plawa Press Release

COLOGNE and UHINGEN, Germany, September 27/PRNewswire/—Manufacturer plawa, exclusive licensee of the AGFAPHOTO brand for digital cameras, presents the first model of its new product line at photokina. The DC-735 will be on view at the “AGFAPHOTO digital camera” stand B021 in hall 2.1. From 9 October 2006 the seven megapixel AGFAPHOTO digital camera will be available across Germany for 199 euros (RRP incl. VAT). In addition to a high-quality CCD sensor the 22 millimetre slim line metal housing contains a 2.5 inch bright display, a 3x optical zoom, a lithium ion rechargeable battery and a combined USB 2.0 and video interface. plawa will be announcing more AGFAPHOTO digital cameras before the end of this year: in the five to six megapixel category the DC-530i, DC-630x and DC-633x will be launched at prices between 109 and 149 euros. A ten megapixel model is also in preparation and will be available from specialist dealers at a price of 229 euros.

AOL Press Release

Popular Online Photo Service Offers Both Private and Public Galleries, Providing Consumers More Choices for Sharing Digital Photos

DULLES, VA—September 27, 2006 – As part of its continued expansion of free features and services for all Internet users, AOL today announced that its popular online photo service, AOL Pictures, will now offer public photo galleries.  The new feature is available today through the AOL Pictures website at http://www.aol.com/pictures. With the addition of public galleries, AOL Pictures® now integrates the benefits of sharing digital photos privately through email or sharing them with anyone on the Web, all conveniently from one place.  In addition, users can browse others’ public galleries, comment on photos, tag photos for easy searching, subscribe to users’ photos and much more.

O’Reilly Press Release

Tap into Tapp for Workflow Expertise - O’Reilly Releases “Photoshop Workflow Setups: Eddie Tapp on Digital Photography”

Farnham, UK—Most photographers are passionate about their work, but that doesn’t mean they’re passionate about sitting in front of a computer tweaking photographs. Although they have a powerful ally in Photoshop, some photographers struggle with a love/annoyance relationship with the application. It’s understandable: many of Photoshop’s features are intended for photo editing, but some are strictly for print and web design. The wealth of features and options can be confusing, distracting, and downright unproductive. In “Photoshop Workflow Setups” (O’Reilly), Eddie Tapp shows why nothing is more critical than setting up an efficient Photoshop workspace, optimized for the way you work as a photographer. The book is the first volume in the Experts’ Studio “Eddie Tap on Digital Photography” series from O’Reilly. It lays out a step-by-step approach to creating an uncluttered and efficient workspace in the midst of Photoshop’s vast collection of menus, palettes, and tools.

Tamron Press Release

Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro

September 2006 Photokina in Cologne, Germany: Tamron announces the new AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A18), a lightweight, compact and ultra high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized imager sensors. This new AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is the ultimate high power zoom lens boasting the world’s greatest zoom ratio(*1) of 13.9X, a milestone that Tamron, the pioneer of high power zoom lenses, has achieved by commanding its technologies to further expand the capabilities of high power zoom lenses.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos of a prototype lens (nearly the final version) live from Photokina 2006, mounted on a Canon EOS DSLR - just click the link below to view them.

Epson P-5000 Multimedia Storage Viewer - The complete digital solution for photographers

Transform the way you view, store and manage digital photos and movies. The Epson P5000 is ideal for photo enthusiasts and professionals looking for the ultimate in flexible photo support - on the move and in the studio. Take a brighter, clearer look at your digital images with the Epson P5000. This compact, portable device is built around the clear, bright, colourful 4” Photo Fine Ultra colour LCD, which features the world’s first 4-colour filter system. It’s perfect for viewing images during a shoot, even in RAW format, before arranging and storing them safely on the 80GB hard drive. Its portability allows you to store and share images, wherever you are.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos live from Photokina 2006 - just click the link below to view them.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today launches the portable devices, designed with EOS and other digital photographers in mind. The Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 devices feature a large ultra-bright 3.7” TFT screen with 160º viewing angle for image and video review, and a 30Gb/80Gb hard disk to store digital images, movie and sound files of various file formats. Both the Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 feature a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and slots for CF and SD cards. With their tough, robust magnesium alloy bodies and intuitive navigation familiar to EOS owners, the devices add an important link to the workflow chain of professional photojournalists and photographers on location, outdoor and expedition shoots. The Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 are also expected to be popular with the increasing body of every-day photographers looking for new ways to store and display favourite shots and extend storage capacity whilst away from the computer.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos live from Photokina 2006 - just click the link below to view them.

The new Fujifilm F31fd camera adds face detection and infra-red communication to the 6 months old F30 model. The Fujifilm FinePix F31fd will be available in December at a retail cost of $399.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

Valhalla, NY, September 25, 2006 -  Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is proud to unveil the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd, the first pocketable digital camera from Fujifilm to feature the company’s new Face Detection Technology. Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology debuted on the SLR-styled FinePix S6000fd. It has a tremendous impact on the quality of “people pictures” by ensuring that cameras like the Fujifilm F31fd will automatically focus on and expose for faces, rather than details that lead to less-than-desirable photographs. Identifying up to 10 faces in a frame, Face Detection Technology ensures photos of friends and family are crisp, clear and properly exposed for a natural feel. It has an advantage over the few other face detection systems currently on the market as the technology is built-in to the camera’s processor, enabling the Fujifilm F31fd to identify faces and optimize settings within a scant 0.05 seconds. With the Fujifilm F31fd, which is similar in style to the FinePix F30, Fujifilm adds Face Detection to the many significant breakthrough features in the award winning and critically-acclaimed FinePix F30 - unprecedented light sensitivities up to ISO 3200 at full resolution, Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization, the ‘i-Flash’ system, and best-in-class 580-shot battery life. Add a 3x optical zoom lens from Fujinon, a 6-MegaPixel Super CCD HR sensor, and a 2.5 inch LCD screen with glare-reducing coatings and the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd is an ideal companion for consumers looking for a first-class upgrade to their current digital cameras.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos live from Photokina 2006 - just click the link below to view them.

Epson Press Release

Epson® delivers A2 printer with UltraChrome™ K3 ink and the smallest footprint on the market - An A2, professional desktop printer, the new Epson Stylus Pro 3800 features UltraChrome K3 ink and has the features and performance to cater for the needs of the photography, fine art, proofing and graphics markets.

Photokina, 25 September – 1 October 2006 – The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 is the most compact A2 printer on the market, making it ideal for those with limited studio space.  It is an advanced inkjet system featuring UltraChrome K3 ink technology for premium quality output, comes with high-capacity ink cartridges for overnight print runs and offers a range of print sizes from A6 to A2.  Designed for ease of use, the Epson 3800 is ideally suited for fast and flexible printing in the photography, fine art, proofing and graphics markets. The Epson 3800 includes Epson’s UltraChrome K3 ink technology, an eight-colour pigment ink system that delivers premium quality prints with neutral gradations in colour and black and white. The full ink set includes cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, light magenta, light black, light light black photo black or matte black.  Print quality is life-like with excellent greyscale performance and smooth tonal reproduction. UltraChrome K3 inks offers a wide gamut of the colour spectrum, meaning that even colours such as vibrant orange, signal red and ochre can be achieved. The lighter inks also allow smooth gradations for the printing of watercolour, pastels and crayons.  The photo black and matte black cartridges provide you with increased ease of use when you need to switch from matte to glossy media by simply choosing the black ink that you need from your printer driver.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos live from Photokina 2006 - just click the link below to view them.

Foveon Press Release

Foveon Sensor Debuts in New Cameras from Sigma Corporation of Japan

Cologne, Germany, September 26, 2006—Foveon announced today the release of its 14.1 megapixel X3 DSLR image sensor, the highest resolution X3 sensor available and the latest product from Foveon. In addition to providing image quality suitable for professional photographers, the new X3 sensor incorporates design and process enhancements which improve performance at long exposures and high ISO speeds, and also provides a 40% increase in pixel count compared to the previous X3 DSLR sensor. Foveon’s proprietary X3 technology is the only image sensor technology that stacks red, green and blue pixels vertically, increasing the information density of the recorded image while simultaneously eliminating the color sampling artifacts found with other image sensors. The new X3 sensor packs 14.1 million pixels, each 7.8µm in size, into a 3-dimensional array of 2652 x 1768 x 3 pixels with an active image area measuring 20.69 x 13.79 mm. The sensor can be read out at speeds up to 5 frames per second.

SanDisk Press Release

COLOGNE, GERMANY, Sep. 26, 2006 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced a 4-gigabyte (GB)[3] SanDisk Ultra® II SD High Capacity (SDHC™) card to meet the growing demand for higher capacity storage. The new cards can store more than 2,000 high-resolution pictures or up to 8 hours of MPEG 4 video[4]. The announcement was made at the Photokina trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 6, Stand D78/E79. The SanDisk Ultra II SDHC card features write speeds of 9 megabytes (MB) per second and read speeds of 10MB/sec.[5] The cards are targeted at digital photography enthusiasts with 5 mega-pixel or higher resolution digital cameras or videographers with camcorders that require significantly faster flash storage cards. The SanDisk MicroMate™ USB 2.0 reader, which normally retails for $19.99, will be bundled with the 4GB SanDisk Ultra II SDHC card at no extra charge. SDHC cards require an SDHC-compatible reader to transfer images from card to computer, and the MicroMate readers work with both SDHC and SD cards.

SanDisk Press Release

COLOGNE, GERMANY, Sep. 26, 2006 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced the 12- and 16-gigabyte (GB)[1] SanDisk Extreme® III CompactFlash® cards to its award-winning Extreme III performance line, making these the highest capacity cards in the world. The new high-performance, large-capacity cards are ideal for professional photographers who shoot RAW or high-resolution JPG files and need the performance, reliability and capacity to capture these large files. The new SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash cards can also be used with the Grass Valley™ Infinity Series Digital Media Camcorder, the first camcorder introduced in the broadcast industry that uses non-proprietary, removable, solid-state flash memory cards as recording and playback media. The new cards will have minimum write and read speeds of 20 megabytes per second (MB/sec.) [2] and will ship to photo retailers by the end of the year. The announcement was made at the Photokina trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 6, Stand D78/E79.

X-Rite Press Release

Köln, Germany – PHOTOKINA, Stand D038 – C031 in Hall 4.1 – September 26, 2006 – X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ: XRIT)(SWX:XRI), a global leader in color measurement, today unveiled its new integrated portfolio of solutions, combined from former GretagMacbeth and X-Rite solutions, for the digital photography market. The creation of this portfolio was one of the first priorities for the company’s new Imaging and Media group. The new portfolio enables X-Rite to offer customers best-in-class solutions built on leading edge technology, delivering improved measurement consistency for accurate color communication throughout the creative workflow and the digital supply chain. In addition, by better leveraging its substantial investment in research and development, the company can accelerate innovation so it can continue to deliver solutions that break new ground in terms of functionality, ease-of-use, and price/performance.

HP and X-Rite Press Release

Grandville, Michigan USA, September 26, 2006 – HP and X-Rite (NASDAQ: XRIT)(SWX:XRI) today announced a strategic partnership that aims at seamlessly integrating the worlds of inkjet printing and color management, delivering the first color managed inkjet solution with true plug and play color accuracy and consistency. By incorporating an embedded spectrophotometer based on the X-Rite Eye-One technology and controlled from an intuitive HP Color Center, the new HP Designjet Z Photo Series printers delivers creative professionals breakthrough color accuracy, consistency and superb ease of use, revolutionizing end-to-end color printing solutions.

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston Introduces Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) 4GB Card - Announces SDHC Compatibility for its 15-In-1 Hi-Speed Reader

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2006 – Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it will begin producing the new Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) Class 2 card and enhance the function of its existing 15-in-1 Reader to support the growing storage demands of high performance digital still cameras, digital video cameras and other high resolution image recording devices. The new SDHC memory cards are available now in 4GB* capacities with a retail price of $199.00 USD through Kingston’s global network of resellers. “Although identical in size to today’s standard SD card, SDHC cards can handle the tremendous levels of data that today’s digital cameras and MP3 players are capable of delivering,” said Keyla Velazquez, product manager Digital Media / Flash Memory, Kingston Technology Company. “SDHC cards are a perfect match for today’s digital SDHC compatible devices that support MPEG-4 and high quality video compression commonly found in consumer HD and DVD videos, super VCD, box top DVRs and digital television.”

Kingston Technology Press Release

- Featuring Increased Write Speed of 133x and a New 8-GB Card for Higher Capacity -

[Photokina, 26 September 2006]  Kingston Technology, the world’s leading independent memory manufacturer, today announced the upgrading its “Ultimate” line of CompactFlash memory cards by preloading the cards with Ontrack’s EasyRecovery Professional software version 6.1.  Aimed at professional and advanced amateur photographers, the new software provides data recovery capabilities for lost digital photographs.  In addition, Kingston Technology will increase the sustained write speed from 100x to 133x on its 2-GB and 4-GB CompactFlash Ultimate cards and will add a new 8-GB capacity card with a write speed of 133x to the line. EasyRecovery Professional version 6.1 is the latest data recovery software from Ontrack.  Designed to retrieve photographs that have been corrupted or accidentally deleted, the software provides a complete, easy-to-use interface to recover photographs, providing photographers with added peace of mind and greater image protection.

HP Press Release

COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 26, 2006 – HP today made a series of announcements marking the international expansion of its digital photography business and its efforts to further accelerate the photo industry’s transformation from analogue to digital technologies. The news, announced at the Photokina tradeshow, includes the expansion of HP’s online and retail photo businesses in Europe; an addition to its retail photo printing portfolio; new professional photo-printing systems with industry-leading colour output and management capabilities; and additional tools for HP Indigo digital presses that enhance photo-specialty printing. Collectively, these products, services and partners’ efforts enable new experiences for all of HP’s photography customers – from consumers, hobbyists and professionals to retailers and print service providers.

Canon USA Press Release

Canon Serves Up A Triple-Threat Large Format Line-Up - Now Offering Three 12-Color Wide Format Printers in 17, 44, and 60-Inch Widths

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 26, 2006 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of office imaging systems, inkjet technology and digital photography equipment, today unveiled the new 12-color imagePROGRAF iPF8000 pigment ink large format printer. Designed to produce stunning color for professional quality giclee prints and photographs, the iPF8000 utilizes Canon’s proprietary LUCIA pigment inks to print borderless images up to 42-inches wide, with a maximum paper width of 44-inches at amazing production speeds with outstanding archival image quality.  The iPF8000 debuts at SGIA, (Booth #0534) September 26th, in Las Vegas. Canon’s Graphic Arts line of large format printers now includes the imagePROGRAF iPF5000, iPF8000, and iPF9000 printers at 17-, 44-, and 60-inches wide respectively.  This expands Canon’s large format portfolio which includes their recently announced Corporate and CAD line of large format print solutions.  The new iPF8000 printer joins its two sister products by offering an extremely wide color gamut with a full 12-color inkset featuring LUCIA pigmented inks, along with the L-COA processor to quickly and accurately process high resolution image data.

The new HP DesignJet Photo Printer series is unveiled today at Photokina, offering an embedded spectrophotometer, advanced profiling solution and 200 year print life. The HP Designjet Z2100 features an eight-color HP Vivera pigment ink system, while the HP Designjet Z3100 uses a 12-ink HP Vivera pigment ink system with HP 70 Gloss Enhancer and HP Quad-Black Inks. Both printers come in two different sizes, 24 inch and 44 inch.

HP Press Release

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 26, 2006 – HP today announced it is changing the way graphics professionals create large-format images with the unveiling of the HP Designjet Z Photo Printer Series. Continuing to expand its professional printing portfolio, HP is leveraging its pigment ink technologies developed for the HP Photosmart Pro B9180 to create the first large-format printers employing HP’s Scalable Printing Technology. The HP Designjet Z Photo Printer Series is designed to deliver intuitive, dependable and repeatable color accuracy for 24- and 44-inch museum-quality prints with 200 years’ photo permanence.(1) “The HP Designjet Z Photo Printer Series enables photographers, graphic designers and artists to print their vision accurately and consistently,” said Enrique Lores, vice president and general manager, Inkjet Commercial Division, HP. “With our breakthrough color management features, graphics professionals can now leverage a truly intuitive and automated printing process that expands both their business opportunities and their creative boundaries.”

Colour Confidence Press Release

Photokina Cologne, Germany, 26th September, 2006 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, have today announced details of their newly revamped dealer programmes. Designed to expand the uptake of colour management solutions across Europe, the overall structure includes the new ‘ColorStore’ programme, an update to the Confident Reseller programme and details of the new Affiliate programme. To find out more visit Colour Confidence at Hall 4.1 Stand D-051 throughout Photokina, or alternatively go to www.colourconfidence.com/partners . “When we reviewed the European market for colour management solutions, it was either difficult to find companies selling products at all, or we identified dealers offering products only from a single manufacturer – leading to a lack of choice for end-users and often people being offered the wrong solutions, ” commented Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director Colour Confidence. “We will address this by creating a network of ‘ColorStores’ where customers can see a range of products and make an informed decision – all over Europe.”

Sigma Press Release

EX series large aperture zoom lens designed specially for use with digital SLR cameras with a minimum focusing distance of 20cm.

2006.9.26 - The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO lens. This lens has a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9”) and a maximum magnification of 1:3, making it ideal for close-up photography. Specially designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras this lens provides a high level of optical performance.Its design incorporates both glass-mold and hybrid aspherical lens technology which offers superior peripheral brightness, extremely high image quality as well as a compact and lightweight construction. Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood (supplied) plus circular polarizing filters.