This is the first in a three-part review covering Lightbox Photo™ Gallery Software from Lightbox Photo™. I have broken this down into three parts because of the scope of this system is pretty large and to try to work it down into a single review would do the product an injustice. In the first part I will cover an overview of the software and look at what it takes to install and setup of the Lightbox Photo™. Part two I will look at what the existing features of the product are, and in part three I will look at what new features have been added to the latest version of the software. So let's look at a general overview and setup of Lightbox Photo™ Gallery Software.

Lightbox Photo™ is a software package that runs on a server and its main purpose is to assist you in creating your own photo sales site. There are three different versions of this product that can handle everything from the independent fine art photographer to someone who wants to set up their own stock photo library business.

The system is very flexible in that it can be set up on your own server as well as on a server run by an independent hosting company. Lightbox Photo™ also has the ability to host it for you. The software is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows, and there are three versions that are available to you depending on your needs.

The standard version is aimed at the freelance artist and will let you create galleries, add images, display your images, accept payment via PayPal, VeriSign, and WorldPay among other payment processors.
The professional version is focused to the small studio, collectives, and freelancers by adding additional searching tools and the ability to have multiple administrators with different privileges, as well as additional methods for payment such as offline payment for invoicing, or allowing a customer to pay by methods other than credit card, and shipping options for physical products.

The Enterprise version is geared to those who need to manage multiple artists, use credit systems, and offer subscriptions. If you want to set up your own stock agency, then this is the version you would want, but it also has a number of features that really just about anyone would like. These include the ability to sell sets of images and allowing users to buy frames or other product options.

Source: feedproxy.google.com

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Pre-PMA 2009: Nikon has unveiled the Coolpix P90 superzoom with 24x optical zoom. With 26mm – 624mm (35mm equiv.) zoom range this superzoom camera sports a 12.1 MP sensor, 3.0 inch tilting LCD and includes manual and auto features such as Scene Auto Selector, Smile Mode, Blink warning and P/A/S/M exposure modes. In addition, continuous shooting mode can deliver 45 images at 15 fps, with images being recorded before pressing the shutter button.

Press Release:

Nikon’s Ultra-Zoom Bridge Camera

Nikon introduces 24x zoom compact camera

Nikon UK is proud to announce the P90 compact camera that boasts an impressive 24x wide angle optical zoom. Its high-performance super-telephoto zoom, wide-angle capabilities and other powerful features are combined in an easy-to-use camera, making it ideal for users looking for the famous Nikon quality, in a camera that’s compact and portable.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V: “This camera demonstrates Nikon’s devotion to camera enthusiasts. The amazingly powerful 24x zoom, 3.0-inch LCD screen with vari-angle tilt function, vibration reduction, and high sensitivity make the P90 a no-compromise bridge between a compact camera and a D-SLR.”  

Features to write home about
The P90 has an immensely powerful 24x optical zoom that offers the 35mm-equivalent of a 26mm wide-angle to a 624mm telephoto and is capable of shooting pictures as close up as 1cm. High-speed continuous shooting up to 45 shots at 15 fps means it is an ideal camera for sports photography and can even record images before you’ve pressed the button. Add to this its 12.1 effective megapixels and sensitivity up to ISO 6400, and it is clear why it excels in almost any shooting situation. Users can set it to full automatic or various manual settings using the camera’s four exposure modes (PSAM) and compose their ideal picture using the electronic viewfinder. The camera offers many other Nikon-quality features such as four Anti-blur technologies, Auto Scene and Face Priority AF, recognising up to twelve faces. It also includes the latest features, such as Smile Mode and Blink Warning, Nikon’s proprietary D-Lighting for optimising contrast and Quick Retouch. The camera can also record movies, including time-lapse movies and its 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen makes taking pictures easy even in challenging situations.

The P90 comes supplied with a USB cable, audio/video cable, strap and a software suite for COOLPIX CD-ROM. It will be available in Black All Nikon cameras come with 2GB free online image storage at Nikon’s my Picturetown service on mypicturetown.com.

Nikon Coolpix P90 specifications

Source: www.dpreview.com

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Passengers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Taken by Nyhao

Source: planetearthdailyphoto.blogspot.com

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Sanyo Xacti camcorders : Sanyo Fisher Company, a division of Sanyo North America Corporation (Sanyo) is pleased to introduce its new line-up of Dual Camera Xacti camcorders designed to enhance active lifestyles by providing both high-definition video and photo capability in a single, easy-to-use compact camera. The new mixed form factor (Horizontal, Vertical) line-up of six Sanyo Xacti camcorders include new Full HD 60fps units (VPC-FH1, VPC-HD2000), waterproof HD models (VPC-WH1, VPC-CA9) and Compact HD cameras (VPC-TH1, VPC-CG10). The new Sanyo Xacti camcorders will be available for the US market from March 2009.

Sanyo Xacti camcorders 2009 line-up
New for 2009, Dual Cameras in horizontal body styles join models in Xacti’s signature vertical form factor, offering a broad line of models designed to appeal to discerning consumers and retailers. Dual Camera Sanyo Xactis record photos and videos to SD/SDHC media cards (sold separately) and are thumb-operable for key functions, with separate video and photo buttons for easy switching between shooting video and photos. Unlike conventional camcorders, there’s no need to stop to switch modes and miss capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. With two new Dual Camera models – that’s true even when those special moments occur underwater!

Sanyo Xacti Dual Cameras
The 2009 Dual Cameras offer the convenience of both television and computer-use / viewing, plus easy Web sharing of recorded high-quality MPEG-4/H.264 video clips. Several new Sanyo Xacti camcorder models are compatible with optional lenses for expanded shooting flexibility. Some 2009 models (Xacti WH1, Xacti TH1) also offer an amazing recording time of up to 3 hours 20 minutes thanks to a small but powerful Sanyo battery and an engine designed to save energy. With a Dual Camera Xacti, one is all you need.

Sanyo Xacti HD camcorders
The Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1 and Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000 Full HD Dual Cameras are truly the benchmark in high definition, offering 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 60 frames per second recording for crystal clear, smooth motion videos. These highly advanced Sanyo Xacti camcorders not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced) format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the Sanyo proprietary CMOS engine, recording is also available in 1080p (progressive) format at an ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000
• Full 1080p HD Video (60fps)
• 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)
• High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or 1/10 playback)
• 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000) for HD Playback
• 10x Optical Zoom for photos
• 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video
• Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills)
• ‘Face Chaser’ technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos
• HDMI Output (FH1); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000)
• Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye
• External microphone input (HD2000)
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1 Horizontal : $499.99 MSRP
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000 Vertical : $599.99 MSRP
• VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD200 are available in Black

Compact HD Sanyo Xacti camcorders
In response to massive global demand for high definition equipment, Sanyo’s Dual Camera Xacti line-up for 2009 are all designed to record high definition video. Sanyo’s compact HD Models VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10 offer 720p (1280 x 720) HD capability and record at 30 frames per second. The Sanyo Xacti TH1 also offers an impressive 30x optical zoom and an incredible 3-hr 20-min long continuous recording time – all in HD!

Sanyo Xacti VPC-TH1
• HD Digital Video (720p, 30fps)
• 30x Optical Zoom
• 2-Megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• 3-inch LCD (TFT) Widescreen Display
• Long 3-hour 20-minute continuous recording battery life
• Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)
• ‘Face Chaser’ technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• HDMI Output
• 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-TH1 Horizontal : $299.99 MSRP
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-TH1 is available in Silver and Blue

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10
• 10-Megapixel photos and 720p HD video
• 5x optical zoom
• 3-inch Widescreen LCD
• Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)
• ‘Face Chaser’/Detection Technology (up to 12 faces)
• High-Speed Sequential Shooting 7fps
• 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 Vertical : $199.99 MSRP
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 is available in Black and Pink

Waterproof Sanyo Xacti camcorders
With a conventional digital camera or camcorder, many users are understandably reluctant to film or shoot in the rain or other wet environments, fearing water damage to the camera. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 and Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA9 digital camcorders, however, have earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating – IPX8 – allowing high definition 1280 x 720 30fps footage to be captured without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The Sanyo Xacti CA9 is operable down to a water depth of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), while the Sanyo Xacti WH1 is submersible down to an astounding 3 meters (10 feet). With Sanyo’s advanced waterproofing technology, these Sanyo Xacti camcorders can be used without thinking twice in the rain, for marine sports such as surfing or snorkeling, or for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1
• Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet) for one hour
• Exceptional 30x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD Display
• 2-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• 2-megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• ‘Face Chaser’ face detecting technology for both photos and videos (12 faces)
• 3-hour 20-minute recording time; long battery life
• HDMI Output
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 Horizontal : $399.99 MSRP
• Available in Blue and Yellow

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA9
• Waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for one hour
• 9-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• High Speed Sequential shooting (7fps)
• 5x Optical Zoom
• 2.5″ LCD monitor
• ‘Face Chaser’ face detection technology
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA9 Vertical : $349.99 MSRP
• Available in Black, Red and Green

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Pre-PMA 2009: Panasonic has announced the release of the DMC-ZS3 (DMC-TZ7 in Europe), the first of six new digital compact cameras, and also the first camera to record AVCHD lite HD videos. The ZS3 is also packed with some impressive video and audio features such as 48kHz sample rate and Dolby Digital Stereo Creator for high quality audio, a Wind Cut function and Intelligent Auto mode for video recording. This 12MP camera also comes along with a 3 inch hi-resolution LCD, 12x optical zoom (25-300mm equiv), Optical Image Stabilizer, and Advanced Face Recognition.

Press Release:

Panasonic’s DMC-TZ7 Hybrid Camera – Performance without Compromise

27th January 2009: Panasonic Lumix cameras go from strength to strength with technological advancements designed to offer the ultimate in picture performance and user convenience.  Building on its digital still camera achievements, Panasonic presents a completely new photography concept – in the form of the new DMC-TZ7 hybrid camera. Offering all of the features that Panasonic’s multiple award winning TZ range of cameras is renowned for – including a remarkable 12x optical zoom in a compact, stylish body and 25mm ultra wide angle lens – the TZ7 goes one step further to offer AVCHD Lite*1 motion picture recording, making the TZ7 a truly versatile proposition.

More Detail in a Single Frame
The TZ7 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with a 12x optical zoom. A lens like this, with a range from 25mm to 300mm in 35mm film equivalence, is almost inconceivable in such a small, lightweight camera. Comprising 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, and utilizing new lens material in its design, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body while passing Leica’s stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance. The Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 21.4x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the large CCD to bring subjects even closer without deteriorating the image quality.

The TZ7 has a 12-megapixel CCD and shoots with up to 10-megapixel resolution. This is because the CCD on the TZ7 is multi-aspect that can reproduce images shot with the lens set from 25mm to 300mm in any of three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 – so you can always capture dynamic, richly expressive shots with a wide perspective. The Multi Aspect mode lets you to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously then choose the one that best suits your scene after shooting.

AVCD Lite for Long Recording of HD Motion Images
In addition to Motion JPEG images*2, the TZ7 can record high-definition motion picture*3 in AVCHD Lite. It features almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TZ7 also features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high quality audio, so you can match the beautiful motion images with outstanding stereo sound.

Including features more commonly seen in camcorders, such as stereo microphone, a wind cut function to block out most of the noise from the back ground wind and audio sampling 48kHz – the TZ7 is a true hybrid – a single model that performs admirably as both a camera and a camcorder. Not forgetting ease of use, Panasonic has paid particular attention to achieving smooth, easy operation in both modes through features such as an independent movie recording button,

Now on the TZ7, the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in motion image recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.

Motion image recording can be started by pressing a dedicated button on the camera’s back panel – an extremely quick, convenient way to start motion image recording. Most of the camera’s settings will be carried over when switched to motion picture recording. The powerful 12x optical zoom is available in movie recording, too.

The TZ7 also carries over 16 different scene modes in movie recording. In AVCHD Lite recording, you can select from three levels of motion image quality: SH (17 Mbps), H (13 Mbps) and L (9 Mbps).

Still or motion images recorded in AVCHD Lite on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV*4. Simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SDHC/SD Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player to playback your contents. Alternatively, you can use an optional Mini HDMI cable to output the still and motion images you took from the TZ7 directly to the TV for VIERA Link. You can take maximum advantage of Lumix camera’s playback functions including the slideshow in which both still and motion images integrated in the timeline, category playback according to the scene mode you used or calendar display and so on. All control is possible using only the TV’s remote control.

In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO HD Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube*5 or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving.

Newly added Face Recognition
With the TZ7, taking great photos is that easy. Panasonic incorporated Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. This mode is also further advanced with the inclusion of AF tracking and Face Recognition*6 feature – a function that ‘remembers faces’.

When a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face*7. Once complete, if the familiar face appears into your frame again, the camera will display the name you specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and in sharp focus. Perfect for group shots for example – this new feature will give auto focus and auto exposure priority to a single person, ensuring their loved ones face will be captured beautifully.

During registration, you can change the icon that indicates when the registered subject is in focus – for example you can attach a love heart to your partner. You can also manually register a persons details and the camera will remember them whenever you take a photo.

To further add to its appeal, you can also specify the age of the registered subject and have both the name and the age of the subject stamped onto your photos. When babies under 3 years-old are registered, the camera will automatically switch to Baby mode if the baby appears into the frame. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback – so you can search for all photos of your Cousin Jennie, for example – perfect for compiling a surprise birthday collage. 

You can also view image slideshows of only a selected person. Face recognition makes sorting archiving incredibly easy. This advanced face detection system also digitally corrects unwanted red-eye during recording.

With AF Tracking, the DMC-TZ7 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves – making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. Simply aim, lock, and shoot.

In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken.

The Mega O.I.S. now has an AUTO mode to select between the conventional Mode 1 and 2 depending on which mode best suits the zoom ratio being used. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the subject is in backlight. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the five most common shooting situations – Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and Macro – and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.

The Quick AF system helps keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before pressing the shutter button. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode.

The Venus Engine HD
The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD has been re-engineered to support the recording of beautiful, high-definition motion images in AVCHD Lite. With its twin CPUs, Venus Engine HD boasts approx. 2.4x processing capability, greatly improving the speed of camera operations.

This high performance LSI elevates the artificial intelligence of the camera by introducing new circuitry making it possible to “recognize” human faces individually. It also supports high definition output through HDMI.

In image processing, luminance noise and chromatic noise are reduced separately before and after signal processing. This is further refined by separating noise two-dimensionally into high-frequency and low-frequency noise. The circuits then effectively reduce only the low-frequency noise to minimize the unwanted noise and help produce beautiful, sharp still and motion images.

This multi-task image-processing engine has a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.006 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.

In burst shooting mode, the TZ7 can snap approx. 2.3 shots per second at 10.1-megapixel full resolution*8. In High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible approx. 10 shots per second*9. Unlimited consecutive shooting is also available to let you shoot until the memory card is full*10. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash*11.

In addition to its outstanding performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient compared with the conventional Venus Engine IV, extending the battery life up to 300 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.

Super High Resolution LCD for Easy Playback
The TZ7 is equipped with a 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with super high resolution and a wide viewing angle. The screen brightness automatically adjusts in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The big screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting. It also serves as a small photo and video viewer, allowing the user and friends to enjoy viewing the still and motion images together.

Menus are now cleaner and easier to navigate, even for seniors, thanks to the new "Display Size" option. Thanks to the Venus Engine HD, smooth image playback at very high speeds is now available, approx.17x faster for thumbnails and approx. 4x for single images even when the image resolution is as high as 12.1-megapixels.

The TZ7 offers a Mode Playback feature which allows you to choose playing back ‘only still images’, ‘only motion images’, or ‘both’. When choosing to playback ‘only motion images’, you can even select to playback AVCHD Lite and Motion JPEG videos separately. Images and videos can be played back together with an attractive seamless effect and background music in the new Slideshow Mode. Using an optional mini HDMI cable, you share your slideshows in astounding HD video and audio quality on your HDTV with your family and friends.

Scenes Modes for Motion Images Too
Designed with users in mind, the scene modes, which are optimized for a variety of still-image shooting situations, are now available for motion images as well. Thanks to a rich variety of 27 scene modes for still image and 17 for motion image (Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self portrait, Scenery, Low light, Food, Party, Candle light, Sunset, Beach, Snow, Aerial, High Sensitivity, Pin hole, Film grain and Underwater), capturing beautiful videos is effortless with the TZ7. 

The new scene mode for shooting still images includes the Panorama Assist mode, which allows you to create powerful panoramic images – both vertically and horizontally. Simply align your shots according to a guide which overlaps the frame when you shoot, then use the included PanoramaMaker software to create your panorama images.

The mode dial comes with two My Scene settings. Users can assign a specific scene mode to each setting and switch instantly between modes when desired.

The minimum shooting distance has been shortened to 3 cm on the TZ7. With the new Macro Zoom function, the user can pull subjects even closer with the wide-angle setting using 3x digital zoom, and capture dramatic close-ups.

With such superior lens specifications and functionality, you’d be forgiven for thinking the TZ7 was quite bulky. Not the case. In fact, the TZ7 is smaller and lighter than its predecessors, making it effortlessly easy to take on your travels. Enjoy stunning photos and HD videos from 25mm wide angle to 12x telephoto – the TZ7 is your ideal travel partner delivering ultimate performance in a pocket sized body. The TZ7 will be available in choice of silver, black or brown and will be available from April 2009.

*1 The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P.The new “AVCHD Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category.
*The “AVCHD Lite” and the “AVCHD Lite” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
*2 Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.
*3 Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes in some countries. When you set the picture quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, we recommend using a high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.
*4 AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
*5 YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
*6 Depending on background and facial expression, camera may not recognize a registered person. For family members with similar facial features, camera may not correctly identify the intended subject.
*7 A maximum of six people can be registered.
*8 Max 5 images in standard mode / 3 images in fine mode
*9 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording. (10fps in Speed Priority mode / 6fps in Picture Priority mode)
*10 The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.
*11 Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (TZ7) specifications

Source: www.dpreview.com

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