Sanyo announced the availability of its Xacti VPC-FH1 ultra-compact digital camcorder in a press release issued today in Munich, Germany. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1 is a Full HD digital video camera that can shoot movies at a full 60 frames per second and features a 3-inch LCD, Face Chaser technology and a built-in stereo microphone. The Xacti VPC-FH1 can also shoot still photographs at a resolution of 8 megapixels. The lens is a 10x optical zoom, which can be used as a 16x “advanced zoom” when recording video. The maximum aperture is f/2 at the wide end and f/2.8 at telephoto. Stills are saved on SD cards as JPEGs, while videos are stored in MPEG-4 format using the H.264 codec. The camcorder, which measures just 53.3x105x57.3mm and weighs 299 grams, is available now for a recommended retail price of 649 euros.

Website: Sanyo Press Release (in German)

Panasonic today announced pricing for the highly-anticipated LUMIX DMC-GH1, the new Micro Four Thirds digital camera with Full-High Definition video recording ability. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1 will be available in early June for a suggested retail price of $1499.95 including a LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. super-zoom lens. The new lens, designed to support HD movie recording, features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing capability. The Panasonic GH1 is an interchangeable-lens system camera sporting a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a 12-megapixel sensor for high-resolution still photography, and an ability to record AVCHD 1080p/24p High Definition video. Uniquely, you can adjust aperture and shutter speed even in video mode.

At this point, it is unclear whether the GH1 will ever be sold as a body-only option.

Website: Panasonic GH-1 Hands-On

Epson have teamed up with EFI to create what both companies expect will be the most advanced and complete proofing solution on the market to date. The new Epson Stylus Pro 900 Series Proofing Editions combine the unique proofing advantages that come with the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 or 9900 wide format ink jet printers, along with EFI’s RIP workflow, EFI Colorproof XF v4.0 for Epson. The end result is “a unique and complete solution designed to redefine what’s possible for virtually all contract-proofing applications”. The Epson Proofing Edition Series includes an Epson Stylus Pro 7900 (24-inch) or 9900 (44-inch) wide format ink jet printer, a complete set of Epson UltraChrome® HDR ink cartridges, and a full 24-inch roll of Epson Standard Proofing Paper 240. Furthermore, it comes with EFI Colorproof XF 4.0 for Epson (software-based RIP) with pre-installed profiles for Epson’s entire line of Professional Proofing Papers. The Epson Proofing Edition Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 are now available through authorised resellers for $7,995 and $9,995 (MSRP) respectively.

Adobe today announced the launch of the Adobe Education Creative Lectures to showcase Creative industry best practice and encourage skill development for both students and lecturers. The tour will combine hands-on training days for lecturers, working in the Creative/Media HE colleges and universities, validated by industry certification, alongside lecture days for students on-site at the college campuses. The free one-day Creative lectures will be held at locations across the UK and are run directly by Adobe, with several locations in association with Jigsaw, Phoenix Software and Academia.

Website: Adobe Creative Lectures

Corel today announced that it is currently developing its next-generation creative consumer products that will exploit the opportunities offered by the Windows Touch technology. Microsoft recently introduced the Windows 7 Release Candidate and Corel is working closely with the company to prepare for the debut of this new operating system later this year. “Drawing on our customer research, we’re taking advantage of the solid performance and powerful touch capabilities Windows 7 offers to turn the typical user experience of mouse clicks and menus on its head, completely changing how users interact with creative software,” said Joe Roberts, Executive Vice President, Products for Corel.

Sinar has announced that in addition to the existing professional architectural and landscape camera solution “Sinar arTec Hy6”, it will also offer a new “Sinar arTec HB-V”. The Sinar arTec HB-V accepts any third-party digital backs or any of the Sinarback eMotion models that are equipped with a Hasselblad V camera interface. With the Sinar arTec HB-V, film photography is also possible using a Hasselblad type A12 or A16 Roll Film Magazine. An appropriate mechanism allows for the film advance. Plus, with the new version, the tilting mechanism does not need any locking levers anymore since it is equipped with a self-locking fine micro-drive. You just move it and it stays in place. Sinar has also announced a spring promotion package, which includes a Sinar arTec camera (Hy6 or HB-V) + a 33-megapixel Sinarback eMotion 75 LV + adapter + a Sinaron Digital HR 4.0/35 CEF lens for 29,000 Swiss francs.

Sinar has announced that in addition to the existing professional architectural and landscape camera solution “Sinar arTec Hy6”, it will also offer a new “Sinar arTec HB-V”. The Sinar arTec HB-V accepts any third-party digital backs or any of the Sinarback eMotion models that are equipped with a Hasselblad V camera interface. With the Sinar arTec HB-V, film photography is also possible using a Hasselblad type A12 or A16 Roll Film Magazine. An appropriate mechanism allows for the film advance. Plus, with the new version, the tilting mechanism does not need any locking levers anymore since it is equipped with a self-locking fine micro-drive. You just move it and it stays in place. Sinar has also announced a spring promotion package, which includes a Sinar arTec camera (Hy6 or HB-V) + a 33-megapixel Sinarback eMotion 75 LV + adapter + a Sinaron Digital HR 4.0/35 CEF lens for 29,000 Swiss francs.

Eye-fi today announced that users can now upload videos directly from their digital camera to Picasa Web Albums, Photobucket or SmugMug, in addition to YouTube(TM) or Flickr, without ever having to turn on their computer. The 4GB Eye-Fi Share Video and Eye-Fi Explore Video cards can upload photos and videos directly to the computer and to one of more than 25 online photo and video sharing sites. The Eye-Fi Explore Video card automatically geotags photos and videos with location information about where the moment was captured, and offers hotspot access from more than 10,000 Wayport and open hotspot locations in the U.S. to upload away from home. Eye-Fi’s newest wireless SD memory cards are now available at Apple Retail Stores and Best Buy locations nationwide for an MSRP of $79 (4GB Eye-Fi Share Video) and $99 (4GB Eye-Fi Explore Video).

Roxio has announced Roxio PhotoShow Touch, a version of the company’s multimedia slideshow creation and online sharing application designed specifically for multi-touch, Windows 7-based systems. PhotoShow Touch enables users to compose and share slideshows using simple finger gestures to directly manipulate objects on screen. Users can reorder and rotate photos, then tap to select a pre-defined PhotoShow Style. The one-tap styles automatically generate a polished production, complete with animated introduction, soundtrack, and appropriate transitions based on a theme such as Sports, Music Videos, Greeting Cards, Vacations, Birth Announcements, and many more. PhotoShow Touch is expected to be available shortly on PCs from major manufacturers. The application is part of a new range of products from Roxio for Windows 7 and the emerging Touch-Screen and Netbook PC segments.

Roxio has announced Roxio PhotoShow Touch, a version of the company’s multimedia slideshow creation and online sharing application designed specifically for multi-touch, Windows 7-based systems. PhotoShow Touch enables users to compose and share slideshows using simple finger gestures to directly manipulate objects on screen. Users can reorder and rotate photos, then tap to select a pre-defined PhotoShow Style. The one-tap styles automatically generate a polished production, complete with animated introduction, soundtrack, and appropriate transitions based on a theme such as Sports, Music Videos, Greeting Cards, Vacations, Birth Announcements, and many more. PhotoShow Touch is expected to be available shortly on PCs from major manufacturers. The application is part of a new range of products from Roxio for Windows 7 and the emerging Touch-Screen and Netbook PC segments.

Roxio has announced Roxio PhotoShow Touch, a version of the company’s multimedia slideshow creation and online sharing application designed specifically for multi-touch, Windows 7-based systems. PhotoShow Touch enables users to compose and share slideshows using simple finger gestures to directly manipulate objects on screen. Users can reorder and rotate photos, then tap to select a pre-defined PhotoShow Style. The one-tap styles automatically generate a polished production, complete with animated introduction, soundtrack, and appropriate transitions based on a theme such as Sports, Music Videos, Greeting Cards, Vacations, Birth Announcements, and many more. PhotoShow Touch is expected to be available shortly on PCs from major manufacturers. The application is part of a new range of products from Roxio for Windows 7 and the emerging Touch-Screen and Netbook PC segments.

Flip Video has announced the second generation of its Flip Ultra line of compact digital camcorders. Now available in both high-definition and standard-resolution models, the new line offers everyday consumers an easy and affordable way to capture and share high-quality video. The new Flip Ultra and Flip UltraHD feature two hours of recording time, a two-inch transflective screen, and convenient battery recharging through the built-in USB arm. Like all Flip Video camcorders, the new Ultra line is pre-loaded with FlipShare, the on-board software that leads consumers through the process of organising, editing and sharing videos. Consumers simply plug the built-in USB arm directly into any Mac or PC to begin sharing their videos immediately. The Flip Ultra is priced at $149.99, while the Flip UltraHD sells for $199.99.

Epson has announced that its line of home and office printers and all-in-ones are now supported by the EuroSmartz Print & Share app for direct printing from an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. The Print & Share app is available for $6.99 at the iTunes App Store.

Epson has announced that its line of home and office printers and all-in-ones are now supported by the EuroSmartz Print & Share app for direct printing from an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. The Print & Share app is available for $6.99 at the iTunes App Store.

PicStop.co.uk has announced the BIG PicStop Sale, which runs until 15 May. The BIG PicStop Sale includes reductions of up to 50% on items such as cameras, camera bags, flash guns, tripods, memory cards, digital photo frames, batteries, chargers, scanners, laptop bags, ink cartridges, storage devices, binoculars etc.

Website: PicStop

Canon U.S.A. has announced an instant rebate programme on select EOS dSLR kits, EF lenses and other accessories. Eligible product(s) must be purchased by end users from a participating authorised Canon U.S.A. dealer or reseller in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico between 3 May and 11 July. The offer is valid until stocks last.

Website: Canon U.S.A. Instant Rebate Programme

O’Reilly has published a second edition of Peter Krogh’s DAM book (Digital Asset Management for Photographers). “Anyone who shoots, scans, or stores digital photographs is practicing digital asset management (DAM), but few people do it in a way that makes sense,” the publisher claims. With Krogh’s help through the DAM book, you will allegedly understand the image file lifecycle - from shooting to editing, output and permanent storage, learn new ways to use metadata and key words to track photo files, create a digital archive and name files clearly, determine a strategy for backing up and validating image data, learn a catalogue workflow strategy, migrate images and more. The DAM book - Digital Asset Management for Photographers by Peter Krogh can be yours for $49.99 (USD).

O’Reilly has published a second edition of Peter Krogh’s DAM book (Digital Asset Management for Photographers). “Anyone who shoots, scans, or stores digital photographs is practicing digital asset management (DAM), but few people do it in a way that makes sense,” the publisher claims. With Krogh’s help through the DAM book, you will allegedly understand the image file lifecycle - from shooting to editing, output and permanent storage, learn new ways to use metadata and key words to track photo files, create a digital archive and name files clearly, determine a strategy for backing up and validating image data, learn a catalogue workflow strategy, migrate images and more. The DAM book - Digital Asset Management for Photographers by Peter Krogh can be yours for $49.99 (USD).

Nik Software GmbH has announced an online training course on their Sharpener Pro 3.0 software for beginners. The webinar takes place on Thursday, 7 May, at 6pm CET and runs for about 45 minutes. Another webinar will be held on Tuesday, 12 May, at 8pm CET. The online training room opens 45 minutes before start.

Website: Sharpener Pro 3.0 - Beginners’ Training