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Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 14, 2008  |  0 comments

Summit, NJ February 18, 2008: On April 4-6, 2008, the Visual Arts Center of New
Jersey will host the largest Photographic Educational Conference in the state.
Utilizing the Art Center's state-of-the-art facility, an exciting weekend
of workshops, speakers, portfolio reviews as well as a vendor fair is planned.
Workshops presented at the conference will run the gamut from camera and light
fundamentals to fine art printing and scanning. Lectures will be given by some
of the leading names in the industry including George Tice and Stephen Perloff.
Participants choose only the Workshops, Speeches, Panel Discussions, and Portfolio
Reviews that they are interested in attending. The cost to attend two workshops
is $45. To view the conference schedule, workshop listings, instructor biographies
and to register, visit www.njphotoconference.com.




On Friday April 4th from 7- 9 PM, participants will be able to listen to keynote
speaker, Stephen Perloff, founder and editor of Photo Review Magazine. His lecture,
Photographic Truth in the Digital Age, addresses how we view reality and truthfulness
in photography when, through digital advancement, images can so easily be manipulated.



On Saturday, the conference is running workshops, lectures and portfolio reviews
utilizing the Art Center's nine art studios. The day will culminate in a
lively panel discussion on contemporary issues in photography including panelists
from all segments of the industry moderated by George Schaub, editor of Shutterbug
Magazine. The panel topic is The Image as Information: Where Does That Lead Us?
Panelists include Ted Harris, Editor, View Camera Magazine; Joel M. Smith, Curator
of Photography, Princeton University Art Museum; Donald Lokuta, Art Professor,
Kean University; and Diana Edkins, Director of Exhibitions and Limited-Edition
Photographs for Aperture Foundation.



A highlight of the conference is a slide lecture and book signing by George Tice,
one of the best known fine-art photographers in the nation. Making photographs
for over 40 years, Mr. Tice's prints are in many museums including the Museum
of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Metropolitan Museum, where
he had a one-man show in 1972. His photographs have been shown all over the world.
The lecture is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th from 4-6pm. A book signing, which
is open to the public, follows and will end at 6:45PM. This is a rare opportunity
to learn from a master in the photography field and all those interested in attending
should register early to reserve a spot.



Many events taking place at the conference are free to attend. On Sunday April
6th, an exhibitor fair of photography equipment and supply manufacturers will
be opened to the public from 10am-6pm. This day also includes free events such
as darkroom demos, tours and mini workshops by vendors. To become a vendor, contact
Event Producer Nancy Ori at nancyori@comcast.net.



The mission of the conference is to create a central presence at the Visual Arts
Center of New Jersey for the study and practice of photographic art within the
state. The Art Center is committed to teaching traditional darkroom photography,
an important part of the fine art experience, as well as providing courses in
state-of-the-art digital advances. The Art Center houses digital labs and a traditional
wet darkroom. It offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and open studios.
Visit www.artcenternj.org to view the latest course offerings.



The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is celebrating its 75th anniversary of "bringing
art and people together." Since its founding in 1933, the Visual Arts Center
of New Jersey has evolved into a major regional art center with a professionally
recognized art school, a critically acclaimed exhibition program and an extensive
community outreach program. In 2003, the Art Center completed a $6.5 million renovation
featuring a nine studio art school with three interior galleries and an outdoor
sculpture park. For further information, please visit the Art Center at www.artcenternj.org.

Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 14, 2008  |  0 comments

The latest version of the MultiMAX has several incremental features that distinguish
it from previous MultiMAX versions. Based a new radio chipset, the units now
have:

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 13, 2008  |  0 comments

FotoNation has announced "ChromaFix" a new one-step chromatic aberration
correction technology. ChromaFix brings advanced image processing technology
normally found in much higher-priced cameras to low-cost low-power devices,
including consumer digital cameras and camera phones. ChromaFix is offered in
several configurations: a software-only solution or coupled with FotoNation's
IP-Core hardware acceleration technology to achieve maximum performance.



Higher-end digital cameras often include sophisticated glass lenses that minimize
aberrations. Low-cost consumer-level cameras and camera phones have different
price/performance dynamics, resulting in lower quality optics through the use
of plastic lenses. With ChromaFix, consumers can get high-quality results at
a low cost.



An example of chromatic aberrations is the occurrence of purple fringes around
high contrast edges in a photo, which is the result of a misalignment of the
red, green and blue wave-lengths of light during focusing. The prevalence of
purple fringing is dependent on the design of the optical system in the camera,
including: optical light path, lens materials, aperture of the exposure and
the design of the image processing system executed during image capture. The
purple color results from the fact that most lens designs are optimized to focus
based on the green wave lengths of light. The blue and red wavelengths of light
fall out of focus and overlap, producing a purple color due to the additive
properties of color perception (blue and red result in purple).



For more information, see www.fotonation.com

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 12, 2008  |  0 comments

Skooba
Design has added a collection of camera/binocular straps to its patent-pending
Superbungee Shoulder Strap line. Like the original Superbungee Bag Strap, the
camera/binocular version features what the company calls a "sport-tuned
suspension system," consisting of a high-density, floating bungee cord
ring which acts as a shock absorber, minimizing carrying discomfort and perceived
weight. On the reverse (wearer) side of the shoulder pad is a flexible strip
of individual, air-filled cells. The cells add to the shock absorption and comfort,
and are covered in a friction laminate to help prevent slipping.



The strap is designed to fit any current camera or binocular with standard,
3/8"/11mm strap slots, or it can be threaded to the split keyring-type
connectors on older cameras. Strap length has a nominal overall length adjustment
range of 21-45 inches, and is equally well-suited for carrying around the neck
or over the shoulder.



The Superbungee Shoulder Strap is available in 5 different color combinations,
at a suggested retail price of $19.95. The original Superbungee Bag strap--a
larger version designed as an upgrade to standard straps found on laptop/photo
bags, sports duffels, luggage and other carrying cases--is available in
6 color combinations at $25.95.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 11, 2008  |  0 comments

Mamiya has announced the release of two Mamiya Lens Mount Adapters that allows
the use of Hasselblad V-series medium format lenses on Mamiya 645AF series cameras
(645AF, 645AFD, and 645AFD II).



"The adapters provide the mechanical interface and precise flange-to-film
plane distance required for proper focusing of Hasselblad lenses," said
Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, "allowing the photographer
to use their existing Hasselblad V series lenses on the high-precision Mamiya
645AFD II. We are confident that photographers are looking to make the transition
from film to digital as efficiently as possible, and this adapter is definitely
a way to do that." To use the lenses, simply focus with the lens wide open
(the camera provides focus confirmation assistance), then stop-down for proper
exposure meter readings. The 645AF/AFD/AFD II can use shutter priority, aperture
priority or manual metering modes. The adapters come in black (#404) or silver
(#405) and will be available in January 2008.



www.macgroupus.com...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 07, 2008  |  0 comments

ExpressDigital has announced the next generation of its powerful workflow software,
Darkroom v8.9, designed to help photographers make more money in their business.
These new features are said to reflect the ever-changing photography landscape,
including fast digital output, enhanced wireless support, advanced greenscreen
and more. Darkroom v8.9 cuts photographer screen time by streamlining new digital
delivery options into an intuitive wizard system that allows digital files to
be as easy to sell as the print. Darkroom photographers can quickly save photos,
at a user-set resolution, to a CD, DVD, or memory card. Not only can Darkroom
users create digital photo products for their customer, photographers can create
interactive slideshows as either a product or sales pitch. The slideshows are
distributed by CD/DVD, email or an online posting. Photographers can also access
the tools to make products, such as custom photo albums, with the fully integrated
PDF printing feature. This universal file format allows photographers to submit
a custom photo book project to their favorite professional printing lab.



Darkroom v8.9 took the recent advances in wireless technology to a new level with
its integrated internal FTP server. This finely tuned system makes using a wireless
camera easier than ever before. With its integrated FTP server, photographers
can expect quick setup and seamless support. Photographers who prefer to use a
Hotfolder will also see vast improvements in speed and efficiency. The enhanced
wireless support in Darkroom provides new workflow opportunities for all industry
photographers.



Darkroom v8.9 provides new state-of-the-art chroma-key algorithms that are smarter
and more accurate than ever before. The expanded drop-out adjustment tools give
photographers more precise advanced control, while easy-to-use presets allow for
a fast and efficient greenscreen workflow.



For complete details please visit http://www.expressdigital.com/products/epsdarkroom.shtm



ExpressDigital Darkroom v8.9 is immediately available for purchase. The retail
prices are as follows: Darkroom Core Edition - $495, Darkroom Professional Edition
- $1395, Darkroom Assembly Edition (Plus 6 hours phone training) - $2995, Darkroom
Assembly Edition (Plus 2 days on-site training) - $4395. Upgrade pricing is also
available.



www.expressdigital.com...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 07, 2008  |  0 comments

onOne Software, Inc. has announced the technology acquisition of Liquid Resize,
which introduces a ground-breaking new way to resize images using a technique
known as "seam carving" to reduce the distortion that typically occurs
when manipulating the aspect ratio of an image.



Liquid Resize, a "content aware" image resizing application, was originally
developed by the Vienna, Austria based husband-wife team of Ramin Sabet and Irmgard
Sabet-Wasinger and is based on the work of Shai Avidan and Ariel Shamir that made
its first appearance in a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qadw0BRKeMk)
released at Siggraph 2007.
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Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 05, 2008  |  0 comments

Olympus has announced the extremely portable E-420. Weighing 380 grams (13.4
ounces), the E-420 is 20 to 40 percent lighter than competing DSLRs. This lightweight
10-megapixel DSLR offers a 2.7-inch LCD and fast On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection,
Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of
the Live View experience.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 05, 2008  |  0 comments

Mamiya has announced the release of an IR Photo filter for the Mamiya ZD Digital
back. "Today's CCD sensors are highly sensitive to infrared light,"
said Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, "and the IR Cut filter
built into cameras reduces infrared light transmission. The result is more accurate
and natural color. The IR Cut filter, however, makes infrared photography impossible.
In response to the large number of requests from infrared photographers, especially
with the scarcity of infrared film, this filter was created."



Mamiya developed the IR Photo Filter for use on the Mamiya ZD Digital Back. The
IR Photo Filter YD401 (which replaces the standard IR Cut Filter) is a clear filter
that allows the transmission of infrared light as well as visible light rays.



"Unlike specialized IR cameras or modified systems," states Karp,
"the Mamiya ZD Digital Back can be transformed from standard digital to
IR digital, simply by changing the user-replaceable sensor filters." Photographers
will need to add an infrared filter (89B or 87) on the front of the lens to produce
typical infrared images with dramatic dark skies, glowing greens and "magical"
skin tones. It is available mid-January 2008.



www.macgroupus.com...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 04, 2008  |  0 comments

HP has unveiled the Photosmart Pro B8850 Photo Printer, rounding out the company's
growing portfolio of printing solutions for the advanced amateur market.



The HP Photosmart Pro B8850 Photo Printer contains several color management
advancements that simplify the printing experience. The printer is seamlessly
integrated with Adobe Photoshop¨ CS3, enabling users to print directly from
their preferred workflow. The choice is then automatically synchronized with
the color management setting, eliminating issues associated with "double
color management." This technology also is available in a free software
download.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Mar 03, 2008  |  0 comments

LiveBooks, Inc. announced it has consolidated its liveBooks|edu product offerings
to a single premium product for students and instructors at an annual subscription
price of $99, including the annual hosting fee. The revised liveBooks|edu product
consists of two parts: a templated Flash website and a sophisticated online
admin tool known as the editSuite. With the new, expanded features of the editSuite
tool -- a transition picker, PDF downloads from the editSuite and a loading
page graphic -- students can more effectively present their brand online,
keep their website content current and gain firsthand experience of the same
tool used by leading industry pros. Using liveBooks|edu, students and faculty
can quickly create and launch a professionally presented online portfolio website.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 29, 2008  |  0 comments

Phase One has announced the availability of Capture One 4, the next generation
of the world's first RAW workflow software. Built on a new architecture,
the successor to Phase One's entry-level Capture One LE is said to offer
photographers -- pros and enthusiasts alike -- a RAW workflow solution
for superior image quality.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 28, 2008  |  0 comments

The League of Creative Infrared Photographers (www.irleague.com)
was officially formed in January 2008. It was established to promote the joy,
excitement, and creativity of infrared photography from in-camera capture to
enhancing images in the digital darkroom.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 27, 2008  |  0 comments

Mamiya has introduced the new Mamiya Sekor Macro MF 120mm f/4 D Lens -- successor
to the popular Mamiya Macro MF 120mm f/4 Lens.



"The Mamiya 120mm f/4 macro lens is one of the sharpest lenses available
today," said Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, "and it
has already been critically corrected for digital imaging. But it needed an upgrade
to be fully compatible with the latest cameras, software and digital backs."



The primary upgrade of the new lens is related to digital communication with the
camera. Data transfer is now controlled by a 16-bit CPU instead of the previous
4-bit CPU.



The advantages of the new CPU are:

Rewritability: The new 16-bit CPU is rewritable and can be overwritten
with firmware upgrades that would be required for compatibility with future cameras
and digital backs.


Finer Lens Correction: Thanks to the bigger capacity of the CPU,
the new lens has more lens data. It is possible to apply finer lens-characteristic
corrections when using Mamiya's Digital Photostudio¨ software.



Fast, Reliable Communication: The new CPU enables faster and more reliable communication
with the camera body.



As its name suggests, the new D-series lens shows its true capabilities when shooting
with the Mamiya ZD Digital back and other high-end digital backs. However, it
is designed to be equally at home with film backs.



The new Mamiya Sekor Macro MF 120mm f/4 D Lens is compatible with the Mamiya 645AFD
ll camera and is available for immediate delivery.



www.macgroup.com...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 26, 2008  |  0 comments

Sony's new Cyber-shot DSC-W300 digital camera integrates an ultra-high
13.6-megapixel CCD imager along with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom
lens, a 2.7-inch LCD screen and an eye-level viewfinder in a compact size. With
its ultra-hard titanium coating, the W300 camera newly features an "extra
high-speed" burst mode that can shoot three-megapixel photos at five frames
per second, ideal for fast-action shooting of sports, pets or children.



In addition to the blur-reducing effects of Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization,
the camera also has a new "extra high sensitivity" mode (up to ISO
6400 in this mode only) to help minimize blurry photos when shooting in challenging
lighting conditions, such as indoors or at twilight, even without a flash.



Noise reduction is now a user-selectable option, with high, low and standard
settings, for greater control over the final look of images. For example, a
low setting can help reduce noise without sacrificing resolution, making it
ideal for landscapes and detailed subjects.



As the top-of-the-line model in the series, the W300 camera integrates the latest
"intelligent" features. Sony's Smile Shutter technology prioritizes
the faces of children or adults so that the camera takes the photo at the moment
the intended subject smiles. Improved face detection technology can also prioritize
child or adult faces as the basis for the camera to apply focus, exposure, white
balance and flash color controls for up to eight faces in the camera's
frame.



The model's intelligent scene recognition technology automatically can
detect five different types of scenes and optimize the camera settings for those
conditions for a better photo. And advanced mode can take two shots almost immediately
-- one with standard automatic settings and the other with optimized settings.



The W300 model has a number of features to maximize picture quality. Among them
are five color modes, including "real" for less in-camera processing
and more faithful color reproduction; 12 scene selection modes with a new "underwater"
mode that adjusts white balance for more natural-looking photos; Sony's
new D-Range Optimizer Plus that process picture to improve detail in photos
with harsh highlights or dark shadows; and an improved auto focus system that
includes macro ranges.



Viewing and image management has also been enhanced with helpful date and calendar
views, in-camera search by face or date, slide show with longer music files,
and high-definition component output for viewing photos on a compatible HDTV
set.



The DSC-W300 camera and optional accessories will be available in May for about
$350. All can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores
(www.sonystyle.com/retail),
at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.



www.sony.com

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