News

Panasonic
has introduced two new Lumix digital still cameras with 12x optical zoom and
MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). Models DMC-FZ5 and DMC-FZ4 offer 5.0-megapixel
and 4.0-megapixel resolution, respectively, and incorporate a newly developed
12x optical zoom equivalent to 36mm to 432mm (DMC-FZ5) / 35mm to 420mm (DMC-FZ4)
on a 35mm film camera lens. The 12x optical zoom combined with 4x digital zoom
magnifies images by as much as 48x, enabling users to capture images of subjects
at longer distances. Both cameras feature a high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
lens.



Panasonic first introduced the MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer with its DMC-FZ1
digital still camera in 2003; and, in 2004, was the first to market a digital
camera with 12x zoom and MEGA O.I.S. Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
automatically detects and corrects for hand movement, providing precise compensation
with no image quality degradation. This technology is especially appreciated
when taking telephoto shots or when using slow shutter speeds to capture the
atmosphere in dimly lit scenes.



Panasonic's LSI Venus Engine II handles image processing, LCD functions, and
writing to the memory card simultaneously, making these cameras responsive with
an industry-leading release time lag of 0.008 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ5
and 0.006 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ4; and shutter interval of approx. 0.4
seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ5 and 0.3 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ4. The
LSI also enables fast consecutive shooting capability, capturing sequential
shots at a rate of 3 frames (DMC-FZ5) or 4 frames (DMC-FZ4) per second at full
resolution. An unlimited consecutive shooting function allows the user to take
photos in succession until the memory card is full. The LSI also improves horizontal,
vertical and diagonal resolution.



Auto angle detection, a new feature, records whether an image was taken horizontally
or vertically and displays it accordingly, whether viewed on the camera's LCD
or on a connected TV.



Other features include fast AF; selectable manual functions (such as aperture-priority
AE, shutter-priority AE and manual exposure); a Simple Mode, in which most settings
are made automatically; real-time histogram; color viewfinder; built-in flash,
and more.



www.panasonic.com



MODEL AVAILABILITY MSRP

DMC-FZ5 April 2005 $499.95

DMC-FZ4 April 2005 $449.95

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In olden times printmakers toiling in the darkroom had a fair sampling of paper
surfaces from which to choose, as well as paper "tones" that ranged
from warm to cool, depending on the paper characteristics modified by the developer
used. Alas, those days are past, with less and less surfaces available. Now,
however, the choice in paper surfaces and weights has returned, albeit in the
form of inkjet papers for output using both pigment and dye based inks. Today,
the proliferation of inkjet paper brands speaks to the growing market for these
products and provides the photographer with perhaps even more possibilities
than even was available in the heyday of the chemical darkroom arts.

...

Tamrac has introduced a redesign of their popular Expedition Series backpacks,
now with "Wing" accessory pockets that allow for quick access to
accessories. The accessory pockets also have Tamrac's exclusive Memory
and Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify available memory
cards and batteries. The packs include dual-foam comfort pads on the back and
air flow channels to keep the werer, and contents, cool and dry. There's
also a QuickClip tripod attachment system with a tripod foot pocket for balancing
a tripod with the pack.

...

Primera Technology's BravoPro Disc Publisher is an automated CD/DVD burning
and printing system. BravoPro copies and prints up to 100-discs per job hands-free
with both Mac and PC compatibility. BravoPro is available with two 52x CD-R
drives or two DVD±R/CD-R combination drives that record DVDs at 16x and
CDs at 32x. A 4800 dpi printer, prints full-color, photo-quality images directly
on the surface of the disc. No labels are required! Bravo II can be used as
a desktop unit or integrated in larger photographic processing and kiosk solutions.

...

Paper Anyone?

There are a large number of new papers and inks being shown at PMA this year,
with better archival properties and new surfaces - both traditional RC type
papers and fine art textures. Oriental, long known for their papers in the traditional
film market was showing a new line of inkjet papers, the Graphica Fiber Base
Glossy, ideal for those looking for traditional silver halide print quality,
Graphica RC Professional in gloss and luster finishes, Graphica Designer Art
Canvas, which can either be stretched like traditional canvas or mounted and
matted like traditional papers. The papers are available in cut sheet sizes
for desktop printers and roll sizes up to 42 inches.







MediaStreet was showing their new black only ink set and papers. Currently for
the Epson R series printers, MediaStreet has expanded beyond their Niagra continuous
ink system into what looks to be a very strong entry for dedicated black and
white ink jet printing. Their profiles have several tone curves that mimic traditional
alternative processing. The Niagara system now supports the Epson 4000, R300
and R800 printers as well as the Canon i9900 printers.



Arches, who makes the popular Infinity fine art papers was showing a new line
of papers from Canson. Surfaces include Torchon, Canvas, Mi-Teintes, and Watercolor
for the fine art photographer, and both PhotoGloss and PhotoSatin for a more
traditional look. The Canson line will be available in cut sheet and rolls up
to 50" width.



Hahnemuehle introduced a new series of fine art papers - the White Etching 100%
Rag in both 350 and 500 gsm as well as a new Photo Rag Bright White 308 gsm
paper.



Good news for many though is that Ilford has announced that black and white
film, paper, and chemicals will continue to be available, good news for the
many fans of Ilford film products.



Ferrania has a new line of archival paper out that offers excellent fade protection.
Compatible with dye and pigment printers, the paper is available in gloss and
satin finishes.







Kodak has finally made their Professional line of inkjet papers available in
10", 16", and 24" x 100' roll sizes. These papers have
the look and feel of traditional Kodak gloss (F surface) and luster (E surface)
paper with the familiar Kodak logo on the back.

...

DxO Labs, a software developer focused on research in image processing, has
announced the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 2.2 software. This latest
version of DxO Labs' flagship product adds: support for the Canon EOS
1Ds Mark II. and the Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) file format as an output option.



With DxO Optics Pro 2.2, DxO Labs is simplifying its pricing structure. DxO
Raw Engine -- previously an option priced at US $119-- is being included
as a standard component of DxO Optics Pro.



www.dx.com

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