Luminous Landscape’s latest article focuses on how an image is moulded into the final print; what size, tone and colour it should be.

“The process of cropping the image to its final aspect ratio may also be influenced by the removal of unwanted elements. We all crop in the field when we choose where to stand, what lens to use, and how to frame the picture. These are all acts of cropping. But physical realities like fences, walls, tree branches and the like can not always be circumvented on location. Therefore the cropping tool becomes just another method for reducing the image down to its essence – what you want it to show. Nothing more, and nothing less.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Listening to the Print Inside the Image

A great article over on The Online Photographer blog addresses the idea of truth in photography, particularly poignant given the recent Reuters scandal in which one of their photographers was fired for doctoring an image.

“Our problem as photographers today is even worse. There are no demarcation lines anywhere. Some pictures are true, and some merely pretty, and many of each look more or less the same as the other: it’s up to the viewer to sort out which is which, and the task is seldom easy. A picture with all the cues of truth might be merely propaganda, and a picture which looks standard-pretty might in fact be true. And of course there is no way to know which is which…”

Website: The Online Photographer - Truth is Elusive

Getty Images have selected 35 photographers as the star advertising photographers of 2007 - take a look and see if you agree…

“With input from art directors and industry peers around the globe, Getty Images selected photographers from a variety of backgrounds. It’s a hypothetical, hopeful and perhaps even controversial list. As broadly as the photographers’ styles vary, a common thread linking their work is the marriage of authenticity and surrealism. Some are local stars meriting a larger stage; some have achieved success on the editorial side but employ techniques that could also enliven advertising; and others are just plain provocative. Put simply, it’s a look at what’s next. Now.”

Website: Getty - New Photographers 2007

DIWA member Photoxels have published the very first online review of the new Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera.

“The Panasonic L1 is truly a photographer’s camera: it is full-featured and there are no scene modes—and so the photographer needs to have a good understanding of how to adjust the exposure in various tricky lighting situations. The new Live MOS image sensor produces excellent image quality with low noise from ISO 100 to 800. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 will appeal to pros and amateur photographers desiring a digital camera with superb analogue-like handling, Live View LCD, Dust Reduction System and excellent image quality.”

Website: Photoxels - Panasonic DMC-L1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A530, which offers 5 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens.

“At the end of the day, the Canon A530 should be a very strong-selling model in the popular PowerShot line, providing not only easy use for beginners (in full-auto mode), but a nice complement of advanced exposure and metering modes for the more experienced shooter. This is a camera that offers novice photographers plenty of capability to grow into, and should make a great choice for families or couples with widely varying levels of photo expertise.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon PowerShot A530 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The Nikon D80 digital SLR camera is officially announced. In one of the most protracted launches ever, where even Nikon themselves leaked pictures of the new camera and several sites started D80 forums, we can finally tell you about the 10 megapixel Nikon D80, which will cost £699.99 body only in the UK. The D80 is also available in kit form with the 18-70mm lens for £899.99, and the new 18-135mm lens for £949.99. Early September is the anticipated release date.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the D80, a high performance digital SLR camera incorporating Nikon’s latest digital and photographic technologies. This outstanding interchangeable-lens digital SLR boasts automated operation and advanced features, designed to satisfy photographers with the passion to create beautiful photographs. The Nikon D80 features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, providing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail. With this, however, also comes the freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements. Nikon’s DX Format sensor and F bayonet lens mount design assures compatibility with the Nikon D80 across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses.

The Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is announced, which will cost £399.99 and be available in October 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, a high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporating Nikon’s most advanced features. The lens features Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VRII) to ensure the best images. Optics have also been perfected for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. The Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 70-300mm (4.3x) zoom performance, and is suitable for various telephoto shooting opportunities, particularly in sports, nature and wildlife photography. When used with a Nikon DX format digital SLR, the picture angle is equivalent to what would be experienced with a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm.

The Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens for Nikon DX format digital SLRs is introduced today, costing £299.99 and available in September 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, a compact, lightweight 7.5x zoom lens. Boasting a range of state-of-the-art optical technologies, this new lens offers outstanding performance at a remarkably affordable price. The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED features Nikon ED glass, aspherical lens elements and SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for enhanced performance. With a focal length range of 18-135mm, the lens is suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations; from sports, action and portraits to wide-angle landscapes. The picture angle is equivalent to a 27-202.5mm lens in the 35mm format. Advanced Nikon engineering, particularly the compact SWM, has realised the possibility of a compact lightweight lens with excellent handling characteristics. The optical design features one ED glass element and two hybrid aspherical lens elements to assure high-resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The compact SWM built into the lens offers the smooth and quiet autofocus performance that users have come to expect from Nikon lenses.

The new Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro UVIR DSLR camera allows you to take photographs in the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrums. Priced at $1,799.95, the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro UVIR is available at select authorized dealers in the United States beginning September 2006.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

New, Specialized Camera Photographs in the Ultraviolet and Infrared Light Spectrums; Helps Forensic Photographers Uncover Evidence

Valhalla, NY, August 9, 2006 - Fujifilm, a pioneer in digital imaging products and services, broke new ground again today with the introduction of the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR camera. The FinePix S3 Pro UVIR is the world’s first production D-SLR camera capable of taking photographs in the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrums. It has been designed for use in the science, medical and fine art disciplines, with its most intriguing applications coming in the field of law enforcement investigation. Law enforcement agencies have used ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) photography for years to uncover evidence not easily seen by the human eye, such as gun shot residue and blood stains, as well as to recover altered, burned or obliterated writing. IR photography is also used in nighttime surveillance.

Direct Source Marketing (DSM) Press Release 

Horseman/Rollei Partnership Unveils First 3D Camera Built From the Ground Up

CONCORD, CA (August 9, 2006) – One of the most advanced 3D stereo cameras ever developed was announced today by Horseman, which is in a joint venture with Rolleiflex to develop professional level cameras and accessories. Called the Horseman 3D, the new camera features the ability to make stereo pictures of high-speed moving objects, such as flying birds,  jumping animals, a spray of water, and indoor or night scenes. These kinds of shots were difficult with conventional stereo cameras, but are routine with the Horseman 3D because of a unique 24x65mm size electronically controlled focal plane shutter that allows perfect synchronization of right and left images up to 1/1000sec. shutter speed. This synchronization is possible thanks to a 24 x 65mm long blade, one piece metal focal plane shutter.

Pentax have released a new firmware update for the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D DSLR camera.

New additions:
- Support for SDHC memory cards.
- Focal length input into the Shake Reduction menu can now be displayed accurately in Pentax Photo Browser 3.

Website: Pentax K100D 1.01 Firmware Update

Mamiya lives on under the guise of Mamiya Digital Imaging, and will be exhibiting new products at Photokina.

Johnsons Photopia Press Release

Johnsons Photopia are pleased to announce that transfer of the Mamiya Optical Equipment Division was approved in the general meeting of shareholders on 29th June 2006. The new company will now be known as the Mamiya Digital Imaging Co. Ltd and operation of the new company will start on 1st September 2006 in new premises in the Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Ueno Park Building, Tokyo. The company also announced that Mr. Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi will be the new company President.

FotoTime Press Release

DALLAS, TEXAS, date, 2006 - FotoTime, Inc., a leading provider of digital photo and video solutions, today announced FotoStudio, a new service for amateur and professional digital photographers to easily and cost effectively setup an online storefront to sell prints and gifts showcasing their photos. FotoStudio lets photographers focus on what they love and do best - take pictures - and not have to deal with the hassles of setting up an online storefront,” said Jeff Kelling, FotoTime vice president of technology. “With FotoStudio, professional photographers and photo enthusiasts can set up a business in a few simple steps. Our new service is another way FotoTime enables photographers to ‘do more’ with their pictures.” FotoStudio is available for a yearly subscription at $23.95.

Brooklyn Museum Press Release

Major Traveling Exhibition of Annie Leibovitz Photographs on View at Brooklyn Museum October 20, 2006–January 21, 2007

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life, 1990-2005, an exhibition of more than 200 photographs, will debut at the Brooklyn Museum, where it will be on view from October 20, 2006 through January 21, 2007, prior to an international tour. The exhibition, sponsored by American Express, is being organized by the Brooklyn Museum. Among the other venues it will travel to are the San Diego Museum of Art, the High Museum of Art, the Corcoran Gallery, the de Young Museum, Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, and London’s National Portrait Gallery, with additional venues to be announced.

DxO Labs Press Release

New lens modules for DxO Optics Pro Elite and Standard edition include the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC MACRO and the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

New York, NY and Paris, France – August 7, 2006 – DxO Labs announces today availability of 15 new DxO Lens Modules for its DxO Optics Pro software bringing the total now to 365 lens correction modules available to DxO Optics Pro users. In addition, many existing DxO Lens Modules have been extended to more DxO-supported camera bodies. DxO Optics Pro software improves the image quality of Digital Single-Lens Reflex (D-SLR) cameras and advanced digicams. 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. “We are constantly extending our library of DxO Lens Modules to offer photographers worldwide the greatest selection of correction capabilities,” said Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography Business Unit at DxO Labs.

Lyra Research Press Release

Newton, MA (PRWEB) August 7, 2006—According to a new forecast by Lyra Research, the digital imaging authority (www.lyra.com), camera phones have now become the most prevalent image-capture devices in the world. The global installed base of camera phones has now surpassed that of film and digital cameras combined. Lyra estimates that the installed base of camera phones will reach approximately 850 million units in 2006, and this number is expected to grow to more than 1.5 billion units in 2010.

Epson Press Release

Recharge makes settlement with Seiko Epson Corporation to cease trading of third-party inkjet cartridges for Epson printers

07 August 2006 - In on-going activities to protect its intellectual property rights, Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) has agreed to settle with Recharge Inkjet Technologies Limited (“Recharge”), an internet retailer (trading under the name CartridgeMonkey.com) based in Bolton, UK.  The settlement terms include Recharge undertaking not to infringe Epson’s patents and registered designs, and making substantial settlement payment to Epson. The full terms of the settlement are confidential.

MediaStreet Press Release

7-Inch Image Area, Slide Show Feature, Built-in Speakers and Multi-Format Card Reader Adds Flexibility to Sharing Photographs and Video

Deer Park, NY – August 9, 2006 – MediaStreet Inc., a leading independent manufacturer of archival-quality inks with matched inkjet media and other innovative, digital solutions for the photographic, arts and consumer electronics industries, is expanding its line of digital photo frames with the introduction of its “Pure eMotion 128” digital picture frame.  The highly versatile digital frame offers an aesthetically appealing alternative to traditional slide shows by allowing users to present their musical slideshows without the aid of a computer or other playback devices.

DPNow have just reviewed the new SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash card and Firewire reader.

“SanDisk’s Extreme IV technology is a remarkable performance step and especially worthwhile when working with very large capacity cards. It’s likely to be very handy in cameras that can use the performance benefits, but not for older cameras. On its performance alone even with less exotic cards than Extreme IV, the SanDisk Extreme Firewire card reader is a of considerable benefit in its own right and surely worth serious consideration too.”

Website: DPNow - SanDisk Extreme IV Review

Camera Labs have just reviewed the new Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM.

“If you’re seriously into portraits or low light work though, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm will delight. The more you see what it’s optics are capable of, the more you find yourself taking shots under conditions you’d previously walk away from. And while it’s pricier than the EF-S 17-85mm, Canon owners can at least console themselves it costs the same or less than the Nikkor DX 17-55mm f2.8 while additionally boasting Image Stabilisation.”

Website: Camera Labs - Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review