News

Rollei, manufacturer of the classic twin-lens 6x6 Rolleiflex, has announced
the availability of the 6008 AF "Bundle," which will be the top-of-the-line
offering in a family of products Rollei is rolling out in the U.S.



The bundle includes the Rollei 6008 AF camera, the world's first auto focus
single lens reflex camera in a 6 x 6 medium format; C1 Pro software for precise
workflow that supports all phases of image editing and intuitive operation;
and the PhaseOne db20p digital back, which gives photographers film and digital
picture taking capability in one package. The interchangeable film packs allow
a photographer to shoot film, Polaroid-type shots as well as digital shots.



The db20p has resolution of 16 mega pixels, 16 bits per RGB or CMYK color, and
offers the option of saving RAW files in addition to TIFF and JPEG files. The
unit handles studio or location shoots with ease, thanks to high performance
rechargeable batteries that provide 250 shots (four working hours) and 45 frames
per minute without AC power. The data is stored in the IIQ RAW format on CompactFlash
cards. Processed images can be stored in the form of IIQ RAW, TIFF-RGB, TIFF-CMYK
or JPEG files. File sizes are between 48 MB and 128 MB. ICC profiles can be
embedded for optimum color management.



The 6008 AF is targeted to studio and on-location professionals -- from portrait,
fashion and landscape photographers, to photojournalists, and corporate/ government
photographers involved in "workflow" photography. Pricing is expected
to be in the $14,999 range.



Rollei's new bundle, which includes lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach and Carl
Zeiss, retains full compatibility with the Rollei 6000 system. This makes it
compatible with more than 20 current 6000 system lenses. Three new AF lenses
have been developed for the auto focus modes of the 6008 AF.



The 6008 AF also features a new TTL flash-control system. The TTL sensor is
integrated into the camera and measures the amount of flash light reaching the
film - parallax-free and at the exact viewing angle. All available shutter speeds
are flash-synchronized, which give pros a considerable advantage when working
in daylight and or for filling in shadows and strong subject contrasts. The
Rollei 6008 AF weighs 1500 grams and is 143 x 139 x 124 mm without lens.



For more information, contact: www.Rollei.com.

...

The HP Photosmart 7960 was the first eight-color printer on the market and it's
still the only sub $250 machine that can make "archival" prints
with a 73 year lightfast rating. In spite of the moderate price, it includes
some advanced technology plus valuable extras for direct printing without turning
on a computer.

...

Digimarc Corporation (NASDAQ: DMRCE) today announced the public beta of Digimarc
Image Search, an innovative desktop search tool designed for the rapidly growing
digital photography market.



The free tool, downloadable from Digimarc's website at www.digimarc.com/mypicturemarc/imagesearch,
works in conjunction with popular desktop search tools such as Google Desktop
Search, MSN Desktop Search, and Yahoo! Desktop Search, enhancing the image search
capabilities of these tools. Current desktop search tools have limited image search
capabilities, typically looking for the file name in the header of an image, which
can be easily changed or forgotten. Most professional and many consumer photographs
are distributed today in digital form with an extensive array of associated information
or "metadata" carried within the image files.



Digimarc Image Search works with and extends existing desktop search tools by
enabling users to more quickly and effectively find images stored on a computer
based on such information or "metadata" embedded into digital images,
including keywords, copyright information and digital rights data; and identify
image copyright holders and facilitate image licensing by accessing Internet services,
where available, that connect to an image owner's website or Digimarc's
image registry, which is available to users of Digimarc MyPictureMarc and ImageBridge
digital watermarking software.



This beta release supports web updates for images from the Corbis stock photography
library and for all other images that use Digimarc digital watermarking products.




Digital photography is often digitally watermarked by its owners using Digimarc
software for a variety of purposes, including copyright protection, facilitation
of licensing, and the monitoring of Internet marketing programs. The Digimarc
software enables users to embed an imperceptible digital watermark that identifies
the image's owner and registers that image in the Digimarc online registry.
For images with embedded digital watermarks, Digimarc Image Search can retrieve
current and dynamic information about the pictures from Internet resources; for
example, identification of the owner of rights to facilitate licensing or additional
keywords to improve search results. More information on Digimarc digital imaging
products can be found at: www.digimarc.com/mypicturemarc.



Availability

Digimarc Image Search Beta is available now as a free download at www.digimarc.com/mypicturemarc/imagesearch. ...

Pelican
Products, Inc., has introduced the 1560 Case, which has more than 2,800 cubic
inches of possible storage space. Features include rubberized front and side
grips for maximum comfort, as well as ball-bearing, polyurethane wheels and
an extension handle (with an effortless release latch) for easy transport. The
case also features stainless steel reinforced padlock protectors for added defense
against cutting and theft. For extra convenience, optional accessories such
as TSA-Accepted PeliLocks, lid organizers and padded divider sets are available
so travelers now have the 1560 as a viable mid-sized case to check important
equipment in.



Additional standard features include a lid equipped with a polymer sponge o-ring
for a dust and waterproof seal, and a Gore-Tex® purge valve that stops moisture
from entering the case and automatically balances interior and exterior air
pressure. As with all Pelican Products, the 1560 is backed by a Legendary Lifetime
Guarantee of Excellence: "You break it, we replace it...forever."

...

Creo Inc. (NASDAQ: CREO: TSX: CRE) has announced the immediate availability
of the new Leaf Aptus digital camera back system. This digital camera back is
being introduced in two models: the Leaf Aptus 22 and the Leaf Aptus 17, with
resolutions of 22 million and 17 million pixels respectively. The Leaf Aptus
was designed to accommodate the needs of professional photographers. A 6 x 7
cm touch screen display enables photographers to shoot up to 1000 frames without
interruption.


Images are shot at a speed of up to 1.2 seconds per frame, and can be evaluated
and edited on the spot. A unique user button is
customizable and enables the photographer to quickly access vital image information
and perform tasks without removing his or her hands from the camera.

The Leaf Aptus further offers a range of storage methods for
any shooting situation: a standard CompactFlash card; the fast and portable
20 GB and 30 GB Leaf Digital Magazine (holds over 1000 lossless raw files);
a high-volume portable FireWire disk; and the tethered option of shooting straight
to a computer.

...

The latest in a series of tests on the impact of airport security equipment
on imaging devices and media shows that neither DVDs nor DVD players are damaged
by X-ray scanners or metal-detector wands. The recent tests of scanner models
currently in use in the U.S. transportation industry were jointly conducted
by the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global
association for the imaging industry, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration
(TSA).

...

The new EOS 20Da digital SLR is based on the EOS 20D camera and joins it as
a companion model in Canon's product line. The new EOS 20Da digital SLR helps
address the specific requirements of astrophotography with features such as
a live preview LCD and a modified low-pass filter optimized to help photograph
the clear night sky in brilliant detail. The EOS 20Da digital SLR will be available
in July at an estimated selling price of $2199.

...