The 5 lucky winners of our fantastic February 2009 Newsletter contest have been randomly selected from the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscriber list.

Steve Pritchard, Patrick Stroobach, Dawn Clutterbuck, John Pring and Jim Davies each win a copy of 99 Digital Photo Art Ideas, worth £19.99 each.

The winners of the February 2009 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected by a panel of judges. The theme for February was “Temptation” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:

1st Place
I must, I must, I must deny my lust by catonic

Prize: Photobird.com one-year subscription with 500Mb of storage space
Kindly donated by Photobird.com.
http://www.photobird.com

GPS-Photo Link Express is a new consumer edition of GeoSpatial Experts’ photo-mapping software. “Anyone who knows how to use a digital camera and GPS receiver can learn how to use the GPS-Photo Link Express software in about 15 minutes,” said Rick Bobbitt, GeoSpatial Experts CEO. The software is compatible with any handheld GPS receiver and digital camera, including some cell phone cameras like the iPhone 3G. The Express Edition also works with the recently introduced models of GPS-enabled digital cameras from Ricoh and Nikon. GPS-Photo Link Express is available now for $149.

The Datacolor SpyderCube is a new all-in-one RAW calibration device. SpyderCube provides fast and accurate whitepoint correction as well as bracketed adjustments for highlights and blacks. The White face of SpyderCube helps define highlights in relation to the catch-light; the Gray face measures color temperature and mid-tone response; the Black face defines shadows in relations to the Black Trap; and the Black Trap defines absolute black. Datacolor’s SpyderCube will cost $59 and be available beginning in March, 2009.

The Samsung NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. The NX Series utilizes an APS-C sized image sensor and replaces the mirror box of a DSLR with an Electronic Viewfinder. The size and weight of the Samsung NX Series is reduced by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The first model in the Samsung NX Series will be available in the second-half of 2009.

The new AgfaPhoto DV-5580Z digital camera combines video, photo and sound recording. It records video in high definition, with a maximum of 1440 x 1080 pixels and 30 frames per second. The AgfaPhoto DV-5580Z also offers an 8 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom, digital image stabilizer and 2.5 inch TFT LCD display. The AgfaPhoto DV-5580Z will be available for $249.95.

The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW is a new digital camera aimed at nature and sports fans. The AgfaPhoto 830UW can be used for diving up to a depth of 10 meters, is frost-proof up to a temperature of -5°C, and shockproof for a fall from a height of 1 meter. The AgfaPhoto 830UW also offers a 2.5 inch wide TFT display, 3x optical zoom, 8 megapixel resolution, ISO 1600, and 21 scene mode programs. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW is available immediately for $349.95.

AgfaPhoto has introduced the new OPTIMA range of compact digital cameras. The 10 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is equipped with a 32mm wide-angle lens, 23 scene modes, metal body, 4x optical zoom and a 3 inch display. The 10 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1338mT features a 3 inch touchscreen display, metal body, 3x optical zoom and 24 scene modes. The 8 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 8328m offers a PASM mode, 3x optical zoom and a 2.7” LCD display. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is available for $209.95, the OPTIMA 1338mT for $199.95 and the OPTIMA 8328m for $139.95

The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s are two new digital cameras featuring a large red sensor shutter button. The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s offers an 8 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 5x digital zoom. The AgfaPhoto sensor 530s has a 5 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 8x digital zoom. Both models are equipped with a CMOS sensor, 2.4-inch TFT display, Face Tracking and maximum sensitivity of ISO 800. The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s are available in black, bronze, rosé and royal blue for $89.95 and $69.95 dollars respectively.

General Imaging have revamped their compact digital camera range with no less than nine new models. The range, which will arrive in the UK from April, offers new features including auto scene detection, pan-capture panorama, and optical image stabilisation. Each camera in the 2009 collection features at least 9 megapixels of resolution, with seven models boasting 12 or more. The new range will be arriving in the UK from April, with the E models under £150 and the A models under £100. The nine models are:

Available April
GE A950: 9 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE A1150: 11 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE A1250: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE E1255W: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, May
GE E1250W: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, June
GE A1050: 10 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen

Approx availability, July
GE G3WP: 10 megapixels, 4x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, August
GE E1276: 12 megapixels, 7x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, November
GE X3: 12 megapixels, 12x zoom, 2.7 inch screen

Shortcut Software will be showcasing SILKYPIX Pro at this week’s PMA show in Las Vegas. SILKYPIX Pro is a new RAW software program aimed at the advanced photographer. It is not a replacement for the already existing SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0, but will be sold in parallel. SILKYPIX Pro will be available for purchase later this year (around summer time). Shortcut Software’s PMA Booth is # V245.

The new Billingham 07 Series camera bag range builds on the success of the PressTop bags. New features include front tabs, leather colour and the inclusion of Billinghams wands in the top. The bags are constructed from Billingham’s FibreNyte material, a 21st century synthetic alternative for traditional canvas. Available in Black with black leather and Khaki with chocolate leather, the Billingham 07 Series is available in 3 sizes, starting from £229.99.

MAGIX has released a new set of freeware tools, including a photo editor and slideshow maker. MAGIX FunPix Maker can transform any photo with the help of hilarious effects, while MAGIX Slideshow Maker allows you to upload your photos to YouTube. MAGIX Xtreme Print Studio creates interesting covers for your discs. Music Maker for MySpace is the final free software application.

The PanTouch Clear 10.4-inch is the world’s slimmest digital photo frame. Just 1/3-inch thick, the PanTouch Clear 10.4-inch frame can easily be hung on a wall as well as fit neatly and unobtrusively in any other location. It features an eye-catching LCD that appears to be “floating” in the surrounding glass, 1024x768 resolution, integrated Wi-Fi and 2GB of storage space. The PanTouch Clear 10.4-inch will be available in May for $229.99.

The Epson R-D1xG is a new 6 megapixel rangefinder digital camera. An updated version of the original R-D1 and R-D1s models, which were discontinued in June 2007, the RD1xG retains the same 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor. It additionally offers a larger 2.5 inch LCD screen, SDHC card support, EDiART image processing and a handgrip. The Epson R-D1xG will be available in Japan on April 9th. Epson have already provided a photo gallery showing what the R-D1xG is capable of. The Epson R-D1xG is only being released in Japan.

Website: Epson Japan

Website: Epson R-D1xG Gallery

The Olympus E-3 DSLR will be used in Space as part of the “Olympus Space Project”. Dr. Koichi Wakata, astronaut of JAXA, (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) will use the Olympus E3 to photograph the Earth from the “Kibo”, the Japanese experimental module within the ISS (International Space Station). Pictures of Earth taken with the E-3 will be posted on Olympus’ web sites and shown at photo exhibitions.

Epson Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press Papers have been released for the fine art market. The new Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press Papers yield richer blacks, smoother tonal transitions and an expanded color gamut. The Hot Press papers offer a smooth surface and Cold Press papers offer a textured surface. In addition, Hot Press and Cold Press Bright offer a bright white point, while the Hot Press and Cold Press Natural offer a warm white point. The Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press fine art cut sheet papers will be available in late April, with roll paper versions available later in 2009.

Unibind Smart Calendar creates fully assembled, personalized calendars with no equipment needed. The Unibind patented Smart Calendar guide trays ensure perfect alignment and its unique adhesive permanently seals all paper types. The finished product is a professionally bound hanging wall calendar. Smart Calendars will be available from March 1st 2009.

The LG W2442PA-BF is a new affordable 24 inch HD monitor. The W2442PA-BF features DVI and HDMI ports, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, response time of 2ms and built-in speakers. “Given the current economic climate in which consumers have become increasingly aware of their spending, affordable monitors with high-end features such as the W2442PA-BF, are appealing as users don’t need to sacrifice on specifications or quality.” commented Soyeon Shin, IT marketing manager, LG Electronics.