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Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 07, 2005  | 

The latest in a series of tests on the impact of airport security equipment
on imaging devices and media shows that neither DVDs nor DVD players are damaged
by X-ray scanners or metal-detector wands. The recent tests of scanner models
currently in use in the U.S. transportation industry were jointly conducted
by the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global
association for the imaging industry, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration
(TSA).

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 06, 2005  | 

The
new KODAK EASYSHARE V550 and V530 zoom digital cameras blend video and still photography.
The V550 and V530 cameras are equipped with 5-megapixel (MP) resolution sensors
and the packages include the KODAK EASYSHARE Photo Frame Dock 2 -- which provides
one-touch picture transfer to a connected computer while keeping the cameras'
high-capacity battery charged and ready to go. Users can play video and photo
`slideshows' on the cameras' high-resolution LCD screens. The
V Model V550 has a SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X optical zoom lens and nineteen
scene modes such as beach, snow, sunset and party. The EASYSHARE V550 camera will
be available worldwide beginning this June for US$399 (MSRP). The EASYSHARE V530
camera will be available worldwide beginning in July 2005 for US$349 (MSRP).



V-series cameras include KODAK EASYSHARE software for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems,
providing effortless digital picture organization, editing, sharing and printing
-- and even CD and DVD burning. The exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature
takes advantage of proprietary color technologies developed by Kodak to help users
get prints from inkjet printers. Version 5.0 -- available as a free download from
www.kodak.com beginning this
summer -- will feature new video editing tools that allow users to quickly and
simply trim, splice, rotate and add music to videos.
...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 03, 2005  | 

Creo Inc. (NASDAQ: CREO: TSX: CRE) has announced the immediate availability
of the new Leaf Aptus digital camera back system. This digital camera back is
being introduced in two models: the Leaf Aptus 22 and the Leaf Aptus 17, with
resolutions of 22 million and 17 million pixels respectively. The Leaf Aptus
was designed to accommodate the needs of professional photographers. A 6 x 7
cm touch screen display enables photographers to shoot up to 1000 frames without
interruption.


Images are shot at a speed of up to 1.2 seconds per frame, and can be evaluated
and edited on the spot. A unique user button is
customizable and enables the photographer to quickly access vital image information
and perform tasks without removing his or her hands from the camera.

The Leaf Aptus further offers a range of storage methods for
any shooting situation: a standard CompactFlash card; the fast and portable
20 GB and 30 GB Leaf Digital Magazine (holds over 1000 lossless raw files);
a high-volume portable FireWire disk; and the tethered option of shooting straight
to a computer.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 02, 2005  | 

Microsoft Corp., together with leading companies in the digital imaging industry,
today announced enhancements to the family of Windows operating systems that will
enable consumers to easily work with RAW files in current and future versions
of Windows. Working closely with digital imaging industry leaders including Adobe
Systems Inc., Canon Inc., Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. and Nikon Corp., Microsoft
plans to deliver native support for digital camera RAW images in the next major
version of Windows, code-named "Longhorn."



In addition, Microsoft is enhancing the digital imaging experience for Windows
XP with the upcoming availability of the Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer
for Windows XP, allowing consumers to view thumbnails and preview and print Canon
and Nikon RAW files from Windows Explorer in Windows XP. These features, as well
as the ability to organize and edit Canon and Nikon RAW files, will also be available
in a future version of Digital Image Suite.



Microsoft also announced it is developing a certification program for third-party
RAW image codecs that will ensure their solutions provide a consistent experience
for consumers who are using RAW image files. With this new RAW support across
the Windows platform and products, Microsoft is enabling a seamless experience
for consumers working with RAW digital images and delivering an extensible architecture
for hardware and software industry partners.



Microsoft worked with imaging leaders to develop the digital camera RAW architecture
in "Longhorn" and to provide the best digital photography experience
for Windows consumers. "Longhorn" will deliver dramatic innovation
in RAW support for independent software developers, camera manufacturers and consumers.
Hardware and software partners will benefit from the standardized architecture
for image codecs, which allows them to contribute their own codecs to be certified
and implemented in Windows.



Microsoft's platform approach provides built-in support for RAW files, enabling
Windows-based applications to use all supported image types, including RAW. This
architecture enables software applications to seamlessly support new image types
upon codec certification by Microsoft. In addition, "Longhorn" will
provide an application programming interface (API) that enables software vendors
to exercise a higher degree of control over the RAW conversion in their applications,
while enabling market opportunities for professional-level conversion tools.



In addition to announcing the imaging enhancements planned for the next version
of Windows, Microsoft is helping Windows XP consumers realize the potential of
RAW files. The Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer for Windows XP will
soon be available for free download* at http://www.microsoft.com.
...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 31, 2005  | 

Pelican
Products, Inc., has introduced the 1560 Case, which has more than 2,800 cubic
inches of possible storage space. Features include rubberized front and side
grips for maximum comfort, as well as ball-bearing, polyurethane wheels and
an extension handle (with an effortless release latch) for easy transport. The
case also features stainless steel reinforced padlock protectors for added defense
against cutting and theft. For extra convenience, optional accessories such
as TSA-Accepted PeliLocks, lid organizers and padded divider sets are available
so travelers now have the 1560 as a viable mid-sized case to check important
equipment in.



Additional standard features include a lid equipped with a polymer sponge o-ring
for a dust and waterproof seal, and a Gore-Tex® purge valve that stops moisture
from entering the case and automatically balances interior and exterior air
pressure. As with all Pelican Products, the 1560 is backed by a Legendary Lifetime
Guarantee of Excellence: "You break it, we replace it...forever."

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 27, 2005  | 

Lowepro has introduced its new CompuRover AW backpack. Designed with three
distinct compartments, the CompuRover AW comfortably fits a large professional
digital SLR camera, additional lenses, a 17-inch notebook computer, digital
accessories and personal gear. The CompuRover AW provides heavy duty padding
throughout its design to make transporting equipment extremely comfortable.
The backpack's shoulder harness is reinforced with additional padding
to alleviate shoulder stress when carrying heavy gear for extended periods of
time. In addition, the removable waistbelt is reinforced with thick padding
for added support and balance of the backpack.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 26, 2005  | 

Digimarc Corporation (NASDAQ: DMRCE) today announced the public beta of Digimarc
Image Search, an innovative desktop search tool designed for the rapidly growing
digital photography market.



The free tool, downloadable from Digimarc's website at www.digimarc.com/mypicturemarc/imagesearch,
works in conjunction with popular desktop search tools such as Google Desktop
Search, MSN Desktop Search, and Yahoo! Desktop Search, enhancing the image search
capabilities of these tools. Current desktop search tools have limited image search
capabilities, typically looking for the file name in the header of an image, which
can be easily changed or forgotten. Most professional and many consumer photographs
are distributed today in digital form with an extensive array of associated information
or "metadata" carried within the image files.



Digimarc Image Search works with and extends existing desktop search tools by
enabling users to more quickly and effectively find images stored on a computer
based on such information or "metadata" embedded into digital images,
including keywords, copyright information and digital rights data; and identify
image copyright holders and facilitate image licensing by accessing Internet services,
where available, that connect to an image owner's website or Digimarc's
image registry, which is available to users of Digimarc MyPictureMarc and ImageBridge
digital watermarking software.



This beta release supports web updates for images from the Corbis stock photography
library and for all other images that use Digimarc digital watermarking products.




Digital photography is often digitally watermarked by its owners using Digimarc
software for a variety of purposes, including copyright protection, facilitation
of licensing, and the monitoring of Internet marketing programs. The Digimarc
software enables users to embed an imperceptible digital watermark that identifies
the image's owner and registers that image in the Digimarc online registry.
For images with embedded digital watermarks, Digimarc Image Search can retrieve
current and dynamic information about the pictures from Internet resources; for
example, identification of the owner of rights to facilitate licensing or additional
keywords to improve search results. More information on Digimarc digital imaging
products can be found at: www.digimarc.com/mypicturemarc.



Availability

Digimarc Image Search Beta is available now as a free download at www.digimarc.com/mypicturemarc/imagesearch. ...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 25, 2005  | 

Alera
Technologies has announced an industry first, the DVD/CD duplicator with LightScribe
technology that Laser burns labels directly on DVD/CD discs. The 1:1 DVD/CD Copy
Cruiser Pro LS is the only personal disc publisher that records and duplicates
DVDs and CDs and prints custom silkscreen quality labels without a printer --
all in a machine that fits easily on your desk. You can create your own custom
labels, with text and graphics, using the software included with the unit.



The 1:1 DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro LS, the first LightScribe DVD/CD Personal Publisher,
has anestimated street price of $399.



To print labels you simply place LightScribe certified media with the label side
down in the recorder, attach the DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro LS to your PC and burn
any label you have created. The LightScribe printing technology is very high resolution
and offers superior quality and clarity that can be compared to silkscreen. The
DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro LS incorporates 16x DVD recording technology and can function
as a 1:1 DVD/CD Duplicator or an external USB 2.0 DVD/CD Recorder. The 1:1 DVD/CD
Copy Cruiser Pro LS is a package that is truly desktop with only a 7 x 11 inch
footprint and weighing less than 12 pounds.



Complete information available at http://www.aleratec.com...

Peter K. Burian  |  May 24, 2005  | 

The HP Photosmart 7960 was the first eight-color printer on the market and it's
still the only sub $250 machine that can make "archival" prints
with a 73 year lightfast rating. In spite of the moderate price, it includes
some advanced technology plus valuable extras for direct printing without turning
on a computer.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 24, 2005  | 

Danish and U.S. digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec and Imagenomic,
have announced that they will be jointly marketing their respective software products,
RawShooter essentials 2005 and Noiseware. Working together, these two highly sophisticated
and complementary "tool sets" extend RAW conversion and noise removal
to an elevated level of workflow performance and convenience The companies will
initially cross-promote RawShooter essentials 2005 and Noiseware as a precursor
to joint marketing and distribution. Pixmantec and Imagenomic also intend to explore
the potential to forge closer cooperation through joint product and technology
development.



www.pixmantec.com
...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 23, 2005  | 

Rollei, manufacturer of the classic twin-lens 6x6 Rolleiflex, has announced
the availability of the 6008 AF "Bundle," which will be the top-of-the-line
offering in a family of products Rollei is rolling out in the U.S.



The bundle includes the Rollei 6008 AF camera, the world's first auto focus
single lens reflex camera in a 6 x 6 medium format; C1 Pro software for precise
workflow that supports all phases of image editing and intuitive operation;
and the PhaseOne db20p digital back, which gives photographers film and digital
picture taking capability in one package. The interchangeable film packs allow
a photographer to shoot film, Polaroid-type shots as well as digital shots.



The db20p has resolution of 16 mega pixels, 16 bits per RGB or CMYK color, and
offers the option of saving RAW files in addition to TIFF and JPEG files. The
unit handles studio or location shoots with ease, thanks to high performance
rechargeable batteries that provide 250 shots (four working hours) and 45 frames
per minute without AC power. The data is stored in the IIQ RAW format on CompactFlash
cards. Processed images can be stored in the form of IIQ RAW, TIFF-RGB, TIFF-CMYK
or JPEG files. File sizes are between 48 MB and 128 MB. ICC profiles can be
embedded for optimum color management.



The 6008 AF is targeted to studio and on-location professionals -- from portrait,
fashion and landscape photographers, to photojournalists, and corporate/ government
photographers involved in "workflow" photography. Pricing is expected
to be in the $14,999 range.



Rollei's new bundle, which includes lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach and Carl
Zeiss, retains full compatibility with the Rollei 6000 system. This makes it
compatible with more than 20 current 6000 system lenses. Three new AF lenses
have been developed for the auto focus modes of the 6008 AF.



The 6008 AF also features a new TTL flash-control system. The TTL sensor is
integrated into the camera and measures the amount of flash light reaching the
film - parallax-free and at the exact viewing angle. All available shutter speeds
are flash-synchronized, which give pros a considerable advantage when working
in daylight and or for filling in shadows and strong subject contrasts. The
Rollei 6008 AF weighs 1500 grams and is 143 x 139 x 124 mm without lens.



For more information, contact: www.Rollei.com.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 17, 2005  | 

The new Olympus Stylus 800 offers an array of innovative technologies: Bright
Capture Technology for low-light photography; a HyperCrystal LCD for high-contrast
viewing; metal, all-weather construction for protection against the elements;
manual exposure and aperture settings for creative control and versatility;
as well as an 8.0-megapixel image sensor.
...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 16, 2005  | 

Hahnemühle USA, North American, distributors of media from Hahnemühle
Fine Art GmbH, recently announced the addition of two new inkjet papers. Designed
for creative digital artists, these new products are intended to meet the growing
requirements of the high-end digital artist who prints limited editions, giclees,
original digital art and the like. Photo Rag Satin 310 gsm maintains the same
surface characteristics as all the Photo Rag papers, but takes on a "satin"
or "luster" look where there is a printed image yet remain matte on
the perimeters. Photo Rag Satin is ideal for photographic and fine art reproduction
where a slight surface variation is desired. This paper works well with both
dye and pigment inks.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 13, 2005  | 

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) has announced the availability of
an updated Adobe Camera Raw plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Adobe Photoshop
Elements 3.0, as well as an updated Adobe DNG Converter that adds compatibility
for four new camera models. The Adobe Camera Raw 3.1 plug-in and DNG Converter
now support over 75 camera models, including the newly added Canon EOS Rebel
XT, Nikon D2X, Olympus EVOLT E-300 and Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 12, 2005  | 

Epson America Inc. has introduced the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 and Epson UltraChrome K3 inks. The
Epson UltraChrome K3 pigment ink set is said to ensures both a wider color gamut
and
superior black and white output with enhanced print permanence ratings. With three
levels of black and advanced driver controls, the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 replaces
the Epson Stylus Photo 2200.

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