News

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) has introduced a new image sensor technology
that is said to provides a significant increase in sensitivity to light when
compared to current sensor designs. With this new technology, users will realize
a 2x to 4x increase in sensitivity (from one to two photographic stops), which
will improve performance when taking pictures under low light and reduce motion
blur when imaging moving subjects. In addition, this technology enables the
design of smaller pixels (leading to higher resolutions in a given optical format)
while retaining imaging performance.



This breakthrough advances an existing Kodak technology that has become a standard
in digital imaging. Today, the design of almost all color image sensors is based
on the "Bayer Pattern," an arrangement of red, green, and blue pixels
that was first developed by Kodak Scientist Dr. Bryce Bayer in 1976. In this
design, half of the pixels on the sensor are used to collect green light, with
the remaining pixels split evenly between sensitivity to red and blue light.
After exposure, software reconstructs a full color signal for each pixel in
the final image.



Kodak's new proprietary technology builds on the existing Bayer Pattern
by adding panchromatic, or "clear" pixels to the red, green, and
blue pixels already on the sensor. Since these pixels are sensitive to all wavelengths
of visible light, they collect a significantly higher proportion of the light
striking the sensor. The remaining red, green, and blue pixels are then used
to record the color information of the scene.



To reconstruct a full color image, Kodak has also developed new software algorithms
specifically designed to work with the raw data generated from these new image
sensors. These sophisticated algorithms use the more sensitive panchromatic
pixels to act as the luminance channel of the final image, and derive chrominance
information from the color pixels on the sensor. Leveraging over 30 years of
Kodak image science, these new algorithms support the increased sensitivity
provided by these new pixel patterns, while retaining the overall image quality
and color fidelity required by customers.



Kodak is beginning to work with a number of leading companies to implement this
new technology in system-wide solutions and to streamline the design-in process.



Kodak is developing CMOS sensors using this technology for consumer markets
such as digital still cameras and camera phones. As the technology is appropriate
for use with both CCD and CMOS image sensors, however, its use can be expanded
across Kodak's full portfolio of image sensors, including products targeted
to applied imaging markets such as industrial and scientific imaging. The first
Kodak sensor to use this technology is expected to be available for sampling
in the first quarter of 2008.



For more information on Kodak's entire image sensor product line, please
visit www.kodak.com/go/imagers.

...

Leica Camera AG has announced that it will provide a free firmware update for
the LEICA DIGILUX 3 on its website www.leica-camera.com.
The new firmware for the LEICA DIGILUX 3 optimizes the functionality of the
camera across many applications. This will include additional exposure functions
and will, for the first time, offer a "Mode 3" for optical stabilization.
Mode 3 will further compensate and correct longitudinal camera movement. This
mode is ideal for panning, a method of taking photographs where the camera follows
a moving object.



Version 2.0 will also include a new mode that facilitates the viewing of the
LCD monitor during use of the LiveView function. This setting will assist the
photographer when the camera is held in a position close to ground level. Further
improvements include the "Auto Review" setting, a Replay Zoom, easier
accessibility to the ISO setting in Auto Exposure (AE) mode, as well as further
improvements to camera operation and user interface.



Detailed information on the firmware update for the LEICA DIGILUX 3 will be
available at www.leica-camera.com in the Photography/D-System/Digilux 3 section
beginning in mid June 2007.

...

Extensis has announced Portfolio Server 8.5, a significant upgrade in its Portfolio
Server digital asset management (DAM) product. The Portfolio Server upgrade provides
industrial-strength workflow features to organize and exchange digital files utilizing
visual catalogs and embedded metadata. Portfolio Server is a multi-channel system
that makes it fast and easy to find and share valuable creative assets within
the creative workgroup, across the organization and externally with global partners.
The Portfolio 8.5 product family includes Portfolio Server, Portfolio Client,
Portfolio Express, Portfolio NetPublish and SQL Connect modules, as well as a
Single-User version of Portfolio.



Portfolio Server 8.5 includes new features to automate metadata-driven organization,
tracking, and distribution of digital assets. Additionally, this release includes
Portfolio Project Sync, designed to allow creative users a seamless interface
with familiar Adobe Creative Suite applications. Creative users simultaneously
benefit from Portfolio Server's ability to provide access to other users through
the Portfolio Client, Portfolio Express and websites created with Portfolio NetPublish,
Portfolio Server 8.5 provides unique access points for both internal and external
users.



Portfolio Server 8.5 comes with Project Sync and includes several enhancements,
including improved XMP and file format support, greater performance and stability,
as well as additional features that help automate management of complex metadata.
Portfolio NetPublish 8.5 also includes a number of new features, including advanced
logging for reporting user traffic as well as visual watermarking functionality,
for images, to prevent unauthorized use.



Pricing and Availability

Portfolio Server 8.5 for workgroups will be available for download and
purchase in Summer 2007. Portfolio Server 8.5 and all client components will be
available free of charge for existing customers with Annual Service Agreements
(ASA). Pricing for all other versions, including upgrades, will be announced prior
to product availability in summer 2007.



French, German and Japanese language versions of Portfolio will also be available
in summer, 2007.



For information on where to purchase the Portfolio family of products visit http://www.extensis.com/portfolio.




System Requirements

Portfolio 8.5 will support Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 or Vista, Pentium class processor
at 1GHz or faster, 512MB RAM, 500 MB Hard Drive space, Network Interface for server
connection, Apple QuickTime version 7 or higher. Portfolio 8.5 will also support
Mac OS X 10.4.4 or higher, G4, G5 or Intel Core Processor at 1GHz, 512 MB RAM,
500MB Hard Drive space, Network Interface for server connection, Apple QuickTime
version 7 or higher.

Extensis has announced Portfolio Server 8.5, a significant upgrade in its Portfolio
Server digital asset management (DAM) product. The Portfolio Server upgrade provides
industrial-strength workflow features to organize and exchange digital files utilizing
visual catalogs and embedded metadata. Portfolio Server is a multi-channel system
that makes it fast and easy to find and share valuable creative assets within
the creative workgroup, across the organization and externally with global partners.
The Portfolio 8.5 product family includes Portfolio Server, Portfolio Client,
Portfolio Express, Portfolio NetPublish and SQL Connect modules, as well as a
Single-User version of Portfolio.



Portfolio Server 8.5 includes new features to automate metadata-driven organization,
tracking, and distribution of digital assets. Additionally, this release includes
Portfolio Project Sync, designed to allow creative users a seamless interface
with familiar Adobe Creative Suite applications. Creative users simultaneously
benefit from Portfolio Server's ability to provide access to other users through
the Portfolio Client, Portfolio Express and websites created with Portfolio NetPublish,
Portfolio Server 8.5 provides unique access points for both internal and external
users.



Portfolio Server 8.5 comes with Project Sync and includes several enhancements,
including improved XMP and file format support, greater performance and stability,
as well as additional features that help automate management of complex metadata.
Portfolio NetPublish 8.5 also includes a number of new features, including advanced
logging for reporting user traffic as well as visual watermarking functionality,
for images, to prevent unauthorized use.



Pricing and Availability

Portfolio Server 8.5 for workgroups will be available for download and purchase
in Summer 2007. Portfolio Server 8.5 and all client components will be available
free of charge for existing customers with Annual Service Agreements (ASA). Pricing
for all other versions, including upgrades, will be announced prior to product
availability in summer 2007.



French, German and Japanese language versions of Portfolio will also be available
in summer, 2007.



For information on where to purchase the Portfolio family of products visit http://www.extensis.com/portfolio.




System Requirements

Portfolio 8.5 will support Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 or Vista, Pentium class processor
at 1GHz or faster, 512MB RAM, 500 MB Hard Drive space, Network Interface for server
connection, Apple QuickTime version 7 or higher. Portfolio 8.5 will also support
Mac OS X 10.4.4 or higher, G4, G5 or Intel Core Processor at 1GHz, 512 MB RAM,
500MB Hard Drive space, Network Interface for server connection, Apple QuickTime
version 7 or higher.

The new PT-E03 housing is made specifically for Olympus' EVOLT E-410 D-SLR
camera. The E-410's housing is compatible with many of the Olympus Zuiko
Digital-Specific lenses and their respective underwater lens ports.



The new PPO-E05 underwater lens port is designed for the lightweight 14-42mm Zuiko
Digital-Specific lens, which is the perfect complement to the portable E-410 and
its underwater housing when diving. The versatile 14-42mm lens offers the most
common focal lengths, including wide angle and close focusing, making it an essential
tool for those recreational divers who want to capture images of their explorations.
Additionally, all other Olympus PPO Series underwater lens ports (including macro)
are compatible with Olympus' E-Series underwater housings.



New underwater housings have been created specifically for Olympus' recently
announced point-and-shoot cameras, including the SP-550 UZ, Stylus 770 SW, Stylus
760 and FE-230. These cameras also offer underwater scene modes.



For the first time, Olympus is offering an underwater flash (UFL-1) for use with
all new SP and Stylus camera housings introduced in 2007 as well as a majority
of its pre-existing digital compact camera housings. The new slave flash requires
no cables.



Other underwater accessories include an adjustable float strap, created specifically
for the Stylus SW Series, which enables the camera to float at the water's
surface and provides surfers, kayakers and other active swimmers with the ability
to strap the camera to their arm, freeing their hands when not taking photos.
The float strap boasts a vibrant red color for high visibility.



New silicone skins are also available for the Stylus 770 SW. While the camera
can reach depths of 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) without a skin or housing,
the silicone skin provides a variety of stylish looks, offers improved handling
in the water and is perfect for avoiding scratches on the camera's body
from rocks or other rough surfaces. The new skins are available in three trendy
colors: orange, blue and clear.



The new Olympus underwater housings and accessories will be available at retailers
in June 2007. The new housings -- both compact and D-SLRs -- are for
use in depths down to 40 meters (approximately 133 feet). Comprehensive information
on the complete family of Olympus' underwater housings and accessories is
available at www.olympusamerica.com/underwater.

LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling has announced the LightScribe Photography
Kit, a CD and DVD labeling package created specifically for professional photographers
and photo enthusiasts. The LightScribe Photography Kit's disc labeling tips
and resources for photographers are immediately available for free download
on www.lightscribe.com.



LightScribe -- a laser disc labeling technology found in many popular brands
of disc burners, laptops and PCs -- gives people the ability to easily burn
silkscreen-quality photos, graphics, images and text directly onto LightScribe
CDs and DVDs. Disc colors include gold CDs and DVDs as well as CDs in red, orange,
yellow, blue and green.



To ensure that discs containing clients' images stand out, photographers owning
a LightScribe-enabled drive can go to the Photography Kit site (www.lightscribe.com/go/create)
and download photo label designs, mailers as well as disc sleeve designs.



With the new kit, photographers can create professional custom designs that
integrate clients' photos with text so that the discs are personalized and also
serve as advertising pieces. With LightScribe, photo archive discs can be labeled
with a telltale photo from the collection as well as client information so that
they can be found easily with a quick visual reference.



LightScribe, the only widely available embedded disc labeling technology, is
licensed to over 75 optical drive and media manufacturers, software developers,
media and computer brands worldwide. LightScribe-enabled CDs, DVDs, software,
desktops, notebooks, aftermarket optical disc drives and duplicator systems
are available at major retailers worldwide, as well as through most leading
brands online.



www.lightscribe.com.

...

Due to an overwhelming demand for Delkin Devices' patent-pending SensorScope,
Delkin is now offering the option of purchasing the multiple award winning SensorScope
separate from their cleaning system. DSLR users worldwide have enthusiastically
embraced the product, resulting in several prestigious awards like a 2007 Innovative
Digital Products Award from the Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA)
and 2007 Best Digital Accessory from the Technical Imaging Press Association
(TIPA). The SensorScope is the first and most effective device that allows you
to quickly check your sensor for dust and debris in a matter of seconds.

...