Photo&Cameras

SDXC memory specification supported by Panasonic : The SD Card Association, of which Panasonic is a founder, has announced the next generation SD Memory Card, the SDXC (SD eXtended Capacity), a new standard for storing data more than 32 GB and up to 2 terabytes (TB). This new SDXC flash memory standard will be the specification for SD Memory Cards with capacities more than 32 GB and their host devices. The new SDXC memory cards will provide capacities in the future ranging up to 2 TB at read/write speeds of 300 megabytes per second. Pricing and availability for Panasonic’s SDXC Memory Cards will be announced at a future date.

Panasonic 64GB SDXC memory card
Panasonic supports the announcement and development of the SDXC standard and plans to launch a 64GB massive capacity SDXC Memory Card, which will have more capacity than the currently available 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray Disc. This introduction will allow consumers to conveniently store more data, helping them to experience a true High Definition (HD) digital lifestyle.

SDXC card specification
The SDXC specification uses Microsoft’s exFAT file system to support its large capacity and interoperability in a broad range of PCs, consumer electronics and mobile phones. The exFAT system was designed for increased compatibility with flash media, from portability of data to interoperability with multiple platforms and devices on removable media.”The SD Association is committed to answering and anticipating consumer demand for easy-to-use memory card storage that is interoperable in any device with a matching SD slot,” Taylor said. “The SDXC card gives consumers a new, yet familiar, high-performance card that will be used in hundreds of manufacturers’ device offerings.”

Panasonic SDXC memory cards
Panasonic supports the usage and application of SDXC Memory Cards in order to bring to life a world where high-quality HD content can be easily handled and a large volume of professional-quality HD video and high-resolution pictures can be captured smoothly. The SDXC Memory Cards will allow for seamless transfer of large quantities of HD content from one device to another.

Souce: www.letsgodigital.org

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“Inside the Wish Fulfilling Stupa, setting wicks for offerings of butter lamps and prayers. Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal“. Taken by Wonderlane

Source: planetearthdailyphoto.blogspot.com

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Panasonic Lumix digital cameras at Vancouver Olympics 2010 : Panasonic is pleased to announce the addition of Digital Camera to the Audio and Visual Equipment category for which it is recognized as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner under an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Under the terms of the TOP agreement, Panasonic has obtained global Olympic marketing rights in Digital Camera equipment, as well as the supply rights for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, London 2012 Olympic Games, Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and 2016 Olympic Games.
Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras
Panasonic’s LUMIX digital still cameras combine high-quality imaging, innovative features that deliver value to the user, and easy-to-use designs. By offering a wide range of products, from compact cameras & digital SLRs, to the next generation interchangeable lens camera, the LUMIX G Micro System, Panasonic aims to meet the diverse needs of the growing digital camera market.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games
Using its advanced in-house black box technologies, Panasonic continues to develop products with unique, innovative features - including optical image stabilisation , Mega O.I.S., high-speed, fast-response imaging engines with low power-consumption, typified by the Venus Engine, and the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which allows users to take beautiful digital photos with unprecedented ease. Thanks to its alliance with Leica Camera AG, Panasonic’s LUMIX digital cameras also incorporate high quality Leica DC Lenses for creating beautiful photos.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games
“We’re extremely pleased to announce that the long-term partnership between the Olympic Games and Panasonic has allowed us to bring LUMIX digital cameras to the world sporting arena,” said Toshihiro Sakamoto, President of AVC Networks Company of Panasonic. “LUMIX has always been an important segment of our High Definition audio and visual equipment line-up. We are very proud of the high-quality images made possible by LUMIX, and we are confident that LUMIX’s participation in the Olympic Games will help billions of sports fans capture and share the unforgettable moment of Olympic Games with their family and friends.”

Panasonic official partner of Olympic Winter Games 2010
John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Games said, “Panasonic is a valued partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Panasonic’s continued innovation and contribution in High Definition technology will enable visitors to the Games to more deeply share and experience the unmatched excitement of the Games.”

Souce: www.letsgodigital.org

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In my prior review of the Lensbaby 3G I said, "Every once and a while a product comes along and you really misjudge it. It may be that you are too hasty, or that you just don't understand the potential that it really brings. Or it just may be that it, over time, has matured into a really great product." Well, the Lensbaby line continues to mature and grow. They have released a number of new lenses and accessories that I am planning on looking at. This first one is called Composer.

The 3G was a bellows style of lens. That is, it is focused by moving the lens to the sweet spot and manipulating the bellows device to gain focus. The Composer is a completely new style of lens that is based on a ball and socket configuration. This provides a much smoother selective focus and affords much more ease in movement. With the 3G you had to use two hands, one to manipulate the bellows, and one to focus the sweet spot, in the Composer, you simply tilt the lens to a desired angle and focus with a traditional barrel ring.

The Composer stays in the proper angle without having to use the screw locks to hold it in place. It also is capable of using the new Lensbaby Optic Swap System which is a series of add-on lenses that can give you additional looks for your Composer. I will cover some of these in a separate review.

While I loved the 3G, the Composer is so much easier to use because of the ball joint architecture. You just push the front element of the lens one way or the other to focus your frame. There is a black ring on the mount that will allow you to adjust how tight the ball joint is and therefore how much wiggle room it has. This one you basically set it and forget it.

From: feedproxy.google.com

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Canon and Nikon have released firmware updates for the 40D, D3 and D700 DSLRS. All three updates correct rare errors and make minor changes to camera behavior. The 40D is updated to firmware v1.1.1. The Nikon D3 moves to v2.01 and the D700 to V1.01. Full details of all the issues resolved are made on the relevant company’s websites.

By: www.dpreview.com

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“When I was walking in the forest I came across a Norwegian Spruce (Picea abies) tree that was broken and I liked the view with the trunk looking at the fallen tree. It seems like a strong wind had passed through the forest and snapped the tree in two. There was several trees in that area that had been toppled over some years ago (the vegetation had started to grow back) so it was a cool area to explore.

“I had to climb up some trees to get this picture and I almost fell down several times ;). I think the broken tree picture got somewhat of a dark, eerie feeling to it. What do you think?”. Taken by Jungl Thomas

Source: planetearthdailyphoto.blogspot.com

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Kodak and Lexar Media introduce SDHC video memory card : Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, in conjunction with Kodak, introduced the new Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card. This advanced compact memory card provides users of flash-based digital camcorders and point-and-shoot cameras, as well as all SDHC-compatible devices, including Kodak’s Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera, with a high-performance, high-capacity solution for High Definition video capture. The new card combines the quality and guaranteed compatibility that Kodak users have come to trust with the innovative and reliable technology of Lexar Media.
Kodak SDHC video memory card
Available in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities with the ability to record up to 90 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours of HD video content, respectively, the Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card provides a high-capacity solution for capturing HD-quality video using SDHC-compatible digital cameras and other devices, which have been increasing in popularity for use with video-sharing sites. Thanks to these large-capacity storage options, consumers no longer have to lug around a pocketful of cards in order to avoid sacrificing either the amount of video footage they wish to capture or its image quality. The SDHC Video Memory Card from Kodak offers the freedom and flexibility to capture and store more high-quality video content on a single card.

Kodak video memory card for mixed-media devices
The Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card was specifically designed to address the increasing demands of today’s advanced mixed-media devices. Noted Manisha Sharma, Lexar Media director of product marketing, “Today’s value-conscious consumers are looking for ways to affordably increase the memory capacity of their existing digital devices. The real benefit of the Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card is that it allows users to shoot more HD video clips of friends and family, giving them the opportunity to capture and store more of life’s important moments. Additionally, the card makes it easy to share video content through the popular Kodak Gallery or other video-sharing websites.”

Kodak adaptability with video versatility
The Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card lets consumers maximize the storage capabilities of a wide range of digital devices and is ideal for use with Flash-based digital compact camcorders, digital point-and-shoot cameras, other SDHC-compatible digital devices and Video Cameras such as the Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera. Compatible with both digital camcorders and cameras, the cards provide users with a convenient, affordable way to increase onboard memory and capacity for HD video capture, storage and archiving.

Lexar media capacity and performance
Consumers will be especially pleased by the various high-capacity options available. The Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card has a Class 4 rating, offering high-speed video transfer from the card to a computer. These factors make this an excellent solution for storing large quantities of HD video on a single card. The Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card includes a 5-year limited warranty and will be available in March 2009.

Souce: www.letsgodigital.org

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Labs beta: As revealed last Thursday (our tenth anniversary) today we are flicking the switch on our latest (and potentially biggest) new site feature. Our Challenges system provides a mechanism by which photographic challenges can be both created and entered by any member of our community. The initial beta has a few limitations (see inside for details). That said we’re excited to make this new feature available today and hope you will enjoy testing it, we would actively encourage feedback using the special link available at the bottom of all challenges pages.

Phil: We’re excited (and naturally a little nervous) but hope you’ll enjoy trying out this new site feature (remember it’s in beta), please remember that this is a taster of what will be available in the final version.

Challenges beta limitations

• Challenges can only be entered, not created (first challenges available have been created by us) *
• Only voting system available is stars (out of five), only one voting phase
• Phase periods are currently fixed at a week (one week for submissions, one week for votes)

A taste of some future Challenges features

• User created challenges
• User challenge profiles (images submitted, challenges won, etc.)
• Support for series of challenges
• Forums integration with forum specific challenges
• Commenting
• Multiple voting types (including various points systems, short listing)
• "Pass the baton" style Challenge creation (winner creates the next Challenge)
• Additional display modes for challenge page
• Challenges widget on front page of the site

* Volunteers to become Series / Challenge hosts please contact us via this link, please note we will only consider you for this position if you can demonstrate some experience of challenge creation / series management

(to get going to just click on a Challenge that interests you and then the button)

By: www.dpreview.com

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Over the last few weeks we’ve started to see a range of new cameras released. We’re updating many of those that capture our interest at the Digital Camera and Gear blog at Digital Photography School.

Here are a few new ones to hit the market:

• Canon Powershot A480 - 10MP, 3.3x Optical Zoom
• Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-G3 - 10.1MP, 4x Optical Zoom and with WiFi
• Olympus SP-590UZ - 12MP and with a 26x Optical Zoom
• Pentax Optio E70 and P70 - two compact digital cameras

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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Announced late last night at Wired.com is an awesome new photography contest, whereupon the subject is the elusive and oft-captured shadow.

The contest trounced across my computer screen and into my head just a few hours later and I have not been able to forget about it! It's like a song you hear on a television commercial and cannot get out of your head, nor can you fill that space with another song.

I have been shooting regular (as opposed to unleaded?) photography for a couple of decades and stock photography for a few years. I have become accustomed to the fact that the shadow will, on the norm, kill a good stock photograph. Kill it!

That has not deterred my fascination, neigh obsession for capturing the shades of gray human form, nor has it allayed my desire to do so, but there has, fortunate for me, not been that many opportunities to suspend the aforementioned form in a digital format, as I shoot in a digital format.

The fine print entails that the submitted photograph be one that you shot, the bigger the better (800×1200 is the accepted minimum), and a description of the image to include exposure, employed hardware, along with whatever else you would like to include. It must also be hosted on a Web site and the link submitted to enter the contest.

The winning image will be selected by popular vote. The top ten of those will be displayed on the Wired.com homepage.

Here is my chance! Here is your chance! And this is our chance to shine like the brightest photographic stars that we are.

So, go! Rush out into the streets, the alleys, the caverns, the piano mills, and the shopping malls.

Aim for the gray, the other side of the road, defy the wind, the rain, and the obnoxious and go for the gold! This is your chance.

From: feedproxy.google.com

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