Industry Perspective

“Frankencamera” Could Revolutionize Photography

by Ron Leach

Scientists at Stanford University are attempting to revolutionize photography with the development of a unique “open-source” digital camera platform they say will provide programmers with the freedom to fine-tune acam...

WD (NYSE: WDC) is launching the WD's new Creative Masters Program, an educational program that will share the knowledge and experience of three world-class artists and emphasize the critical importance of safely storing priceless files and backing up. WD's Creative Masters Program will offer a colorful, educational and inspirational look at artistry and the creative workflow as presented through the eyes and minds of three of the world's most respected photographers -- Bruce Dorn, Colin Finlay and Peter Read Miller.

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I always like to work with the newest and best, but the reality of my budget is always the deciding factor. So I upgrade a bit less often than I would like. This time I had no say in the matter. A freak accident wrecked one of my Mac Mini’s and its external hard drive with backup in one fell swoop. Panic time and calls to Apple for help. Even though not responsible Apple was generous in helping with the recovery, although I had to spend some money too, plus invest a lot of work time. But the recovery is almost complete.

FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. has unveiled the FinePix S200EXR digital camera, its most advanced SLR-styled camera to date. Combining the pin-sharp 14.3x Fujinon optical zoom lens (30.5mm-436mm equivalent) so popular in its predecessor, the award-winning FinePix S100FS, with Fujifilm’s latest 12-MegaPixel Super CCD EXR sensor, the FinePix S200EXR is aimed at top-end camera enthusiasts looking for excellent picture quality without the hassle, bulk and expense of a D-SLR system.

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AsukaBook USA announces a new album choice, a new book size available in all lines and faster turnaround time on orders for professional photographers and designers looking to offer their clients high quality products and faster than ever service. AsukaBook USA, a division of Kubota Photo Design Inc., now has a total of six different book lines available from which to choose.

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Pentax Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR.  This latest Pentax camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video.  The K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. 

Priced at $599.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the extremely compact and lightweight Pentax K-x features a one-handed shooting design and simple, easy-to-use operation, the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

The Pentax K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:

• High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS cinematic frame rate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the Pentax PRIME II image processing engine.
• Powerful automatic modes, including Pentax Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

Along with the K-x, Pentax announced the smc Pentax DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens.  This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens.  The lightweight design of this
zoom lens offers the exceptional optical performance found in all Pentax lenses for super-telephoto photography with the K-x and other Pentax digital SLR camera bodies.

The Pentax  K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations: options: 

• K-x single lens kit with body and an smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
• K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 including a K-x body, the smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc Pentax DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
• K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc Pentax DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

www.Pentax.com

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Tenba has launched their first major enthusiast/prosumer collection called Mixx. This new collection comprises a broad range of bags—from small pouches and top load bags for point and shoot cameras and single SLR setups, to shoulder bags and a daypack to fit larger camera systems. Mixx is both colorfully styled and incredibly lightweight, and all bags maintain Tenba’s dedication to professional quality construction, materials and hardware.

Each Mixx product is lighter weight at its size and capacity than any similar product Tenba has ever offered. This was a major goal from the beginning of the collection design. The materials and hardware used in each bag meet the “no compromise” level that has continued to be Tenba’s signature, including YKK zippers and Duraflex clips. Top Loads, Shoulder Bags and the Daypack all include Tenba’s exclusive WeatherWrap, the fastest deploying all-weather cover around.

The Mixx collection includes three pouch sizes, the largest of which was designed to be a perfect fit for the Canon G9 and G10. For an SLR with a single lens there are two sizes of Top Load bags that can be use with the supplied shoulder strap or attached to a belt. Small and large sized Shoulder Bags fit cameras with extra lenses, flash and accessories, And finally, the Daypack is a comfortable and supportive way to carry both a camera system and the other items you might need during a full day of shooting, like food, an umbrella and a jacket.

Mixx products range in (manufacturer’s suggested) retail price from $11.95 to $74.95. For more information, visit Tenba.com

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Filters for Fall Foliage

There are so many words which are available to express the idea of balance between things in nature and life. There are also many practical considerations, like if you want to use a swing in a playground, the other person on the far end of the swing must balance your weight if you want to use the swing enjoyably. If you are on a lake with a canoe on a camping trip, you take care loading the canoe so it sits in the water evenly from stem to stern if you want the canoe to be easy to paddle and control. If you have a truck you are careful loading the cargo area so the front part of load is a bit heavier than the rear so weight is not taken off the front wheels of the truck making it steer poorly. On and on, balance is an essential part of ideal functioning.

Westcott Now Offering Soft Box with Narrower Depth.


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