METI DIGITAL

sigma

Photokina 2008: Sigma has today announced a new HSM version of its popular 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG lens. This large aperture standard zoom is considerably more compact than its predecessor, thanks to a brand new optical design which features 14 elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical, one ELD and two SLD elements. The HSM focusing motor promises fast and silent focusing coupled with full-time manual focus, and the minimum focus distance is 38cm allowing a maximum magnification of 1:5.3. The lens will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts.

24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

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The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM. This large aperture standard zoom lens covers focal lengths from 24mm and is housed in compact construction.

The latest optical design provides an overall length of 94.7cm /3.7inch. It is ideal for general photography such as snapshots, portraiture and landscapes. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass, two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of all types of aberrations.

Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the entire zoom range. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring a quiet and high speed AF as well as full time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 38cm/15in and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.3.

The rounded 9 blades diaphragm creates an attractive blur. It is possible to attach the included petal-type hood to block out extraneous light.

Features:

• Large aperture standard zoom lens
• ELD and SLD glass provides excellent correction of all types of aberrations
• Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting
• Equipped with HSM ensuring quiet and high speed AF
• The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur.

Photokina 2008: Sigma has today announced the SD15 digital SLR as a successor to the SD14, which was originally announced in Photokina 2006. The SD15 uses a 14Mp Foveon X3 sensor, and incorporates a new True II processor for improved image processing speed, operation and performance. This camera also features a larger 3.0” LCD than its predecessor.

Sigma announce the development of the SD15, a 14 megapixel (2,652×1,768×3 layers) Digital SLR camera.

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September, 2008: The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD15 digital SLR camera. This camera is the latest model in Sigma’s digital SLR camera SD series, powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor it can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location arranged in three layers.

The developing SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” new image processing engine. It provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail. Incorporation of the large 3.0 inch LCD monitor and improved processing speed provide ease of operation of the camera.

Development of the SD15
Since October 2002, Sigma has introduced three digital SLR cameras, the SD9, SD10 and SD14 to the market. In March 2008 Sigma also introduced a high-end compact digital camera, the DP1 which uses the same large image sensor as is featured in Sigma’s digital SLR cameras.

They have established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. Photographers expressed a desire to incorporate the image processing engine “TRUE”, which is used in the DP1, into a digital SLR camera.

In order to meet this demand, the SD15, with high resolution direct image sensor, has been designed around the new “TRUE II” image processing engine. This combination delivers superior image quality as well as improved processing speed, operation and performance.

Photokina 2008: Sigma has announced the DP2, a large sensor compact camera that will sell alongside the DP1. The new model’s specifications are largely identical to the DP1’s but it comes with a 41mm (35mm equiv.) lens, rather than the 28mm equiv. lens of its sister model; the new lens is also a stop faster at F2.8 as opposed to F4. The DP2 additionally includes the True II image processing engine that appears in the new SD15 DSLR, which the company says offers improved processing speed, operation and performance.

Sigma announces the development of a 14 megapixel high definition digital camera, packing the full spec of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera.

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The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2 compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR.

Sigma introduced the DP1 with a direct image sensor as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR to the market in March 2008 as a “unique, groundbreaking, compact digital camera with all the power of a digital SLR”. The multi award winning DP1 has established strong support from a wide range of photographers both amateur and professional.

Building on this success, the DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, for increasing creative possibilities and superior image quality, improving handling and performance

Main features

SLR-sized image sensor
The size of the image sensor used in the DP2 camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras.

The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8μm. The large photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich  light efficiently and give the DP2 its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-color image sensor
The DP2 uses the same 14 megapixel (2,652×1,768×3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14 and DP1.
Utilizing the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location.

Since the moiré is not generated, use of a low-pass filter is not needed because full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.

“TRUE II” image processing engine
The DP2 incorporates “TRUE II” which is an improved version of “TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world’s first image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor.

The unique image-processing algorithm, which has been developed throughout the development of the SD series digital SLR cameras and DP1, is incorporated into “TRUE II”.

24.2mm F2.8 lens designed exclusively for the DP2
The DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2. Two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens and SLR-sized image sensor combination provides natural shallow depth-of-field and attractive bokeh effect.

RAW format recording
The DP2 includes a RAW recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP2 keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color of RGB data which, when processed in Sigma Photo Pro, will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.

Exclusive Sigma Photo Pro Software (Supplied with the DP2)
The DP2 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyzes and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments. The photographer can make changes easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software.

Compact and lightweight body
The DP2 has compact dimensions of 113.3mm/4.5in (W) x 59.5mm/2.3in (H) x 54.6mm/2.1in (D). Its compact body and lightweight design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Three metering modes and four exposure modes
The DP2 has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE or Manual.
Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3.0 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.

Pop up (manual) built-in flash
The DP2 is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in flash. It is possible to use Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow Synchro Mode. It also features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops increments.

Manual Focus
Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not effective. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

Large 2.5” TFT Color LCD Monitor
The DP2 camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the images, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.

Hot Shoe
The DP2 camera is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG*. This hot shoe is also used to attach high performance view finder VF-21 (optional).

Dedicated lens hood (HA-21) **
It is possible to attach the dedicated lens hood to block out extraneous light. It also functions as an adapter,
designed to accept the 46mm Close-up Lens and 46mm filters.

*EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG flashgun series can be used in manual mode only.
**A hood adapter HA-21 is sold separately.

Additional images

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Photokina 2008: Pretec has today introduced the highest capacity and fastest CompactFlash cards in the world. Under the highest capacity come the 64GB and 100GB, 233X CF cards with a read and write speed of 35MB/s. And the 333X CF cards in 32GB and 50 GB capacities have broken the record of the fastest read and write speed with 50 MB/s. Both the cards will start shipping this month.

Cologne, Germany, September 23rd , 2008 － Pretec, creator of the highest capacity CompactFlash card in the world (48GB) and the fastest CF card in the world (333X) will demonstrate even higher capacities including a 64GB CF card, in the Leaf booth (West Hall 4.2, B009) and CFA (Hall 5.1, G-019) at Photokina 2008.

Continuing the revolution in the field of flash memory card speed and capacity, Pretec today releases 64GB and 100GB, 233X CF cards with access speed of up to 35MB/s, overtaking the Pretec 48GB CF card, the previous world’s record holder for highest capacity CF card; and super high speed 333X 32GB and 50GB CF cards capable of running up to 50 MB per second of Read/Write speed, the highest speed CF card in the world.

Pretec CF 233X and 333X CF cards use metal housing and ruggedized construction to provide extensive ruggedness making the card resistant to impact and shock – at least 10 times more durable than a typical CF card. With the green concept of reuse, recycle and reduce in mind, Pretec 64GB CF cards can be configured or reused to make a 256GB SATA or IDE SSD, the highest capacity 2.5” SSD in the world so far, by using Pretec Q-SATA, a patent-pending technology of flexible, scalable and modular SATA/PATA design based on up to 4 CF cards. This technology provides ultimate flexibility and ease of use, especially for those needing both CF cards and SSDs.

Pretec 233X and 333X CF cards will be demonstrated together with high performance digital cameras from Leaf, a business unit of Eastman Kodak and a world-renowned industry leader in providing cutting edge digital photography solutions, whose AFi professional camera was recently awarded “Product of the Year” at the Photoforum exhibition in Russia. The new Leaf AFi-II system delivers the fastest shooting speeds of any camera in its class, with a practically unlimited burst depth.

These speeds are enabled by advanced communication and CF technologies and Leaf Capture software. “Leaf and Pretec share a similar vision –to offer cutting edge technologies and unique products with unparalleled performance and to provide our customers with exceptional quality and satisfaction,” said Seth Greenberg, Leaf Marketing Director. “We are pleased to have chosen Pretec as our exclusive storage partner at Photokina 2008 and to witness the excitement as Pretec breaks the CF card speed and capacity world records.”

Pretec 233X 64GB and 333X 32GB CF cards with suggested retail price of $399 and $630 are slated to start delivery by Photokina 2008, and 233X 100GB and 333X 50GB are expected to start shipping by the end of 2008.

Photokina 2008: Lensbaby has introduced three new lenses for selective focusing, and has named them the Composer, the Muse and the Control Freak. The Muse and Control Freak replace the current Lensbaby Original, 2.0 and 3G lenses. The Composer is first of its kind and is based on a ball and socket assembly, offering greater precision and ease of use. All the lenses feature a new Optic Swap System allowing the user to choose from four interchangeable optics (double glass, single glass, plastic and Pinhole).

Lensbaby Introduces New Line of Lenses for Creative Photography

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On September 23, 2008, Lensbaby, LLC (formerly known as Lensbabies, LLC) is launching an entire new system of selective focus lenses at the Photokina tradeshow in Cologne, Germany (Hall 5.2 C021).

Three new Lensbaby lenses – The Composer™, The Muse™ and The Control Freak™, – make up the new line of products.  Each features the new Lensbaby Optic Swap system. The new Muse and the new Control Freak replace the current Original, Lensbaby 2.0, and Lensbaby 3G lenses, which will be phased out immediately.  With the Composer, Lensbaby introduces a completely new lens, based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth selective focus photography with unparalleled ease of use and greater precision.

All Lensbaby lenses provide photographers with a new way to control depth of field by bringing one area of a photo into sharpest focus with that Sweet Spot™ surrounded by graduated blur. By bending the Lensbaby lens, the photographer moves the sharp area around the photo for customized creative effects.

The new Composer retains its position after being bent and is easy to use even with one hand.  Photographers do not squeeze the lens to focus, but can simply tilt the lens to a desired angle and then focus with a barrel focusing ring.  The Composer stays in the desired bent position without requiring a locking mechanism and features the new Lensbaby Optic Swap System.  The Composer’s barrel focusing ring has a unique design that becomes more sensitive (requiring greater rotation to move the optic in and out) as you approach infinity, making it easer to focus on subjects from 10 feet to infinity.

“The Composer introduces a new level of ease and precision to selective focus photography,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby president and co-founder.  “We developed the Composer because our photographers are interested above all in creating powerful, interesting photos. With its greatly enhanced ease of use and more reliable results, the Composer will make it more intuitive for photographers to realize their personal creative visions.”

The Muse replaces the Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0 lenses while being very similar in appearance and functionality. Photographers will still focus by compressing the lens and move the sweet spot by bending the flexible lens tubing.  The key update for the Muse is its new Lensbaby Optic Swap System.

The Control Freak updates the Lensbaby 3G by adding the Lensbaby Optic Swap System.  With The Control Freak, photographers compress to focus, bend to move the sweet spot, and then push a button to lock the lens in place.  Once locked, photographers can adjust the fine focus with a barrel focusing ring and fine tune the tilt by rotating its three metal posts.

“While we expect the new Composer, with its smooth and precise operation, to be our most popular lens, we continue to offer the Muse and the Control Freak because each photographer has their own shooting style. The Muse is for photographers who shoot fast and loose and The Control Freak is best for shooters who have a step-by-step approach,” said Strong.

All three lenses - the Composer, Muse, and Control Freak – feature the Lensbaby Optic Swap System and will ship with one optic installed. Additional optics are available as optional accessories.  When a photographer wants to change the optic in their Lensbaby, they will simply pop the optic out and drop in a different optic using an Optic Swap Tool supplied with the new optic.  Each optic has different features and image qualities, allowing photographers to choose the look that fits their creative style.

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• Double Glass: A 50mm multi-coated optical glass doublet that is the same optic that was in the Lensbaby 2.0 and Lensbaby 3G lenses. Retail price: US$85.00
• Single Glass: a 50 mm, updated, uncoated optical glass singlet similar to the optic that was used in the Original Lensbaby. At f/2, the Single Glass Optic is one full stop brighter (2x as bright) than the previous Original Lensbaby Optic. Retail price: US$35.00
• Plastic: a 50 mm f/2 plastic singlet that maximizes blur and diffusion in a dreamy way that Holga™ and Diana™ camera lovers will especially appreciate. Retail price: US$35.00
• The Pinhole/Zone plate: an optic cup with an f/177 aperture hole to allow for pinhole photography and an f/19 Zone plate opening.  Users can slide a toggle inside the optic to change to back and forth between Pinhole and Zone plate mode, allowing further artistic exploration.  Retail price: US$35.00The first three optics listed above are all 50mm fixed focal length.  They all feature magnetically levitating interchangeable aperture disks that allow aperture settings from f/2 to f/22.

  The Single Glass, Plastic, and Pinhole/Zone plate optics will be sold individually as well as in an Optic Boxed Set to retail for $95.00.

  Lensbaby President and Co-Founder, Craig Strong, stated, “Lensbaby photographers tend to be very creative. The new Lensbaby Optic Swap system will give photographers greater freedom to take photos that reflect their unique visions.”

  Strong continued, “With the new Composer lens and the Lensbaby Optic Swap System, photographers will be able to choose a lens body that fits their bending style: fast and loose, smooth and precise, or step by step. Then photographers can choose an optic that expresses their individual artistic vision.”

  Product Pricing and Features: The Composer – Smooth and Precise

  • Priced at US$270
  • Ships with the Double Glass optic installed (a multi-coated optical glass doublet)
  • Features the Lensbaby Optic Swap system
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Focus Type: Manual
  • Features a unique barrel focusing ring that becomes more sensitive (requiring greater rotation to move the optic in and out) as you approach infinity, making it easier to focus on subjects from 10 feet to infinity.
  • Aperture Type: Interchangeable levitating aperture disks
  • Apertures: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
  • Minimum Focus: about 18” (46cm) / Maximum Focus: Infinity
  • Size/Weight: 2.5” (6.35cm) high x 2.5” (6.35cm)  wide  / 5.5 oz (155.9g) The Muse – Fast and loose
  • Priced at US $150 with the Double Glass optic installed; US $100 with the Plastic optic installed
  • Ships with either the Double Glass optic installed or the Plastic optic installed.
  • Features the Lensbaby Optic Swap system
  • Focal Length: right around 50mm
  • Focus Type: Manual…Fingertip, actually
  • Aperture Type: Interchangeable levitating aperture disks
  • Aperture: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8
  • Minimum Focus: approximately 12” (30 cm) / Maximum Focus: Infinity and beyond
  • Size/Weight: 2″ (5.08cm) high x 2.5″ (6.35cm) wide / 3.7 oz. (104.9g)                                     The Control Freak – Step-by-step
  • Priced at US$270
  • Ships with the Double Glass Optic installed
  • Features the Lensbaby Optic Swap system
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Focus Type: Manual/Fingertip, with barrel fine focus
  • Aperture Type: Interchangeable levitating aperture disks
  • Aperture: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
  • Minimum Focus: approximately 12” (30 cm) / Maximum Focus: Infinity

Photokina 2008: Fujifilm says its new Super CCD EXR technology will allow its next generation of premium compacts to produce high-ISO images “superior to the F31fd,” while also offering improved dynamic range in other shooting conditions. The technology is already fully developed and will be integrated into the first camera in time for a spring 2009 launch.

Dpreview.com spoke to three senior product research and development managers at Photokina, to find out the company’s ambitions for its new technology.

Super CCD EXR will initially appear in a 12 megapixel 1/1.6″ sensor premium compact camera, due for launch in Spring 2009, they said. “The development of the technology is finished,” said Toru Nishimura, divisional manager, electronic imaging products development center: “The integration of the technology into a camera is still being completed.”

Super CCD EXR is a combination of a re-arranged color filter array and data readout design that allows the sensor to offer high dynamic range or improved high-ISO performance for relevant shooting conditions. Its design allows it to operate in three modes - high resolution, high dynamic range or high ISO, low noise - depending on the shooting conditions.

The new color filter array is designed so that there are always adjacent pixels recording the same color. This allows pixel binning (the combination of information from adjacent pixels to make larger effective pixels and help reduce noise), of pixels recording the same color. The result should be 6 megapixel images with none of the false color that can appear in existing pixel-binning modes which combine information from different colored pixels. “We think the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor means pixel quality in dark regions is superior to the F31fd,” Nishimura.

A dual readout system on the chip allows alternate pixels to be read-out part-way through the exposure. This means that half of the photodiodes are only exposed for a short period of time. These reduced-exposure pixels are less likely to become saturated and hence will retain highlight detail. This allows the sensor to record in up to an 800% dynamic range expansion mode even at its base sensitivity setting.

The premium-grade compact that will first use the technology will let users choose which mode the sensor operates in, though there will also be an automated mode that predicts which mode is needed, when the shutter is half-pressed. Future cameras may offer only the automated mode: “It will depend on the target user. Some users like their camera to be automatic,” said Hiroshi Kawahara, operations manager, product planning and technical service division.

Fujifilm will not be applying the technology to larger chips, though. “From a business point of view, compacts are most important to us,” said Nishimura: “and the technology is designed to address the challenges faced by small sensors. It could, technically be scaled up to APS-C size but the large pixels of those chips already have good performance.” It’s also unlikely that the technology will appear in other manufacturers’ products, he said: “For someone else to use this technology they’d have to use our sensor, our digital signal processor and our software, because it’s so different to conventional Bayer sensors. We can’t imagine others wanting to do that.”

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Photokina 2008: Adobe has lifted the lid on Creative Suite 4, the latest version of its huge design and production suite. Of most interest to photographers will of course be Photoshop CS4, which brings some interface changes (tabbed windows) as well as 64-bit Windows support and OpenGL support to use graphics cards to speed up operations (and provide nifty zoom and rotation tools) and a new non-modal approach to adjustment layers. We’ve been using Photoshop CS4 in Beta form since May and will bring you more extensive coverage of all the new features once Photokina is behind us

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 23, 2008 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended, the highly anticipated, new editions of the professional industry standard software for digital imaging.

Providing a fluid user experience, complete creative control and higher efficiency, Photoshop CS4 leverages the power of the latest hardware to extend imaging possibilities and offer faster, more flexible ways to accomplish core tasks like image adjustments and masks. All of these features and more can be found in Photoshop CS4 Extended, which serves users with advanced motion graphics functions, dramatically expanded 3D visualization capabilities and precise image analysis.

Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended will be available as stand-alone applications or key components of the Adobe Creative Suite® 4 family.

“Photoshop is about delivering cutting-edge innovation that really pushes the boundaries of digital image editing,” said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for professional digital imaging at Adobe. “This version is no exception with some stunning new imaging technology that complements our work to bring more control, simplicity and speed to everyday tasks.

By streamlining the most popular workflows for the professional, technical or home user, Photoshop CS4 brings new levels of accessibility to the gold standard in digital imaging software.”

Complete Creative Control and Effortless Efficiency
Photoshop CS4 software now makes impossible tasks, possible. Content-Aware Scaling adds a revolutionary technology that enables users to intelligently size and scale images with a simple drag of the mouse. New Auto-align and Auto-blend modes generate composites based on extended depth of field and 360 degree panoramas now with seamless tones and colors.

Finding, previewing and managing image assets jumps to a new level of power and convenience with Adobe Bridge CS4, beginning with fast start-up performance, right through to speedy transfer of images to Photoshop CS4. New path-bar navigation and workspace selection buttons across the top of the Bridge window let you instantly go to just the right display for every task.

Also included are new Camera Import controls, visual folder navigation, and a Carousel View for larger image-group selections.

Photoshop CS4 takes advantage of the latest graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware to deliver superior performance. The software offers a smooth pan and zoom experience that allows users to easily edit images at the highest magnification while maintaining clarity.

The new Canvas Rotation tool makes it simple to rotate and work on an image from any angle. Photoshop CS4 helps keep work areas clutter-free with a new unified application frame, tab-based interface and self-adjusting panels that make it easy to quickly access advanced tools, and provide a more fluid way to interact with the application.

Harnessing the Power of 3D
Photoshop CS4 Extended includes all the new features of Photoshop CS4 plus the ability to manipulate 3D imagery easier than ever before. Now, creativity knows no bounds, as users can paint directly on 3D models and surfaces, merge 2-D files onto 3D images and animate 3D objects.

The 3D engine has been rebuilt from the ground up to provide faster performance, allow editing of properties like light and the ability to create more realistic renderings with a new high-quality ray-tracer. Video professionals have the ability to turn any 3D object into a video display zone and can animate 3D objects and properties with ease. In addition, the core motion graphics editing has been improved with more efficient single-key shortcuts.

“The 3D painting enhancements in Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended save us valuable time by enabling artists to paint directly on our 3D flight simulator models in Photoshop instead of using a separate 3D paint program,” says Luis Barcena, executive vice president of databases and modeling for Aechelon Technology, Inc., a leader in real time computer graphics applications for training, simulation and entertainment markets. “Additionally, the ability to perform localized color correction in Photoshop CS4 Extended lets us easily color correct and balance simulated environments and terrain databases using images taken in different climates to achieve a more realistic and compelling user experience.”

Photoshop CS4 Extended software continues to challenge traditional use, allowing medical professionals to volume render multiple medical image scans (DICOM image stack) into a volume that can be viewed from all angles.

The Evolution and Expansion of the Adobe Photoshop Family
The Photoshop product family has experienced an unprecedented year, in which new products have been introduced and every existing product has been updated. The year began with the anticipated launch of Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac, winning Best of Show at Macworld 2008.

The launch of Photoshop Express in the Spring marked a new direction for the line — a free, rich Internet application (RIA) for anyone who wants to store, sort and show off digital photos online with eye-catching effects.

In July, major updates and enhancements were made to the popular Photoshop Lightroom™ 2 solution for serious photographers, followed by the launch of Photoshop Elements 7 and Adobe Premiere Elements 7 software for hobbyists and now, Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended for professionals.

Photokina 2008: SanDisk has today introduced new Compact Flash cards which offer increased storage capacity and faster read/write speeds. The Extreme III CompactFlash card now comes in a 32GB version with a speed of 30MB/s, and the Extreme IV CompactFlash card now comes in a 16GB version with a speed of 45 MB/s. In addition, the rest of the Extreme IV range has been upgraded to a read/write speed of 45MB/s.

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COLOGNE, GERMANY September 23, 2008 - SanDisk today announced that it is now shipping an upgraded family of SanDisk Extreme® IV CompactFlash®(CF) memory cards to better meet the needs of professional digital photographers. The entire series of SanDisk Extreme IV high-performance memory cards has received a 12.5-percent speed boost up to 45 megabytes per second (MB/s) 1 and the newly-released 16-gigabyte (GB) 2 card is twice as large as previous capacities. The announcement was made at the Photokina trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 5.1, Stand A20.

SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 45MB/s (300X) memory cards offer advanced technologies that are fully compatible with all CompactFlash cameras including the latest UDMA-enabled cameras. SanDisk Extreme IV CF cards have undergone internal testing with many leading manufacturers’ cameras and DSLRs, such as Canon’s EOS series, Nikon’s D300 and D3 cameras, the Sony Alpha A700, and the Olympus E500 and E3 cameras.

Depending on the camera used, the increased performance of the SanDisk Extreme IV memory card line may help reduce the delay between shots, enabling photographers to take more photos overall. The high-speed cards let all photographers save time and improve their workflow with faster card-to-computer data transfer speeds.

Rob Galbraith, a professional photographer and an independent digital imaging reviewer, tested the 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV memory card and released his review on www.robgalbraith.com. Following performance testing with the Nikon D700 and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III digital cameras, Rob states that the 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV card offers the fastest write speed of any card at the 16GB capacity. He adds that such top-line performance can be expected when using the card with most or all current Canon and Nikon digital SLRs.

The new high-capacity, high-performance SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash cards are
ideal for professional photographers who typically shoot in RAW or RAW + JPG formats, which require up to ten times more card capacity than JPG images. In addition, photographers who regularly use burst or continuous shooting mode during high-action situations such as sporting, wildlife or fashion photography can also benefit from the increased capacity and performance.

“The new 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash card at 45MB/s demonstrates SanDisk’s commitment to providing serious photographers with the high performance they require,” said Susan Park, director of consumer product marketing for SanDisk’s performance cards. “Our goal is to help photographers maximize their productive output by equipping them with cards that offer ample storage space and fast data transfer rates.”

“Hasselblad and SanDisk have a long working relationship in advancing digital photography,” said Christian Poulsen, the CEO of Hasselblad. “The 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV card’s increased storage capacity and high speed deliver the performance required to optimize our Hasselblad digital backs and H3D digital cameras for professional-grade uses.”

SanDisk Extreme IV cards carry a lifetime limited warranty and hold the industry’s widest guaranteed operating temperature range, from 13F (minus 25C) to 185F (plus 85C). Finally, Extreme IV CF cards can transfer data from card to computer using a SanDisk Extreme FireWire reader (sold separately), which helps speed up workflow by transferring large image files through the computer’s FireWire port at a speed of up to 45MB/s.

Pricing and Availability
The 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash memory card is available now and it carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399.99 in the United States.

COLOGNE, GERMANY. September 23, 2008 –The recent release of Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera represents an emerging trend in digital imaging: the convergence of high-megapixel still photograph and High Definition (HD) video capture in a single digital single-reflex lens (DSLR) camera and the need for large-capacity memory cards to support these added capabilities. With flickr.com now allowing users to post 90 second videos, or “long photos” as they are called, the DSLR video movement has definitely arrived. Canon’s new DSLR camera enables enthusiasts to take professional-grade photos and video, while SanDisk (NASDAQ:SNDK) memory cards provide the robust capacity required to store the resulting data.

The groundbreaking addition of HD video capturing capabilities in a DSLR camera opens up whole new avenues of creative expression for users. Point and shoot digital cameras have been able to shoot video for some time, but HD video-enabled DSLRs take such innovation to another level. DSLR cameras offer users increased versatility with the ability to film using a wide variety of lenses. Now video enthusiasts can use a fisheye lens during one shot in order to capture wide hemispherical images, and a telephoto lens during another shot for close ups.

RAW images consume up to 10 times as much space as regular JPGs, making an afternoon’s worth of wedding photos or using burst mode at sporting events a memory-intensive affair. The new 32-gigabyte1 (GB) SanDisk Extreme® III CompactFlash® (CF) card enables photographers to shoot in RAW for extended periods of time without worrying about running out of storage space.

Featuring 16:9 Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 frames-per-second (fps), Canon’s EOS-5D Mark II DSLR demands a memory card with the storage capacity required to make such filming both possible and enjoyable. At a whopping 32GB, the latest addition to the award-winning SanDisk Extreme III Compact Flash line can store over an hour and a half of video at full HD resolution. With a 30 megabyte-per-second2 (MB/s) write speed, SanDisk’s card can transfer 32GB of content to a computer in a little over 15 minutes.

“The Canon EOS-5D Mark II highlights the newest trend in DSLRs which is to combine high-quality still photography with full HD video,” said Susan Park, director of product marketing at SanDisk. “This is truly a remarkable camera that takes full advantage of the SanDisk Extreme family of high-performance and large-capacity memory cards.”

The SanDisk Extreme III family includes CompactFlash cards that range from 4GB to 32GB as well as the new SanDisk Extreme III SDHC™ and SanDisk Extreme III Memory Stick PRO HG DUO™ cards that recently received a 50 percent speed increase from 20MB/s to 30MB/s. Renowned for their world-class durability, SanDisk Extreme III CF cards possess the industry’s widest guaranteed operating temperature, ranging from minus 13F (minus 25C) to 185F (plus 85C)

Photokina 2008: Kodak has designed a new line of advanced CCD image sensors to power the latest medium format DSLRs, including the Leica S2, Sinar HY6-65 and Hasselblad H3DII-50. The Leica S2 features the KAF-37500 37.5MP sensor with an imaging area of 45mm x 30mm, bringing in a completely new format; interestingly it also includes a novel slimline infrared filter, which we’d guess could eventually find its way into a future Leica M sensor. The Sinar Hy6-65 sports the KAF-31600 34.6MP sensor with an imaging area of 46mm x 35mm, and the Hasselblad H3DII-50’s KAF-50100 50MP, 48mm x 36mm sensor sets a new benchmark in medium format camera resolution.

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Cologne, Germany, September 23, 2008 – CCD Image Sensors from Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) have been selected again to power the most advanced cameras for professional photographers. Showcased at this year’s Photokina trade fair in Cologne, Germany, the new cameras – the LEICA S2, the HASSELBLAD H3DII-50, and the SINAR Hy6-65 – are based on both new and existing KODAK CCD Image Sensors, and further establish Kodak as the leading supplier of the most advanced image sensors used in professional photography.

“Kodak has a rich history of supplying image sensors of the highest quality for use in professional photography – where image quality, resolution, and color fidelity are critical to a photographer’s success,” said Michael Miller, manager of Kodak’s CCD Image Sensor Business, part of the company’s Image Sensor Solutions group. “We are excited to see this legacy continue with the launch of a new generation of cameras from the world’s leading manufacturers that will allow photographers to capture images of the highest quality and the finest detail.”

The LEICA S2 camera, powered by the new KODAK KAF-37500 Image Sensor, is the third product from Leica to be based on KODAK CCD Image Sensors – a relationship that began first with the LEICA Digital Module-R and was then extended with the LEICA M8 camera. With an imaging area of 45mm x 30mm, the 37.5 million pixel KAF-37500 represents a new optical format for photography, providing an image capture area over 50% larger than traditional 35mm film.

The sensor also includes specific design features that optimize its use in the S2 camera, such as the use of microlenses to increase the overall light sensitivity of the device, enabling improved image quality under low light conditions. In addition, an infra-red absorbing optic was incorporated directly into the sensor’s packaging, enabling the development of a thinner camera design by eliminating the need to include this IR-absorbing function as a separate camera component.

The new KODAK KAF-50100 Image Sensor was selected by Hasselblad for use in the HASSELBLAD H3DII-50, the top model of Hasselblad’s H3DII family and their fourth-generation medium-format camera. Twice the physical size of the largest 35mm DSLR image sensor, the 50 million pixel KAF-50100 sets a new resolution benchmark for the popular 48mm x 36mm optical format used in medium-format photography, while improving upon the quality and imaging performance available from the previous generation of KODAK sensors.

Both the KAI-50100 and the KAF-37500 Image Sensors are based on the new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Platform, the company’s fourth generation of technology for professional photography. This new platform increases both the resolution and camera performance available for photographers by reducing pixel size and “click-to-capture” time for improved camera response, improving frame rate, lowering power consumption, and improving color fidelity while retaining key performance parameters available from the previous generation of technology.

Sinar has selected the 31.6 million pixel KODAK KAF-31600 Image Sensor for use in the SINAR Hy6-65, a new system that brings integrated digital image processing to medium format photography. Leveraging the light sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and outstanding color fidelity available from the KAF-31600 Image Sensor, this camera brings the superb image quality and performance available from the KAF-31600 to a new generation of products available from Sinar.

These three new cameras join a family of existing cameras and camera backs that are based on a full portfolio of KODAK CCD Image Sensors targeted to this market. With resolutions ranging from 16 to 50 million pixels, Kodak has supplied the broadest portfolio of high performance CCD products for this market, providing camera manufacturers the flexibility to meet the needs and requirements of their customers while retaining the performance and image quality required in this demanding application.

Photokina 2008: Eye-Fi has announced enhancements to its range of WiFi-enabled SD cards. Upload speeds from camera to computer are now twice as fast, and existing owners will be able to avail themselves of this benefit by simply downloading a firmware update. Also from October 5th, users will be able to add on features such as web sharing, geotagging and hotspot access to their cards. In addition, Apple’s MobileMe and AdoramaPix have been added to the list of supported online services.

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PHOTOKINA, COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 23, 2008 – Eye-Fi Inc., makers of the world’s first wireless memory card for digital cameras, today announced enhancements to its family of Eye-Fi cards that will make the upload of digital photos from camera to computer twice as fast. The faster wireless speeds will also be made available to existing Eye-Fi users at no extra cost. In addition, users will be able to upgrade their Eye-Fi cards to add the individual services they want, including Web sharing, geotagging and hotspot access.

“Faster wireless uploads and the ability to add new services to your Eye-Fi card are significant advancements in making it more convenient and rewarding to save and share digital memories,” said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. “Even better, we’re able to offer this new convenience and flexibility to current users as well as new customers.”

Beginning October 5, new and existing Eye-Fi card owners can easily add features that are not already included on their cards and renew annual services.  By using the updated Eye-Fi Manager Web application, users can add the following services to their cards

• Web Sharing – Users who have an Eye-Fi Home card can add Eye-Fi’s popular Web sharing service to send photos directly from their camera to one of more than 20 online photo sharing, printing, social networking or blogging sites using a wireless network, saving the time and hassle of manually uploading from the computer. Annual service fee: $9.99.
• Geotagging – Users who have an Eye-Fi Home or Share card can add geotagging to their card. Geotagging invisibly adds geographic information indicating where the photo was taken, allowing users to map where their memories were captured. Annual service fee: $14.99.
• Hotspot Access – Users who have an Eye-Fi Share card can upgrade their card to automatically upload photos away from home at more than 10,000 Wayport hotspots and through open hotspots.  Annual service fee: $14.99.

Also announced today, Eye-Fi users will be able to upload photos directly to one of two new online photo destinations: Apple’s MobileMe and AdoramaPix. MobileMe members can wirelessly send photos from their camera directly to their MobileMe Gallery which can then be viewed by friends and family on the Web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV. Available now, users will also be able to upload photos directly from their camera to their AdoramaPix account, where they can edit, share and make prints.

As a significant nationwide expansion, Eye-Fi cards will be available for purchase at more than 900 Best Buy stores throughout the United States, as well as at Circuit City, Ritz Camera Centers and major online retail sites.

By October 5, users will be able to enjoy Eye-Fi’s faster upload speeds and service upgrades, and purchase cards from Best Buy stores nationwide.