LATEST ADDITIONS

Panasonic
has introduced two new Lumix digital still cameras with 12x optical zoom and
MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). Models DMC-FZ5 and DMC-FZ4 offer 5.0-megapixel
and 4.0-megapixel resolution, respectively, and incorporate a newly developed
12x optical zoom equivalent to 36mm to 432mm (DMC-FZ5) / 35mm to 420mm (DMC-FZ4)
on a 35mm film camera lens. The 12x optical zoom combined with 4x digital zoom
magnifies images by as much as 48x, enabling users to capture images of subjects
at longer distances. Both cameras feature a high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
lens.



Panasonic first introduced the MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer with its DMC-FZ1
digital still camera in 2003; and, in 2004, was the first to market a digital
camera with 12x zoom and MEGA O.I.S. Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
automatically detects and corrects for hand movement, providing precise compensation
with no image quality degradation. This technology is especially appreciated
when taking telephoto shots or when using slow shutter speeds to capture the
atmosphere in dimly lit scenes.



Panasonic's LSI Venus Engine II handles image processing, LCD functions, and
writing to the memory card simultaneously, making these cameras responsive with
an industry-leading release time lag of 0.008 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ5
and 0.006 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ4; and shutter interval of approx. 0.4
seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ5 and 0.3 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ4. The
LSI also enables fast consecutive shooting capability, capturing sequential
shots at a rate of 3 frames (DMC-FZ5) or 4 frames (DMC-FZ4) per second at full
resolution. An unlimited consecutive shooting function allows the user to take
photos in succession until the memory card is full. The LSI also improves horizontal,
vertical and diagonal resolution.



Auto angle detection, a new feature, records whether an image was taken horizontally
or vertically and displays it accordingly, whether viewed on the camera's LCD
or on a connected TV.



Other features include fast AF; selectable manual functions (such as aperture-priority
AE, shutter-priority AE and manual exposure); a Simple Mode, in which most settings
are made automatically; real-time histogram; color viewfinder; built-in flash,
and more.



www.panasonic.com



MODEL AVAILABILITY MSRP

DMC-FZ5 April 2005 $499.95

DMC-FZ4 April 2005 $449.95

...

Kanguru Solutions has announced the release of the newly redesigned Kanguru
Quicksilver external hard drive. The Kanguru Quicksilver external hard drive
features a high strength exterior alloy casing allows for improved heat dissipation
during prolonged use. It also provides the option for users to lay the product
horizontal or stand vertical to economize precious storage space.

...

Distinguished businessman Mitch Goldstone recently started a humanitarian campaign
titled Operation Photo which will provide the families of deployed service members
with digital cameras. These cameras will allow the families to keep in close
contact with their loved ones overseas with the aid of digital images.



As a part of the communications programs, the cameras will be distributed by
the national non profit organization known as Operation Homefront and each package
will include a 40 percent discount when ordering Kodak quality images from the
www.30minphotos.com
website.



Both the Eastman Kodak Company and the Olympus Corporation have announced their
participation and support of Operation Photo. The program's website www.operationphoto.us
is currently receiving more requests than their current supply can handle.


Please send your used digital camera in good working condition to Operation Photo,
c/o 30 Minute Photos Etc., 92 Corporate Park Plaza, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92606
and if you include your e-mail address you will receive a 25% off all online photo
orders at www.30minphotos.com
through Dec 31. For more information on this program please e-mail inquires to
info@30minphotos.com.

...

Good photographs needn't be complicated.

You can often make better pictures by thinking "simple."

Instead of trying to get as much as possible into the shot, try to include as little as possible. Ideally, you should include everything that adds to the picture, and nothing else. But that's a tall order for those new to photography...