Corel Press Release

Corel® Painter™ IX.5 Simplifies the Photo Painting Process for Professional Users and Extends Support to New Intel-based Macs

Maidenhead, UK - 27 February 2006 - Corel Corporation today unveiled the Corel® Painter™ IX.5 update to give professional photographers and artists new tools that make it easier than ever to transform photographs into paintings. Corel Painter IX.5 adds support for Rosetta™, enabling users to run Corel Painter on the new Intel-based Apple hardware. Corel Painter IX.5 is available now as a free download to registered Corel Painter IX customers and can be purchased directly from www.corel.co.uk. Corel Painter IX - the world’s most powerful and enjoyable digital art studio - is the tool of choice for leading professionals and artists in industries including film, game development and photography. Photographers choose Corel Painter IX because it is the ideal tool to help them generate additional revenue by creating hand-crafted paintings from their photographs. The new Photo Painting Palettes that are now offered in Corel Painter IX.5 further simplify this creative process.

PMA 2006: RawShooter essentials 2006 is introduced, including improved performance and camera support for 15 additional cameras. Also announced today is RawShooter premium 2006 which supports Nikon D200 including improved performancean is free for existing users. Finally RawShooter Color Engine has been updated to v1.1 to include additional camera support including Pentax and Konica Minolta.

Pixmantec Press Release

Orlando, FL. – February 25, 2006 – Pixmantec, a leading manufacturer of digital imaging software, continues to provide photographers at all levels of experience and expertise with the latest in RAW Workflow management technology with the introduction of RawShooter | essentials 2006, RawShooter | premium 2006 V1.02 and RawShooter | Color Engine V1.1, all being FREE updates. The software offers many new features, upgrades and is compatible with the most popular digital SLR camera models on the market including newly introduced models such as the Nikon D200, Canon EOS 5D, 1Ds Mark II, and 1D Mark II N, Sony R1 and several other brands and models. RawShooter | essentials 2006 continues to be offered as a forever FREE download via Pixmantec’s Website and has set the standard in the industry for quality, speed and certainly affordability.

PMA 2006: The Sandisk 8GB Extreme 3 card will cost £320 in the UK.

Sandisk Press Release

SanDisk Doubles Capacity Of Its SanDisk Extreme III Cards - Its Fastest Digital Film Cards For Professional Photographers - 8-Gigabyte Extreme III Cards Offer Speed, Performance and Capacities That Are Ideal For Digital SLRs

ORLANDO, FL, Feb. 26, 2006 - SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced the addition of new card capacities to its Extreme III line of flash cards for professional digital cameras that are double the highest capacity points currently available. The new cards include the 8-gigabyte (GB)1 CompactFlash®, 2GB SD™ and 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ digital film cards. The announcement was made at the Photo Marketing Association trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in booth #2741. SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash and SD cards have minimum write and read speeds of 20 megabytes per second (MB/sec.) Memory Stick PRO Duo cards have minimum write and read speeds of 18 MB/sec. 2 The SanDisk Extreme III cards, which range in capacity between 1- and 8GB are among the world’s fastest working cards in many of today’s leading digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. 3

PMA 2006: The SD Plus Ultra II 2GB card will cost £75 in the UK.

Sandisk Press Release

SanDisk Doubles Capacity of Innovative USB-Flash Memory Combo Card - Folding SD Plus Card Eliminates Need For Separate USB Card Reader

ORLANDO, FL, Feb. 26, 2006 – SanDisk ® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced a 2-gigabyte (GB) SanDisk Ultra ® II SD ™ Plus card, thus doubling the capacity of its award-winning storage card that combines USB connectivity and flash memory storage. The card looks and functions like a typical SD card and its high speed makes it ideal for digital cameras, camera phones and digital video cameras. Folding the unique card in half reveals a high-speed USB 2.0 connector that plugs into any USB port to easily and quickly transfer photos or other data to a computer without the need for a separate card reader. The announcement was made at the annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Show at the Orange County Convention Center where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth #2741.

PMA 2006: The MS Pro Duo Ultra II 4GB card will cost £140 in the UK.

Sandisk Press Release

SanDisk Announces 4-Gigabyte Memory Stick Pro Duo Cards For Digital Photographers - Ability To Take Thousands Of High-Resolution Images Lets Photographers Concentrate On Their Subject

ORLANDO, FL, Feb. 26, 2006 - With increasing sales of high-resolution digital cameras, video camcorders and other electronics devices that require more memory capacity and speed, SanDisk ® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced the 4-gigabyte (GB) SanDisk Ultra ® II Memory Stick PRO Duo ™ card. The addition of this card to its high-speed SanDisk Ultra II line of flash memory cards represents a doubling of its highest capacity card in this card format. The announcement was made at the Photo Marketing Association trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in booth #2741. The Ultra II cards are primarily targeted to advanced digital photographers with high-resolution digital cameras that require fast, large-capacity digital film cards to quickly shoot many high resolution images. Each SanDisk Ultra II card features a minimum write speed of 9 megabytes per second (MB/sec.) and a minimum read speed of 10MB/sec. These fast write speeds are designed to take advantage of advanced digital camera features such as rapid fire, continuous-shooting modes or to capture digital video clips.

PMA 2006: PMA has started with a bang for the Four Thirds DSLR system, as Sigma, Leica and Panasonic all unveil new products based upon the 4/3 inch sensor. New Four Thirds versions of existing lenses from Sigma, a brand new Leica Four Thirds lens and best of all the Panasonic DMC-L1, which looks unlike any other DSLR available today. So what do you think of this sudden increase in support for what has been up to now something of a niche standard? Will Four Thirds push on to gain a lot more market share - would you buy a Four Thirds camera? Or does the smaller sensor size mean that, for the consumer at least, Four Thirds will always be waiting on the sidelines? In a special edition of our Saturday Shout column, cunningly titled “PMA Shout”, let everyone know what you think about what has been a fascinating start to PMA.

PMA 2006: The Panasonic DMC-L1 digital camera is unveiled today. The 7.5 megapixel Panasonic DMCL1 is based on the Four Thirds system. The DMC L1 has the same Live View feature as the Olympus E-300, which allows you to preview the image on the camera’s LCD screen as well as through the viewfinder.  There is a new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens with an aperture ring. Other features of the Panasonic L1 includes the Supersonic Wave Filter system for dust removal, SD card support and new Venus Engine III processing engine. The DMC-L1 is scheduled for release “later this year”.

Panasonic Press Release

A genius in the making – Panasonic announces development of the DMC-L1 Digital SLR

Having announced our entry to the digital SLR market in 2005, Panasonic is pleased to update you on the development of the state-of-the-art Lumix DMC-L1 – our first interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera, distinguished from conventional digital SLRs by combining the operating feel of an analogue camera with innovative features unique to digital cameras. The DMC-L1 benefits from a new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens, equipped with an aperture ring, focus ring and zoom ring, for easy, direct aperture setting. This new and inspiring digital SLR also features a shutter speed dial on top of the camera body, to enhance the sense of camera control. These features, combined with a classic design that will remind users of traditional analogue cameras, ensure the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is distinct in both design and operation.

PMA 2006: The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens is announced today at PMA. It incorporates Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S (optical image stabilization) system and an aperture ring in addition to the focus ring and zoom ring.

Leica / Panasonic Press Release

World’s First Leica Interchangeable Lens with Optical Image Stabilization System Designed Exclusively for Digital SLR Cameras

Leica Camera AG and Panasonic are pleased to announce the development of a new interchangeable lens based on the Four Thirds standard. Featuring a focal length from 14mm to 50mm?(35mm equivalent: 28mm to 100mm), the new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens is the first interchangeable lens from Leica developed exclusively for digital SLR cameras. The “D” signifies that it is designed for the new digital system. The partnership between Leica and Panasonic has resulted in rigorous quality standards for the development and manufacturing of this interchangeable lens, so that the technology and expertise of Leica Camera and Panasonic will be integrated at their highest levels. Both Panasonic and Leica Camera AG are confident that the results of their cooperative efforts will be successful and highly evaluated by customers.

PMA Show: Panasonic announces the development of the DMC-L1, its first digital SLR camera, and Olympus exhibits the E-330 at PMA.

Olympus / Panasonic Press Release

Olympus Corporation (Olympus) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) have been engaged in joint development of cameras that comply with the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable-lens-type digital SLR cameras, and will display the fruit of their labors at the PMA 2006 International Convention and Trade Show that starts today, February 26, in Orlando, Florida. Olympus will exhibit the E-330, a recently introduced product that incorporates jointly developed technologies, and Panasonic will announce development of the DMC-L1, its first digital SLR camera. A prototype of the DMC-L1 will also be exhibited. The two cameras are the result of an agreement announced on January 13, 2005, under which Olympus and Panasonic agreed to jointly develop underlying technologies and key components, and promote the introduction of digital SLR camera products that take full advantage of the significant user benefits offered by the Four Thirds System standard.

PMA 2006: Olympus Press Release

Olympus Imaging Corp. (President: Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce the participation of Leica Camera AG of Germany in the FourThirds System standard for digital SLR cameras. Olympus has encouraged other manufacturers to participate in this open standard since it was first established, and will continue to promote its widespread acceptance in the future. The FourThirds System standard was established to facilitate the development of digital SLR camera systems that are designed and developed from the ground up to maximise the performance potential of digital imaging technology. The standard uses a 4/3” image sensor that makes it possible to realise the high image quality and high mobility that are demanded of SLR camera systems, and defines an open standard for lenses and lens mounts to assure compatibility between bodies and lenses produced by various manufacturers participating in the standard.

PMA 2006: Olympus have provided a technical explanation of how the new Live MOS Sensor in the Olympus E-330 and Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLRs actually works.

Olympus Press Release

The Live MOS Sensor offers image quality comparable to an Full Frame Transfer (FFT) CCD sensor with the low power requirements of a CMOS sensor, and is noteworthy for its high-quality imaging capabilities over an extended period of time. Simplified circuitry that reduces the distance from each photodiode to its corresponding on-chip microlens assures excellent sensitivity and image quality even when light strikes it at a high angle of incidence.

This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:

1. In-Camera Noise Ninja?
2. Adjusting Your Digicam To Be As Sharp And Clear As Film
3. Time-Lapse Photography With Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1
4. Image Sensor Sizes Explained

Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. And, in the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imaginations run wild. Email all of your nagging questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!

The best question of the week will receive a small prize from the PhotographyBLOG goody bag, so send your questions now. If you do not see your previously submitted question in this week’s column, it may have been submitted too late for consideration, in which case it will be held over for next week. If your question is selected for publication, the complete text of your email will be included in the column, but may be edited for grammar, consistency, or other reasons. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically type it into the text of your email. All judging is done on an impartial basis without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, professional status, physical disability, mental handicap, or model of camera owned (these latter two go hand-in-hand). The decision of the judges is final.

Here are this week’s questions and answers.

PMA 2006: Pretec Press Release

ORLANDO, Fla.—Feb. 26, 2006—Pretec Electronics Corp., the 2nd company in the world offering CompactFlash memory card (CF) since 1995, is exhibiting the ultra high speed CF card at CFA booth #3076, here in PMA at the Orange County Convention Center. PRETEC 133X CF Card is capable of running at up to 20MB/sec and 14MB/sec of access speed in read & write, enabling users to enjoy the exciting multimedia experience in applications such as high-resolution and high-speed digital cameras where faster write speed means lower set-up time between pictures. PRETEC 133X CF card is more than 50% faster than its predecessor, PRETEC 80X CF card, the fastest CF card in the world two years ago, and is fully ATA/True IDE compatible and operational in both 5V and 3.3V platforms. The introduction of the high performance CF card addresses the growing need for higher density and faster speed data storage in leading-edge products and systems.

PMA 2006: DIMA Press Release

DIMA Cites Two Fujifilm Offerings for Innovative Digital Product Awards; FinePix F30 Digital Camera and GetPix Kiosk VP3 Receive Prestigious Award at PMA 2006

ORLANDO, Fla.—Feb. 25, 2006—The Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA), a section of Photo Marketing Association International, today presented Fujifilm with not one, but two DIMA Innovative Digital Product Awards at the PMA 2006 Annual Convention and Trade Show. The two products—the FinePix F30 digital camera and the enhanced GetPix Kiosk VP3 for digital picture printing—were singled out by DIMA for their unique use of technology or applications that result in a significant user benefit. DIMA’s selection of both capture and output products from Fujifilm demonstrates the company’s wide-ranging expertise in digital imaging while reinforcing Fujifilm’s status as one of the most innovative companies in photography.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro for Four Thirds lens is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro for the Four Thirds fitting. This medium telephoto macro lens produces an excellent optical performance due to its new lens power layout. The new lens coating cuts down ghosting, the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. Its outstanding optical performance provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration and distortion. This lens boasts compact dimensions of 74mm (maximum diameter) and 97.5mm (overall length). It has a filter size of 58mm and, at just 450gms, is also extremely lightweight. The minimum focusing distance of 31.2cm (12.2”) is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification of 1:1. It is possible to enjoy photography from life-size close-up to infinity.

PMA 2006: The Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 150mm 2.8 EX DG for the Four Thirds fitting. This large aperture telephoto macro lens enables you to shoot up to 1:1 life size close-ups. Its large F2.8 aperture makes it an ideal lens for digital SLR as well as film SLR cameras. The new lens power layout provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration to which digital cameras are prone. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements control various color aberrations and assure high image quality.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

EX series, large aperture zoom lens designed specifically for use with digital SLR cameras is now available in the Four Thirds fitting.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 18-50mm 2.8 EX DC for the Four Thirds fitting. The characteristics of digital SLR cameras were taken into consideration when designing the lens power layout. The new advanced lens design corrects various aberrations. This lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras. This lens is specially coated to get the best colour balance whilst cutting down flare and ghosting, caused by reflections from the digital image sensor and lens. It has excellent correction for vignetting and superior peripheral brightness is ensured.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM for the Four Thirds fitting. This high zoom ratio lens is optimised for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from 50mm standard to 500mm ultra telephoto. When used on a Four Thirds camera, the effective focal length will be 100-1000mm. This ultra-zoom lens employs a seven-group zoom system, which provides a high zoom magnification of 10x. Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range. The new lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, is a common problem of digital cameras, and also creates an optimum colour balance. This lens uses four pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass for excellent correction of color aberration.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM for the Four Thirds fitting. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration. A molded glass aspherical lens at the rear lens group reduces colour aberration and provides high-quality image results. The lens creates exceptionally sharp images of high contrast from its minimum focusing distance of 40cm to infinity. The HSM design provides quiet high-speed auto-focus with full-time manual focus override. The large maximum aperture of F1.4 produces a versatile lens that performs superbly in a great range of applications including portraiture, indoor and studio work and landscape photography.

PMA 2006: The Sony DSC-H5 and Sony DSC-H2 ultra-zooms digital cameras are announced at PMA today. 12x optical zoom lenses, 7.2 and 6 megapixels respectively, 3 inch and 2 inch LCD screens. The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 camera will be available in May for about $500 and the DSC-H2 model ships in April for about $400.

Sony USA Press Release

ORLANDO, Fla., (PMA 2006, Booth #4150), Feb. 25, 2006 — Sony is expanding its high-zoom digital still camera line with two new Cyber-shot® models that are sure to zero in on the subjects you most desire. Clad in black, the new DSC-H5 model has a 7.2-megapixel CCD imager and extra-large, three-inch LCD screen. It also shimmers in silver along with the stage-worthy DSC-H2 model, which has a six-megapixel imager and two-inch LCD. Both cameras flaunt Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 12x optical zoom lenses and focal length ranges of 36 to 432 millimeters (35 mm equivalence). “High-zoom cameras are one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry,” said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “They are powerful enough to get those hard-to-see distant shots, and have the easy-to-use functionality of point-and-shoot cameras.