Extensis Press Release

Extensis Portfolio 8 Puts Creative Workgroup Assets at User’s Fingertips - New functionality means less time searching for files and more ways to organise and share across workgroups.

Northampton – Thursday 20th October, 2005 — Extensis, a division of Celartem, Inc., today announced Portfolio 8, a major advance in its digital asset management (DAM) solution. The new version of Portfolio provides industrial-strength workflow features to organise and route digital files utilising visual catalogs and embedded metadata, making it fast and easy to find and share valuable branding collateral within the asset creation workgroups and externally with global partners.  The Portfolio 8 product family includes a standalone version, Client/Server solution; as well as NetPublish and SQL Connect Modules.

”The most competitive organisations are looking for the best way to use technology to improve their business processes and their bottom line. This new version of Portfolio is the ultimate solution for organising, finding and distributing a company’s critically important brand assets,” said Dan Harlacher, Portfolio product manager for Extensis. “It’s our cure for the common quagmire of creative assets and image management that companies are facing every day. Plus you can do it in less time and with less money than you might think; it’s a software solution trusted by IT and approved by creatives and brand professionals.”

Breeze Systems Press Release

DSLR Remote Pro v1.1 improves exposure control and adds support for new cameras

20th October, 2005 : Breeze Systems today released DSLR Remote Pro v1.1. Photographers can now use Breeze Systems’ highly regarded software to control Canon EOS 5D, 350D/Rebel XT, 20D, EOS-1D Mark II and EOS-1Ds Mark II cameras as well as the 10D, 300D/Rebel, EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds models.

Improve exposure control in tricky lighting conditions with DSLR Remote Pro’s unique ability to auto bracket up to 15 images with Canon DSLR cameras by varying either the shutter speed or the aperture. This greatly simplifies the taking of sequences of images which can then be combined to make High Dynamic Range (HDR) images in your image editor. This technique is particularly effective when taking interior shots or product shots without the need for sophisticated lighting.

View color managed previews where color accuracy is critical. Previews may also be sharpened using the highly acclaimed HQ sharpening routines used in BreezeBrowser Pro.

Apple Press Release

First All-in-One Post Production Tool for Photographers

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Apple(R) today introduced Aperture, the first all-in-one post production tool that provides everything photographers need after the shoot. Aperture offers an advanced and incredibly fast RAW workflow that makes working with a camera’s RAW images as easy as JPEG. Built from the ground up for pros, Aperture features powerful compare and select tools, nondestructive image processing, color managed printing and custom web and book publishing.

“Aperture is to professional photography what Final Cut Pro is to filmmaking,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Marketing. “Finally, an innovative post production tool that revolutionizes the pro photo workflow from compare and select to retouching to output.”

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-C6 is announced by Sanyo Japan today. The Sanyo VPC-C6 is another update of the long line of Sanyo’s hybrid still/moving digital cameras. Available in 3 colours, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-C6 features smooth movie playback of 60fps from video recorded at 30fps. You can also take a 6 megapixel photo during MPEG-4 video recording. The Sanyo VPC-C6 has a larger 2 inch LCD screen with 210,000 pixels and offers a new 5x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38mm-190mm. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-C6 will cost 75,600 Yen ($725) and be available in November.

Website: Sanyo Japan - Sanyo Xacti DMX-C6

Website: Sanyo Japan - Sanyo Digital Cameras

Website: Slrworld - Sanyo Xacti DMX-C6

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-C40 is announced by Sanyo Japan today. The 4 megapixel Sanyo VPC-C40 is another update of the long line of Sanyo’s hybrid still/moving digital cameras. Available in silver, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-C40 features smooth movie playback of 60fps from video recorded at 30fps. You can also take a 4 megapixel photo during MPEG-4 video recording. The Sanyo VPC-C40 has a 1.8 inch LCD screen and offers a new 5.8x optical zoom lens.

Website: Sanyo Japan - Sanyo Xacti VPC-C40

iView Multimedia Press Release

iView’s New MediaPro Speeds Creatives’ Workflows

iView Multimedia today announced a new version of iView MediaPro, the award-winning, cross-platform digital asset management application. Designed for photographers and other creative professionals, MediaPro 3.0 delivers the world’s most flexible and powerful professional workflow management solution.

Like earlier versions, MediaPro 3.0 helps users organize and manage a high volume and wide variety of digital files by creating customized, centralized and searchable catalogs.

Now, new features and enhancements simplify and speed up specific workflow tasks, including: importing, organizing, annotating, searching, distributing and archiving valuable digital assets.

Adobe Press Release

Adobe Updates DNG Converter and Adds New `Camera Raw’ Plug-in for 14 New Cameras

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Oct. 20, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced that its Digital Negative Specification (DNG) - an industry-wide initiative to create one unified format for archiving raw digital images - is continuing to win support from camera manufacturers and software makers. Ricoh Co. is the latest camera manufacturer to support DNG, with its new GR digital camera. By providing DNG support directly in its products, Ricoh joins respected camera manufacturers Hasselblad and Leica, along with a wide range of software manufacturers such as Apple, Extensis, iView and ULead.

“DNG addresses a critical need in the market to preserve digital images in their purest form while also simplifying the raw workflow for photographers,” said Kazuhiro Yuasa, general manager of the Image Capturing Solution Division at Ricoh. “The Ricoh GR Digital represents the latest advancements in high resolution compact cameras, and by incorporating support for DNG we’re giving our customers the flexibility and control they require to do their best work.”

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ Studies Indicate Dramatic Changes in Workflow for the Professional Photographer

(Weymouth, MA) October, 19 2005… Recent InfoTrends/CAP Ventures surveys of the professional photography market show an industry in transition. The switch to digital has already transpired, with nearly 80% of pros owning a digital SLR and 52% planning to purchase a new one within a year. The immediacy and flexibility of the digital format has clearly made an impact. The new challenge for pro photographers is to find a way to leverage new technologies, software, and services to grow their businesses.

Survey results show that professional photographers across all specialties are taking a large number of shots – 482 per week on average for digital camera users. The vast majority of these images are saved to a computer, and nearly 65% of the photos taken are edited. Many photographers are using RAW conversion and color management software, and a significant percentage of photos are being published to the Web.

Yamaha Corporation and Fuji Photo Film Press Release

FUJIFILM AND YAMAHA INTRODUCE LABELFLASH™ TECHNOLOGY

October 19, 2005 – Yamaha Corporation and Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. today announced the Labelflash™ technology, a new technology that advances the ability to burn high quality images directly into a specialized dye layer on the disc labeling side using laser for data recording. This technology allows consumers to personalize and customize their DVDs with photos, text and graphics, replacing traditional sticker and marker labeling.

Forbes.com is reporting that AgfaPhoto is set to go out of business with the loss of 2,400 jobs following the failure to find a buyer. Britain’s Photo-Me International PLC were in talks to take over the ailing company, but creditors rejected the offer. AgfaPhoto posted sales of US$900 million last year.

Website: Forbes.com - AgfaPhoto Likely to Be Out of Business

Website: AgfaPhoto

Canon USA Press Release

From Capture to Output — Canon Extends Legacy of Photographic Innovation and Education to Create a Pilot Expert Image and Printing Panel

NEW YORK, October 19, 2005 — Once again paving the way to inspire and mentor future generations of creative photographers and graphic artists, Canon U.S.A. today introduced the beginnings of a new education and expert forum — the Canon “Print Masters” program. Introduced as a pilot program to leverage Canon’s print technologies, Canon Print Masters will work to educate and broaden the awareness of digital print technology. Through the collective experience of the world’s most distinguished imaging, photography and graphic arts professionals, this new program provides Canon Print Masters with imaging equipment, accessories and consumables from Canon’s award-wining imagePROGRAF line of large format printers.

Lensbabies Press Release

Lensbabies Launches Macro Lens Set for Selective Focus Macro Photography

October 20, New York, NY.  Today at the PhotoPlus Expo trade show, Lensbabies launched a set of macro lenses for use with its selective focus SLR camera lenses, Lensbaby 2.0 and the Original Lensbaby.  The macro set consists of one +4 and one +10 macro lens that can be mounted to the front of the Lensbaby lens, allowing photographers to focusing in on minute details with eye popping Lensbaby effects.

“Shooting macro photos with a Lensbaby is completely absorbing and fun.  With small movements of the focusing collar, you can move the sweet spot of focus around your subject, whether it’s a grass hopper or a diamond ring.” said Lisa Smith, a professional photographer from San Diego.

The Norwegian website Akam.no have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels.

Website: Akam.no - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review

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The-Digital-Picture.com have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

” New this round are Picture Styles. Picture Styles are said to simulate the qualities of various film types by adjusting sharpness, color tone, contrast and sharpness. The six preset Picture Style settings include Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome. Three user-defined options are available as well. Apparently, most of these films are not ones I want to use. I may adjust to them; but thus far, I am not too excited about the preset settings. The one exception may be the Landscape Picture Style that appears to emulate Fuji’s Velvia Film. And neutral of course - the setting I am using in-camera. I say in-camera as Picture Styles settings can be changed in post-process using the included Digital Photo Pro software. In fact, RAW files from cameras as old as the Canon D30 can be processed using the new Picture Styles. The ability to create your own User-Defined Picture Styles is great. Mix up your own parameters to perfection.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture.com - Canon EOS 5D Review

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DigiCamReview have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

“Announced on the 15th of July, the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D / Maxxum 5D is Konica Minolta’s “budget” digital SLR - it’s 22% smaller than the Dynax 7D / Maxxum 7D, and retains the anti-shake CCD sensor enabling image stabilisation for all lenses attached to the camera, this should allow blur free low-light / long zoom photography. The 7D and 5D will take all Dynax / Maxxum AF lenses, past, present and future. The Dynax / Maxxum 5D is available for £500 excluding lens, and £550 including 18-70 kit lens, this makes it excellent value for money as one of the lowest priced DSLR’s currently available. The Konica Minolta AF DT 18-70 kit lens is equivelant to 27 – 105mm on a 35mm camera, giving the lens a useful 3.8x optical zoom. The camera is enclosed in a black plastic body. As will all digital SLRs, the camera does not record videos! The camera seems fairly compact for a DSLR.” “

Website: DigiCamReview - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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CEIVA Logic Press Release

Share More Photos With the New CEIVA 3 Digital Photo Receiver(TM) for Broadband and Home Networks

Digital and Camera Phone Photos Can Now Be Accessed Faster and More Frequently With New High Speed Connection

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/—CEIVA Logic Inc., provider of the world’s first and only connected Digital Photo Receiver(TM), today announced the availability of the CEIVA 3 Digital Photo Receiver(TM), its new broadband ready product that allows consumers to automatically share and display an endless slideshow of all their treasured digital photos throughout the day. The CEIVA 3 Digital Photo Receiver can now be connected through a home network or digital phone system with the option of connecting it through a traditional phone line. The new CEIVA 3 automatically delivers 30 new photos every hour with more than 700 new photos every day. This revolutionary new product shows all your personal digital photos and makes it easier to share photos with friends and family anytime, anywhere.

JP Distribution Press Release

Giottos launches new addition to its Pro Classic range of tripods, costing £79.99 inc Vat.

JP Distribution are pleased to announce the addition of the GB 1140 tripod to the Giottos Pro Classic range of tripods. Giottos Industrial Inc. was founded in 1988 and specializes in the design and manufacture of tripods and lighting stands.  From the very beginning Giottos have focused on design excellence together with high quality materials and state of the art manufacturing and it is this approach that has lead to many industry awards. 

The popular Professional classic tripod series are made from aluminium and are all assembled by hand. The robust GB 1140 is a lightweight tripod and together with the MH 1001 head will support up to 7.98kg. in weight.

Adobe UK Press Release

Adobe Photographers Directory Expands its Global Reach to Include Thousands of Pro Photographers

Updated Directory Provides Designers and Art Directors with Access to Thousands of Professional Photographers Worldwide

London — Oct. 20, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced that thousands of professional photographers are accessible to the creative community through an expanded update to its worldwide Photographers Directory.  The Photographers Directory is now highlighted in the Favourites section of the Adobe Bridge feature in Adobe Creative Suite 2 and Photoshop® CS2 software and is also accessible from the Adobe Web site.  Adobe has teamed up with nearly 20 professional photography associations worldwide, making it easy to find the right photographer without interrupting the flow of the overall design process and providing photographers with a global network to showcase their work and attract new clients.

VicMan Software Press Release

VicMan Software, Inc. announces the release of an exciting program that lets you view your photos in a virtual 3D gallery - My Pictures 3D 0.9

Oct. 20, 2005 - VicMan Software, Inc. is proud to release My Pictures 3D - the first product of a special line created to let everyone enjoy their
favorite pictures in 3D. My Pictures 3D is a 2-in-1 product which offers much fun and enjoyment to anyone who has a collection of digital photographs. It is a program letting you watch your favorite photos wandering through a beautiful virtual 3D gallery. Besides, it can function as a screensaver running in the automatic mode.

My pictures 3D comes with artistically designed galleries made in different styles. Users can walk through a modern showroom, secluded Renaissance yard or find themselves in more exotic surroundings, like an ominous medieval castle or a classic Greek temple. A pleasing lifelike atmosphere is created thanks to amazingly natural-looking graphics.

O’Reilly Press Release

Sebastopol, CA—Photoshop is the digital artist and photographer’s premier choice for editing and manipulating digital photos. And with the mounting interest in digital photography, the demand for practical guidance, expert techniques, tips and solutions—recipes for success if you will—continues to grow. It’s exactly all of this and more that O’Reilly delivers in its beautifully designed and visually stunning new series, the “Photoshop Digital Studio Cookbooks.”

Packed with hundreds of full color images, inspiring digital imagery, and authoritative information and advice, the books provide everything the reader needs to retouch, create effects, use blending modes, and filter effects, with professional results. With the books in this collection, the digital artist or photographer doesn’t need to be a Photoshop expert to succeed.