Sigma Press Release

2006.9.26 - The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS lens. This high zoom ratio lens is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras and is capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto. It is equipped with Sigma’s own unique technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) function. This function uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting moving subject such as motor sports. Two SLD?Special Low Dispersion?glass elements and two aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. UK price is £439.99 and it will be available in April / May 2007.

Sigma Press Release

2006.9.26 - The new Sigma lens line-up for the Four-Thirds system comprises the large aperture wide-angle 24mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO, the compact telephoto zoom lens APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG, the large aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the large aperture zoom lens 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO. The introduction of these new lenses increases our lens line-up for Four Thirds mount to a total of eleven models.

Pretec Press Release

COLOGNE, Germany—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Pretec, world record holder of the highest capacity flash memory cards of CF card (12GB), USB Flash Drive (16GB), and SD card (8GB), has now released 16GB CF card, the first and highest capacity CF card in the world today at Photokina (Booth Hall 6, A069). The demand for higher capacity and better performing flash cards has been increasing in our daily lives with introduction of ever higher resolution digital cameras and the emergence of new multimedia appliances and industrial applications. Over the last 10 years CompactFlash has seen a 4,000 times increase in capacity from the first announcement of Pretec 4MB CF card (http://www.compactflash.org/pr/960220a.htm) to today’s 16GB. Pretec has consistently demonstrated the highest capacity and fastest speed CompactFlash in the world such as 3GB (Nov. 2002, Las Vegas, Comdex), 6GB (March 2003, Hanover, CeBIT), 12GB (March 2004, Hanover, CeBIT) and 16GB (Sept. 2006, Photokina).

Apple Press Release

Major Update Adds Open Library Option and Extends Workflow

PHOTOKINA 2006, COLOGNE, Germany—September 25, 2006—Apple® today released Aperture™ 1.5, a major update to the all-in-one post production tool for photographers that delivers enhancements across each phase of the entire workflow. Aperture 1.5 delivers a powerful new open library, seamless iLife® ‘06 and iWork™ ‘06 integration, XMP metadata support, powerful new adjustment tools and an export API that makes it easy to extend the Aperture workflow to third party applications and services. “Aperture has given photographers around the globe the confidence to work in exciting new ways,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “Now with Apple Aperture 1.5, we’ve opened the library and extended the workflow to provide a solution that is as flexible as it is powerful.”

DxO Labs Press Release

Automatic image enhancement software introduces advanced color features, new optical and image geometry corrections, improved workflow and speed as well as plug-in compatibility with Adobe® Photoshop®

Cologne, Germany, Photokina Hall 4.1, Aisle F, Booth 036 (September 25, 2006) – DxO Labs announces today the immediate availability of the Windows PC release of DxO Optics Pro v4 on the DxO Labs Web site (www.dxo.com).  A free, fully functional demo version is available in addition to the commercial version. DxO Optics Pro software improves the image quality of Digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and advanced digicams. The Mac and Intel Mac release of DxO Optics Pro v4 is expected to be available for download at the end of October. Purchasers of the current Macintosh version (v3.55) are entitled to a free upgrade when version 4 Macintosh ships. DxO Optics Pro is the award-winning digital image enhancement tool incorporating revolutionary optics, noise and exposure corrections in an easy-to-use, feature rich application for Mac and PC users. “DxO Optics Pro v4 brings a wealth of true innovations that are simply not available in other products,” said Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography Business Unit at DxO Labs. “In the ten months since releasing the previous (v3.5) DxO Optics Pro software, our engineers have worked diligently to add the kinds of improvements photographers world wide have been requesting.”

Ulead Press Release

Northampton, UK September 25th, 2006 - Ulead Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of InterVideo Inc. today announced the release of Ulead® PhotoImpact® 12, Ulead’s flagship image-editing software.  The latest version of PhotoImpact adds innovative features that allow beginners to immediately enjoy success in editing their digital photos and sharing images in creative projects. “PhotoImpact 12 does so many things in such an uncomplicated way, once users get started they never want to go back,” said Mark Wurdemann, Ulead European Marketing Manager. “What we’ve done with this new version is open the door wider to enter the exciting world of digital imaging.  We think users will find ExpressFix mode and the new photo projects invaluable additions to this award-winning product.”

I/OMagic Press Release

IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—I/OMagic Corporation (OTCBB:IOMG), a leading provider of data storage products, announced today that it has expanded its mobile storage line-up with the availability of a GigaBank™ Ultra 120, a portable hard disk drive with a push-button back-up operation. The 2.5” 120GB(a) portable hard drive disk is perfect for the “on the go” lifestyle. The GigaBank Ultra 120 is small enough to take anywhere conveniently and will hold any data — from essential business files to photos and music. “The GigaBank Ultra 120 is ideal for high speed digital storage with maximum versatility and portability,” said Tony Shahbaz, president and Chief Executive Officer of I/OMagic Corporation. “With 120GB of storage capacity and ultra high-speed data transfer the GigaBank Ultra 120 is the ideal choice for users who want large storage capacity together with a stylish ‘look.’”

Kodak UK Press Release

LONDON and COLOGNE, Germany, September 25 — Eastman Kodak Company today announced the latest addition to its award-winning line of consumer digital cameras, the Kodak Z710 zoom digital camera.  With impressive 10X optical zoom, phenomenal picture quality, and a host of performance features, this new model bridges the gap between value and performance.  Intuitive enough for beginners and sophisticated enough for digital photography enthusiasts, the Kodak Z710 camera provides point-and-shoot simplicity with advanced features to easily get professional-looking results.  Available in September, the Kodak Z710 camera will retail for £279 (RRP). “The line of KODAK EASYSHARE digital cameras has won numerous accolades over the past five years for innovation, advanced technology, and ease-of-use,” said Carolyn Walsh, Product Sales Director Digital, Eastman Kodak Company. “With the release of the Kodak Z710 model we are setting a new price-to-performance benchmark making it incredibly simple for people to take, make, share, and organise pictures at a great value.”

Kodak UK Press Release

LONDON, and COLOGNE, Germany, September 25 – As digital cameras increase in feature and functionality, consumers need more powerful batteries to ensure maximum performance when taking pictures.  To support this need, Kodak today introduced a series of new batteries and chargers that increase the number of pictures consumers can take between battery charges and changes, and improving the picture-taking experience overall.  Kodak’s new batteries and chargers provide long life, fast flash, and long storage life, which combine to give consumers an outstanding picture-taking experience. “Consumers always want to be ready to capture that important life event through pictures, whether it’s a child’s first step, a high school graduation or a wedding,” said Joel Proegler, general manager one-time use camera and battery business, Eastman Kodak Company.  “With the new KODAK batteries and chargers, consumers can rest assured that they will have the power they need to take the best picture, wherever and whenever they want.”

Kodak UK Press Release

LONDON, and COLOGNE, Germany, September 25 – Eastman Kodak Company is extending its partnership with Leica Camera AG to provide image sensors for the newly announced LEICA M8.  The new KODAK KAF-10500 image sensor was developed specifically for use with the M8, and marks Kodak’s second collaboration with Leica, building on the success of Kodak’s interaction with Leica on the LEICA DIGITAL-MODULE-R. The first digital camera to use the Leica viewfinder system, the LEICA M8 extends the Leica M series into the digital world.  By working closely with Leica, Kodak designed and optimised the new image sensor to meet the demanding needs of Leica photographers. With a resolution of over 10 million pixels, the KAF-10500 continues Kodak’s legacy of offering high performance imaging devices that leverage Kodak’s Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) technology for low noise, high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range.  Utilising a 6.8µm pixel architecture, the sensor uses an optimised microlens configuration to maximise centre to corner uniformity for improved image quality, particularly important for the broad incident light angles associated with M series lenses.  The sensor also includes anti-blooming protection to prevent against image corruption during high light level conditions.

Adobe Press Release

Adobe Brings Lightroom into Photoshop Family with Introduction of Beta 4 - New Round of Enhancements in Latest Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Beta Unites Feature Set for Macintosh and Windows Versions

SAN JOSE, Calif. and COLOGNE, Germany — Sept. 25, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced an update to the public beta of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom™ software at the Photokina tradeshow in Cologne, Germany. Available immediately for download from Adobe Labs (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom ), this update unites the product feature set for Windows® and Macintosh platforms, giving professional photographers a new way to import, manage and showcase large volumes of digital photographs. More than 325,000 people have opted to try Lightroom during the beta period and feedback has been fueled by over 3,400 of them sharing input in Adobe online forums. The final version of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is expected to ship in early 2007.

Horseman Press Release

Horseman shows the SW-D2 Pro, a super wide angle camera, the LD Pro, a hgh-end camera back accessory for adding bellows functions, and the Horseman 3D Stereo Camera at Photokina.

Cologne, Germany (September 26, 2006) – The Horseman will highlight three new products at Photokina this week, including the SW-D2 Pro super wide angle camera, the LD Pro high-end camera back, and the Horseman 3D stereo camera. The SW-D2 Pro is a higher-end version of the SWD large format digital camera announced earlier this year. The SW-D2 Pro will feature additional mount compatibility for the SWD interchangeable digital back system, plus some new design improvements that open new dimensions for large format digital photography. In addition to the SW-D2 Pro, Horseman will also show the LD Pro, a high-end camera back accessory that is equipped with a slide-back mechanism to allow mounting of a high-end camera back to give full bellows functions, and allow you to convert the LD into a 4x5-inch film camera.  The LD Pro takes high-end digital backs, such as Phase One, Leaf, Imacon and Sinar.

Nokia Press Release

Showcasing its expanding assortment of multimedia computers and solutions, Nokia has an innovative and compelling story to tell to consumers and imaging professionals alike.

Cologne, Germany and Espoo, Finland - Nokia, the global leader in mobility, today kicked off a weeklong display of its latest imaging achievements at Photokina 2006. Highlighting the benefits that mobility brings to imaging, Nokia’s exhibition area is packed with the newest Nokia Nseries multimedia computers and the very latest experiences offered by them. Nokia is pleased to invite the media to attend a press conference at Photokina 2006 from 3 pm to 4 pm on Tuesday, 26 September, in the Offenbach Saal, Congress Centrum Ost. To learn more about Nokia’s comprehensive offering in multimedia computers and solutions, you can also visit Nokia at Photokina 2006 in hall 4.2, C 010/E 019.

Serif Press Release

Serif (Europe) Ltd, the UK’s leading independent desktop publishing, design and graphics software developer, is delighted to announce the release of PhotoPlus 11 Studio Pack. PhotoPlus 11 Studio Pack (List Price £59.99; upgrade prices available*) is the powerful new version of Serif’s digital image editor and it’s now more flexible and easy-to-use than ever. Combining an astonishing array of professional-level image correction and adjustment tools with enhanced usability features, PhotoPlus 11 Studio Pack is a superb choice for anyone wanting complete control over their photos and digital images. Also including AlbumPlus 4, Serif’s flexible digital image organiser, PhotoPlus 11 Studio Pack offers exceptional value-for-money too.

In the latest installment of this regular series, we cast the spotlight on members of the PhotographyBLOG Gallery and ask them about their photography. The 12th member to sit in the interview chair is Mark64.

“For me capturing a beautiful landscape as an image is an added bonus to actually being out there in that environment. Being there just seems to waken my senses to beyond that of what they are living day to day in a city.”

Website: Gallery Member Spotlight - Mark64

We’ve now arrived in Cologne (Sunday evening here). Tomorrow is the Press day, ahead of the first day proper on Tuesday. Expect big announcements tomorrow from Apple, Epson and Fujifilm, amongst others…Make sure that you check our Photokina 2006 Report regularly for all the latest news live from the show.

Light Crafts Press Release

Light Crafts, Inc., a Palo Alto (CA) based photo editing software company, ushers in a new generation integrated digital workflow tool—Lightzone 2.0—to be announced formally at Photokina Cologne, September 27, 2006. LightZone 2.0 is a new intuitive tool which extends the capabilities of professional and amateur photographers, based on Ansel Adam’s Zone System. LightZone provides photographers with precise control over exposure, contrast and color, in a straightforward interface that streamlines workflow
and dramatically saves time. With LightZone, photographers regain the use of their intuition in processing their images.

Epson P-3000 Multimedia Storage Viewer - Transform the way you look at photos and movies

Store, manage and share your photos and movies with this sleek, powerful, compact multimedia viewer. It’s perfect for sharing memories with friends, or as a portable, professional photo assistant. Experience the benefits of digital photography with the Epson P-3000. This powerful, compact device brings new flexibility and performance to digital photography. Watch movies in various formats, store and view photos through the the new crystal clear 4” Photo Fine Ultra LCD. There’s a 40GB internal memory for image storage and back-up, long battery life for true portability and built-in CF and SD memory card slots. You can even listen to music on its built-in audio player.

Think Tank Photos Press Release

For photographers, having to check their gear before boarding an airline exposes them to one of their greatest fears: the theft of their equipment and possibly their livelihood. Think Tank Photos (www.thinktankphoto.com) newest additions to their air travel line the Airport Check In briefcase and the Airport Antidote Airport Acceleration, and Glass Taxi backpacks allow photographers to carry their bodies, lenses, and accessories onto planes with different carry on requirements and legally store them in overhead bins or under the seat. Being able to travel through airports with the least amount of hassle is of utmost importance to photographers. When combined with Think Tank Photos breakthrough large backpack, the Airport Addicted, and revolutionary roller, the Airport Security, these new bags provide photographers with a complete menu of options for complying with airline requirements for bag size and weight, as well as the maximum number of bags allowed they can carry onto the plane.

Gepe Press Release

At Photokina 2006 in Cologne (Germany), Gepe Produkte AG presents a new part of its product range: the Gepe Card Safe Store. It is the ideal tool to archive digital memory cards. At a first glance, the Card Safe Store looks like a DVD cover. Inside it consists of a foam rubber insert where memory cards can be safely kept in specific compartments. Gepe’s EasyGrab™ ensures easy and quick removal of cards. The new Card Safe Store is available in two versions: the black version features an index sheet on the outside and flaps on the inside where index prints or other paper can be kept. The second version is transparent without index sheet or flaps. As it is transparent, users can see which cards are stored even if the Store is closed. At Photokina, Gepe will introduce the Card Safe Stores for Compact Flash cards and SD cards. The CF store can hold up to 6 cards, in the SD store you can archive up to 9 cards.