A new 18x zoom bridge camera is announced by Fujifilm

Following on from the success of the FinePix S2800HD, the S2950 will be available from Spring 2011. This is the latest addition to Fujifilm's S-Series long-zoom range of "bridge cameras" which are renowned for their ease-of-use and excellent tele-photo capabilities – all packaged up in a neat compact shell and with the added bonus of an all-important EVF.

With a generous 18x Fujinon optical zoom lens, the S2950 really packs a punch, especially when matched with its 14 megapixel sensor, large 3.0" LCD screen and 720p HD (30fps) movie capture.

Electric powered Fujinon 18x zoom lens

The S2950 sports an impressive 28mm – 504mm* high precision Fujinon optical zoom lens. Simple to operate with an electric powered zoom lever, the huge zoom range means that you can capture all the detail, even when you're at a considerable distance away. You can even operate the zoom during video recording. Unlike a bulky D-SLR, bridge cameras allow you great versatility of zoom, without the hassle of carrying a bag of lenses.

Facebook/YouTube easy web upload

NEW in 2011 for the S series range of cameras is Fujifilm's easy web upload function. It allows you, in-camera, to tag pictures for speedy upload to Facebook and YouTube once you connect to a PC and launch My FinePix Studio. A great time saver, it allows you to organise your photos when you're on the move!

Sharp, clear shots

Even at the longest zoom settings or in the most challenging of lighting conditions, the S2950 is able to produce crisp, clean results. With its mechanically stabilised 1/2 3", 14 megapixel CCD sensor, and high ISO sensitivity settings, Fujifilm's Dual Image Stabilisation technology combines to reduce the blurring effects of both hand-shake and subject movement to provide superb pictures.

Impressive panoramas

With its easy to use Panoramic shooting mode you can get creative on the S2950, however basic your skills, and rest assured that you will not risk shooting uneven landscapes or shaky horizons. The camera enables you to take three successive shots with a helpful tool which automatically releases the shutter once the images are fully aligned to seamlessly stitch the shots together in-camera. It's so easy and the results are impressive.

Advanced HD capabilities for Both Movies and Stills

For the complete viewing experience, the FinePix S2950 is HD enabled and can therefore play-back both HD stills (Full HD) and movies (720p) in superb quality on any HDTV. It's yet to become the standard method of viewing photos, but it's certainly not to be knocked. And given that this camera has a mini HDMI port it's very quick and easy to connect it up to a HDTV* and play back your photos on the big screen.
*Mini HDMI cable required (not included)

Frown or blink and the picture's spoilt

Not anymore! With Fujifilm's Smile and Shoot mode the camera can recognise the exact moment your subject smiles and releases the shutter only when this happens, ensuring that all your photos are happy ones! Additionally the Blink Detection function warns you if any of your subjects have blinked so that you can re-take the photo if necessary

Preserve your memories for longer by creating a Photobook!

The S2950 allows you to select in-camera the images you want to feature in your Photobook; this task is particularly simple if you have already star rated your favourite photos! You literally tag the images that you want to have in your photo book & select which one you want for the front page and then when you are ready to order the book it's a much quicker easier task. You can also simply enjoy viewing the selected images in an in-camera Photobook with pages that actually turn!

S2950HD Key features at a glance

    •    14 Megapixel CCD
    •    Fujinon 18x optical zoom (28-504mm)
    •    3.0" LCD screen (230K dot resolution) and EVF (200K dot resolution)
    •    NEW Easy web upload to Facebook & You Tube
    •    HD stills (Full HD) and 720p HD movie capture (30 fps)
    •    HDMI mini port for easy image display on any HDTV
    •    Up to ISO6400 (at reduced resolution)
    •    Face Detection with Blink detection and Smile and shoot mode
    •    SR Auto (Scene Recognition Auto)
    •    Full Manual Controls
    •    Tracking AF
    •    Motion Panorama mode
    •    Image Search function with Photobook assistant
    •    Auto Rotate
    •    4 x AA batteries

 

FinePix T200 – Fujifilm has great photography down to a 'T' with the world's thinnest 10x zoom compact camera!*

High quality photography just got a whole lot more accessible thanks to the introduction of the new FinePix T200. The ideal solution for those who want to buy a well specified, easy to use and more importantly, ultra compact, long zoom camera to take on their travels or use to capture family life, but who don't want a hefty price tag to match.

The T200 offers a specification that few other models can match, including some of latest cutting edge technologies plucked from higher-end models in Fujifilm's range.
* Fujifilm research January 2011

High resolution, wide zoom range

With an impressive resolution of 14 megapixels, the FinePix T200 delivers files that can be printed out at A3 without the need for any software re-sizing. Equally impressive is the 10x zoom range, which stretches from 28-280mm (35mm equivalent). This powerful mix of features will ensure users can capture great images in no time, be they wide-angle land and cityscapes or closely cropped portraits and distant details.
In addition to the 10x zoom, the T200 also comes equipped with a powerful CCD shift Image Stabilisation (CIS) system that helps eliminate camera shake and deliver high quality images in a wide variety of lighting conditions.
CIS works during the exposure to counteract any hand movements. The result is an expanded range of shooting situations where the T200 can be used without the need for a tripod or other support. With CIS working hard in the background, you can capture sharp, colourful scenes and portraits at night. Plus, should the light be really low, the maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200* can be selected so you can keep shooting.
* Resolution reduced to three megapixels at ISO 3200

An easy to use model with premium features

Many photographers want to keep things simple when it comes to taking pictures and the T200 is an approachable, easy to use compact. But don't think that you're missing out on some of Fujifilm's latest compact camera developments as a result. The FinePix T200 has a few technological tricks up its sleeve, including:
    •    Photobook Assist - picking the pictures to go in a photobook can be time-consuming and it can be difficult to visualise what the final book will look like. Not anymore! The T200's Photobook Assist feature allows you to tag images that you'd like to use in a photobook; you can even tag the front cover shot. Then, when you've made the selection, the camera will create a simulation of the photobook which you can view through on the rear LCD.
    •    Motion Panorama - everybody likes shooting panoramic images, but no-one likes stitching them together afterwards on a PC. This mode makes shooting panoramas easy. Press the shutter release to start, rotate through and then the FinePix T200 will stitch all three shots together seamlessly. Capturing great panoramic shots has never been so fun – or easy!
    •    Face recognition - this is a great feature if you take a lot of pictures of people. When a photo is taken, you can store the name of the person/people in the image. By doing this, the T200 will then automatically find other images on the memory card featuring the same person. Use the Image Search function and you'll quickly be able to find all the shots of a specific individual.
    •    HD video - for those situations when you want to record video footage instead of still shots, the FinePix T200 offers 720p HD video at 30 frames per second.

A Large and High Resolution LCD

Compact dimensions, perhaps, but this hasn't affected the size of the rear LCD, which measures an impressive 2.7 inches from corner to corner. Images and menus are displayed in all their 230K dot glory, plus composition is easy on the large screen.

Slim and pocket-able for easy portability

A heavy, bulky camera is the last thing you need when you're trying to travel light. The T200 is just 28.1mm thick and 97mm wide, so it'll easily store in the corner of a travel bag or a jacket pocket. What's more the camera is available in 4 colours, so there's bound to be one to suit your taste.

Fujifilm FinePix T200 key features

    •    14 megapixels
    •    10x optical zoom covering 28-280mm (35mm camera equivalent)
    •    2.7 inch rear LCD with 230,000 pixels
    •    CCD Shift type Image Stabilisation
    •    Face recognition and Image Search
    •    ISO 3200 maximum sensitivity
    •    Super slim body
    •    Photobook Assist
    •    Motion panoramic shot capture
    •    Available in 4 colours: Black, Silver, Blue and Red

FinePix XP30 with GPS – a world's first for outdoor compacts

Fujifilm has raised the bar in the competitive outdoor compact camera sector by introducing the FinePix XP30; the world's first water, shock, dust and freeze proof model featuring built-in GPS functionality.*

Continuing in the tradition set by the XP10 that it replaces, the FinePix XP30 offers a competitively-priced entry into the sector with a specification that will ensure outdoor-loving photographers or adventure sports enthusiasts are well catered for. In addition to GPS and its rugged build quality, the camera also features an impressive 5x, wide-angle, zoom lens, a 14 megapixel resolution and a healthy range of picture taking functions. With a FinePix XP30 in your rucksack, outdoor photographers will be able take their pictures to new heights without the steep price tag!

Pin-point your location, anywhere in the world

An increasing number of compact cameras feature GPS tagging, but only the FinePix XP30 features this type of functionality in a rugged, outdoor model. What's more, the GPS features on the camera won't only tell you where you are in the world; it offers additional functions that are essential for outdoor shooting and will make you wonder how you ever managed without them.

Locations can be displayed either as longitude and latitude coordinates, or by place name. The FinePix XP30 has an embedded list featuring around half a million places of interest across the globe. When a shot is taken, the image is tagged with location information, enabling you to quickly find shots of a place you've visited. Should users then want to create a photobook of a specific location they can do so using the Photobook Assist function where you can tag images then turn the pages of the book on the camera's rear LCD.
But that's not all. If you visit a location that you want to return to but can't remember which way to go, the Photo Navigation mode is invaluable. Simply find a shot of the location and the FinePix XP30 will not only tell you how far it is from your current spot, it'll show you the directions you'll need to get there.

For those who want to re-trace their steps and map a route of their travels, the Route Logging function is certain to appeal. The FinePix XP30 stores your location data every 10 minutes* and, once you get home and the images are downloaded to a PC (through the MyFinePix Studio software included with your camera), a map of the route, along with the pictures you took along the way is created using Google Maps.
* Anytime On or Only Power On must be selected for data to be logged.

Proof that it's ready for anything

The FinePix XP30 is ready for anything you can throw it. Thanks to the "4 x Proof protection system", you'll be able to keep taking pictures long after conventional cameras have packed in. With its designer riveted front panel and rounded body shape featuring a smart two-tone effect, the XP30 is:
    1.    Waterproof to 5 metres, making it perfect for underwater photography, for taking pictures in heavy rain or snow, or simply for running it under the tap when it gets dirty
    2.    Shockproof up to 1.5 metres, so it'll handle being dropped or knocked around in a rucksack
    3.    Dust/Sandproof, enabling you to take it to the beach without having to worry about the sand getting into it
    4.    Freezeproof to –10°C, perfect for skiing, snowboarding or any other sub-zero activities

Quality optics deliver perfect pictures

Sporting a Fujinon 5x wide optical zoom covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent), the FinePix XP30 is well equipped to deliver high quality images. In addition to the premium optics, the XP30 features Fuji's advanced Dual Image Stabilisation system to help combat camera shake. Suitable for action shots as this combats image-blur which will often occur when taking photos underwater and at night.

A wide range of functions for every shot you take

As well as offering all the benefits of an outdoor camera, the FinePix XP30 is also a great picture-taking machine in its own right. It boasts a full range of flash overrides, Face Detection for perfect portraits and a generous selection of subject-based scene modes, including Motion Panorama which automatically stitches up to three shots together to create panoramic pictures simply and easily. There's even a number of in-camera retouching functions including crop, rotate and red-eye removal to ensure that your photos really are perfect.
Outdoor photographers wanting to shoot video aren't neglected either; the FinePix XP30 offers HD movie capture of 720p at 30 frames per second or conventional 640 x 480 pixel definition.

Fujifilm FinePix XP30 key features

• 14.2 megapixel resolution
• GPS functionality
• 5x wide optical zoom covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent)
• CCD shift image stabilisation
• 2.7 inch rear LCD with 230,000 pixels
• Waterproof to 5 metres
• Shockproof up to 1.5 metres
• Freezeproof to –10°C
• Dust/Sandproof
• Motion Panorama mode
• Available in 5 colours: Black, Silver, Orange, Blue and Green

The FinePix Z90 – a touch of social networking!

Introducing the undeniably stunning FinePix Z90 from Fujifilm, a super-stylish member of the Spring 2011 range of digital cameras. It's packed full of fun and easy-to-use features, this camera really is not just a pretty face. Housing an innovative 3-inch wide LCD touch screen, a 14 megapixel sensor, a 5x Fujinon optical zoom, 720p HD movie and 1080p image capture, and a YouTube/Facebook easy web upload facility; the FinePix Z90 is the perfect camera for a fashion-conscious audience that is looking for a combination of quality and style.

Look at me

The Z90 follows in the footsteps of its hugely successful predecessor, the Z70. However, it now sports a stunning 3-inch wide LCD touch screen, allowing you to effortlessly navigate through the camera's many functions without needing to press any buttons. The responsive touch screen will not only let you take and view photos at the touch of a finger, but also provides a large, bright screen to playback and admire your photos. The elegant design grabs attention with its sleek looks and cool vertical sliding lens barrier. At only 17.5mm thick you really can just pop this camera into your jean pocket – perfect!

A social sensation

The Z90 is great for those who have better things to do than sit around all day uploading images and movies to Facebook and YouTube. Just simply go to 'playback' mode, then select the 'menu' option and 'mark' your chosen pictures and movies for Facebook or YouTube. Then once you connect the camera to your computer and access the MyFinePix Studio software (included in the box), all you have to do is press 'upload' and they will all get transferred to the selected websites saving you time & effort.

Be a star on the big screen

With HD image and movie capture and a 14 megapixel high resolution sensor, the FinePix Z90 will capture spectacularly, detailed images that you will be proud to share with both, friends and family. Both still shots and video clips can be viewed in all their glory on any HD ready television*.
*To connect to an HD-ready TV, you will need a HD Player and HDMI cable (optional extras).

Get closer to the action

The Z90 has an impressive Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) which operates internally, ensuring the sleek design of the camera is maintained and also that the optics are protected against any bumps or scrapes. This 5x wide-angle optical zoom opens up a wide array of photo opportunities that would normally be out of reach, and thanks to the Digital Image Stabilisation feature, the pictures you take will be crisp and clear, even at the full 5x zoom.

Any way is up

Navigating the Z90's interface is smooth and easy; Dual Direction GUI detects the orientation of the camera and automatically switches the direction of the menu buttons and current image. This feature splits the screen in various ways allowing you to view multiple images at once in playback, so you can scroll through your images easily to locate the one you are looking for.  

Clever compact

As on all Fujifilm cameras the Scene Recognition Auto (SR AUTO) feature intelligently detects the scene-type and shooting conditions and optimises the camera's settings accordingly. So whether you're photographing a group of friends in a nightclub or family on the beach, the FinePix Z90 will produce perfectly balanced photos at the press of a button. The Z90 also features low-light capabilities of up to ISO3200 at full resolution, and advanced Face Detection technology with automatic red-eye removal.

Focused on the target

Great for those all important actions shots, the Tracking Auto Focus (AF) feature locks onto your moving subject and ensures that they are kept in perfect focus. Simple to use, just half-press the shutter button and Tracking AF will track your subject and keep them in focus until you fully press the shutter button, capturing a photo with the subject in centre frame and perfectly in focus, ensuring that you don't miss the shot. 

Another fascinating feature is the touch and shoot function.  If the user selects this mode and touches the LCD screen, the camera will automatically release the shutter and take the best picture for you. Great fun!

Blog it!

Perfect for all those teenagers and twenty-somethings that spend every waking minute on-line, the Z90 features numerous edit functions which allow you to rotate, crop, collage, resize, change brightness and create mosaic effects on faces on your photos to ensure they are perfectly prepped to share on the internet, with the world!

Make your own movies

And finally, with a dedicated movie button on the top of the camera, it really is simple to take your own video clips with the Z90. And once you've taken them there is even a Movie Editing tool that allows you to cut and paste successive movies. James Cameron, eat your heart out!

Fujifilm FinePix Z90 Key Features

    •    3.0-inch Touch screen LCD
    •    14 megapixel sensor
    •    Ultra-slim metal body with vertical sliding lens cover
    •    Fujinon 5x wide Optical Zoom (28-140mm equivalent)
    •    YouTube/Facebook easy web upload
    •    HD photo and video capture
    •    One-touch Movie Mode and Movie Editing feature
    •    Digital Image Stabilisation
    •    Auto Picture Rotation
    •    Tracking Auto Focus
    •    Image search function
    •    Available in 6 stunning colours: Black, Silver, Pink, Blue, Purple & Red

Fujifilm's New 'J' Series Digital Cameras

Following in the footsteps of the current J series models, Fujifilm today announces three new additions to the range. The new cameras feature the same winning formula as previous models – all are slim, elegant compact cameras which have been filled to the brim with the latest technologies.

Model looks

The aesthetically pleasing design of the new FinePix 'J' series is an important part of the appeal of this range of cameras. The sleek and luxurious metal bodies have soft, curved edges, and come in an array of stunning colours to suit all tastes – there really is something for everyone in this range. And their ultra slim design ensures that the cameras are compact enough to slide into your pocket or handbag and carry with you at all times.

The differences highlighted

The three new models have a standard core specification and differ predominantly by their sensor resolution and zoom/lens capabilities, but also by the thickness of the camera body. Starting at the entry level end of the range there is the JV200, which has a 14 megapixel sensor and a Fujinon 3x optical zoom (36-108mm), ranging up to the JX350 with its 16 megapixel sensor, wide-angle (28mm to 140mm) 5x optical zoom lens, and super slim body.

Whichever combination you choose, by matching a high resolution sensor with high-precision Fujinon optics, Fujifilm have ensured that each model will deliver sharp and clear images, which are perfect for enlarging on screen or in print without compromising the image quality. The photos taken on the 16 megapixel cameras will blow up to A3 size without any trouble at all. Perfect for framing and creating your own wall-art, you really can enjoy getting creative.

Facebook & You Tube easy web upload

This year's new 'J' series all feature the popular 'Easy Web Upload' function that has previously only been found on the more fashion-driven models in the Fuji range. This is a great time-saver as it allows you to sort through your photos when you are travelling and decide which ones to upload to Facebook or You Tube so that when you get home you just have to connect to a PC and launch the MyFinePix Studio software (for Windows) and they will immediately upload.

Blink and you won't miss it

People often complain about ruined photos after the event, due to people blinking or not paying attention, never fear, Fujifilm is here with Smile and Shoot and Blink Detection features. The Smile and Shoot mode works by detecting smiles on faces: it will not take a picture until it detects a smile, so you're guaranteed happy shots every time. The clever Blink Detection mode warns you if you have captured an image with people blinking, so you can re-shoot if necessary.

Be a star on a the big screen

The 'J' series range of FinePix cameras, all benefit from Full HD image capture and 720p HD movie capture. This enables you to take stunning, detailed pictures and videos that can be enjoyed in glorious High Definition on any HD ready television* or PC.
*To connect to an HD-ready TV, you will need an optional accessory HD Player (HDP-L1)

Playing back your pictures

All the 'J' series models also feature Photobook Assist, which helps you create stunning photo books in-camera and lets you turn the pages as if you were looking at an album. Plus if you can never find the picture you are looking for, the new Picture search tool lets you search by date range, type of photo (whether it's a landscape, portrait, night-shot, macro-shot etc).

Core specifications on all models

    •    Slim metal bodied design　
    •    2.7" LCD screen
    •    Scene Recognition Auto (SR AUTO)
    •    ISO sensitivity to 1600 at full resolution (and ISO 3200 at 3MP)
    •    Tracking Auto Focus
    •    Motion Panorama Mode　　
    •    Face Detection technology with auto red-eye removal
    •    Blink Detection & Smile & Shoot mode
    •    NEW Facebook/You Tube easy web upload
    •    Digital Image Stabilisation　
    •    Intelligent Flash　　
    •    Photobook assist
    •    Full HD image and 720p HD video capture

 

Fujifilm's New 'A' Series Digital Cameras

Following the huge success of the 2010 range of FinePix 'A' series cameras, Fujifilm is pleased to introduce three new additions for 2011. The FinePix AV200, AV250 and AX350 all combine a good all-round feature-set with affordability, and are perfect for beginners who want a simple point and shoot digital camera.

Feature-packed

The new 'A' series compacts differ only in their zoom and resolution capabilities. The 14 megapixel AV200 and the 16 megapixel AV250 both boast a 3x Fujinon zoom and the 16 megapixel AX350 features a versatile Fujinon 5x zoom lens. You can rest assured that whichever model you choose, the excellent resolution sensors and top quality Fujinon optics combine with the high sensitivity settings (to ISO 3200) to deliver sharp, clear images whatever the shooting conditions. All models feature Fuji's Digital Image Stabilisation technology to compensate for image blur caused by hand shake or subject movement, and ensure you always get a great picture.

Shoot and share

All the new 'A' series compacts capture stunning 1080p HD photos and 720p movies, allowing you to show off your impressive pictures and videos to your family and friends on any HD ready television* (or home PC).
*To connect to an HD-ready TV, you will need a HD Player (HDP-L1) (sold separately)

Intuitive features

All of these models come with Scene Recognition Auto mode, which intelligently detects your scene type and shooting conditions, and is able to optimise the camera's focus, exposure and white balance to achieve perfect results. So whether you're photographing your beautiful garden or the kids on the beach, you will get flawless photos at the press of a button. Or if you prefer you can choose one of 21 pre-programmed scene modes for extra control. What's more this season's 'A' series digital cameras also benefit from Single and Tracking Auto Focus modes to ensure crisp, clear photos, every time.

Can't find what you're looking for?

If you have ever struggled to find the photo you are looking for on your camera, then this will be your saving grace. All FinePix cameras benefit from a Picture Search feature which allows you to find all images taken in a particular scene mode (e.g. Portraits and Landscapes) ensuring that it is much faster to navigate through the photos on your camera to find the one you are after.

Get creative

Use the Motion Panorama Mode to take impressive snaps of your favourite places and fill your walls with pictures your family and friends will admire. This mode allows you to stitch three photos together to create one stunning panoramic image, perfect for wide landscapes, tall buildings or large groups of people.

Face Detection and automatic red-eye removal

Great group photos can be challenging to get right when you are trying to make sure everyone looks good. Fujifilm's Face Detection feature takes the hard work out of it, by ensuring that the camera settings are optimised for focus and red-eye removal, on all faces detected.

 

Varied specification dependent on model:

Key features on the A series' models

    •    14 or 16 megapixels
    •    3x or 5x Fujinon zoom lens
    •    Digital Image Stabilization
    •    Lightweight design
    •    Single and Tracking Auto Focus with SR Auto and movie mode
    •    Motion Panorama mode
    •    ISO sensitivity 1600 at full resolution and up to ISO 3200 with 3MP
    •    Full HD photos and 720p HD movie capture (16 : 9 stills)
    •    Scene Recognition Auto (SR AUTO)
    •    Face Detection technology with auto red-eye removal
    •    Picture Search – by Face, by Scene, and by Date
    •    Easy to use with intuitive GUI
    •    AA battery operated

Fujifilm Announces 16 New FinePix Digital Camera Models For 2011

Star products of the new range include the highly anticipated professional grade compact camera (X100) a new all-in-one semi-pro model (HS20) high end compact models (F550 EXR and F500 EXR) a new rugged, GPS enabled camera (XP30) and a super slim, social media focused, style compact (Z90). Full details of all 16 new models can be found at: www.fujifilm.co.uk/presscentre.
 
The W3 stereoscopic 3D camera also continues as one of the star products in the 2011 range.
 

Unique technologies gives Fuji the finer image

A common feature on all the new Spring 2011 cameras is a series of Fujifilm proprietary technologies and bespoke, superb quality Fujinon lenses; the top models sport ½ inch EXR-CMOS sensors – and the X100, a full size APS-C sensor.
 
One of the most exciting developments in the range is the creation of a new hybrid EXR-CMOS sensor delivering extra fast, high quality results in a wide range of lighting conditions. The design of conventional CMOS sensors is such that the light has to pass through a layer of wiring before hitting the photo diodes. But the Back side illuminated BSI-CMOS configuration places this wiring layer behind the photo diodes improving light sensitivity and dramatically boosting results, particularly in low light.
 

Featuring Fujifilm’s EXR technology, which allows the unique flexibility to optimise the sensor’s performance for either maximum resolution, the widest dynamic range or exceptional signal to noise. Consumers can either manually select one of the three EXR modes, or can use the camera in EXR Auto mode, which will automatically decide upon the best performance for a particular shot.
 
In HR High Resolution mode, users can take advantage of the huge 16 megapixel resolution (the world’s largest for a sensor of this type) for truly breathtaking levels of detail and sharpness. The DR Dynamic Range mode uses dual image capture technology to provide a much extended dynamic range for stunning results on high contrast scenes. While SN High Sensitivity Low Noise mode increases doubles up on the pixels using Pixel Fusion technology to produce outstanding images in low lighting conditions.
 

Fujifilm’s EXR technology isn’t purely limited to the sensor, the system also features a newly developed triple core EXR processing engine, which speeds up processing time & boosts performance and picture quality on both still and moving images.
 
Photographers who like to point and shoot will also benefit from an expanded scene recognition function. In addition to nine subject-based scene scenarios, object recognition now delivers a total of 27 different scene scenarios.
 
The EXR processing engine also has the capability to spot and reduce purple colour fringing, most common on dark subjects against a light backgrounds, and improve the resolution at the corners of an image for more uniform image sharpness.
 
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of the EXR engine, however, is the new Rich User Interface, which employs Flash and Vector fonts and graphics to dramatically improve the appearance of the menus on the cameras LCD screen – or via display to the same high quality on an HDTV, with connection via HDMI on some models.
 

Exhibition to feature rare photographs by Roger Fenton at National Army Museum

The National Army Museum on the north bank of the Thames at Chelsea is to stage an exhibition with an unusual theme. Starting on 9th February, Wives and Sweethearts promises to be a powerful experience for visitors with exhibits ranging from rare photographs including those by Roger Fenton (1819-1869) and a host personal effects of soldiers and their partners. Fenton was one of the first war photographers and founder of what was to become the Royal Photographic Society. Fenton's pioneering work wasn't duly recognised during his lifetime but his work documenting the Crimean war, especially, has since become acknowledged by historians.

Image 4607: Photograph: Cantiniere.

Photograph by Roger Fenton (1819-1869).
From photograph album of 52 photographs associated with the Crimean War (1854-1856).

Usually the wives of non-commissioned officers, Cantinières (women supplying food and drink to soldiers), played an important role in the support of French regiments, running canteens and providing additional rations such as brandy to the soldiers. 

Image 4593: Photograph: Henry Duberly Esq, Paymaster 8th (The King’s Royal Irish) Light Dragoons (Hussars) and Mrs Duberly mounted on a horse.

Photograph by Roger Fenton (1819-1869).
From photograph album of 52 photographs associated with the Crimean War (1854-1856).

Captain Henry Duberly, paymaster of the 8th Hussars, and his vivacious wife, Fanny. Of her conduct Lieutenant-Colonel William Forrest, 4th Dragoon Guards, wrote 'They say she is not actually a "bad one" but that she behaves in the most extraordinary way, riding and walking about with anybody, giving men every encouragement to flirt with her, but when the gentleman becomes rather too ardent in his admiration, she suddenly says "why you must forget that I am a married woman. I shall tell my husband of this, & we shall have such a laugh." They say that she has played this trick to several.'

Press Release
04.01.11

Fenton Photographs captures Wives and Sweethearts
 

Rare Roger Fenton photographs are at the heart of an upcoming Wives and Sweethearts exhibition which launches on 9 February 2011 at the National Army Museum.  

The exhibition celebrates love at the front-line with remarkable images by Roger Fenton, which document the powerful presence of 'Women of the Regiment' during the Crimean War.  

Spanning over 200 years the Museum’s newest exhibition will explore all aspects of soldiers’ relationships from the joy of courtships, weddings and births to separation and tragic deaths.
 
Exhibited for the first time, Wives and Sweethearts presents the treasured personal items of soldiers and their sweethearts from letters of engagement and poignant photographs to dazzling diamond love tokens. 

Drawing on the Museum’s collections visitors can discover the love, fears, doubts and joys of generations of soldiers and the profound effect of Army life on the personal relationships of soldiers and their partners and families from the Napoleonic period to the present day. 
 
Frances Parton, Curator of Wives and Sweethearts exhibition, said: “As curator, it has been a challenge as much as a joy to select the items for the exhibition. The Museum has such a wealth of social history material on the subject of soldiers and their love lives that I was spoilt for choice. These items provide us with a touching insight into the lives of others and remind us of the people behind the conflicts.”

The exhibition highlights the fascinating and changing roles of soldiers’ partners from nineteenth-century ‘Women of the Regiment’ who worked as cooks and laundresses to modern Army families, where both partners may in the Armed Forces.
 
From the wives of Wellington’s armies to those currently missing a partner in Afghanistan, the Wives and Sweethearts exhibitions brings alive for today’s visitors the personal aspects of war and its continued relevance.

Key exhibition items from Napoleonic, Crimean, Boer, First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Falklands War and the Gulf War:

 

 
·       Roger Fenton photographs of ‘Women of the Regiment’ during the Crimean War
·       Love token sent to his wife from an soldier at Waterloo
·       A Boer War letter sent with a pressed flower
·       Embroidered postcards from the First World War
·       Diamond-encrusted sweetheart brooch from the Second World War
·       Letters and photographs from the Falklands, Korean, and Gulf Wars
·       Oral histories from current soldier’s wives and sweethearts

 

 

Visitor Information
Address: National Army Museum,
Royal Hospital Road,
Chelsea,
London, SW3 4HT
Start date: 9 February 2011
End date: 30 July 2011
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Daily from 10.00am until 5.30pm
Visitor enquiries: 020 7730 0717
Website: www.nam.ac.uk

Lexar outs Class 10 128GB Pro SDXC

This Lexar card is a little faster (20MB/s) than the already announced SanDisk Ultra Class 4 64GB SDXC card, which is rated at 15MB/s. These are minimum guaranteed speeds, so testing would be required to confirm real-world differences. We've been using one for a few months now and there are a few notable cameras and devices where the new format is not yet supported; the Canon EOS 1Ds MK III and Pentax 645D being just two, but also the Apple iPad (using the camera connection kit). We were also concerned that our 2009 spec iMac wouldn't be (as the 2010 spec states support for SDXC), however we can confidently confirm that it is.

Nissin adds TTL wireless flash to Di622 MkII

Nissin, an independent manufacturer of portable flash units, has introduced an upgrade to the Di622 adding wireless TTL flash and a PC socket for use with Pocketwizard remotes (and the like). For more details please see the press release below.