Shutterbug Staff

If you're an underwater photo fan, or just like to photograph in all sorts
of weather, or when surfing, etc. you are probably going to be interested in
the Pentax Optio WP. This small, 5-megapixel camera has a 3X zoom, a 2.0 inch
low reflection LCD, 10MB built-in memory, quick start-up, a nine point autofocus
system and captures movies at 30 frames per second in JPEG format.

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The new C-7070 Wide Zoom from Olympus features a wide-angle lens on a magnesium body and a 7.1-megapixel CCD. With its 4x optical zoom wide-angle lens (equivalent
to 27 to 110mm, f2.8 -- f.8.0), the C-7070 Wide Zoom enables photographers
to capture more of their field of view. For nature photographers, the C-7070
features a Super Macro mode that enables shooting from 1.18 inches. The camera's
1.8-inch Semi-Transmissive swivel LCD makes it easy to take pictures at any
angle -- above the head, from the side, or with the camera placed on the
ground. The LCD can even be swiveled 180° for taking self-portraits. And
while conventional LCD screens appear dim against bright light, the Semi-Transmissive
LCD technology is said to provide excellent high-contrast visibility in any
light condition. The camera body is constructed of magnesium alloy with a rubberized.
The camera is also compact, measuring 4.9" (W) x 3.3" (H) x 3.9"
(D) and weighs 15.3 ounces.

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The International Photographic Council (IPC), a non-governmental organization
of the United Nations, has named Mr. Toshiro Shimoyama, Supreme Advisor, Olympus
Corporation, Tokyo, Japan as the recipient of its annual Hall of Fame award. The
award honors legendary contributors to the photographic industry. The presentation
is scheduled to take place at the IPC's 2005 Annual New Years Luncheon on
Tuesday, January 25, 2005, 11:30 a.m., at the United Nations in New York City.
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Swift's Ultra Lite collection are said to be the first and only binoculars
to incorporate two different types of rubber to improve durability, shock-absorption
and comfort. These new binoculars combine harder rubber on their outer edges
for better protection against bangs and bumps. Softer rubber is used in the
area where you grip the binoculars, thereby reducing user fatigue. The softer
rubber also provides a superior grip in any weather condition, wet or dry. This
same technology is also used to create a non-slip focusing knob on these binoculars.
The dual density covering also aids the nature photographer by keeping these
binoculars quiet when rubbing against their clothes.

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