Travel Photographer of the Year Digital Photo Contest
The Travel Photographer of the Year competition for 2008 is now open for entries. Travel photographers can submit their best digital photos in a variety of categories until September 9, 2008. A photo competition run by photographers, the Travel Photographer of the Year competition has been running since 2003 and has attracted entries from 60 countries.
Prizes include vacations to beautiful travel locations and the latest digital photography equipment. The 2008 main prize includes a place on the High & Wild Everest Skydive expedition in 2009. View the Travel Photographer of the Year winning digital photos from previous years here.
Travel Photographer of the Year 2008 Opens for Entries
The 2008 Travel Photographer of the Year competition is now open for entries, giving amateur and professional photographers worldwide the chance to win superb prizes and gain international exposure for their photography.There are three portfolio categories - Life, Call of the Wild and Joy of Travel - a One Shot category, Destination Anywhere, and Young TPOTY. For the first time, this year TPOTY has introduced a new category, First Shot: Wish You Were Here, for less experienced photographers, and three special £1,000 awards for the Best Single Image in a Portfolio.
This year's prizes include a place on the 2009 High & Wild Everest Skydive Expedition and fascinating Intrepid Travel trips to India and Cuba and to see the mountain gorillas of Uganda. TPOTY 2008 prizes also offer a chance to get into fine art photography with a large format Linhof Technorama panoramic camera, Adobe professional imaging software, Wacom interactive pen displays and pen tablets, photographic and digital imaging tuition from Iridius and PhotoIconic, Lee filters, Lexar Professional CompactFlash cards and Dual-slot USB card readers, and Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio books. And the winners and other highly-ranked photographers will see their images feature in the new Travel Photographer of the Year book, Journey Three.
TPOTY organiser, Chris Coe, said, "Over the last five years TPOTY has established the very highest standards. Whilst maintaining these standards we are also looking to help less experienced photographers, so we’ve introduced First Shot. This is a new single image category for images taken on basic SLRs, compact cameras and mobile phones, with tuition-based prizes designed to encourage these photographers and to help them improve their photography.
“2008 also sees the introduction of awards for the best single images entered in the portfolio categories. Every year we see strong images in the non-winning portfolios, so these awards recognise this and reward great photography whilst still challenging photographers to test their skills at shooting and putting together a portfolio.
“It will surprise many people that we are offering a film camera as part of the top prize. However, we receive about half our entries shot on film, and the Linhof is no ordinary camera, giving photographers the chance to shoot high quality, fine art images in the challenging panoramic format.”
Categories and Prizes in Detail
Overall winner
The photographer with the best entries in two separate portfolio categories will become Travel Photographer of the Year 2008 and win an amazing prize. They will receive a Linhof Technorama panoramic camera and join High & Wild on the Everest Skydive expedition in 2009. They will be part of the ground crew on this unique adventure, as the world's elite skydivers dive amongst some of the world’s highest mountains, giving the award-winning photographer unrivaled opportunities to shoot outstanding and unusual images in the Himalayas with the Linhof. They will also receive Adobe CS3 Web + Lightroom software, a personalised Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio book and £250 worth of Lee Filters, to enable them to take their images to even greater heights.
Call of the Wild Portfolio
The winner of this category will answer the call of the wild as they join Intrepid Travel on a Gorilla Encounter in Uganda and Kenya, seeing the magical mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. They will also receive a Wacom Intuos3 A5 Wide pen tablet, Adobe Photoshop CS3 + Lightroom and a beautiful Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio book. The runner-up wins a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader plus £250 to spend on Lee Filters, while the 3rd and 4th-placed entrants each receive a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader.
Joy of Travel Portfolio
The winner of this category will join Intrepid Travel on a ‘Slowly Down the Ganges’ trip along India's legendary river and receive a Wacom Cintiq 12WX Interactive Pen Display and Adobe Photoshop + Lightroom software. The runner-up wins a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader plus £250 to spend on Lee Filters, while the 3rd and 4th-placed entrants each receive a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader.
Life Portfolio
The winner of this category will join Intrepid Travel on a ‘Rum and Rumba’ trip to discover the best of Cuba and receive a Wacom Cintiq 12WX Interactive Pen Display and Adobe Photoshop + Lightroom software. The runner-up wins a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader plus £250 to spend on Lee Filters, while the 3rd and 4th-placed entrants each receive a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader.
Best Portfolio Image Awards
The photographers with the best individual images in the three portfolio categories (not necessarily the photographers with the winning portfolios) will each win £1,000.
One Shot - Destination Anywhere
A one shot category for those great individual travel shots. The winner of this category receives £1,000, plus Adobe Photoshop CS3 + Lightroom software. The runner-up and the 3rd and 4th-placed entrants each win a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader.
First Shot - Wish You Were Here
A new single image category for less experienced amateur photographers aged 17 and above. Photographers submitting entries for this particular category will, for the first time in the competition's history, be able to submit images taken on a mobile phone. The ten top-scoring entrants in this category will each take part in a PhotoIconic Shoot, Edit, Print three-day photography course, receiving intensive photographic and digital imaging tuition from TPOTY judge and professional photographer, Chris Coe, and Adobe Photoshop expert Terry Steeley of Iridius.
Young TPOTY - Journey
For photographers aged 16 and under. The Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2008 will take part in a PhotoIconic Shoot, Edit, Print three-day photography course, and will receive Photoshop Elements + Premier Elements +Lightroom and a Wacom Bamboo Fun Medium pen tablet. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th-placed Young TPOTY entrants will each win a 4GB Lexar Professional 300x UDMA CompactFlash card and Dual-slot USB card reader.
Entry Dates and Entry Fees
Further information and entry forms are available from www.tpoty.com. The competition closes on September 9th. Entry costs £10 for a single image category and £15 for a portfolio category, and entry to Young TPOTY is free.
Travel Photographer of the Year Background
Travel Photographer of the Year was launched in 2003, and rapidly became one of the world's most prestigious photographic competitions. Entries are received from amateur and professional photographers in over 60 countries every year. The prize packages always combine imaginative travel and the latest photographic equipment. The overall winner of TPOTY 2007, Cat Vinton, is currently preparing for her High & Wild prize trip to Dharamsala, India, where she will photograph the Dalai Lama.Digital Camera - Nikon COOLPIX S52C
Nikon has begun shipping its new COOLPIX S52C digital camera that features Wi-Fi capability to send emails of digital photos and videos through the T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi service. Users can also upload images to the popular online digital photo sharing service Flickr through Nikon's own my Picturetown digital photo sharing hub.
Besides the Wi-Fi feature, the Nikon COOLPIX S52C digital camera also comes with 9 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens. The compact digital camera also has a 3.0 inch LCD screen for previewing digital photos and changing settings. The COOLPIX S52C utilizes Optical Vibration Reduction Image Stabilitization system to reduce blur and capture sharper images.
The Nikon COOLPIX S52C is available now at a manufacturer suggested retail price of $279.95 (www.nikonusa.com).
MELVILLE, NY (May 16, 2008) - This month Nikon begins shipping the new COOLPIX S52c digital camera. Each S52c ships with six-months of complimentary T-Mobile® HotSpot Wi-Fi service for digital cameras, which allows the user to send images and videos from thousands of T-Mobile® HotSpot locations within the United States*.
In addition to an innovative Wi-Fi feature, the S52c boasts 9 megapixel resolution for generating high quality prints, a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens ensuring great pictures with true-to-life color, and a huge, bright 3.0-inch LCD screen for users to easily compose and share images. To help ensure the consumer will be able to capture stunningly sharp images, the S52c utilizes an Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization system and ISO up to 3200, enhancing the camera’s low-light performance.
Across town or across the ocean, by using the S52c’s One Touch Email with the Picture Mail button and Nikon’s photo sharing hub, my Picturetown, consumers can take advantage of several avenues for sharing their images and videos. Through my Picturetown, users can email pictures directly to friends and family, publish pictures to the photo community sharing website Flickr, and link their photos to blogs and social networking sites. Pictures can also be sent to the email addresses of certain mobile phones for viewing.
In addition, S52c owners can utilize my Picturetown to store up to 2 gigabytes of images and movies for free, providing a valuable back up to memory card storage. S52c users are able to access my Picturetown from their computers, and nearly any portable device with internet accessibility, providing instant access to their images anytime, anywhere.
The COOLPIX S52c digital camera will be available nationwide beginning May 16, 2008. The S52c has an MSRP Price of $279.95. For more information about this and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
*Six months of complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot service begins the first time you automatically connect your COOLPIX S52c digital camera to the T-Mobile network at a T-Mobile HotSpot location within the U.S. The T-Mobile HotSpot promotional offer does not include access to T-Mobile HotSpot roaming locations from the COOLPIX S52c. This offer expires on May 30, 2009.
Photobucket Digital Photo Sharing
CBS News Tech division explores the simple pleasures of the Photobucket digital photo sharing service. Since digital cameras revolutionized photography, people everywhere have wanted to show off their shots to a wide audience on the Internet, and Photobucket is one of the more popular online photo sharing services available due to their integration with various social networking sites. Other online digital photo sharing services include Picasa, Flickr, Snapfish and Shutterfly.
The Wonders of Digital Photo Sharing
LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2008 (CBS) At the risk of stating the obvious, digital photography is one of the great revolutions of our time. By eliminating the cost of film and developing, and making cameras cheaper, smaller and more readily available, the technology has sparked a renaissance in photo taking.Now that most cell phones have built-in cameras, digital cameras are literally everywhere and always with us. Even those of us who don't think to pack our cameras when we leave the house, probably have a camera thanks to cell phones.
One of the biggest changes brought about by digital photography is the way we show off our pictures. Until a few years ago, the only way to share photos was through prints, but most digital pictures taken today are never printed. Many, I suppose, are also never shared, but those that are shared with others are often viewed on a screen rather than on paper.
Read Full Article - The Wonders Of Digital Photo Sharing
Everyday Smiles Photo Contest by Sony and Reuters
Reuters Media and Sony Electronics have together launched the “Everyday Smiles” photo contest. Digital photographs of people smiling can be uploaded to the photo contest website now through June 16, and winning entries will be displayed on the Times Square digital billboards in the heart of New York City.
The competition is also meant to feature Sony's new Smile Shutter technology that detects smiles and automatically captures natural looking expressions and smiles. The Smile Shutter technology is available on the latest Sony Cybershot digital cameras.
'Everyday Smiles' Photo Contest on Reuters.com
Sony Electronics and Reuters Media have teamed up to launch the “Everyday Smiles” photo contest on Reuters.com.Aspiring U.S. photographers are invited to submit photos of themselves, their friends and their families smiling now through June 16.
The winning photos will be displayed on the Times Square digital billboards, part of Reuters Media’s publishing platform, in the heart of New York’s Times Square.
The photo submission program promotes Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology in its latest Cyber-shot® digital cameras.
When the smile shutter feature is activated, the camera automatically captures a smile without your having to press the shutter. The result is snapshots with natural-looking smiles and expressions.
This new contest follows the "Take Your Best Shot" citizen photojournalism campaign that the two companies launched last year, attracting more than 1,000 entries.
Entries for the Everyday Smiles contest must be received between now and June 16, 2008 and submitted online at the Everyday Smiles Contest Website. Instructions for submission, along with the official contest rules, are available online at: http://www.reuters.com/youWitnessTermsOfUse.
Kodak Digital Photo Frames Preloaded with Your Photos
Kodak has announced that it will be offering Kodak Digital Photo Frames and Kodak Picture Cards pre-loaded with your favorite photos from the Kodak Gallery. Perfect as gifts for family and friends, you can have the digital photos preloaded and shipped directly from the online Kodak Gallery.
Kodak Digital Picture Frames have been very popular and the Kodak Picture Cards are compatible with various digital photo frames that have memory card slots. For more information, go to the Kodak website.
EMERYVILLE, California, May 13, 2008 - KODAK Gallery, a leading online photo service with 70 million members worldwide, today announced that members can now purchase KODAK Digital Picture Frames preloaded with up to 100 of their favorite Gallery photos. It only takes a few clicks online to choose the frame you want, select your pictures and Gallery will load the pictures on the frame and ship the package directly to you or your friends and family members.
“KODAK Digital Pictures Frames are very popular and we’re thrilled to build on that popularity by offering an easy way for people to share pictures with the people they love, and the best part is that we do the work for you,” said Madhav Mehra, General Manager of KODAK Gallery. “These new preloaded frames make great gifts and with the preloaded KODAK Picture Card, you can continue to send new pictures anytime.”
With pre-loaded KODAK Digital Picture Frames, offered exclusively through KODAK Gallery, anyone can experience the benefits of the latest digital display technology, regardless of technical ability. Whether you are purchasing a frame for yourself or as a gift, it provides an effortless way to enjoy digital pictures.
Details about Preloaded KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Picture Frames and Preloaded KODAK Picture Cards:
- Minutes to Make: simply choose the frame you want and select up to 100 of your favorite KODAK Gallery photos. We’ll ship the package to you or someone else.
- Effortless Operation: We load the pictures for you. Simply plug in your preloaded KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Picture Frame and enjoy the show!
- Sleek, Stylish and Intuitive: KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Picture Frames preloaded with up to 100 of your photos come in a variety of sizes – 7-inch ($144.95 plus shipping), 8-inch ($174.95 plus shipping), and 10-inch ($224.95 plus shipping) standard frames and a 10-inch wi-fi enabled wireless frame ($274.95 plus shipping).
- Unsurpassed Quality: All frames feature KODAK Color Science, delivering vibrant color and crisp detail; a clean, thin design; plug-and-play simplicity; as well as support for both vertical and horizontal photos.
- Music to Your Ears: Play your favorite MP3s on your frame through built-in stereo speakers.
- Room to Grow: KODAK Picture Cards ($19.95 plus shipping) are preloaded with up to 100 of your favorite Gallery photos and are also sold separately so you can always have your latest and greatest memories on display. KODAK Picture Cards are compatible with any brand of digital frame that has a card slot.
Go to Kodak.com to purchase digital photo frames or Kodak Picture Cards preloaded with your favorite digital photos.
Olympus Releases New Super-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
The new Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 Zoom Lens from Olympus allows super-wide-angle digital photography in a compact, lightweight package. The lens is compliant with the Four Thirds System standard for digital SLR cameras and covers a wide focal length range.
The lens is compatible with all Olympus E-series digital SLR cameras and is highly portable, measuring less than 3 inches in length. The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 Zoom Lens is expected to retail at $599.99 beginning in fall 2008.
Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 Zoom Lens
New Ultra-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens is Easy on the Back and the WalletCENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – Olympus has applied its optical expertise to develop the Zuiko Digital 18-36mm equivalent (ED 9-18mm Four Thirds) f4.0-f5.6, a super-wide-angle zoom lens covering a wide focal length range. This compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens can be used on any of the Olympus E-System digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera bodies, and measures only 3 inches long and weighs a mere 9.88 ounces for greater portability.
The lens’ lightweight design coupled with In-Body Image Stabilization – available in the flagship E-3, E-510 and the newly announced E-520 – makes capturing amazing, blur-free images possible even without a tripod. Olympus now offers two super-wide-angle zoom lenses (9-18mm affordable consumer lens and 7-14mm splash-proof lens for the pro photographer) that feature both a focal distance equivalent to less than 20mm on a 35mm camera and image stabilization. E-System owners also realize the benefits of Live View, which makes it possible to shoot from unique perspectives that are difficult with an optical viewfinder alone, including over a crowd or at ground-level to catch a toddler’s first steps.
"Affordable super wide-angle lenses with equivalent focal lengths less than 20mm have not been widely available in digital SLR photography,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Pairing this lens or any of the other Zuiko digital lenses with the new E-520, and its in-body image stabilization, provides a combination ideal for lower light shots like a fountain at night. This combination offers image stabilization for a super wide-angle zoom not found in camera systems with in-lens stabilization."
100% Digital-Specific Lens for Sharpness and Rich Colors
The 9-18mm lens is part of Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.Availability and U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f.4.0-f5.6 will be available in the fall of 2008. The estimated street price will be $599.99.
Digital SLR Camera - Olympus E-520
Olympus' new digital SLR camera - the Olympus E-520 - features major developments in image stabilization to produce sharper, clearer digital photographs. The E-520 digital SLR camera produces 10.1 megapixel digital photographs and has a 2.7 inch LCD screen with Olympus' Live View technology that allows precise composition by bringing the preview images into sharp focus.
The Olympus E-520 digital SLR camera also features the TruePic III digital image processor produces advanced signal processing to reduce noise, even on high ISO settings, and fast digital photo processing. The E-520 digital SLR camera also features Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and wireless flash capabilities to further enhance the digital SLR experience.
The Olympus E-520 digital SLR camera is expected to retail in July 2008 at $599.99.
Olympus E-520 Digital SLR Camera
In-Body Image Stabilization Steadies Any Lens; Take-Anywhere Portable Design Means You’ll Capture It AllCENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – The new Olympus E-520 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera delivers brilliant images thanks to advanced technologies that help take the blur out. Industry leading Image Stabilization built into the portable camera body compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any lens and even at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus Live View brings subjects into sharp focus on the camera’s HyperCrystal™ II LCD. Together, these technologies produce amazing results, along with the following features that further expand the DSLR experience:
- In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive™ technology provides blur-free images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses;
- Face Detection Technology targets and locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits;
- Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while maintaining detail in the highlights; and
- Perfect Shot Preview enables photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it.
Enhanced In-Body Image Stabilization
For the first time, in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization has three modes for increased versatility. IS-1 mode for general shooting adjusts the sensor on both the X and Y axes to compensate for movement by the photographer so images stay sharp even at slow shutter speeds. To capture the motion of athletes and animals, and other moving subjects, the E-520 offers two specialized modes. IS-2 mode is ideal for capturing a racecar flying down the track, preserving the sense of motion while panning with the moving subject and holding the camera horizontally to dramatically portray the car’s high speed. For sharp images of moving subjects like a basketball player charging up the court, the IS-3 mode allows a photographer to hold the camera vertically while panning. The artistic effects of panning enhance the shot and render the player in sharp detail with blurred background.The Live View Experience
The portable E-520’s advanced autofocus Live View enables photographers to compose their images and bring them into sharp focus on the HyperCrystal II LCD – just like a point-and-shoot camera. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to compose, focus and capture sharp images while viewing on the LCD. Live View makes it possible to shoot upward from a low angle for dramatic composition, in close for detailed macro photos of an exotic insect, or over a crowd of people at a tennis tournament.New and Improved HyperCrystal™ II LCD
The E-520’s viewable HyperCrystal II LCD is the key to its Live View capabilities. While some LCD screens force photographers to squint to preview images in bright sunlight or a dimly lit room, the E-520 features a large, bright 2.7-inch LCD display that incorporates new technology. It also offers twice the contrast for better viewing in extreme light conditions, a larger color gamut that displays a greater range of color detail, and a 176-degree viewing angle.Always Find a Face in the Crowd
The E-520’s Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in photography by distinguishing between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area even if people are moving and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.In Sunshine or the Shadows, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-520 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can preview and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also available in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.Preview a Multitude of Possibilities
Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select from a variety of thumbnail previews of the photographic effects of white balance and exposure compensation adjustments live on the LCD before taking the photograph. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, visually, without having to scroll through menu options. With 20 preset scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario from underwater photography to fireworks, and program, automatic modes and full manual controls, the E-520 offers a world of possibilities to photographers.Experience Life under the Sea
Olympus will offer the PT-E05 optional underwater housing for the E-520 to allow photographers to document the richness of life in the depths. Capable of reaching depths of 130 feet underwater, the housing will ensure that divers will not miss an image during their journeys to the abyss. Special underwater scene modes on the E-520 will assure that the camera is set up correctly for underwater use.Wireless Flash Capability
Sometimes wireless flashes can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects and capture great images. For this reason, the E-520 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-520, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-520 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed
The 10.1 megapixel E-520’s TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all of the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image. Olympus’ proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.Easy to Handle, Easy to Operate
The E-520 is extremely portable, measuring 5.35 inches (width) by 3.6 inches (height) and 2.68 inches (depth), excluding protrusions, and weighing 16.75 ounces (body only). The new camera has a classic penta-mirror design that is light and compact enough to shoot with all day. It features a comfortable ergonomic grip to ensure that the camera fits snugly in the hand. Beyond its portable size, the E-520 has an expanded menu for greater control and buttons on the body for quick and easy direct access to the most common settings. Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards, the camera provides a choice of data-storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.100% Digital-Specific Lens for Sharpness and Rich Colors
The E-520 outfit includes a compact, Zuiko Digital 28-84mm equivalent (ED 14–42 mm Four Thirds) f3.5–f5.6 lens that perfectly matches the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure rich, accurate colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Its 3x ED Glass zoom lens covers the range most frequently used in photography and weighs just 7.5 ounces, offering users an extremely dynamic, portable, everyday-use zoom. Close-ups as near as 9.84 inches (0.25 m) are possible throughout the zoom range. This lens is part of Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.Digital Camera Availability
The Olympus E-520 Digital SLR will be available in July 2008. It includes: E-520 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.U.S. Pricing/Product Configurations
E-520 body Estimated Street Price: $599.99
E-520 with ED 14–42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99
Digital Photography Primer Workshop
DIY Network's series on Digital Photography aims to present the basics of this craft to the uninitiated as well as beginning digital photographers. The first topic covered in the Intro to Digital Photography episode, the 'Digital Photography Primer,' talks about the basics and the differences between digital and film photography.
Photography, like so many other things in modern life, has gone digital. As a result, a large and growing number of individuals are opting for cameras that make pictures using pixels instead of film.
There are still plenty of traditional photographers out there -- professionals, diehards, artists and purists -- stubbornly holding onto their SLR cameras, 35mm film and darkroom equipment like bulldogs. But for many people, the ease and convenience of digital photography is just too tempting to resist. That's particularly true as the PC, which is helping to integrate digital photography into the mainstream, becomes a standard fixture in typical homes.
In this workshop, professional photographer Rick Sammons discusses some of the advantages, capabilities and special features of digital photography, and provides practical advice for successful use of digital cameras and related accessories. He also covers the role of the computer -- and specialized image software -- for displaying, printing, manipulating and electronically sharing your digital pictures.
Read Full Article - Digital Photography Primer
Digital Photography Tutorial - Infrared Photography
Cliff Smith presents an easy to follow tutorial to take digital photographs in the infrared spectrum. Infrared photography opens new possibilities for digital photographers and is a wonderful opportunity to experiment.
The colours of visible light by which we see the world around us are only a small part of the total spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Other parts of this invisible spectrum have an effect on us though. We're all familiar with the effects of ultraviolet light, which has a shorter wavelength than visible light. UV is what gives us a suntan and makes our teeth, underwear and dandruff glow in a nightclub. It can also give us skin cancer and make inkjet prints fade.
At the other end of the spectrum, longer wavelengths are known as infrared, and we feel these wavelengths as heat. Infrared light is emitted by the sun and other hot objects. It is used in thermograph cameras for tracking criminals, and by alien predators tracking Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The electromagnetic spectrum doesn't end there. Beyond ultraviolet lie Gamma rays and X-rays, while longer wavelengths than infrared include microwaves and radio waves, but for today we're interested in the infrared portion of the spectrum.
Read the Full Article - Digital Photography Tutorial – Infrared
Hama releases Carbon Camera Tripods
Hama has released its latest line of carbon tripods aimed at semi-professional digital photographers. The lightweight and high stability of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics make it ideal for digital camera tripods.
Weighing under 3 kg, or 6.6 lbs., the Omega Carbon III digital camera tripod is the ideal traveling companion for digital photographers who shoot high-angle shots. The Omega Carbon III tripod's height is adjustable from 28 in to almost 80 in.
The smaller Hama Omega Carbon II camera tripod has an adjustable height of between 27 in and 69 in. It weighs about 2.5 kg, or 5.5 lbs. Both camera tripods also come with Hama's impressive precision 3D ball head.
Hama presents its new Omega Carbon tripod series for semi-pros.
Carbon for connoisseurs
Carbon, used colloquially to describe carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, is used in products that require high stability at a relatively light weight, such as in automobile construction or sporting goods. The two new Omega Carbon II and III tripods from Hama take advantage of these characteristics, and are stable and lightweight at the same time.Lightweight giant: Omega Carbon III
Omega Carbon III’s height adjusts from 71 to an imposing 202 centimeters, making the tripod ideal for taking impressive high-angle photos. Including the versatile 3D precision ballhead, the tripod weighs just under three kilograms; it is the perfect traveling companion. The completely removable central column helps with this, too. It can become a fully adjustable monopod, with a height of 54 to 158 centimeters; or, inserted upside-down into the tripod, it can be used for macro photography.Little brother: Omega Carbon II
The little brother, the Omega Carbon II, with an extension length of 68 to 174 centimeters, weighs just 2.5 kilograms, including the tripod head. A crafty detail: the hook on the bottom of the extendable central column also functions as a holder for items such as the camera case, which means that they can be used to provide greater weight for improved stability.Comprehensive Features
What the two carbon tripods have in common are the comprehensive features. The stable 3D precision ball head is impressive. It features a separate ball and pan head lock, adjustable tension settings as well as a quick-release plate with a safety catch and locking screw. The four-piece tripod legs can be extended in three places and spread out in various patterns. The large, quick-action leg clamps help you fix the legs in the required position in a snap. Rubber feet with a ball joint and extensible steel spikes provide for completely secure positioning, even in rough terrain. The foam sheathing around the legs means that you will always have a comfortable and secure hold, even in the cold and during transport. The tripod case included with both models makes it easy to carry the tripod when you are on the go.
'Image Moments 8' Digital Photo Frame
Digital Foci has released its latest digital photo frame, the Image Moments 8, featuring an 8-inch screen and internal memory capable of holding up to 3000 digital photographs. The digital photo frame also features video and music playback as well as capabilities to organize and view photos in specific folders.
Digital Foci's Image Moments 8 also automatically detects orientation and rotates images accordingly. Furthermore, automatic on/off timers allow users to display images at certain times. Digital Foci has released the Image Moments 8 digital photo frame just in time for Mother's Day and is priced at $199.00 on www.digitalfoci.com.
Los Angeles, May 2, 2008 – Digital Foci, Inc. announced today that it’s now shipping the new “Image Moments 8” 8-inch screen digital photo frame, just in time for Mother’s Day. “Image Moments 8” features advanced LED Backlight Technology, 450MB of internal memory, and built-in memory card slots to let you display and share photos in sharp, vibrant color on its high-resolution digital LCD screen.
Preload mom’s favorite family photos: baby, children, grandchildren, or other photos, on Image Moments to give her the perfect Mother’s Day gift. With the convenient Auto-Start feature, Image Moments will automatically start a photo slideshow. She just needs to turn the frame on to immediately start enjoying and re-living precious photo moments. New photos can easily be added by inserting a memory card into Image Moments, or by transferring from the computer.
Image Moments 8 (Model IMT-083) has an 8-inch high-resolution SVGA (800x600) digital LCD screen with 500:1 contrast ratio and a unique proprietary Adapter Ring design that supports limitless custom framing options -- even your own custom creation. The frame also features an interchangeable mat with 3 color selections; a hinged memory card door to hide the cards from view for an elegant finish; and an easel leg for alternating between landscape and portrait positioning to make changing your home or office décor a snap.
Internal Memory for Over 3,000 Digital Photos!
Supports All Digital Camera Memory Card Formats
Image Moments 8 is now equipped with 450MB of internal memory, so it can store more than 3,000 photos (with image resolution of 1024 x 768). Photos can be copied directly into the internal memory from any memory card you place in its memory card slot, completely eliminating the need for a computer. For additional memory, photos can be viewed from all popular memory cards, including CompactFlash, SD/HC card, MMC, Memory Stick, MS PRO, xD-Picture Card, and even MS Duo/MS PRO Duo, directly without the need of an adapter. For those who wish to transfer photos back and forth from the computer to Image Moments, there’s also a USB slot to support computer connection.Unique Folder View – Works with Picasa Web Albums
Image Moments lets you search your memory card contents easily in the “Folder View Mode” and browse through photos in “Photo Thumbnail View.” The unique folder view lets you play and organize your photos by folders, so you can playback specific folders as needed. In addition, users can easily download and store Picasa Web Albums to Image Moments and play chosen Web Albums as a photo slideshow. Sophisticated file management features are also available, including copy, rename, delete files, sort files by name or date, and create new folders. You can also create, edit, and sequence multiple playlists on Image Moments and select a specific playlist to playback.Advanced Playback Options
Image Moments 8’s “Photo Slideshow Mode” automatically displays your photos with options for random photo play, transition effects, and slideshow intervals. You can create unique slideshows by selecting specific photos from multiple memory card sources to view. Play videos or photo slideshows with music from a variety of music file formats to personalize your experience.Automatically Rotates Digital Photos for Correct Display
Portrait and landscape photos are automatically rotated by reading the photo’s EXIF data to display correctly according to the orientation of the frame through the built-in auto-rotate orientation sensor. Other great new features include an automatic on/off timer with three schedule settings, which can be set to activate or turn off according to your schedule.Image Moments 8 Digital Photo Frame Features
- 8" SVGA (800x600 pixel) color TFT-LCD screen
- 450 MB built-in internal memory
- Built-in support for SD/HC, CF, MS/Duo, xD
- Interchangeable mat & frame design
- Video and music playback
- Folder structure for playback specific folders
- Playback from one or multiple memory sources
- Random play photo slideshow
- Auto-Start features
- Automatic on/off timer
- Create, edit, sequence playlists
- Auto-rotate orientation sensor
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