Canon will next month launch a new telephoto zoom in the shape of the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

The lens delivers the 35mm equivalent of a 29-320mm lens, according to Canon (using a conversion factor of 1.6x).

The image stabiliser (IS) function

is designed to enable the photographer to use shutter speeds four stops slower than would be otherwise possible.

The 16-element-in-12 lens includes Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and aspherical lens elements to help minimise chromatic aberration.

Canon has told AP that the lens will not be launched in a kit with the EOS 50D but available separately priced £549.99.

Source: feedproxy.google.com

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“One of countless beautiful apartment buildings in Prague“. Taken by Smiler

Source: planetearthdailyphoto.blogspot.com

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Pre-Photokina 2008: Next up from Olympus today is the Mju 1040 ultra-compact digital camera, sporting a 2.7”LCD and 3x (38-114mm equiv) zoom lens. The 10 MP super slim camera is 16.5 mm wide and includes features such as Advanced Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment and Intelligent Auto Mode. Looking at the styling it would appear that Olympus is going after the Sony Cyber-Shot market with this one…

Press Release:

Precision optics in an all-new super-slim metal body
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1040: Brilliant results in a miniature body

Hamburg, 25 August 2008 – Combining powerful features in a completely redesigned super-slim metal body, the Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 is an extremely elegant performer. Measuring in at a depth of just 16.5mm at its thin end, it combines a precision 3x zoom (38-114mm*) with cutting-edge features such as Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology. Furthermore, the brand new Intelligent Auto mode can detect the five most commonly-used scenes and then automatically adjust camera settings including focus and exposure. A large (6.9cm/2.7”) HyperCrystal LCD helps users frame and review their shots. In addition to the camera’s internal memory, photos can be stored on xD-Picture Card or – thanks to a bundled attachment – on microSD Card. The 10 Megapixel µ [mju:] 1040 will hit stores from September 2008 at an RRP of £149.99.

Style meets innovation
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 represents a new generation of style. Its sleek, thin metal body really makes a statement and comes in a dazzling array of colours. These include Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, with a sliding lens cover that enhances the µ [mju:] 1040’s streamlined appearance. The camera’s interface has also been changed as now you can access most functions through a flat control panel. This ensures easy navigation while simultaneously getting the hearts of minimal design enthusiasts racing.

High-tech features
The innovations incorporated in the Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 make capturing picture-perfect images a breeze with the brand new Intelligent Auto mode. This feature automatically detects 5 different popular photographic scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically.

Advanced Face Detection Technology lets up to 16 faces be recognised by the camera. Matched with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which cleverly optimises shadowy areas in picture, you can be sure that your human subjects are always caught in the right light.

Thanks to Digital Image Stabilisation, which boosts ISO values, crisp and sharp photos are assured – even in low-light situations. Meanwhile, the powerful TruePic III image processor enhances colour reproduction and image quality as well as boosting speed.

Take charge
With the Olympus µ [mju:] 1040, you are in control. Perfect Shot Preview lets adjustments to your photo be shown on the LCD in real time. This makes it easy to choose the right settings to achieve the best effects. In cases where further assistance might be required, the in-camera help guide puts solutions at your fingertips. Users also have a choice of up to 39 languages for the camera menu. In addition to internal memory, pictures can be stored to xD Picture Card, or – thanks to a bundled attachment – to microSD Card. And to ensure easy handling of photos on a computer, the multifaceted Olympus Master software is also included.

Available in Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, the sleek and ultra-slim µ [mju:] 1040 becomes available in September 2008 for £149.99.

The Olympus µ [mju:] 1040 – main features:

• Miniature 3x optical zoom (38-114mm*) in super slim metal body (just 16.5mm at its thin end) to capture everything from great scenes to exciting close-ups
• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces, plus correct exposure of other image areas
• 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal LCD for excellent previews even in brilliant sunlight
• Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur even in low light
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30 fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

• 10.3 million total pixels
• 10 million effective pixels
• Primary colour filter (RGB)

Image sizes • 10M 3828 x 2794
• 5M 2560 x 1920
• 3M 2048 x 1536
• 2M 1600 x 1200
• 1M 1280 x 960
• VGA 640 x 480
• 16:9 1920 x 1080 Movie clips • 640 x 480 / 15 fps
• 320 x 240 / 15 fps File formats • JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
• AVI Motion JPEG
• WAV audio Lens • 3 x
• 3 Aspherical glass elements
• Focal length 6.7 – 20.1 mm
• Focal length (equiv. 35mm) 38-114 mm
• 10 lenses / 8 groups
• Aperture 3.5 – 5.0 Image stabilization No Conversion lenses No Digital zoom Yes 5x Focus • TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection
• Face Detection AF
• Spot
• Standard
• Macro
• Super-Macro AF assist lamp Yes Focus distance • Standard mode 0.5m (wide) / 0.5m (tele)
• Macro mode 0.2m – (wide) / 0.3m (tele)
• Super Macro mode Closest focusing distance: 7 cm Metering • ESP light metering
• Spot ISO sensitivity • Auto ISO 80 – 1600 Automatically selected
• Manual ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Exposure compensation • +/- 2 EV
• 1/3 EV steps Shuttter speed 1 s – 1/2000 s Aperture f3.5 – f5.0 Scene modes

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Landscape with Portrait
• Night Scene
• Night Scene with portrait
• Sports
• Self-portrait
• Smile Shot
• Cuisine
• Movies
• Intelligent Auto Mode

White balance • White balance adjustment
• Sunlight
• Tungsten
• Overcast
• Flourescent 1
• Flourescent 2
• Flourescent 3 Self timer Yes Flash • Auto
• Red-eye reduction
• Fill-in
• Off LCD monitor • 2.7" / 6.9 cm LCD
• 230,000 dots Connectivity • DC input
• Combined A/V & USB output
• USB 2.0 compatible Storage • DCF
• EXIF 2.2
• PIM III
• PictBridge
• DPOF Power • LI-50B Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
• D-7 AC AC Adapter (optional) Weight (no batt) 108g Dimensions 89 x 55.5 x 20.3mm

Source: www.dpreview.com

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GE Digital Cameras awarded by Sears Holdings : General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, has received a Sears Holdings Corporation Partners in Progress Award for excellent market performance in the digital imaging category. Established more than 20 years ago, the Partners in Progress program recognizes sources for product or service quality, innovation, diversity and overall market performance. The Partners in Progress Award is presented annually to a select group of supplier companies that provide Sears Holdings with quality products and services that make significant contributions to the growth of Sears’ businesses, and assist Sears in creating new ways to better serve its customers.
General Imaging Cameras Awarded
Less than one percent of Sears Holdings’ more than 40,000 suppliers earn the coveted award each year. The award recipients were selected from nominations submitted by Sears associates who purchase goods and services for the company. “This is a very prestigious award, and we are honored that Sears Holdings has recognized us so early in our relationship with them,” said General Imaging Chairman and CEO Hiroshi “Hugh” Komiya. General Imaging launched the GE digital camera line in mid-2007.

Award for excellent market performance
“It’s a real �David vs. Goliath’ type of win for us,” said Rene Buhay, General Imaging’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing for the Americas. “To be recognized in this manner really speaks volumes in terms of our organization being able execute in every facet of our operation.” Interim CEO and President Bruce Johnson congratulated General Imaging, stating, “Partners in Progress was started more than 20 years ago and is a testament to the importance of collaborating with our supplier partners to better serve our customers and grow profitably.

Sears Holdings
The Sears Holdings culture is one that places a high priority on teamwork and a focus on customers. The Partners in Progress program allows our company to recognize those suppliers who have gone above and beyond to support Sears Holdings and help us to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.”

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Click photo to see more product shots.

Lowepro has added two new lines to its collection of camera bags, and has expanded three existing lines with new models. The new Terraclime bags are made of eco-friendly materials and designed not to look like camera bags, while, at the other end of the spectrum, the new Luxe bags are made of leather and come in colors such as eggplant, teal, and pink. Both new series include small pouches designed for point-and-shoots, and the Terraclime line also offers shoulder bags that are large enough to hold digital SLR gear.

New additions to existing camera bag lines include the Primus Minimus AW, CompuPrimus AW, SlingShot 350AW, and Flipside 400 AW. The two Primus AW backpacks are made with 51 percent recycled materials and are designed to carry SLR gear. Both the CompuPrimus and the sling-style SlingShot 350 AW can accommodate a laptop in addition to camera gear, and the CompuPrimus comes with a removable laptop sleeve that has a built-in LCD hood for shielding the screen from bright light. The large Flipside 400 AW backpack holds a pro SLR with a lens attached, along with additional lenses and other equipment. Lowepro’s Flipside bags have a back-entry design that makes it easy for the photographer to access camera equipment quickly but prevents the main compartment from being opened when the bag is worn.

Full details on the new bags are available on Lowepro’s Web site. Their retail prices are as follows:

Terraclime 10 $19.99
Terraclime 30 $22.99
Terraclime 50 $29.99
Terraclime 100 $79.99
Luxe $39.99
CompuPrimus AW$349.99
Primus Minimus AW $249.99
Flipside 400 AW $189.99
Slingshot 350 AW $179.99

Source: feeds.feedburner.com

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