November 2006—Press Releases

** Photo Rag® Pearl 320- the highlight at the PhotoPlus Expo Show in New York **

Hahnemühle FineArt showcased the first sample of its new Photo Rag® Pearl in New York. The first production sample from Germany was on display at the Hahnemühle booth at the PhotoPlus Expo show. The paper was introduced to the market for fine art printing to receive their feedback and view the interest from professional photographers.The reaction to Photo Rag® Pearl was so favorable that the new paper will be included in the successful Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Collection at the beginning of 2007. The new quality is a natural white, pure cotton rag with the fine Photo Rag® surface and the treasured Pearl coating.

“The reaction of PhotoPlus Expo visitors in New York to our Photo Rag® Pearl was so positive that Hahnemühle has decided to launch this paper worldwide at the beginning of 2007. Due to the exclusive use of cotton linters this premium paper is extremely age resistant and conforms to the highest conservation requirements. With a grammage of 320 Photo Rag® Pearl will be available in all popular sheets and roll sizes”, confirmed Joerg Adomat, managing director of Hahnemühle FineArt GmbH, upon his return from New York.

Many professional photographers and semi-professional users were able to gain information on the natural white paper with the lustrous Pearl coating. They took the opportunity to gain insights into the processes used to produce the renowned fine art papers by visiting the Hahnemühle booth. The motto for thousands of visitors was “touch and feel,” since the fine art papers directly from the German paper mill offer a unique visual and tactile experience. “The natural white Photo Rag® Pearl will be ideal for capturing warm colors and grey tones”, commented many experienced fine art professionals as they talked shop at the PhotoPlus Expo show in New York.

The Hahnemühle paper mill has been producing quality artist’s papers for over 420 years. Since its founding in 1584 they have developed experience and a tradition of excellence in art materials that is now been brought to the digital age, and fine art InkJet printing. The German based company whose headquarters are in Dassel, has 150 employees worldwide.

ROLAND SELECTS ERGOSOFT TO SUPPLY DRIVERS FOR THREE NEW PRINTERS

NASHUA, NH (November 20, 2006) ErgoSoft, a worldwide leader in inkjet RIPs for the production of fine art, photography, large format graphics, and digital textile, announces its support of the latest Roland inkjet printers.
 
ErgoSoft recently developed new drivers to support Roland’s AJ-1000 grand format inkjet printer, the Hi-Fi Express FP-740 Sublimation Printer and the SOLJET PRO III XC-540 High Volume Print/Cut Printer.
 
The Advanced Jet AJ-1000 is a 104" eco-solvent inkjet printer for fast, high-volume production printing that achieves a maximum print speed of 90m2/h (968 sqft/hr). It delivers superior image quality at 45m2/h (484 sqft/hr) and utilizes durable new EcoXtreme ink produces dense, rich colors in CMYK+Lc+Lm for brilliant outdoor banners and vehicle graphics.
 
The Hi-Fi Express FP-740 is a high-speed 74"-wide sublimation printer ideal for producing flags, banners and textiles and prints up to 51m2/h (270 x 360 2pass) for high-volume production. It utilizes a high-density 4-color ink set ensures rich, vibrant colors and delivers a high-quality print mode delivers consistent, reliable results.
 
The SOLJET PRO III XC-540 High Volume Print/Cut Printer is ideal for a wide variety of applications including labels, decals, POP displays, banners, vehicle graphics, signs and more. XC-540 delivers enhanced scratch resistance, quicker drying time, and higher ink density required for outdoor applications.
 
ErgoSoft LLC. is a leading developer of software solutions for the high-end digital printing community. The company's mission is to provide intuitive, high fidelity digital printing solutions to the demanding imaging professional. It does this by developing feature-specific, production-oriented applications to optimize image quality, color accuracy and production speed in the most demanding digital printing environments.
 
“ErgoSoft’s v12 RIP suite of products allow for a premium quality experience,” said Robert Eversole, President, ErgoSoft. “The opportunity to work with Roland and provide driver support for their latest machines reaffirms ErgoSoft’s position as a leader in today’s digital printing market.”

ERGOSOFT ANNOUNCES NEW DRIVERS FOR THE LATEST CANON INKJET PRINTERS

NASHUA, NH (November 15, 2006) ErgoSoft, a worldwide leader in inkjet RIPs for the production of fine art, photography, large format graphics, and digital textile, announces its support of the latest Canon inkjet printers.
 
ErgoSoft and Canon collaborated to earn three 2006 DPI Product of the Year Awards using the 17” imagePROGRAF iPF5000 17" and the 60” imagePROGRAF iPF9000 60" large format printers. In addition, ErgoSoft also supports the newly released 44” imagePROGRAF iPF8000 large format printer. ErgoSoft RIPs natively support Canon’s LUCIA™ inkset, which employs Red, Green, and Blue ink to expand the device’s gamut beyond conventional CMYKlclmlk. ErgoSoft RIP’s native color architecture in combination with their powerful and user-friendly user interface enable users to achieve maximum color accuracy, tonal range and image detail from the imagePROGRAF inkjet printers.
 
ErgoSoft LLC. is a leading developer of software solutions for the high-end digital printing community. The company's mission is to provide intuitive, high fidelity digital printing solutions to the demanding imaging professional. It does this by developing feature-specific, production-oriented applications to optimize image quality, color accuracy and production speed in the most demanding digital printing environments.
 
“We are proud to provide the Canon user with such a unique experience, the unparalleled fusion of fine art reproduction quality at high volume production speeds,” said Robert Eversole, President, ErgoSoft.

Digital Film Tools Releases 55mm 7.0

November 13, 2006 --  Digital Film Tools releases 55mm 7.0, a comprehensive  set of digital optical filters for Adobe After Effects and compatible  programs, Adobe Photoshop and compatible programs, Apple's Final Cut Pro  and Motion and Avid Editing Systems. 55mm is the definitive set of digital optical filters meant to simulate  popular glass camera filters, specialized lenses, optical lab processes,  film grain, exacting color correction as well as natural light and  photographic effects--all in a controlled digital environment. The set of  plug-ins includes: Black and White, Black Mist, Bleach Bypass, Blur, Center  Spot, Chromatic Aberration, Color Compensating, Color Conversion, Color  Correct, Color Grad, Color Infrared, Color Spot, Cool Mist, Cross  Processing, Day for Night, Defog, Defringe, Depth of Field, Diffusion,  Double Fog, Dual Grad, Edge Glow, Enhancing, Faux Film, Flashing,  Fluorescent, Fog, F-Stop, GamColor Gels, Gels, Glow, Gold Reflector, Grain,  Halo, Infrared, Kelvin, Lens Distortion, Light, Light Balancing, Low  Contrast, Mist, Mono Tint, ND Grad, Night Vision, Old Photo, Overexpose,  Ozone, Pencil, Photographic Filters, Polarizer, Printer Points, Rack Focus,  Radial Exposure, ReLight, Rosco Gels, Selective Color Correct, Selective  Saturation, Silver Reflector, Skin Smoother, Soft Effects, Split Field,  Split Tone, Star, Streaks, Strip Grad, Sunset/Twilight, Telecine,  Temperature, Three Strip, Tint, Two Strip, Ultra Contrast, Vari-Star,  Vignette, Warm/Cool, Warm Black Mist, Warm Mist, Warm Soft Effects and X- Ray.

55mm 7.0 adds 12 new filters as well as tuning existing filter algorithms.  Chromatic Aberration, Color Infrared, Cool Mist, Defringe, Double Fog, Edge  Glow, Old Photo, Pencil, Split Tone, X-Ray, and the new Two Strip and Three  Strip filters are just some of the highlights of 55mm 7.0. The Three Strip  and Two Strip plug-ins were created under the direction of Academy Award  Winning Visual Effects Supervisor Rob Legato, who used the process to great  effect in The Aviator. The Technicolor® Two Strip process was the first  stab at producing color motion pictures and consisted of simultaneously  photographing two black and white images using red and green filters. This  look creates an odd but pleasing hand-painted look where faces appear  normal and green takes on a blue-green quality, while the sky and all  things blue appear cyan.

Digital Film Tools is an offshoot of a Los Angeles based full-service  visual effects facility specializing in feature film and television special  effects. 55mm is available for download or purchase at:  www.digitalfilmtools.com at the following prices: Adobe Photoshop - $245;  Avid Editing Systems, Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro and Motion,  Autodesk Combustion, Eyeon Digital Fusion - $495; Upgrade pricing is  available for existing customers.

LEGION PAPER ACQUIRES MOAB 
Merging of brands, resources, distribution, and creative talent to create unprecedented level of value 

NEW YORK, NY (NOVEMBER 2, 2006) – Legion Paper, the largest supplier of fine art paper in North  America, is pleased to announce today that it has acquired Moab Paper Company, the leading manufacturer  of archival digital papers, storage and display products.  The acquisition will form the Moab by Legion  Paper to create the most dynamic imaging company dedicated to the art of the digital fine print. 

“Combining the worldwide fine art paper expertise of Legion Paper with the digital imaging product and  manufacturing experience of Moab Paper Company is a natural fit,” says Moab Paper Company president,  Gregory Schern.  Schern will head the new division with distribution moving to Legion Paper’s  specialized warehouses in California and New Jersey. “The partnership enables Moab by Legion Paper to  combine the strengths of both companies to offer the widest selection of high quality imaging solutions to  professionals and photo enthusiasts alike,” said Schern. 

Legion Paper’s COO, Joshua Levine, is excited about the merger and the benefits it will provide to our  customers.  “With the completion of this acquisition, Legion Paper continues to solidify its position as  the leader in the sales and distribution of the world’s finest papers.  The new Moab Imaging division draws  on the heritage and innovation of both companies enabling us to develop new products for the evolving  needs of today’s demanding professionals,” said Levine. 

The transaction will be completed by end of 2006. 

About Moab 
Moab Paper Company located in Moab, UT is dedicated to the production of quality fine art and  photographic media for the discerning professional. The full range of media is offered at a price, which  is attractive to both the serious amateur artist and photographer as well as the most demanding  professional. The Moab Paper Company portfolio includes the award winning Entrada Fine Art, Kayenta  Photo Matte, Kokopelli Photo Gloss and Satin, as well as the Chinle line of digital portfolios and books. 

About Legion 
Legion Paper is the largest distributor of Fine Art, Museum Mounting Board, Decorative and Digital Art  Papers in North America, stocking over 3500 papers from over 50 mills worldwide.  We work closely  with our suppliers to develop unique products and have assembled the finest collection of papers ever  offered by one company.  Legion remains steadfast in its commitment to customer service and the ability  to stock our full range in both our East & West Coast warehouses. 

FUJIFILM HELPS FIGHT CRIME
WITH THE NEW FINEPIX S3 PRO UVIR DIGITAL SLR

Specialized Camera Photographs in the Ultraviolet and Infrared Light Spectrums; Helps Forensic Photographers Uncover Evidence
PhotoPlus Expo 2006, New York, NY, November 2, 2006 – Fujifilm, a pioneer in digital imaging products and services, continues to break new ground with the showing of FinePix S3 Pro UVIR camera at PhotoPlus Expo 2006. Recently available, the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR is the world’s first production D-SLR camera capable of taking photographs in the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrums. It has been designed for use in the science, medical and fine art disciplines, with its most intriguing applications coming in the field of law enforcement investigation.
Law enforcement agencies have used ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) photography for years to uncover evidence not easily seen by the human eye, such as gun shot residue and blood stains, as well as to recover altered, burned or obliterated writing. IR photography is also used in nighttime surveillance.
With its digital capabilities, the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR makes the evidence-gathering process more efficient and accurate for investigators. The FinePix S3 Pro UVIR has a live CCD previewing feature, a significant aid to the forensic photographer. This feature enables manual focusing while dark filters are attached to the lens as well as pre-capture verification.
Moreover, FinePix S3 Pro UVIR carries the same photographic technologies that have made the standard FinePix S3 Pro such a respected camera. These include Fujifilm’s unique, double photodiode (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels) Super CCD SR II image sensor for a dynamic range 400% greater than cameras of single-pixel design. This wider dynamic range contributes to the capture of finer detail, a paramount factor in the gathering of key evidence. Another performance benefit of the Super CCD SR II sensor is its high signal-to-noise ratio.

Gitzo Locks in On New Technology With New Carbon 6X Tripods
New tripods feature “G-Lock” system, ground level feature and more

New York, NY (November 2, 2006) – Gitzo, revered throughout the world for its precision, quality and innovation in bringing new products to market for both the professional photo and video industries, is proud to announce that it has redesigned and improved upon it’s breakthrough 6X tripod technology. At PhotoPlus 2006 in New York City, Gitzo will be demonstrating some of the new features of the enhanced 6X line, which include a new state-of-the-art leg locking system and advanced center column.

First launched in late 2005, 6X carbon fiber tripods utilized a revolutionary design process that reduced overall weight up to 17 percent without sacrificing strength or stability. With its new generation of 6X tripods, Gitzo has incorporated new and improved features, such as an innovative “G-Lock” leg locking mechanism, a new ground level feature and new upper discs and bolts.

The new G-Lock – or gravity lock – mechanism represents Gitzo’s evolution of the twist lock system. The completely revised locks are faster, stronger and 20 percent more rigid than standard twist locks. Year after year, Gitzo has improved upon standard twist lock technology and with the introduction of G-Lock, has positioned itself once again as the market leader and standard setter.

G-Lock features a unique cone shaped ramp and locking ring that creates a “gravity locking” effect within the tripod leg. The heavier the weight applied to the legs, the stronger the locking effect is, resulting in a rock-solid tripod structure that significantly minimizes the bend and give associated with carbon fiber.

Backing the advanced G-Lock technology is Gitzo’s Anti Leg Rotation (ALR) system. The ALR system allows for a fast and smooth setup and fortifies the uncompromised locking strength of the new twist lock system. Users just loosen all twist locks at the same time and pull down the leg before tightening them, making setup a mere 15 seconds for a five sectioned tripod.

Additionally, all 6X tripods will feature completely redesigned upper discs and bolts. The discs, which are composed of aluminum, feature a new safe lock material that reduces vibrations and improves head locking. The new high-grade stainless steel bolt design prevents it from dropping inside the column when adjusted, and makes controlling the tread length stress-free. The redesigned bolts are also corrosion and oxidation resistant.

The new Gitzo 6X tripods also offers a new ground level feature – an example of Gitzo’s forward looking engineering and style. For ultra-low shots in a matter of seconds, users now have the ability to attach the upper disc directly to the upper casting. By simply unscrewing the upper disc, bolt and center column hook, users can effortlessly remove the column and reattach and lock in the upper disc directly to the tripod. This clever built-in solution dramatically increases the tripods’ flexibility and allows for ground-level shooting angles, weight reduction and increased stability. Also featured on the updated line are removable feet for fitting new worn out rubber feet, spike feet or other accessories.

Gitzo 6X Multilayer Carbon Tube Technology
Common knowledge suggests that in order to go lighter you have to go thinner; however, reducing the size of Gitzo’s already thin 1.5mm tube would inevitably result in a loss of strength. By fine tuning its market leading three layer technology to a six layer, with advanced parameters in terms of pressure, temperature and bonding resins, Gitzo was able to beat the odds and create the 6X generation. The six-crossed multilayer tubes measure only 1mm, but are equally as strong and as stable as the 1.5mm, three layer carbon fiber tubes. The 6X range represents, once again, Gitzo leadership not only in introducing unique and world-first innovations, but above all in creating the best products in terms of quality and performances.

Gitzo products are distributed exclusively by Bogen Imaging in the United States. For information, contact Bogen Imaging at info@bogenimaging.com or (201) 818-9500.

All Gitzo 6X tripods now come with a convenient anti-dust bag for storage and packing.Additional information and hi-res images are available by accessing the Bogen Imaging Press Room at: www.bogenimaging.us

About Gitzo
Professionals the world over acknowledge Gitzo tripods, monopods, heads and accessories as setting the industry’s standards for excellence. Innovations such as the first uses of carbon and basalt fiber to make tripods and magnesium to make heads, matched with a design policy of “no gimmicks and no compromise on quality,” put Gitzo products in a class of their own. Gitzo’s carefully crafted products form a comprehensive range of supports for large, medium and small format cameras, for film or digital technology, for still photography or dynamic video, for studio or location work. Precision assembly, high quality materials and fine control are all qualities that represent Gitzo products.

About Bogen Imaging:
Since 1959, Bogen Imaging (formerly Bogen Photo) has been a leading source for photographic, cinematic and video lighting, supports, and accessories. Many of the most respected manufacturers of precision products for the photographic, video, Cine and lighting are distributed in the U.S. exclusively by Bogen. These include Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods and heads, Kata protective carrying systems and accessories, Avenger lighting grip, I.F.F. ceiling mounted lighting suspension, Metz on-camera flash systems, Gossen light meters, Elinchrom studio lighting systems and a wide host of additional product lines which round out the most complete range of exceptional accessories in the business.

LOWEPRO EXPANDS POPULAR LINE OF SLINGSHOT AW CAMERA BAGS TO INCLUDE LARGER MODEL FOR PROFESSIONAL DSLRs

SlingShot 300 AW Provides Larger Capacity Plus Waist Belt for Efficient Weight Distribution

Sebastopol, CA – November 2, 2006 – Lowepro, the worldwide leader of protective cases and backpacks for imaging products, is adding a new model to its extremely popular line of SlingShot AW sling camera bags. The new SlingShot 300 AW is designed to hold professional digital SLR camera bodies with an attached zoom lens, plus five to six additional lenses, flash units, memory cards and personal accessories. The Lowepro SlingShot 300 AW will be available in early 2007 with a suggested list price of $124.99.

Just like the SlingShot 100 AW and 200 AW camera bags, designed for sports photographers and photojournalists who need quick access to gear, the new 300 AW allows photographers to go from “carry mode” to “ready mode” in seconds. Without removing the bag, simply rotate or “sling” the bag toward the front of the body. The SlingShot 300 AW then provides complete access to cameras, lenses, memory cards and other accessories. With its larger size and capacity to handle more gear, the SlingShot 300 AW boasts a built-in waist belt designed to efficiently distribute the weight to reduce back strain. The 300 AW also features a quick pull handle to allow for easier rotation.

The full access lid with reverse open design allows photographers to safely and easily work out of the bag while wearing it, and zip stop buckles help keep equipment from falling out. The full access lid includes a built-in pouch to store memory cards, and two generous accessory pockets provide easy access to cables, adaptors, small accessories and other stored items. An included micro fiber LCD cloth helps protect the camera’s LCD screen from scratches. The entire line of SlingShot AW bags feature Lowepro’s patented All Weather Cover‘ to protect equipment from rain, sand and dust.

“The response to Lowepro’s line of SlingShot AW camera bags has been overwhelming and the interest by photographers for a larger, professional-sized bag with the same features and functionality has been very high,” said Suzanne Caballero, Marketing Communications Manager at Lowepro. “We take input from photographers seriously and build their suggestions into our bags. The SlingShot 300 AW is a result of that feedback.”

Photographers can use the SlipLock‘ attachment loops to attach additional storage accessories, thereby offering the option to customize for individual shooting preferences. Other features include silent zipper pulls for quiet access to equipment, and a mesh back pad for added carrying comfort.

The Lowepro SlingShot 300 AW camera bag measures 13 x 9.1 x 17.3-inches (external) and 11.8 x 6.5 x 11.8-inches (internal) (W x D x H).

About Lowepro
Lowepro founder Greg Lowe established the company's reputation for quality and innovative design in 1972 when he introduced the world's first foam-padded, soft-sided camera bag. More than 35 years later, Lowepro is continuing to revolutionize the industry with pioneering design and superior quality with the most extensive line of protective carrying solutions for photographic and electronic equipment including products for cameras, camcorders, notebook computers, imaging accessories and portable consumer electronics.

Lowepro products are distributed in more than 100 countries around the globe through photo, outdoor, computer, consumer electronic, mail order and online resellers, in addition to OEM partnerships. Lowepro Corporate Offices are located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and China. For more information about Lowepro or Lowepro products, visit www.lowepro.com.

Lensbabies™ Launches Lensbaby 3G™

3rd Generation Selective Focus SLR Lens Locks in Bent Position, Allows Precision Focusing

New York, NY, PhotoPlus Expo Booth #364 (November 2, 2006) – Today Lensbabies, LLC launched its 3rd generation selective focus Single Lens-Reflex (SLR) lens, Lensbaby 3G‘, introducing new features that dramatically expand the Lensbaby product family’s capabilities.

The Lensbaby 3G SLR lens allows photographers to lock the Lensbaby in a desired bent position simply by pressing a button. Then, using a traditional barrel focus mechanism, photographers can do fine focusing and precisely place the sweet spot of sharp focus before pressing the shutter release. The Original Lensbaby‘ lens and the Lensbaby 2.0‘ lens require the photographer to manually hold the Lensbaby in a bent position while pressing the shutter release.

Lensbaby selective focus SLR camera lenses take photos with one area in sharp focus, with that ‘sweet spot’ surrounded by graduated blur. Photographers can move the sweet spot of sharp focus anywhere in the photo by bending the flexible lens tubing.

“Response to the Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0 has been great,” said Craig Strong, the inventor of the Lensbaby and Co-Founder of Lensbabies, LLC. “But we asked our customers what new features they wanted. Studio photographers told us they want to repeat Lensbaby photos exactly the same each time, whether they are shooting food, fine art nudes, or Chanel shoes. Studio portrait photographers told us they want greater confidence in the sweet spot’s sharpness and placement. Outdoor and location photographers said they are interested in shooting longer exposures than are possible with the Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0.”

Lensbaby 3G features the same low dispersion, high refractive index, multi-coated optical glass doublet and the same flexible tubing as Lensbaby 2.0, but adds three focusing rails that emerge from the camera mount and pass through the focusing collar. A trigger button on the focusing collar releases three pins that engage the focusing rails and lock Lensbaby 3G in a bent position.

“The process of shooting with Lensbaby 3G is quite different than with Lensbaby 2.0, and the two lenses are optimized for different types of photography. While Lensbaby 2.0 is great for intuitive, fluid, photojournalistic shots, Lensbaby 3G is a workhorse for pros that require precise focusing, complete control, and repeatability,” said Strong.

Once Lensbaby 3G is locked into place, additional fine focus can be achieved by turning the barrel focusing ring, which moves the optic in and out like a normal manual focus lens. Also, in the locked position, a photographer can make small adjustments to the placement of the sweet spot of focus by turning any combination of the three focusing rails.

“We think Lensbaby 3G is the logical next step in the evolution of selective focus photography, allowing complete control and repeatability,” said Strong. “We hope Lensbaby 3G will meet photographers’ needs for precision while stimulating their creative vision.”

Lensbaby 3G SLR lenses will be available starting in mid-October from www.Lensbabies.com, by calling 877-536-7222 / 971-223-5662, and from select specialty photo stores. Lensbaby 3G is initially available in mounts for Canon EF and Nikon F camera bodies. Versions of the Lensbaby 3G for Olympus 4/3rds/Panasonic, Pentax K/Samsung GX, and Sony Alpha/Minolta Maxxum digital and film SLR camera bodies are scheduled to ship in mid-November. Optional accessories include the Lensbaby Macro Kit™. Photographers can also mount a variety of 37mm threaded accessories, such as wide angle and telephoto conversion lenses, onto the front of their Lensbaby.

OmegaSatter Awarded Camera Armor

OmegaSatter proudly announces the addition of the Camera Armor product line to their arsenal of digital photography accessories. Made Products, a Seattle, WA based company that designs and manufactures accessories for digital cameras, has just given OmegaSatter the exclusive U.S. photo specialty market distribution rights for its Camera Armor product line.

Camera Armor is a line of elastomeric silicone rubber jackets similar to the “ipod skin.” Its snug fit will cover up all of the important parts of your DSLR camera to protect it from impact, abrasion, dust and fingerprints without sacrificing any necessary camera functions or adding too much additional weight. Camera Armor is ready for action and uniquely designed so that all of the camera controls and access ports are completely functional and accessible without taking the camera out of the jacket. For maximum protection, Camera Armor comes equipped with Lens Armor and lens cap lanyard as well as a clear polycarbonate LCD screen cover. Currently Camera Armor is available for the Canon 30D, Nikon D70, Nikon D80 and Canon Rebel XTi.

Camera Armor is available in Black or Smoke and is available at specialty photography stores nationwide starting at $49.95.

Made Products is a Seattle, WA based company that designs and manufacturers accessories for digital cameras. The company is a subsidiary of Speck Design, a 10 year old Silicon Valley based product design firm that works with Apple, Cisco, Nissan and other major brands. For more information point your web browser to www.cameraarmor.com.

Camera Armor is now distributed by OmegaSatter, based outside of Baltimore, MD. OmegaSatter is a worldwide leader in the distribution of digital photography accessories and equipment, for more information visit www.omegasatter.com.

DxO Labs announces DxO Optics Pro v4 Support for Nikon D80 and Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi  Digital Cameras
 
DxO Labs adds highly sought-after cameras and lens combinations to its DxO Optics Pro offering

  New York, NY and Paris, France, October 31, 2006– DxO Labs announces today that DxO Optics Pro v4 Digital SLR and lens automatic image quality enhancement software now supports the recently released Nikon D80 and the Canon EOS 400D (also known as the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi) Digital SLR camera bodies. DxO Optics Pro v4 is the award-winning digital image enhancement tool incorporating revolutionary optics, geometry, noise, exposure and color corrections in an easy-to-use, feature rich application. Support for the new cameras is provided in both the ‘Standard’ and ‘Elite’ versions of DxO Optics Pro v4. DxO Optics Pro v4 for Windows is available immediately from www.dxo.com <http://www.dxo.com/> and selected resellers. The Macintosh (Universal Binary) version is slated for late November.
 
“As soon as major Digital SLRs are released by the manufacturers, we are under incredible pressure from the photography community to support them in DxO Optics Pro. Increasingly, demanding photographers are adopting DxO Optics Pro as a critical accessory to their equipment and support by DxO is fast becoming a gear selection criteria. We are very happy to debut today the support for these two very significant Digital SLR cameras,” says Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography Business at DxO Labs.
 
DxO Optics Pro v4 support for the Nikon D80, the ten megapixel successor to the Nikon D70/D70s digital SLRs debuts with the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED,  the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF ED and the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lenses.
 
The Canon EOS 400D (Rebel XTi) is the latest evolution of the company’s affordable digital SLR series. With its addition to the DxO Optics Pro camera body lineup, photographers can appreciate the image enhancement capabilities brought to an initial suite of Canon lenses: the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM, the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, and the Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM.
 
Lens support for these two cameras will be greatly expanded in the coming weeks.
          
Fully functional demonstration versions of DxO Optics Pro v4 including support for these camera and lens combinations are available at www.dxo.com <http://www.dxo.com> .
 
DxO Optics Pro has been chosen as 2006 “Best Photo Software” by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).

New Software Bundle from Nik Software, Inc. and
iView Multimedia Enhances Digital Image Workflow

Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 Select and iView MediaPro 3.0 now available together San Diego, CA – October 25, 2006 – Digital imaging software developer Nik Software, Inc., today announced an arrangement with digital asset management pioneer iView Multimedia Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp., to offer a software bundle of Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 Select Edition and iView MediaPro 3.0. This bundle combines two leading software solutions for improving digital imaging workflow to provide solutions for busy professional photographers.

The Nik Color Efex 2.0 Select and iView MediaPro 3.0 software bundle is available for purchase beginning today for $229.00. This is a $119.00 savings if each application were purchased separately.

“Today’s professional photographer is busier than ever and trying to manage and edit all their digital image files can be quite a daunting task,” said Michael J. Slater, Nik Software, Inc.’s president & CEO. “By combining these two software products into one convenient software bundle we are able to provide our customers with a way to process and edit their digital image files quickly and efficiently while also providing them with a great value.”

PhotoAcute Studio 2.0 to enhance the quality of digital images beyond the camera capabilities

Almalence Incorporated announces PhotoAcute Studio 2.0 - the breakthrough software product that dramatically enhances digital photos quality. PhotoAcute Studio processes sets of images taken in continuous mode. It utilizes superresolution algorithms to convert a sequence of photos into a single high-resolution and low-noise picture that could only be taken with much better camera.

PhotoAcute Studio improves all major image quality factors. The features at a glance are: 
- Spatial resolution increase
- Noise reduction without losing image details
- Dynamic range expansion
- Geometry distortions and vignetting correction
- Chromatic aberrations correction

PhotoAcute Studio operates for various camera and image types - from mobile cameras to DSLR cameras supporting RAW format and 16-bit color. The greatest leap in quality is achieved on RAW photos taken with DSLR cameras that gives the professional photographers an essential use.

The spatial resolution is one of the most important factors of digital image quality. It is limited by camera's matrix and lens, but this limit can be exceeded by means of superresolution - the method of enhancing the resolution of an image or of an optical system. This can be done by either acquiring more graphic information (e.g. taking and merging several images of the same object) or by reconstructing the details lost due to the faultiness of the optical system (applying the knowledge of the optical system properties). PhotoAcute Studio uses both ways to achieve the maximum image quality. 
The laboratory measurements of the widely accepted MTF50 parameter, performed with Canon 300D camera, show the doubling of the effective resolution.

The superresolution technology is used in supercomputer data processing in the industries such as satellite imaging and astronomy. Almalence engineers developed new mathematical methods of superresolution processing and implemented them within the software application for personal computers, making this powerful technology available for photographers.

The noise is the most undesirable factor that degrades image quality. The main problem of the noise reduction is the loss of image details. This becomes mostly apparent in the low light areas of the image, where the noise reduction removes both the noise and the details. PhotoAcute Studio combines several photos of the same scene, separating the useful signal and the noise, thus providing strong noise reduction without losing the image details.

Besides resolution enhancement and noise reduction, PhotoAcute Studio corrects common image artifacts: geometry distortions, chromatic aberrations and vignetting. By merging several images taken at different exposures, PhotoAcute Studio expands the dynamic range of the resultant image, revealing the details usually clipped in the highlights and the shadows.

All these features virtually improve the whole camera from matrix to lens, providing the possibility of taking better images even for those who use advanced and professional cameras. 

PhotoAcute Studio is useful for wide range of photographers, who are interested in taking high quality images. Professional photographers, for whom the image quality is essential, will find it a good tool for achieving the best results in their work. For amateur photographers this product will be an add-on to their cameras, providing better images without changing the camera itself.

PhotoAcute Studio is Windows based application. The version for Macintosh is to be released in 2007Q1.

Detailed description of PhotoAcute Studio features, online help and examples gallery are available at http://www.photoacute.com

PhotoAcute Studio 2.0 is available for free in trial mode. The price of the full version varies depending on supported camera types: from $19 for mobile phone cameras to $119 for DSLR cameras with the support of RAW format and 16-bit color. Users can get free licenses by contributing to PhotoAcute Studio development.

PhotoAcute Studio 2.0 can be downloaded at: http://www.photoacute.com/studio/download.html

About Almalence Incorporated
Almalence Incorporated focuses on developing the cutting-edge methods of digital image processing and innovative software products for enhancing digital images. Our mission is to provide the photographers with the software tools that will help them to achieve the best image quality. The company was founded in 2005 by the group of professionals with strong background in computer science, software engineering and management.

The Plugin Site Released B/W Styler

B/W Styler simulates the whole work flow of B/W photography from shooting a photo to processing it in the lab and framing the end result. It recreates the look of films, lens filters, lab effects and photo papers that are popular in traditional B/W photography, but even goes beyond that. Starting with a color photo B/W Styler lets you produce stunning B/W images that are not possible with B/W film. B/W Styler uses the whole contrast range of color photos to achieve dramatic B/W images. B/W Styler transforms dull color photos into interesting B/W pictures. Additionally you can enrich the B/W images by colorizing them, manipulating brightness and contrast, masking certain image areas, adding soft focus and glow effects, simulating film grain, adding special effects and framing the image.

For Beginners as well as Experts

B/W Styler contains modes for inexperienced, intermediate and advanced users. All modes of B/W Styler are connected and work together, so you can gradually add more effects and style your B/W image by switching from one mode to the other.

As a start Photographer's Mode lets you choose between a lot of presets in one compact dialog, e.g. B/W film type, ISO rating, lens filters, lab development strategy, paper type, color toner, special lab effects and more. These effects can then be adjusted in ten simple modes, each of which concentrates only on one aspect. Additionally there are five special effect modes for doing special B/W conversions, selective B/W, split color, vignette blur and mist effects.

More advanced users can also use the B/W Quick Mode for doing sophisticated B/W conversions with the help of 16 different controls. Finally, you can fine-tune your image in Expert Mode with the help of dozens of effect features, more than one hundred controls and almost two hundred local presets.

Why B/W Styler Is Different

B/W Styler offers the whole range of B/W tools and related effects in a single plugin. So you don't need to waste your time switching between different filters all the time. B/W Styler provides six different techniques for B/W conversion while most other tools offer only one or two. One of these B/W conversion methods (Split B/ W) is not available with any other tool.

Additionally B/W Styler uses the color contrast of photos effectively to achieve more distinctive B/W photos. Other tools try to simulate the look of B/W films with only a few color sliders whereas B/W Styler gives you detailed control over the whole color spectrum. Additionally if you switch your 24bit color image to 16bit per channel before running B/W Styler, it will produce higher quality B/W conversions, which will be retained even after you switch back to 8bit per channel.

Unlike other tools B/W Styler also supplies a wide range of masking features for selectively addressing certain parts of an image. It features three different types of modes for beginners, advanced people and experts, so users can become more experienced without the need to switch to another tool. Best of all, B/W Styler is available at an affordable price. It offers more features and possibilities than other tools in the same price range and beyond.

Availability & System Requirements

B/W Styler is available for Windows. A Macintosh version is planned for next year. B/W Styler sells at $49.95 (Regular License) or $29.95 (Academic/Educational License). It can be purchased at http://www.thepluginsite.com/products/photowiz/. A demo version can be downloaded at the same URL.

Lexar Increases Performance of High-Capacity CompactFlash to 133X

Large Capacity and High-Speed Data Transfer Rate Benefits Professionals and Advanced Amateurs Shooting in RAW Format

Fremont, Ca., July 18, 2006 – Lexar Media, Inc., a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today announced that it has increased the performance of its popular Professional 8GB CompactFlash® memory card to 133X. This performance improves the digital imaging workflow for both professional and advanced amateur photographers working with and managing large files. Lexar’s new card is capable of a minimum sustained data write speed of 20MB per second and is currently available in CompactFlash Type I flash memory card format, the most popular format for today’s digital SLR cameras.
 
“Lexar has encouraged photographers to ‘keep shooting’ while consistently introducing products that improve digital imaging workflow once images are stored on their flash memory cards,” said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar.  “Those who shoot in RAW format require a vast amount of storage capacity, but also need reliable high-speed performance at all steps in the digital imaging process. Our new 133X 8GB cards directly address and satisfy both needs and, as a result, are ideal for photographers shooting in all situations,” he added.

Well-known professional photographer Howard Schatz has incorporated Lexar’s high-capacity CompactFlash cards into his digital imaging workflow, which often begins when he shoots with his Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II in an underwater housing. Howard chose Lexar cards because of their reliability and vast storage capacity, which can hold a large number of images on each card. As a result, the cards are ideal for this and other shooting situations where the photographer has less time to change cards or where changing cards is inconvenient.
 
"Shooting below the water's surface requires the most reliable, high-capacity flash card that can store an enormous number of images," said professional photographer Howard Schatz. "I'm underwater and it's inconvenient to have to stop shooting to open the housing and change memory cards.  The high-capacity card means that I have to stop less frequently. The reliability of Lexar's cards is key in my work and the high-speed performance allows me to work relatively uninterrupted," he added.
 
Like all Lexar Professional flash memory cards, the new 8GB CompactFlash includes the full version of Lexar Image Rescue™ 2.0, the company’s award-winning image recovery software, and Paint Shop Pro®
9, the image editing and management software program from Corel.
 
Lexar’s new 133X 8GB CompactFlash will be available in August for the suggested price of $424.99.
 
Additional information regarding Lexar’s new 133X 8GB CompactFlash cards can be found on www.lexar.com. Information on Howard Schatz and the many ways he uses Lexar’s Professional flash memory cards during his photo shoots can be found on the company’s digital photography website, located at www.lexar.com/dp. Lexar’s digital photography website includes valuable information and tutorials to help photographers fully utilize the unique features Lexar products offer and achieve a more rewarding experience shooting and working with digital images. Additionally, this popular site provides detailed information about new photography techniques, products and services, as well as interesting feature stories, a pro blog and background information about the many professionals who count on Lexar’s flash memory cards and accessories to help them succeed.
 
About Lexar Media, Inc.
Lexar, a subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc., is a leading marketer and manufacturer of NAND flash memory products including memory cards, USB flash drives, card readers and ATA controller technology for the digital photography, consumer electronics, industrial and communications markets. Lexar also sells memory cards under the Kodak brand. 
 
About Micron Technology, Inc.
Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAM, Flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit its Web site at www.micron.com.

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