Ethics in Photojournalism

As photojournalists, news photographers are held with equal if not higher regard for documenting the truth without manipulation. In the past few years we have seen a massive crackdown on ethics of editing as Digital has made manipulation much easier than the days of having to process film, and developed plates for printing. There still are unanswered questions on how much dodging, burning, dust-spot removal a photojournalist can do without affecting the photo in a way that no-longer accurately represents the “truth.” These needs to still be addressed, however, for now an even greater problem is facing us as personal agendas start playing a roll in election coverage.

NPPA Code of Ethics

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As this election nears, I am constantly reminded that journalists are not always being “fair and balanced” (to quote a FOX News term) and this disturbs me. With this (almost 2 year) campaign cycle comes to its crescendo with the November elections more and more questions are being raised about what journalists are manipulating the images and reports in some form to suite a personal agenda for or against the candidate they are covering.

As a photojournalist myself I find many colleagues talking about this and laughing over a bad published shot of Candidate A or B. Even on this site we have reported on photographers possibly expressing their personal agendas (see links below) But I want to give this reminder to all fellow photojournalists and journalists (tv/print reporters) alike. YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY, and that is to report the news without bias. Sure if your radio personality or internet blogger who is reporting from a “one side” view and your readers and listeners know it, this is one thing. HOWEVER if you’re a big news syndicate, magazine or news paper it is YOUR duty to report both in words and visuals in a neutral manner.

The NPPA (National Press Photographers of America) has a code of ethics that I think all of us, journalists and non-alike, need to review to make sure we are reporting accurately and how to identify potential bias and complain about it.

Am I saying crucify everyone for a “misconstrued” photo or paragraph, no, but it wouldn’t hurt to put them on warning that your watching them and that they should be staying on their toes to be as un-bias as humanly possible. We are all human and have personal interests, and even I have caught myself gritting my teeth when covering a politician or two and he/she says XYZ when the question or problem is actually 123, but i still try my best to produce an accurate nutural-photo of the event.

So as the marathon comes into its final miles we must reflect and realize that only as an educated individual can we accurately vote for the best candidate and not as some pawn in a reporters or campaign’s game of chess.





ps. If you do anything, please remember these first 3 rules in the NPPA code of Ethics:


# Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.
# Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
# Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and work to avoid presenting one’s own biases in the work.



Links to Imaging Insider Articles on potential political miss-conduct:

http://www.imaginginsider.com/?p=82568 (Best: Photoshop and Politics)

http://www.imaginginsider.com/?p=76589 (not miss-conduct but a former journalist publishes a book on a candidate after covering him for a few weeks)

Photographer admits bias, set on a photographer who photographed McCain for a magazine: (all 3)

http://www.imaginginsider.com/?p=82012

http://www.imaginginsider.com/?p=82106

http://www.imaginginsider.com/?p=82093



Article by Imaging Insider’s Brendan Cavanaugh
Originally posted on ImagingInsider.com 10/10/08



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Pentax Publishes new Lens Roadmap

New Lens Development Roadmap from Pentax



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Pentax KM. A 10.2mp entry-level

Official, Pentax KM. A 10.2mp entry-level camera with some reduced functions, reduced size, weight, but improved to 3.5fps (prev models of Pentax DSLR's limited to a max of 3fps) However the buffer is a small 5 frames.
This camera takes minimalism to a new level for Pentax, reducing everything to the rear LCD, and the non-shutter side of the lens is shaved down to reduce size/weight.

Official Specs/Release...

HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-m digital SLR camera. Designed primarily for beginning digital SLR photographers, this new entry-class model offers simplified, user-friendly operation, and an easy-to-maneuver compact, lightweight body.

The PENTAX K-m was developed as an entry-class digital SLR camera offering simple, straightforward operation, making it possible for first-time digital SLR users and family photographers to enjoy high-quality digital SLR photography with little trouble or confusion.

It features an upgraded version of the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically detects the type of subject or scene, and sets the proper shooting mode for the photographer. It also features a host of advanced features and sophisticated functions — including the innovative in-body Shake Reduction mechanism — to assist the photographer. It also offers a compact, lightweight body, designed by incorporating PENTAX’s advanced downsizing technologies, accumulated over the years of digital SLR development, into different body parts. As a result, the PENTAX K-m assures simple operation and outstanding operability, even for inexperienced first-time digital SLR users.

Along with the PENTAX K-m, PENTAX will also launch two DA L-series interchangeable zoom lenses: the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL and the smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED. Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras, these DA L-series lenses are designed to be more compact and lightweight than conventional counterparts, without sacrificing any of the exceptional optical performance common to all PENTAX lenses.

Note:
The smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL and smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED lenses will be marketed only as a part of the PENTAX K-m Lens Kit or PENTAX K-m Double Zoom Kit.

♦ PENTAX K-m [ ⇒ Product Image]
♦ smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL [ ⇒ Product Image]
♦ smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED [ ⇒ Product Image]

Main Features

1. Compact, lightweight body for enhanced portability and maneuverability

   Despite the incorporation of a large-sized image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm), the PENTAX K-m offers a compact, lightweight body to assure remarkable portability and maneuverability. This was made possible by the development of a compact, lightweight and high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, the downsizing of the Shake Reduction mechanism and circuit boards, the employment of latest high-density packaging technologies assuring most efficient positioning and layout of various parts, and the repositioning of the battery compartment. The camera grip has also been redesigned to assure firm, comfortable hold of the camera body.

2. Simplified operation system for easy camera handling

   The PENTAX K-m features a newly designed control system, which positions most of buttons and levers on the camera’s grip side, making it easier for first-time digital SLR users stepping up from their compact models to operate the camera. What’s more, the functions of each button or lever are instantly displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor with a single press of the help button to facilitate camera operation — especially for those who are unfamiliar with digital SLR cameras.

3. PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

   The PENTAX K-m comes equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions — such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative SR mechanism shifts the position of the image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. It offers an outstanding compensation effect — up to the equivalent of approximately four shutter steps. As a result, it does not require special anti-shake lenses, and can be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.

   *** Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-, and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapther); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

4. Comprehensive Dust Removal system with prevention, removal and confirmation devices

   The PENTAX K-m features the user-friendly DR (Dust Removal) system to prevent dust from appearing on captured images. Applied to the CCD image sensor surface (or low-pass filter) through the vapor deposition process of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of it returning to the image sensor surface. This DR system even offers a Dust Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the CCD in advance.

5. Auto Picture mode for automatic selection of optimum shooting mode

   The PENTAX-developed Auto Picture mode is programmed to automatically select the most appropriate shooting mode — from such choices as Portrait, Landscape and Macro — for a given subject. With the PENTAX K-m, this user-friendly mode is further upgraded, with automatic detection of situations requiring the Night Scene Portrait mode. Since all camera settings, including aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness, are automatically adjusted by the camera for optimum results, the user can concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity.

6. High-quality image

   The PENTAX K-m combines a large, high-performance CCD image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm) with the sophisticated PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. With its approximately 10.2 effective megapixels, it produces beautiful, fine-detailed images with subtle gradations and delicate texture description. It also features a Custom Image function, which offers a choice of six finishing touches to help the user create intended images.

7. High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 3.5 frames per second

   The PENTAX K-m lets the user keep shooting images at the speed of approximately 3.5 frames per second (in the JPEG recording format), allowing the user to capture a sequence of a fast-moving subject with great ease.

8. High-precision 5-point AF system

   The PENTAX K-m incorporates a five-point wide-area AF system (SAFOX VIII with five cross-type sensors) to assure dependable, high-precision autofocusing. Using the five sensors positioned in a cross pattern over the image field (one in the middle, two at sides, and two at top and bottom), this system automatically and unfailingly selects the optimum sensor for a given subject. It also allows the user to fix the AF detection point at the middle sensor. Thanks to a thorough review of the AF algorithm, this AF system also offers improved autofocusing speed under poor-lighting conditions, in which conventional AF systems take longer to focus on the subject.

9. Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 3200

   The PENTAX K-m’s auto sensitivity control function automatically sets the optimum sensitivity between ISO 100 and ISO 3200, based on such data as the subject’s brightness level and the lens’ focal length. Since this function allows the user to take advantage of faster shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and nighttime scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively reduce camera shake and subject shake and prevent blurred images.

10. Effective gradation compensation

    The PENTAX K-m’s dynamic-range expansion function allows the user to expand a dynamic range (or a range of gradation reproduction) to minimize white-washed areas in the image. On the other hand, its shadow compensation function minimizes pitch-black areas lacking details. Combined, they help the user to produce beautiful, rich-gradation images when shooting high-contrast subjects.

11. Large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch LCD monitor

    The PENTAX K-m features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. This monitor’s wide-view design allows the photographer to check the on-screen image from approximately 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally. It even offers digital zooming of playback images up to 16 times for easy confirmation of the image’s focusing status and details.

12. Bright, clear viewfinder

    Thanks to a combination of a lightweight penta-mirror prism, a PENTAX-original finder optics and the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the PENTAX K-m’s viewfinder delivers a large, bright subject image with an approximately 96-percent field of view and an approximately 0.85-times magnification.

13. Digital filters for unique visual expressions

    The PENTAX K-m’s built-in digital filters let the user effortlessly add some creative and artistic touches to recorded images — without the use of a PC. The user can select one of 14 different digital filters — including the new Toy Camera and Retro filters — to create a desired visual effect.

14. Other features

    1. 10 Scene modes, switchable with simple icon selection
    2. Energy-efficient power supply, recording approximately 1,650 images with four AA-size lithium batteries
    3. Status screen, displaying camera settings on the LCD monitor on the camera’s back panel for at-a-glance confirmation
    4. Index function, for five different types of display and printing modes
    5. Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
    6. Simultaneous recording of RAW- and JPEG-format images
    7. Compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards as external data-recording media
    8. In-body development of RAW-format images
    9. Compatibility with SDM-equipped lenses for quiet, smooth autofocus operation
    10. PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 browser software included

[Main Features of the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL Lens]

1. A compact standard zoom lens with focal lengths from 27.5mm to 84.5mm (in the 35mm format) covering wide-angle to medium-telephoto ranges
2. Latest optical design featuring high-performance aspherical lens element and super-low dispersion glass element for effective compensation of various aberrations

[Main Featurs of the smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED Lens]

1. A super-compact, ultra-lightweight telephoto zoom lens with focal lengths from 76.5mm to 307mm (in the 35mm format)
2. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical element for effective compensation of chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range and enhanced image-description performance

• PENTAX, and smc PENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
• PENTAX PHOTO Browser, PENTAX Laboratory, and SDM are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
• All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
• Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice

Full Specs

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Pentax K-M?

Rumors are spreading on a new Pentax budget DSLR, the Pentax K-M or KM. With original links back to the Pentax Germany site, this seams to be a slip-up by web-staff and found by savvy Internet searchers. I am not posting any pictures because there is no way of telling if they are 100% real, but I will post some specs that have been listed elsewhere.
Apparently Amazon UK also leaked this body and alowed it up on their site for a few hours, complete with specs:



60+ Weather Seals
AA Batteries
3.5fps (buffer??)
10mp
no live view
Pentamirror (no pentaprism)
5 focusing points
16 segment metering
ISO up to 3200

This could be a nice Little camera they have shaping up for the entry market.

Again I note that all specs are not official and have been obtained threw various sources who clam to be legit with this info.

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New Partnership with Imaging Insider!

Just announced, Brendan has officially teamed up with Imaging Insider, The photo Industry's first stop source for news, reviews and more.
Details...

Over the coming weeks Brendan will be migrating most of his posting to their site but will continue to post here with news and reviews that are more personalized.
Look for us at PhotoPlus Expo in NYC Oct. 23-25th


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Printing Seminar with Lexjet

I am currently attending a Printing and color management seminar/workshop with Lexjet. I am learning many new things as well as getting to see printers and paper in action. The color management is helpful in defining what happens and why you should do things a specific way. They also cover the various different (big 3) profiling devices.
Printing section covers RIPs, drivers, ICC profiles and printing solutions/options.
I am enjoying the seminar so far and think my $49 has been well spent, and it comes with a $25 coupon to Lexjet
Full review coming later. For info on the tour Great Output Tour
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NEW Canon EOS 5D Mark II (At Last)

Just as I am about to go to bed, and after the teaser ad post earlier, Canon USA breaks this news. More to follow with Lenses and Powershot additions later tomorrow (I do need to sleep people)

This camera really ups the ante with 21MP, Full HD Video capability (Max 4gb file with just under 30min recording), a new Silent Shooting mode in live-view, 3.9FPS and Dust Shake system
Other features are 3" LCD and a 150,000-actuation shutter life (Most cameras in this class only have a 100,000-actuation) and a whopping ISO 50 to ISO 25,600 (upper and lower limits set threw user choice)

The sensor is the same used in the 1DsmkIII with some additional programing and tweaks to produce what canon is claiming to be the best image yet. (Doesn't this sound familiar, Nikon D3-700) With what should be a price comparable to the D700 this promises to throw the punch back at Nikon and Sony in an attempt to keep their #1 spot in DSLR sales and Keep Pros who were looking elsewhere from leaving, while enticing others to switch over.

Official specs and Press release...


CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EOS 5D MARK II DSLR CAMERA FEATURING FULL-FRAME HD VIDEO CAPTURE
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Escalates Full-Frame Digital SLR Photography to the Next Level with HD Movie Recording Capabilities, DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, and 21.1 Megapixel Resolution

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the long-awaited successor to Canon's highly popular EOS 5D, introduced in 2005. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D camera so successful, Canon has coupled the creative power of a full-frame CMOS sensor in a relatively compact and affordable camera body, together with groundbreaking HD video capture that opens the door to a much wider range of imaging possibilities for photographers. Along with the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution, Canon's EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera features a 21.1-megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor and significantly lower noise, with an expanded sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25,600.

"The anticipation surrounding the launch of this camera model has exceeded our greatest expectations, and we believe our loyal customers will be awed by the level of innovation and features built into the new EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR. Once they have the chance to experience the camera, we believe they will agree that it was worth the wait," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Among the many advancements in Canon's new EOS 5D Mark II camera is the Company's proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor that powers the camera's fast 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion for smooth color tones and exceptional gradation. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR offers a full-frame 24 x 36mm, 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and continuous shooting at 3.9 frames per second (fps) for an unlimited number of full-resolution JPEGs to the capacity of the memory card or up to 14 RAW images in a single burst when using a UDMA CF card. The camera includes a 15-point Autofocus (AF) sensor with nine selectable AF points plus six additional Assist AF points (three center AF points sensitive to f/2.8 lenses) with enhanced light source detection and AF microadjustment for greater autofocus performance. The EOS 5D Mark II camera also features a large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 5D camera's 2.5-inch screen, for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The new camera is equipped with a high-performance, high-magnification optical viewfinder providing 98 percent coverage, giving a new dimension to the saying, "what you see is what you get." Professional photographers will also appreciate the enhanced 150,000-cycle shutter durability of the EOS 5D Mark II camera.

Canon, the first company to introduce a full-frame digital camera, has improved the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera's newly developed full-frame CMOS image sensor. Utilizing proprietary Canon technology, the Company has reduced noise and expanded the sensitivity of the CMOS sensor up to ISO 25600, which is three full stops higher than the ISO 3200 limit of the original EOS 5D camera. Although the individual pixel dimensions of the EOS 5D Mark II camera are the same as the 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor used in the EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR, the new sensor incorporates an improved output amplifier and a more advanced color filter that improves light transmission while retaining excellent color reproduction. By applying the same kind of advancements in sensor design and image processing technology as the recently introduced EOS 50D camera, but at higher resolution and with larger pixels, the EOS 5D Mark II achieves the highest level of image quality of any EOS Digital SLR released to date.

With the combination of its improved CMOS image sensor and the powerful new DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 6400 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings - H1 and H2 - of ISO 12800 and ISO 25600, respectively, as well as a low-speed setting of ISO 50. The full-frame sensor maximizes the performance of Canon EF lenses, the world's largest selection of autofocus lenses.

HD and SD Video Capture
Canon has taken its expertise in imaging, photography and video capture technology to a new level with the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR. Answering the question of where SLR technology is going next, the EOS 5D Mark II features 16:9 Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 fps as well as 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) video capture at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps, both capabilities appearing for the first time in a Canon SLR camera. Video capture is part of the camera's Live View function, using the Picture Style that has been set for Live View still image shooting. This allows skilled photographers and cinematographers to adjust image sharpness, contrast, color saturation and white balance, and have those settings apply to the movie image. When recording video, the camera's rear LCD screen can be letter-boxed by a semi-transparent border to match the aspect ratio of the movie recording size. Moreover, the EOS 5D Mark II camera's HD video capability enables new levels of creative expression through its unfettered access to the complete line of more than 60 Canon EF lenses, which provide an incredible variety of visual effects including everything from ultra-wide-angle and fish-eye to macro and super-telephoto, including many large-aperture L-series professional lenses that can keep the main subject in razor-sharp focus while blurring the background beyond recognition.

The EOS 5D Mark II will record video up to 4GB per clip or a maximum continuous movie capture time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds, whichever comes first. Depending on the level of detail in the scene, a 4GB memory card can record approximately 12 minutes of video at full HD resolution or approximately 24 minutes in standard definition.i Video clips are recorded in .MOV format using an MPEG-4 video compression and sound is recorded using linear PCMii without compression. The new camera features an input terminal for external stereo microphones as well as a built-in monaural microphone for convenience. To help show off those fantastic movies as well as still photos, the EOS 5D Mark II camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV.

Live View Shooting
For both still images and video, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera features Live View, one of the most sought after features in digital SLRs today. The 5D Mark II features three Live View AF modes - Quick, Live and Face Detection Live mode - for capturing either still photos or video, each with its own attributes. Quick mode automatically sets One-Shot AF using the camera's phase detection AF system. It also allows users to select the AF point, even while the Live View image is displayed. Although the camera's reflex mirror must be lowered briefly to take an AF measurement in Quick mode, it is the fastest way to set focus automatically when the 5D Mark II camera is set for Live View.

Live mode uses contrast-detection AF with the image sensor and here, as with Quick mode, users can change the AF point using the Multi-controller. Face Detection Live mode uses contrast AF to recognize human faces. When multiple faces are detected, the largest face closest to the center of the frame is targeted as the AF point. While Live View is engaged users can still change settings including the AF mode (Quick, Live, Face Detection Live mode), drive mode, ISO speed, Picture style, White Balance, and more.

Peripheral Illumination Correction
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera automatically conducts peripheral illumination correction when shooting JPEG images, a function that previously could only be accomplished through post-image processing using software such as Canon's Digital Photo Professional, which Canon supplies at no extra charge. Peripheral illumination correction evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout and reducing light fall-off at image edges. This new feature essentially eliminates one of the limitations of previous full-frame digital SLRs.

Auto Lighting Optimizer
Canon's enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer technology helps ensure each picture's subject is clearly visible by analyzing image brightness and automatically adjusting dark areas in images so that they appear brighter. This function is ideal in high-contrast situations such as urban landscapes captured on sunny days, where the tops of buildings are brightly lit while street level details are obscured by heavy shadows. In this type of scene, the 5D Mark II camera's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology preserves accurate exposure of the highlights while opening up the shadow areas for a more pleasing tonal rendition.

Canon's New Creative Auto Mode
Recently introduced with the new EOS 50D, Canon's "CA" Creative Full Auto setting can also be found on the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera's mode dial. This setting allows users to make image adjustments such as aperture or shutter speed through an easy-to-understand navigation screen on the camera's LCD menu, allowing them to "blur the background" or "lighten or darken the image." These easy-to-understand image options allow photographers to experiment with image options while still shooting in an automatic mode.

Two Small RAW Formats
For photographers seeking the flexibility and creative possibilities of shooting RAW format images, without the large file size, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera offers two more manageable file size options with sRAW1 and sRAW2 recording formats. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 10.0-megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 21.1-megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 5.2 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. Wedding and portrait photographers, in particular, will appreciate the options of variable resolution and file size which allow them to fine-tune the 5D Mark II's operation for their specific needs.

Silent Shooting in Live View
Canon has equipped the EOS 5D Mark II with two Silent Shooting modes in Live View which will prove particularly helpful to law enforcement officials, and for behind-the-scenes shooting on movie sets. In Mode 1, the camera will shoot with the mechanical shutter open at the beginning of the exposure, using the electronic 1st-curtain function of the CMOS sensor and a reduced shutter-cocking noise, allowing multiple shots to be taken with minimal noise. In Mode 2, to minimize shutter noise during single frame photography, shutter cocking does not occur until the shutter button returns to the half-way position after shooting.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
With the introduction of the EOS 5D Mark II camera, the entire Canon EOS system is now equipped with the highly acclaimed EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera is compatible with Canon EF lenses and is scheduled for delivery by the end of November. The EOS 5D Mark II will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,699iii. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $3,499iv.

New EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
The new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is the successor to Canon's EF 24mm f/1.4L USM professional wide-angle lens released in 1997. Targeting professional photographers, the new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens has been introduced to address the advancements high-resolution digital SLR cameras with re-designed optics and use of a new anti-reflection lens coating called SWC (Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating) to minimize ghosting and flare. Features such as dustproof and waterproof construction that have been adopted make this a high-performance lens with specifications that respond to the demands of professional users. A welcome complement to the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is scheduled to be in stores this December at an estimated retail price of $1,699v.


About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

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SamDisk? Samsung's $5.85bil. Hostile Bid for SanDisk

(Image is a design composite by this site for amusement only!

This does not represent either company or entity that may result.)

Korean (South) based Samsung has offered $5.85 Billion for US Company Sandisk in what is being defined as a "hostile" bid by offering a Cash price of $26 in cash for each SanDisk share which is over 70% of what the current market share price is. Sandisk is currently rejecting this bid but speculators are not seeing a holdout for long.



This is being regarded as Samsungs first true hostile-take over as the company says (bascaly) it is no longer playing nice and will be going after the chips-market.

Samsung had a 42.3 percent market share in the NAND flash memory-chip market in the second quarter, compared with Tokyo- based Toshiba's 27.5 percent and Hynix Semiconductor Inc.'s 13.4 percent, based on estimates at iSuppli Corp. Industry sales will probably rise 9 percent this year to $15.2 billion, according to the El Segundo, California-based research firm. -Bloomberg.com: Asia



What impact does this have for cameras? Samsung who has partnered with Pentax (Hoya-Pentax now) announced last spring at PMA that it was going for the #3 spot in the camera world. Sony has done the same and the two companies rivalry is likened to that of the Hatfield's and McCoys. Acquiring more memory manufacturing capabilities secures that Samsung could guarantee cheaper memory for their cameras and help to undercut and offer better speed etc. than its competitors.

We will have to see what happens but for now bloomberg.com has the full story and specs for numbers buffs


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Canon Teaser, 5D replacment?

In keeping with new DSLR teasers...


Another camera company with an official banner-ad (this one on Canon USA's site) that contains a silhouetted camera. I question if it is a 5D replacement because this is their oldest camera and with the current competition from the Nikon D700 it is only logical that the 5D is next for an upgrade.
These rumors have been floating around for almost a year now, but this is the first real hope from Canon that they may have something up their sleeve.
We will let you know ASAP when anything becomes official.
(Image from Canon USA website using screen capture to freeze the action)

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New Pentax DSLR at Photokina?

Various reports are floating around the Net about a new Pentax DSLR. Now a few sites have official banner ads (in German) with the above image showing a silhouetted 3rd DSLR-like camera.
Could this be the long awaited/talked about Kx000D (entry-level oriented) A new "Super" model (slightly-upgraded existing model) or even a Pro-oriented one?
Who knows. We will let you know ASAP when we have official news.
(Image from a screen capture)
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