us and to celebrate we will be throwing an all-day party at the new store on September 14.

Our latest camera products, including our flagship H5D medium format series and our new and pioneering Lunar and Stellar consumer models, will be on show and, additionally, we have organised a superb exhibition of Norman Parkinson photographs in-store - to celebrate both our new launch and this great photographer's 100th anniversary."

The new store - a one-stop-shop of all things Hasselblad - is located adjacent to the Hasselblad Japan offices and close to a number of well-known retailers and trendy fashion boutiques.

William Penrice, Hasselblad Japan President said: "We are very excited about the growing interest in our products in Japan and this new store helps us to fulfil our promise to enable all fans of our brand to have a chance to own one of our outstanding cameras. Our exclusively designed Tokyo premises include a fully functioning photo-studio, a gallery and a creative space for photographers. We also have a unique display area showcasing the company's heritage products including examples of our classic V System and space cameras favoured by US astronauts."

He added: "This is the first time in our history that we will be providing direct sales in store as opposed to the standard commercial protocol with partners, distributors and dealers. This is why our new team in Tokyo comprises only specialists with extensive retail experience. This store launch is a brand new challenge for the company and we are all very excited and enthusiastic about its future. We want people to just drop by whenever they can and browse, not just our latest cameras, but also enjoy a snapshot of our heritage and history."

www.hasselblad.com

Review – Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L

Review – Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L
By: Justin VanLeeuwen | Twitter
Discuss the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L
Canon’s current and undisputed king of wide-angle zooms is the 16-35 f/2.8 L II: it’s the best as far as image quality, build, and speed of glass are concerned. But what if you were on a bit more of a budget? You could stick with your camera’s kit lens (if it had one), though full-frame users start at about 24mm and almost every crop body kit lens are EF-S, meaning it won’t work with your full-frame camera if you choose to upgrade later on. The latters’ variable apertures also aren’t very appealing. Thankfully, Canon likes to offer us, consumers, alternatives like the Canon 17-40 f/4 L. Lighter, cheaper, and nearly as well built as the 16-35, you can have your red “L” ring and still have enough cash left over to buy a flash. Of course, this lower price does come with compromises, and it’s up to you to decide if they’re worth it.
Build
The 17-40′s all metal body is the first qualifier of a well built and durable professional lens. I have dropped this lens on the ground more times than I care to admit and it has seen its fair share of service calls, but never has the construction been more at fault than I was. The 17-40 is about 150 grams less in weight than the 16-35, much of which, I assume, can be attributed to the size of the glass in the latter. I’m happy that the Canon 17-40 offers a 77mm filter thread even if the front lens element is smaller than that, as it keeps my ND & polarizing filter costs low.

Canon 5DMKII, 1/320th, f/5.6 ISO 100, 21mm

The lens focuses internally, but there is some movement at the front element which means true-weather proofing can only be achieved with an additional filter. A rubberized base helps keep it dry on the camera-end and, like all L lenses, it comes with a low-profile lens hood.
I’ve always found this lens perfectly sized to my hands, so while the focus and zoom rings aren’t particularly wide, they suit the size of the lens. I’ve also always found focusing on this lens to be accurate and fast. Perhaps accuracy is relative, as the depth of field at these apertures is pretty deep and it’s hard to create a blurred out background without being at the minimum focus distance of 1 foot.

Canon 5DMKII, 1/20th, f/16 ISO 160 22mm

Image
This is the largest area of compromise with the Canon 17-40 f/4 L. Wide-open, the lens vignettes, it is subject to distortion across the focal range, it is prone to chromatic aberration (fringing occurs especially at the corners) and it isn’t particularly sharp until stopped down to f/5.6. In fact, I rarely, if ever, shoot it at f/4. Thankfully, 17-40mm is a focal range that can be reasonably hand-held at slower shutter speeds, and the advancement of high-ISO capabilities makes this less of a concern than in previous generations of camera bodies.
Edge sharpness is tricky on wide-angle lenses, especially on a zoom, so it’s not necessarily uncharacteristic for a lens this versatile to make compromises in those areas; it’s just that better alternatives are available. Canon’s 17mm f/4 Tilt-Shift as a well regarded sharp wide-angle lens would, of course, be ideal at that focal range, but we can’t all afford that one either. The 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens would make an incredible accessory at that range being so light, small and quite sharp wide-open at f/2.8 (and may still, even owning the 17-40). Distortion is also very noticeable if you’re looking for it, or if you’re shooting straight lines like in architecture photography. I now frequently use Lightroom’s lens profile correction before working on an image further since it’s less of an issue when I’m shooting environmental portraiture: I correct to taste. Even then, though, I find myself straightening and warping images further in post.

Canon 5D MKII, 2sec, f/20 ISO 160 17mm

Who’s it for?
The Canon 17-40 f/4 L was my very first lens. Ever. I bought a rebel XT and on the advice from a friend, I skipped the kit lens (which was terrible compared to today’s kit lenses) and went straight for a more versatile, full-frame compatible, L lens. It works very well on a crop-sensor body; the apparent focal length comes to 27mm-64mm which is comparable to a full-frame 24-70. Since most of the poor lens’ characteristics are at the edges, you avoid that on the crop as well. I would also argue that, when starting out, we’re not really looking for a lot of the pixel-peeping flaws we notice after a bit of experience, and f/4 is only soft when you compare it to something you already know is sharp. It’s a matter of perspective. Therefore, buyers of the Canon Rebel, 70D and 7D series should have a serious look at the 17-40 as their “middle” lens.
<Michael Taylor>5DMKII, 1/250^th f/8, ISO 250 19mm
I’ve used this lens for pretty much every type of shoot I’ve had to do professionally, and many more before that. Photojournalists can use it to cover outdoors events, and I’ve used it with an on-camera flash at parties since shooting at f/5.6 is a good baseline for getting a group of people in focus, where f/2.8 would not. While Wedding photographers may appreciate the shallow-depth of field created by a wider aperture, 17mm is, in many cases, still too wide for much of the work you’ll do on location. Why not save the money and instead of buying the 16-35, invest in a solid 35mm Sigma prime , and have the 17-40 for backup or more scenic shots or “emergencies only.”
If you can’t afford a tilt-shift lens for architecture and interiors, the 17-40 on a full-frame camera offers a versatile do-it all. It’s great for me when I need something other than my 24mm tilt-shift. The 17-40 dutifully covers a tight space or helps me get a slightly different focal length without me having to lug around my 24-70 f/2.8 L. Since many of these shots are stopped down to more or less f/11, sharpness and vignetting aren’t issues, and the distortion is quickly corrected in post.

7D, 1/60th, f/8 ISO 320 17mm

Landscape photographers would also benefit from this light and quality addition to their kit. Why get f/2.8 if you don’t need it? Like all things, wide-angle should be used intentionally and doesn’t suit every situation, but when the conditions are right the results are worth it.
Conclusion
Much of what I wrote about this lens is in direct comparison to the 16-35 f/2.8 L II. Why not? When looking at a wide-angle lens, these are the two choices of lens that are most prevalent to a photographer. If budget and weight isn’t an issue, then the 16-35 trumps the 17-40. But if you’re like me and most people I know, you might need to weigh your purchases a bit more. I consider the extra 1mm from the 16 to 17 and 5 from 35 to 40 to be insignificant; my qualifications are based on aperture and quality of glass. I have no qualms with shooting consistently at f/5.6 or higher and, again, I only notice the distortion (though it’s obvious once you do the correction) when I’m shooting interiors. I personally don’t see the jump from one to the other worthwhile, but your needs may be different than mine.
I think the shift from a crop to a full-frame sensor camera can also come as a drastic shock with a lens like this. Everything changes and 17mm may be too wide for you. I know I quickly switched to my 24-70 after making the leap and it took me several months to find appropriate uses for such a wide lens.

Canon 5DMKIII, 1/400th, f/5.6 ISO 100 20mm

If you need a high quality, full-frame compatible wide-angle zoom lens, but can’t afford the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 L II, the 17-40 f/4 L is a worthy second best.
Pros

• Light, versatile wide-angle zoom
• Great on APS-C crop-sensor cameras
• Great value L lens

Cons

• Heavy lens distortion that requires destructive software correction
• Soft wide-open at f/4
• Fringing at the edges (full frame)

Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution

At the IFA trade show, Lexar has introduced the Lexar Professional Workflow HR1 four-bay USB 3.0 reader hub (£64.99) and three new USB 3.0 card readers. Sold separately, these products collectively form the so-called Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution, which is billed as the only solution that transfers video and images from up to four memory cards at once using just one USB port. New card readers compatible with the Lexar Professional Workflow HR1 four-bay hub include the Lexar Professional Workflow SR1 (£24.99) SD, the Workflow CFR1 (£24.99) CompactFlash and the Workflow XR1 (£35.99) XQD card readers.
Lexar Press Release
Lexar Introduces World’s First Professional Workflow Reader Solution That Transfers Images From Up to Four Memory Cards at Once

New Four-Bay Reader Hub and Choice of Readers Provides Users with a Customised Solution to Dramatically Improve Current Workflows and Adapt for Future Card Formats

• Dramatically accelerates workflow by transferring video and images from up to four memory cards simultaneously while using just one USB 3.0 port
• Modular design supports popular memory card formats, including XQD, UDMA 7 CompactFlash, SDHC UHS-I and SDXC UHS-I
• Enables videographers and photographers to future-proof their workflow setup with ability to integrate new memory card formats as they become available

Berlin, Germany, September 5, 2013 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the Lexar® Professional Workflow Reader Solution, the only solution that transfers video and images from up to four memory cards at once using just one USB port. The solution includes a four-bay reader hub compatible with popular card formats, such as XQD™, UDMA 7 CompactFlash® (CF), Secure Digital Extended Capacity™ (SDXC) Ultra High Speed-I (UHS-I), and Secure Digital High Capacity™ (SDHC) UHS-I.
The Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution allows users to mix and match readers in the hub. The readers are sold separately so users can configure the hub into an ideal solution that meets their individual workflow needs:

·         Lexar Professional Workflow HR1 (Four-Bay USB 3.0 Reader Hub)
·         Lexar Professional Workflow SR1 (SDHC UHS-I and SDXC UHS-I USB 3.0 Reader)
·         Lexar Professional Workflow CFR1 (UDMA 7 CompactFlash USB 3.0 Reader)
·         Lexar Professional Workflow XR1 (XQD USB 3.0 Reader)

“The new Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution is a game changer, and will surpass many expectations as to what a card reader can add to a photographer’s workflow process," said Lexar Elite Photographer Scott Kelby, a leading voice in photo editing and processing. "In today's digital imaging industry, speed is the major factor that impacts all photographers and videographers. This product has been cleverly designed with a wonderful fit and finish, and once again demonstrates how Lexar is listening to its customers and delivering the kind of innovative products photographers need to stay on top in this highly competitive business."

The Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution transfers RAW images, high-res photos, and HD, 3D, and 4K video files at USB 3.0 speeds when using a USB 3.0 port. The modular design of the Professional Workflow Reader Solution makes it adaptable to changing technologies for future use, including new and emerging memory card formats.

“Photographers and videographers constantly struggle with improving and adjusting the efficiency of their personal workflows, and the growing number of memory card formats make this even more challenging,” said Adam Kaufman, product marketing manager, Lexar. “We designed the Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution to allow users to build a completely unique system that suits their needs so they can get to editing and shooting sooner. Whether photographers or videographers are shooting on four cards of the same format, or four different types of cards, the Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution lets them offload work faster, greatly reducing the time spent moving content from a card to a computer.”
The Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution comes with a two-year limited warranty,  is compatible with both PC and Mac® systems, and is available for purchase from Lexar.com and leading retail and e-tail outlets worldwide. The Four-Bay USB 3.0 Reader Hub has an MSRP of £64.99 and the readers have MSRPs of £24.99 (CFR1 and SR1) and £35.99 (XR1). For additional information about Lexar products, visit http://www.lexar.com
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About Lexar
Lexar is a global brand of Micron Consumer Products Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest memory manufacturers in the world. Lexar® products include industry-leading memory cards for photography and video, card readers, high-performance USB flash drives, and memory cards for mobile devices. Lexar products are available worldwide at major retail and e-tail stores, and at http://www.lexar.com.  For more information or support, visit http://www.lexar.com
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About Micron
Micron Technology, Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets a full range of DRAM, NAND and NOR flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, embedded and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit http://www.micron.com

Perfect Photo Suite 8

onOne Software has announced Perfect Photo Suite 8, a full-featured, standalone photo editor that integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, and Apple Aperture. Key new features include the Perfect Enhance module for essential photo adjustments, the Perfect Eraser with content-aware fill technology, the Perfect Batch processing utility for applying workflows to multiple images at once, and a re-engineered Perfect Effects module with twice as many filters, customisable presets, and integrated FocalPoint technology. The new Perfect Photo Suite 8 will be available 26th November in three editions: Premium, Standard, and an edition for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture. Owners of previous versions of Perfect Photo Suite Premium Edition can upgrade for $99.95. New users may pre-order the Premium Edition for $179.95.
onOne Press Release
onOne Software Announces Perfect Photo Suite 8

New Perfect Enhance module, Perfect Eraser, Perfect Batch utility, and re-engineered Perfect Effects module create a complete photo editing solution that seamlessly integrates into any workflow

Portland, OR – September 4, 2013 – onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative and time-saving solutions for digital photography, today announced Perfect Photo Suite 8—the photographer’s choice for photo editing. Perfect Photo Suite 8 is a full-featured, standalone photo editor that integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, and Apple Aperture and it includes all the best tools a photographer needs to create extraordinary images. Key new features include the Perfect Enhance module for essential photo adjustments, the Perfect Eraser with content-aware fill technology, the Perfect Batch processing utility for applying workflows to multiple images at once, and a re-engineered Perfect Effects module with twice as many filters, customizable presets, and integrated FocalPoint technology.

The new tools and capabilities alongside Perfect Photo Suite 8’s eight modules—Effects, Enhance, B&W, Portrait, Mask, Layers, Resize, and Browse—allow photographers to enhance, retouch, and stylize images in a layered workflow, replace backgrounds, create high-quality enlargements, prepare images for output, and batch process workflows. The modules share a unified interface, each targeting a specific image-processing task. Each module provides only the tools necessary to complete the job at hand, eliminating screen clutter and confusion for the user.

“We listened intently to the digital photography community about what they wanted for their image processing in today’s world of plug-ins, online apps, and subscriptions,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “We made it a priority to respond quickly and design a cohesive new product that continues to focus on photography and is built for photographers of all levels, from enthusiasts to professionals. We’ve leveraged our extensive experience as a plug-in company and evolved the Perfect Photo Suite into a complete and powerful photo editor that, unlike existing plug-in collections, works as one, elegantly designed product that seamlessly integrates into any workflow.”
New in Perfect Photo Suite 8:

?         Perfect Enhance module ­– Perfect Enhance provides essential tools for basic enhancements. Use it to adjust brightness and contrast, remove a color cast, remove dust spots and power lines, and add sharpening and vignettes. It is an ideal module to start with when using Perfect Photo Suite 8 as a standalone application or when quick corrections are needed.
?         Perfect Eraser ­– Using content-aware fill technology and simple brush strokes, the Perfect Eraser removes objects and automatically reconstructs the image with realistic results.
?         Twice as Many Filters ­– The Effects module now includes new adjustable filters including: HDR Look, Dynamic Contrast for tonal clarity, Vintage, Grunge, Antique, and more.
?         Customizable Presets – All built-in presets included in Perfect Photo Suite 8 may be deconstructed by their filter settings and personally customized.
?         FocalPoint is now in the Effects Module ­– The best parts of FocalPoint technology to create bokeh, tilt-shift, and selective focus effects after the shot, are now in the Effects module as the Lens Blur filter.
?         New Browse module ­– Images can be browsed and directly accessed from Perfect Photo Suite wherever they are stored—on the computer, an external drive, a connected network, and even on a cloud-based storage service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Apple’s photo stream.
?         Perfect Batch Utility ­– Powerful batch processing of actions from one or multiple modules, including the insertion of a watermark.
?         Multiple File Handling: As a photo editor, you can now open and work with more than one image at a time. Move between images to edit or copy layers from one file to the next.
?         Improved Masking Bug: Redesigned Masking Bug in the Effects and Layers modules make mask creation easier and more intuitive.
?         Higher Quality Effects: Performance enhancements improve effects by minimizing artifacts without sacrificing processing speed.
?         Improved RAW file handling: Open and process RAW files faster and with better quality. Support for new cameras also added.
Availability and Pricing
The new Perfect Photo Suite 8 will be available November 26, 2013. Pre-orders are available immediately at http://www.ononesoftware.com/store Perfe.ct Photo Suite 8 is available in three editions: Premium, Standard, and an edition for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture.

The Premium Edition works with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, Photoshop Elements, and as a standalone application. Owners of previous versions of Perfect Photo Suite Premium Edition can upgrade for $99.95. New users may pre-order the Premium Edition for $179.95. For a limited time, pre-orders of Perfect Photo Suite 8 Premium Edition will include a complimentary Essential Video Guide to Perfect Photo Suite 8, which provides a comprehensive collection of getting started training videos for Perfect Photo Suite 8 ($40 value).

Perfect Photo Suite 8 for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture works with Lightroom, Aperture, Photoshop Elements, and as a standalone application. It is available for $129.95 | $79.95 upgrade. The Standard Edition works as a complete standalone photo editor and is available for $79.95.

New users who pre-order Perfect Photo Suite 8 will immediately receive a complimentary license for Perfect Photo Suite 7.5. Customers who pre-order Perfect Photo Suite 8 will receive all upcoming Loyalty Rewards that will be delivered monthly to owners of the Perfect Photo Suite 8. For those who have purchased Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 on or after August 1, 2013, onOne Software will issue a complimentary upgrade to Perfect Photo Suite 8 via download when it is available. For more information on Perfect Photo Suite 8, please visit http://www.ononesoftware.com
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About onOne Software
onOne Software, Inc., is a leading developer of innovative software tools and apps for digital photography and offers time-saving software solutions for photographers of all levels, from enthusiasts to professionals. Leveraging its extensive history as successful plug-in developer for Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, and Apple Aperture, and continued development of cutting-edge technology, onOne publishes unified solutions that offer both full-featured photo editing capabilities and the flexibility of traditional plug-ins. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com

Phase One Introduces 2x Teleconverter from Schneider Kreuznach

Phase One has announced the immediate availability of a new Schneider Kreuznach 2x teleconverter. Compatible exclusively with the Schneider Kreuznach 240mm leaf shutter and 150mm leaf shutter lenses as well as the Mamiya/Phase One 150mm AF lens, this 2x teleconverter effectively doubles the focal length of these lenses to 480mm and 300 mm, respectively. The 2x teleconverter is available for €1490 / $1990 from authorised Phase One and Mamiya Leaf partners.
Press Release
Phase One Introduces Unique 2x Teleconverter from Schneider Kreuznach
COPENHAGEN, September 4, 2013 – Phase One today announced the immediate availability of a new Schneider Kreuznach 2x teleconverter. The development of the lens is the result of close and ongoing collaboration between Schneider Kreuznach, Mamiya Leaf and Phase One.
Compatible exclusively with the Schneider Kreuznach 240mm leaf shutter and 150mm leaf shutter lenses as well as the Mamiya/Phase One 150mm AF lens, this 2x teleconverter effectively doubles the focal length of these lenses to 480mm and 300 mm respectively.
"We have had multiple requests for a teleconverter from photographers,” said Espen Beck, senior product manager, Phase One. In many situations they prefer the flexibility of a teleconverter and a medium range lens over a long telephoto lens. Even though this teleconverter solution means that they have to rely on manual focus, many prefer the teleconverter solution because they can shoot more varied scenes; they can travel lighter; and the solution costs less than a very long telephoto lenses.
With the compatible lenses, the teleconverter offers photographers great optical compression that effectively eliminates the distance between objects in the captured scene. This is a great effect for shooting stunning landscape images for instance.
Pricing and Availability
The 2x teleconverter is available for 1490 EUR/1990 USD excl. VAT / sales taxes. The teleconverter is available from authorized Phase One and Mamiya Leaf partners worldwide. To locate a partner near you please visit:
http://www.phaseone.com/partners or http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/partners.html
It is recommended to use the 2x teleconverter with a supportive rail system to reduce the impact of vibrations on image quality. Solutions and recommendations for this are available from Phase One and Mamiya Leaf partners.
About Phase One
Phase One is the world’s leader in open-platform, high-end camera systems and solutions. Phase One cameras, digital backs and lenses are designed to deliver superior quality image capture and investment value. Phase One’s Capture One and Media Pro software help streamline capture and post-production processes for both medium format and DSLR cameras. Phase One products are known for their quality, flexibility and speed enabling pro photographers shooting in a wide range of formats to achieve their creative visions without compromise.
Phase One is an employee-owned company based in Copenhagen with offices in New York, London, Tokyo, Cologne, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tel Aviv Phase One and Capture One are registered trademarks of Phase One A/S. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Phase One at http://www.phaseone.com
Mamiya Leaf: http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/

NEC MultiSync PA302W

NEC has unveiled a new 30-inch colour-accurate display called the MultiSync PA302W. Built using a GB-R LED backlight, the PA302W provides a wider colour gamut and more colour control than a conventional white LED backlight. It also features a 10-bit active-matrix AH-IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels and a 99.3% coverage of Adobe RGB,  an internal 14-bit programmable 3D look-up table, an ergonomic stand, a built-in USB hub, various connectivity options, and the ability to load ICC profiles to emulate custom colour spaces and match prints. The MultiSync PA302W ships with a 4-year limited parts and labour warranty, and will be available in white and black at an estimated street price of $2,399. An SV kit with bundled SpectraViewII calibration software and sensor is also available for $2,649.
NEC Press Release
NEC DISPLAY INTRODUCES NEW 30-INCH COLOR ACCURATE MULTISYNC PA SERIES DISPLAY WITH GB-R LED BACKLIGHT
Outstanding Color with Reduced Power Consumption
CHICAGO - September 5, 2013 - NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 30-inch MultiSync PA302W color accurate display and color critical PA302W display solution with SpectraViewII calibration software and sensor. The models come in both white and black cabinets, which have been redesigned and are now 34 percent slimmer than previous models.
Built using a cutting edge GB-R LED backlight, the PA302W provides a wider color gamut and more color control than a conventional white LED backlight and consumes 44 percent less power than comparable CCFL backlights. The display can be seen in Booth No. 4238 at Print 13, a graphics communications industry event running September 8-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The MultiSync PA302W monitor is designed with a fully ergonomic stand for added comfort during use. It also features a 2560 x 1600 resolution and 10-bit wide color gamut AH-IPS LCD panel that provides the accurate, vibrant colors professionals require.
In addition, the MultiSync PA302W display showcases the time-saving features common to the MultiSync PA Series displays, including the ability to load ICC profiles to emulate custom color spaces and easily match image prints.
"The PA302W gives graphic designers, pre-press operators, photographers, video editors and other professionals a greater color gamut and even better color control," said Art Marshall, Product Manager of Professional and Medical Desktop Monitors at NEC Display Solutions. "In addition, users can now update the factory calibration using an external sensor when they have SpectraViewII."
Meanwhile, the free MultiProfiler software, exclusive to the MultiSync P & PA Series, provides easy-to-use control over most display settings, including print matching with Picture Mode presets as well as Picture in Picture (PIP) and Picture by Picture (PBP) window configuration. MultiProfiler also allows users to manage the monitor's USB hub and enables keyboard shortcuts for changing inputs and Picture Modes. MultiProfiler can also use ICC profiles to offer MultiSync PA302W users an easy way to match prints.
The MultiSync PA302W and PA302W-BK-SV include the following features:
*         10-bit active matrix AH-IPS panel with GB-R backlight and no-sparkle, antiglare coating
*        2560 x 1600 resolution
*         340 cd/m2 brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio at 44 percent less power than CCFL
Near perfect (99.3 percent) coverage of Adobe RGB and 100 percent of sRGB color space
*         Internal 14-bit programmable 3D lookup table (LUT)
*         Comprehensive input panel, including DisplayPort, mini-DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI-D
Built-in USB hub (2 up, 3 down) with DisplaySync Pro to control two computers with only one keyboard and mouse
4-way ergonomic stand (150mm height-adjust with locking base, tilt, swivel and pivot) with quick-release capability
AmbiBright ambient light sensor, which automatically adjusts the displays& brightness based on external lighting conditions
SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution, which includes software and colorimeter to provide automated monitor matching and calibration for accurate, consistent and repeatable color performance (included with PA302W-BK-SV and PA302W-SV)
Optional accessories, which include a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable (PA-MDP-CABL) for connecting devices using Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt technology, display hood (HDPA30-2), SpectraViewII software (SVIISOFT), NEC custom colorimeter (MDSVSENSOR3), complete SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution (SVII-PRO-KIT) and 2W USB sound bar (SOUNDBARPRO)
The MultiSync PA302W-BK and PA302W-BK-SV (in black), and MultiSync PA302W and PA302W-SV (in white) ship with a 4-year limited parts and labor warranty, and will be available in September 2013 at an estimated street price of $2,399, $2,649, $2,399 and $2,649, respectively.

Lexar JumpDrive M10

The new Lexar JumpDrive M10 secure USB 3.0 flash drive offers EncryptStick Lite software, 256-bit AES encryption, automatic data encryption and a File Shredder feature that permanently deletes files from the device so they cannot be restored. Offering read speeds up to 100MB/s on all capacities, the JumpDrive M10 Secure is available now with MSRPs of £27.99 (16GB), £45.99 (32GB), £77.99 (64GB), and £149.99 (128GB), and includes a three-year limited warranty.
Lexar Press Release
Lexar Announces New High-Performance Secure USB 3.0 Flash Drive

Lexar JumpDrive M10 Secure USB 3.0 Flash Drive Offers Advanced Encryption, Password Protection, and File Shredder Feature
Berlin, Germany, September 6, 2013 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the Lexar® JumpDrive® M10 Secure USB 3.0 flash drive for safe and high-speed file transfer. The new drive offers EncryptStick Lite software, an advanced security solution with 256-bit AES encryption for comprehensive data protection, the ability to create a single password-protected vault that automatically encrypts data, and a File Shredder feature that permanently deletes files from the device so they cannot be restored. Additionally, the drive sports an easy-to-read, always-on capacity meter to determine available storage space at a glance, even when disconnected.

“The JumpDrive M10 Secure is designed for on-the-go executives, power business users, or anyone holding sensitive information who may want more data security than the average person,” said Aaron Lee, director of product marketing, Lexar. “With the ability to create password-protected vaults that automatically encrypt data and virtually ‘shred’ deleted files, customers can rest assured that their data is safe and secure.”*

Offering read speeds up to 100MB/s on all capacities, the drive features write speeds up to 20MB/s on 16GB capacity, up to 30MB/s on 32GB capacities, and up to 55MB/s on 64GB and 128GB capacities. Such speeds allow users to transfer a 3GB HD video clip in less than 90 seconds, 13 times faster than the 20 minutes it takes using a standard USB 2.0 drive.**

The JumpDrive M10 Secure is available now with MSRPs of £27.99 (16GB), £45.99 (32GB), £77.99 (64GB), and £149.99 (128GB), and includes a three-year limited warranty. All Lexar JumpDrive designs are compatible with PC and Mac® systems and are tested in the Lexar Quality Labs to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 1,100 digital devices. The JumpDrive M10 Secure is now available at leading retailers and e-tailers worldwide. For more information about Lexar products, visit http://www.lexar.com .

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About Lexar
Lexar is a global brand of Micron Consumer Products Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest memory manufacturers in the world. Lexar products include industry-leading memory cards for photography and video, card readers, high-performance USB flash drives, and memory cards for mobile devices. Lexar products are available worldwide at major retail and e-tail stores, and at http://www.lexar.com.  For more information or support, visit http://www.lexar.com

Lexar 64GB High-Performance microSDXC 600x UHS-I Memory Card

Lexar has announced a new 64GB microSDXC UHS-I memory card with read transfer speeds up to 600x (90MB per second). This Class 10 microSDXC UHS-I card allows users to capture, store, play back, and transfer up to eight hours of 1080p full-HD video (recorded at 24fps, 5Mbps) and thousands of photos. Priced at £84.99/$99.99, the Lexar High-Performance microSDXC UHS-I card comes with a USB 3.0 reader to enable high-speed file transfer rates from card to a computer. The reader is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports and comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Lexar Press Release
Lexar High-Performance microSDXC 600x UHS-I Memory Card Enhances Mobile Video Capabilities
New 64GB microSDXC Card Quickly Captures, Stores, Plays Back, and Transfers HD Video, 3D Video, and Other Files on Smartphones, Tablets and Sports Camcorders
Berlin, Germany, September 5, 2013 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the 64GB Lexar® High-Performance microSDXC™ UHS-I card with read transfer speeds up to 600x (90MB per second).* Designed to enhance the mobile video capabilities of smartphones, tablets, and sports camcorders, the Class 10 microSDXC UHS-I card allows users to capture, store, play back, and transfer up to eight hours of 1080p full-HD video and thousands of photos and songs.**
“Over the past decade, mobile technologies including smartphones, tablets, and action video cameras have become an integral part of everyday life – and new capabilities are continually being added to enhance these technologies. Mobile devices offer convenience for business and personal needs, as well as the ability to capture those special, every day moments,” said Adam Kaufman, product marketing manager, Lexar. “The Lexar High-Performance microSDXC UHS-I card provides users with a premium mobile solution that allows them to spend less time offloading their increasingly large files and more time capturing those important moments while they’re on the go.”
The Lexar High-Performance microSDXC UHS-I card comes with a USB 3.0 reader to enable high-speed file transfer rates from card to a computer. Lexar memory card designs undergo extensive testing in the Lexar Quality Labs to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 1,100 digital devices. The 64GB High-Performance microSDXC UHS-I card comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The reader is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports and comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Available for purchase from Lexar.com and leading e-tail outlets worldwide, the 64GB Lexar High-Performance microSDXC UHS-I card will be available with an MSRP of $99.99. For additional information about Lexar products, visit http://www.lexar.com
. Follow us online!
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About Lexar
Lexar is a global brand of Micron Consumer Products Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest memory manufacturers in the world. Lexar® products include industry-leading memory cards for photography and video, card readers, high-performance USB flash drives, and memory cards for mobile devices. Lexar products are available worldwide at major retail and e-tail stores, and at http://www.lexar.com.  For more information or support, visit http://www.lexar.com
. About Micron
Micron Technology, Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets a full range of DRAM, NAND and NOR flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, embedded and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit http://www.micron.com
. *Up to 90MB/s read transfer, write speeds lower. Speeds based on TestMetrix certified tester. x=150KB/s.
**Assumes 8-megapixel JPEG. 128-kbps MP3 audio. HD 1080p@24fps (5 Mbps) video. 24,800 photos and 14,200 songs. Actual number of photos, songs, and video hours will vary depending on camera/device model, format resolution and compression, usable capacity, and bundled software.

Cokin Rethinks its Creative Filter System Brand Identity

Cokin has unified all its existing creative products (A Series, P Series, Z-Pro Series and X-Pro Series square filters) under the new range name "Creative Filter System." Additionally, the company has devised new size markings borrowed from the clothing industry, new pictograms, packaging and colour coding for the products. Their new SlidePack is billed as "a revolutionary and environment-friendly" packaging solution that is approximately 55% smaller and 60% lighter than the previous one. Moreover, the design of SlidePack prevents the filter from dropping out unexpectedly. The first product line-up to adopt the new packaging is the P Series (now called the M size range).
Cokin Press Release
Cokin rethinks its range of creative filters.

New brand image. New packagings.
Cokin announces a new step in its renaissance, by simplifying its range of creative products.
For years, we used “creative filters” as a generic name. Today, CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM (CFS) becomes the official name of our range of creative products.
All the existing Cokin creative products (A Series, P Series, Z-Pro Series and X-Pro Series) are unified under this new range name. Until now, dealers had to explain the difference between each systems. However, what makes a customer decide between the different systems is the size of their lenses rather than the features of each. That’s why, instead of four different products (A, P, Z-PRO, X-PRO), it will be easier to explain CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM as one product, available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL). Moreover, the use of “textile” denomination of sizes (S, M, L, XL) helps having a clear overview of the range. As of today, Cokin CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM range will look like this:
Cokin also presents a more comprehensive brand identity, with pictograms and color code, to help customers understanding what system is recommended to them. Pictograms give information on the new size denomination, the previous name of the series, the minimum and maximum diameters of available adaptor rings for this size.
As a reminder, the CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM logo carries four dots (• • • •) echoing colors of each size, for customers to understand these items are part of the same range.
This overhaul wouldn’t be complete without a total rethinking of our packaging, to replace the long-lasting 35 years plastic box which protected Cokin creative filters since 1978.

After extensive research and development, Cokin is proud to announce SlidePack™, a revolutionary and environment-friendly new packaging for its best-selling M Size (ex-P Series) filters. SlidePack™ is approximately 55% smaller and 60% lighter than the previous packaging, and is only made of recyclable material to reduce Cokin footprint and help preserving the world that gives us so beautiful pictures.
We’ve also learnt a lot about users expectations. This new packaging is more user-friendly. The filter slides in an out of the packaging with only one hand. Made of thick carton and overpacked in a ready to pegboard polyethylene strong sleeve, SlidePack™ is very protective. The inner part of SlidePack™ is coated with a microfiber cloth. Not only does it prevent the filter from being scratched, but it cleans it each time the filter slides in and out. Moreover, the design of SlidePack™ prevents the filter to drop unexpectedly. It has never been so easy to use a Cokin filter.
The first 22 M size (ex-P Series) filters to adopt the new SlidePack™ are:
1.     001 Yellow
2.     002 Orange
3.     003 Red
4.     007 Infrared (89B)
5.     020 Blue (80A)
6.     120 Gradual Neutral Grey G1
7.     121 Gradual Neutral Grey G2 (ND8) - 0.9
8.     121L Gradual Neutral Grey G2 Light (ND8) - 0.3
9.     121M Gradual Neutral Grey G2 Medium (ND4) - 0.6
10.   121S Gradual Neutral Grey G2 Soft (ND8) - 0.9
11.   121F Gradual Neutral Grey G2 Full (ND8) - 0.9
12.   122 Gradual Blue B1
13.   123 Gradual Blue B2
14.   123S Gradual Blue B2 Soft
15.   124 Gradual Tobacco T1
16.   125 Gradual Tobacco T2
17.   125S Gradual Tobacco T2 Soft
18.   152 Neutral Grey ND2 - 0.3
19.   153 Neutral Grey ND4 - 0.6
20.   154 Neutral Grey ND8 - 0.9
21.   197 Sunset 1
22.   198 Sunset 2
Every SlidePack™ will carry a brand new graphic design and a never-seen before picture that will bring some fresh air to the range. Packagings of S (ex-A Series), L (ex-Z-PRO Series) and XL (ex-X-PRO Series) as well as those for adaptor-rings and filter-holders will adopt the new CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM graphic design in a close future.
You can download the marketing and communication package with all the logos, before-after pictures, press release in PDF format, pictograms by clicking here. Whenever you use one the before-after or packaging pictures, we ask you to never forget adding the photographer's credit, which is indicated in the file name or on the packaging itself.

Named after its founder Jean Coquin, a famous french photographer of the 70’s, Cokin is the inventor of the innovative CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM (adaptor ring + filter-holder + filters), the most popular filter system in the world.

WD My Passport Slim 2TB Thin Drive

WD today launched its My Passport Slim line of portable hard drives, the first thin drives to offer up to 2 TB capacity, a metal enclosure, and 256-bit hardware-based encryption. Available in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities, the My Passport Slim measures 4.33"x3.14"x0.48" and incorporate USB 3.0 connectivity for quick transfer of high resolution digital files. The WD My Passport Slim 1 TB has an MSRP of $99.99 USD, and the My Passport Slim 2 TB2 is available for $149.99.
Press Release
My Passport® Slim™ First 2 TB Thin Drive With Metal Case And Hardware Encryption
Exclusive WD SmartWare ™ Pro Data Protection with Local and Cloud Storage Backup via Dropbox Provides 'Ultimate Mobile Storage Solution'
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- WD®, a Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) company, today announced the availability of its My Passport® Slim™ line of portable hard drives, the first thin drives to offer up to 2 TB capacity, a metal enclosure, and 256-bit hardware-based encryption.  The included WD SmartWare Pro data protection software allows users to back up their data to their My Passport Slim and keep an extra copy in their Dropbox account for peace-of-mind. The software also lets users back up their Dropbox1 account to the My Passport Slim. These features make the My Passport Slim an ideal choice for protecting, storing, and enjoying digital content on the go.
Available in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities, the My Passport Slim measures a scant 4.33 x 3.14 x 0.48-inches*, giving mobile consumers an easy and convenient way to transport their favorite music, movies, photos and documents.
*Measurement for 1TB. 2TB measures 4.33 x 3.14 x 0.7-inches
The My Passport Slim also incorporates super-fast USB 3.0 connectivity for quick transfer speeds of high resolution digital files.
"WD's My Passport Slim drives are setting a new industry standard for portability, capacity, and file protection," explained Scott Steffens, general manager of WD's consumer storage solutions group. "Its beautiful metal exterior, combined with up to 2 TB of storage, hardware encryption, and WD SmartWare Pro backup protection make it the only storage device today's mobile consumers will ever need to bring with them."
Pricing and Availability
My Passport Slim portable hard drives are protected by a 3-year limited warranty and will be available from the WD store at wdstore.com as well as select retailers and distributors. My Passport Slim 1 TB has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $99.99 USD, and the My Passport Slim 2 TB2 is $149.99.
About WD
WD, a Western Digital company, is a long-time innovator and storage industry leader. As a storage technology pacesetter, the company produces reliable, high-performance hard disk drives and solid state drives. These drives are deployed by OEMs and integrators in desktop and mobile computers, enterprise computing systems, embedded systems and consumer electronics applications, as well as by the company in providing its own storage products. WD's leading storage devices and systems, networking products, media players and software solutions empower people around the world to easily save, store, protect, share and experience their content on multiple devices. WD was established in 1970 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.wd.com
. Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC), Irvine, Calif., is a global provider of products and services that empower people to create, manage, experience and preserve digital content. Its companies design and manufacture storage devices, networking equipment and home entertainment products under the WD, HGST and G-Technology brands. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (http://www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the expected availability of the My Passport Slim in the 2 TB capacity. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including changes in markets, competition, demand, global economic or political conditions and or other risks detailed from time-to-time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, to which your attention is directed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak as of the date hereof, and WD undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.                                                                                
Western Digital, WD, the WD logo, and My Passport are registered trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries; WD SmartWare and My Passport Slim are trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Dropbox is a registered of Dropbox Inc. Other marks may be mentioned herein that belong to other companies. As used for storage capacity one gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes, and one terabyte (TB) = one trillion bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment. See support.wdc.com for limited warranty terms and conditions.
1 Dropbox account required for cloud backup
2 My Passport Slim in 2 TB capacity will be available next quarter.

Wacom Releases New Intuos and Intuos Pro Models

Wacom has introduced a new line-up of Intuos and Intuos Pro pen tablets. The products have been re-designed in terms of ergonomic and technical features. In addition there is a slimmer design and improved multi-touch functions and wireless capabilities. The Intuos Pro comes in four Pen & Touch sizes– small (£199.99), medium (£299.99) and large (£429.99), as well as the silver framed Intuos Pro Special Edition (medium size), priced at  £319.99. There are four Intuos models available including the Intuos Pen (£59.99), Intuos Pen & Touch Manga (£84.99) Intuos Pen & Touch S (£84.99) and Intuos Pen & Touch M (£169.99). The optional Wireless Accessory Kit for Intuos tablets is priced at £34.99.
Wacom Press Release
Wacom Intuos – one brand, designed for creativity

New Intuos line inspires creativity from beginners to creative professionals
4th September 2013 - Designed for creativity, the new Intuos line-up of pen tablets addresses a wider customer base including beginners, hobbyists, enthusiasts, all the way up to creative professionals. The products have been re-designed in terms of ergonomic and technical features. In addition there is a slimmer design and improved multi-touch functions and wireless capabilities for convenience and comfort.
“Creativity is for everyone. But some people decide to do it as an occupation, and some people don’t”, says the New York based contemporary illustrator Yuko Shimizu when interviewed for a testimonial for Wacom’s new website. This belief echoes Wacom’s philosophy that creativity ranges from everyday to full-time professional engagement.
Intuos Pro
The perfect tool for creative experts such as photographers, designers and digital artists, Intuos Pro also gives creative enthusiasts the power to produce professional results. The Wacom Grip Pen with 2048 levels of pen pressure sensitivity, a single gram of starting pressure and tilt recognition allows artists to create with the accuracy and precision of traditional brushes and pens, whilst improved multi-touch gestures enable users to position and navigate their work intuitively.

Improved customisable ExpressKeys and the Touch Ring help to streamline workflow and increase productivity. Decreasing dependency on the computer keyboard, these commonly used shortcuts and modifiers are placed at the fingertips. Express View, the Heads-Up-Display (HUD) feature, displays current settings on-screen and fades within a few seconds so as not to disrupt the creative process. Additionally, a personalised Radial Menu enables users to quickly access preferred functions through a hierarchical menu display.

The ambidextrous and ergonomic design of the Intuos Pro allows creative professionals to work in complete comfort for long hours and the included wireless accessory kit means they don’t need to be attached to their computer all the time, working any way they want from up to 10 metres (30 feet) away.
Intuos
The Intuos pen tablet provides a natural, easy and fun way for beginners and hobbyists to express their creativity. Taking drawing with a pen and paper to another level, the Intuos enables users to get creative on the computer, whether simply sketching and doodling, painting a picture, editing photographs or designing greeting cards.

Using the sleek new pen with a more tapered shape to fit the hand and a comfortable soft touch finish, aspiring artists get the feeling of traditional pens or brushes and are able to add even the smallest details to drawings. Multi-Touch also allows users to navigate, zoom and rotate their work at the flick of a finger. Similar to other Wacom pen tablets, the Intuos also features four ExpressKeys now with application specific settings for popular creative software.

The Intuos has a new ergonomic and slim design that is eye catching with a metallic finish. The colour of the pen holder tag as well as the rings on the pen itself can be changed, with a range of colours available to suit a user’s mood or style. An optional wireless kit is also available to make the tablet portable and easy to use remotely.

To complete the Intuos range, Wacom has also recently launched the Intuos Creative Stylus, aimed at users looking to draw, sketch or visualize ideas on an iPad. The Intuos Creative Stylus offers a natural, easy and authentic pen experience with 2048 pressure levels. Compatible with key iPad creative apps, it can reproduce the feel and artistic control of traditional brushes and markers.

Wacom’s other products designed for creativity include the new Cintiq Companion Creative Tablets and Cintiq Creative Pen Displays.
Availability and pricing
The Intuos Pro comes in four Pen & Touch sizes– small (£199.99), medium (£299.99) and large (£429.99), as well as the clean and stylish Intuos Pro Special Edition (medium size) with a silver frame, ideal for design sensitive enthusiasts, priced at  £319.99. There are four Intuos models available including the Intuos Pen (£59.99), Intuos Pen & Touch Manga (£84.99) Intuos Pen & Touch S (£84.99) and Intuos Pen & Touch M (£169.99). The optional Wireless Accessory Kit for Intuos tablets is priced at £34.99. All prices include VAT.
The new Intuos and Intuos Pro line will be available in Wacom´s eStore, http://uk.shop.wacom.eu/products/intuos/intuos and http://uk.shop.wacom.eu/products/intuos/intuos-pro, as of today.

Find out more about the new Intuos line at http://www.wacom.com www.w,acom.com/creative/intuos or http://www.wacom.com/creative/intuos-pro

Product trailer – http://youtu.be/neQECDMU1jE

Calumet Launches Two New Professional Flash Systems

Calumet has launched two new portable flash systems. The Genesis GF200 with its 360 degree illumination and 200Ws power output will retail at £285 and its larger sibling, the GF400, with similar illumination but with 400Ws power output, will cost £385. Each unit boasts a large LCD display; simplified controls; a separate  On/Off button; rotating head with vertical adjustments up to 90 degrees; MF-Assist Beam for low-light or low contrast conditions; audio-ready function and built-in overheating protection circuitry. Both units are capable of wireless-remote manual power control when used with the company’s Genesis 433MHZ 16-Channel Wireless Trigger kit. The GF200 and GF 400 are designed to be used with the PowerPort Duo 1000 - a rechargeable, interchangeable battery pack with a price tag of £127.
Calumet Press Release
Calumet launches two new Professional flash systems
Calumet has launched two new portable flash systems at highly competitive prices.

The Genesis GF200 with its 360 degree illumination and 200Ws power output will retail at just £285.00 and its larger sibling, the GF400, with similar illumination but with 400Ws power output, will cost £385.00.

Both units are capable of wireless-remote manual power control when used with the company’s Genesis 433MHZ 16-Channel Wireless Trigger kit.

Said Sian Hamer, Calumet’s marketing executive: “We think these new products, which form part of our ever-expanding Calumet Genesis range, will prove very popular with our customers. Both provide excellent manual control of flash settings but without sacrificing compactness or ease of use. What also makes these flash systems exciting is the wide range of light control accessories available -including the 16-channel wireless trigger kit, an umbrella reflector, beauty dish w/grid and snoot.

Each unit boasts a large LCD display; simplified controls; a separate  On/Off button; rotating head with vertical adjustments up to 90 degrees; MF-Assist Beam for low-light or low contrast conditions; audio-ready function and built-in overheating protection circuitry. Built-in PC sync and 3.5mm sockets also provide flexible triggering options.”

She added: “The GF200 and GF 400 are designed to be used with the PowerPort Duo 1000 - a rechargeable, interchangeable battery pack with a price tag of just £127.00. This pack can provide up to 900 full power flashes with the GF 200 and 450 flashes for the GF 400 in a single charge. It is also compatible with a wide range of popular speedlights including Canon, Nikon, Sony and Metz alternatives. All Genesis light modifier accessories are compatible with the Quantum Qflash TRIO and 5dR flash units.”
The new Calumet flash systems and all associated lighting control accessories are available through all Calumet sales channels: stores, call centre and web.

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk

Adorama Ships New Glow Series

Adorama is now shipping its brand new photography diffusion and accessories line, Glow by Flashpoint. The range offers softboxes in varying shapes and sizes, including the Grand Softbox in two different sizes, and unique HexaPop products, which combine the flattering diffusion of a softbox with the soft focused light from the reflective, curved surface of an umbrella, the company says. Also available in the Glow by Flashpoint collection are the Glow Speed Rings for Bowens and for Balcar/White Lightning. Glow by Flashpoint products are now available in the Adorama store, located at 42 West 18th Street in New York City, and online at the Adorama website.

Website: Adorama

Adorama Press Release

Studio Lighting Modifiers: New Glow Series Now Being Shipped by Adorama

The brand new Glow line from Adorama offers photographers high quality, professional studio and on-location lighting accessories at amazing prices

New York, NY – August 28, 2013 – Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/), one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers, recently launched its brand new photography diffusion and accessories line, Glow by Flashpoint (more info). Adorama’s brand new line of professional studio and on-location lighting modifiers employs advanced technology designed to create perfect editorial and product still life images. Glow by Flashpoint offers softboxes (more info) in varying shapes and sizes, including the Grand Softbox in two different sizes, and unique HexaPop products (more info), which combine the flattering diffusion of a softbox with the soft focused light from the reflective, curved surface of an umbrella. All Glow lighting accessories are completely heat resistant and are designed with superior construction and materials, including a super-strength, silver, gridded fabric lining the interior surfaces of the box that adds a crisp quality to the output. Made in Korea, these new lighting accessories from Adorama are available now exclusively in the Adorama store, located at 42 West 18th Street in New York City, and online at Adorama.com at highly competitive prices.

Glow – R Series

Every Glow – R Series product features removable double diffusers with extremely soft, even light spread that is contrast-balanced. Reinforced support rod pockets, seams and Velcro closures make assembly and setup trouble-free.

The unique Glow Grand Softboxes feature a construction of parabolic design, creating a light source that imitates natural sunlight. The highlight/shadow ratio is optimized with a concentrated focus of illumination from the special bowl reflector and reverse umbrella design. Both the 71” and 47” Grand Softboxes combine the strength of a key light while acting as a great reflector, maximizing a single light source into a blaze of directed soft light. The super even coverage is perfect for larger groups and objects. The design features exceptional light efficiency with flattering results.

The Glow 71” Grand Softbox optimizes the extreme potential of studio strobes, whether covering live, unpredictable action or simply large-scale location illumination. It can also be used for typical fashion, portrait and beauty photography. The Glow 47” Grand Softbox is perfect for brilliantly lit, full-length fashion, portrait and beauty photography. By adding the gridded outer diffuser shield, photographers can transform the overall wash of sharper light into a less harsh mood.

The Glow Strip Rectangle – R Series Softboxes are specifically able to isolate the glow effect, not only used as a directional soft light source but as a specialty rectangular shape in reflective and translucent objects. This unique, oblong softbox comes in three different sizes – 12” x 36”, 16” x 48”, and 30” x 60”. Each of the Glow Strip Rectangle Softboxes creates a tower of light that limits coverage to create a more dramatic effect. They are ideal for photographing people in isolated light treatment where controlled contrast is desired, when working with glass and metallic objects, and when sharper fall-off occurs.

Glow Rectangle – R Series Softboxes are designed as the softbox standard for studio and location situations where diffused light is desired. A mainstay for any photographer’s lighting kit, these rectangular softboxes are available in three different sizes: 24” x 36”, 36” x 48”, and 40” x 56”. The remarkably even light covers larger objects in a still life setting and creates smooth fall-off effects when used as an overhead light bank on a boom. The Glow Rectangle – R Series Softboxes from Adorama are also great as a rectangular shape in reflective and translucent objects.

Adorama also offers the Glow Square Softbox – R Series, a prime “harder” soft light for studio and location shooting where diffusion is desired but richer contrasts suggest more direct lighting. While rectangular softboxes create a more “open window” look, smaller banks focus more intensity into the scene – making the 28” x 28” square softbox from Glow a must-have lighting solution for any photographer.

The ultimate one-source “people” light, the Glow Softbox Octo – R Series combines the strength of a portrait key light while acting as a soft wrap, blending perfectly with additional fill soft lights. Available in three different sizes – 24”, 36” and 60” – the highlight/shadow ratio of Adorama’s octagonal softboxes is optimized with a concentrated focus of illumination from the special bowl reflector and reverse umbrella design. The smallest of the bunch, the 24” adds slightly more “pop” to contrast due to its tight reflector spec, while the 60” is an optimal tool for mastering on-location shoots, imitating natural light.

Glow HexaPop – the Marriage of Softboxes and Umbrellas

Softboxes diffuse and spread light through baffles and reflection. As the nature of the source light is more widely distributed, the light reaches all surfaces with less contrast, filling in details and shadows at the expense of ill-defined contours. Umbrellas produce soft, focused light from their reflected, curved surfaces. The sharper quality of directional light beams makes for a more seductive treatment of people and skin tones. Light aimed at the umbrella’s center focal point bounces off the internal surfaces at different angles, but leaves the umbrella as parallel rays.

The marriage of the softbox to the umbrella, Glow HexaPop lighting solutions offer a parabolic umbrella that does not cast divergent or convergent light, creating more natural, sun-like shadows and fill light. The reflector shape directs all the light in one controllable direction, while the added diffuser softens the light, creating an incredibly flattering result.

The Glow HexaPop, available in 20” and 24” sizes, brings flattering, soft and rich color lighting to normally harsh, direct on-camera flash. It can be used as a key light off-camera with a remote trigger, or attached to hot shoe camera automation with a camera bracket and cable. The lightweight HexaPop opens easily and locks to create the perfect reflector diffuser. The ultra-efficient parabolic reflector has virtually no fall-off from edge to edge. Flashpoint engineers use UV-A and UV-R diffuser materials, which are exceptionally heat resistant. The internal silver reflector fabric rivals all other flexible materials, imitating polished lame. A speedlight attaches to the speed ring assembly and aligns almost all brands of flashes.

The unique six-sided shape of the HexaPop and narrow profile provides a large 105-degree light spread in a light, space-saving package. The shadows are slight and beautifully graduated. Colors are rich and vibrant without the flat pancake “flashpan” look of direct strobe.

Speed Rings

Also available in the Glow by Flashpoint collection are the Glow Speed Rings for Bowens and for Balcar/White Lightning. Glow Speed Rings provide 360 degrees of rotation; regardless of which softbox or brand of flash is in use, full control is always achievable.

Pricing and Availability

Glow by Flashpoint products are now available in the Adorama store, located at 42 West 18th Street in New York City, and online at the Adorama website. Visit Adorama.com to learn more about pricing and availability. For more information on light modifiers and how they are affected by size, shape and control, visit the Adorama Learning Center (http://www.adorama.com/alc/0013691/article/Light-Modifiers-AdoramaTV).

TwistFlex

Creativity Backgrounds have added a new product to its range. The TwistFlex is a portable pop-up double sided photography / video background. When opened out the TwistFlex background is 2.16m x 1.79 m and folds away into a circle with a diameter of 84cm, it weighs 3kgs so it is very lightweight, it includes circular carry bag. There is a black-and-white option and a green Chroma Key version, priced at £175+VAT.

Press Release

“TwistFlex” further expands Creativity Backgrounds product line

Twistflex is a portable pop-up double sided photography / video background. Photographers will benefit from the Twistflex backgrounds as they are ideal for situations where a self-supporting wrinkle free background needs to be quickly set up, moved and packed away.

“We added Twistflex into our range in response to mobile photographers needing something quick and portable,” said Clive Bailey of Creativity Backgrounds. “Our core business is our over 50 shades of paper coloured backdrops, selling thousands of rolls to resellers and professional photographers all over the UK, Europe and Worldwide. We hope the new range, which also joins our recently added PhotoDrape and PolySilk, will inspire photographers and make their job easier.”

The Twistflex background is a cloth stretched out by the Twistflex metal outer to create a crease and wrinkle free pop up background, and is reversible chroma green or chroma blue (black and white also available).  When opened out the Twistflex background is a good size at 2.16m x 1.79 m and folds away into a circle 84cms diameter, it weighs 3kgs so it is very lightweight, it includes circular carry bag.

Video makers and greenscreen photographers will value the Chroma Key “TwistFlex” £175 +vat
http://www.photography-backgrounds.co.uk/Chroma-Key-Fabric/151100-Twistflex-Chroma-Green-and-Blue.html

The black and white option:
http://www.photography-backgrounds.co.uk/Chroma-Key-Fabric/151101-Twistflex-Black-and-White.html

There is a video tutorial to help explain how to open and fold it away too

Only £6 delivery inc vat (£5 ex vat)

Lowepro Format Camera Bag Series

Lowepro has announced a new range of shoulder bags. The Lowepro Format camera bags are available in five sizes, and offer streamlined dessigns with a variety of options for both photo and video gear, multiple pockets, interior padding, weather-resistant fabric and YKK zippers. The Lowepro Format 160  fits an SLR camera with attached kit lens and 2 extra lenses, as well as a selection of other accessories and personal devices, all for £29.99. The Format 140, 120, 110 and 100 are progressively smaller designs priced between £17.99 and £24.99. “Our new Format series addresses the protection and carrying needs of today’s new photographers and enthusiasts who like variety in their imaging gear,” said Mark Regan, Country Manager for Lowepro UK.  “These bags are designed to accommodate multiple devices – from DSLRs to CSCs to camcorders – and make it easy to adjust the fit to suit a particular shooting style or photo adventure.”
Lowepro Press Release
Lowepro’s NEW Format shoulder bag  - multi use, lightweight and modern
Want a bag that can carry all your video and photo kit?
Need weather-protection as standard?
Versatile storage inside and different carrying options a must?
Look no further than the NEW Lowepro Format camera bags series available exclusively Curry’s & PC World
Lowepro Format camera bags – available in five sizes

• Streamlined, multi-device designs offer a variety of options for both photo and video gear
• Protective inside and out, with interior padding, weather-resistant fabric and YKK zippers
• Multiple pockets offer accessible storage options
• Adjustable divider system makes it easy to customise
• Multiple carrying options: via detachable shoulder strap and grab handle

Format 160 fits a DSLR with attached kit lens and 2 extra lenses, as well as a selection of other accessories and personal devices.
Dimensions: 21(W) x 12(D) x 19.5(H) cm
Available in black priced £29.99
Format 140 fits a DSLR with attached kit lens and an extra lens, as well as a selection of other accessories and personal devices.
Dimensions: 16(W) x 9(D) x 16.5(H) cm
Available in black priced £24.99

Format 120 fits a DSLR with attached kit lens OR a complete CSC kit OR a video camera, as well as a selection of other accessories and personal devices.
Dimensions: 13(W) x 9(D) x 14.5(H) cm
Available in black priced £19.99

Format 110 fits a CSC with attached kit lens and an extra pancake lens OR a camcorder, as well as a selection of other accessories and personal devices.
Dimensions: 17.5(W) x 9(D) x 8(H) cm
Available in black priced £17.99

Format 100 fits an HOZ or CSC with its attached kit lens, as well as a selection of other accessories and personal devices.
Dimensions: 13.5(W) x 9(D) x 8(H) cm
Available in black priced £17.99
“Our new Format series addresses the protection and carrying needs of today’s new photographers and enthusiasts who like variety in their imaging gear,” said Mark Regan, Country Manager for Lowepro UK.  “These bags are designed to accommodate multiple devices – from DSLRs to CSCs to camcorders – and make it easy to adjust the fit to suit a particular shooting style or photo adventure.”

Each Format model is constructed with a padded and adjustable divider system, weather-resistant outer fabric, plus sturdy and durable YKK zippers – all to provide superior protection.

Multiple pockets offer accessible storage: a zippered exterior pocket and see-through mesh interior pocket make it easy to stash and grab go-to essentials such as spare memory, batteries, cables and lens cloths, and small personal items.

Additional features include: a grab handle; adjustable and detachable shoulder strap (160 includes padded strap); built-in key ring (160 and 140 only); and belt loop (100 only).

Available in Black the new Format series will be available to purchase exclusively from Curry’s & PC World from the end of August.
Visit http://www.currys.co.uk or www.pcworld.co.uk