JP Distribution Press Release

JP Distribution are pleased to announce the new Studio Deluxe III L-398A Light Meter from Sekonic. The Studio Deluxe III L-398A has been modified from the discontinued L-398M, so, whilst maintaining all of the original features, it also has a number of new features that will make this a much-needed accessory for all photographers. Stock of the Studio Deluxe III L-398A will be available from the end of May and the suggested retail price is £129.99 inc vat.

Digital Foci Press Release

Los Angeles, CA, April 17, 2006 – Digital Foci announced today Memory Card Gateway, a high-speed USB 2.0 memory card reader/writer for virtually all memory card formats, including CompactFlash Type I/II, MicroDrive, SmartMedia, MultiMedia Card, SD Card, miniSD, Memory Stick,MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, and MagicGate MS. The Digital Foci Memory Card Gateway is the central access point for your digital camera, MP3 player, cell phone, PDA, digital video camera, and computer.  With USB 2.0 connectivity, Memory Card Gateway lets you easily access pictures on your digital camera memory card and transfers those pictures to your computer at high speed.  You can also easily share photos, music, and other data files with your friends by transferring files from your computer to their memory card.  Available in 3 stylish colors:  Lucid Purple, Midnight Gray, and Crystal Blue, Memory Card Gateway is compact, lightweight, and completely self-powered via USB port.  The included velcro mounting pads also let you place it wherever you want.

Gitzo Press Release

Ramsey, New Jersey (April 17, 2006) – Gitzo, revered throughout the world for its precision, quality and innovation in bringing new products to market for both the professional photo and video markets, is introducing the G2180 Fluid Head. Developed with a unique ergonomic design and with two individual uses, the low profile G2180 is ideal for compact DV camera equipment. With a sophisticated new design, the new G2180 features a curved handle that is fully adjustable to any angle for video applications. The handle can also be removed for use in still photography and is reversible for left and right-handed users. And, with every aspect of design in mind, Gitzo includes a cap to replace the handle attachment and preserve the sophistication of this piece. The G2180 head is crafted from a lightweight techno-polymer material and allows for easy transportation and travel, making the weight of the head a mere 1.19 pounds.

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston Technology today announced the launch of its 512-MB microSD memory card, further enhancing its rapidly expanding line of mobile memory solutions.  Designed to support current and next generation ‘multifunctional’ smartphones, the new 512-MB microSD offers the increased memory capacity and reduced sized format required to power premium features such as MP3 playback, video-downloads, high-quality cameras and 3-D gaming. Jim Selby, Product Marketing Manager EMEA, Kingston Technology comments, “As more sophisticated smartphones become available, technology-savvy consumers are increasingly demanding larger memory capacities that enable them to download and use content and applications found online. This is in addition to any multimedia content they create themselves.  With today’s advanced video compression techniques, a single 512-MB card can hold several full-length movie downloads.”

Manfrotto Press Release

Bassano del Grappa (April 12, 2006) – Manfrotto, the world’s leading manufacturer of photographic and video support products, is introducing two new photo heads that offer unique features never before seen in the existing 3-way head market.  The 804RC2 and 808RC4 photo heads combine features of many existing Manfrotto photo heads into two, modernized designs. The 804RC2 3-way head is constructed of a lightweight technical polymer that reduces the weight of the head to a mere 0.79 kg/1.74 lbs. while retaining strength and stability.  The lower profile 804RC2 features a spirit level and a fixed counterbalance spring on the tilt motion to help support varying equipment loads of up to 4 kg/8.8 lbs.

EPIC Press Release

The Epic Pro Leather Grip – The Perfect Accessory for the Photographer on the Move

The Woodlands, Texas, April 12, 2006 – Here is an accessory that every action photographer should have in their gadget bag. If you do a lot of freehand shooting or work with heavy lenses, you will welcome a new Leather Camera Grip now being offered by EPIC.  This grip is ergonomically designed for comfort and allows the photographer to control the camera with greater ease and accuracy.  Designed to fit any sized hand, the grip can be instantly adjusted for your shooting comfort.  Improved stability and speed are the most often sited advantages of this grip, but the design and styling are also excellent.

Imation Press Release

No Matter Your Digital Storage Need, Imation Has a Flash Drive for You - Company premieres new Pivot Flash Drive, Clip Flash Drive and Customized Flash Wristbands at MobileFocus

LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2006) – Need instant access to your information? Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN) has the solution. Highlighted by a diverse portfolio of flash drives, Imation continues to improve the process of sharing, carrying and storing digital files. These products are on display at this year’s MobileFocus event, prior to CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment 2006, on Wednesday, April 5, in Las Vegas. “Imation continues providing innovative and trusted data storage products that meet the growing and changing needs of our customers,” said Tom Lally, U.S. executive director of sales and marketing, Imation. “Imation’s flash offerings, for example, provide a wide range of options for security, productivity and portability in various capacities, sizes and colors. Whether you’re a student looking for a low-capacity, cool-colored flash drive to wear on your wrist or a busy professional who needs a high-capacity, sleek-looking flash drive to encrypt your confidential files, Imation has a drive for you.”

RawWorkFlow Press Release

RawWorkFlow unveils G6 version of WhiBal White Balance Reference Card - Offers certified neutrality in a simplified one-card package that is optimized for both RAW and JPEG shooters

Melbourne, Florida: With more than 10,000 units sold worldwide, WhiBal has become the de facto, simple-to-use standard for setting white balance in all RAW converters, as well as image editors such as Adobe Photoshop®. Conceived by Michael Tapes, WhiBal is an innovation from RawWorkflow.com, a division of PictureFlow LLC.

SoundArt Press Release

SoundArt announces Canvass Art Speakers – “Sound you can see”

SoundArt UK has unveiled its leading edge electronics solution that brings together sound and photography. SoundArt is a canvas speaker system designed to show off your choice of photography and plays almost any sound source - from an iPod to a professional audio visual system. The speakers set a new standard in sound, delivering a stunning, natural audio performance through canvas art.  SoundArt consists of the owner’s choice of canvas print, Distributed Mode Loudspeakers* which sit in the frame and a powerful sub woofer. Fully customisable and using exclusive British technology, SoundArt speakers integrate professional photography into today’s contemporary interiors.

Imation Press Release

Get Hooked on Imation’s New Clip Flash Drives - Rugged carabineer clip design provides easy file access for on-the-go professionals

OAKDALE, Minn. (March 27, 2006) – Feel secure knowing that your valuable files are with you – anytime, anywhere – with Imation’s (NYSE: IMN) new durable Clip USB 2.0 Flash Drives. Safely encased in a tough rubberized shell, this extremely compact flash drive can be quickly removed from its case and fit into the tightest USB slots. An ultra-tough carabineer clip attaches the drive quickly and easily to backpacks, shoulder bags or belt loops to ensure the drive is ready to go anywhere it’s needed. “Imation’s unique flash drive designs are built to last – giving the user the confidence that their important digital files will be protected,” said Tom Lally, U.S. executive director of sales and marketing, Imation. “For the ultimate in portable data storage, the durable carabineer design of our new Clip Flash Drive is ideal for professionals and students who are always on the go.”

Digital Foci Press Release

Unique Smart Stackable Design Organizes up to 8 Memory Cards of Any Type

Los Angeles, California, March 15, 2006 – Digital Foci, Inc. (www.digitalfoci.com),  a leading provider of digital photo albums, digital frames and accessories, introduced today the Memory Card Travel Case, which organizes and protects all important digital flash memory cards in one place.  The Digital Foci Memory Card Travel Case is the only case you will ever need on vacation or for business travel to protect your important cards.  Elegant as well as durable, the case features a sturdy silver brushed aluminum shell with hard rubberdized lining providing maximum protection and accessibility for those tiny easy-to-lose memory cards.

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston Technology Launches the Industry’s First Fully Secure USB Flash Drive for Business Users

[15 March 2006] Kingston Technology, the world’s leading independent memory manufacturer, today announced the launch of its Kingston DataTraveler Elite – Privacy Edition (DTE Privacy Edition), the industry’s first USB Flash drive that secures 100% privacy of data on-the-fly via 128-bit hardware-based AES encryption, ensuring fail-safe security without IT intervention. Offering 4GB of secure storage, DTE Privacy Edition is a plug-and-play USB device specifically targeted to meet the multi-level security and compliance requirements of today’s businesses. If the drive is ever lost or stolen, data will remain fully secure.

Sigma Notice

Notice to customers using Sigma’s EM-140 DG NA-iTTL type flashguns

2006.3.13 - The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce firmware update that brings refined performance to the Sigma’s EM-140 DG NA-iTTL flashgun. This free firmware update service will be given to customers from March 14, 2006 onwards. This firmware update service will ensure compatibility of the above-mentioned flashguns with the i-TTL system of the D2X, D2H, D2Hs and D200 digital SLR cameras.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic is Developing 4 GB SDHC Memory Card Based on New SD Memory Card Specification

Panasonic, the leading brand for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is best known, today announced that it is developing a 4 GB SDHC (SD High-Capacity) Memory Card based on the new SD Specifications Version 2.00. The new specifications were established to meet the growing demand for HD (High Definition) video and high-resolution image recording used in many SD enabled devices. The 4 GB SDHC Memory Card is scheduled for global release in the summer of 2006. Since its introduction in the year 2000, the SD Memory Card has been accepted by a wide range of digital devices, backed by its four main advantages - compact size, high data storage capacity, fast data transfer speed and advanced copyright protection features. The demand for higher-capacity SD Memory Cards still continues to grow due to the widespread use of high-resolution digital cameras and semiconductor audio and video players. Reacting to remarkable growth in the market for such devices, the SD Card Association released SD Specifications Version 2.00 for the capacity beyond 2 GB.

Samsung Press Release

Hanover, Germany - 9 March 2006 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. brings its new digital photo frame for easy digital picture viewing to CeBIT 2006. The device shows pictures taken with phones or digital cameras on its built in LCD screen, removing the need for printing or storing of hard copy photos in bulky photo albums. Most notable is an embedded feature that allows easy transmission and sharing of digital photos with friends and family. “The digital photo frame with networking capability is a state-of-the-art digital device that helps users cherish their precious photo-memories without loss of clarity or fading. It also allows users to share pictures with friends and family in other locations,” said Yoon Ho Ha, Senior Vice President of the Visual Display Division of Samsung. “Samsung plans to introduce more new concept digital devices throughout 2006.”

SanDisk Press Release

SanDisk Announces 4-Gigabyte Capacity—Highest Available—For Its Memory Stick Pro Duo Standard Flash Card Line - Larger capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo card will save more images and video clips on new cameras with high-resolution digital still and video features

HANNOVER, GERMANY, MARCH 9, 2006 – SanDisk® Corporation today introduced a new 4-gigabyte (GB)* capacity, the highest available in the market right now, for its standard Memory Stick PRO Duo™ cards.  The announcement was made at the CeBIT Show in Hannover, Germany, where SanDisk is demonstrating its products in Hall 1, Stand C31 of the exhibition center. The move to a larger capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo card is in response to the release of new high-megapixel cameras as well as hybrid models that combine digital still images and video.  For example, one new camera that takes both high-resolution still images and high-quality MPEG4 video clips, at 30 frames per second, can provide a user with up to three hours of video capacity with a 4GB SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo card.

SanDisk Press Release

SanDisk Launches SanDisk Ultra II Mobile Line of Premium Flash Memory Cards - Cards are positioned for feature phones with card slots that can store music, videos and high-resolution digital still images

HANNOVER, GERMANY, MARCH 9, 2006 – SanDisk® Corporation today introduced the SanDisk Ultra® II Mobile line of flash memory cards for multimedia-enabled mobile phones.  The SanDisk Ultra II Mobile memory cards have faster read and write speeds than standard flash memory cards, as well as longer warranty periods.  Faster read/write speeds improve performance of the card for file transfer and play on personal computers.  Also, they may reduce the energy consumption on the batteries of certain phones and are expected to accommodate performance requirements of future mobile phone models.  The announcement was made at the CeBIT Show in Hannover, Germany, where SanDisk is debuting its products at the Mobile Communications Pavilion, in Hall 26, Stand D79, and at the main SanDisk exhibit in Hall 1, Stand C31.

Memory Corp Press Release

Memory Corp’s new professional grade memory cards amongst fastest in the industry - Data transfer rates of up to 22.5 MB/sec

Memory Corp – the European designer and manufacturer of digital storage and memory solutions – will introduce its new range of professional grade memory cards at CeBIT 2006 (Hanover, 9th – 15th March). The Pro X CompactFlash and Secure Digital cards are targeted at customers who require the optimum speed, performance and reliability in portable digital storage devices, such as professional digital photographers. Professional photographers need high-capacity, fast and reliable memory cards to capture and secure high-resolution images in every kind of environment. Whilst the PRO X CompactFlash card has a write speed of 20MB per second (133x), Memory Corp’s new Secure Digital and multimedia cards have write speeds of 22.5MB per second (150x). Such speeds are being closely watched by Memory Corp’s competition whose products generally only attain minimum write speeds of 20MB per second.

Logitech Press Release

New Logitech io2 Digital Pen Features Improved Handwriting Recognition, Advanced Shortcuts Using ioTags; Pen Turns Handwritten Notes Into Microsoft Word Documents in Seconds

HANNOVER, Germany—March 8, 2006—Today at CeBIT, Logitech (SWX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI) unveiled the new version of the Logitech io2 Digital Pen. The new digital pen—which converts handwriting into digital text in seconds—has improved handwriting recognition and offers a new written shortcut that efficiently transforms notes into a Microsoft(R) Word(R) document. The new io2 pen also is available at a lower retail price. The Logitech io2 Digital Pen’s improved handwriting recognition software learns the user’s personal lexicon and individual handwriting style for a more accurate conversion of notes into digital text.

Both models will be available in the UK from April 2006 with a guide price of £149.99. A flash diffuser, strap, silicon paste as well as an anti-condensation kit is included in every package.

Casio Europe Press Release

Norderstedt, March 2006 - The Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia is one of the most exciting natural settings on earth. The world’s biggest coral reef offers diving-fans the most beautiful impressions of tropical underwater worlds and is perfect for photography. In order to be able to record these and other moments in pictures and enjoy them again and again, CASIO has designed the two new underwater housings EWC-60 and EWC-70. Both are compatible with each of the two EXILIM digital camera models from the current and new line-up.