News

The Olympus E-P1 is said to be the world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system camera that blends the high-quality still images of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity within an ultra-portable body.

Olympus has a long history of miniaturizing camera technology. The first-generation Olympus PEN appeared in 1959 and led the way to high-quality images in a small package, matching SLR cameras’ performance of the era.Today, Olympus utilized its miniaturizing and engineering expertise to create a slimmer body, removing the optical viewfinder and mirror box found inside a traditional DSLR, to create a small but high-quality interchangeable lens camera. By reducing its lens mount diameter, Olympus also enabled the production of smaller and lighter lenses to match the E-P1’s body size.

 The camera’s retro-style metal body design is available in either silver or white with accompanying new small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) and 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent).

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The Photographic Historical Society, founded in 1966, is the oldest such group in the world. It will sponsor PhotoHistory XIV in Rochester, NY on Oct. 16-18, 2009. The symposium speakers hail from Canada, England, Belgium and the US. The keynote speaker is Steven Sasson, the co-inventor of the digital camera (in 1973); he will display the original prototype. Other topics include photo postcards (1905-1935), high-speed motion picture cameras (a demonstration), images of Daguerre, early advertising photography, early Nikon cameras, Kodak string-set cameras, Folmer &
Schwing's cameras, the Woodburytype, J. Horace McFarland and the Autochrome 35 mm film (the most popular film format), history of the bicycle through the lens of the camera, Chinese photography 1842-1870, and daguerreotypes in Philadelphia 1839-1860.

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ARCA-SWISS has developed two new view cameras, the M-Line two Single Lens Reflex (SLR) and the M-Line two Medium Format (MF). These are all-round cameras that allow you to work from 35 mm to 4x5” film format or use with digital backs. ARCA-SWISS has a vast selection of accessories that can transform the M-Line Two into a 6x9 medium format or even a 4x5” camera.

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Bogen Imaging announces a free webinar titled “Capturing the Brilliance of Fall: Roundtable with Adam Barker.”  Part of the company’s Bogen Café series of free instructional webinars, the seminar will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT, on Friday, September 18th.

Professional photographer and special guest, Adam Barker (www.adambarkerphotography.com) and David Fisher, Bogen Imaging’s webinar host, will discuss how to take amazing photos of the beautiful fall foliage.

Topics for Discussion Include:
* Engaging the viewer through composition
* Properly exposing your digital image
* How to employ useful filters in landscape photography
* Lens selection for different photographic opportunities

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SanDisk Corporation has introduced the fastest 32-gigabyte (GB) SDHC card on the market. The 32GB SanDisk Extreme SDHC card at up to 30 megabytes per second (MB/s) read and write speeds combines industry-leading performance with massive storage capacity, helping digital photography enthusiasts utilize the advanced features of today’s DSLR cameras.

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Westcott Now Offering Soft Box with Narrower Depth.


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Pentax Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR.  This latest Pentax camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video.  The K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. 

Priced at $599.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the extremely compact and lightweight Pentax K-x features a one-handed shooting design and simple, easy-to-use operation, the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

The Pentax K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:

• High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS cinematic frame rate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the Pentax PRIME II image processing engine.
• Powerful automatic modes, including Pentax Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

Along with the K-x, Pentax announced the smc Pentax DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens.  This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens.  The lightweight design of this
zoom lens offers the exceptional optical performance found in all Pentax lenses for super-telephoto photography with the K-x and other Pentax digital SLR camera bodies.

The Pentax  K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations: options: 

• K-x single lens kit with body and an smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
• K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 including a K-x body, the smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc Pentax DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
• K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc Pentax DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

www.Pentax.com

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