Digital Photo Gallery of Ted Szukalski
Fine art digital photography, photographic news, reviews, articles and resources.

Building facade in Pitt Street

With regularity of a Swiss watch the WordPress development team is releasing one fantastic upgrade to its blogging software after another. Today, WordPress released version 2.6 codenamed “Tyner”.

Digital Gallery of Ted Szukalski blog has been using WordPress for over two years now. It may use a very unique theme as a skin but deep down in the engine room it is WordPress.

So, what does the new version bring?

• Post Revisions: Wiki-like tracking of edits. Yes, you can go back and forth through article revisions
• Press This!: Post from wherever you are on the web. A very clever tool for content inclusions
• Shift (Google) Gears: Turbo-speed your blogging. This feature stores static content on your PC thus vastly speeding up the page loads
• Theme Previews: See it before your audience does. Very useful tool for theme developers and tweekers

CANON’S TWO NEW LENSES FOCUS ON NEEDS OF PROFESSIONAL AND ADVANCED AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS
New PowerShot A-Series Cameras Bring Such Sophisticated Technology As 10 Megapixels or Image Stabilization to Consumers at Entry-Level Price Points

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug 24, 2006 – Canon continues its tradition of optical excellence with two new EF lenses - the powerful EF50mm f/1.2L USM and the versatile EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lenses. Both lenses are valuable additions to the EOS arsenal for professional wedding and portrait photographers as well as advanced amateurs - expanding the range of current Canon EF lenses to more than 60 selections.

“The EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens is now the fastest autofocus lens in its class*, which makes it an essential tool for many professional and advanced amateur photographers,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens delivers the legendary sharpness and clarity of the Canon ‘L’ series lenses in a compact and lightweight design that is easy to use for hand held photography, making it a versatile lens for any photographer.”

“Wedding moments unfold at the speed of life and my mission is to artfully document in real time as a lasting history of the newlyweds,” said Canon Explorer of Light photographer Denis Reggie, who is known worldwide for captivating wedding and portrait photography. “Many favorite images are made under the challenges of very low light levels, but using superb, fast lenses, the reward is an unmistakable, documentary look. I love the shallow depth of Canon’s remarkable “L” series lenses to bring sharp focus and full attention to the bride’s eyes… that gives me and my clients compelling images that stand out from the crowd. For my celebrity and society wedding assignments, these new Canon lenses will be prized additions to my gear bag.”

The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens - Serious Glass for Serious Photographers
Canon is the only camera manufacturer to provide professionals and advanced amateurs with Digital SLRs that feature full frame sensors, such as the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 5D digital SLRs. The new EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens complements full-frame cameras, while delivering beautiful results on APS-C/H sized sensor models as well.

The EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens is a strong testament to Canon’s heritage of optical excellence. Every aspect of this lens exudes professional quality from its wide 72mm filter diameter to its dust and moisture sealed construction. A high refraction glass molded aspherical lens element helps to minimize spherical aberration, which is crucial in order to provide fine detail and maximum image quality from corner to corner, even when the lens is used wide open. Full frame digital camera users will especially appreciate the benefits of the 50mm focal length, when shooting waist-up portraits while maintaining appropriate subject distance at a wedding.

The large maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows this lens to produce shallow depth of field that softens the background and makes subjects “pop” out of a portrait. Photographers can also take advantage of higher shutter speeds to shoot in lower light and help prevent blurring caused by subject movement or camera shake. In addition to a large aperture, the new lens also has blazingly fast autofocus speed and response time, thanks in part to Canon’s ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which quietly drives the lens. A full-time manual focus feature allows photographers to fine-tune the sharpness of their images, even when the lens is set for autofocus.

Canon designed the EF50mm f/1.2L USM to deliver the best possible optical quality while being tough enough to meet the needs of demanding photographers. Eight lens elements in six groups provide high resolution, while advanced coating suppresses flare and ghosting. A glass molded (GMO) aspherical element ensures maximum image quality by reducing spherical aberration and linear distortion. Dust and moisture resistant components in the lens mount, switches, and focus ring help to protect the lens in a wide variety of shooting conditions.

The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens - Versatile and Compact New EF Lens
Canon is also the only manufacturer to provide a full range of professional zoom lenses in both the high-speed f/2.8 category as well as the compact and lightweight f/4 category. Rounding out Canon’s f/4L lens lineup is the new EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens. This “L” series lens is designed for professional or advanced amateur photographers seeking maximum performance and versatility. This is a lens that can handle almost any assignment, ranging from distant subjects to the demanding requirements of up-close and personal portraits as well as nature photography.

The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens stands up to the rigors of professional use The lens is sealed from dust and moisture, and is equipped with the latest generation of Canon’s Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, making it an optimal everyday shooter. The image stabilization achieves three shutter speed steps of camera shake correction within 0.5 seconds after the shutter button is depressed halfway and yields correction for up to four full shutter speeds while handheld, providing a new level of performance. Users can also select two IS modes, one for stationary subjects and another for intentional panning.

The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens is the same size as the EF70-200mm f/4L USM lens that remains in the EF lens line, but the new lens adds several valuable features. In addition to enhanced weather sealing and image stabilization, the EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens incorporates a circular diaphragm to create more natural looking background blur, and distance information to aid autofocusing and automatic flash exposure. The lens also suppresses flare and ghosting with advanced coatings and optimal placement of its 20 lens elements in 15 groups. One Fluorite element and two UD (ultra low dispersion) elements thoroughly suppress chromatic aberrations for crisp photos throughout the entire focal range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) provides fast and silent autofocusing, while the full-time manual focus function provides maximum control even when the lens is set for AF.

The powerful and fast EF50mm f/1.2L USM lens will be available in November for an estimated selling price of $1,599**. The compact and universal EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM will also be available in November for an estimated selling price of $1,249.**

Press release:

CANON’S NEW EOS DIGITAL REBEL 400D XTi SLR RAISES RESOLUTION, INCREASES EASE, LOWERS COST AND LEAVES OTHER DIGITAL SLRS IN THE DUST

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug 24, 2006 - Canon’s EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi model - the camera that set all time sales records for digital SLRs of any persuasion (supplanting the original Digital Rebel’s claim to that title) - now takes its place alongside of the newest member of the irrepressible Rebel clan: the 10.1 megapixel EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi SLR camera. For 16 years, the Rebel brand has stood for advanced, sophisticated and easy-to-use. The new Canon EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera continues that legacy, taking discriminating photo hobbyists, enthusiasts, advanced amateurs and SLR aficionados to places digital dreams are made of…and more economically than ever before.

“The EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera continues to lead the way with impressive innovations and an array of advancements simply not found on other digital SLRs in the sub-$1,000 price-range,” stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon USA, Inc. “Canon technology is born of inspiration, imagination and our passion to help photographers make the best pictures possible. Nowhere is the combination of undeniable quality and value more evident than on this new EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera.”

In stores mid-September, the EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera is offered in both sleek brushed silver patina and “pro” matte black finishes. It is available in two kit configurations: with and without Canon’s high quality EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens. The EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera will be available for an estimated selling price $899* with the zoom lens kit, while the body only kit will carry and estimated selling price of $799*. In order to maintain an appropriate pricing structure, the Digital Rebel 400D XTi model will carry an adjusted estimated selling price of $799* with the zoom lens kit and $699* for the body only kit.

No mere intermediate upgrade, this new EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi SLR continues Canon’s combination of imaging excellence, intuitive ease of use and affordability. Indeed the EOS 400D XTi Digital SLR camera now leads the Digital Rebel revolution with such marquee features as its higher 10.1 megapixel resolution; refined and redesigned Canon CMOS sensor; larger, easier to read 2.5 inch display screen (along with simplified and streamlined menu navigation), and the remarkable EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a self-cleaning image sensor unit/dust removal system that is available on no other camera of any make, at any price.

Despite the addition of these and other imaging improvements - including Canon’s fast, high-precision 9-point autofocus system and a new maximum burst rate in large/fine and raw quality modes that - at three frames per second - is double the capability of the Digital Rebel 400D XTi SLR, The EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi SLR makes its debut at a price point that is $100 less than its top-selling sibling was at its introduction and hundreds of dollars less than other SLR cameras and camera kits in its class.

CMOS Sensor-tivity
At the heart of the Rebel 400D XTi SLR’s high-resolution image capability is its large, single plate, CMOS color image sensor. Designed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the Rebel 400D XTi SLR, this highly responsive sensor’s 10.1 million pixels are fractionally smaller than the pixels in the 8 megapixel Rebel 400D XTi model, yet deliver markedly improved resolution, enabling the sensor to capture more image information. This results not simply in the ability to generate larger images, but also permits details from cropped images to be rendered with higher image quality than cropped images from lower resolution sensors. At 22.2 x 14.8 mm in size, this new CMOS sensor maintains the 1.6x conversion ratio found on many other members of the EOS Digital SLR line including the Rebel 400D XTi and the EOS 30D models.

Inherently more efficient than CCD type image sensors, Canon CMOS sensors significantly reduce image noise levels by converting light values to electrical signals on the chip rather than having them converted elsewhere in the camera. The Rebel 400D XTi SLR’s CMOS sensor goes further still, maintaining an exceptional dynamic range while reducing the noise level that one might typically expect for a pixel size delivering such high resolution. Canon engineers and designers achieved this breakthrough in sensor design by reducing the space between the chip’s microlenses while at the same time increasing the sensitivity of each photodiode. As a result, the camera achieves 20 percent greater resolution than an eight-megapixel sensor with comparable noise reduction and dynamic range.

The Digital Rebel 400D XTi SLR also continues the long-standing tradition of featuring a wide range of ISO settings (100 -1600) with the ability to “float” to any intermediate step along that range in fully automatic modes while allowing the user to set the ISO manually at full step intervals in the camera’s creative modes.

The Dust Free Zone
Beautiful, high-res images marred by the presence of ugly high-res dust spots can be cause for painstaking, time consuming photo retouching (with varying degrees of success). Canon takes the quest for imaging excellence and easier camera maintenance a unified giant step forward with its new, two-tiered dust removal technology called the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, available only on the EOS Rebel 400D XTi camera.

While real world shooting rarely achieves “clean-room” standards, Canon has gone out of its way to design the 400D XTi model to first create or attract no dust. Canon begins by minimizing the dust and particles created by the camera itself, by reformulating the materials used in the body cap and shutter to materials more resistant to particle “fall out” due to normal use and wear. Canon also treats the camera’s low pass filter with an anti-static charge to prevent static-charged dust from adhering to it.

Still, recognizing that humidity and a variety of real world conditions can cause dust to enter and adhere to the sensor or low pass filter despite the most scrupulous of efforts, Canon created the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low pass filter on the front of the CMOS sensor is attached to an ultrasonic vibrating unit that literally shakes the loose dust particles off of the surface. The newly liberated dust is then captured by an adhesive material that keeps the particles from becoming airborne again once the camera moves.

The self cleaning sensor unit’s ultrasonic anti-dust shake activates automatically for one second whenever the camera is powered on or off, ensuring that the camera will be as relatively dust free as possible and can be activated at other times through a simple menu selection.

Despite the ingenuity behind the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit there are occasions when dust particles of a stickier nature are not vibrated free of the low pass filter. In these situations, the Dust Delete Data function can be engaged. Simply put, by aiming the camera at a white wall or even a white piece of paper (or, in a pinch, removing the lens from the camera) the Dust Delete Data function will map the size and position of the dust particles remaining on the low pass filter. Once the dust is “mapped”, that information is attached as metadata to all subsequently shot images regardless of recording format, RAW or JPEG. When the images and appended dust data map are transferred to a computer using the Rebel 400D XTi’s new Digital Photo Professional software, the dust information can be subtracted from the images simply by selecting the “apply dust delete data” option. Users can update the Dust Delete Data at any time via controls found in the Rebel 400D XTi’s LCD menu.

Bigger and Brighter: 400D XTi Model’s Brilliant LCD Monitor
Among the decidedly user-friendly enhancements built in to the new Digital Rebel 400D XTi is the 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel color TFT LCD monitor with its wide, 160 degree viewing angle. The envy of the EOS digital SLR line, this new screen features a viewing area that is nearly twice as large as the Rebel 400D XTi model’s 1.8 -inch monitor, and offers six brightness settings for easy viewing of images and menu options in a wide range of lighting conditions. Indeed, this brilliant monitor is approximately 40% brighter at its maximum setting than screens found on the top-tier EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D and EOS 30D digital SLRs. The monitor is also the new home for all camera settings information. This was previously housed on a separate LCD. This new configuration allows for more information and larger font & icons in one easy-to-view area.

The monitor is even intuitive enough to automatically (and temporarily) turn the display off when the camera is raised up to the user’s eye. This feature not only saves valuable battery life but also avoid subjecting the user to distracting screen brightness when looking through the viewfinder. For maximum battery life, the LCD display can be shut off manually as well.

Picture Style Optimizes Images
In keeping with this new, bigger, brighter monitor is the Rebel 400D XTi SLR’s redesigned menu, made bolder, easier to read and easier to navigate. Notable among the expanded info screen menu features offered for the first time on a Digital Rebel camera are the RGB histogram and the Picture Style functions first introduced on the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D cameras and most recently added to the EOS 30D’s imaging arsenal. With Picture Style, users can more easily select presets for sharpening, contrast, saturation, and color tone that most closely reflect their needs and intent for a particular picture. Similar to selecting the film type in order to achieve a desired result, the Picture Style feature offers six setting choices-Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome-with an additional three user defined settings available.

Fast Focus
Also migrating to the Rebel 400D XTi camera from the upper reaches of the EOS Digital SLR line is Canon’s flexible folder management system with capability to store 9,999 images in a folder as well as manual creation of new folders and perhaps most importantly, the same high precision 9-point Autofocus sensor and AF unit found on the EOS 30D SLR.

Like its Digital Rebel predecessors, the EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera is equipped with Canon’s standard EOS EF lens mount making it compatible with Canon’s complete line of EF lenses as well as the EF-S line of lenses created specifically for the EOS 20D, and EOS 30D prosumer digital SLRs, and the EOS Digital Rebel models.

While the Digital Rebel 400D XTi offers the same fast 3 frames per second as the Digital Rebel 400D XTi model, the burst rate in Large/Fine JPEG and Raw settings has nearly doubled, from 14 eight- megapixel JPEG images and five eight- megapixel RAW images on the Rebel 400D XTi model to 27 10.1 megapixel JPEGS and ten 10.1 megapixel RAW images on the new Rebel 400D XTi camera.

CANON Software $avings: Bundled and In the Box
Purchasers of the EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera or any of Canon’s digital SLRs are never faced with extra-cost software to make the camera perform to its full capabilities. Rather, Canon continues its long-standing tradition of including “in the box”, a comprehensive software bundle that includes both the camera’s utility programs and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (presently in version 2.2). Compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows XP operating systems** formats, the Digital Photo Pro software assists users with everything from image transfer and viewing, image enhancement and editing, RGB image editing functions, image noise reduction, viewing, processing and editing of RAW images, Direct Print functions and Canon’s groundbreaking new Dust Delete Data functions.

The EOS Technological Legacy
The EOS Digital Rebel 400D XTi camera maintains the top-tier technologies that have helped power the EOS line of digital SLRs to the forefront of the industry and the marketplace. These include Canon’s power efficient DIGIC II Image Processor and E-TTL II, Canon’s evaluative-through the lens exposure control that ensures optimal exposure even in difficult lighting conditions.

Fujifil press release: SEEING THE UNSEEN: HOW THE NEW FINEPIX S3 PRO UVIR D-SLR FROM FUJIFILM WILL HELP LAW ENFORCERS, MEDICAL RESEARCHERS, ART HISTORIANS, AND SCIENTISTS REVEAL THE TRUTH THAT LIES BEYOND THE VISIBLE SPECTRUM

Valhalla, NY, August 9, 2006 - With the recent announcement of the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR, Fujifilm has unveiled the world’s first production D-SLR camera capable of taking photographs in the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrums. But what does this mean and how does a digital camera that can take pictures at either end of the light spectrum help to empower photographers in technical fields such as law-enforcement, medical research, art history, science and fine art photography?

Ultraviolet & Infrared Light
The human eye is a remarkable imaging device to be sure, but it can’t see everything. Its sensitivity range is limited to wavelengths that normally start at 400 nanometers (violet) at the short end of the visible spectrum and extend to 700 nanometers (deep red) at the long end. This is also the realm of standard digital and film photography where, with certain exceptions, what you see is what you get. But there are times when ordinary visible-light pictures do not reveal everything a criminal investigator, scientist, or medical researcher needs to see. This is where ultraviolet and infrared imaging comes into play.

Scientists define wavelengths shorter than 400 nanometers as ultraviolet (UV), and wavelengths longer than 700 nanometers as infrared (IR). Technically, neither UV nor IR is “light” because humans can’t see it. However, photographs taken at UV and IR wavelengths can capture and reveal information that is otherwise undetectable by the human eye – literally “colors” we can’t see but that cameras, sensitive to IR and UV wavelengths, are able to record and make visible. It is the visual equivalent of the dog whistle we humans cannot hear.

This uncanny ability to reveal the unseen is why technical professionals in fields ranging from law enforcement, to military surveillance, to medical research, to art history, to biology have long used UV and IR photography to discover crucial observational facts that would ordinarily elude the keenest human eye.

Difficulties with UV and IR Photography
Until recently, both UV and IR photography were film based and entailed the use of heavy filtration and long exposure times. In the case of infrared, special, difficult-to-handle films were required along with heavy filtration that extended exposure times and often made focusing difficult.

Digital UV and IR photography had its own set of problems. Since the CCD and CMOS imager sensors of digital cameras incorporate strong UV and IR filters to achieve good color accuracy with standard visible-light subjects, a normal D-SLR is not very sensitive in the UV and IR ranges and is therefore inconvenient to use in these applications. That’s why many technical specialists, who needed UV and IR imaging in their work, modified their existing D-SLRs by removing the UV and IR filters, an expensive procedure undertaken by small private companies. Even if properly done, this bit of modification work voided the camera’s warranty.

The solution: An advanced UV and IR D-SLR

In response to the genuine need expressed by many top professionals in the law enforcement and scientific communities, Fujifilm developed the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR, the world’s first and only factory-made D-SLR designed specifically for UV and IR photography. It has many of the same features that made the standard FinePix S3 Pro a stand-out — like the Super CCD SR II sensor for expanded dynamic range and a Live View CCD that allows for real-time subject focus for up to 30 seconds — with some modifications.

The IR and UV filters were removed from the standard model and, after exhaustive field and lab testing, replaced with a specially formulated glass protective filter. The FinePix S3 Pro’s menu system was also reconfigured to be more user friendly for UV and IR shooters – for example, the Live Preview shooting now mode comes up on the very first screen.

A Better Mousetrap?
Just how important are these advances? Mike Brooks, a well-known consultant to law enforcement agencies who checked out a late prototype of the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR put it this way. “Capturing and displaying the alterations in a forged document, or the information hidden in an obliterated one using IR photography is now easier by leaps and bounds. With IR films, the amount of light required often meant exposure times measured in hours; with the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR typical exposure times range from 1/250 at f/16 to 1/4 sec at f/16. And with mirror lock-up and Live Preview, you can focus easily via the LCD even when you mount dark IR or UV filters over the lens to capture critical details. With more precise focusing plus the instant feedback of digital, you now have the ability to take sharper pictures in less time. Even more important, you can judge which filter is most effective in specific applications in real time, which can literally save you weeks.”

Brooks continued, “The enhanced image quality is another great advantage of this camera – it has the ability to capture mid-tones, which is crucial with the contrasty subjects we commonly shoot and it provides a wider exposure latitude than other D-SLRs. The software also makes it much easier to display comparison images, a key element in law enforcement. Having a factory-made UV and IR camera of this caliber available at a competitive price is nothing less than a great step forward in forensic photography.”

How and Where UV and IR Photography works
While UV and IR photography are not really like the “X-ray vision” of comic books that lets you see through solid objects, both UV and IR can be used to reveal sub-surface details that are invisible to the naked eye. In a recent example provided by Brooks, police used differences in reflectance made visible only with IR photography to positively identify a charred body in a gangland murder. It revealed the victim’s prison tattoo, which was invisible under ordinary light.

In a similar manner, both UV and IR photography can corroborate the presence of gunpowder, show altered signatures and the difference between similar-looking inks on a document, or make bone fragments stand out in a plowed field. Medical researchers and police investigators use IR and UV photography to find injuries below the skin. They can even determine whether an assailant wearing a specific ring punched someone, or if a set of two-week-old, no-longer-visible bite marks were made by an alleged perpetrator’s teeth.

Infrared photography is also a great tool for nighttime surveillance with “invisible” IR flash or under IR-rich sources such as common street lamps – the same basic principle used in night-vision glasses. And since different plants reflect light in different shades of color or gray under IR, it can be used to detect illegal plants such as marijuana or opium poppies growing in a farm field.

Applications Aplenty
While the primary markets for Fujifilm’s innovative FinePix S3 Pro UVIR are undoubtedly the law enforcement and technical-scientific communities, there are also legions of fine arts, portrait, and wedding photographers who will be attracted to this unique camera. Following in the footsteps of such legendary greats as Minor White and Ansel Adams who brought IR imaging into the art world with their stunning American landscapes, they have long used IR as a way of creating unique and beautiful images that set them apart from others in their fields. Many of today’s top portrait and wedding photographers have made IR photography an essential part of the services they offer to their clients.

Now, at last, they have a camera worthy of their highest aspirations.

About Fujifilm
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and delivers technology solutions to meet the imaging and information needs of retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers. As a global leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm pioneered the development of digital medical systems, and today is the leader in digital minilab systems. The company was ranked number 18 for U.S. patents granted during 2005, employs more than 75,000 people worldwide and in the year ending March 31, 2006, had global revenues of more than $22.8 billion.

In the United States, Fujifilm is a leader in delivering high quality, easy-to-use imaging and information solutions in the following categories: Digital Imaging Systems, Film and Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media, Motion Picture Film, Graphic Arts and Printing Systems and Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Systems. Fujifilm is an environmentally friendly, humane enterprise and an exemplary corporate citizen.

For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm USA Web site at www.fujifilmusa.com.

Nikon press release:

Outstanding performance, ease of operation, versatile personal control and exciting in-camera effects make digital SLR photography more rewarding for all.

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to introduce the D80. Incorporating Nikon’s latest digital and photographic technologies, this new high-performance interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera features automated operation and advanced features designed to satisfy any photographer with the passion to create beautiful photographs and preserve special moments.
The D80 features a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, bringing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail to the class while also providing plenty of freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements. Nikon’s DX Format sensor and Nikon F bayonet lens mount design assure unprecedented compatibility across the comprehensive assortment of AF Nikkor lenses and DX Nikkor lenses designed exclusively for Nikon digital SLR cameras.

One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon’s own high-resolution image processing engine. Advantages inherited from Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras include color independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. A new dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power consumption, assuring more pictures per battery charge.

Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate automatic exposure control for ideal exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating, rather than merely measuring or averaging the true content of each scene, input from the system’s frame-wide 420-pixel sensor is automatically referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photography to calculate final exposure value. Variable center-weighted metering and spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated exposure automation combined with options for complete user control help to make the D80 an ideal high-performance digital SLR for passionate photography enthusiasts.

Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) produces natural coloration by measuring the entire frame of each scene and matching white balance to the light source. For those who wish greater personal control, the flexible options include a choice of six specific manual settings, (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade), as well as a preset option for using a gray or white object as a reference.

Ensuring consistently fast and precise focus lock under varying shooting conditions is the D80’s refined 11-area AF system. Adopting a refined version of Nikon’s advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system adds effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. For example, while the system is able to use each of its 11 focus areas individually, the center sensor can also be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage. New Auto-area AF mode measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject, and activates only those areas.

Ready to shoot whenever that priceless expression or special moment presents itself, the D80 takes only 0.18 seconds to power up. And, the shutter’s minimal release lag time of approx. 80 milliseconds delivers instant response while shooting, as does the fast and precise focus of the refined 11-area AF system with AF-assist illuminator. Images are processed instantly and recorded quickly to the inserted SD memory card. Preview images are also displayed near instantly.

Continuous shooting at a rapid 3 frames per second in bursts of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) images makes action photography a reality.

Packing high performance and high resolution into a slimmer, more compact body, the D80 also remains true to Nikon’s commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.

The D80 features a large and bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise composition. Included is a built-in diopter adjustment control knob also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The viewfinder’s integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist composition.

>A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. A new dedicated Zoom button makes it easy to preview images and assess sharpness at up to 25 times magnification. A new RGB histogram display aids in evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and highlight point display.

Major features Exceptional imaging quality

• New 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor with the power to capture exceptional sharpness and faithful color at 3,872 x 2,592 pixels size.
• Inherits the industry-leading advanced imaging processing engine of Nikon professional D-SLR cameras. Color-independent pre-conditioning prior to A/D conversion works in harmony with high-precision digital image processing algorithms to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction.
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II automatic exposure control ensures ideal exposures in most lighting conditions. Evaluating brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, the system references the data against an expanded onboard database created using data from more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes to instantly and accurately calculate the final exposure value for the shot. Variable center-weighted metering and spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available.
• Refined 11-area AF system packs the same number of focus areas available for the professional D2 series into a space-efficient system that features fast, precise operation. Each of the 11 focus areas can be used individually, the center sensor can be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage, and new Auto-area AF mode measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject and activates only those areas.
• ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100 to 1600 to maximize available light and achieve optimal exposure. Sensitivity can also be set manually between ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1. Three levels of High ISO Noise Reduction are available when shooting at high ISO settings. Long Exposure Noise Reduction is also available when shooting at shutter speeds of 8 seconds or slower.

Optimized and Predictable Results

• Seven automated Digital Vari-Programs easily accessed from the Mode Dial provide automatic operation that optimizes white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait.
• Easily accessed image optimization options closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of the image. Image sharpening, tone (contrast) compensation, color mode, saturation and hue adjustment is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-white.

Immediate response and fast performance

• Near instant power-up of 0.18 seconds lets photographers respond to any shutter opportunities.
• A mere 80-millisecond shutter time lag (approximate) promotes fast handling.
• Swift continuous shooting performance at 3 frames per second* enables the shooting of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or up to 6 RAW (NEF) images.
  * Average frame rate with continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds or faster, and remaining buffer memory.
• Shutter speeds ranging from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds or bulb setting provide full creative control.

In-camera image editing and effects

• Creative in-camera effects and editing functions available under the new Retouch menu:

• D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to enhance results and add creative flair, all while optimizing overall exposure balance.
• Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates for the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.
• Trim can be used to produce smaller files for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.
• Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files taken with the D80 to create a new composite image that can be saved in RAW or JPEG format.
• Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype)
• Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance)

Ergonomics for efficient handling and further versatility

• The D80 features a slimmer, more compact body with the size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls designed for intuitive operation.
• A large new 2.5-inch LCD monitor with a 170-degree viewing angle and new dedicated zoom button assist accurate and easy assessment of sharpness by enabling image preview at up to 25 times magnification (for L-size images). Convenient displays include RGB information as a single histogram display or as separate histograms for each color channel.
• Built-in slideshow options include Advanced Pictmotion shows with style selections that control transitions and background music, and that can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television via the supplied AV cable.
• The carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size of the new color-coded menu display makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. “My Menu” lets you customize Menus to display only the items you wish to see.
• Bright pentaprism viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification ensures the clearest view possible for precise composition.
• Nikon’s EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers enough power to support the shooting of up to 2,700* images on a single charge, can be recharged at any time and features a handy real-time fuel gauge system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of shots since last charge and overall battery status.

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D80 Specifications
Type of camera	Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective pixels	10.2 million
Image Sensor	RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8mm; total pixels: 10.75 million, Nikon DX format
Image Size (pixels)	3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)	100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1
Storage Media	SD memory card, SDHC compatible
Storage System	Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
File System	Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
White Balance	Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting (Kelvin), preset white balance; white balance bracketing also available
LCD Monitor	2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment, allows up to 170-degree viewing angle.
Playback Function	1) Full frame 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments) 3) Zoom 4) Slideshow (Standard or Pictmotion) 5) RGB histogram indication 6) Shooting data 7) Highlight point display Auto image rotation
Delete Function	Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete
Video Output	Can be selected from NTSC and PAL
Interface	USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) (mini-B connector); SD card slot: supports firmware updates via SD cards
Text Input	Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header
Compatible Lenses	Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
Picture Angle	Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
Viewfinder	Fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0m-1)
Eyepoint	19.5mm (-1.0m-1)
Focusing Screen	Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines
Viewfinder Frame Coverage	Approx. 95% (vertical & horizontal)
Viewfinder Magnification	Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1
Viewfinder Information	Focus indications, Metering system, AE/FV lock indicator, Flash sync indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, ISO sensitivity, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures
Autofocus	TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m) Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F)
Lens Servo	Instant single-servo (AF-S); continuous-servo (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF
Focus Areas	11 areas; any single area can be selected; center focus area can be switched from normal to wide-frame
AF Area Modes	1) Single Area AF: Focuses only on subjects in the selected area. Selection can be made from any one of the eleven AF spot sensors. 2) Dynamic Area AF: Focuses on subject in the selected area, but follows the subject if it moves from its original position, shifting instantly and automatically to the focus area into which the subject has moved. 3) Auto-area AF: measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject, and activates only those areas.
Focus Lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Metering System	Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, or 10mm dia. circle in center of frame 3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm dia. circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used, or if Auto-area AF is selected)
Exposure Metering Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)	1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering)
Exposure Meter Coupling	CPU coupling
Exposure Modes	Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
Exposure Compensation	±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Exposure Lock	Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Auto Exposure and Flash Bracketing	2 to 3 exposures in increments between 1/3 to 2.0 EV
Shooting Modes	1) Single frame shooting mode 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3 frames per second 3) Self-timer 4) Delayed remote mode 5) Quick-response remote mode
Shutter	Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
Sync Contact	X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/200 sec.
Flash Control	1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600: i-TTL balanced fill-flash (except when using spot metering exposure mode) Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600: standard i-TTL flash (when using spot metering) 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s 4) Range-priority manual; available with SB-800
Flash Sync Modes	1) Auto 2) Fill-in flash 3) Red-eye Reduction, 4) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 5) Slow Sync, 6) Rear-curtain Sync 7) Off
Built-in Flash	(Auto, Portrait, Macro Close up, Night Portrait) auto flash with auto pop-up; Manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 100, m/ft.): approx. 13/42
Flash Compensation	-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Accessory Shoe	Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
Self-timer	Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration (2, 5, 10, and 20 second selectable)
Depth of Field Preview	When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)
Remote Control	Via Remote Cord MC-DC1 (optional) or Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 (optional)
Power Source	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D80 battery pack (optional) with one or two rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion batteries or six AA alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) AA batteries, AC Adapter EH-5 (optional)
Tripod Socket	1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight	Approx. 585g (1 lb. 5 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
Supplied Accessories*	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, USB Cable UC-E4, Strap, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, LCD monitor cover BM-7, Accessory shoe cover, PictureProject CD-ROM
Optional Accessories	Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5, Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Remote Cord MC-DC1, Speedlight SB-800/SB-600/SB-R200, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro

*Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. August 2006

©2006 Nikon Corporation

SONY press release:

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 1, 2006 –Sony Electronics today announced a GPS device that puts your pictures on the map.

Pentax press release:

LATEST SLIM, STYLISH MODEL IN OPTIO S LINE

GOLDEN, CO. (July 24, 2006)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio S7 compact digital camera.  The Optio S7 is the latest model in the PENTAX Optio S series, which is known for slim, stylish, full-featured digital camera bodies.

     In addition to an upgrade to 7.0 effective megapixels, this model features an easy-to-use Blur Reduction High ISO mode to help reduce the effects of camera shake and subject blurring for sharper images even in dim lighting conditions such as night scenes and indoor sporting events. In this mode, the camera adjusts shutter speeds automatically to an ISO as high as 1600 to match the brightness of the subject.  The higher sensitivities permit faster shutter speeds.

     Also featured in this newest Optio digital is Face Recognition AF & AE, a function that simplifies portrait-taking by automatically detecting the position of the subject's face and adjusting the focus and exposure based on the detected position.   

     Other features of the PENTAX Optio S7 include a 3X optical zoom, a high resolution 2.5 inch LCD monitor, MPEG-4 DivX® Movie Mode, and 23MB internal memory.  In addition, the Optio S7 is the first compact PENTAX digital camera to accept the new SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) memory cards in addition to SD memory cards. SDHC (also know as SD 2.0) is a FAT32-compliant format designed for capacities up to 4GB or more.

      PENTAX will ship the Optio S7 in September 2006 on a limited basis for under $300.00 US. 

PENTAX Optio S7 Features and Facts  

Stylish and slim compact body

The thin, compact Optio S7 body features an attractive design that is comfortable and convenient to carry for travel, special events and everyday photography.  A 3X optical zoom lens housed in the slim, lightweight body features the PENTAX original Sliding Lens System* and high-density mounting technology.

*A PENTAX proprietary lens system which offsets the central lens groups from the optical lens axis and houses the lens in two steps in the lens cylinder for minimized overall body depth.

New Blur Reduction High ISO mode reduces camera shake and subject blurring

The Optio S7 is equipped with a Blur Reduction mode,* a new feature that allows photography at faster shutter speeds for sharper images even in dim lighting conditions such as night scenes and indoor sporting events. In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to as high as ISO 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. The higher sensitivities permit faster shutter speeds that effectively reduce not just camera shake but also blurring caused by moving subjects.

*The image recording size is fixed at 4 MB (2304 x 1728 pixels) when the Blur Reduction mode is selected.

Face Recognition AF & AE for beautiful one-step portraits

The camera includes the new Face Recognition AF & AE* function, which allows you to take bright, beautiful photos of people with perfectly focused faces free of shadows caused by exposing for the background or for the colors of clothing. This useful function automatically detects the position of the subject's anywhere in the photo frame and then adjusts the focus and optimizes the exposure for the detected position.

* This camera's Face Recognition AF & AE function uses the Face Tracker face-recognition technology from FotoNation.

Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject

The Optio S7 auto-tracking AF feature continuously focuses on subjects such as kids and pets that move around unpredictably. Since the focus frame automatically follows the movement of the subject inside the photo frame, you can be sure to capture those instantaneous photo opportunities.

High-quality movies with an anti-shake function

The Optio S7 captures movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640 x 480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders. Since it employs the DivX® (MPEG-4 compliant) movie format,* the Optio S7 can record longer, high-quality movies. Camera shake while filming can also be corrected automatically by switching on the movie anti-shake feature.**

* The Optio S7 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating systems.

** Using the movie anti-shake function results in a narrower field of view than during normal recording.

Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions

The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determine the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Program modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This PENTAX original function makes photography a lot easier for users since it eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

The image quality of 7.0 effective megapixels permits beautiful, crisp prints even at large-format sizes

The Optio S7 produces clear images with impressive quality thanks to the high resolution afforded by its 7.0 effective megapixels and to its high-performance smc PENTAX lens. This superlative resolution makes it possible to attain prints with crisp details even when the photo is greatly enlarged. Additionally, a high-performance ASIC*6supplies the camera with dramatically more image-processing power, giving more natural tone reproductions and textured portraits.

*Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

Supports the SDHC memory card for greater storage of high-quality images and longer movies

The Optio S7 supports two removable storage media: the conventional SD memory cards and the new SDHC memory cards.*

*SD High Capacity; these memory cards have capacities in excess of 2 GB.

Red-eye correction available after shooting

The Optio S7 comes with FotoNation's red-eye correction function, which can correct red-eye problems, a side effect of flash photography, after the photo is taken. With the ability to manually select the area to correct, this function allows for more precise correction of red-eye photos.

Other features

• Approximately 232,000 pixels high-resolution, 2.5 inch non-glare LCD monitor with excellent outdoor visibility
• Mode Palette provides quick access to 16 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
• Frequently used functions can be assigned to the Green button
• Digital zooming provides up to 4X magnification
• Approximately 23 MB of built-in memory
• Built-in AF spotbeam (on/off switching possible)
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management softwareSupports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching