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Shutterbug Staff  |  May 09, 2007  | 

Polycolor, a professional photo lab in Essen, Germany has developed a unique
CRT based digital enlarger, the Variochromat. This machine is capable of exposing
onto all photographic materials, including traditional fiber-based paper for
black and white prints.



The Variochromat is based on a high resolution cathode ray tube (CRT) which
has a resolution of over 30 mega pixels with an 8-bit grayscale. The Variochromat
software is said to provide optimal tonal reproduction of grayscale digital
images, creating a profile for each size and material. Before actual production
starts, a stepwedge is processed and measured to guarantee consistent reproduction
of tonal values.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 08, 2007  | 

Alien Skin Software has released Macintosh Universal updates for all their
Photoshop plug-ins: Snap Art, BlowUp, Exposure, Eye Candy 5: Textures, Eye Candy
5: Nature, Eye Candy 5: Impact, Xenofex 2, Image Doctor, and Splat!. These updates
are compatible with the upcoming Photoshop CS3 release from Adobe Systems, Inc.
Alien Skin's Universal plug-ins provide a significant performance increase
on Intel-based Macintosh computers.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  May 07, 2007  | 

Jobo AG announces today the immediate availability of a firmware update to
its award-winning GIGA Vu PRO evolution digital image storage and viewing device.
This firmware 2.0.4 update includes the new JD Loupe, Incremental Back-up and
increased RAW Format compatibility and is available for free download at http://www.jobo.com/jobo_service/digital/index.html.
In addition, all GIGA Vu PRO evolution units shipped from now on will feature
this latest firmware.



The new JD Loupe (the brain child of National Geographic photographer and loyal
GIGA Vu PRO evolution user Jay Dickman) provides users of this mobile image
storage device with a button in the unit's zoom menu that causes a magnified
rectangular loupe to appear on the LCD screen so photographers can closely examine
important details of their pictures.



In addition there is a new easy-to-use one-touch-software-update called Incremental
Back-up (the brain child of wildlife photographer and loyal GIGA Vu PRO evolution
user Andy Rouse). This update allows users who transfer the data stored on their
GIGA Vu PRO evolution via Incremental Back-up to an external storage device
such as the Jobo GIGA one, to automatically synchronize the data on both devices
with just one touch. The new data will be added to the external device without
deleting any already existing data on the device.



With this new update, the GIGA Vu PRO evolution now features RAW compatibility
with even more camera models from manufacturers including Canon, Casio, Contax,
Fuji, Hasselblad, Kodak, Konica Minolta, Leica (the GIGA Vu PRO evolution can
decode the Leica M8 RAW), Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, Sigma,
and Sony. And Jobo continues to test more camera models for compatibility on
a regular basis at the request of their customers. A full list of currently
compatible camera models is available on the Jobo AG Web site (www.jobo.com).

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Shutterbug Staff  |  May 04, 2007  | 

Visatec is now offering two affordable lighting kits in a car bag package.
The complete sets are fit into one convenient bag measuring about 21 x 9.4 x
10 inches. The kits hold two Solo 400 B or two Solo 800 B units plus two umbrella
reflectors, one white umbrella, one silver umbrella and 16.4 ft sync cable.
In each set the flash power can be variable over a three stop range.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  May 01, 2007  | 

Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is adding interactive features to the popular
`Icons of Photography' microsite on www.kingston.com. New components
allow visitors to pose questions directly to some of the world's most
respected photographers and also provide an opportunity for submitted photographs
to be critiqued by members of the `Icons' program.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 30, 2007  | 

Serif (Europe) Ltd has announced that their U.S. customers will soon be able to
order PhotoStamps, Stamps.com's popular form of personalized U.S. postage,
through Serif's digital media manager, AlbumPlus X2, when it launches on
April 30, 2007.



The integration allows customers to easily upload images selected in AlbumPlus
X2 directly to the PhotoStamps website and place an online order. PhotoStamps
can be used as regular postage to send letters, postcards or packages, and is
currently available for the most common mail rates in denominations ranging from
$0.24 to $4.05. Each sheet includes 20 individual PhotoStamps that can be personalized
with pictures of a customer's children, pets, vacations, celebrations, and
more.



www.serif.com...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 27, 2007  | 

Alien Skin Software has released the Eye Candy Effects Collection, a bundle of
the award-winning Eye Candy, Xenofex, and Snap Art plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop
and other image editors. The Eye Candy Effects Collection includes 54 special
effects filters with over 1000 one-click settings. The Eye Candy Effects Collection
includes full versions of five Alien Skin plug-in titles: Eye Candy 5: Impact,
Eye Candy 5: Nature, Eye Candy 5: Textures, Xenofex 2, and Snap Art. These filters
allow digital artists and graphic designers to create chrome, fire, smoke, lightning,
clouds, comics and dozens of other effects with a single click.



Extensive example images, product reviews, and free, 30 day demos for each title
are available at the Alien Skin Website, www.alienskin.com.



Alien Skin will release Universal versions of all their plug-ins soon. All customers
who purchase the Eye Candy Effects Collection will receive free updates when they
become available.



Pricing and Availability: Purchased separately, these plug-ins are valued at $575.
The Eye Candy Effects Collection sells for an estimated street price of $399.
Online delivery is available at the Alien Skin website: http://www.alienskin.com.
The Eye Candy Effects Collection is also available worldwide through stores, catalogs
and resellers.
...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 26, 2007  | 

BenVista announces today the release of a major update for PhotoZoom Pro 2. The
new version 2.2 for both Windows and Mac OS X platforms is now available. PhotoZoom
Pro 2, BenVista's digital image resizing software, was initially released in August
2006. BenVista continued to work on further improvements and additional features,
which have now been added in today's release.



The S-Spline XL resizing technique, which (together with the original ?S-Spline
technique) is unique to the PhotoZoom software range, has been improved and now
gives even better results. PhotoZoom Pro 2 comes both as a standalone application
and as an export plugin for Adobe(R) Photoshop. The plugin version is now compatible
with Photoshop CS3. While the standalone version already was a Universal application
for the Mac, the plugin now too is Universal (when used in CS3).



Other improvements are speed boosts, preference settings for a more convenient
workflow, and a fully rewritten, up-to-date manual.



The latest version of PhotoZoom Pro 2, for both Windows and Mac OS X, can be downloaded
directly from www.benvista.com.
PhotoZoom Pro 2.2 comes as a free update for registered PhotoZoom Pro 2 users.

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 25, 2007  | 

PictoColor today announced the release of iCorrect EditLab ProApp 6.0 color correction
software. iCorrect EditLab ProApp offers serious photographers a simplified approach
to color correction and color editing for large volume workflows. When asked,
most professional photographers and photo enthusiasts say that one of the most
time consuming parts of their digital workflow is getting the color right. With
its highly-acclaimed technology, smartly arranged tools, and workflow enhancing
features, iCorrect EditLab ProApp will save hours and minimize the frustration
of making color adjustments so photographers can spend less time in front of the
computer and more time behind the camera.



At the heart of iCorrect EditLab ProApp is the new ProcessQ, a completely redesigned
image queue that allows photographers to easily view, sort, and manage their color
corrections for more efficient, time-saving workflows. After images are added
to ProcessQ, the entire collection is displayed as thumbnails at the bottom of
the main panel. With ProcessQ, users can step through and correct and save any
number of images - either one at a time or as an entire group. Adjustments can
even be synchronized across multiple images almost instantly for rapid fire batch
processing.



For photographers looking for an easier way to make the color right, iCorrect
EditLab Pro offers an intuitive, straight-forward tool set. iCorrect EditLab ProApp
consists of four separate tools logically arranged from left to right providing
a wizard-like approach to accurate color. The tools are designed in such a way
that as photographers progress from left to right, adjustments made with one tool
will not, and in fact, cannot be affected by any of the tools to its right. This
alleviates the common frustration of correcting for one thing while throwing off
another. With iCorrect EditLab ProApp, one pass through the tools and that's
it. Plus, each tool has an optional SmartColor feature which analyzes the image
and adjusts the settings to their initial recommended settings.



For digital photo purists who want to take full advantage of all the benefits
of RAW capture, iCorrect EditLab ProApp is said to be the perfect complement to
any RAW conversion software. It simplifies enhanced color adjustments with intuitive,
easy-to-use tools that eliminate the frustration of fine tuning images for final
presentation. After converting RAW image files with a favorite converter, photographers
can add that extra punch more quickly and easily with iCorrect EditLab ProApp's
unique wizard-like tool set.



For photographers looking to add creative artistic effects, iCorrect EditLab ProApp's
advanced technology makes black-and-white conversions and sepia tones easier than
ever before. iCorrect EditLab ProApp's unique approach allows users to control
how the colors map to gray scale as well as selectively retain certain colors
of the original image for stunning results.



Pricing and Availability

iCorrect EditLab ProApp 6.0 may be purchased at PictoColor's on-line store
at www.pictocolor.com for an introductory price of $99.95 as a software download.
iCorrect EditLab ProApp 6.0 will later sell for $149.95. An upgrade is available
to current users of any of PictoColor's iCorrect products for an introductory
price of $79.95 as a software download. Upgrades will later sell for $99.95. A
free downloadable demo version is available at www.pictocolor.com. Recommended
system requirements are Macintosh OSX 10.4.3, 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor or Microsoft®
Windows® XP SP2, Window®Vista, Intel Pentium 4 Processor, and 768 MB RAM
and a 1024x768 resolution screen. iCorrect EditLab ProApp 6.0 is a Universal Binary
application that will run natively on PowerPC and new Intel-based Macintosh systems.



www.pictocolor.com
...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 24, 2007  | 

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) has announced Adobe Photoshop CS3 and
Photoshop CS3. Extended, two new editions of the professional industry standard
for digital imaging. Photoshop CS3 software is a major upgrade, offering new innovations
in editing power and productivity for designers and photographers. The addition
of an entirely new version of Photoshop, Photoshop CS3 Extended, means creative
professionals can now discover new dimensions in digital imaging, harnessing everything
in Photoshop CS3 plus groundbreaking tools for 3-D, motion graphics, image measurement
and analysis. Photoshop CS3 Extended expands the boundaries of digital imaging,
simplifying the workflows for professionals in architecture, engineering, medicine,
and science.
...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 20, 2007  | 

LiveBooks, Inc. has announced it will begin providing two new website packages
created specifically for the needs of wedding photographers. These new packages
-- liveBooks Wedding Platinum and liveBooks Wedding Gold -- will enable wedding
photographers to transform their websites into compelling multi-media presentations
that capture the imagination and hearts of potential clients.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 19, 2007  | 

Interfit Studio Lighting has announced the the Super Cool-Lite 5 System. These
units offer a convenient yet economical method of modern studio lighting, suitable
for use with conventional still, digital or video cameras. They provide a soft,
uniform diffused light. Ideal for portraits in a confined area or product photography,
and can be combined with a light pod or pop up light tent. The company offers
a twin head kit which features twin softboxes and 2 high contrast reflectors
in the kit. The Super Cool-Lite uses daylight balanced lamps for excellent results
as shared with the Prolite and Cool lite 3 ranges.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 18, 2007  | 

Constructed of high-tech carbon fiber, the RS16K Carbon can handle even the
heaviest digital or film SLR or video camera without any problems. Like all
Monostat monopods, the RS16K Carbon has the unique Rotation Stabilizer foot
ensuring steady shots with even heavy super-telephoto lenses. The monopod's
vibration absorbing carbon fiber construction combined with the foot's
"Swivel Toe Stabilizer" even permits photographers to make rock-steady
shots at up to a 60-degree angle from the horizontal.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 17, 2007  | 

Lowepro
has unveiled a camera backpack commemorating the company's 40th anniversary
-- the Primus AW. The industry's first backpack designed for the
professional photographer that is made primarily from recycled materials, the
Primus AW is said to be a perfect combination of unmatched easy access points
and extreme-condition protection. Primus AW is designed to provide maximum comfort,
protection and accessibility with minimal bulk, making it ideal for outdoor
photography. Funds raised from the sale of the Primus AW will support Polar
Bears International (PBI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide
conservation of the polar bear.



Primus AW enables photographers to carry and access all the necessary components
for outdoor photography while providing the highest possible comfort and extreme
protection during a full day of shooting in the great outdoors. The main camera
compartment is padded and holds a digital SLR Pro body with zoom lens attached,
in addition to 1-2 extra lens or flash units. The camera compartment is expandable,
enabling large equipment capacity and quick equipment retrieval. The Primus
AW also offers photographers quick and easy access to their equipment, without
removing the bag, through expandable side zipped camera pockets. The bag's
exclusive lumbar equipment access points allow instant access to camera gear
of varying sizes, while keeping equipment off the ground. An additional top
daypack compartment is large enough to carry all the accessories needed for
extreme outdoor photography, plus personal gear. Primus AW also boasts a seam-sealed
All-Weather Cover, a built-in memory card pouch, back hatch, hideaway tripod
mount with ice axe loop and Glide-Lock™ attachment.



With the release of the Primus AW, Lowepro is honored to present the industry's
first backpack to be constructed of 51% recycled materials. The majority of
the bag is made up of Cyclpet, a 100% post consumer recycled fabric, establishing
the Primus AW as the industry standard for eco-friendly carrying solutions.
Each bag contains enough recycled material to equate to 22.6 soda bottles. By
preventing this material from reaching a landfill, .0034 cubic yards of landfill
space is being conserved for each bag produced. By simply requiring that each
bag be made from 51% recycled materials, Lowepro is able to conserve 15,109
BTU's of energy, .002 barrels of crude oil and .12 gallons of refined
oil throughout the production process.



Polar Bears International's mission is to conserve the world's polar
bear population through research and education, as well as to serve as a central
educational resource on polar bears worldwide. A potentially threatened species,
the major threat to the polar bear is climate change due to global warming which
could easily put the polar bear on the endangered species list. Polar bears
are also jeopardized by pollution, poaching, and industrial disturbances. All
officers and directors serve the foundation without pay or expense reimbursement,
so the organization is able to apply 100% of its revenue directly to research
programming.



Additional features of the Primus AW backpack include an ergonomic, dryflow
lined harness system used to distribute weight evenly and allow for breathable
comfort. The 100% post consumer recycled fabric combines water and abrasion
resistance with an ecologically minded design. This pack also conforms to a
variety of body types with an adjustable 8-point harness system giving the adventure
photographer exceptional comfort under heavy load. Silent zipper pulls provide
quiet access to equipment while leaving wildlife subjects undisturbed.

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Shutterbug Staff  |  Apr 16, 2007  | 

Delkin Devices, Inc. has announced the SensorScope System, said to be the safest
and most effective system for cleaning your digital SLR image sensor. The innovative
SensorScope (patent pending) is the first and only sensor inspection device
in the market designed for DSLRs. Its use of magnification and focused, high
intensity light enables camera owners to inspect their camera's sensor to see
if it needs cleaning. Why risk damaging your camera -don't clean your sensor
if it doesn't need it!

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