AKVIS Updates Photo Correction Bundle

AKVIS has updated three of its programs: Enhancer 14.0, Noise Buster v.9.0, Refocus v.4.0. New features and enhancements include the ability to quickly post pictures from the programs to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr and Google+; improved raw image file processing; full compatibility with Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 and Corel PaintShop Pro X6; separate set-up files for 32-bit and for 64-bit versions of Windows; and a few bug fixes.

AKVIS Press Release

Update for AKVIS Photo Correction Bundle: Enhancer v.14.0, Noise Buster v.9.0, Refocus v.4.0

October 15, 2013 - AKVIS is glad to announce the update of their three programs: Enhancer v.14.0, Noise Buster v.9.0, Refocus v.4.0. The new versions offer the sharing feature, new compatibilities for the plugins, support for more RAW formats, and other improvements.

Three AKVIS photo correction programs have been updated!

We are glad to release AKVIS Enhancer v.14.0, AKVIS Noise Buster v.9.0, and AKVIS Refocus v.4.0.

AKVIS Photo Correction Bundle

AKVIS Enhancer improves detail in a picture, fixes a dark photo, adds contrast and brightness, adjusts tones. The software detects detail in underexposed, overexposed and mid tone areas of a photo with uneven exposure. It offers an individual approach to every part of the image!

AKVIS Noise Buster is noise suppression software. The program reduces both luminance and color noise in digital images without blurring the edges of objects. Now your photos look neat and accomplished!

AKVIS Refocus improves sharpness of out of focus images. The program can process the entire photo or bring into focus only the selected part to make the subject stand out against the background. It's also possible to add bokeh and lens blur effects to your photos.

Make your photos better with AKVIS software!

All of these products are available in two variants: as plug-ins and as standalone applications, in versions for Windows and Mac OS X. They can be purchased as separate products as well as in the Photo Correction bundle, at the discounted price (40% Off).

In the New Versions:

• New Share feature has been added. Now you can quickly post pictures from the programs to the social services: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Google+.
• RAW processing has been improved. The list of supported digital cameras has been extended with new cameras from various manufacturers (FUJIFILM, SONY, NIKON, and many others).
• The plug-ins are now fully compatible with Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Photoshop Elements 12, and Corel PaintShop Pro X6.
• The installation process for Windows has been improved. Now two setup files are available: for 32-bit and for 64-bit Windows operating system.
• Also, a batch processing error has been fixed in the Noise Buster plugin, as well as other minor bugs and interface glitches in all three programs.

Registered users of any versions of Noise Buster, Refocus, and the latest versions of Enhancer (v.10-13.5) are eligible to upgrade their programs for free. Those who have an older version (v.1-9) of Enhancer will need to pay for an upgrade to the current v.14.

All programs run on Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win 8 and on Mac OS X 10.4-10.8, both 32 bit and 64 bit.

For a free trial, AKVIS offers 10 days of fully functional use. For more information visit akvis.com.

About Company

AKVIS (http://akvis.com) specializes in development of image processing software and scientific research. The company was founded in 2004 by IT professionals having considerable experience in programming and software development. Since then the company has released a number of successful programs.

Three New LED Lights from Fotodiox

Fotodiox has released its next-generation LED light panels; the Fotodiox LED-312D, LED-312DS, and LED-1024AL. The three new LED panels feature all-metal barn doors to shape and control the light, while a locking system keeps the barn doors in place, no matter how the light is mounted. The lights feature a backlit LCD panel that displays the percentage of light intensity and remaining battery life. The numbers in the product names indicate the number of light emitting diodes the lights are equipped with - this means that the first two products have 312 LEDs each, whilst the LED-1024AL comes with over a thousand 5600K daylight LEDs in a compact (12” x 12”) form. All three of the new Fotodiox LED upgrades are available for immediate sale, and each light kit comes with a 24 month manufacturer warranty.

Website: Fotodiox

Fotodiox Press Release

Fotodiox Announces New Additions to Signature Line of High-Intensity LED Lights

Next Generation Upgrades to Best-Selling LED Lighting Panels Offer More Portability, Control, and Ease of Use for Amateur and Professional Photographers

Fotodiox, the leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality photography and videography accessories, has announced the availability of its next generation LED light panels; the Fotodiox LED-312D, LED-312DS, and LED-1024AL. The new LED lights are compact and powerful, while remaining lightweight – perfect for both studio and location shooting. Fotodiox's LED panels generate little heat, use little power, and now the reduced bulk of these newest lights maximize portability and mounting possibilities to capture the perfect shot.

The three new LED panels feature all-metal barn doors to shape and control the light, while a locking system keeps the barn doors in place, no matter how the light is mounted. The lights feature a backlit LCD panel that displays the percentage of light intensity and remaining battery life, to avoid shutdown during the most important photo shoots.

“The new added features, especially the barn doors, make the new equipment ideal for photographers and videographers who want more control, while remaining compact and lightweight to carry on location,” said Kelvin Luo, CEO of Fotodiox. “Our original LED lights were a big hit with both amateur and professional photographers and videographers, and we’re proud to be releasing the next generation of these high-intensity lighting solutions.”

Fotodiox LED-312D

The Fotodiox LED-312D is a versatile professional grade LED light that comes equipped with 312 ultra-bright 5600k LEDs. The powerful daylight balanced LEDs offer a full spectrum of soft light, with full control over the light level from 10-100%. The light is equipped for fully cordless operation with the included lithium-ion battery packs and charger. A rear-mounted backlit LED status display shows both the remaining battery level and the light's brightness level.

Control and shape the light with the new, all-metal barn doors. Two included diffusion panels securely lock into place – one panel softens the light even more, and the second panel is for matching the 312-D's light's color temperature to match tungsten light sources.

Fotodiox LED-312DS

The Fotodiox LED-312DS is an equally powerful and professional LED light panel that shares the form factor of the 312D. Additionally, the 312-DS features a dedicated control to change the light’s color temperature from 5600K daylight to 3200K tungsten color temperature, or any level in between.

The light level is fully dimmable from 10-100%, as indicated by the rear-mounted backlit LCD status display. In addition to the real-time battery level monitor, you can also see the current color temperature output for maximum control of lighting settings.

Fotodiox Pro LED-1024AL

The Fotodiox Pro LED-1024AL comes with over 1,000 powerful LEDs in a compact (12” x 12”) form. The 5600K daylight LED panel is lightweight, making it the ideal versatile and powerful lighting solution whether in the studio or on location. The complete kit includes the 1024AL light, all-metal mounting yoke, locking diffusion panel, AC adapter, and a custom-fitted soft shell case with handle.

Availability and Pricing

All three of the new Fotodiox LED upgrades are available for immediate sale, and each light kit comes with a 24 month manufacturer warranty.

For more information, please visit http://www.FotodioxPro.com

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About Fotodiox

Serving the photo and video markets since 2004, Fotodiox is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality professional photography and videography accessories at wholesale prices. Fotodiox is the developer and exclusive distributor of the WonderPana, as well as the premium Vizelex line of high-end camera systems and adapters. The company also markets a full line of professional photography accessories and lighting equipment, including flash strobes and wedding photography kits, daylight fluorescent lighting, tungsten lighting and video lighting kits. For more information about Fotodiox visit http://www.fotodiox.com and http://www.facebook.com/fotodiox.

New Professional Camera Bags from Manfrotto

Manfrotto has announced its latest professional bags collection for photographers. Comprising 16 camera bags in five styles, the new collection features a Camera Protection System (CPS), which provides protection where it is most needed – at the centre of the bag. This is usually where the camera body and the most valuable lens are stored but, in many traditional bag designs, is also the area most likely to be damaged if the bag is dropped or mishandled, because of all the surrounding gear (lenses, flashes, clamps, spare bodies) crushing the centre. The CPS consists of specially structured 3D foam encasing dividers at the centre of Professional bags which dampen shock and absorb and dissipate the force of impact, thus providing the superior protection a photographer would expect. For more information about the Professional bags series, visit the website below.

Website: Manfrotto UK

Manfrotto Press Release

MANFROTTO LAUNCHES LATEST RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL CAMERA BAGS FOR TOP PHOTOGRAPHERS

The highest protection for professional camera equipment

London, 16th October 2013 – Manfrotto, the world leader in the design, production and distribution of professional products for photography, video and entertainment, announces its latest Professional bags collection aimed at top photographers. With this collection of 16 camera bags in five styles, Manfrotto provides professional camera equipment the best protection on the market.

Defending the heart of the bag

The bags’ Camera Protection System (CPS) provides protection where it is most needed – at the centre of the bag. This is usually where the camera body and the most valuable lens are stored but, in many traditional bag designs, is also the area most likely to be damaged if the bag is dropped or mishandled, because of all the surrounding gear (lenses, flashes, clamps, spare bodies) crushing the centre. The CPS consists of specially structured 3D foam encasing dividers at the centre of Professional bags which dampen shock and absorb and dissipate the force of impact, thus providing the superior protection a photographer would expect.

Exo-Tough Construction is a shock-deflecting design feature on the outer faces of Professional bags. This rigid multi-layer construction keeps the centre of the bag protected and spreads and lessens the force of sharp impacts.

Small details that add up to protection, practicality and durability

Thr Professional range also includes shoulder bags, backpacks and trolleys, which have feet to keep the bag and camera gear off the ground and out of the wet and dirt. They also have built-in raincovers that keep the bag and an attached tripod dry. Pocket positions, closures and sizes are all designed to meet the needs of professional photographers, with hard-wearing, rip-resistant fabrics, easy-to-use zips and durable metal fastenings. The design of the Professional bags is typical of Manfrotto – minimal, stylish and elegant.

A complete range

The new Professional collection covers the different bag types, with enough variety and versatility to ensure that there are styles and sizes to suit everyone:
• Shoulder Bags (5 sizes)
• Backpacks (3 sizes)
• Holsters (4 sizes)
• Slings (2 sizes)
• Trolleys (2 sizes)

For more information about the Professional bags series please visit http://www.manfrotto.co.uk

Benro S6 Video Monopod

Benro has launched its new S6 Video Monopod, a 3-leg folding base monopod combined with Benro's S6 Video Head for increased weight capacity. This heavy duty S6 Video Monopod provides a 13.2 lb payload capacity as well as a 4-step counterbalance that is necessary when working with heavier cameras and longer lenses. The S6 head includes an independent pan lock, which allows the user to pan smoothly without having to turn the entire monopod. Equipped with a 65mm flat base with a 3/8" thread, the S6 video head can be removed from the monopod allowing users to mount the head separately on sliders, jibs or half ball adapters. The new Benro S6 Video Monopod is available now in both flip leg lock (A48FBS6) and twist leg lock (A48TBS6). Suggested retail price is $249.

MAC Press Release

Benro Expands its Lineup of Video Monopods

Company adds the S6 video monopod for larger cameras

North White Plains, NY - October 15, 2013 - Benro® today announced the availability of its new S6 Video Monopod, a 3-leg folding base monopod combined with Benro's S6 Video Head for increased weight capacity. Designed for the run-and-gun type videographer who needs mobility when shooting a wedding, live event, news coverage or documentary the Benro video monopod series provides solid support, flexibility and portability.

This heavy duty S6 Video Monopod provides a 13.2 lb payload capacity as well as a 4-step counterbalance that is necessary when working with heavier cameras and longer lenses. The S6 head includes an independent pan lock, which allows the user to pan smoothly without having to turn the entire monopod. Equipped with a 65mm flat base with a 3/8" thread, the S6 video head can be removed from the monopod allowing users to mount the head separately on sliders, jibs or half ball adapters.

Like all Benro video monopods, the S6 monopod features a 3-leg base with pan cartridge for smooth and stable shots along with reverse folding legs for compact travel. "We received a number of requests during the NAB Trade Show earlier this year, for a video monopod that would work with larger cameras," said Brian Hynes, Benro's product marketing manager. "The S6 Video Monopod is the result of that customer feedback."

Pairing the proper Video Head, Monopod and Travel Case, each Benro Video Monopod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and the option of flip lever or twist leg lock mechanisms.

Offering exceptional rigidity and fluid action, so critical to smooth camera movement, the S6 kits utilize aluminum alloy legs in combination with strategically select cast and machined aluminum and magnesium alloy components.

Features include:
o       13.2 lb payload capacity
o       4-step counterbalance
o       Fixed pan drag
o       Adjustable tilt drag
o       Independent pan lock
o       Independent tilt lock
o       Tilt range +90/-75
o       Includes 501PL compatible QR6 plate
o       Max height of 70.5 inches
o       Min height of 27.8 inches
o       3 leg folding base with fluid pan cartridge

The new Benro S6 Video Monopod is available now in both flip leg lock (A48FBS6) and twist leg lock (A48TBS6). Suggested retail price for the new Monopod is $249.

About Benro
Originally founded in 1996 as a cooperative tripod manufacturer, Benro developed and began marketing its own brand name - Benro Professional Tripods and Heads - in 2002. Since that time Benro Precision Photography Industry Co. Ltd. has received numerous accolades and praise for product and design features.

Benro continuously strives to develop lighter and stronger award-winning products to meet the needs of the most demanding professional photographers and filmmakers. By gathering input from photographers and filmmakers worldwide, Benro has been able to engineer products designed for use by working professionals.

Benro's mission statement is simple: our products are designed and built to provide value and performance for any photographer and to meet or exceed the needs and demands of professional photographers worldwide.

Benro products are exclusively distributed by MAC Group (http://www.MACgroupUS.com) in the USA.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G Hands-on Photos

Want to see exactly what the new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G lens.

A gallery of 13 photos of the new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G lens.

Image Gallery

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Nikon D5300 Hands-on Photos

Want to see exactly what the new Nikon D5300 DSLR camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Nikon D5300 DSLR camera, a new rival for the Canon EOS 700D / Rebel T5i.

A gallery of 29 photos of the new Nikon D5300 DSLR camera.

Image Gallery

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Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH.

Panasonic has announced the development of a new Micro Four Thirds lens called the Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. According to the company, this 30mm equivalent prime lens will feature "sophisticated exterior that matches the stylish design of the world’s smallest Lumix GM digital single lens mirrorless camera." Detailed specifications, availability and pricing have yet to be announced.

Panasonic Press Release

Commercialization of LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH. Digital Interchangeable Lens for Micro Four Thirds System

Panasonic is announcing a commercialization of new digital interchangeable lens LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH. complying Micro Four Thirds System standard*.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH. is an excellent 15mm single focal length lens of F1.7 clearing LEICA’s stringent standard. It also features sophisticated exterior that matches the stylish design of the world’s smallest** LUMIX GM*** digital single lens mirrorless (DSLM) camera.

In addition to “LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH.” and “LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.” which are already released to the market, Panasonic has also announced product commercialization of LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2 to enhance the lineup of LEICA digital interchangeable lens, attracting professional photographers worldwide.

In the meanwhile, Panasonic is further expanding the range of LUMIX G digital interchangeable lens with the development of new LUMIX G VARIO telephoto zoom lens of 35-100mm in stylish, compact design that also matches the LUMIX GM camera.

* Details of the product specifications, the date of release and the price are under study.
** For a body of digital interchangeable lens camera, as of October 17, 2013, according to research by Panasonic.
*** Released on October 17, 2013.

ZeissImages 2013 Photo Contest Now Open

The 2013 ZeissImages.com photo contest is now open for entries. This years theme will be "Ordinary Life". A semi documentary theme where the objective is to capture an ordinary moment in someone's day that becomes an extraordinary photo for everyone to view. This could be a scene from someone struggling to get by day to day or the thrill of a child blowing out a candle on a birthday cake. The photo just needs to portray real events in life that when viewed as a photograph are memorable. Any submitted entry must be photographed with a Zeiss lens. This means smart phones with built in Zeiss lenses are acceptable as are point and shoot cameras, dslr's, rangefinder cameras etc. To submit your photos, you must be a registered member of Zeissimages.com and upload your photos into the category "2013 Contest."

Zeissimages Press Release

The 2013 Contest is Open

The 2013 ZeissImages.com photo contest is officially open. Once again, this year the prize is being provided by Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division thanks to Richard Schleuning, National Sales Manager. This contest would not be possible without support from Richard and Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division.

Theme

This years theme will be "Ordinary Life". A semi documentary theme where the objective is to capture an ordinary moment in someone's day that becomes an extraordinary photo for everyone to view. This could be a scene from someone struggling to get by day to day or the thrill of a child blowing out a candle on a birthday cake. The photo just needs to portray real events in life that when viewed as a photograph are memorable.

Rules

Like before, any submitted entry must be photographed with a Zeiss lens. It does not matter what kind of Zeiss lens was used as long as it was a Zeiss. This means smart phones with built in Zeiss lenses are acceptable as are point and shoot cameras, dslr's, rangefinder cameras, reflex cameras etc ..

All participants may submit up to 3 photographs. You are allowed to change your submitted photos while the contest is open to submissions. Once the contest closes, no more changes or entries will be allowed. To submit your photos, you must be a registered member of Zeissimages.com and upload your photos into the category "2013 Contest". If you already have a photo in the gallery and you wish to use it in the contest, simply change that photos category to reflect the contest category.

The deadline for submissions will be Dec 13th, 2013 at 23:59 GMT. After this date and time, the winning photograph will be chosen and the winning photographer will choose one of the following lenses as his or her prize.

Distagon 2/28 ZE or ZF.2
Distagon 2/35 ZE or ZF.2
Planar 1.4/50 ZE or ZF.2
Planar 1.4/85 ZE or ZF.2
Makro-Planar 2/50 ZE or ZF.2
Touit 2.8/12
Touit 1.8/32

Jury

The jury will consist of Jorge Torralba from Zeissimages.com as well as the world renowned artist and photographer Seal. For more info and a look into Seal's world, please visit http://www.seal.com

Good luck to all participants and thank you for visiting ZeissImages.com