PhotoNews

March 2, 2009 – Consumers looking to further express their identity through their cameras have found a new outlet – customizable Skinit skins for their Olympus digital compact cameras. The two companies are partnering to put the creative skinning power in consumers’ hands.

“Beyond capturing great images, Olympus digital compact cameras can be great accessories and consumers can take this to the next level with a personalized design,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc.

With countless options, from professional and college teams to entertainment, holidays and cause-related themes, the choice is yours – or upload your own photo or design! You’re limited only by your imagination. Proof that Olympus enables consumers to capture it all.

For more information on Skinit visit www.skinit.com.

SOURCE OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

March 2, 2009 –Olympus announced today that it is teaming with The Coleman Company, Inc. to offer new binoculars featuring Olympus’ superior optics and rugged durability combined with Coleman’s outdoor brand appeal. The binoculars, co-branded under a licensing agreement, will be offered by Olympus in three distinct models – Standard, Compact and Waterproof – and will be ideal for hikers, campers or any outdoor enthusiasts.

“The new Coleman binoculars will complement our existing line-up of outdoor cameras and binoculars, specifically our Stylus Tough and E-System cameras as well as Magellan binoculars,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The partnership will also enable us to reach new consumers where Coleman products are traditionally sold.”

Olympus, through its partnership with the National Park Service, promotes active, healthy lifestyles and encourages consumers to visit our nation’s parks. Whether you’re hiking the Grand Canyon or bird watching in Yellowstone, the new Coleman binoculars are for you. Proof that Olympus enables consumers to capture it all.

The new Coleman-edition binoculars, which will be offered in “Coleman green,” will be available in summer 2009. The 10x50 standard model features high magnification with an expansive field of view that makes it easy to track moving subjects like birds and other wild life. The 8x21 compact binoculars offer 8x magnification and are so small they easily fit in a jacket pocket, making it easy to roam the great outdoors. The new 8x25 binoculars are waterproof, dirtproof and fogproof – all in a lightweight, portable size great for climbing and kayaking.

SOURCE OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

February 24, 2009 – As children, our imaginations run wild and finger-painted artistic creations are proudly displayed on our family refrigerators. But as we grow older, we learn to color inside the lines, and have less and less time for art. We often lose touch with how satisfying it is to create something uniquely our own. Olympus delivers the new E-620 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera to bring back that free-style experimenting and the magical feeling of being inspired by our own art.

The new camera’s easy-to-use Art Filters and Multiple Exposures (built right into the camera) are fun for consumers – whether you’ve been shooting for years or picked up your first digital camera today. Enjoy capturing creative images on the go – without being tethered to a computer and editing software! Now it is possible to easily customize your images so they’re worthy of posting on the gallery wall (or at least the family fridge).

“Experimenting and creating your own unique masterpieces has never been easier or more fun,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Pop Art, Grainy Black & White, and Pin Hole are just a few creative options that can be effortlessly found on the camera’s mode dial. The access is easy, and the results are fun and limitless.” Read more

February 24, 2009 - SanDisk Corporation today announced that it has shipped the latest editions of its popular SanDisk ImageMate memory card readers, which provide enhanced user experience through increased efficiency and faster data transfer rates. The new readers have shipped to retailers in North America and are available for purchase at this time.

Faster, smaller and sleeker than their predecessors, and featuring upgraded software applications, the new ImageMate All-In-One and Multi-Card readers quickly and conveniently transfer data between a wide range of memory card formats and a host computer. The All-In-One memory card reader can reach speeds of up to 34 megabytes per second (MB/s) when using a SanDisk Extreme IV 45MB/s CompactFlash card, and the Multi-Card reader is capable of up to 30MB/s read and 27 MB/s write data transfer rates when using a SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC card. Sporting a stylish glossy black and metallic silver design, each reader's tripod base is detachable, creating instant portability. Read more

February 23, 2009--Samsung Electronics America today unveiled two new 12 mega-pixel compact digital cameras boasting 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lenses. Samsung’s new TL320 raises the bar for innovation in the digital imaging industry as it is the world’s first digital camera to feature a three-inch AMOLED screen with HVGA resolution. The new HZ15W, Samsung’s second mega-zoom, point-and-shoot digital camera, offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot with an impressive focal length of 24-240mm (35mm film equivalent).

The TL320

The new TL320 goes above and beyond traditional compact point-and-shoot digital cameras, offering an impressive list of features that set the camera apart from the competition. The TL320 features a Schneider lens, renowned for quality and trusted by professionals worldwide, and offers consumers a more versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle focal length paired with a powerful 5x optical zoom.

Utilizing the same advanced technologies found in its revolutionary AMOLED televisions, Samsung was able to incorporate a three-inch, 460,000-dot HVGA AMOLED screen in the new TL320, the largest AMOLED screen on a digital camera to date. In comparison to a traditional TFT-LCD screen, the TL320’s AMOLED consumes less power and offers a higher contrast ratio of 10,000:1, producing darker black levels, more vibrant colors, and a brighter display which can easily be viewed outdoors and even in direct sunlight. Additionally, unlike a TFT-LCD, the TL320’s AMOLED screen has the ability to display images that can be reviewed at any angle, while fully maintaining the same color gamut. Read more

February 18, 2009--Samsung Electronics America just extended its popular SL-Series with the introduction of four new models, comprising two 12.2 mega-pixel and two 10 mega-pixel digital cameras. Stylish and advanced, the new SL-Series models elevate the stature of the user-friendly family of digital cameras, allowing consumers to experience higher-end features and performance at more affordable price points.

The SL820 and SL620

Samsung’s new 12.2 mega-pixel SL820 and SL620 offer users large three inch LCD screens and powerful 5x optical zooms. With the SL820, users have access to a 28mm wide-angle lens, while the SL620 offers a standard 35mm lens. Both the SL820 and SL620 are paired with Optical and Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand movements. Shooters have the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization, ideal for well-lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

A first for Samsung’s SL-Series, the new SL820 offers consumers high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity, allowing the camera to be connected to an HDTV through a cradle for reviewing footage and photos. The camera also utilizes H.264 compression, an advanced codec that allows users to record video for longer periods of time. The SL620 offers users advanced MPEG-4 video recording at a resolution of 640x480. For added versatility, with both the SL820 and SL620, consumers can use the cameras’ 5x optical zooms and Optical Image Stabilization while recording video. Read more

February 18, 2009 – Canon announces an exciting first with its new WP-V1 Waterproof Case for the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory Camcorders. Consumers can now dive up to depths of 130 feet and still be able to capture exciting underwater adventures. The ultimate accessory for divers who want to shoot video and photos while underwater, this compact and light-weight housing hugs the camcorder like a wet suit, enabling easy on-camera operation and control.

Whether filming sharks off the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling in the warm waters of the Caribbean or simply wading in the water at your local beach, the Canon WP-VI Waterproof Case and corresponding VIXIA camcorders are ideal devices for capturing both video and photos. As an added plus, once enabled in the Special Scene mode, the white balance is controlled in a way which is ideally suited to an underwater environment.

“Canon is excited to offer consumers a go-anywhere option in the camcorder market,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “By broadening our accessory offerings, Canon can now service an expanded audience of those who need water-resistant products for their work or recreational use.” Read more

February 2009 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced a new addition to its line of compact photo printers: the SELPHY CP780. Featuring improved image quality and faster print speeds than its predecessor, this cleverly designed SELPHY compact photo printer is ideal for the parent who wants to share images of their children with family and friends.

The Canon SELPHY CP780 compact photo printer is designed not only to be easy-to-use and convenient to carry, it is also available in three different color variations. To coincide with the new Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH camera also announced today, this compact photo printer is available in silver, blue and pink to enable consumers to express their own personal style when printing out memorable moments from a wedding shower or a weekend getaway.

“Canon SELPHY printers have consistently provided consumers with high-quality images at a reasonable price,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Now with the three different color variations, users will not only be able to share their memorable moments but also their own unique style.” Read more

February 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced 10 new PowerShot cameras that offer an array of photographic options for the entry-level consumer right up to the photo enthusiast. Whether on a family vacation, swimming in an ocean or out for a night on the town, the new line-up of PowerShot digital cameras enable consumers to customize their photographic experience to their personality with color, style and features galore.

Most PowerShot cameras for 2009 feature Canon’s exclusive DIGIC 4 Image Processor, with proprietary technology which accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including improved signal processing speed and higher image quality. This new chip paves the way for a host of features including Canon’s new Smart AUTO. Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper camera settings based on the specific shooting conditions of each scene, ensuring that all images are accurately focused, exposed, stabilized and white-balanced before the shutter is even pressed. Using data derived from Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization, Genuine Face Detection and Motion Detection Technologies, Smart AUTO automatically adjusts a multitude of settings including brightness and hue, during various shooting situations. Another enhancement available with select PowerShot models is Blink Detection Technology, which uses the Face Detection function to display an icon after shooting with a warning that someone’s eyes were closed (such as when blinking) during shooting. Unlike other systems which prevent users from taking a photo, Canon’s Blink Detection Technology lets users know immediately whether there’s any need to reshoot the image, thus providing a far more intuitive experience. Read more

February 17, 2009 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today announced the two newest additions to its popular J-series line-up with the FinePix J20 and J250. With sleek designs and powerful features, the FinePix J20 and J250 are great digital camera options for the consumer on a budget who doesn’t want to sacrifice great quality or style for a lower price.

At only 17.4mm thick, the FinePix J20 is the perfect on-the-go camera fitting easily into a shirt pocket or hand bag. Despite its size, the FinePix J20 black metal body houses a 10 Mega Pixel CCD, a 3x Fujinon optical zoom lens and a brilliant 2.7” high resolution LCD which displays images with sharpness and clarity. Not to be outdone, the FinePix J250 boasts a 3.0” high resolution LCD and Fujinon 5x Wide Angle, Optical Zoom (28mm-140mm equivalent on 35mm camera) which makes it easy to capture distant objects or large groups at close range.
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