The Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2011 Competition Is Now Open

The “Leica Oskar Barnack Award” competition is open to all professional photographers. To take part, participants must send in a series of photographs taken in 2010 or long-term projects containing at least one photo from 2010.
The “Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award” competition is open to any (prospective) professional photographer aged 25 or under at the time of entering. To take part, participants must send in a series of photographs taken in 2010 or long-term projects containing at least one photo from 2010.

CONTEST PRIZE & TERMS

Prize Details: The winner of the “Leica Oskar Barnack Award will receive a Leica M9 camera and a lens worth 9,500 euros in addition to a cash prize of 5,000 euros.
For the “Newcomer Award” the prize has also been increased. The winner will receive a Leica M9 camera and a lens.
Eligibility: Professional photographers
Copyright: You are the sole owner of the copyright for these photos or have been authorized by the owner of the copyright
Usage Rights: You give Leica Camera AG the right to publish your series of pictures entered into this competition online in the online·gallery on the homepage of Leica Camera AG.
To view the official site - go here

Pre-Order Your Fujifilm X100 Now

For the princely sum of $1,199.00, you can pre-order your FujiFilm X100 from Adorama. The cheapest, so far, we managed to find for a pre-order in the UK is at £999.00 at Digital Depot.

There's currently no sign of actual units and no sign as to when actual delivery of this little gem with take place. It's likely, you'll have to wait until March until you can get your hands on this fabulous show stopper from Photokina 2010, somehow though, we think it will be worth the wait.

Kingston out 233x speed SDHC cards

With speeds up to 60MB/sec. read and 35MB/sec. write, these appear to be the fastest SDHC cards available currently. Prices (including VAT) are quoted as £81 for 8GB, £163 for 16GB and £327 for the 32GB card, but there's no word as yet on availability.

Kingston Digital Announces Fastest SDHC Card in the Market
  London -- January 17, 2011 -- Kingston Digital Europe Ltd, an affiliate of Kingston Technology Company Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the new Kingston Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) UHS-I UltimateXX memory cards. The highest speed class available today, the UltimateXX meets standards set by the Secure Digital Association for next-level performance in Secure Digital (SD) card technology. Kingston’s UltimateXX memory cards are ideal for the serious photographer and videographer. Photographers will appreciate the ability to easily capture sequential shots that were once a challenge due to the speed limitations of memory. The UltimateXX also makes it easy to capture HD video. The performance of SDHC UHS-I memory card is optimised when paired with a UHS-I device, although the card is backwards compatible with Class 4, 6 and 10 equipment. “Kingston is pleased to be one of the first manufacturers to offer SDHC UHS-I memory cards to our customers,” said Jim Selby, Manager – European Product Manager, Kingston Technology. “Being a member of the SD Association enhances our ability to bring new technology to market. As the devices that support SDHC UHS-I become prevalent; our UltimateXX cards are at the ready.”   Kingston’s UltimateXX line meets the SD Association standards for the UHS-I speed class with speeds up to 60MB/sec. read and 35MB/sec. write. At this performance level, the write speed of SDHC UHS-I memory cards is more than three times as fast as SDHC Class 10 cards. The UltimateXX product line will offer capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB. 

Readers can check prices on Kingston SDHC UHS-I at Amazon US.

Photo Manager Pro 2.4 For iPad - Price Drop

This is a great app for organizing your images and to celebrate a huge update there is 50% bringing the price to $1.99 instead of $3.99.

What's New In This Update

What's new in the latest update:
1. Sort photos and folders
2. Use original photo image. App won't change image any more.
3. Load next photo in background
4. Slideshow improvement
5. Move folders
6. Rotate photo
7. Add a option "Show Caption"
a) Show caption on all views
b) Take caption as filename for download
8. Fix all known bugs and stabilize application

Key Features

* Universal app
* Fully support retina display
* Transfer multiple photos/videos among Apple touch devices at one time.
* Upload multiple photos/videos from computer to touch devices at one time. Use filename as photo caption.
* Download multiple photos/videos to computer at one time. Use photo caption as download filename.
* Use browser for uploading and downloading. All major browsers are supported (Safari, firefox and IE7/8).
* Sort photos and folders
* Organize photos and videos in folders and sub folders
* Lock folders/sub folders with passcode
* thumbnail and detail view of folders
* Slide show photos with music. Songs are picked from music library.
* Photo/video files management: move, delete etc. Trash is supported for deleted photos and videos.
* Show caption on folder view and photo gallery
* Search by caption
* Support favorites
* Share photos on Facebook and twit pic
* Email photos
* Import photos/videos from album
* Export photos/videos to album
* Send photo via MMS
* Support all orientations
Download

Sony add clip-on monitor CLM-V55 for HDDSLRs

Sony has announced a 5-inch 800x480pixel LCD for their video-enabled DSLRs. The images provided don't show the power options. There's a AC adaptor and a battery-pack, which presumably attaches to the rear, hence the lack of photos - it's unlikely to be a neat solution. Although it will be available in March, the price has not yet been confirmed.

Press release

Clip-on LCD monitor from Sony for HD video shooting with Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras
 
CLM-V55 gives big, high-resolution view of video footage
• Clip-on LCD monitor attaches to DSLR camera
• Large (5") WVGA panel offers superb high-resolution view while shooting HD video
• Tilt/swivel for comfortable viewing at any angle
• Colour peaking and pixel magnification for precise focus confirmation

A new clip-on LCD monitor from Sony gives DSLR camera owners a bigger, better view of their footage while shooting HD video. The CLM-V55 is a portable video monitor featuring a high-resolution WVGA (800 x 480) (5”) LCD panel. Attaching easily to most Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras and compatible HD camcorders via the supplied adaptor, it displays video footage during shooting/playback with excellent clarity and a wide viewing angle.

The clip-on screen tilts and swivels to any angle for comfortable framing in any position – even self-shooting when you’re in the picture. The CLM-V55 is loaded with pro-style features to help photo enthusiasts and videographers shoot high-quality HD video footage with their Interchangeable Lens Digital camera. Pixel magnification mode assists with accurate focus confirmation, giving an enlarged pixel-perfect view of a selected portion of the Full HD image. It’s complemented by a colour peaking function that highlights the edges of accurately-focused areas of the video image.

An intuitive control wheel allows quick, positive adjustment of a wide range of monitor settings without interrupting shooting. Adjustable parameters include aspect ratio (16:9/4:3), volume, brightness, contrast, colour tone (phase), colour temp and auto dimmer. On-screen markers aid precise framing by giving precise indication of a TV’s 16:9 or 4:3 actual display area. The LCD monitor’s on-board mono speaker is complemented by a headphone jack for accurate audio monitoring during shooting.

The CLM-V55 attaches easily to a wide range of Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras from Sony and other manufacturers that support HD video shooting. The supplied adaptor simplifies mounting on any camera or HD camcorder that features an auto-lock accessory shoe or ISO shoe. Signal connection from camera to monitor is via the supplied HDMI cable, while power can be supplied using a battery pack or AC adaptor (both optional). The CLM-V55 comes with a detachable LCD hood for more comfortable viewing when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight.

The CLM-V55 LCD video monitor by Sony is available from March 2011.

Sales

To buy from Warehouse Express UK (currently £398.00 inc VAT), please follow the link here.

Behind the scenes at Lexar

Lexar Media has released a behind the scenes look at their production facilities. As part of the massive Micron Corp, the wafers are made in the US - they're the only manufacturers that make memory there. These wafers are then shipped to Asia and are assembled and tested mainly by hand, albeit it in impressive facilities. Each and every speed-rated card is then tested, something I didn't expect.

Check prices of Lexar memory cards at Amazon US.

Datacolor out SpyderLensCal

Datacolor, better known for their color management tools, have introduced a focus calibration device for DSLRs. It was introduced at Photokina last September, but flew under my radar till the PR company here in the UK contacted me recently to send a sample. I'll reserve judgement until I've fully tested it, but it looks well-made and robust. The SpyderLensCal lists at $59, 49.00 Euros or £41 plus VAT. That's a considerable saving over the $179 rival LensAlign PRO.

Datacolor has also released an informative video.

Behind the scenes with the Sartorialist

Scott Schuman, also known as The Sartorialist, has an interesting behind the scenes look of his day-to-day activities shooting for his blog. Although the site attracts thousands daily for the fashion featured, Schuman's photography is first-rate. I've followed the blog (similarly on Blogspot) for a long time, and often thought the shots were posed, I guess some are but the majority aren't - he says he spends 4-5 hours a day walking the streets. Either way, if street photography is your thing, the video is a real insight.

Olympus E-PL2 In Multi-Colored Combinations

Pentax aren't the only ones that want to entertain consumers with colored cameras, now Olympus have done the same with the newly launched E-PL2.

What do you think? Does it make it more or less serious do you think?

The website civic.alum.hk published those pictures so many thanks to them.

Photography Mac App Store

Some great titles have appeared in the brand new Mac App Store particuarly in the Photography section with Aperture and iPhoto to boot. Plus of course, there are some great apps from indie developers, including iPaint by SmartieArts Inc and CameraBag Desktop by NeverCenter Ltd, LateNiteSoft with Snapshot for Mac, not only that though there's a whole bunch of free apps too, including Image Tricks Lite, which looks good, Remote Transfer - always useful, Phanfar also looks good.

Take a look you will be very impressed, we're sure of that.

Mac Apple Store Live – Some Apps Incredibly Discounted

The new Mac store is online and it’s a great time to find and buy Mac software. In order to access the store, simply download the OS 10.6.6 update, available via software update.
Many analysts had speculated that the store would herald steep cuts in Mac software pricing, and they were correct. Apple has discounted many apps (including Aperture, now $79) and other developers are pricing their Mac Store software at a lower price as well

Photography App Store

Sony reinvents its Handycam® camcorder line with a full HD 3D solution among other breakthrough models n

Today Sony unveiled a line-up of Handycam® camcorders that redefine the way consumers capture video and photos, including its first foray into the consumer world of 3D. Sony is the only company that can deliver motion pictures and live action sports in 3D – and then provide a similar experience to consumers at home or on-the-go.
Significant technological advancements enhance the new camcorder portfolio, yielding innovative devices that offer unique digital imaging solutions. In addition to a Full HD 3D Handycam camcorder, a built-in projector model and video enthusiast model highlight Sony’s arsenal of camcorders. But both High Definition and Standard Definition options are feature-packed from the bottom of the line to the top.

CX130

Sony Launch 3 New Bloggie 3D Cameras

Continuing to innovate in the pocket video camera space, Sony today revealed new Bloggie HD mobile camera to establish an attractive and affordable line-up. Sony’s Bloggie HD cameras include unique features that break through the cluttered category while still offering simple high quality MP4 video and still photo shooting, as well as easy web sharing capabilities.
The line of portable devices, anchored by the recently launched Bloggie Touch, now gives a nod to 3D technology, dual screen capabilities and minimalist needs. With the Bloggie, Bloggie Duo and Bloggie 3D models, you can capture “had to be there” moments in full high definition 1920x1080 MP4 video and 5-megapixel still photos, but in a whole new way anytime, anyplace.
“As the popularity of pocket cameras grow, we not only wanted to provide simple, compact video and photo solutions, we wanted to make these devices fun and different while still delivering a high quality product,” said Andy Bubala, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “With Sony paving the way for 3D entertainment, that technology was the perfect addition to the Bloggie family and robust offering of 3D solutions.”

Get the best shot with easy-to-use new Cyber-shot™ cameras by Sony

Innovation, style and advanced technology come together at a compelling price with the newest Cyber-shot™ digital still cameras from Sony.
Light, compact and easy to use, the Cyber-shot™ W510, W530, W570 feature Sweep Panorama, plus Intelligent Auto mode that automatically adjusts settings for great results in any shooting situation. Simple operation of all cameras is enhanced by an improved In-Camera Guide for helpful on-screen advice without the need to leaf through paper instruction manuals.
The acclaimed Cyber-shot™ T-series combines powerful imaging features with ultra-slim, desirable looks. Boasting a large 7.5cm (3-inch) LCD touch screen, the Cyber-shot™ T110 features a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor, Sweep Panorama and 720p HD movie capture.
Sony also introduces the compact high-zoom Cyber-shot™ H70 that offers a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor. A 25mm wide angle lens with powerful 10x optical zoom is complemented by Sweep Panorama feature, 720p HD movie recording and Optical SteadyShot.
Also sporting a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor, the compact, colourful Cyber-shot™ J10 features a generous 4GB memory to store all your shots, plus a handy USB arm that stows neatly inside the camera. Connect to any PC and on-board PMB Portable software launches for quick uploads to image sharing sites and social networks. The J10 also features Sweep Panorama and Intelligent Auto.

Sony introduces world’s first digital still cameras with Full HD progressive video, dual recording and 3D still image capture

Sony today unveils five new Cyber-shot™ digital still cameras that make it easy to achieve DSLR-like quality still images, stunning 3D photos and high-quality Full HD videos.
Sony has designed five new innovative 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot™ cameras (models DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX7) that are the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image™ mode, for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. In addition, the Cyber-shot™ TX100V is the world’s first still compact digital camera to offer Full HD (1920 x 1080/50p) progressive video shooting for silk-smooth reproduction of fast-moving action.
The TX100V is also the first Cyber-shot™ camera from Sony with an 8.8cm (3.5-inch) OLED touch screen that provides deeper blacks and rich colours, while being thinner and offering a faster response time than most LCDs – a feature that’s especially useful when shooting movies. Additionally, the WX10 is one of the only digital still cameras to include a high speed linear focus feature that provides quicker, more precise focusing that’s comparable to the speed of a DSLR camera.

Samsung Zooms into the Future with New WB700

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the new WB700, the ultra-slim camera with an impressive 24X zoom function, capable of delivering superb quality images whether your subject is near or far.
The camera features a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider KREUZNACH lens to capture the perfect wide shot, as well as an outstanding 24X zoom function, made up of an 18X optical zoom and 1.3X Smart Zoom. The WB700 delivers sharp images with incredible detail in close up thanks to the camera’s 16 Megapixel (MP) CCD sensor. The flexibility of the WB700’s lens and zoom functions means that you can capture a broad landscape in the same 16MP detail as a bubbling brook in the distance.
Steve Mitchell, General Manager, Samsung UK Digital Imaging, said: “We understand that many of our customers come to us for the very best and most up-to-date technology available, which is why we have chosen to bring all our innovation together in the WB700 for both the advanced and novice photographer, giving a balance of professional quality imaging and the kind of usability anyone can master. On top of the core excellence of the WB700’s 16MP 24mm lens with OIS and Schneider KREUZNACH super-zoom, we have added features that add surprise and delight to the photography experience, such as our new smart filters, the smart lens effect and zoom noise cancellation, adding value throughout the photography experience.”

High quality and fun shooting

Samsung Launches the WB210 and PL210: Easy To Use, Slim and Sleek Cameras with Best-in-Class High Zoom Technology

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has announced today the launch of the WB210 and PL210 – two high zoom, wide angle cameras which boast intuitive features that make it easier than ever to take great pictures on the go. Both cameras have been designed to deliver clear and detailed pictures, controlled through an intuitive new Smart Access user interface, all packed into a sleek and super-portable camera.
The WB210 boasts a long 12x optical super zoom lens set in a slim-line 22.4mm body, to make capturing distant subjects in perfect detail easier than ever. The new camera also includes the option of a 21mm wide angle setting, through its super wide shot mode, to get deeper shots at close range – perfect for capturing landscape scenes or big groups of friends when on the move. The WB210 also includes 14 Mega Pixel photo quality, for crystal clear pictures, and a large 3.5” touch screen with Samsung’s new Smart Access UI system to deliver unprecedented usability. The camera also delivers HD quality movie recording, as well as Face Detection to ensure you never miss your family and friends from your pictures.

Samsung’s New SH100 Brings Your World Closer

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the new SH100, a compact Wi-Fi enabled camera that delivers great shots that you can share over the internet and social networks with your friends and family, from wherever you are in the world. The SH100 is set to be Samsung’s leading fully connected camera in 2011, building on the success of the company’s wirelessly connected cameras to date and allowing Samsung to take a dominant position within this growing market.
Samsung’s pioneering steps within the connected camera market can be seen in the SH100’s unique innovation, which allows you to connect wirelessly to your other devices with ease. You can use Wi-Fi to connect to your Android-powered Galaxy S smartphone, so you can use your phone to view the shot you’re about to take in real time. If you’re not happy with it, you can zoom in and out to get the best picture, and then activate the shutter remotely when you’re ready to pose. This innovation means that the days of running between your camera and your subject, trying to line up the perfect group shot, are over – because you now have total control of your camera in the palm of your hand from wherever you are in the shot. You can even use your phone’s GPS to record exactly where you were when you captured your favourite memories

Samsung Innovation Makes Capturing Video Easier Than Ever with the Practical and Affordable Full HD HMX-Q10 Camcorder

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the latest model in its camcorder portfolio, the HMX-Q10. The HMX-Q10 has been designed to highlight Samsung’s full HD camcorder technology with BSI CMOS sensor and make recording movies simpler than ever for spectacular image quality, using ground-breaking technology and smart features such as its innovative Switch Grip. As an entirely new addition to the Samsung line-up for 2011, the HMX-Q10 makes Samsung’s innovations in video capture more accessible than ever, so anyone can record great video from the first time they use it.
Samsung has created the HMX-Q10 to be a compact, practical and easy-to-use full HD camcorder that combines the best in Samsung innovation with incredibly simple functions, all available at an affordable price. It combines the world’s first Switch Grip with Easy Operation via an LCD screen. The Switch Grip means that however the camcorder is held, the G-magnetic sensor inside the HMX-Q10 recognises the angle and turns the LCD display, so it’s easy to see and easy to control recording from any angle. Easy Operation means that users can control detailed processes, turn the camcorder on and off and operate the playback function simply through the LCD screen, so controlling the device is intuitive and fuss-free, and viewing footage is as uncomplicated as capturing it. The slim and durable body also means that the HMX-Q10 is compact and light enough to be taken anywhere, and the product is so flexible it can also double as a 4.9 Megapixel (MP) still photo camera.

The world’s first Switch Grip (either-handed grip)

New Samsung ST700, PL170 and PL120 models bring the latest dual screen innovations to all camera users so you can place yourself in the perfect moment

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of three new 2 View compact cameras, reinforcing the company’s ownership of this area of the market and taking dual screen technology to the next level. The new ST700, PL170 and PL120 offer a unique combination of high image quality, fun and engaging special features, and complete usability, which together with Samsung’s innovative dual screen technology adds up to a premium compact camera package for easy to capture self-portraits.
The ST700 represents the ultimate in dual screen innovation from Samsung. The new camera boasts a 1.8” front LCD screen, the largest ever incorporated into this style of camera, giving even more opportunities for portrait self-shooting that has become the hallmark of the 2 View camera. But the innovation doesn’t end there – the impressive front screen is complemented by a new 3.0” touch screen with Smart Access UI on the back of the camera for seamless usability and clear, crisp image display. And the ST700 doesn’t lose out on quality either, with 16.1 Megapixel (MP) image sensor and a 26mm 5x optical zoom lens for innovative image capturing, making this the most advanced 2 View camera to date, allowing you to be part of the perfect moment.