Fuji has introduced three new digicams at PMA 2006, the FinePix F30, the FinePix
F650, and the FinePix A600. Perhaps the most interesting is their new FinePix
F30. It incorporates Fujifilm's second era of Real Photo Technology, containing
a sixth generation Super CCD sensor and the RP Processor II. This 6.3 MP FinePix
F30 is the world's first point-and-shoot digital camera for consumers with full-resolution
ISO equivalency speeds as high as 3200 - a setting previously reserved for higher-end
professional digital camera models. Higher light sensitivities allow the FinePix
F30 to shoot with faster shutter speeds, which lessen the likelihood of blurred
pictures. In addition, the F30 is said to have a battery that can deliver 500
pictures on a single charge.
A new flash system, called i-Flash, works in tandem with Real Photo Technology
to intelligently read available light and adjust its power accordingly for proper
contrast. This coordinated action exposes subjects more accurately, adjusting
intensity and focus point by measuring a variety of environmental scene factors
to ultimately capture an image as your eye sees it.
On the film front, Fujifilm commemorates the 20th Anniversary of its invention
of the One-Time-Use Camera with the introduction of QuickSnap 1000. The new QuickSnap
1000 models are preloaded with new 1000 speed Fujicolor film with Fujifilm's patented
4th Color Layer Technology -- the highest speed film of any One-Time-Use Camera
in the U.S. today. They are available in Flash, Colors (Blue, Red and Purple)
and Outdoor versions and provide several important benefits for consumers including
a flash range extended to 17 ft. (except for Outdoor model), better action shots
and less blur than other Fujifilm models, and better pictures in low light.
Fujifilm has also introduced Fujichrome T64 Professional Film, a new ISO 64 tungsten-type
color transparency film that delivers ultra-fine grain and optimum tonal scale
and gradation under tungsten lighting. Fujichrome T64 Professional incorporates
new-generation color couplers and Multi-Color Correction Layer Technology that
ensure pure, accurate color reproduction. This film is ideal for a wide range
of product shots, interiors, furniture, architecture, certain medical imaging
needs and other professional applications requiring tungsten lighting. The new
film also possesses excellent color image stability.
And, an increasing rarity at any photo show, Fujifilm has also introduced two
new 35mm film cameras.The Fujifilm Clear Shot V ll, with manual film advance and
manual flash, and Clear Shot M ll, with Automatic Film Advance and Rewind and
Automatic Flash feature focus-free Fujinon lenses and Red-Eye Reduction and offer
big, bright viewfinders for easy photo composition.
Westcott's new Spiderlite TD3 is a compact, portable lighting system
that you can take anywhere. Weighing less than 10 pounds, the unit can operate
off of any standard 120 or 220 volt outlet as well as DC using a battery pack
and inverter. Batteries offered through Westcott include a 14.4 Volt NiCd, and
a 12AH Lead Acid. This system allows you to run either three 50-watt Tungsten
Halogen lamps, three 27-watt Daylight Balanced Fluorescent lamps, or two Studio
Strobes with a modeling lamp.
Olympus has introduced the H512 MB Type H-Series xD-Picture Card, a new high-speed
memory media designed for ultra-compact digital cameras.
The new memory card uses the latest storage technology to pack
512 MB of memory and high-speed performance onto an ultra-compact card measuring
just 25mmx20mm1.7mm.
Extensis, a division of Celartem, Inc., has released a free update to Portfolio
7 for both Macintosh and Windows platforms. Portfolio 7.0.6 provides compatibility
updates for Adobe's Creative Suite 2 and Apple's Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger). Additionally,
Extensis has added support for 14 new camera formats on both Mac and Windows versions
of Portfolio. Registered owners of Portfolio 7 are eligible to receive the free
upgrades immediately through the Extensis website at http://www.extensis.com/portfolio.
The Portfolio Raw Filter 2 update adds support for the following cameras, bringing
the total number of supported professional digital cameras to more than 50.
The Portfolio suite of Digital Asset Management (DAM) products is designed to
meet the needs of the most demanding creative professionals and workgroups through
four components: Portfolio Client, Portfolio Server, Portfolio NetPublish and
Portfolio SQL Connect. Portfolio provides powerful Client/Server digital asset
management for both desktops and networked workgroups, allowing collaborative
teams to organize, find and share digital files quickly.
Portfolio Server offers more expandability and integration options with optimized
connection modules for Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL engines. Portfolio
Server leverages standard ODBC technology, enabling integrators and IT professionals
to create customized solutions that provide easy access to the information stored
in the database.
...
Casio, Inc. has announced the release of the EX-Z1000, the latest addition
to CASIO's series of EXILIM ZOOM digital cameras. The EX-Z1000 features
a new wide-format Super Bright LCD display. CASIO makes the most of this extra
screen space to offer new functions like simultaneous viewing of a wide angle
and a telephoto shot, and a convenient right-side set of icon controls. The
EX-Z1000 has an effective 10.1 million pixels, powered by a large 1/1.8-inch
format, high resolution CCD. The EX-Z1000's LCD display is a 2.8-inch
monitor in wide format. The EX-Z1000 will have a suggested retail price of $399.99
and will be available at retail in June.
Sigma Corporation has announced the launch of the new 50-500 F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM lens. This high zoom ratio lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from 50mm standard to 500mm ultra telephoto. This ultra-zoom lens employs a seven-group zoom system, which provides a high zoom magnification of 10x. Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range. The new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem of digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance. This lens uses four pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass for excellent correction of color aberration. A zoom lock switch eliminates 'zoom creep' during transportation, a convenient addition when traveling. The HSM Hyper Sonic Motor models provide quiet high-speed AF function, as well as full-time manual focus capability., The rear focus mechanism produces a non-rotating front lens element which accepts a bayonet "Petal-type Hood", which prevents extraneous light from degrading the image quality. By adding an APO teleconverter (sold separately), you can use this lens as a 140-700mm f/7.3-8.8 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or as a 200-1000mm F10.4-12.6 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 2X teleconverter. Teleconverters can be used in 100mm – 500mm focal length range.
Casio, Inc. has introduced the EXILIM PRO EX-P700, with a 7.2 million megapixel
CCD and 4X optical zoom. The EX-P700 will be available for a MSRP $599.99. The
EX-P700 features a 4X optical zoom (coupled with 4X digital zoom), combined
with a large 2.0-inch LCD screen. The camera has a claimed start-up time of
approximately 2.0 seconds and a 0.01 second release time lag. The EX-P700 also
features a high speed continuous shooting function that can take 3 photos per
second up to 5 photos. New features include Flash Assist, which operates during
flash photography to compensate for underexposure in areas which are not reached
by flash and Auto Macro, which automatically switches between Macro mode and
AF mode. One of the most interesting features is what Casio calls Business Shot,
which compensates for photos taken at an angle and records them as though taken
from straight ahead. While exposure, white balance and focus position are quickly
set with a single press of the shutter, the multi-bracketing feature enables
a variety of shots with different color effects to be taken in combination with
the rapid shooting function.
In recognition of the centenary of Victor Hasselblad's birth on March 8, 2006,
Hasselblad has announced the Hasselblad 503CWD Anniversary Kit, a prestigious
high-end photographic system that offers state-of-the-art digital capture technology
elegantly integrated with a classically designed Hasselblad 503CW body.
Combining the rugged reliability of the black and chrome V System body, with its
range of high performance, central shutter-based lenses, and the technology of
Hasselblad's new CFV digital back, the exclusive Hasselblad 503CWD perfectly melds
the heritage of the old Hasselblad with the focus of the new Hasselblad on digital
high-end photography to create a new digital workhorse. Of undoubted appeal to
the Hasselblad connoisseur, the camera delivers the perfect blend of versatility
and simplicity in a compact, professional tool that gives the user complete control
over digital image capture and is a pleasure to operate.
The 503CWD Anniversary kit will be supplied as a limited edition of 500 cameras,
each one numbered and engraved with Victor Hasselblad's signature. Reassuringly
solid, the kit comprises a 503CWD body with waist-level finder, specially marked
focusing screen and chrome winding lever, a Zeiss Planar CFE 2.8/80mm lens and
a CFV digital back, and will be supplied with a beautifully produced book marking
Victor's anniversary.
For existing Hasselblad V System users, the new CFV digital back, the successor
of the V96C back, will also be available separately. Built to match the design
and functionality of the Hasselblad V System cameras, it can be easily and elegantly
integrated into an existing Hasselblad system, enabling the photographer to work
in exactly the same manner and with their preferred equipment, but with the productivity
benefits of digital photography over film.
MSRP Pricing: Hasselblad 503CWD
Anniversary Kit: $12,995
CFV: $9,995
Product availability will be the end of March. The Hasselblad website has been
updated with new product details.
Amax Inc. has announced the release of a versatile, pocket-sized digital media
player that uses SD memory cards and built-in memory to store and play back
thousands of songs or digital photos. The new ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact
MediaMini V-Pod is available in two models, each equipped with 128 MB of built-in
flash RAM, accepting SD cards up to 4 GB in size, as well as MMC cards up to
256 MB.