LATEST ADDITIONS

Text and photography by Ron Leach  |  Feb 28, 2006  |  0 comments


Doorways are among the most common framing devices. Here, both
color and shape help frame the twocowg...

Grace Schaub  |  Feb 28, 2006  |  0 comments

A Special Report from the PMA Show

Digital Image Sensor Update



The Promise of Even Better Image Quality Ahead

by George Schaub



In light of recent developments, and with products unveiled here at PMA, it's
clear that manufacturers are aiming their efforts at bringing outcameras...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 28, 2006  |  0 comments

Argraph Corporation has introduced Digital High Grade (DHG) Filters, the first
optical filters designed specifically for digital cameras and lenses. Marumi
Optical Company of Japan has designed the DGH range of lens filters to eliminate
the flare and ghosting prevalent when the CCD or CMOS chips in digital cameras
convert light into electrical signals. A newly developed ultra-low reflection
coating increases light transmission. In addition the lens' outer rim
is blackened to minimize internal reflection. The satin smooth, ultra thin,
matte-black metal filter frame further minimizes refection. The new Marumi DHG
filters are available in UV, Circular Polarizer, Star-Cross, Neutral Density-8
and Soft Fantasy varieties, and come in standard metric sizes from 49mm-82mm.
There is also a Macro +3 close up filter available in sizes from 49mm-77mm.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 28, 2006  |  0 comments

Eastman Kodak Company has announced improvements across its professional output
product portfolio designed to increase efficiency and bolster quality. Products
include a new version of Digital Print Production Software /DP2, the introduction
of Kodak Digital Printing Software/ DP1, an improved Kodak ultra Endura Paper,
improvements to Kodak PROSHOTS and Studio Suite software and Kodak DIGITAL SHO,
GEM and ROC photo software plug-ins.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 27, 2006  |  0 comments

Fuji has introduced three new digicams at PMA 2006, the FinePix F30, the FinePix
F650, and the FinePix A600. Perhaps the most interesting is their new FinePix
F30. It incorporates Fujifilm's second era of Real Photo Technology, containing
a sixth generation Super CCD sensor and the RP Processor II. This 6.3 MP FinePix
F30 is the world's first point-and-shoot digital camera for consumers with full-resolution
ISO equivalency speeds as high as 3200 - a setting previously reserved for higher-end
professional digital camera models. Higher light sensitivities allow the FinePix
F30 to shoot with faster shutter speeds, which lessen the likelihood of blurred
pictures. In addition, the F30 is said to have a battery that can deliver 500
pictures on a single charge.



A new flash system, called i-Flash, works in tandem with Real Photo Technology
to intelligently read available light and adjust its power accordingly for proper
contrast. This coordinated action exposes subjects more accurately, adjusting
intensity and focus point by measuring a variety of environmental scene factors
to ultimately capture an image as your eye sees it.



On the film front, Fujifilm commemorates the 20th Anniversary of its invention
of the One-Time-Use Camera with the introduction of QuickSnap 1000. The new QuickSnap
1000 models are preloaded with new 1000 speed Fujicolor film with Fujifilm's patented
4th Color Layer Technology -- the highest speed film of any One-Time-Use Camera
in the U.S. today. They are available in Flash, Colors (Blue, Red and Purple)
and Outdoor versions and provide several important benefits for consumers including
a flash range extended to 17 ft. (except for Outdoor model), better action shots
and less blur than other Fujifilm models, and better pictures in low light.



Fujifilm has also introduced Fujichrome T64 Professional Film, a new ISO 64 tungsten-type
color transparency film that delivers ultra-fine grain and optimum tonal scale
and gradation under tungsten lighting. Fujichrome T64 Professional incorporates
new-generation color couplers and Multi-Color Correction Layer Technology that
ensure pure, accurate color reproduction. This film is ideal for a wide range
of product shots, interiors, furniture, architecture, certain medical imaging
needs and other professional applications requiring tungsten lighting. The new
film also possesses excellent color image stability.



And, an increasing rarity at any photo show, Fujifilm has also introduced two
new 35mm film cameras.The Fujifilm Clear Shot V ll, with manual film advance and
manual flash, and Clear Shot M ll, with Automatic Film Advance and Rewind and
Automatic Flash feature focus-free Fujinon lenses and Red-Eye Reduction and offer
big, bright viewfinders for easy photo composition.

www.fujifilm.com.

Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 27, 2006  |  0 comments

Canon has introduced a host of new products at the annual PMA Show, including
a new DSLR, pro-quality lenses and pro printers. New products include:



EOS 30D Digital SLR: As a step-up from the EOS 20D model, Canon's new EOS 30D
Digital SLR incorporates features similar to the higher-priced EOS 5D model, at
a lower price. The EOS 30D Digital SLR incorporates a 2.5-inch LCD screen, claimed
shutter durability rated to 100,000 cycles; an increased burst rate (five frames-per-second
(fps) up to 30 consecutive frames in JPEG mode); an optional RGB histogram function;
and ISO adjustment in 1/3-stop increments.



Scheduled for mid-March delivery, the EOS 30D Digital SLR will be available at
estimated street prices of $1,399 for the body kit, and $1,499 for the EF-S 18-55mm
II zoom lens kit.



EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM: Canon has improved upon its original EF 85mm f/1.2L II
lens with a new model that has approximately 1.8X faster autofocusing than its
predecessor to meet the needs of demanding professionals. Available in mid-March,
the lens has an estimated street price of $2,099.



EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM: Professional photographers and advanced amateurs with
APS-C size digital SLRs now have access to the fastest Canon EF-S zoom lens yet.
Three-stop optical image stabilization along with three aspherical and two UD
elements combine. This lens is dedicated to the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS Digital
Rebel XT and EOS Digital Rebel SLRs. Scheduled for delivery in mid-March, this
lens has an estimated selling price of $1,149.



imagePROGRAF iPF5000 Large Format Printer: This new printer provides a 12-color
pigment-based ink set and is designed to produce professional-style prints with
outstanding archival image quality, using Canon's new Lucia pigmented inks. The
iPF5000 device is ideal for professional photographers looking to have their work
stand out in a crowd. This next evolution in Canon's large format portfolio provides
one of the industry's largest color gamuts with a new 12-color inkset. Available
in April, the printer will carry a manufacturer's suggested list price of $1,945.



PIXMA Pro9500 model: This is the first PIXMA photo printer to use ten pigment
ink cartridges with Canon's new Lucia pigmented inks which provide Photo Black,
Matte Black, Gray, Photo Magenta, Magenta, Photo Cyan, Cyan, Yellow, Green, and
Red for true-to-life color and monochrome prints that are ready for the gallery
wall.
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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 24, 2006  |  0 comments

Sanyo's new Xacti HD1 is the world's smallest and lightest high-definition
digital media camera, designed to record both 720p high-definition video and
5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card. The innovative
camera will be available in the U.S. in late March at an MSRP of $799.99.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 23, 2006  |  0 comments

Kingston has announced the formation of the innovative Icons of Photography
program which features seven world-class photographers--Douglas Kirkland,
Barbara Bordnick, Colin Finlay, Harry Benson, Peter Read Miller, Chris Rainier
and Gerd Ludwig.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 22, 2006  |  0 comments

Alien Skin Software has released a new plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and other
compatible host programs called Exposure which is designed to bring the look
and feel of film to digital photography. Photographers can now simulate current
and discontinued film stocks, as well as recreate their signature look as a
one-click effect. Exposure also simulates darkroom and studio effects such as
push and cross processing.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Feb 21, 2006  |  0 comments

Canon Inc. has reached a new lens milestone as production of the company's
EF lenses passed the 30-million mark. Production of interchangeable EF lenses
for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) SLR cameras began in 1987 and the company
produced its 10-millionth EF lens in August 1995 and its 20-millionth in February
2001.

In November of 1987 Canon introduced the industry's first
Ultrasonic Motor (USM)-powered lens: the EF 300mm f/2.8L USM. In September 1989,
the EF 50mm f/1.0L USM, featuring the world's largest aperture of f/1.0,
was launched. And in September 1995 the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, equipped
with the world's first Image Stabilizer to correct for the effect of camera
shake, made its debut.

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