Cameratown.com Digital Photography News

Kevin Kubota Scheduled to Present Virtual Live Program during PDN's 2nd Photographers' Virtual Trade Show

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:36:17 EST

Kubota Image Tools is pleased to announce that Kevin Kubota is scheduled to present a free virtual live program during PDN's 2nd annual Photographers' Virtual Trade Show on Wednesday, December 3, 2009 at 3pm (EST). The PDN Photographers? Virtual Trade Show is a live online expo, conference, and e-commerce store delivering a wealth of photography and technology expertise brought to photographers by Photo District News (PDN), the leading publication, and trade show, and B&H superstore, for photographers of all levels and creative professionals.

Imation Ships World's First Wireless USB External Hard Drive

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:26:55 EST

Imation Corp. today announced U.S. availability of its much-anticipated Pro WX Wireless USB hard drive. The Imation Pro WX drive is the world's first Wireless USB external hard drive. Offering the convenience of fast data transfer rates, speed and capacity required in today's graphics and data intensive environments, the Imation Pro WX hard drive provides 1.5TB of storage capacity for digitally driven users who crave the freedom of the wireless workspace. Imation will demonstrate the Imation Pro WX hard drive at the Pepcom Wine, Dine & Demo media event at the Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center Studios tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. The Imation Pro WX wireless USB hard drive is currently available for an MSRP of $449.99.

Hoodman and Trek-Tech Team Up to Offer Macro Photographers a Creative Toolkit

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:22:22 EST

Hoodman and Trek-Tech are introducing a new toolkit for macro photographers that makes positioning and stabilizing cameras for close up macro photography quick and easy. The toolkit combines two essential macro photography tools, the Hoodman Right Angle Viewer and a Trek-Tech T-Pod table top tripod. The right angle viewer with 360� rotation gives photographers the flexibility to position a camera to get down and up close to the subject matter. The table-top tripod supports cameras with rock solid stability for sharp focus. The Macro Photography Toolkit is price at $129.99 for a limited time, according to the news release.

Nikon Podcast #28 - Benefit of Stills and HD Video with Photographer Ami Vitale

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:18:03 EST

Join Host Mark Ellwood as he speaks to acclaimed National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale about her travels and experiences capturing fascinating cultures with the D300s. Vitale explains how to create a photo moment from everyday travel experience and combined it with stunning HD video for a spectacular memory of your trip. Listen now.

Hasselblad Introduces the H3DII-50 Multi-Shot

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:03:18 EST

The Hasselblad Multi-Shot System, available now with a 50 million pixel sensor, allows you to capture even the slightest nuance of every detail, with definition crisp and clear enough to satisfy the most demanding client or to bring artists, scientists and conservators closer to their subjects than ever. And all this detail is created within the camera, requiring no extensive post-production or alteration.

Fujinon 75-400mm PL Zoom Lens Introduced at Inter BEE Show

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:04:56 EST

Fujinon yesterday introduced the second lens from their new PL Mount Series at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter Bee) in Chiba City, Japan. The new 75-400mm T2.8-T3.9 zoom lens joins a growing family of PL mount lenses from Fujinon. The 75-400mm boasts a powerful telephoto focal range combined with impressive T speed and stunning optical performance. Pricing was not available at this time.

GoPro Announces HD HERO Naked - Professional Quality HD Sports Camera at Disruptive $259 MSRP

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:59:06 EST

GoPro, the world's leading manufacturer of wearable sports cameras, is raising the bar for consumer HD image capture with its HD HERO Naked, a wearable 1080p HD camera capable of professional full HD video capture yet available to consumers at a market price of just $259 MSRP. The HD HERO Naked comes with one mount for attaching the camera to a helmet or other curved surfaces, the camera, and the housing which protects the camera from bumps and keeps it waterproof to 180'/60m. Included are a removable rechargeable lithium-ion battery and cables for attaching the camera to an HDTV or computer, but aside from this the camera comes ?naked,? sans the mounts included in the other models.

New Manfrotto Ball Head Family with Great New Features

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:07:17 EST

Aiming to satisfy the photographer's needs, Manfrotto has updated its ball head family to be the ideal support for your camera. The ball heads have been completely updated to be more ergonomic, easier to handle and lighter weight with increased payloads ranging from 4.4 lbs to 17.6 lbs. The ergonomic shape of the knob allows the user to better lock the ball.

SNL Shoots Opening Title Sequence for New Season with EOS 5D Mark II & EOS 7D

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:57:10 EST

The new season of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" debuted not only with a a new cast, but with a new look for the opening title sequence as the entire opening montage was shot using the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the new EOS 7D digital SLR cameras. The concept behind the opening sequence was portraiture as the director and crew looked to capture "living" portraits of the city, the cast and the unique characters that make up the New York City nightlife.

Adobe Today Released Camera Raw 5.6, Lightroom 2.6, and DNG Converter 5.6 Release Candidates

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:04:49 EST

Adobe today announced the Photoshop Camera Raw 5.6, Lightroom 2.6 and DNG Converter 5.6 Release Candidates, available for immediate download on Adobe Labs. The term 'release candidate' means this update is well tested but would benefit from additional community testing to provide the highest quality experience for customers working on a variety of hardware and software configurations. The new releases support additional camera models such as the Canon EOS 7D, Powershot G11, and S90. Nikon D3s, Pentax K-x, Sony Alpha A500, A550, and A850, Olympus E-P2, and many others.

Panasonic LUMIX GF1 Digital Camera Wins Popular Science Magazine's "The Best of What's New"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:41:50 EST

Popular Science Magazine has named the LUMIX GF1 digital camera, the magazine's 2009 "The Best of What's New" winners in the Gadgets categories. The LUMIX GF1 will be featured in the December 2009 issue of Popular Science Magazine. The Panasonic LUMIX GF1 is the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with built-in flash and packs powerful DSLR-like features and High Definition video capabilities into an easy-to-use, compact body.

Pandigital Announces Two New Portable Photo Scanners

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:28:08 EST

Pandigital announced the addition of two new portable photo scanners to its award-winning line of PhotoLink Scanners. The PhotoLink One-Touch 5x7 Scanner and the PhotoLink Personal Photo Scanner make it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy and share treasured memories by transferring traditional prints, slides and negatives into digital images. The PhotoLink One-Touch 5x7 Scanner (PANSCN04) has a manufacturer?s suggested retail price of $129.99 and is available now at various retail locations. The PhotoLink Personal Photo Scanner (PANSCN05) has an MSRP of $129.99 and will be available exclusively on QVC through December 5, 2009.

Outstanding Scenic Drives on US Route 89 Enhance the Road Trip Experience

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:09:31 EST

Although most of US Route 89 between Mexico and Canada could be considered as a scenic drive, several sections stand out above the rest. Here is a list of the top five scenic drives selected by the US Route 89 Appreciation Society.

New Solar Powered HotSpot (TM) Provides Remote Power Anywhere - Ideal for All Night Timelapse Photography

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:02:57 EST

The new solar-powered product by Solis Energy can run small 12 volt "non-critical" electronics in remote locations or anywhere grid power isn't available. All that's required is an electronic device with a car power adaptor (cigarette lighter interface) and the sun. At work, the Power HotSpot? can recharge tools, notebooks and cell phones, or provide power to inverters for AC power. At home, it can power a shed or gazebo light, an aerator or fountain. And for recreation, the Power HotSpot™ brings convenience to the campsite, from re-charging lights to continuous play for radios and iPods to running boat aerators and re-recharging batteries on a dock. The Power HotSpot? retails for $375.

Casio Releases World's Slimmest Shock-Resistant Digital Camera

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:55:28 EST

Casio announced today the release of the EX-G1 shock-resistant, waterproof, dustproof digital camera - the first in the company's new EXILIM� G brand of digital cameras. The EX-G1 is designed with shock-resistant elements throughout the camera, both inside and out, creating a smart look in a slim-line camera with functional beauty. In addition to capturing high-resolution 12.1 effective megapixel images, the EX-G1 also features modes such as interval shooting and multi-image capture which utilize the camera's endurance qualities. The interval shooting function can automatically take still photos or movies at fixed intervals, enabling users to capture great shots while engaged in active sports such as snowboarding or cycling. The EX-G1 will hit shelves in December 2009 with an MSRP of $299.99 and will be available in black and red.

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Review by Engadget

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:02:28 EST

Review (Summary): "... Now we're in the midst of another monumental camera shift, and it's not the 3D revolution that everyone predicted. Nope, in 2009 we make our movies on DSLRs. Just how good are they? Well, the recently released Canon EOS 7D may just be the new Engadget workhorse. ...

New Version of Exif Pilot Software Released - View & Edit Your Camera's Exif Data

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:48:48 EST

Two Pilots has released a new version of Exif Pilot. With Exif Pilot, you can see not only your photo image but also the accompanying metadata. You can view, edit, and create EXIF data. In the new version of Exif Pilot, the list of supported image formats is significantly expanded. Now the program allows reading and editing the following file formats: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, DNG, NEF, PEF, CRW, and JP2. Read-only support is provided for these formats: PSD, RAF, CR2, MRW, ARW, and many others.

Fujifilm Announces Creation of Fujifilm North America Corporation

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:43:21 EST

Fujifilm today announced that effective January 1, 2010 it is creating a new organization, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, which will merge FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. and FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A. Inc. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. will become a subsidiary of the new company as of April 1, 2010. UJIFILM North America will bring together five operating divisions: photo imaging products including digital photo processing equipment and services supplying commercial and consumer customers; graphic systems products and services supplying the printing industry; consumer digital cameras; motion picture films; and the Canada Division (operating as FUJIFILM Canada Inc.) which markets multiple Fujifilm products.

Shape Collage - Photo Collage Creation Program Announces New Online Version

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST

Shape Collage, a free photo application for creating photo collages, has just introduced a new online web version of their software. Shape Collage Online (www.shapecollage.com/online) is a web application that takes photos from anywhere on the web and automatically creates a photo collage in a number of different shapes, such as a rectangle, heart, cat, or a word. These collages can then be posted on a blog, website, emailed, used as a desktop wallpaper, etc.

Nikon D300s Digital SLR Review by DPReview

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:17:00 EST

Review (Summary): "Although the many of the additions to the D300S are simply those that we've seen appear on Nikons since the D300 arrived (virtual horizon from the D3, movies from the D90), one genuinely new feature is the inclusion of contrast-detection autofocus that operates while in movie mode ...

Retired Kodak Researcher Bryce Bayer Honored for Invention Enabling Color in Digital Imaging

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:15:19 EST

Retired Kodak research scientist Bryce Bayer, whose invention of a color filter array enabled digital imaging sensors to capture color, is today being honored by the Royal Photographic Society with its Progress Award at a ceremony in London. Bayer invented the color filter array that bears his name (the Bayer filter), which is incorporated into nearly every digital camera and camera phone on the market today. Described in U.S. Patent 3,971,065, "Color Imaging Array," filed in 1975, color filters are arranged in a checkerboard pattern to best match how people perceive images, and provide a highly detailed color image.

Phanfare Introduces HD Video Support to its Popular Photo and Video Hosting System

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:12:05 EST

Phanfare today introduced High Definition (HD) video on the web, allowing consumers to share and archive 720p HD video with friends and family. Video is presented full screen, without advertisements. Phanfare supports videos up to 2 gigabytes in size and up to 20 minutes in length. Phanfare transcodes the video from nearly all current digital SLR, point and shoot and HD video cameras. Phanfare retains multiple versions of the video including HD versions of the video at Amazon's S3 cloud storage service, which can be downloaded at any time. Phanfare displays lower resolution versions of the video for slower connections.

New Pricing Makes Permanent Storage Cranberry DiamonDisc Writers and Discs More Accessible

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:08:18 EST

The Cranberry DiamonDisc? was recently launched providing the first medium that allows permanent storage of digital files. This announcement has been lauded by librarians, archivists, genealogists and numerous paper-dependent service industries. This is their first opportunity to implement and preserve digital files in their organizations and for their customers without the expense of ongoing testing for and replacing of bad media. Under newly released product pricing and packaging, the entry point for purchasing a Cranberry Writer has been reduced from a bundle price of $4995 to buying the writer only for $1499 (USD). This puts the entry cost at a level for consumers and small businesses looking to preserve their digital photos and videos on a medium that doesn't require special handling or storage and will last without worry for decades, if not centuries.

ioSafe Introduces 2 Terebayte Fireproof and Waterproof USB External Hard Drive

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:23:05 EST

Strengthening its portfolio of fireproof and waterproof data storage solutions for home and small businesses, ioSafe today announced the availability of a 2 TB version of the award-winning ioSafe Solo family of USB desktop external hard drives. With prices starting at $149 for the 500 GB model, the waterproof and fireproof ioSafe Solo represents one of the easiest and most economical ways for both home users and businesses to backup and protect against data loss. Suggested retail pricing is $399 USD.

Carl Zeiss Presents a New Series of Lenses- ZF.2 for F Bayonet

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:56:16 EST

Carl Zeiss today announced its introduction of a new series of lenses for the semi-professional market: the ZF.2 with F bayonet for digital SLRs. Thanks to its electronic interface (CPU), these new ZEISS lenses support all-important operations such as the automatic mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data such as manufacturer, date, metering system and exposure to the camera, photographers no longer need to set the parameters manually. These quicker and faster handling capabilities of the ZF.2 lenses are especially useful under hectic shooting conditions. The ZF.2 lenses are available in eight focal lengths, six of which will be available from the end of November: 3,5/18, 2,8/21, 2/35, 1,4/50, 2/50 and 1,4/85. The Distagon T* 2/28 ZF.2 and Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF.2 will be introduced in Spring 2010. The prices for these new lenses will fall between $725 and $1,843.

ExposureRoom to Announce iPhone Support Tomorrow

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:36:57 EST

According to a post on Philip Bloom's blog, Exposureroom will officially announced iPhone support as early as tomorrow. According to his post, Exposureroom has converted some 42,000 videos and all video's will ultimately be converted for low bandwidth 3G use and higher-bandwidth WiFi usage. You will also be able to embed videos on your site using their wordpress plug-in and the software will automatically detect the iPhone and serve it the correct version of the video. Get more information here.

Breathing Color Rolls Out Lyve, New Premium-Grade, Certified Archival Canvas

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:11:19 EST

A new fine art canvas free of unstable whitening agents that deteriorate and yellow over time, Lyve, has been launched by Breathing Color, Inc. The premium-grade canvas is specially designed for high-end giclee reproductions that require exceptional color gamut and archivability. Lyve was created with Breathing Color?s Chromata White technology, which creates a highly stable white base that resists discoloration by ultraviolet light. The canvas also reduces color shifting and Metamerism.

Pentax Announces "Focus on Savings" K-7 System Rebate

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:55:17 EST

PENTAX has announced a FOCUS ON SAVINGS rebate that offers a $100 prepaid card on an exciting choice of PENTAX lenses. From now until January 15, 2010, K-7 buyers may select from more than 20 lenses (listed below) and receive a $100 VISA prepaid card rebate for each and every qualifying lens purchased at the same time. Note: Lenses must be purchased at the same time on the same receipt as the K-7. Limit five rebates per product per household.

Take a Look at the New & Improved Features of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:32:52 EST

Canon this week published it's PDF white paper on the newly announced EOS 1D Mark IV Digital SLR. For those who wish to read the full 123-page (pdf) document you can click here to view or download it. For everyone else, I have summarized some of the more important items within the document, which compares the EOS-1d Mark IV with the previous EOS-1D Mark III.

Hahnemuhle hnem�hle Adds New Fiber-based Baryta FB Paper to it's Digital Fine-Art Collection

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:31:26 EST

New Baryta FB from Hahnem�hle is a fiber-based, 100% alpha-cellulose paper that features a whiter, smoother, glossier surface than other offerings in the award-winning Baryta line. Baryta FB is an archival inkjet paper developed for photo-traditionalists who want the authentic look and feel of glossy silver-gelatin prints from the classic darkroom era. This bright white paper with its ultra-smooth surface texture, glossy coating and substantial, 350gsm weight, corresponds to classic silver-gelatin baryta media in both structure and feel. Baryta FB is certified archival grade, ISO standard 9706 and meets the highest standards for image quality and longevity.

Panasonic Debuts Multimedia Photo Frame / Audio System with iPod Dock

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:22:53 EST

Panasonic today announced the debut of its first audio system with iPod dock and photo frame. The MW-10 combines several components into one sleek system, making it the ultimate multimedia solution for den, office, bedroom, dorm room or living room. Sporting an elegant silhouette, the MW-10 sounds as good as it looks. It pumps out audiophile-quality sound from its built-in CD player, and its FM/AM radio tuner has 45-station (30-FM/15-AM) Preset Memory. The speaker is constructed with rigid, low-density bamboo cones to achieve pure sound and crisp dialogue. Special diffusers installed in front of the speaker units disperse sound over a wide listening area. For robust bass sounds, the D.Bass function enhances bass in conjunction with the volume level. Panasonic?s MW-10 will be available in December 2009 with a suggested retail price of $299.95.

Cotton Camera Carrier Review by PhotographyBay

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:32:46 EST

Review (Summary): "In a nutshell, the Cotton Carrier is a camera holster/vest system that is supposed to eliminate the need for using a camera strap. It accomplishes that goal very well and ensures the security of your camera and lens. ...

MyAdventures.com Launches Video Contest to Win a Free Adventure for Two

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:22:48 EST

Where in the world would you like to go? Take a moment to dream. Then take a moment to watch a 60 second video and enter the contest through a link on the home page of www.myadventures.com. Win an adventure for two in Africa, Asia, or South America by simply submitting your own one minute video titled ?Why I need an Adventure?.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Review by Imaging-Resource

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:06:20 EST

Review (Summary): "Following in the footsteps of last year's H10 model, the compact, high-zoom Sony H20 adds more resolution, a 720p movie mode, and an array of intelligent capabilities that were lacking in the previous model. ...

Nikon Kicks of "A Day through Your Lens" Video Contest with BIG $100,000 Grand Prize

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:05:01 EST

Nikon today announced the launch of a new integrated marketing campaign that includes the first ever "Nikon Festival" to celebrate, inspire and harness the current popularity of content creation shared through social media. As guided by the video submissions of Ashton Kutcher and Festival judges, entrants are challenged to create videos in 140 seconds or less, capturing the essence of a day in their life, whether funny, profound or inspirational. As videos are uploaded, they can be automatically shared with entrants? social networks, including Twitter and Facebook, allowing instantaneous campaigning for views and votes. Although entrants are not required to use a specific camera, judges will be providing direction to meet the criteria of image quality, originality and ability to capture a day through their lens in 140 seconds.

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Review by Camera Labs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:41:50 EST

Review (Summary): "Despite having a single digit name, the 7D does not feature a full-frame sensor. Instead it sticks with the smaller APS-C sized sensor of the consumer DSLR ranges, but complements it with a wealth of professional features that go beyond the existing EOS 50D and in some respects even the EOS 5D Mark II. ...

Pentax K-x Digital SLR Review by PhotoReview

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:25:25 EST

Review (Summary): "The K-x sits between the 10.2-megapixel, entry-level K-m and the 14.6-megapixel K-7 and shares features of both models. A comparison of specifications shows it to be remarkably good value for money in its market sector. ...

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Review by ePhotoZine

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:18:58 EST

Review (Summary): "The 7D is the first EOS with a 19 point cross-type AF sensor with Zone AF using a separate AF processor to enable autofocus which is quick enough to keep up with the camera' eight frames-per-second shooting speed. ...

Nikon Coolpix S630 Review by Imaging-Resource

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:14:49 EST

Review (Summary): "... The Coolpix S630 features a 7x, glass zoom lens and a 12-megapixel CCD, backed up by Nikon's latest EXPEED image processor. The camera also employs a 4-way VR Image Stabilization system, which takes camera shake, subject movement, ISO and the trademark Best Shot Selector mode into consideration to produce sharper images. ...

Ricoh GXR Camera System Review by DPReview

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:12:07 EST

Hands-on Preview (Summary): "... ather than selling a camera body with a fixed sensor, the GXR system uses interchangeable lens/sensor units - every lens comes in a sealed unit complete with sensor, shutter, aperture, processing engine (there's also one in the camera body) and the motors necessary to focus the lens (and drive the zoom mechanism if present). ...

Canon Powershot S90 Review by Photography Blog

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:06:57 EST

Review (Summary): "Marking the return of the Canon PowerShot S-series, the Canon S90 is aimed at the DSLR owner looking for a backup compact or the enthusiast who wants DSLR functionality in a pocketable format, with RAW format support, a full range of manual shooting modes and a sophisticated level of customization on offer. ...

Ricoh Announces the GXR Interchangeable Unit Camera System

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:01 EST

As expected, Ricoh today announced the development and release of the GXR interchangeable unit camera system featuring the world's smallest and lightest* digital camera with the ability to change lenses. The new GXR is an interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. The lens, image sensor, and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.

Lowepro Announces New Magnum DV AW Series for Videographers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:08:40 EST

Lowepr announces the launch of the Magnum DV AW series. Designed for video, super-accessible, ultra-portable and protective, the Magnum DV AW series offers the videographer a practical, hardworking solution. The Magnum DV AW bag is quick and easy to work out of. The wide, dual-winged lid opens from the center, providing fast access to gear plus extra security with double zippers, a quick-release buckle and a hook/loop closure. Two roomy side pockets and a fast-access front pocket provide plenty of space for accessories, props and personal items.

Ricoh to Introduce New GXR System - with Interchangeable Lens / Sensor Combo Units

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:06:18 EST

Photorumors.com and which.co.uk have published information about a soon to be announced (Nov 12th, 2009?) Ricoh interchangeable lens system designed to compete with the ultra compact Panasonic / Olympus Micro Four-thirds system.

Unlike any other camera to date, the new Ricoh GXR system was designed as a modular system, allowing users to buy the body and then a lens/sensor module for the camera. I am not sure why Ricoh decided to contain the image sensor and lens into it's own module, but it's possible there are image quality benefits to designing a lens to match a particular sensor.

Constant Contact Releases QuickView for the iPhone

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:06:11 EST

Constant Contact�, Inc., a leading provider of email marketing, online survey tools, and event marketing for small organizations, today announced the availability of Constant Contact QuickView for the iPhone, a mobile email marketing application that enables a small business to manage its contact list and view its campaigns while on-the-go. Constant Contact QuickView for the iPhone, the first commercial product developed by Constant Contact Labs, gives small business owners access and insight into their email marketing campaigns anytime and from anywhere.