News

Nikon, Inc. has introduced the SB-900 Speedlight to provide Nikon digital SLR
photographers with a flash capable of a wide zoom range, increased versatility,
faster recycling time, and a wealth of intelligent features to enhance the already
vast functionality of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Building on
the success of the popular SB-800 Speedlight, the SB-900 provides users with
extensive creative lighting possibilities with a simplified interface and the
ability to stay up to date with future technologies through user-applied firmware
updates.

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OmegaSatter of Hampstead, Maryland announced that effective June 1, 2008 it
had acquired the assets of Novatron Electronics Corporation of Dallas, Texas,
manufacturer of Novatron brand professional photographic lighting equipment.


Said Cindy Wesolowski, President of OmegaSatter, "Novatron has perfect
synergy with OmegaSatter. We are a manufacturer and we market and sell our products
to the same customers as Novatron. OmegaSatter has coveted a strong, high quality
brand and presence in the professional photographic lighting market and Novatron
is the perfect fit."

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Hasselblad has announced the launch of a new generation of raw processor, workflow
and camera control software, Phocus version 1.0 for Mac. Providing the ultimate
processing tool for Hasselblad digital images, the new Phocus RAW processor
is said to deliver perfect colors through the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution,
and includes digital lens corrections for color aberration, distortion and vignetting
(DAC I, II and III). Another key advantage and designed to save hours of post-production
work, Phocus's leading edge moiré removal technology allows image
detail to be preserved, even on extremely high resolution images. By automatically
removing moiré directly from the raw data, image quality remains intact,
while any need for special masking selections or other manual procedures is
eliminated.

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Phase One has confirmed that the Phase One 645 Camera system -- providing professional
photographers freedom of choice -- is now in volume production and shipping to
customers world-wide. The Phase One 645 Camera body is lightweight, with a user-friendly
ergonomic design. It is an open platform, designed to support pro photographers'
choice of lenses and digital backs or film operation to achieve superior image
quality. The camera system comes with a warranty covering 3 years or 300,000 shutter
actuations, and is backed by full support and service of a global team of Phase
One dealers.
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Nik Software has announced the new Silver Efex Pro photographic plug-in for use
with Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture. It is said to be the most advanced, complete,
and straightforward black-and-white solution. Silver Efex Pro uses a range of
advanced imaging algorithms that protect against unwanted artifacts, a comprehensive
collection of 18 emulated black-and-white film types, and a state-of-the-art grain
engine that truly mimics the silver halide process and creates the highest quality
black-and-white images possible from scanned or digital color photographs.



With Nik Software's patented U Point technology, Silver Efex Pro provides easy-to-use
tools for direct on-image control of tonality, contrast, and structure. Precisely
controlling specific areas of a photo can be achieved easily using just a few
mouse clicks without the need to create complicated selections and layer masks.
Silver Efex Pro combined with U Point technology offers users unprecedented control
over selective tonal and contrast adjustment in black-and-white images.



Working seamlessly within Photoshop and Aperture, Silver Efex Pro begins by presenting
photographers with a basic "neutral" conversion of their color image
to black-and-white. One-click adjustments can be made from a choice of over 20
preset styles from nostalgic processes like the ambrotype and tin type to classic
artistic renderings, trendy high contrast, soft focus or grainy images that emulate
the most popular film types and shooting styles.



This initial set of creative options can be used as is or as a starting point
for photographers who wish to create and even share their own customized black-and-white
styles. In addition, color filters, variable toning controls (includes sepia,
selenium, split-toning and user-defined colors for maximum flexibility), vignettes,
and more only add to the number of advanced stylistic effects photographers will
enjoy with Silver Efex Pro.



Additional sliders for global brightness, contrast, and structure, as well as
Smart Filter compatibility within Photoshop and multi-image support in Aperture
provide the ultimate level of control. With U Point powered Control Points photographers
have the flexibility to specifically fine tune tonality, contrast, and structure
and create stunning black-and-white images.



Pricing, Availability, & Promotion with Gekko-brand Fine Art Papers

Silver Efex Pro is available now for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software
(www.niksoftware.com).
Boxed versions will be available from Nik Software and through specialty camera
retailers in August 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers.
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The F. J. Westcott Company is building a place on its newly remodeled web site
for imagemakers to share their knowledge with others and learn new ideas and
techniques through discussion. Going live in July, 2008, the Westcott Community
will offer a contest for the Top 100 Westcott Endorsed Pros, an Image Gallery,
a Forum and an Ask the Expert advice panel.

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dotPhoto announces the EuroBook, a new service for creating customized, hard-bound
digital photo books. EuroBook technology gives photographers unlimited creativity
and enables them to organize photos on their computer and preserve memories
in the form of premium hard-bound books, which are ordered online and delivered
in six to 10 business days. To coincide with the announcement, dotPhoto is also
offering free shipping on all EuroBooks ordered in July.



Available at www.dotphoto.com
or www.eurobook.us, there is no charge
to download or use the EuroBook software.



EuroBook software automatically groups photos by colors and texture, matches
backgrounds, and creates a book that looks professionally designed. Book designers
can also change any attribute of the book at any time prior to printing. With
over 200 page layouts and background options, the Eurobook software provides
complete control and flexibility. EuroBook also enables users to create pages
with an image as a background, as well as allowing the user to move, zoom, crop,
rotate, or tilt an image. Text options are available anywhere on the cover or
individual pages, and feature over 150 font styles. Because the software is
downloadable, users can create photo books offline without worrying about Internet
connections -- for instance, while traveling.



More interesting than traditional photo albums, customizable dotPhoto EuroBooks
are available in over 200 configurations that vary in size, features and price,
and bring a new quality standard to photo books. EuroBooks resemble "coffee
table"-style books with high-quality professional binding as well as 135
pound paper. Pricing begins at $9.95 for the 5x5 inch, 26-page book. The popular
Classic 8x11 inch EuroBook starts at $19.95. The Deluxe 11.6x11.6 inch EuroBook,
which is perfect for special occasions and presentations, starts at $68.95.
Pricing is also based on the number of pages and choice of cover material: soft
cover, hard cover, linen, premium linen, booklet and faux leather.



There are three simple steps in ordering a dotPhoto EuroBook:

· Download the free EuroBook software

· Create your book from your digital photos

· Place your order online



For additional information on dotPhoto or to order a EuroBook, please visit
www.dotphoto.com.

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