Automotive Photographers Network - automotivephoto.netNewshttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008-07-01T15:50:03ZSquarespaceRicoh announces the GX200Product Announcementhttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/7/1/ricoh-announces-the-gx200.htmlJohn Thawley2008-07-01T15:45:27Z2008-07-01T15:45:27Z615722-1688089-thumbnail.jpgA high-end 24mm ultra-wide-angle optical zoom digital compact featuring high resolution 12 megapixel CCD coupled with the latest imaging engine SIE III

Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200 able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007.

Inheriting the highly popular Caplio GX100 features such as a 24 to 72mm (35mm film equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic viewfinder, the new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III.
Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further configured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution.
With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs.
]]>THE AGILE NEW NIKON D700 FX-FORMAT D-SLR CAMERAProduct Announcementhttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/7/1/the-agile-new-nikon-d700-fx-format-d-slr-camera.htmlJohn Thawley2008-07-01T14:44:15Z2008-07-01T14:44:15Z615722-1687941-thumbnail.jpgNikon’s Second FX-Format Camera Delivers Peak Pro Performance in a Versatile Form-Factor

MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 1, 2008) – Nikon, Inc. today introduced the new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.

Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.

]]>Tiffen announces Dfx digital filter plug-in for Apple Aperture 2.1http://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/5/1/tiffen-announces-dfx-digital-filter-plug-in-for-apple-apertu.htmlJohn Thawley2008-05-01T21:46:27Z2008-05-01T21:46:27Z615722-1535485-thumbnail.jpgHauppauge, NY • March 28, 2008- Tiffen, the world’s premier manufacturer and distributor of its award-winning Tiffen filters, and other well-respected brand name products to the consumer, video, motion picture and television imaging markets, is proud to announce that its award winning Dfx digital filters will be available shortly as a plug-in for Aperture 2.1, the most expansive photo editing and management tool today from Apple.


Tiffen Dfx digital filters represent a technological breakthrough that both complement and expand the extraordinary creative control Tiffen optical filters bring to imaging. Unlike other software, Tiffen Dfx filters offer effects that truly simulate the extensive range of Tiffen’s world-renowned optical filters, plus much more!

]]>New Line of ThinkTank Rolling Bagshttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/3/25/new-line-of-thinktank-rolling-bags.htmlJohn Thawley2008-03-25T16:42:33Z2008-03-25T16:42:33Z615722-1441591-thumbnail.jpgThinkTank has released three new or completely upgraded rolling bags that provide more protection and security for transporting heavy and expensive photography gear. All three rollers feature advanced security features, such as front and back cable locks, a TSA lock, and the Security Plate “Lost and Found” service.

• Airport Airstream — This new, small roller complies with international air travel guidelines and accommodates up to a 400mm lens and multiple DSLRs and lenses. It features new and enhanced security features: TSA combination lock for the zipper sliders, a security cable for securing the roller to immovable objects, a front cable and lock for securing a laptop case to the bag, and the new Security Plate system for easy identification. With Think Tank Photo’s new Security Plate you can register your roller’s unique serial number at our Lost and Found site. If we are informed that a lost or stolen bag has been located, we will contact you at no charge. The optional Airport Airstream Low Divider Set lets up to a 15” laptop lay safely inside of the roller.
]]>New from ThinkTank: The Skin Collection: Thin, Flexible Bags for Quick Accesshttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/3/25/new-from-thinktank-the-skin-collection-thin-flexible-bags-fo.htmlJohn Thawley2008-03-25T16:40:52Z2008-03-25T16:40:52Z615722-1441583-thumbnail.jpgThe “Skin” collection is designed to fit on Think Tank Photo belts or regular belts, are very thin and flexible modular pieces that lay flat when empty and conform to your gear when full. Their ability to be compressed when empty frees up valuable space in your cases, especially when in transit.

The bags feature a “Silencer Flap” that keeps hook and loop quiet in order to avoid undue attention, a front pocket that provides room for small accessories, and interior dividers for desired arrangement of gear. A seam-sealed rain cover is included. There are six Skin components.
]]>Apple Releases Aperture 2http://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/2/12/apple-releases-aperture-2.htmlJohn Thawley2008-02-12T17:58:55Z2008-02-12T17:58:55ZMajor Upgrade Features Improved Interface, Faster Browsing & Enhanced Image Processing

aperture_125_080205.jpgCUPERTINO, California—February 12, 2008—Apple® today introduced Aperture™ 2, the next major release of its groundbreaking photo editing and management software with over 100 new features that make it faster, easier to use and more powerful. With a streamlined user interface and entirely new image processing engine, Aperture 2 also introduces new imaging tools for highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning, and lets users directly post their portfolios on the .Mac Web Gallery* for viewing on the web, iPhone™, iPod® touch and Apple TV®. At a new low price of $199, anyone can easily organize, edit and publish photos like a pro.

“Many of the most respected photographers on assignment all over the world trust Aperture to organize, edit and deliver their images,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “With its simpler interface and lower price, anyone can take full advantage of Aperture’s power.”

“At the end of the day, it’s all about the quality of the image,” said Sports Illustrated contributing photographer David Bergman. “Even before I begin making adjustments, Aperture’s new RAW processing gives me better images with more visible detail and better color rendering than any other program I’ve tested.” ]]>Plans for wirless Panasonic Lumixhttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/1/11/plans-for-wirless-panasonic-lumix.htmlJohn Thawley2008-01-11T14:37:40Z2008-01-11T14:37:40Z1200048828_0.jpgWireless picture sharing from Panasonic - Panasonic and T-Mobile are collaborating to enable the development of the first Lumix wireless digital camera.
 
Panasonic have today highlighted the development of a Lumix digital camera with wireless network connectivity, complete with integrated access to T-Mobile HotSpot service and the ability to send photos directly to Picasa Web Albums, a free online photo-sharing service from Google. Panasonic collaborated with T-Mobile Hotspot and used Picasa Web Albums’ APIs to develop a new and optimal online environment for photo sharing.
After taking digital photos with the new Lumix, users will be able to upload their photos directly to Picasa Web Albums through the T-Mobile HotSpot service. The Lumix comes with complimentary access to T-Mobile HotSpot service for 12 months. After uploading, they can receive an email with a URL link to their photos, which they can then share with family and friends. In addition, users can confirm photos have been successfully loaded to Picasa Web Albums and can delete photos directly from the digital camera, eliminating the concern that photos have or have not been uploaded.
]]>Lexar Media Announces Crucial™ Solid State Drive (SSD) Product Linehttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/1/3/lexar-media-announces-crucial-solid-state-drive-ssd-product.htmlJohn Thawley2008-01-03T00:37:15Z2008-01-03T00:37:15Z615722-1244200-thumbnail.jpgIndustry-leading native SATA 3.0Gb/s interface and unique customer tools differentiate Crucial SSDs
 
Fremont, CA, January 2, 2007 – Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today announced its line of Crucial solid state drives (SSD). Crucial SSDs are more durable, require less power, and offer greater overall system performance than traditional hard disk drives. The SSDs will be available in capacities of 32GB and 64GB in an industry standard 2.5-inch drive enclosure with an industry-leading native SATA 3.0Gb/s interface. Additionally, Lexar Media will offer the Crucial SK01 external drive kit and various online customer tools—including the Crucial SSD Advisor tool, the only tool of its kind on the market today—available at www.crucial.com/ssd or www.crucial.com/uk/ssd. Product availability is expected in Q1 2008.

]]>New Travel Restrictions Affect Photographershttp://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2008/1/1/new-travel-restrictions-affect-photographers.htmlJohn Thawley2008-01-01T17:37:18Z2008-01-01T17:37:18Z615722-1240675-thumbnail.jpgBeginning January 1, 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation is changing how and how many extra lithium batteries we pack for our flights (such as those for cameras and computers). In sum, you may not pack extra lithium batteries in your checked luggage, but you can put them in your carry-on bags.

Effective January 1, 2008, the following rules apply to the spare lithium batteries you carry with you in case the battery in a device runs low:

  • Spare batteries are the batteries you carry separately from the devices they power. When batteries are installed in a device, they are not considered spare batteries.
  • You may not pack a spare lithium battery in your checked baggage
  • You may bring spare lithium batteries with you in carry-on baggage – see our spare battery tips and how-to sections to find out how to pack spare batteries safely!
  • Even though we recommend carrying your devices with you in carry-on baggage as well, if you must bring one in checked baggage, you may check it with the batteries installed.
The following quantity limits apply to both your spare and installed batteries. The limits are expressed in grams of “equivalent lithium content.” 8 grams of equivalent lithium content is approximately 100 watt-hours. 25 grams is approximately 300 watt-hours: ]]>It's That Time of Year.... the best of 2007http://www.automotivephoto.net/news/2007/12/31/its-that-time-of-year-the-best-of-2007.htmlJohn Thawley2007-12-31T21:03:00Z2007-12-31T21:03:00ZOnce again it’s time to look back at the year in pictures. Always a favorite,  MSNBC, has a terrific 2007 Year in Pictures.

Other worthy notables include:

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