Lensbaby Introduces New Line of Lenses for Creative Photography

Three new lenses - The Composer^TM, The Muse^TM, and
The Control Freak^TM - feature the Lensbaby Optic Swap System

Three new Lensbaby lenses - The Composer^TM, The Muse^TM and The Control Freak^TM, - make up the new line of Lensbaby products.  Each features the new Lensbaby Optic Swap system. The new Muse and the new Control Freak replace the current Lensbaby lenses, which will be phased out immediately.

All Lensbaby lenses provide photographers with a new way to control depth of field by bringing one area of a photo into sharpest focus with that Sweet Spot^TM surrounded by graduated blur. By bending the Lensbaby lens, the photographer moves the sharp area around the photo for customized creative effects.

The new Composer retains its position after being bent and is easy to use even with one hand.  Photographers can simply tilt the lens to a desired angle and then focus with a barrel focusing ring.  The Composer stays in the desired bent position without requiring a locking mechanism and features the new Lensbaby Optic Swap System.  The Composer’s unique barrel focusing ring automatically dampens the movement of the optic (requiring greater rotation to move the optic in and out) as you approach infinity, making it easer to focus on subjects from 10 feet to infinity.

The Muse replaces the Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0 lenses while being very similar in appearance and functionality. Photographers will still focus by compressing the lens and move the sweet spot by bending the flexible lens tubing.  The key update for the Muse is its new Lensbaby Optic Swap System.

The Control Freak updates the Lensbaby 3G by adding the Lensbaby Optic Swap System.  With The Control Freak, photographers compress to focus, bend to move the sweet spot, and then push a button to lock the lens in place.  Once locked, photographers can adjust the fine focus with a barrel focusing ring and fine tune the tilt by rotating its three metal posts.

All three lenses - the Composer, Muse, and Control Freak - feature the Lensbaby Optic Swap System and will come complete with one optic installed. Additional optics are available as optional accessories.  When a photographer wants to change the optic in their Lensbaby, they will simply pop the optic out and drop in a different optic using an Optic Swap Tool supplied with the new optic.  Each optic has different features and image qualities, allowing photographers to choose the look that fits their creative style.

The Lensbaby Optic Swap System will include four interchangeable optic options:

• Double Glass: A 50mm multi-coated optical glass.
• Single Glass: a 50 mm, updated, uncoated optical glass singlet. At f/2, the Single Glass Optic is one full stop brighter (2x as bright) than the previous Original Lensbaby Optic.
• Plastic: a 50 mm f/2 plastic singlet that maximizes blur and diffusion in a dreamy way that Holga^TM and Diana^TM camera lovers will especially appreciate.
• The Pinhole/Zone plate: an optic cup with an f/177 aperture hole to allow for pinhole photography and an f/19 Zone plate opening. Users can slide a toggle inside the optic to change to back and forth between Pinhole and Zone plate mode, allowing further artistic exploration.

The Composer - Smooth and Precise
Suggested retail price £164.99

• Complete with the Double Glass optic installed (a multi-coated optical glass doublet)
• Features the Lensbaby Optic Swap system
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Focus Type: Manual
• Features a unique barrel focusing ring that becomes more sensitive (requiring greater rotation to move the optic in and out) as you approach infinity, making it easier to focus on subjects from 10 feet to infinity.
• Aperture Type: Interchangeable levitating aperture disks
• Apertures: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
• Minimum Focus: about 46cm / Maximum Focus: Infinity

The Muse - Fast and loose
Suggested retail price £99.99 with double glass optic
Suggested retail price £64.99 with plastic optic

• Complete with either the Double Glass optic installed or the Plastic optic installed.
• Features the Lensbaby Optic Swap system
• Focal Length: right around 50mm
• Focus Type: Manual…Fingertip, actually
• Aperture Type: Interchangeable levitating aperture disks
• Aperture: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8
• Minimum Focus: approximately 30 cm / Maximum Focus: Infinity and beyond

The Control Freak - Methodical and Step-by-step
Suggested retail price £170.00

• Complete with the Double Glass Optic installed
• Features the Lensbaby Optic Swap system
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Focus Type: Manual/Fingertip, with barrel fine focus
• Aperture Type: Interchangeable levitating aperture disks
• Aperture: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
• Minimum Focus: approximately 30 cm / Maximum Focus: Infinity

All 3 new Lensbabies will be available in the UK from late November.
Suggested Retail Prices as follows:

• The Composer £164.99
• The Muse FROM £64.99
• The Control Freak £170.00
• Optic Swap System FROM £22.99

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PRESS RELEASE…

United Kingdom — Nov. 12, 2008 — A collaboration of over one hundred
photographers from around the world has culminated in a
ground-breaking exhibition of photography.

Organised by the Olympus Photo Safari Group, this major event aims to
draw attention back to the quality of the printed photographic image.
Breaking new ground in worldwide collaboration, the presentation will
feature 200 16″x12″ high quality prints, representing highlights of
600 images contributed by over 100 talented photographers, from around
the globe.

The exhibition will run from Tuesday 25th to Sunday 30th November at
the ‘View from the Top’ art gallery in Nottingham, central UK.

The group are proud to mark the occasion, with the launch of their
first photographic book and DVD, which will present stunning examples
of photography by passionate photographers worldwide, using Olympus
E-System cameras.

Brian Mosley, founder of the Olympus Photo Safari Group said today :

“This exhibition celebrates the group’s first year of incredible
growth, and offers a clear message to the industry - please listen to
what passionate photographers want from their camera equipment.

Our members believe that Olympus provide the best solution for the
serious photographer with their designed for digital E-System cameras
and most importantly the exceptional quality of the light weight Zuiko
lenses. This combination provides us with the capability to produce
truly outstanding images.  The group also acknowledges that Olympus
will have to work hard to maintain their lead over the competition
with regard to tough, compact and inspirational cameras.

The Olympus Photo Safari Group is building a strong, interdependent
relationship with Olympus, which will help Olympus to stay focused on
what our members need to improve their photography.”

Full details and live updates on the exhibition will be posted here :
http://www.ukphotosafari.org/announcements/

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Toshiba Launches World’s First Upscaling TV

Toshiba today announces the launch of the new REGZA ZV series - the world’s first upscaling TV.

The REGZA ZV series debuts Toshiba’s innovative Resolution + technology, which uses a cell processor algorithm to provide greater image detail. By employing cutting-edge image-enhancing technologies, standard definition sources are scanned and up-converted to near HD quality, providing viewers with crisper images that are richer in detail. The results are truly impressive, with enhanced pictures that verge on high definition quality.

“While we’re making great progress in the development of image display technology, consumers are currently restricted by the lack of free-to-air HD content available,” said Andrew Line, UK TV Product Manager at Toshiba. “More than 99% of TV programmes are still broadcast and viewed in standard definition and the majority of home movie watching is through DVD, most of which is quite significantly compressed. With Resolution + technology, we’re able to offer consumers the ability to instantly upgrade whatever it is they might choose to watch - broadcast, standard DVD or otherwise - to near high definition quality. There is a marked improvement in the quality of the final image, and we’re very excited by the benefits this technology can offer.”

Using its integrated processing power, Toshiba’s Resolution + is able to improve pictures by increasing image definition and improving picture edges using correlation with adjacent images. A powerful processor is able to review adjacent areas of an image, determining waveforms of a similar nature and combine pixel information to enhance edge detail and improve the perceived depth and texture within the final picture - creating a sharper and altogether more defined image.

The new REGZA ZV series also features a strong set of specifications across the board. In addition to Resolution + technology, the new ZV models also include Toshiba’s Active Vision M100 HD 100Hz picture processing, which offers market-leading 5:5 pulldown sequencing. By inserting an intermediate image between frames, Active Vision M100HD processing doubles the overall image refresh rate, complementing the impressive image quality with advanced and super-smooth motion handling capabilities. The ZV range also feature full 1920×1080p HD panels, with full support for images shot at the native film rate of 24fps to eradicate any motion judder in pre-recorded movie playback.

The REGZA ZV series also includes 10-Bit colour processing to support the Resolution + technology. Mid colour tones are managed using Dynamic Gamma Curve Correction, which ensures a smooth transition between black and white without affecting the appearance of either when displayed in its purest form. Dynamic Contrast ratios of up to 30,000:1 help deliver bright whites and deep, dark blacks by controlling the actively controlling the LCD backlight, while a Wide Colour Gamut takes colour palette display capabilities up to an impressive 128% of colours being reproduced*.
Well balanced audio is provided by NICAM Stereo and SRS WOW technology, which is projected via a discreet speaker grille that runs below the LCD screen. All models also feature an integrated digital tuner, allowing instant access to free-to-air digital broadcasts.

The REGZA ZV series also offers a comprehensive set of connections, with 3xHDMI inputs offering the capacity to remain connected to HDMI DVD players, BD players, next generation games consoles and other high definition sources without having to switch cables. All three HDMI inputs are v1.3 compliant, providing compatibility with REGZA-Link Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) technology, which allows the potential to control all devices from one single remote control. In addition, Component Video, SCART and a PC Input are also included alongside S Video.

All models within Toshiba’s new REGZA ZV series include Toshiba’s Game Mode technology, which creates a direct channel for two-way communication between the TV and games consoles, preventing any potential time lag and improving response times. A full power down button also allows users to turn each TV off without relying solely on standby, increasing user flexibility and reducing overall energy consumption.

The REGZA ZV series comes in 42″ and 46″ models with a gloss black finish, illuminated Toshiba logo on the front and a boomerang swivel stand, giving it a sleek look to match the technology inside.
The ZV series will be available from the beginning of December at a RRP of £899.99 (42″) and £1199.99 (46″)

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THE WORLD THROUGH A LENS

Nikon UK has teamed up with Intrepid Travel for the launch of the Ultimate Guide to Travel Photography published by Footprints publishing, a new book that will change the way you travel.

Written by acclaimed author and photographer of ‘Unforgettable Places to see Before you Die’ Steve Davey, it covers everything that you need to know about travel photography including preparation, exploring with a camera, all of the technical stuff as well as hints and tips about virtually every travel photography scenario. There is even a comprehensive section on post-processing your pictures using some of the most popular computer software, and tips on making money from your photography.

Whatever camera you use and whatever your level this book is packed with information for you. There are Pro-Tips, information about shooting in RAW format, as well as specific information for users of film SLRs, digital compacts as well as Digital SLRs.

Broken down by technique and photography style, rather than destination, the layout of this book makes it easy for you to decide what kind of picture you’re trying to take and find, at a glance, the right techniques for you.

As well as taking pictures, this book will inspire you to head out and see the world. Packed with inspirational pictures and anecdotes from Steve’s years on the road, this book is a call to get out and explore.

When you buy the book, you get exclusive access to a dedicated website, with further information sections, expanded photographic galleries, weblinks from the book and a forum to ask the author questions and even a photo-clinic where there is the opportunity to get your images critiqued by the author.

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The Olympus E-30: your own portable creative studio

A creative photographer’s most important tool is the power of expression - and the Olympus E-30 delivers it in spades. For the ultimate in artistic expression, the E-30 offers six Art Filters*, each of which uses different settings to create incredible photographic effects that would otherwise require additional lenses, filters or complex editing. A Multiple Exposure* mode further bolsters the potential for distinctive artistry in compositions, as do the choice of nine separate aspect ratios*. With the newly-developed high-speed 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor* and TruePic III+ image processor*, top quality image results are ensured. Ensuring an enjoyable photo experience, the monitor facilitates Live View framing ease from virtually any angle. Furthermore, thanks to built-in image stabilisation*, shots stay impressively sharp irrespective of the attached lens. And because sometimes the perfect shot can present itself in the blink of an eye, the E-30 boasts a range of high-speed performance features to make sure that you’ll always be ready for it: lightning-fast autofocus speeds, 5fps sequential shooting and shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. The E-30 will be available from mid-January 2009 with prices to be confirmed.

Express yourself
Six innovative Art Filters enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera and put you in control of your composition: styles like Pop Art*, Soft Focus*, Pale & Light Colour*, Light Tone*, Grainy Film* and Pin Hole* let you capture your world the way you want to portray it. These effects would normally require special lenses, filters, or image processing programs, but with the E-30, it all happens inside the camera. You can even preview the effect of a particular filter on the 2.7″/6.9cm HyperCrystal* II LCD before shooting. What’s more, in Multiple Exposure* mode, several images can be superimposed on a previously-captured image to take photographic creativity to a whole new level. The E-30 also offers nine different aspect ratios* for nine different takes on any scene. In addition, Live View* with improved high-speed contrast autofocus** depictions allows for easy framing of shots on the free-angle LCD.

Quality results
A range of great technologies helps ensure that the E-30 provides picture-perfect images every time. The newly developed 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides amazing image quality at low power requirements. Combine this with the new TruePic III+ ultra high-speed image processor, and results must be seen to be believed. Built-in mechanical image stabilisation rounds up the package, significantly reducing image blur caused by such factors as low light or camera shake. And to ensure that the E-30’s powerful sensor remains dust-free, the patented Olympus Supersonic Wave Filter* is integrated.

A need for speed
Ever waited and waited for that perfect shot, and then missed it because your camera couldn’t keep up with the action? You don’t have to worry anymore because the E-30 is always prepared. High-speed shooting of up to 5fps in full 12.3 Megapixel mode and shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. will help you capture even the fastest action shots. In addition, the E-30 incorporates a fully-biaxial 11-point AF system for incredible autofocusing speeds in any lighting conditions.

Additional features and accessories
For photographers looking for integrated features to improve their shooting experience, the E-30 has a lot to offer. Shadow Adjustment Technology* helps lighten shadows in shots, while Face Detection Technology* recognises and focuses on the faces of subjects in a composition. An integrated Level Gauge* also appears on the LCD, in the viewfinder, and on the Control Panel on the back of the camera. This functions like a level used in construction to ensure that your pictures will never be askew. And when it comes to accessories, the E-30 also covers the whole range. As part of the Olympus E-System and based on the Four Thirds Standard, many lenses and other accessories are available to ensure the E-30 takes creativity to a higher level. From fish-eye, macro and ultra-wide-angle lenses through to ultra-zoom models, the ZUIKO DIGITAL range of lenses leaves nothing to be desired. New in the line-up is the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II lens, which also enables full contrast AF performance with the E-30.

The Olympus E-30 gives photographers a portable creative studio and provides everything required to live out and express creativity while enjoying pro-level image results, control and performance. It will go on sale from mid-January 2009.

* Please see Appendix at the end of the document
**             Full contrast AF performance is available with new Olympus lenses including the
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6,  the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens and the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II.

The Olympus E-30 digital SLR - main features:

Creativity
·       Art Filters, Multiple Exposure, Wireless Flash*, Multi-Aspect
·       Comfortable Live View thanks to high-speed contrast AF
·       Free-angle 2.7″/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD
Image Quality
·       Newly developed 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
·       TruePic III+ processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise
·       Built-in IS with max. 5 EV steps efficiency
Speed
·       High-speed 11-point fully-biaxial AF performance
·       Max. 5fps
·       1/8000th sec. high speed shutter & 1/250th sec. flash synchronisation

Additional features of the Olympus E-30:
·      Multiple-exposure function with LCD monitor display of current view superimposed on top of previously captured image
·      Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows
·      Face & Background Control for beautifully balanced exposures of foreground subjects and background scenery
·      Perfect Shot Preview to enable comparison of the results of various settings adjustments before actual shooting
·      Reliable Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
·      Built-in flash with commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation
·      Large optical viewfinder with approx 98% field of view and approx 1.02x magnification
·      Shooting information displayed via top-mounted LCD panel and Super Control Panel LCD monitor display for superior visibility and operating ease
·      High-precision, 49-zone metering system
·      Easy activation of shooting functions via sample image selection
·      Versatile bracketing functions for ISO, white balance, exposure, and flash
·      Lightbox view with enlargement function for easy side-by-side comparison of images
·      Based on the Four Thirds Standard
·      Ergonomic design of body, control buttons and GUI for easy operation
·      AE/AF lock functionality for individual customisation
·      Second display for Super Control Panel
·      ISO 100-3200 for wide-ranging sensitivity
·      Built-in flash (GN13) and wireless flash control directly from the camera body
·      Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups (separate press release available for Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units)
·      Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
·      High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
·      Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
·      27 shooting modes (5 Exposure Modes, 5 Creative Modes, 11 Scene Select Modes, 6 Art Filters)
·      Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
·      Dual memory slot for CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards (incl. support for UDMA High-Speed CF cards and Microdrive)

The Olympus E-30 is available in the following configurations:

·         Olympus E-30 body only
·         E-30 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 lens
·         E-30 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II lens
·         E-30 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens

Appendix

Art Filters
Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera. The following Art Filters are available in the Olympus E-30:
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone which gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as the hair or flower petals.
Pale & Light Colour: The foreground is enclosed in flat, gentle light - similar to a flashback scene in a film - creating a sense of déjà vu.
Light Tone: Creates a picture with a gentle feel to it, similar to one taken under artificial lighting. Both the shade and highlight areas are rendered very softly to provide a sophisticated atmosphere.
Grainy Film: This effect recreates the feeling of reality evoked by grainy, high-contrast monochrome pictures. The strong presence and dramatic atmosphere make the subject stand out impressively.
Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.

Built-in image stabiliser
A type of image stabiliser that is built directly into the camera. This enables the photo-enhancing effects of image stabilisation to be enjoyed irrespective of the attached lens. In Olympus E-System cameras with built-in image stabilisation, a gyro sensor detects the precise direction of the shake. Using the on-board SWD, the shake is then compensated for by shifting the image sensor according to the movement data. For quick response at long focal lengths, cameras are equipped with two dedicated microprocessors: one to control the two supersonic motors that shift the unit vertically and horizontally, and one to provide high-precision control.

Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

High Speed Live MOS Sensor
A high-performance image sensor that enables Live View capabilities and fast sequential shooting for D-SLR cameras. It combines the advanced specifications of a Full Frame Transfer (FFT) CCD with the low power requirement of a CMOS. Photodiodes are deeply embedded in the sensor to suppress image noise. The faithful reproduction of subject details with rich tones and natural, vibrant colours characterise this type of sensor.

HyperCrystal
A high-grade, fully-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and with improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Level Gauge
The Level Gauge functions like a level used in construction - it helps ensure that pictures are straight and even. The built-in dual axis sensor detects the levels in roll and pitch. The level gauge is displayed in the viewfinder, on the Control Panel and on the rear LCD.

Live View
Provides an alternative to framing shots through the viewfinder on a digital SLR camera. The image sent through the lens to the image sensor is displayed directly on the camera’s LCD. Whereas most compact digital cameras have been equipped with Live View functionality for many years, this feature has only recently become available on D-SLRs. The world’s first D-SLR to feature continuous Live View capabilities was the Olympus E-330.

Multi Aspect
The E-30 lets photographers choose from nine different aspect ratios that enable individualised framing of scenes. These provide a new means of adding expression to shots and the selected ratio can be seen directly on the camera’s LCD. The available aspect ratios include: 16:9, 3:2, 7:5, 4:3, 5:4, 6:5, 7:6, 7:5 and 6:6.

Multi Exposure
Multiple exposures are possible with the E-30 in both Live View and viewfinder shooting. In Live View shooting, previously shot RAW data is used as the base image and the final photo can be monitored by overlapping the image to be added on the LCD. Up to four images can be superimposed in a single multiple exposure sequence.

RC Wireless Flash Control
The user can control wireless flash units remotely - eliminating the need for extra cables - by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Supersonic Wave Filter
Dust entering digital SLRs, for example during lens changes, can cause damage to photos - unless it is removed. With the Supersonic Wave Filter, the potential for dust to ruin photos is eliminated. A transparent filter is located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It makes sure no dust is able to land on the sensor. Instead, the particles settle on the filter and are then shaken off by a series of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the filter when activated. Olympus was the first manufacturer to incorporate dust protection in D-SLRs.

TruePic III+ image processor
Olympus’ latest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds. Furthermore, it supports Art Filters to enable unprecedented creative expression.

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New ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II with full contrast AF

When it comes to sharp, high-contrast imaging, the new Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm)* takes the success of its popular predecessor, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5, to a new dimension. Featuring High-Speed Imager AF to enable maximum creative freedom, a circular aperture mechanism for higher imaging performance and a minimum focusing distance of just 22cm, the Four Thirds based ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm)* will become available in mid-January 2009. Prices will be confirmed at a later date.

Harness the synergies of high image quality and creative flexibility with the latest addition to Olympus’ family of top-performing lenses: the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm)*. As with the entire ZUIKO DIGITAL range, this new lens is precision-engineered to maximise the performance potential of D-SLR image sensors. This bright and flexible new zoom lens guarantees superior quality and boasts a circular aperture diaphragm to smooth out the soft focus look that is a key advantage of large-aperture lens design.

Developed as a successor to the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 - a favourite with advanced amateur and professional users - the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II boasts High-Speed Imager AF support to bring joy to creative photographers everywhere. In combination with the brand new Olympus E-30 D-SLR, the new lens’ High-Speed Imager AF lets photographers preview the E-30’s new Art Filter effects in real-time with the convenience of a compact digital camera - thanks to Live View.

Compact size, high image quality, and the clarity of 1:2.8 brightness were achieved by the optimal arrangement of 3 aspherical lens elements and 4 cemented lens elements. The result is a new benchmark for sharpness and contrast, with minimal distortion for superior imaging performance over the entire zoom range.

The new lens uses a floating internal focus mechanism to focus, with excellent imaging performance from infinity right down to its minimum focusing distance. Exhibiting minimal aberration even at extremely close range, it has a minimum focusing distance of just 22cm for all focal lengths. And no matter what the conditions, its exterior joints are sealed to provide splash and dustproof standards high enough to withstand the rigorous demands of professional use.

With its versatile zoom range, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II is an ideal choice for a wide range of shooting situations. For creative effect, photographers can enjoy the exaggerated perspectives that are the hallmark of wide angle shooting. And when it comes to capturing stunning details, the new lens packs sufficient telephoto power to zoom right in for close-ups of the main subject.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm)* will become available in mid-January 2009.

ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm) lens - main features:

·         High-Speed Imager AF compatibility
·         A full complement of features to support creative photography
·         Circular aperture diaphragm
·         Closest focusing distance of 22cm throughout the zoom range
·         Bright 3.9x wide angle standard zoom
·         3 aspherical lens elements for excellent quality
·         Splash and dustproof

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FREE CAPTURE NX2 WITH EVERY NIKON D700

Nikon UK is pleased to announce a new promotion in time for Christmas: you can now get Capture NX2 software free when you buy a new Nikon D700.

Customers purchasing a D700 camera from 1st November to 31st December 2008 (inclusive) are entitled to claim the award winning image editing application Capture NX2 for free.

More information about the promotion and details about how to make a claim are available at www.nikon.co.uk/D700captureoffer. Terms and conditions apply, please see web site for details.

Claims must be received by 31st January 2009 to qualify. Promotion is available on UK stock only.

For more information about the 12.1 megapixel FX-format D700, visitors can go to www.nikon.co.uk/D700 where they will be able to explore the camera’s key features and specifications, and will also be able to request a free brochure.

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HOYA, the world-renowned optical glass manufacturer, presents an innovative high definition line of filters……..

Hoya have just unveiled a new range of HD - High Definition - filters, available in Protector, UV and Circular Polariser in sizes from 52mm through to 82mm.

These new HD filters feature 99.35% light transmission from an 8-layer anti-reflective, multi-coating which help reduce reflections off the surface of the glass, allowing you to capture more light in your photos. This HD coating also keeps the filter both water and oil repellent and scratch & stain Resistant.

Technical Specifications:

HARDENED GLASS
HD filters feature hardened optical glass that has 4 times the breaking strength in ANSI standardised testing (ANSI Z80.3 : 2001) where steel balls of varying size and weight were dropped from a height of 50 inches onto the glass.

HIGH TRANSPARENCY POLARISING FILM
The same polarising film used in the latest high definition LCD TV screens. It has 25% higher light transmission than standard polarising film used in current photographic filters.

HARDENED 8 LAYER WATERPROOF MULTI-COATING THAT IS SCRATCH & STAIN RESISTANT
Newly developed industry leading 8-layer multi-coating yields an average light transmission rate of 99.35% between 400 and 700nm (visible spectrum).

————————————————————————————————————————————
Hoya HD filters are available immediately in:
Protector, UV and CIR-PL in standard sizes from 52mm to 82mm.
Suggested Retail Prices from £32.99 for 52mm Protector.
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