Nikon, Inc. has introduced the new PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens, the latest
in a series of lenses that are equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that enables
photographers the flexibility to effectively manipulate perspective, distortion
and focus. Whether photographing architecture, landscapes, interiors or panoramas,
this Perspective Control (PC) lens easily corrects linear distortion and aberration
to deliver images that more accurately reproduce the view as the human eye sees
it.



Typically, tilting the axis of a camera can result in a misrepresentation of
perspective. A Perspective Control lens' ability to fine-tune perspective
and focus elements virtually eliminates these issues, an essential function
for architectural and interior photographers.



The same features that make this lens excellent for architectural photography
also provide nature and landscape photographers with an essential means to better
control perspective, allowing them to capture nature's beauty more accurately
and naturally. Additionally, the 24mm PC lens enables professional product photographers
to sight just the right shooting angles on reflective objects without capturing
their own reflection in the process.



A special tilt/shift mechanism gives users up to +/- 11.5 mm shift and +/- 8.5-degree
tilt for perspective control. When shooting with a conventional lens, some objects,
such as tall trees and buildings, can be challenging to photograph due to rectilinear
distortion and converging lines that warp perspective. The 24mm Perspective
Control lens corrects this issue with convenient side-mounted controls at 1mm
/ 1-degree intervals that will adjust the focal plane with shift and tilt adjustments.
The lens optics can also be rotated up to 90 degrees right or left for perspective
control adjustment, while a click-stop is provided every 30 degrees. Importantly,
photographers can see the effect of every adjustment accurately through their
Nikon SLR viewfinder.



In addition to providing linear perspective correction, the new 24mm PC lens
has unique characteristics that make it well suited for a variety of tasks and
offers a wide angle-of-view combined with dramatic depth-of-field control potential,
perfect for capturing stunning landscapes. To further control the image, users
can quickly adjust aperture with a stop-down button, or with the aperture ring.
These same characteristics also make the 24mm PC lens a great choice for close-up
macro work, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 feet and the ability to
fine tune focus with perspective control.



The PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens continues NIKKOR's legacy of high-quality
optics and durable design. It features the new "E" designation,
which denotes an electromagnetic diaphragm that automatically controls aperture
with the latest Nikon D-SLR cameras. Three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements
provide superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic
aberration, while three aspherical lens elements minimize various types of lens
aberration. In addition to the Nikon Super Integrated coating that delivers
superior color reproduction, Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps
to virtually eliminate any remaining instances of ghosting and flare.



The PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens is the first in a new series of PC lenses
being designed to meet the needs of photo professionals and enthusiasts. Two
more PC lenses are currently in development and are scheduled to become available
through Nikon authorized dealers during the summer of 2008.



The new PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens as well as prototypes of the upcoming
PC-E NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D ED lenses will
be exhibited along with Nikon's entire line of photographic, optical and
digital imaging solutions at the PMA 2008 International Convention and Trade
Show in Las Vegas, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at exhibitor booth # G220.



The NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens is scheduled to become available through Nikon
authorized dealers in the U.S. in spring 2008 for an estimated selling price
of $1929.



www.nikonusa.com

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SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) has announced Cruzer Titanium Plus, a USB
flash drive that offers automatic online backup for every file copied to the
drive. With a capacity of four gigabytes (GB), it is the first flash memory
product from SanDisk to offer online backup. Users get the best of both worlds,
with access online and offline: Data is always available when Cruzer Titanium
Plus is plugged into any computer. Users also get quick access to their backed-up
files through any computer connected to the Internet, should they forget to
bring the drive with them, or if the drive is lost or stolen.

...

JOBO AG announces the addition of a new ultra stylish, state-of-the-art digital
picture frame to the growing JOBO family of digital picture frames. The new
JOBO Photo Display PDJ151 features a large 15" high intensity luminous
resolution and vibrant TFT-Color-LCD display designed to beautifully showcase
digital images, a big internal memory for easy access to images and many other
user-friendly functions.

...

The DSLR-A200 model features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class
DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony's
first in the DSLR class. The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier
to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for
easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial;
an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control
for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model;
improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up
flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life
remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.



As seen in all a (alpha) camera bodies, the DSLR-A200 camera incorporates Super
SteadyShot image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds
of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible -- a benefit realized
with every compatible lens attached to the camera. Compatible lenses encompass
all Minolta Maxxum mount lenses, in addition to Sony a (alpha) lens lineup - including
Carl Zeiss® lenses.



With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A200 camera
is said to continue to offer high-quality images by allowing more light to pass
through to each pixel -- increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing
greater detail. Clean, reduced-noise signals are sent from the image sensor to
Sony's BIONZ processing engine, which processes data-rich picture information
at high speeds and reduces picture noise in the RAW data stage before image JPEG
conversion. The results are high-resolution, detailed images with rich tonal reproduction.



The DSLR-A200 model supports JPEG and RAW file format support. It has a slot for
CompactFlash Type I/II media cards. An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo media cards
is sold separately as an accessory.



Get The Photo Results You Want

In addition to Super SteadyShot image stabilization for virtually blur-free photos,
the new model incorporates Sony's D-Range Optimizer (DRO). It helps you
capture well-exposed images, especially when shooting high-contrast or backlit
scenes that often lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail. Sony's DRO
modifies the range from highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through
its in-camera hardware processing to produce more natural, evenly exposed pictures.
The camera's image analysis technology studies the captured image data and
instantly determines the best exposure and color tonality for the image before
JPEG compression.



The BIONZ image processing engine powers the camera up immediately and the eye-start
autofocus starts the focusing system before you even press the shutter. The camera
can shoot up to three continuous frames per second at 10.2-megapixels at the finest
JPEG compression level.



As seen in previous a (alpha) models, the new model carries a static-free anti-dust
coating on the CCD filter which is gently vibrated to dislodge any dust that might
have collected each time the camera is powered off.



Additionally, the DSLR-A200 camera's supplied lithium ion battery offers
up to 750 shots per full charge.



Sony is providing a full line of accessories for the model, including flashes,
rechargeable battery packs and several carrying cases. An interesting addition
is the VG-B30AM ergonomic vertical grip equipped with the most essential controls
for portrait orientation shooting. It also allows for the use of two InfoLITHIUM
batteries (sold separately) for up to 1,500 shots on a single, full charge.



The DSLR-A200K kit includes the camera body and a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom
lens for about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT 18-70mm
lens and a 75--300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900. Both will ship in February
and will be available at sonystyle.com,
Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail),
military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online
on Jan. 7 at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.
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