Press Release

New Epson Papers Bring Advanced Reproduction Technology to Fine Art Market

LONG BEACH, Calif., PRNewswire/ — Epson America expanded its line of professional media solutions with new Signature Worthy(TM) Hot Press and Cold Press Papers designed for use with Epson’s award-winning printers. Offering advanced reproduction capabilities for the fine art market, the new Hot Press Bright, Cold Press Bright, Hot Press Natural, and Cold Press Natural papers are poised to redefine fine art reproduction.

“The new series of Epson fine art papers were inspired by the hand craftsmanship of artisans who developed the first watercolor papers, and were vigorously tested to ensure prints have the highest print quality with consistency roll-to-roll and sheet-to-sheet,” said Jeff Smith, product marketing manager, professional imaging, Epson America. “In combination with Epson professional printers, these new Signature Worthy fine art papers deliver the industry with reproductions that are the closest thing to an original piece of art.”

Optimized for use with Epson inks, including new Epson UltraChrome(R) HDR ink technology found in the Epson Stylus(R) Pro 7900 and 9900, the new Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press Papers yield richer blacks, smoother tonal transitions and an expanded color gamut to produce the most advanced fine art prints. 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 new Hot Press and Cold Press papers enable artists to achieve a certain look and feel in order to convey their final vision. For Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ traveling exhibition, “The Black List,” organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the new Epson Hot Press Bright paper, combined with the Epson Stylus Pro 9900 printer and UltraChrome HDR Inks, played a big role in helping him create a successful exhibition highlighting the “stories, triumphs and joys of black life in the United States.”

“The paper a photographer chooses for an exhibition really makes a difference in the overall effect of prints,” said Greenfield-Sanders, leading portrait photographer. “When using the Epson Hot Press Bright Fine Art Paper with the Epson Stylus Pro 9900, I was able to achieve new levels of extreme detail and sharpness, along with superb skin tones in my recent exhibition The Black List. The look, the touch and the feel of the prints on the Epson Hot Press Bright paper was irresistible.”

More information regarding Greenfield-Sanders’ The Black List and the impact of Epson’s fine art printing solutions on the traveling exhibit is available at Epson’s Focal Points Web site.

Availability

The new Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press fine art cut sheet papers will be available in late April through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers; Hot Press and Cold Press roll papers will be available later in 2009. For more information on Epson’s complete line of professional media, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.

This press release provided “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).Similar Posts:

• Epson Announces Stylus Pro 3880

The 9 megapixel Ricoh CX2 offers a 10.7x, 28-300mm lens, 5 fps continuous shooting speed, in-camera high dynamic range images, and the all you can ask for 3 inch, 920K LCD. So right off the bat, you’ve got an impressively spec’d digital compact camera. Also helping, plenty of good press coverage, most recently at Photography Blog, where the CX2 earns a “Highly Recommended” for the versatile lens, dynamic range, and image quality improvements over the CX1:

Ricoh have also maintained the big step forward that they took with the CX1 in terms of image quality. We criticized earlier models for producing noisy images at relatively slow ISO speeds, but the 9 megapixel CMOS sensor has definitely improved things here, with a now usable ISO range of 80-800, and even the fastest ISO 1600 setting OK for small prints and web images.

-Photography Blog

You can get that full review here.

Availability

The Ricoh CX2 is available at your favorite retailers now. Please support this site by purchasing your CX2 and other photography gear through the links below.

• Ricoh CX2 Digital Point & Shoot Camera at Amazon: $379

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• None Found

Olympus has expanded their Pen line of digital cameras today with the introduction of the E-P2. Internally and externally, the E-P2 remains largely the same camera, so current E-P1 owners need not fret excessively. Still the E-P2 does go toward addressing some issues with the E-P1, and according to Olympus, the new all black body will be more appealing to a certain sector of their camera market (men).

The most notable addition to the E-P2 is the addition of an accessory port on the back of the E-P2 which allows the connection of a key accessory, the new VF-2 viewfinder. The VF-2 provides 1.15x magnification, a 100% field of view, attaches to the hot shoe, and features a tiltable design. In addition, the accessory port also allows an external stereo microphone to be attached, which means the E-P2 becomes a very small and versatile movie recording device.

Other additions include a new tracking AF system, with an implementation similar to some facial recognition AF systems. The E-P2 will throw a box around the desired focal object and track it as it moves in the composition. Also added are two new art filters (diorama and cross process) and full manual control over aperture and shutter during movie mode.

Unchanged is the lack of internal flash, single point AF performance, and LCD resolution, notable only because of a certain Panasonic DMC-GF1’s advantages in these regards.

The Olympus E-P2 will be available in December and cost $300 more than the E-P1, but that does include the new VF-2 viewfinder.

Availability

Get your order in now for the Olympus E-P2. Amazon is already accepting pre-orders for the E-P2 with the 17mm f/2.8 kit and 14-42mm lens kit.

• E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder: $1099 at Amazon
• E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder: $1099 at Amazon

Additional Images

Press Release

The Pen Is Now Mightier: Olympus Expands The Power And Performance Of The E-P1 With The New E-P2

New Electronic Viewfinder, External Audio Port, Autofocus Tracking and More Creative Control All in a Retro Black Metal Body – Looks as Good as it Performs

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 5, 2009 – Less than six months after launching the groundbreaking PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera, Olympus proves that evolutionary change can happen incredibly fast by releasing the E-P2 with even more power and performance. The new PEN, like the E-P1, is the world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with In-body Image Stabilization. It blends the high-quality still images like that of a DSLR with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity inside an ultra-portable body. Along with several new features, and eight in-camera Art Filters that can be applied to still images and HD videos, the result is mighty powerful and creative.

The innovative E-P2 offers more of what photo enthusiasts have been asking for:

• A stylish retro black metal body reminiscent of a traditional PEN camera;
• Accessory port to accommodate the included detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder (EVF) or optional external microphone adapter EMA-1;
• A newly-developed Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System tracks the subject across or back-and-forward through the frame;
• Two new art filters: Diorama & Cross Process for greater creative expression in your still images and HD videos;
• iEnhance to automatically adjust color and contrast for a more dramatic effect;
• Full Manual Control of shutter/aperture in Movie Mode; and
• HDMI Control of camera’s playback functions using the TV Remote when the camera is connected to an HDTV.

“The high demand for the E-P1 demonstrates that today’s photo enthusiasts and consumers want the high-quality imaging like that of DSLRs in a compact retro design. The fact that it also offers HD video, creative functions and high-end stereo sound makes it even more desirable,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The new PEN builds on the success of the E-P1 by adding many of the features that were on enthusiasts’ wish list for the second generation: an EVF for composing with your eye close to the camera, the ability to add an external microphone, C-AF tracking, and a black metal body. With each new PEN, Olympus continues to enhance the line, and the future looks very bright.”

The E-P2 comes with either the small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) or 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent). The camera adds to the new category created by the E-P1: Not a P&S. Not an SLR. It’s a PEN.

• Accessorize: Everything Goes with Basic Black
• The E-P2 incorporates a new port for connecting new accessories including an optional EMA-1 Microphone adapter and the VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder that comes with the E-P2. The live-finder easily slides onto the camera’s accessory port and hot shoe when needed to provide 1.15x magnification, a 100% field of view with amazing resolution, brightness and contrast. The viewfinder refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects.

The VF-2 rotates up to 90 degrees to enable photographers to look down into it, which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The built-in diopter adjustment and high magnification offer easy viewing with and without glasses.

For those who want to capture enhanced audio, the new EMA-1 external microphone connector can be plugged into the new camera’s external accessory port. The connector will accept the optional Olympus ME-51S stereo microphone or any microphone of their choice.

Olympus has a variety of other accessories to maximize the functionality of the new PEN, including the previously released 14-42mm and 17mm Micro Four Thirds lenses. The MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter makes E-P2 compatible with all Olympus ZUIKO Digital SpecificTM lenses and other Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica.

Olympus OM film-based lenses can be attached to the E-P2 with the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter. Additionally, an optional FL-14 flash unit, suitably small for the camera, adds more lighting versatility to your shots.

Stay focused on Your Targets Wherever They Roam

• Sometimes it can be hard enough to keep up with kids, let alone take pictures of them. The E-P2’s new C-AF Tracking and AF Target Registration locks your subject into focus, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the shutter release enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects in focus – tracking subjects from left to right and from front to back – within the frame, automatically ensuring that even active subjects are captured clearly.

Even More Ways to Create
Olympus pioneered easy-to-use in-camera art filters for still images captured inside its E-System DSLRs. It was the first company to offer the ability to apply art filters to High Definition video recordings captured with the E-P1. Now, the E-P2 continues this tradition of innovation with eight in-camera art filters, including two new filters: the Diorama and Cross Process. The Diorama art filter gives users a miniature model photo feeling by narrowing the depth of focus and enhancing color and contrast. The selective focus that this filter offers lends intimacy to images of even the largest subjects like canyons or cityscapes.

The Cross Process art filter offers an unexpected look to images and videos by changing the color and contrast of subjects on the fly. Using this mode can result in surreal other-worldly images. Whether you’re a videographer, documentarian or established director – or just want to shoot like one – Art Filters set your images and videos apart from the pack. Since they’re built into the camera, you can achieve dramatic results on the go without needing a computer or editing software. These new filters are a welcome addition to the Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole filters previously available on the E-P1.

Because the PEN is an interchangable lens system camera, you also have more creative options for video capture. You can attach any one of the new super-compact Micro Four Thirds lenses or, because the camera can accept many of the other Four Thirds Format lenses with an available MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter, you can add anything from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super telephoto lens for a wide range of expressive options. All the while you will have more DSLR-like control over depth of field, focus, white balance and ISO. It begs the question, “What will you create?”

iEnhance for Radiant Colors
The E-P2 includes a new picture mode called iEnhance, which analyzes colors and brightness. The new mode mimics what the naked eye sees. For example, a beautiful sunset looks awesome in person and generally seems to fade when captured in an image. With iEnhance, the warm yellow and orange colors are heightened to be brilliant and closer to the actual scene. The result is exceptionally clear imaging with a dramatically lifelike color. iEnhance can be used in any shooting mode – from program to manual – and automatically engages when in iAuto.

HDMI Control from Your HDTV Remote
The new PEN makes sharing your content easier than ever. Just connect the E-P2 to your HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your favorite couch or chair.

Manual in Movie Mode
The E-P2’s manual movie mode allows for independent control of aperture and shutter for expanded exposure and creative control. Now you can adjust the shutter to control the depth of focus while using the aperture to set the overall brightness of the video. This level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos.

Make a Design Statement
The E-P2’s high-end, stainless-steel all-black body is easy to handle and carry, and has the styling and refinement of a precision chronometer. Its retro-chic look turns heads, from tech-aficionados and camera buffs to the style-conscious and everyday point-and-shooter. Built rock solid, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or a handbag for impromptu street-shooting or any spontaneous adventure. The E-P2 lets you do more and go more places while capturing your life, thanks to its compact size – 4.74″(W) x 2.75″ (H) x 1.37″ (D) – and light 11.1-ounce body. Attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the PEN’s design, including the currently available small and lightweight 14-42mm and 17mm M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses as well as the newly announced 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 (18-36mm equivalent) and 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 (28-300mm equivalent) M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.

Ultra-Compact Body Delivers Superior Image Quality
The E-P2 has everything you need to produce vibrant DSLR-quality images: a large 12.3-megapixel imager, In-body Image Stabilization, fast Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the new TruePic™ V Image Processor.

As the second Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus, the E-P2 provides the same image quality as current Four Thirds format E-System cameras because it has the same image sensor size as the E-30 and E-620 DSLR models, but in a much smaller body. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

The E-P2’s Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic™ V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to ISO 6400), enabling great results in low-light situations.

Be a Mover, Not a Shaker
Any lens attached to the E-P2 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of In-body Image Stabilization that compensate for up to four steps EV (exposure value). Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low light or when shooting without a tripod. Since the PEN is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera with In-body Image Stabilization, you’ll feel comfortable taking it on the road with you to capture the action. As an added advantage, the built-in image stabilization works not only with the M. Zuiko lenses but all Four Thirds lenses and even older OM film-based lenses when used with the appropriate adapter for the E-P2.

Small Real Estate with an Amazing 3-Inch LCD View
Consumers accustomed to composing and focusing using a point-and-shoot camera’s LCD will appreciate the E-P2’s 100 percent accurate, 3-inch full color HyperCrystal LCD, which gives them the same easy, seamless experience when shooting still images or videos. The camera’s Live Control function makes it easy to compose, edit and shoot pictures or videos without stopping to access various menus. The E-P2’s fast Imager Autofocus in Live View also enables you to compose, focus and capture the shot quickly and easily without ever taking your eyes off the large LCD.

The LCD displays 230,000 pixels in vivid color and includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback. It also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

This Camera Leaves Others in the Dust
You don’t have to waste precious time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image; instead, spend more of that time shooting with the E-P2. The proven Olympus Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

What You See Is What You Get
When viewing the LCD in Live View, Art Filter effects and settings like white balance and exposure are viewable right on the LCD, and their impact is seen instantly on the display. Real-time monitoring offers amazing versatility and creative control, and users who apply a setting have instant gratification because what they see on the camera’s LCD is what they’ve captured. For musicians used to applying audio effects like reverb to their instruments before recording them, the concept of setting the E-P2 to capture precisely the kind of image they want before they press the shutter makes perfect sense. For imaging purists who want to shoot without filters, and apply them to images inside the camera later, or just edit images back at their computers, the E-P2 provides these options and opens more in-the-field creative possibilities.

Mix It Up with Multiple Exposure
With the E-P2’s Multiple Exposure function available for still image capture, you are free to tell a visual story your way, whether in a portrait, a landscape or a combination of both. The image capture options allow you to shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture both shots separately and combine them in the camera later. Overlay your face on top of your pet’s face. Create an “identical twin” of yourself. Put the moon in the sky at noon. Your ability to manipulate space and time makes this new creative multimedia device a veritable time machine.

Frame Your Works of Art Inside the PEN
You can often achieve greater photographic expression by framing a scene in a unique way. The E-P2 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including: the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is suited to an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display your images beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6. The Multi-Aspect Shooting further expresses your creative vision when combined with Art Filters and multiple exposures. What will you create?

Stereo Audio Sounds As Good As the PEN Images Look
Like the innovative Olympus LS-11 portable audio recording device that puts the power of a recording studio in your pocket, the E-P2 features uncompressed CD-quality 16 bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording capability to capture the rich sound quality of your scene. When you shoot with the E-P2, it’s like having a sound technician built into your camera to capture the nuances of the audio happening all around you. It has the versatility to record and play back in the WAV format and can record with its built-in stereo microphone. Whether recording audio while shooting a video or adding audio by recording a narration to your still images, the E-P2’s audio sounds as great as its images look. Now, with the new stereo microphone adapter, there is new freedom in audio capture with the PEN.

Create Your Own Multimedia Slideshows with Stills, Video and Audio Inside E-P2
Content is king, and with the E-P2 you have your own portable kingdom of still images, HD video, and audio to remix at your command. In playback mode you can seamlessly mix stills and movies inside the camera to create a multimedia slideshow; dub in one of five built-in dramatic background music options to provide a soundtrack for your cinematic creation. Plug the E-P2 into any HD television with an HDMI cable and show off your masterpieces to your audience before your DVD arrives in stores!

As Easy to Use as a Point-and-Shoot with SLR-Quality Technologies
The E-P2 is equipped with 19 scene-select modes for effortless picture taking. Standard scene modes like Night-Scene, Portrait and Landscape are easy-to-use solutions for everyday shooting. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the new ePortrait Mode. It enables you to smooth your subject’s skin – all in the camera and before capture! Additionally, edits can be made post-capture using the ePortrait mode.

Shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can often be a challenge because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-P2 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can see and preview the gradation on the Live View LCD and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also accessible in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

The E-P2’s Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight people’s faces and the background, tracking the faces within the image area, even if people are moving, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures (ideal for large family or party group photos).

Don’t like changing camera settings for each shooting situation? The E-P2’s Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you’re shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts settings to capture the best result depending on the situation. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

The E-P2 offers ease-of-use and flexibility to meet your shooting style. Choose the Live Control technology, an advanced control panel system that incorporates the use of the sub dial and enables you to see the image and the menu controls all at the same time on the LCD. As a result, you can use the main and sub dials to select modes and adjust settings without having to take your eyes off the subject. Or if you prefer, shoot with the Super Control Panel, which is familiar to any serious shooter. These options along with the camera’s intuitive button layout make the camera simple to use. The E-P2 records to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files including videos with In-Camera Creative Features and uncompressed audio.

Digital Leveler
The E-P2 is equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera’s pitch and roll and indicates it on the control panel. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit when capturing architecture and landscapes. Level the perfect coastline shot on your next tropical vacation without being tethered to a computer and editing software.

Magnified Focus Assist
The E-P2 provides two optional methods to help the user focus: a Magnified Focus (MF) Assist Function and Magnification Display. When using manual focus, the MF Assist feature aids with critical focus by allowing you to zoom in on part of the image by simply turning the focusing ring on the front of the lens. The Magnification Display enables you to selectively enlarge the image on the LCD at the touch of a button. This mode works for both autofocus and manual focus. Both MF Assist methods provide up to a 10x magnification of a single point of the image for critical focus; perfect for macro or still-life photography.

18×18 Metering Modes
This mode divides the image area into an 18 x 18 grid, metering each of the 324 separate cells to obtain optimum exposure. In addition to 324-division ESP metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering modes are also available.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software
Use the included OLYMPUS Master 2 software (Mac and PC) to easily download images and videos from the camera or other external device, such as a USB drive, and automatically organize them into albums and groups and by date. Develop high-quality RAW images, apply Art Filter effects, edit and print images. Also, apply the most common editing functions to your HD videos. Update camera and lens firmware through the software and download additional menu languages. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever.

OLYMPUS Studio 2 (Trial Edition Included)
Extend the capability of Olympus Master 2 with Olympus Studio 2. In addition to the functions of OLYMPUS Master 2, this software includes a lightbox mode and selection marks for comparing and sorting multiple images. RAW processing is enhanced with additional controls for finer adjustments. The trial edition can be used for 30 days after installation. After the trial period has expired, a license key is required for further use.

Availability
The Olympus E-P2 will be available in December 2009. It includes E-P2 Body, VF-2 Electronic View Finder, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder
Estimated Street Price: $1099.99

E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder
Estimated Street Price: $1099.99

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Consumer Digital SLR Imaging Systems
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.Similar Posts:

• Olympus E-620 Art Filters: Built in Creative Fun
• Olympus E-620 Image Sample Gallery
• Olympus E-P1 Firmware Update: Version 1.1
• Olympus E-P1 First Look: The Olympus Micro Four-Third…
• Olympus Introduces the E-P1

Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS 7D that aims to correct a “ghosting” phenomenon on images shot while in continuous shooting mode. According to Canon, version 1.1.0 addresses:

Corrects a phenomenon that in images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible.

This phenomenon is not noticeable in an image with optimal exposure. The phenomenon may become more noticeable if a retouching process such as level compensation is applied to emphasize the image.

I’ve no luck trying to duplicate this phenomenon with our review unit, but apparently this effecting some users.

Get the updated firmware at Canon’s website here.Similar Posts:

• None Found

Press Release

New DxO Optics Pro 6 sets new bar for high ISO RAW conversion and further extends optical fault correction

New features include an improved user interface to increase accessibility and productivity. 33% introductory discount through December 31st

November 3, 2009 – DxO Labs is pleased to announce that the latest version of its award-winning software solution for demanding photographers, DxO Optics Pro version 6, will be released in early November. This new version provides the best-ever images from extreme ISO shots and further extends optical fault correction, while increasing both accessibility and productivity.

DxO Optics Pro 6 will be offered with an exceptional 33% introductory discount through December 31, 2009.

A New Bar for High ISO RAW Conversion
While camera manufacturers keep competing for high ISO performance, DxO Labs now offers the image processing technologies which are critical to delivering top-notch image quality from such extreme ISO shots In low-light conditions, photographers must choose between using low ISO and risking unnatural flash lighting or camera shake, or using high ISO settings with its typical image noise and loss of colors and details. But now, thanks to a new technological approach, DxO Optics Pro 6 sets a new bar for RAW conversion: photographers can push their cameras to the ISO limits and even beyond — as much as one to two stops above their usual ISO settings! — and still get great photos without any noticeable loss in image quality.

“Advances in DxO Optics Pro 6 are able to significantly reduce the noisy color cast and the low spatial frequency color blotches that typically ruin very high ISO shots and more generally any photo with deep shadows,” explains Frédéric Guichard, DxO Labs’ Chief Imaging Scientist. “Removing strong low frequency noise involves processing pixels over a very large neighborhood while preserving fine details. To achieve natural-looking and sharp images, we leave some purely colorless noise in the image, producing a grain that looks strikingly similar to the finest grain from silver halide times.”

DxO Labs’ new de-noising technology significantly extends the effective dynamic range and best leverages the higher bit-depth that modern sensors provide. Cleaning noise out of dark regions of the images allows photographers to digitally relight them (e.g. using DxO Lighting tool). Overall, with DxO Optics Pro 6 photographers end up with many benefits:

- Great photos when shooting at their camera’s highest ISO and beyond;
- Extended dynamic range thanks to the ability to slightly under-expose their shots (with negative EV bias), thus avoiding clipping highlights and still minimizing noise in the lowlights;
- Digital relighting of shadows or dark areas of their images without adding noise.

Extended Optical Fault Correction
DxO Optics Pro has long been recognized for its unrivalled automatic optical fault correction based on DxO Optics Modules — laboratory-grade mathematical models characterizing the optical faults of each particular camera & lens combination which are computed for each focal length, each aperture, each focusing distance, etc. More than 1600 DxO Optics Modules are available today and can now be automatically detected and downloaded to the application — and this number is growing at an accelerated pace.

Also, for photographers who desire to adjust optical correction for a creative purpose, or to handle lenses that are not calibrated yet, DxO Optics Pro 6 now provides controls to manually adjust distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and sharpness (USM) for any lens.

As DxO Optics Pro expert users always look for more precise controls, DxO Optics Pro 6 features an additional fine detail adjustment which specifically deals with the preservation of high spatial frequency texture and details of the images — another demonstration of DxO Labs’ consistent effort to bring the best to the optical faults correction so photographers can obtain the most perfect images.

Improved User Interface
DxO Optics Pro 6’s user interface has been revamped to ease the first hands-on experience for beginners, providing them with the easiest RAW Conversion tool delivering best quality without the pain. For experts and professional photographers, productivity and control levels have also been improved.

New features include, among others:
- Workspace customization for easier access to the photographer’s preferred tools;
- Detachable and multi-line “Project” window for multi-monitor display and full-screen image preview;
- Correction comparison between several candidates (for selecting preferred photo rendering);
- Streamlined access to DxO Presets for increased productivity;
- Automatic detection and download of missing DxO Optics Modules;
- More ergonomic user interface for better accessibility.

Additional Camera Support
Both the Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro 6 add support to the Olympus D-SLR family, along with latest Sony and Nikon cameras:

- Olympus E3, E30, E410, E420, E450, E510, E520, E620;
- Sony A230, A330, A380;
- Nikon D300s.

About DxO Optics Pro
DxO Optics Pro is an award-winning automatic image enhancement software for enthusiastic amateur and professional photographers shooting in JPEG or RAW format. World renowned for its unique automated optical corrections (distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, lens softness), and its state-of-the-art RAW conversion, it addresses the entire spectrum of image quality issues, including noise removal, exposure optimization, keystoning correction, color control and dust removal. Its fully-customizable and easy-to-use interface makes it an unrivalled productivity tool, able to process hundreds of images in just a few clicks of a mouse.

For more information, visit DxO Labs’ website at http://www.dxo.com.

About DxO Labs
DxO Labs offers products and solutions that provide excellence in digital imaging. In addition to its DxO Optics Pro and DxO FilmPack products for Mac and Windows, aimed at serious and demanding photographers, the company also licenses patented intellectual property serving the entire digital imaging chain:

• Embedded software and silicon architectures for real-time still and video image processing, for consumer electronics OEM/ODM (such as digital camera and camera phone vendors);
• Image quality evaluation and measurement tools, for imaging component suppliers (camera module manufacturers, sensor vendors, and processor vendors) as well as photography journalists and imaging experts.

For more information, visit DxO Labs’ website at http://www.dxo.com.

This press release provided “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).Similar Posts:

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Press Release

Wireless Live View – Maximize photographic performance with Wireless Remote Live View technology.

The Pro-View Wireless Remote Live View brings an innovative new remote viewing system to photographers using DSLR cameras. Photographers are now free to move from behind the confines of their cameras and confidently capture difficult shots. The Pro-View consists of a hand-held color receiver that lets you see what the camera sees up to 500 feet away, thanks to a small video transmission unit that slips over the eyepiece of a DSLR camera.

This novel, ground breaking tool was developed as a result of overwhelming feedback from photographers who are tired of having their composition creativity curtailed by having to place the camera where they can get behind it. The Pro-View Wireless Remote Live View empowers photographers of varying skill levels and application needs to maximize their photographic performance. Whether it’s choreographing quick portrait shots or exploring masterful photographic techniques, a conventional digital SLR camera can possess a whole new level of creative control.

Remember those shots that got away? Do the missed shots still haunt you? You tried the truth is you had no other choice, separated from your target by an obstruction. Whether it be a bustling roomful of wedding guests, unruly sports spectators, or the mob at a celebrity event. In those moments, you were forced to heave your camera above your head, point, and hope for the best. It got away! Or maybe you tried an intriguing perspective shot, but the fast-moving scene wouldn’t allow the opportunity to compose the shot. It got away! Wildlife photographers using the Pro-View and a remote release can get incredible shots while being completely out of sight of wildlife. No photographer enjoys multiple trips to and from the camera to arrange subjects, or relishes lying in the mud to get ground-level macro shots. Maybe the shot didn’t get away, but it sure didn’t come easily. With the Pro-View, low-level shots are a breeze with no more guessing about composition and focus. Now, imagine the creative shots you could achieve and the hours you could save by always seeing what your camera sees, and having the freedom to move from behind the confines of your equipment.

Novice or seasoned pros alike will quickly recognize the advantages of using the Pro-View, as uncomfortable and time-consuming shots previously left to fate are now replaced with effortless confidence. Regardless of where or how the camera is positioned, be it on the ground macros, elevated over the head, or in another room, the Pro-View digitally frames the shot allowing the scene to be viewed on the wireless hand-held color display. The Pro-View can be companioned with a wireless shutter release to enjoy truly remote photography. A built in speaker and microphone system even allows the photographer to hear focus confirmation tone and shutter release from the remote location.

Here are some applications where you can unleash your creativity with the Pro-View:

* Sporting Events
* Weddings, rehearsals, receptions
* Press conferences
* Wildlife and nature
* Macro photography
* Studio and portrait photography
* Capturing facial expressions
* Landscape, real estate, aerial photography
* Construction documentation
* Elevated photography
* Unique and difficult perspectives or angles

Technical features of the Pro-View Wireless Remote Live View:

* Vibrant 3.5in color display(640×480 with built-in speaker)
* 2.4GHz digital FHSS technology
* Compact over the eyepiece video transmitter with built-in microphone
* Lithium polymer rechargeable batteries (up to 4 hours operation for transmitter, up to 10 hours for display)
* Up to 500 feet transmission distance
* Digital zoom/pan/tilt capability
* Compatible with most digital SLR cameras
* Receiver expandable up to 4 cameras
* Quad, auto-scan, or full view
* Small and light weight, portable and discrete
* Installs and removes in seconds
* AV-out to TV monitor
* 90-day warranty on parts and labor(damage excluded)
* 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee (shipping excluded)

Photographers will invent hundreds of uses for the Pro-View. The Pro-View Wireless Remote Live View will be one of your most useful accessories and is a must-have for all serious photographers, both amateur and professional. Add this valuable tool to your camera bag today! May be purchased for $395.00 from quality photography stores and online retailers. For more information please visit the Pro-View website.

This press release provided “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).Similar Posts:

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Camille Seaman has a new body of work titled “The Big Cloud”, some of it currently being shown at Soulcatcher Studio’s website. Seaman has already garnered some renown for her series of photographs of icebergs (”The Last Iceberg”), and that seems likely to grow based on the evocative images of supercells that Seaman chased for 10 days in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Via Soulcatcher Studio:

The storms we were chasing were Supercells, capable of producing grapefruit sized hail, and spectacular tornadoes; they were 50 miles wide and reached as high as 65,000 ft. into the atmosphere. These clouds were so large that they had the capability of blocking all daylight, making it very dark and ominous standing under them.”

-Camille Seaman

© Camille Seaman "The Collapse III (3), South Dakota, USA, June 2008"

© Camille Seaman "The Collapse II (2), South Dakota, USA, June 2008"

© Camille Seaman "Chasing the Storm, Kansas, USA, May 2008"

I loved Seaman’s icebergs, not simply for the subject matter, but also how she personified them, in addition to her overall treatment, toning etc. All of that carries over to the “The Big Cloud” images, which for me evoke much more than a simple awe for the power of nature. Striking work from a great photographer.

Check out Camille Seaman’s website at www.camilleseaman.com.

All work is copyright © Camille Seaman.Similar Posts:

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Press Release

Arca-Swiss Press Release

The Monoball p0: a whole new knobless tripod head

With the p0 tripod head equipped with the patented Monoball (Planetary) P system, ARCA-SWISS consolidates its position as the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of tripod heads, a position it has held for over 50 years.

There are currently two P system tripod heads: the p0 designed for use by photographers looking for precision equipment at an affordable price; and the p1, a tripod head with a wider diameter that is capable of handling the greater demands of heavy telephoto lenses or even 8×10” large format cameras. High performance solutions for both amateurs and professionals based on the traditional

ARCA-SWISS quality.

The p0 is a revolutionary tripod head design due to it precision, ease of use and its extraordinarily strong, concentric and uniform locking force. It’s called Knobless because the traditional locking knobs have been removed and replaced by an ingenious geared mechanism. The p0 is precise, stylish, light and very strong – a hand of steel in a velvet glove!

At first glance…

The first thing you notice is that there are no knobs. You can grasp the tripod head from any angle, left or right and block it simply by turning the knurled part. There’s no longer any need to fumble for the locking knob! The tripod head is equipped with three locking elements, arranged around the ball like planets. These locking elements apply a uniform force around the ball ensuring a smooth movement of the camera in any axis. As the camera is placed directly on the ball and not on its neck, the movements are as stable as if they were on a rubber ring. The patented aspherical ball also creates a gravitational friction force thus preventing sudden camera movement. The panning system is unconventionally located just below the camera mount, providing a panoramic rotation that remains in line with the vertical.

Not only is the p0 particularly affordable (from 175 euros excl VAT), but it also offers a tilt ball range of 90° and 360° panning. Despite its super light weight of only 280g and compact format, it has unbeatable locking power.

ARCA-SWISS has gone one step further to offer you two camera mounts for the p0:
- The ¼ basic model ships with a 3/8 adaptor. This Universal adaptor will enable you to attach any make of camera.

And, you can upgrade your p0 at any time by buying a Slidefix kit.

- The new patented Slidefix system designed by ARCA-SWISS, offers a large selection of rapid mounting adaptor plates so that you can attach your camera to the tripod head in an instant.

p0 – dimensions: H = 74 mm, diameter = 60 mm

The monoball p1, the p0’s big brother

More robust and solid (500g) than its baby brother, the p1 is capable of handling the greater demands of heavy telephoto lenses or large format cameras. In addition, this tripod head also provides a preset friction adjustment.

p1-dimensions : H = 88 mm, diameter = 75 mm

Check for Arca-Swiss products at B&H Photo.

This press release provided “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).Similar Posts:

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Looking for the ultimate image quality in a compact sized camera body? Look no further than the Leica M9, boasting an 18 megapixel full frame Kodak sensor in a rangefinder sized camera. With the Leica M9, you don’t just get beautiful pictures, you also happen to get a beautiful camera, which in either its steel grey duotone look or all black option, is bound illicit all sorts of joy for those who can afford it. So how does it work out as a camera? In a review at PDN Gear Guide the M9 presents the usual challenges of rangefinder camera, but the image quality will be worth it:

As a daylight and mixed light camera, image quality from the M9 was outstanding. I got transcendent color depth in shots I captured in Central Park at mid-day and superior dynamic range in my stroll up Broadway with the sun setting. Also, though it’s a bigger sensor, I got very little vignetting or a fall off of sharpness from the 50mm I tested the M9 with.

-Dan Havlik / PDN Gear Guide

Basically, great for making art, but likely not your first choice for doing work. Get that review here.

Availability

• Leica M9 18mp Rangefinder Camera: $6995 at B&H Photo
• Leica M9 18mp Rangefinder Camera: $6995 at Amazon

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Press Release

Kata Extends Award-Winning 3N1 Line With Three New Models
New Models Bring Netbook and Laptop Compatibility to 3N1 Family

Check for Kata Gear at Amazon

Ramsey, N.J. (October 22, 2009) – Kata, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional photographic and video protective technologies, adds new functionality to the award-winning 3N1 series with the introduction of three new models. The three new models, including the 3N1-11, 3N1-22 and the 3N1-33, boast the same versatile carrying configurations as their 3N1 siblings; however, they now let shooters carry a compact laptop or netbook, essential tools for the on-the-go photographer.

Kata’s 3N1 series, first introduced in 2008, offers unique features in a photo / video carrying solution, specifically the quick camera access of a sling and the comfort of a backpack. The success of the innovative series led Kata to further innovate the family by re-engineering the bags to incorporate a padded slot to a carry a compact laptop computer or netbook.

The new 3N1-11, 3N1-22 and 3N1-33 provide users with ample space to carry all of their photo and personal gear. Using the included dividers, end-users can customize main compartment of the bag to precisely fit the specific gear that they’re carrying. The top compartment of the bag is ideal for holding personal accessories or additional equipment, and a series of internal pockets, including an MP3 player pouch will allow photographers to organize their personal effects as efficiently as their photographic gear. External pockets allow for effortless, quick zippered access to accessories without opening the main compartments.

Beyond ample storage, Kata’s new 3N1-11, 3N1-22 and 3N1-33 have all of the original features which earned the original 3N1 honors of Bag of the Year in 2008 from the editors of American Photo magazine. Most notable is the 3N1’s ability to be configured as a sling for right- or left-handed use, or as a backpack. As a right-handed sling, the 3N1 provides ergonomic positioning on the shooter’s back, quick camera access via a quick release buckle and superior camera protection. A quick re configuration of 3N1 straps and internal compartment creates a true left-handed sling. Left-handed photographers no longer have to compromise or risk damaging their expensive camera equipment by trying to use right-handed slings as make-shift left-handed ones.

Photographers typically turn to slings because of the quick camera access inherent in their design; unfortunately, a sling can put stress on the photographers back and shoulders after an extended period of time. Thanks to specially designed and strategically placed quick-release buckles, which give users the ability to transform the bag from sling to backpack in a matter of seconds, the new 3N1 overcomes this problem. Ensuring that back and shoulder pain are no longer an issue, the 3N1 features two straps which can either be used in the standard backpack setup or crisscrossed for an “X” position. Both backpack modes allow the weight of the enclosed camera gear to be evenly distributed across the user’s shoulders and back, which significantly reduces muscle strain and provides a more comfortable solution for transporting one’s gear for longer periods of time.

There are three 3N1 laptop models:

3N1-11 ($100.00 street price) – The 3N1-11 is designed to carry a DSLR with mid-range zoom lens attached as well as 1-2 lenses, flash, small netbook and personal gear. It also makes a great video bag and can hold a compact camcorder and accessories.

3N1-22 ($120.00 street price) – The 3N1-22 is designed to carry a DSLR with battery pack & mid-range zoom lens attached as well as 3-4 lenses, flash, netbook and personal gear. It also makes a great video bag and can hold a compact camcorder and accessories.

3N1-33 ($145.00 street price) – The 3N1-33 is designed hold a DSLR with battery grip & long-range zoom lens attached as well as 5-6 lenses, flash, laptop computer (up to 15.4″) and personal gear. It also makes a great video bag and can hold a compact camcorder and accessories.

About Bogen Imaging:
Bogen Imaging Inc is a leading distributor of key accessories brands for the video, cine, lighting and photographic markets. Bogen is an international company within the Imaging Division of the Vitec Group, which owns the following leading, international brands: Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata, National Geographic bags and tripods, Avenger, and I.F.F. As the exclusive US distributor of Metz, Gossen, Elinchrom, Lastolite, Reflecmedia and Formatt Filters, Bogen offers the most complete range of exceptional camera and lighting accessories in the business. The Bogen Imaging international network covers the USA, Germany, France, Italy, UK and Japan.

This press release provided “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).Similar Posts:

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