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.
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 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.
Panasonic
has introduced the first digital cameras to combine 12x optical zoom with
an optical image stabilizer. Panasonic's three new 12x zoom are the DMC-FZ3
(3-Megapixel), DMC-FZ15 (4-Megapixel) and DMC-FZ20 (5-Megapixel). Each
features a Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 12x zoom (equivalent to a
35 - 420mm zoom lens on a conventional 35mm film camera) and F2.8 brightness
throughout the entire zoom range. Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
automatically detects and optically compensates for hand movement by shifting
internal lens elements, enabling the user to capture crisp, clear, distortion-free
ultra-telephoto or macro shots of distant or moving subjects, even in
low lighting conditions.
These cameras also feature an extra-low dispersion (ED) lens to minimize
color aberration (color bleeding) -- a common problem in high-magnification
/ large aperture lenses. ED lenses are typically exchangeable lenses designed
for single-lens reflex cameras and high-end, professional cameras.
Panasonic has also improved its innovative Venus Engine LSI, the "brain"
of the camera that converts the optical data into digital information.
The new Venus 2 Engine LSI handles all image processing functions simultaneously
-- from displaying the image on the LCD to writing data to the memory
card -- as soon as the CCD captures the image signal. This simultaneous,
parallel processing results in a quick start-up, increased shutter speed
and reduced lag time. The improved LSI also allows faster consecutive
shooting than its predecessor. If desired, the camera will keep shooting
until the memory card is full.
All three cameras also include a host of sophisticated features such as
MEGA BURST consecutive shooting mode, real-time histogram, auto bracketing,
color viewfinder and more.
The new SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF), an ultra wideangle
zoom lens, is designed for exclusive use on digital SLR cameras with smaller-size
image sensors. The lens uses a new optical system specially designed for digital
SLR cameras, in addition to the use of a glass-molded aspherical element having
a large clear aperture, hybrid aspherical elements, and elements using such
special glass materials as high index/high dispersion glass and low dispersion
optical glass, for outstanding optical performance.
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. has introduced the new 6.0-megapixel
DiMAGE Z6 digital camera. This camera offers a built-in 12x optical Mega Zoom
lens, Konica Minolta's proprietary Anti-Shake system, Rapid AF with Predictive
Focus Control for fast overall responsiveness, built-in flash and excellent
battery performance.
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