Shutterbug Staff

Quantum Instruments is now offering a series of ten 5 to 6 ½ minute
video lessons featuring Will Crockett using Qflash, Turbo Batteries, FreeXwire
and Qnexus. In these free lessons he demonstrates how they seamlessly integrate
with each other and how best to use them in different practical lighting situations.
The lessons start with Qflash basics, then progress to equipment setup, including
the best camera settings for consistent results, use of light modifiers and
advanced techniques.



These lessons can be viewed on line at www.qtm.com, just click on the Qflash
Academy link and choose which lesson you would to see or you can request a FREE
Qflash Academy DVD.



www.qtm.com, e-mail: QuantumHelp@qtm.com

...

We recently received an email from photographers James C. Williams about his
efforts to convince Kodak not to discontinue manufacture of HIE-135mm film.
We reproduce his letter and plea for photographers to join his efforts to save
this film.

...

Tamron
has announced the AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, a lightweight,
compact and ultra high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR
cameras with APS-C sized image sensors with a Built-In Motor for Nikon (Model
A18N II). The AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro boasts the
world's greatest zoom ratio of 13.9X.

...

Olympus has announced its inaugural "Photographers of Tomorrow"
photo contest, which is specifically designed for aspiring professional photographers
or photojournalists, and will enrich the resumes and portfolios of the participating
students.



Starting January 14, 2008, students will submit their best work captured with
the Olympus E-3 digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera in three categories:
Speed, Travel and Environmental Issues. Student entries will be judged by a
panel of award-winning photographers, comprised of Olympus Visionaries. The
winning images will be announced in April 2008. Complete rules and regulations
can be viewed at www.olympusamerica.com/e3photocontest.



Participating schools include Texas A&M University at Commerce, The University
of the Arts Philadelphia, Art Institute of Colorado, Brooks Institute, Rochester
Institute of Technology, Hallmark Institute of Photography, University of Texas
- Austin, Rockport College, and Academy of Art University San Francisco, among
others.



"The Olympus competition is our way of helping the next generation of
professional photographers and photojournalists to showcase their work nationally,
as the winning submissions will be visible on the Olympus Web site," said
John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR at Olympus Imaging America
Inc. "The students will connect with the three distinct categories of
speed, travel and environmental issues."



Photo Submission Categories

Olympus has selected the following categories for contest submissions to inspire
the budding photographers and to best represent the capabilities of the new
Olympus E-3 digital SLR camera.



Speed: Images capturing the essence of speed and movement of
life;

Travel: Images depicting exotic, exciting, or extreme journeys
or adventures, showing the color and temperament of the local culture; and

Environment Issues: Images showing the impact of man and global
warming, or natural settings of landscapes, flora, and fauna.



The Prizes

The students who submit the three winning images (one for each of the three
categories) will be awarded the following prizes. The three students'
respective professors will also be awarded the camera, lenses and accessories.

· $5,000 Scholarship

· Olympus E-3 Digital SLR Camera

· Two New ZUIKO Digital Lenses -- the ED 12-60mm (24-120mm equivalent)
f2.8-4.0 SWD and ED 50-200mm (100-400mm equivalent) f2.8-3.5 SWD

· Olympus Travel Bag and Lens Cloth



Contest Camera and Lenses

The Olympus E-3 provides the high-precision performance demanded by professional
and enthusiastic photographers to capture exceptional images every time. When
coupled with the ZUIKO digital 12-60mm SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) lens, the
E-3 offers the fastest autofocus system in the world.[1] Body-Integrated Mechanical
Image Stabilization to stabilize every lens, a 10-megapixel Live MOS image sensor,
and the reliability of a high-endurance, dust-proof and splash-resistant magnesium
alloy body join the impressive innovations developed for the E-3. Olympus pioneered
Full-Time Live View and Dust Reduction Technologies for digital SLR cameras,
leading where others have followed.



The Judges

An esteemed panel of judges, comprised of Olympus Visionaries, will evaluate
the student submissions and vote for the top winner in each category. The Olympus
Visionary program celebrates the work of some of the most talented still photographers
of the day, who use E-System equipment for travel, news, documentary, fashion,
food, people, nature and landscape, commercial and fine art photography.



Olympus Web site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

...