Manfrotto
has introduced what they call the world's first fully automatic
self-regulating tripod - the NeoTec. The NeoTec line of Pro Photo Supports,
currently comprising the 458B tripod and 684B monopod, is built around
an innovative self-regulating mechanism inside the leg that is said to
deliver unmatched speed, stability and ease-of-use.
...
Sigma Corporation has announced their new 500 F4.5 APO EX DG HSM lens.
This ultra-telephoto lens has a fast maximum aperture, and also features a new super multi-layer coating, which optimizes the characteristics of digital SLR cameras.
Two ELD glass elements in the front lens elements reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum and also ensure sharp, quality images of high contrast. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing, ensuring convenient handling and ease of use.
...
Argraph
Corporation has introduced the innovative new Samigon V-H Flip Bracket. The new
Samigon V-H Flip Bracket is designed for both digital and traditional 35mm SLR
cameras. It allows photographers to flip their camera from Vertical to Horizontal
without changing flash position. This flip motion is smooth and does not require
any locking or unlocking, enabling the photographer to go from vertical to horizontal
as quickly as the action dictates. The flash is mounted on a plate attached to
two telescoping sections extending up to 28" high to eliminate shadow and
red eye.
The Samigon V H Flip Bracket has a specially designed platform that folds up neatly
into its own customized nylon case when not in use so that it occupies very little
space in a camera bag. A sliding camera mount allows the camera to be centered
under the flash no matter where the tripod mount is located on the camera. There
is also a large rubber handgrip so the photographer can easily carry the camera
and flash.
Phase One has updated Capture One RAW Workflow to support more cameras, more
RAW file formats and Intel-based Macs. Capture One 3.7.4 is a Universal Mac
application designed to run natively on both Intel and PowerPC-based Mac computers.
Initial tests by the company show that the capture rate has increased by up
to 40 per cent when version 3.7.4 is run on an Intel-based Mac. Processing RAW
files with Capture One 3.7.4 is now 15 per cent faster on both Intel-based and
PowerPC based Macs. Windows users will also enjoy enhanced capture rate and
RAW processing speed with Capture One 3.7.4. Initial tests show performance
gains of up to 200 per cent in capture rate made possible by an improved high-speed
capture option in the Capture One software. Tests also show a 10 per cent increase
in the processing speed of RAW files.
Sanyo's new Xacti HD1 is the world's smallest and lightest high-definition
digital media camera, designed to record both 720p high-definition video and
5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card. The innovative
camera will be available in the U.S. in late March at an MSRP of $799.99.
Nikon Inc. has announced version 4.3.1 updater of their Capture RAW (NEF) image
processing software. A complimentary copy of the update is available for current
users of version 4.2.x; if using version 4 that is earlier than 4.2, customers
must first upgrade to Version 4.2 and then install the new updater. All Version
4.x updaters are complimentary for owners of the full Version 4.0 and higher.
Upon installing the Capture 4.3.1 update, the D2X, D2HS, D70S, and D50 digital
SLR cameras, as well as earlier Nikon D-Series digital SLR cameras and their
NEF files will be supported. A highlight for the new updater is its significantly
faster performance for NEF operation. Depending upon the platform (Mac or PC),
CPU, and processes in use, this latest updater for Capture software delivers
increased processing speeds ranging from 11% up to 40%, compared to previous
versions.
A key component of Nikon's Total Imaging System, Capture software enables
photographers to perform comprehensive image processing and editing on NEF (RAW)
files produced by their Nikon digital SLR cameras as well as NEF files generated
from Nikon scanners or converted NEF files that have been generated from JPEG
or TIFF file formats. The NEF file structure has been idealized for operation
within the Nikon Total Imaging System. Key imaging data from the Nikon camera
is embedded within the NEF, and is available to strengthen the image processing
capabilities of Nikon Capture software. This nexus of Camera to NEF to Capture
embodies a key element of the Nikon Total Imaging System's ability to
optimize image quality.
Ansel Adams--John Muir Trail Exhibit, Opens September 23, 2006. This exhibit
features more than 20 Ansel Adams originals as well as over a dozen vintage
prints. It will also showcase over 100 landscapes captured on the trail.
The Tamrac Model 5261 is a rolling photo/computer briefcase that was designed
to go everywhere. It holds a large digital or film SLR, several large lenses
(with shades) and a compact laptop. The unit is carry-on compatible and is constructed
of strong ballistic nylon and rigid plastic. A foam-padded laptop pocket holds
laptops like Apple's 12" PowerBook G4, or other small laptops up
to 12 ½" x 1 ½" x 10". A weather-protected Speed
Pocket on the front flap keeps important items available for quick access while
a telescoping handle stows away in a zippered pocket. Ball-bearing, in-line
skate wheels ensure a smooth, stable ride and a front accessory pocket with
internal paraphernalia pocket organizes CDs, a PDA and a mobile phone. The 5261
can be customized with Tamrac's Modular Accessory System and Strap Accessory
System products.
According to an announcement issued by Nikon UK, the company intends to concentrate its efforts on digital cameras and accessories, and plans to discontinue production of most film cameras, manual focus lenses and related accessories.