We reported recently that the outstanding NEC MultiSync 3090W-BK-SV 30-inch reference monitor has been superseded by this. The new model is outstanding too (we've had one in for a few weeks now for review), however B&H Photo have reduced the price on the out-going model, see here. If the UK price of the new model is anything to go by (£2,900 plus VAT or $4,780), the newly discounted 3090W-BK-SV model is a real steal.
, that offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower. While this spec matches the capabilities of the newer VR II technology, so does that of rival Canon's recent lens upgrades featuring IS II.
Canon has issued an update to the announcement of the delays to the range of super-telephoto lenses expected in time for the Olympics in 2012. Both the new EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM (pictured above) and the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses are expected in August, with the unique 8-15mm f/4L fisheye zoom following in July. The 500mm and 600mm f/4 lenses are still intended to be on sale during 2011, but no date has been given, nor is there any word on the highly anticipated EF 200-400mm f/4 IS USM Extender.
Update to sales start for EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 25th May 2011 – Following the announcement of delays to the sales start to the following lenses :- EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon can now provide an update on the planned start dates for these lenses:
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Late August, 2011
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Late August, 2011
EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Late July, 2011
EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Within 2011*
EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Within 2011*
Canon would like to apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced by these delays.
Press release:
SD1 Digital SLR Camera
The quality of a medium format, the convenience of an SLR
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the suggested retail price of the new SD1 flagship digital SLR is £6,199.99 including VAT (£5,166.66 excluding VAT). This new camera, offering unrivaled image quality amongst digital SLRs, will be available in the UK in June.
The SIGMA SD1 is Sigma’s flagship digital SLR model, adopting a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy for its body and O-ring sealing connections to make Sigma’s splash proof design throughout for use in harsh conditions.
The SIGMA SD1 incorporates a 23.5×15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor and dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engines. The combination of the 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) sensor and dual TRUE II processing engines ensure the high resolution images are processed quickly with high definition and a smooth and subtle graduation of colour.
SD1 Special site: www.SIGMA-SD.com/sd1
Breaking the speed limit: Sony introduces fastest-ever Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™HX
Class-leading card offers up to 50 MB/sec speeds for high-speed burst shooting and Full HD video
• Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX with up to 50MB/sec transfer rates
· New HX Engine technology for fast, reliable data transfers
· Faster than UHS-I SD cards used with devices by Sony
· Available in 8/16/32GB capacities
· Ideal for high-speed burst shooting with DSLR, Full HD movies and 3D imaging
· High reliability with 10 year warranty
· Includes free File Rescue and x-Pict Story™ software
• Same price as previous Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX models
Photographers can now fully apply the high-speed, high-resolution shooting potential of the latest digital cameras and camcorders from Sony.
The range-topping Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX now boasts super fast data transfer speeds of up to 50MB/sec1.
1.6x faster than previous Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX cards – and available at the same price – it’s quicker than today’s fastest commercially available UHS-I SD cards when used with devices by Sony.
This phenomenal performance makes new Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX an ideal shooting, storage and data transfer solution for demanding digital imaging users.
Available in capacities from 8GB to 32GB, the fastest-ever Memory Stick is optimised for sustained burst shooting with today’s high-resolution DSLR, SLT and interchangeable lens cameras.
Teamed with the NEX-5 ultra-compact camera by Sony, the card can capture 190 JPEG images in one minute in high-speed burst shooting mode. That’s well over double the rate of 80 images/minute using a standard Class 4 SD card. The high performance of Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX also makes it ideal for recording Full HD and 3D videos with the latest Handycam™ camcorders. For more information please see the HX Memory card file which is attached to this release.
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX makes post-shooting file transfers and back-ups faster, too. Copying a 32GB AVCHD movie file to your PC2 takes just 11 minutes. That’s more than two times quicker than transfers using today’s fastest SDHC cards.
These significant improvements are made possible by new HX Engine that’s been specially developed by Sony. This intelligent flash memory controller enhances data transfer efficiency and error handling for quicker, more stable read/write performance with large files.
For maximum peace of mind, the card’s high reliability is backed by a 10-year warranty by Sony.
Available from www.sony.net/memorycard for registered Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX owners, File Rescue recovers accidentally damaged or deleted files. With a 90% successful recovery rate3, it’s an essential utility to help restore precious data including JPEG photos, MPEG or AVCHD video and MP3 music files4.
Also available as a free download to registered owners, x-Pict Story™ software helps anyone create memorable photo slideshows. This friendly package combines your favourite photos and music with beautiful visual effects to create professional-looking presentations. Integration with Picture Motion Browser software makes it quick and easy to upload slideshows to sharing sites like YouTube™.
The new 50 MB/sec Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX by Sony is available from May 2011. Prices for all capacities (8/16/32GB) are unchanged compared with previous Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX models.
1 As confirmed in tests by Sony. Results can vary depending on camera models and settings.
2 Via a card reader
3 Source: Sony EMCS customer support report
4 File Rescue software does not support data recovery for protected files and game data. Please note that not all data may be recoverable
, a high-performance card reader that enables professional and advanced amateur photographers and videographers to maximize their workflow with blazing-fast transfer speeds. The reader leverages SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) technology to deliver high-speed performance that supports the latest CompactFlash® (CF) UDMA, Secure Digital Extended Capacity™ (SDXC)**, and SD Ultra High Speed-I (UHS-I) memory cards. The versatile reader is also backwards compatible with standard CF, SD™, and Secure Digital High Capacity™ (SDHC) memory cards and USB 2.0 host devices. For additional information about the Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader, visit www.lexar.com.
How to grab a £75 Bowens trade-in deal in a flash
Bowens has announced an exclusive ‘trade-in and trade-up’ deal for photographers who buy a new Gemini 500C monolight before the end of June.
Customers will be entitled to a special £75 discount on the new monolight when they trade in an ‘any brand’ flash head at a participating Bowens Hallmark dealer.
Robert Palos, spokesman for CT Distribution (The Bowens distribution company for the UK) explained: “This is a very attractive offer for photographers who may be ready to invest in latest Bowens flash head technology. With this deal they can take any head to any Bowens Hallmark dealer included in this promotion and claim their £75 reduction on the new equipment – even if their old flash head isn’t in working order.”
He added: “If potential buyers need more information they can call us on 0870 458 5258.”
The easy to use Gemini Classic 500C easily integrates with either the Bowens Pulsar or PocketWizard® radio trigger systems. It also features a greater degree of modelling control via the separate 'lamp' dial and is powered from mains (AC) or the optional Travelpak battery system, delivering up to 300 flashes per charge on location.
. Based in Beverly Hills, Buissink talks of the 'psychology' he uses to stand out from the crowd offering a unique view over his rivals. Buissink's website can be viewed here. For more information on Lexar Media, makers of memory cards and card readers, please their site here.
Pro camera bag maker Think Tank Photo has announced today that they will update the popular Speed Demon, Speed Freak and Speed Racer belt bags as shoulder bags - they'll feature a 'disappearing' belt design to switch seamlessly between the two. Interested parties can leave their details here in anticipation of the release next month.
Press release:
Think Tank Photo to Release Redesigned Bags in New Speed Convertible Series
Santa Rosa, Calif. – In June, Think Tank Photo will release its redesigned Speed Demon™ V2.0, Speed Freak V2.0™, and Speed Racer™ V2.0 as shoulder bags in its new Speed Convertible Series. Each Speed Convertible bag features a “disappearing” belt that tucks away into the sides of the bag, significantly reducing bulkiness. Within seconds, the shoulder bags seamlessly convert into belt packs once the integrated belts are deployed.
Features include a flip-top lid that folds away from the body for rapid and convenient access to gear. A fully padded shoulder strap with embedded non-slip material is included, which also supports the bag while in belt pack mode. The soft kidney-shaped design contours comfortably around the body. Built-in Modular rails allow attachment of Think Tank’s Modular, Skin or Multimedia components.
Not only can photographers choose how to carry their bag, they can also select the right capacity between the three sizes in this series. The smallest, Speed Demon V2.0, can carry a standard size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached (hood reversed) and a wide angle zoom lens beside. The medium size Speed Freak V2.0 also carries a standard size DSLR with a zoom lens attached and is tall enough to accommodate a 70–200 f2.8 lens in the bag. The Speed Racer V2.0, the most spacious of the series, effortlessly fits in the main compartment a pro size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached and a 70–200 f2.8.
Gear Profiles
Speed Demon V2.0: Carries a standard size DSLR with two to three small zoom or prime lenses
• Canon EOS 60D with 17-85 f4-5.6 IS attached (hood reversed) and 70-300 f4-5.6 IS beside
• Nikon D7000 with 35 f1.4 attached and 50 f1.4; 85 f1.4 beside
Speed Freak V2.0: Carries a standard size DSLR with two to three large zoom lenses
• Canon 5D Mk II with 24-70 f2.8 attached (hood reversed) and 70-200 f2.8 IS beside (hood reversed)
• Nikon D700 with 14-24 f2.8 attached and 70-200 f2.8 VR beside (hood reversed)
Speed Racer V2.0: Carries a pro sizeDSLR with two to three large zoom lenses
• Canon 1D Mk IV with 16-35 f2.8 attached (hood in position) and 50 f1.2; 85 f1.2 beside (hoods reversed)
• Nikon D3 with 24-70 f2.8 attached (hood in position) and 70-200 f2.8 VR beside (hood reversed)
Key Features
• Easily converts from streamlined shoulder bag to functional belt pack
• Integrated waist belt "disappears" by tucking into zippered size pockets
• Modular rails on waist belt for adding Modular Rotation System components to increase gear capacity
• Flip-top lid opens away from the body for rapid access to gear
• Cushioned, non-slip shoulder strap included
• Ergonomic, kidney-shaped design contours around body
• Easily accessible front organizer pocket
• Stretchable mesh side pockets with reinforced bases
• Highest quality YKK RC Fuse zippers
• Seam-sealed rain cover included
Product Specifications
Speed Demon V2.0
• Internal Dimensions: 9.3” W x 6.8” H x 5” D (23.5 x 17.2 x 12.7 cm)
• External Dimensions: 12” W x 8.5” H x 8” D (30.5 x 21.6 x 20.3 cm)
• Weight: 1.6–2.1 lbs (0.7–1.0 kg)
Speed Freak V2.0
• Internal Dimensions: 10.3” W x 8.8” H x 5.5” D (26 x 22.2 x 14 cm)
• External Dimensions: 12.5” W x 10.5” H x 8.5” D (31.8 x 26.7 x 21.6 cm)
• Weight: 1.9–2.5 lbs (0.9–1.1 kg)
Speed Racer V2.0
• Internal Dimensions: 11.8” W x 10” H x 7” D (29.8 x 25.4 x 17.8 cm)
• External Dimensions: 12.5” W x 10.5” H x 10” D (31.8 x 26.7 x 25.4 cm)
• Weight: 2.3–3.1 lbs (1.0–1.4 kg)
Interested parties can leave their details with Think Tank Photo here.
The Sunbounce Kid comes to town
World-acclaimed celebrity portrait photographer Greg Gorman is set to hold an exclusive workshop in London on June 13, as part of a European tour.
Gorman, whose philosophy is that ‘life itself is art’, is linking with Calumet to host the seminar at Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road London N1 – and places will be limited to just twenty five.
Gorman has photographed dozens of stars and luminaries over the years, including Al Pacino, Michael Jackson and Sophia Loren – and American filmmaker and actor John Waters famously said that Greg Gorman was the only photographer he would ever let photograph his corpse.
The Sunbounce Photo and Lighting Workshop will focus on an overview of Gorman’s career; reviews of delegates’ work plus a unique tutorial showing how the portrait master sees and assesses a person’s face.
He will also reveal lighting secrets and host a lengthy afternoon shooting session and Q&A period. Cost £250 incl VAT.
For more details visit here.
Greg Gorman, copyright the artist.
Visit Greg Gorman's website
Announced to the UK photography press on Tuesday at an event in London, Panasonic has officially released details of the new 16-megapixel Lumix G3, the first of the mass-market mFT models to breach the 12-megapixel resolution limit. Expect to see an Olympus high-end model to follow in the not so distant future.
Press release:
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC- G3: Creativity without limits
Smaller, lighter and with outstanding image quality, the LUMIX G3 is designed to go anywhere you do
Panasonic has today launched the LUMIX G3, the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in Electronic View Finder (As of date of release, 12 May 2011). With an exceptional range of features and stunning image quality packed into a beautifully lightweight aluminium design, the LUMIX G3 turns everyday moments into works of art.
The LUMIX G3 lets you capture great photos from the very first shot. A new 16.0-megapixel sensor and light-speed autofocus gives you the exceptional image quality that was once restricted to large, heavy DSLR cameras. The intuitive automatic shooting modes and full range of advanced features, combined with high-resolution free-angle LCD touch screen or Electronic View Finder, mean you get the picture you want, how you want.
With the LUMIX G3, there really is no limit to your creativity.
Exceptional image quality
The LUMIX G3 has raised the bar in interchangeable lens camera image quality. With an optimal balance of the imaging engine and sensor size, the LUMIX G3 produces exceptional image quality to take your photography to the next level:
· Large sensor, low noise: A 16.0-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor means images will be cleaner and freer of noise than ever. With newly developed processing capabilities, the low-noise pixel area and the low-noise circuit are combined, resulting in a noise level of less than one third of a conventional sensor
· High-speed, high-performance: The Venus Engine VI FHD, incorporating the image processing technology Advanced Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent D-range Control, allows beautiful photos and high-definition movies to be captured with superior signal processing. Users can take clear, high resolution photography even at high ISO sensitivity levels, without the bleeding of colours
· Never miss the perfect moment: Speed is of the essence for exceptional photography. The LUMIX G3 pushes the boundaries of high performance with the world’s fastest pinpoint auto focus speed, approximately 0.1 seconds*. A wide range of AF modes are available, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, Face Detection, and AF Tracking meaning the LUMIX G3 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves
· Crystal clear high speed action: The LUMIX G3’s burst shooting capability has been improved to make sure you get the perfect image, even of a fast-moving subject. With up to 4 fps capability in 16.0-megapixel resolution and 20 fps at 4.0 megapixels, the LUMIX G3 allows the ultimate action photography at high resolution
· Rich detail definition: With the Advanced Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas — outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas - are automatically detected. Outlines are enhanced to give more clearly defined edges, while emphasising more highly textured areas of the image. The Venus Engine VI FHD also provides selective noise reduction to the outline, to let it have more naturally-balanced curve without any deterioration in resolution
· Full HD Movie quality: The quality advances of the LUMIX G3 are not restricted to still photos. The camera lets you take over the Hollywood director’s chair to record Full HD movies. Long recording times and intuitive controls help you create perfect movies with ease. The LUMIX G3’s 16.0-megapixel sensor means the camera can record in Full HD AVCHD 1920 x 1080, 50i, producing higher quality movies with minimal noise. Due to the inter-picture prediction method for compression, the AVCHD format enjoys almost double the recording time compared to Motion JPEG. The Full-time AF and AF Tracking functionality allows you to take high-quality movies effortlessly. With just one touch of the screen, the LUMIX G3 locks on and automatically "tracks" the subject and keeps it in focus as it moves
Stunning images, with no boundaries
With its ultra-compact and lightweight aluminium-bodied design, the LUMIX G3 goes wherever you do, with no limits. High precision, digital processing functions are combined in an easy-to-grip body. While a choice of using either the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) or the 3.0-inch free-angle LCD featuring Full-time Live View for image-taking allows you to take capture the moment as the situation demands:
· Sleek, ultra-compact and lightweight: At 25 percent smaller the LUMIX G2, weighing less than 340 grammes and with an easy-to-handle grip, the LUMIX G3 lets you take memorable photos, wherever you are
· You choose how to shoot: Whether you want to take photos from above your head at a concert, or frame a portrait with your eye close to the camera, the high-resolution free-angle LCD screen or the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) gives you the right set up for the right moment.
· Get the perfect result: With the Live View function, you can check you’ve got the perfect result, before pressing the shutter button. You can view the effects of your creative settings on the high-resolution, 460,000-dot free-angle Intelligent LCD and 1,440,000-dot 1.4x Live View Finder with a 100 percent field of view. The LCD screen rotates 180° from side to side and tilts 270° up and down. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown on Live View, with a colour-coded warning that alerts you when the settings are not in the proper range
· The world’s largest range of Micro Four Thirds lenses: The LUMIX G3 gives you the widest range of Micro Four Thirds lenses to choose from to make sure you have the right set up for the right job. With eleven Panasonic lenses and the option to use all Leica M and R Micro Four Thirds lenses**, you can select a lens for every kind of shoot
Let your creativity loose and make the most of every shot
For experienced photographers looking for advanced functionality of a DSLR, or a beginner who wants to take eye-catching images at the click of the button, the LUMIX G3 lets you get the results, as you want them. The LUMIX G3 provides the assistance to help beginners make the most of every shot, with advanced controls to take photography to the next level:
· Touch control shooting: The LUMIX G3 features revolutionary touch control shooting, including full-area touch focusing where the focus can be set immediately to the subject, or to the background, by just one touch of the large LCD screen
· Rich colour reproduction with Intelligent D-range Control: With the new Intelligent D-range Control, the LUMIX G3 allows photographers of all levels to achieve the rich colour reproduction expected by professionals. The blues skies of summer will appear more natural than ever, as the camera optimises the exposure and ensures that gradation and individual details are artfully reproduced
· Intelligent Auto Plus functionality: In addition to these advanced functions, Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Plus (iA+) mode provides the best shooting results when a photo opportunity appears or when you do not have time to make manual settings. This includes MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilising) With selected compatible lenses, which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. With Intelligent Scene Selector the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background to the scenery mode. My Colour mode has a total of seven preset effects - Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, and High Dynamic - alongside custom mode, which lets you manually set the colour, brightness and saturation levels
· Taking photography to the next dimension: The LUMIX G3 also lets you add an extra dimension to your photography skills, with high-quality 3D still photography with the LUMIX G 3D 12.5mm / F12 lens. The lens produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects
Key features:
· Image Sensor 16.0 MP LIVE MOS
· Engine Venus Engine VI FHD
· ISO setting Auto / Intelligent ISO / 160 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400
· AF speed Approx 0.1 seconds (measured with the LUMIX G3 attaching LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) to move the lens position to “2m” from “infinity” position )
· Burst shoot: 4 fps (16.0M) / 20 fps (4M)
· Movie recording: AVCHD 1920x1080 50i (Sensor Output 25fps), AVCHD 1280x720 50p (Sensor Output 25fps)
· View finder: Approx. 100% Field of View, 1.44mil dots equiv.
· LCD Screen: 3.0”, 3:2, 460K dots Free Angle Touch LCD
· Size: 115.2 x 83.6 x 46.7 mm (excluding protrusions)
· Weight: 336g (body only)
· Built-in Flash: TTL Built-in-Flash, GN 10.5 equivalent, built in pop-up
· Interface: HDMI, USB 2.0, Digital AV Out, Remote input, microphone, speaker.
*As of date of release, 12 May 2011. The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-G3 attaching LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) to move the lens position to “2m” from “infinity” position. The zoom position is in wide range. Panasonic measurement method.
** Editor's note; that should read 'Leica Micro FourThirds, M and R series lenses' .
FX Photo Studio for Mac is a new venture for developers MacPhun. Predominately iOS app developers with a whole host of photography apps to their name, including their app version of the above, FX Photo Studio, which is currently ranked at number 31 in the US Apple App Store.
Due to the success of this app MacPhun decided to venture into the highly competive world of Photography software for the Mac and will be releasing FX Photo Studio for Mac this later on this week. The developers explain that:
'FX Photo Studio for Mac will bring a whole new photo processing and image editing experience to the Mac'.
Keep checking back for our review of this app, coming soon.
Phase One, the back maker and publisher of the outstanding Capture One raw workflow solution has announced Media Pro, a new digital asset management (DAM) utility based on iView Media Pro (this was became Microsoft Expression Media, before Phase One acquired it outright last year). As well as seamless integration with Capture One (C1), Media Pro uses that utilities RAW image rendering engine so that users can rapidly evaluate raw files as they would individually with C1. Adjustments made in Capture One are updated in Media Pro and the two utilities now provide metadata exchange including imaging description (rendering), and convey ownership and licensing information. This increased compatibility and support between these two distinct applications provides a much needed improvement in workflow for professional users.
Press release:
Phase One Media Pro is Released - the Photo Management App for Serious Photographers
Copenhagen, May 10, 2011 -- Phase One, the world’s leading pro photography equipment provider, today released Media Pro. Originally created by iView Multimedia, this professional digital asset management software has recently been known as Microsoft Expression Media. In its first release since Phase One’s acquisition of the product from Microsoft last year, it has been re-christened Media Pro.
Media Pro is a professional photo manager built for photographic, video and multimedia collection management. Media Pro offers a flexible and intuitive way to catalog, organize, and utilize digital media assets.
Its strength is in organizing photo files, no matter where they are stored -- on shared folders, CDs, hard drives, DVDs or other media. It’s an application comprising visual catalogs which can be easily and quickly browsed, searched, and annotated.
Images within these very large catalogs (Media Pro now supports more than 128,000 files per catalog) may be non-destructively edited with Capture One and other image editing applications. They may also be converted into other file formats. And all catalogs may be archived, backed up, published via slide shows, web galleries, and distributed via email, contact sheets, prints, and other custom options.
What’s new?
Seamless workflow with Capture One -- Phase One’s Capture One raw image rendering engine is built into the new Media Pro. Photographers can instantly magnify and evaluate raw images with correct colors, in detail, including adjustments. Images and adjustments made in Capture One are updated in Media Pro and the two applications offer integrated exchange of the metadata that describe images, and convey ownership and licensing information. This increased compatibility is a major improvement in the workflow between the two applications.
Openness
Media Pro offers exchange of metadata information by way of XMP, the extensible metadata platform. Media Pro also provides options to permit Windows-based systems to use Windows Imaging Components and Mac-based systems to use Core Image processing as their image rendering engines. This means that Media Pro maintains its independence as a best-of-breed digital asset management solution supporting other popular image editing software.
More camera support
Raw files from more than 100 new camera models are supported, including raw image and video support for Canon, Nikon and other popular pro and semi-pro digital cameras.
Larger Catalogs
The limitation of 128.000 files per catalog and the maximum size of 2GB per catalog has been removed to allow for larger photo collections. Users can still create an unlimited number of visual catalogs.
Updated User Interface
Media Pro comes with a redesigned user interface to match the sleek look of Capture One.
While this version continues to provide support for audio, DTP, font, text and HTML files, Media Pro is primarily a photo manager for photo and video files.
For more information about Media Pro, please see: www.phaseone.com/media-pro
“Working with Phase One to develop the new Media Pro tutorials has been very exciting, “said Peter Krogh, leading DAM expert and professional photographer. “I’ve long considered Media Pro to be one of my favorite DAM resources, and it’s clear that its future is bright.”
“Phase One is committed to investing in professional photo management and image editing software,” said Carsten H. Olsen, Phase One Software Product Manager. “This Media Pro release is designed to deliver a combined photography software toolset that will satisfy the world’s most demanding professional photographers.”
Capture One
Capture One is an image editing software that delivers the world’s highest image quality with excellent color and detail. The software comprises all the tools required to capture, organize, edit, share and print images for a highly efficient workflow.
Availability and Pricing
Media Pro is available now via download for USD 199 and EUR 139 through Phase One’s Online Store and through leading professional photography dealers worldwide.
Current Expression Media 2 customers can upgrade to Media Pro for USD 59 and EUR 39.
Current iView MediaPro/Expression Media 1 customers can upgrade to Media Pro for USD 69 and EUR 49.
The National Portrait Gallery, located in the heart London, has announced it is calling for entries in the influential Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011. The competition is open to all photographers aged 18 and over and the First Prize winner will receive not only £12,000 but also widespread recognition. The resulting exhibition of work will run at the National Portrait Gallery, London, from 10 November 2011 until 12 February 2012. One of the exhibiting photographers will also be selected to shoot a feature story for ELLE magazine, at standard commissioning rates and expenses. Please see below for more details, including the entry submission criteria.
UPDATE 16 May 2011, the entry fee for the competition is £23 ($37) per photograph. All entry forms must be received in advance, either online or by post, by 7 July 2011
Press release:
10 May 2011
CALL FOR ENTRIES - TAYLOR WESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE 2011
The National Portrait Gallery is delighted to announce the Call for Entries for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011, a major international photographic award. Entry forms are now available and the closing date for entries is 7 July 2011. To enter, visit www.npg.org.uk/photoprize and complete the online application form.
The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011 is open to all photographers over the age of 18 and provides an important platform for portrait photographers including gifted amateurs, students and professionals of all ages. Around 60 photographers will be selected for the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, and the winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011 will receive £12,000. The exhibition will run at the National Portrait Gallery, London, from 10 November 2011 until 12 February 2012.
For the third year running ELLE magazine will commission a photographer selected for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibition to shoot a feature story for the magazine. Clare Shilland won the second ELLE Commission in 2010 for her portrait Merel.
Last year the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize attracted nearly 6,000 entries and was won by David Chancellor, for his portrait Huntress with Buck. Prizes were also awarded to Panayiotis Lamprou, Jeffrey Stockbridge and Abbie Trayler-Smith.
Tim Eyles, Managing Partner of Taylor Wessing says:
‘We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the National Portrait Gallery. As a multi-jurisdictional law firm we are proud to support an international competition that reflects our own firm-wide commitment to developing talent and supporting the arts, and which provides such pleasure and inspiration to those who take part and visit the exhibition. We hope that amateur and professional photographers internationally will be inspired to submit their entries to make this year’s competition the best yet.’
Publication
A 72 page catalogue (RRP £15) featuring all the selected photographs will accompany the exhibition.
Notes to Editors
▪ Call for entries information may be downloaded at www.npg.org.uk/photoprize or by sending a stamped addressed A4 envelope to:
Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place
London
WC2H OHE
• The First Prize winner receives £12,000. In addition the judges, at their discretion, will award one or more cash prizes to the shortlisted photographers.
• ELLE magazine will choose one photographer selected for the exhibition to shoot a feature story. They will pay standard commissioning rates and expenses to the photographer chosen. ELLE is the world’s biggest-selling fashion magazine with 39 editions worldwide. The British edition of ELLE sells 195,455 copies a month (ABC January-December 2009). The Gallery is very grateful to ELLE magazine for their collaboration. www.elleuk.com
With Adobe Nav—a Photoshop Touch app for Adobe Photoshop CS5 software (version 12.0.4 or later required)—you can now use your iPad to activate Photoshop tools and browse and select open Photoshop documents. As long as you have a network connection between your iPad and computer, you can customize the Photoshop CS5 toolbar on your iPad to easily access the tools you use most. Browse, reorder, view, and zoom in on up to 200 open Photoshop documents on your iPad. Tap a document on your iPad to immediately make it active in Photoshop CS5. And use your iPad to easily share and review files you are working on in Photoshop CS5 while you are away from your desk or computer.
•Use your fingertips to select Photoshop CS5 tools from your iPad screen.
•Customize the way the Photoshop CS5 toolbar appears on your iPad screen to make your most-used tools easily accessible. You can save one Adobe Nav toolbar configuration with up to 16 tools.
•Browse, reorder, view, and zoom in on up to 200 open Photoshop documents on your iPad screen.
•Tap any open document in Photoshop on your iPad to make it the active document in Photoshop CS5.
Extend the Photoshop CS5 experience to your iPad with Adobe Nav for Photoshop.
Requirements:
•You need Photoshop CS5 version 12.0.4 or later to connect this app with the desktop version of Photoshop
•Current Photoshop CS5 users must update their copies of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later to use this app with their copy of Photoshop CS5
•This app will not work with Photoshop CS4 or earlier
To update your copy of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later, do one of the following:
•Download the update from www.adobe.com.
•Select Check for Updates from the Help menu in Photoshop CS5.
This app is available for $1.99 from the Apple App Store and you can download it here.
With Adobe Color Lava —a Photoshop Touch app for Adobe Photoshop CS5 software (version 12.0.4 or later required)— you can now use your iPad and your fingertips to mix colors and create custom swatches and five-swatch color themes. Immediately access those color creations within Photoshop CS5—all you need is a network connection between your iPad and your computer. Or use Adobe Color Lava on the go whenever inspiration strikes, and then save your colors on your iPad to bring into Photoshop CS5 when you're connected. You can also email your Adobe Color Lava creations to yourself and others.
•Dab, smudge, and swirl your way to creating unique individual color swatches and five-swatch color themes.
•Interact with Photoshop CS5 in real time. Simply tap a swatch on your iPad to make it the foreground color in your Photoshop CS5 Color panel—or create a color theme and see your colors instantly in the Color panel.
•Make fine adjustments to your color creations using Hue/Saturation sliders, and view HSB and RGB values.
•Mix colors even when you’re away from your computer. You can save them on your iPad to bring into Photoshop CS5 when you’re connected.
•Easily share your swatches and color themes by emailing them directly from Adobe Color Lava.
Take your creativity mobile with Adobe Color Lava for Photoshop CS5.
Requirements:
•You need Photoshop CS5 version 12.0.4 or later to connect this app with the desktop version of Photoshop
•Current Photoshop CS5 users must update their copies of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later to use this app with their copy of Photoshop CS5
•This app will not work with Photoshop CS4 or earlier
To update your copy of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later, do one of the following:
•Download the update from www.adobe.com.
•Select Check for Updates from the Help menu in Photoshop CS5.
This app is $2.99 in the Apple App Store and you can download it here
With Adobe Eazel —a Photoshop Touch app for Adobe Photoshop CS5 software (version 12.0.4 or later required)— you can now use your iPad and your fingertips to create beautiful paintings. Get amazing color blends thanks to a painting technology that offers a new kind of interaction between “wet” and “dry” paint. Enjoy a unique user interface that lets you paint across the entire expanse of your iPad screen and easily access the tools you want.
As long as you have a network connection between your iPad and computer, you can send your Adobe Eazel artwork directly to Photoshop CS5 from anywhere you are. Then you can enhance a higher-resolution version of your artwork using industry-leading image-editing tools. Or do all your painting in Adobe Eazel. You can always share your work via email or save it to the built-in Photos app on your iPad.
•Paint beautiful works of art using just your fingertips.
•Mix “wet” and “dry” paint to create rich, realistic color blends. Breakthrough technology allows digital paint to “dry” over time.
•Paint more freely using the entire iPad screen. Controls for changing color, opacity, brush size, and other settings appear only when you place all five fingers on the screen.
•Send your paintings directly to Photoshop CS5, where they’ll be re-rendered at a higher resolution and can be saved in any file format you choose. (Photoshop CS5 must be open, and a network connection between your iPad and computer is required.)
•Save paintings to your iPad Photos app, and then email them as JPEG files.
Take your creativity mobile with Adobe Eazel for Photoshop.
Requirements:
•You need Photoshop CS5 version 12.0.4 or later to connect this app with the desktop version of Photoshop
•Current Photoshop CS5 users must update their copies of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later to use this app with their copy of Photoshop CS5
•This app will not work with Photoshop CS4 or earlier
To update your copy of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later, do one of the following:
•Download the update from www.adobe.com.
•Select Check for Updates from the Help menu in Photoshop CS5.
Available in the following languages:
English, French, German, and Japanese
This app is available from the Apple App Store for $4.99, you can download it here
Sigma has announced they've received more than £4 Million in relief funds for the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Press release:
North East Japan Disaster Relief
On the 11th March, the North East of Japan was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami. Sigma’s state of the art factory is located in the Fukushima prefecture but was fortunate to escape with limited damage and disruption. Unfortunately some of Sigma’s sub-contractors and suppliers situated on the coastal plain were not so lucky.
The devastation and suffering in the North East of Japan is on a scale seldom seen before. In response to this humanitarian disaster, the Sigma Corporation, together with its worldwide network or distributers and business partners, has raised just over £4,000,000 towards the "North East Japan Disaster Relief" organised by the Japanese Red Cross Society.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends and customers for their support, understanding and generosity at this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people in north east Japan where the huge disaster hit on 11th March 2011.
Drobo, makers of data storage products for photographers, has announced a new competition, ‘What Would You do with 100 Drobos?’ Drobo are giving away 100 Drobos over May and June to entrants with the most original or appealing ideas. Please see below for more details and submission requirements.
Press release:
Announcing the ‘What Would You do with 100 Drobos?’ Contest
Searching for the Most Creative Answer to this Question; One Lucky Individual or Organization will Receive 100 Drobos to Execute on the Winning Idea
SANTA CLARA, Calif. –May 4, 2011 – Drobo, makers of the award-winning data storage products for businesses and professionals, today announced the “What would you do with 100 Drobos?” contest. Convince the Drobo community that your cause is worthy by creating an essay, video, collage, or other creative presentation of your idea, post it publicly (YouTube, Facebook, blog, etc.) and submit the idea URL with your contact information online at http://www.drobo.com/100drobos.
What: Drobo is giving away more than 100 Drobos throughout May and June to the most original or appealing idea, cause or use – whether that’s improving education, combating world hunger, fostering the arts or just stretching the imagination, the only limit is your own creativity.
Over 100 Drobos to be given away over the course of the contest:
• 100 Drobos to the winning idea
• Top 10 finalists receive a Drobo
• All votes will be entered to win a Drobo a day over the course of the contest (winner to be chosen at random)
For contest details and submission requirements, please visit the Drobo contest site at http://www.drobo.com/100drobos.
Who: Anyone with a great idea!
When: Submissions accepted – Wednesday, May 4th - Tuesday, May 31st
Voting closes– Friday, June 17th
One of the shortcomings of the current iMac is the bottleneck of data caused by the FW800 port, if it had eSATA then great but the update announced today circumvents that with Thunderbolt. While the new processors and whopping 2GB vRAM are to be welcomed the clever Thunderbolt I/O masquerading as a mini Display-port is reason enough to make the upgrade. Apple has even gone one better than the MacBook Pro and provided two Thunderbolt ports, so you can add your external storage (you can daisy-chain up to 6 devices) and keep your second 27-inch monitor.
Press release:
Apple Announces New iMac With Next Generation Quad-Core Processors, Graphics & Thunderbolt I/O Technology
CUPERTINO, California—May 3, 2011—Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera. Starting at £999.00 inc VAT, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.*
“Our customers love the iMac’s aluminum enclosure, gorgeous display and all-in-one design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we've made the world’s best desktop even better.”
The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for an amazingly responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. With new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, the new iMac has the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop.
iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt enables expandability never before possible on an all-in-one computer. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.
iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad 2, iPhone 4, the current generation iPod touch and other Intel-based Macs. The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminum and glass design, gorgeous IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, Apple’s desktop line is a leader in green design. The iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.
Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Snow Leopard builds on more than a decade of innovation and includes the Mac App Store for finding great new apps for your Mac. iLife ’11 features iPhoto with stunning full screen views for browsing, editing and sharing photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use tools to transform home videos into fun theatrical trailers; and GarageBand with new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs.
Pricing & Availability
The new iMac is available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com/uk), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £999.00 inc VAT (£832.50 ex VAT); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £1249.00 inc VAT (£1040.83 ex VAT). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £1399.00 inc VAT (£1165.83 ex VAT); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £1649.00 inc VAT (£1374.17 ex VAT).
Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional technical specifications and configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/uk/imac.
*Testing conducted by Apple in April 2011 using preproduction iMac configurations. For more information visit www.apple.com/uk/imac/features.html.
**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.2 energy database as of April 2011. EPEAT is an independent organisation that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognised as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT programme was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.
Epson has announced today the new 13-inch Epson Stylus Photo R2000. Equipped with the dye-base Epson UltraChrome Hi Gloss 2 inks and Epson's latest MicroPiezo AMC print head, the Epson R2000 is said to deliver 'vibrant, glossy prints on a range of paper types'. Image quality is further enhanced by AccuPhoto HG screening technology it's claimed that maintains high image quality even when printing in high speed modes.
The R2000 also features larger ink cartridges, flexible media handling and connectivity with Ethernet, Wireless-N and USB 2.0 support. It will be available in May 2011 through authorized resellers for $499.99 (MSRP). There's no word as yet of the R2000 being available in Europe.
Press release:
May 02, 2011
Epson Stylus Photo R2000 Gives Advanced Amateur Photographers, Hobbyists and Creative Professionals a New Level of Productivity and Creative Control
LONG BEACH, Calif. – May 2, 2011 – Epson America today introduced the latest 13-inch printer to join its award-winning line of products, the Epson Stylus® Photo R2000. Taking advantage of Epson’s next-generation pigment printing technology, this printer produces vivid, archival prints with an unmatched glossy look and feel that’s optimized for serious photography and other high-level creative applications.
The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 provides several features and qualities that are typically found in professional-level printers, such as pigment-based inks, flexible media handling, and significantly larger capacity cartridges that deliver up to 50 percent more printsI. The printer’s connectivity options are unparalleled for its class, making it easy to print from a home office or studio via Ethernet®, Wireless-N and USB 2.0II. Its media flexibility is also unsurpassed, giving users the ability to print on a full range of papers, including cut sheet and roll paper, photographic and fine art media, canvas, art boards, and CD/DVDs.
The R2000 uses Epson’s innovative MicroPiezo® print head with AMC™ and Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss® 2 Ink to create images with vibrant color on a broad range of paper types. The printer’s unique eight-color ink set takes advantage of Epson’s exclusive high-gloss encapsulated pigments including an enhanced gloss optimizer that creates photos with a uniformly smooth finish and feel. Image quality is further enhanced by AccuPhoto™ HG screening technology that ensures outstanding image quality even when printing in higher speed modes.
“The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 is an incredible tool for serious photographers, creative professionals and hobbyists who want to step up to superior quality printing,” said Richard Day, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “Whether you’re printing a series for gallery display, producing a comp to present to a client, or making a 12x12-inch scrapbook page, this printer has the capability and versatility to deliver outstanding results that will impress the most demanding of critics.”
Following are additional details about the Epson Stylus Photo R2000’s technologies and benefits:
- Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 Ink: Award-winning, eight-color pigment ink set, for gallery-quality archival prints that are water, smudge and fade-resistant. Red and Orange inks provide bold colors and smooth, natural skin tones; additional advancements also offer vibrant greens and intense blues. An enhanced gloss optimizer delivers a uniform gloss finish, and auto-selecting Photo and Matte Black inks deliver deep blacks on matte, fine art or glossy media.
- AccuPhoto HG Image Technology: Created in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Munsell Color Science Laboratory, this complex mathematical architecture and advanced screening technology ensures precise placement of each ink droplet to produce smooth, grain-free images. This technology helps to maximize color gamut, smooth transitions and gradations, and achieve consistent color under different lighting conditions. The R2000’s new Automatic Ink Density Optimization feature also contributes to delivering prints with consistent pigment density and superior color accuracy.
- MicroPiezo AMC Print Head: The eight-channel, high-precision print head produces a maximum resolution of 5670 x 1440 optimized dpi and variable-sized droplets as small as 1.5 picoliters. For decreased maintenance and increased reliability, the print head also incorporates an ink-repellent coating.
- Individual Larger-Capacity Ink Cartridges: The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 delivers up to 50 percent more prints than the previous model for increased productivity and less frequent changing of cartridgesI.
- Auto-Selecting Black Inks: The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 automatically selects Photo or Matte black ink to produce the deepest blacks and richest color on glossy, matte or fine art media.
- Unparalleled Connectivity: Built-in 100 Mbit Ethernet for wired networking, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ 802.11n wireless technology and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 provide multiple options for fast connectivity anywhere in a home or studioII.
- Flexible Media Handling: A main top-loading, high-capacity auto-sheet feeder supports photographic and matte papers. A rear, single-sheet, fine art paper path handles heavier fine art and specialty media. Included roll paper support allows for panoramas up to 44-inches long, even on canvas, and a front, straight-through path handles media up to 1.3 mm thick, and direct CD/DVD printing.
Pricing, Availability and Support
The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 will be available in May 2011 through authorized resellers for $499.99 (MSRP). The printer is supported by a one-year whole-unit exchange limited warranty plan and specialized technical support staff. For more information on the Epson Stylus Photo R2000, visit www.epson.com/R2000.
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to 3.4.1 (as well as ACR to 6.4.1 of course) and introduced support (again) to the 
, v3.4 already supported the Fuji X100's .RAF files. Follow the link to download 3.4.1 for 