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

SanDisk press release:

SanDisk Introduces SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash - World's Fastest Cards For Professional Photographers

New Cards Result In Faster Capture of High-Resolution Images and Quicker Card-to-Computer Transfers

NEW YORK, NY, July 19, 2006 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced the new SanDisk Extreme® IV line of CompactFlash® digital film cards for professional photographers. The line is targeted at photographers who require the highest possible performance and the largest capacities for their medium format and high-end digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. The SanDisk Extreme IV cards are available in capacities of up to 8-gigabytes (GB)₁ and deliver minimum read and write speeds of 40 megabytes per second (MB/sec.)₂ making these the fastest flash memory cards in the world. This exceptionally fast card speed is critical when shooting large numbers of high-resolution images.

SanDisk also introduced the new SanDisk Extreme FireWire reader that can transfer images from the SanDisk Extreme IV cards to a computer at up to 40MB/sec. for significantly improved workflow efficiency. These new products were announced at a press conference held today at the NASDAQ Market Site in New York City.

The SanDisk Extreme IV cards are targeted at the professional photographer who needs the absolute highest performance and maximum reliability. The company will continue to offer the SanDisk Extreme III and SanDisk Ultra® II lines.

“The new SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash card and SanDisk Extreme FireWire reader offers photographers a number of key benefits,” said Tanya Chuang, senior retail marketing manager at SanDisk. “First of all, the new cards are twice the speed of the current SanDisk Extreme III cards and offer performance that is ideal for medium format cameras, digital backs and other high-resolution cameras that require the combination of high performance and large capacities. In addition, they are available in industry-leading capacities so that photographers can capture a larger number of RAW or other high-resolution images. Lastly, photographers can quickly transfer gigabytes of images from the card to the computer for greatly increased workflow efficiency, an important consideration when working under deadline pressures.”

Fast Cards Ideal For High-Resolution Digital Cameras
SanDisk Extreme IV cards use SanDisk-developed ESP (Enhanced Super-Parallel Processing) technology that combine fast NAND flash memory chips and controller designs, 32-bit RISC processing and advanced algorithms in an architecture that streamlines every aspect of read and write data transfer operations. In addition, SanDisk works closely with major camera manufacturers to ensure the speed and compatibility of its cards.

Wes Brewer, vice president of consumer product marketing, said, “SanDisk has led the market for high performance/high reliability cards for imaging professionals since the introduction of our original SanDisk Extreme I card in 2003. Our SanDisk Extreme III cards have provided the highest performance in the industry at 20MB/sec., minimum read and write performance for CompactFlash and SD formats, since their introduction in 2004. It’s taken nearly a year and a half for our competition to match that performance level. Now, with the introduction of the SanDisk Extreme IV line at 40MB/sec., we believe that SanDisk will continue to be the preferred choice of professional photographers based on our performance advantage as well as our commitment to the photographic market as a whole.”

Chuang added, “The SanDisk Extreme IV line is the direct result of SanDisk’s passion and continued drive to provide the highest possible performance for professional photographers. On behalf of SanDisk, I would like to personally thank our major partners and leading manufacturers of professional digital cameras such as Canon, Hasselblad, Leaf, Nikon and Phase One. Without their strong support and inputs, development of the SanDisk Extreme IV line would not have been possible.”

Medium format cameras such as the Hasselblad H2D-39 and digital backs, such as the Leaf Aptus family, produce enormous files that must be quickly processed and then saved to the card. Their advanced firmware lets photographers save RAW and high-end JPEG images faster so they can continue to shoot without losing their rhythm.

High-end digital SLRs may also show increased performance with the SanDisk Extreme IV cards.

Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad, said, “The speed and capacities of the removable storage cards can have a serious impact on the overall performance of Hasselblad cameras. Our most advanced digital camera is the Hasselblad H2D-39, the world’s first 39-megapixel (MP) digital auto-focus camera that can capture one image every two seconds. Using a SanDisk Extreme IV card, the initial burst rate is dramatically improved from 6 frames to 10 frames versus a SanDisk Extreme III card. This is a huge gain that can mean the difference between capturing the shot or not.” 

Rob Galbraith, editorial, freelance photographer and publisher of the Rob Galbraith Digital Photography Insights website, said, “The best CompactFlash cards on the market until now are capable of real-world throughput of between 15MB-17MB/second in the best shipping readers we’ve tested. By comparison, the 2GB SanDisk Extreme IV card, when inserted into an Extreme FireWire Reader, tops out at a whopping 38.6MB/second. Given the blazing card-to-computer speed of the Extreme IV CompactFlash cards, the time it takes to transfer a big assignment’s worth of photos is about to be cut significantly.”

Dov Kalinski, general manager of Leaf, part of Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group, said, “Leaf, as a leading supplier of digital camera backs for professional photographers since 1992, has consistently led the market with innovative solutions, quality and ground-breaking speed. Integrating the new SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash cards allow us to take a leap forward in terms of mobile storage performance. Our customers will now enjoy increased portability, which is of utmost importance to a significant portion of the market.”

Robert Cristina, manager of professional products at Nikon Europe BV, said, “Nikon has long recognized the importance for photographers to be able to capture high resolution files without compromising speed, and this SanDisk Extreme IV initiative will be wholeheartedly welcomed by customers using our high performance cameras.” 

Large Capacities Let You Focus On Taking Pictures
Available in 2-, 4- and 8GB capacities, the SanDisk Extreme IV cards are ideal for photographers who shoot RAW and JPEG images that are typically very large and can quickly fill up a card.

Jonathan Torgovnik, contract photographer for Newsweek magazine, war correspondent and freelance photographer, said, “Many photographers were wary of using cards larger than 1GB because they didn’t want to ‘put all their eggs in one basket.’ While that may have been an issue for some in the past, that attitude is changing very quickly. I always shoot RAW images, so using 4- or 8GB cards is a must. It also lets me concentrate on taking pictures and keeping the momentum going rather than worrying about filling the card after only a few shots.”

Faster Cards And Readers Improve Workflow—The “SanDisk Extreme IV System”
While the speed of the card is important for in-camera performance, card-to-computer transfer rates are becoming an increasingly important workflow consideration. The time it takes to transfer images to a computer can be a bigger bottleneck now that card capacities have expanded into the multi-gigabyte range.

The SanDisk Extreme IV cards and SanDisk Extreme FireWire 800/400reader combine to form a high-speed “system” that dramatically decreases card-to-computer transfer time. Images are transferred at up to the 40MB/sec. speed of the SanDisk Extreme IV cards. For a limited time, the company will offer an introductory bundle pack that includes a 4GB SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash card and a SanDisk Extreme FireWire reader.

In the U.S. and Europe, a free 30-day trial version of Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 software is bundled with each SanDisk Extreme FireWire Reader. Photoshop is the professional image-editing standard and leader of the Photoshop digital imaging line, and the software supports both Macintosh and PCs.

Extended Operating Temperature Range For Reliable Use Under Extreme Environmental Conditions
SanDisk Extreme IV cards are designed to withstand the industry’s widest guaranteed operating temperature range from a freezing minus 13 ◦ F (minus 25 ◦ C) to a scorching 185 ◦ F (plus 85 ◦ C). The cards also include RescuePRO® software that allows photographers to easily recover accidentally deleted images, lost digital images or data. The included software is compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms.

Pricing and Availability
SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash cards and new reader will be available at the following suggested retail prices:

SanDisk Extreme IV cards carry a lifetime limited warranty. Photographers who purchase the cards also will have access to a dedicated toll-free number for technical support questions.

SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world’s largest supplier of flash data storage card products using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the U.S.

Fujifilm press release 

Big brother's little brother: FinePix F20 joins award-winning high sensitivity camera range from Fujifilm

Announcement Date: 13 July 2006

Little brother to the TIPA award-winning FinePix F30 Zoom reinforces Fujifilm's commitment to class-leading sensitivity for digital camera users

Embargo, 13 July 2006

Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix F20, an affordable and slimline 6.3 megapixel camera that reflects the company's commitment to producing a wide range of high-end, high sensitivity digital cameras that work in low light.

The FinePix F20 refines the body shape of the acclaimed FinePix F30. However its convenient, pocketable dimensions do not prevent it from featuring the same powerful sixth generation Super CCD HR sensor and Real Photo Processor II technology as its bigger brother.

Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology cameras are among the only digital compacts to deliver ISO sensitivity of 1600 and above at full resolution. This ensures crisp, clear images that are as close as any digital camera gets to reproducing a scene just as the human eye sees it, even in low light, without the use of flash. The FinePix F20's sensitivity of ISO 100-2000 makes it five times more effective at capturing detailed, natural looking images in low light than a conventional compact with ISO 400. It's a feature that users are coming to expect from high-specification cameras.

The camera also features Fujifilm's Intelligent Flash system. This helps avoid the messy background blur of 'slow-sync' flash as well as the starkness of conventional flash. Instead, the camera automatically sets the power output of the flash to produce balanced images that combine natural foreground illumination with optimum background exposure. It spells the end for bleached-out people and blacked-out backgrounds, and brings greater depth and clarity to twilight hour photography.

In addition, the FinePix F20's innovative 'Natural Light & Flash' Dual Shot mode takes two shots in quick succession, one with flash and one without, before displaying them side by side for instant comparison. It's like a photographic safety net and means the user can be confident of getting a great image for every unexpected, spontaneous moment.

With a 300-shot battery life, 14 scene positions including beach, snow and fireworks, the FinePix F20 is a versatile and dynamic companion that guarantees the user great pictures wherever they take it.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Photo Products, said, "This new camera reflects Fujifilm's photographic strategy by broadening our range of high-sensitivity digital cameras. Digital photography has moved on from megapixels, and today sensitivity is the key area of advancement. Our cameras are at the vanguard of this movement and the FinePix F20 joins a growing family of models specifically designed to produce pictures just as your eyes see them."

FinePix F20 features at a glance:

ISO 2000* sensitivity at full resolution for low-noise photography in all light situations
(*On Picture Stabilisation and Natural Light Mode or ISO 1600 on Auto and Manual Mode)

Sixth generation Super CCD HR VI sensor delivering 6.3 million effective pixels

Real Photo Processor II reduces noise and delivers enhanced colour reproduction

Anti-blur button to set high shutter speed and reduce the risk of blurry images

Intelligent Flash achieves the optimum combination of high sensitivity and natural skin tones

'Natural Light & Flash' Dual Shot mode

Quick response times 0.01 second shutter lag and 1.4 second start-up

3x optical zoom

Long-life battery (up to 300 shots)

TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound

PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC

Accessories
A range of dedicated optional accessories is available for the FinePix F20, including premium leather case, WP-FXF30 Underwater Housing and Underwater Strobe Kit. For users who want to travel with their camera, a Fujifilm World Travel Adaptor, for charging abroad, and spare Lithium-ion battery, NP-70, are also available.

The camera comes with software CDs, FinePix Viewer and ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix. Also included are Lithium-ion battery NP-70, AC Power Adaptor AC-5VC, Hand Strap, and USB and A/V cables.

Availability & pricing
The FinePix F20 will be available from UK retailers in September 2006. Pricing and stockists will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch*.
Contact details for customers
For information about Fujifilm and its products, please visit: www.fujifilm.co.uk or call
0870 084 1310

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm is a global leader in imaging technology, products and services including digital cameras, photofinishing, digital storage and recording media, consumer and professional film, motion picture film, professional video, printing systems, medical imaging, office technology, flat panel displays and graphic arts. The company employs more than 73,000 people worldwide, with 178 subsidiaries stretching across four continents.

Uniquely placed to be a market leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm develops and manufactures its own sensors, lenses and processing technology. In addition to its production plants and R&D operations in Japan, the company has key manufacturing facilities in Europe and the USA for core products such as colour film, colour paper, single use cameras and CTP printing plates, and has further factories in Brazil and China. It has a global turnover in excess of £13 billion.

In the UK, Fujifilm has been supplying the imaging, printing and graphics industries, as well as consumers, professional and enthusiast photographers, with high quality, innovative products and services for over 25 years. Fujifilm UK currently employs more than 450 people and has become one of the country's most popular photographic and imaging brands.

© 2006, Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd. Specifications are subject to change.

Fujifilm press release:

…it can't wait to see your face

Announcement Date: 13 July 2006

New digital camera combines hardware based Face Detection technology and high ISO sensitivity to stunning effect

Embargo, 13 July 2006

Fujifilm today announces the launch of the FinePix S6500fd digital camera, debuting industry-first hardware based Face Detection technology to enable the camera to recognise faces and optimise settings to get the best photograph in just 0.04 seconds. With Fujifilm's acclaimed sixth generation, six megapixel Super CCD sensor and Real Photo Technology II, class-leading ISO 100-3200 sensitivity and Fujinon 10.7x (28-300mm equivalent) optical zoom lens, the FinePix S6500fd combines the photographic possibilities of a digital SLR with the ease of use of a compact.

Fujifilm expects the FinePix S6500fd to be a popular camera for hobbyist photographers. It will be a powerful, fun tool for people looking to move on from their compact digital camera, but who don't want the restrictions or level of manual input that can be required by a Digital SLR.

Face detection
Photographs of friends and family are among the most popular in day-to-day photography. Yet these are the shots that are hardest to get right because the best photographs are not the posed ones, but those that are unexpected. Previously, face detection concepts have been a slow, software based process, relegating them to a novelty feature rather than a powerful picture-taking tool. The potential delay in 'seeing' a face and optimising settings is not conducive to good people photography. Crucially, Fujifilm has built its Face Detection technology into the FinePix S6500fd's processor, enabling it to identify faces and take a photo within 0.04 seconds.

The FinePix S6500fd's Face Detection uses an algorithm, which recognises eyes and a mouth to lock on to faces in the frame. Coping with up to ten faces in a frame, it optimises settings such as focus and exposure level before taking the photo. Face Detection can identify a face irrespective of its position in the frame or the composition of the shot, and is not confused by spectacles. Furthermore, movement tracking ensures the camera stays locked on the subject until they move out of the frame. All this, combined with split-second accuracy, results in picture-perfect people shots with no need for user intervention.

High sensitivity for precision photography
Alongside Face Detection, the FinePix S6500 features Fujifilm's Real Photo Processor II technology, delivering class-leading ISO 100-3200 sensitivity. Research shows that the majority of photos are taken in low light with the subject in the foreground. These shots can be problematic because of blur, or because the subject is over-exposed by an automatic flash. The high ISO of the FinePix S6500fd means that sharp, focused images can be achieved in low light without the need for a flash, so skin tones look natural and foreground and background exposure remain balanced. When used in conjunction with Face Detection, the result is natural-looking people pictures that appear just as the human eye sees them, even when shot in low light.

The FinePix S6500fd features a Fujinon 10.7x optical zoom lens with twist barrel control to give plenty of scope for precision composition. Because the camera's high ISO sensitivity also combats image blur, the user can even achieve sharp, clean images at the telephoto end of the zoom; perfect for fast-moving sports photography. Its fixed lens also prevents dust collecting on its sensor, another convenience factor versus DSLRs.

For flash photography, the camera features Fujifilm's Intelligent Flash system, which automatically balances flash power output and exposure for both foreground and background. This ensures more natural-looking skin tones and clearer background exposure when using the flash function. In addition, a 'Natural Light & Flash' Dual Shot Mode takes two shots in quick succession, one with flash and one without. These are then displayed side by side for immediate comparison.

The FinePix S6500fd also features a High Speed Shooting Mode with rapid focus and a shutter lag of just 0.035 seconds.

The 2.5" LCD screen and high resolution electronic viewfinder give the user a choice of how to compose and view images. With fourteen special-scene modes, including Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum and Party, the FinePix S6500fd ensures users will never miss an opportunity for a great photo. A 30 fps VGA movie mode with sound and manual zoom capability provides an attractive alternative to still photography that can not be incorporated into a digital SLR.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Photo Products said, "The FinePix S6500fd is aimed at people for whom photography is a hobby. They want to be able to get fantastic images but also want the option of point-and-shoot simplicity on demand. With Face Detection and incredibly high sensitivity, this camera does a particularly good job of photographing the most important subject of them all: people. This model is all about combining absolute convenience with fantastic image potential."

Accessories
The FinePix S6500fd's optional Wide Conversion Lens, WL-FXS6, expands the camera's wide-angle capability without compromising image quality. It allows the extreme angles of view normally only available with changeable lenses on an SLR camera.

Also available is an optional premium leather case. Fujifilm World Travel Adaptor, for charging abroad, and spare Lithium-ion battery, NP-70 make travelling with the FinePix S6500 easy.

The camera comes with shoulder strap, USB and A/V cables, Lens cap and hood and software CDs FinePix Viewer (with RAW File Converter included), ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix and RAW File Converter LE.

FinePix S6500fd features at a glance:
Hardware based Face Detection technology

Sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200 for low-noise photography in all light situations

Super CCD HR VI sensor delivering six million effective pixels

Real Photo Processor II reduces noise and delivers enhanced colour reproduction

Fixed 10.7x (28-300mm equivalent) optical zoom lens with twist barrel control

Intelligent Flash achieves the optimum combination of high sensitivity and natural skin tones

Manual, shutter- and aperture-priority and program exposure modes

Single, continuous and manual focus modes

Jpeg and RAW file formats

High Speed Shooting Mode with a shutter lag of just 0.035 seconds

High resolution 2.5 inch LCD screen with reinforced, scratch-resistant glass

TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound

PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC

Availability & pricing
The FinePix S6500fd will be available from UK retailers in October 2006. Pricing and stockists will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.*

Contact details for customers
For information about Fujifilm and its products, please visit: www.fujifilm.co.uk or call
0870 084 1310

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm is a global leader in imaging technology, products and services including digital cameras, photofinishing, digital storage and recording media, consumer and professional film, motion picture film, professional video, printing systems, medical imaging, office technology, flat panel displays and graphic arts. The company employs more than 73,000 people worldwide, with 178 subsidiaries stretching across four continents.

Uniquely placed to be a market leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm develops and manufactures its own sensors, lenses and processing technology. In addition to its production plants and R&D operations in Japan, the company has key manufacturing facilities in Europe and the USA for core products such as colour film, colour paper, single use cameras and CTP printing plates, and has further factories in Brazil and China. It has a global turnover in excess of £13 billion.

In the UK, Fujifilm has been supplying the imaging, printing and graphics industries, as well as consumers, professional and enthusiast photographers, with high quality, innovative products and services for over 25 years. Fujifilm UK currently employs more than 450 people and has become one of the country's most popular photographic and imaging brands.

© 2006, Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd. Specifications are subject to change.

Number of images / recording time on xD-Picture Card™:

Sigma press release:

Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations

• Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting
• Floating focus system provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro
• Equivalent field of view to 105mm macro lens when used on a digital SLR camera with an APS-C size image sensor

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new Macro 70mm F2.8 EX DG lens . This medium telephoto macro lens is ideal for both digital SLR cameras and 35mm film SLR cameras. The 70mm focal length gives an equivalent field of view as our popular 105mm macro lens when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor.

The design of this lens makes it suitable for taking pictures in all situations from infinity to 1:1 macro, both with natural light conditions or flash.

A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce an exceptional level of optical performance. Sigma’s super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, and helps create a natural color balance.

The floating focus system provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro.

A ‘Focus Limiter Switch’ in incorporated on the lens, improving the speed and accuracy of autofocus by limiting the focus range. A screw-in lens hood is included for convenient use of circular polarizing filters.

* Nikon and Pentax mount lens do not have an aperture ring, therefore depending on Camera model some functions may not work.

Availability.
For Sigma AF, Canon EOS and Nikon AF: August 2006
For Sony and Pentax AF: September 2006

Samsung press release (07, Jul, 2006 / SEC)

Verizon Wireless And SAMSUNG Launch First 3.2 Mega Pixel Camera Phone In The United States

New Picture Quality Standard Set for Mobile Camera Phones

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and DALLAS - Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, set a new standard for mobile camera phones today with the availability of the SCH-a990, the first 3.2 mega pixel digital camera phone available to Verizon Wireless customers. The SCH-a990 enables photo enthusiasts to take high-resolution photos of a similar print quality as a standalone digital camera. In addition, the SCH-a990 boasts a number of media features, including video recording capabilities, V CAST to view video and V CAST Music to download music directly to the phone and Bluetooth® wireless technology, which allows a customer to print pictures wirelessly from the SCH-a990 to a Bluetooth-enabled printer basic print profile.

The SCH-a990 has a unique design that holds first like a phone and then, when the screen is rotated 180 degrees, like a camera. This innovative design, along with the high resolution and features such as a flash and in-camera photo editing software, make the SCH-a990 the first mobile device that is as much a camera as it is a multimedia phone.

The SCH-a990 is also a strong V CAST multimedia phone with full music, video and game capabilities on a high-resolution screen. V CAST Music lets customers play music on their wireless phones - the same device they have come to rely upon for entertainment, information and mobile communication. V CAST customers can browse, preview, download and play high-quality digital music from their SCH-a990 over Verizon Wireless’ broadband network - the most award-winning wireless broadband network in the nation - or from the Verizon Wireless V CAST Music online store using a personal computer. With V CAST on the SCH-a990, customers can view video clips from the hottest names in entertainment, news, sports and more in the palms of their hands. V CAST is currently available to more than 150 million Americans from coast to coast.

“The launch of the a990 marks the first time a multimedia phone is fully integrated with a high resolution camera in the U.S.,” said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. “With a design that feels and looks like a phone and camera, Samsung’s a990 is the premiere print quality camera phone for the photo enthusiasts in the U.S. market.”

The new SCH-a990 also supports Verizon Wireless’ VZ Navigator, a tool for customers that includes mapping, audible turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to find over 14 million points of interest. Other key features include:

• 3.2 Mega Pixel Digital Camera with flash, auto focus, picture editor, PictBridge Digital Printing, Zoom, TV-out and 180 degree Swivel Screen
• V CAST-capable:
  º V CAST Music - download songs over the air or transfer your own music collection onto removable microSD™ memory cards*
  - Device supports dedicated external Music keys for easy use and listening pleasure
  º V CAST Video and 3D Games - download or stream video from the best names in news, sports, entertainment and more or download the latest 3D games from top providers
• Get It Now® -capable - download games, ring tones, wallpapers and more
• Mobile Web 2.0SM-capable - customizable, enhanced wireless access to the latest in news, sports, weather and more
• Camcorder with up to one-hour recording time*
• Bluetooth® wireless technology supports a basic print profile as well as headset, hands free, serial port and dial up networking profiles**
• Voice dialing with advanced speech recognition
• Quick Search support to find menu items and contacts
• Business Card Scan capability
• Dimensions: 3.80″ x 1.88″ x .82″, 4.40 ounces with standard battery
• T-9® easy text input
• TTY compatible
• Bilingual user interface: English and Spanish
• Personal organizer with calendar, calculator, to-do list, currency converter, alarm clock, world time, and a stop watch

To get V CAST from Verizon Wireless, customers simply equip their SCH-a990 with a V CAST VPak subscription for $15.00 monthly access added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan. Unlimited basic video clips are included, but application download fees apply for 3D games, music and premium video. For more information, visit www.getvcast.com.

The SCH-a990 is available for $349.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement and is available today online at www.verizonwireless.com and will be available in more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on July 24, 2006.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit www.verizonwireless.com.

• *Memory card sold separately.
• **Phone does not support all Bluetooth object exchange (OBEX) profiles.

Kodak has announced EASYSHARE P712 Digital Camera. Aimed at high end of prosumer market the camera offers 1/2.5 in. CCD with 7.1 MP and 12x Image Stabilized SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON lens. Kodak highlights the performace of the camera operations as a key improvement with a quoted 0.07 seconds for click to capture time.
It is worth the mention the lens is very bright for its range: 36 – 432mm (35mm equivalent) f2.8 – f/3.7 and should be a joy to use  for the telephoto photography. In addition to the optical zoom the camera also offers 5x digital zoom.
Other notable features include 30 frames-per-second VGA video  mode as well as large,  2.5-inch, 237K high-resolution LCD. ISO range is 64 to 800.
For full specifications please visit KODAK EASYSHARE P712 site .

Full press release:
KODAK EASYSHARE P712 Digital Camera Unleashes Photographers’ Potential with Precision Controls and Stunning Image Quality
Blazing Fast Auto-Focus System, 12X Image-Stabilized Lens, 7.1 MP Sensor Combine for Crisp, Clear Pictures Ideal for Sharing

Rochester, NY, June 20 — Eastman Kodak Company today announced the KODAK EASYSHARE P712 zoom digital camera, setting a new performance benchmark for the consumer “superzoom” category. Its precision auto-focus system with best-in-class click-to-capture rate — literally faster than the blink of an eye, at less than 1/10th of a second (0.07 seconds) — helps photographers get the exact shots they want, whether action on a sports field or children on the playground.

“When second and third-time digital camera buyers walk into stores this year, they’re searching for models with better performance and more control than point-and-shoots, without sacrificing ease of use. They want pictures that look phenomenal straight out of the camera,” said Mary Hadley, general manager of digital cameras at Kodak. “Our new P712 camera is specifically designed for these photographers, helping them take stunning pictures that they’ll want to share widely with friends and family.”

The KODAK EASYSHARE P712 camera features a 12X (36 – 432 mm equiv.), image-stabilized, f2.8 – f/3.7, SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON lens that delivers exquisite detail and sharpness. Its 7.1 megapixel sensor is paired with legendary KODAK Color Science image processing for spectacular, highly accurate color — shot after shot.

Optical image stabilization provides a two-stop advantage over non-image stabilized systems for better capturing subjects in low light for both stills and video. It also minimizes handheld camera shake at longer focal lengths, which is ideal while photographingsporting events and during everyday picture taking when carrying a stabilizing device is impractical.

The P712 camera will be available worldwide beginning in July 2006, with a suggested retail price of US$499.
Sharing Made Simple
The EASYSHARE P712 camera’s large 2.5-inch, high-resolution LCD and electronic viewfinder simplify framing, reviewing and sharing pictures. Photographers can select pictures for e-mailing or printing with a touch of the exclusive Share button, and even mark them as favorites for automatic uploading to the KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery in conjunction with included KODAK EASYSHARE Software version 6.

TV-quality, 30 frames-per-second VGA video with sound (MPEG4) is always available on the P712 camera with the turn of a dial. Convenient on-camera video editing includes functions such as split, cut, merge and trim, plus the ability to create single-frame or multi-frame “storyboard” still pictures.

As with all EASYSHARE cameras, the P712 model is compatible with KODAK EASYSHARE snapshot printers and camera docks, the IMAGELINK print system, and PICTBRIDGE technology for direct photo output without a computer.
Advanced Features for Precise Control
The hot shoe flash connector and optional KODAK P20 zoom flash (US$149 MSRP) provides enhanced, more flexible lighting control, while the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers long-lasting power for more picture taking opportunities.

Additional features include PASM, custom and extensive preset scene modes; multiple burst modes for action shooting; three-shot in-camera panorama stitching; a live histogram; 25 selectable AF points; custom white balance with selectable compensation; highlight/shadow clipping displays; and RAW/TIFF/JPEG support.
About the KODAK EASYSHARE System
Kodak continues to bring groundbreaking features to its award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system, enhancing the digital photography experience for consumers worldwide. The EASYSHARE system consists of cameras, snapshot printers, services, docks, software, inkjet and thermal photo papers, and accessories, making taking, sharing and archiving high quality digital pictures effortless. Further information on KODAK EASYSHARE products is available at www.kodak.com/go/EasyShare/
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world’s foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets. With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak’s system of digital and traditional image capture products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; creative professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images; and leading healthcare organizations rely on Kodak’s innovative products, services and customized workflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within and across their enterprise. More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at www.kodak.com.
Kodak,EasyShare, and Imagelink are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company. Schneider-Kreuznach and Variogon are trademarks of Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH used under license by Kodak. 2006
2006

Google has launched a web gallery - Picasa Web Albums with a free 250MB storage space, while paying subscribers can gain 6GB storage for annual fee of $25. The product is free of advertisements, which is quite a nice change considering advertising is main revenue source for Google.
I have no doubt this will become a very popular service in short period of time due to popularity of everything-Google, and especially for Picasa users.
You can read Google’s own description of the service in more details here .