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The PENTAX XG-1 features a powerful 52x optical zoom lens for a wide range of photographic applications

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July 14, 2014

The PENTAX XG-1 features a powerful 52x optical zoom lens for a wide range of photographic applications

Pentax X-G1 Digital Camera

Pentax X-G1 Digital Camera

Building on its foundation of unique DSLR cameras, RICOH IMAGING is pleased to introduce the PENTAX XG-1 digital camera. This versatile, all-in-one camera showcases an impressive 52x optical zoom lens, 16 megapixel sensor, and Pentax technology; bridging the gap between DSLR flexibility and point and shoot convenience.

The PENTAX XG-1 is a versatile camera ideally suited for those seeking the many lens options of a DSLR but requiring the convenience and flexibility of a point and shoot camera. When photographing a wide variety of subjects, including fast-action sports, the XG-1 is compact, lightweight, and easy-to-carry with an array of outstanding features, including a powerful 52-times optical zoom lens, approximately 16.0 effective megapixels for high-resolution images, and a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor. Boasting a stylish, high-grade design that resembles PENTAX-branded SLR cameras, the XG-1 comes equipped with a sensor-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) system, that is effective even under demanding, shake-prone conditions, such as when using the zoom lens’s telephoto range, shooting with incident light, or photographing sunset scenes.

This camera provides the photographer with a greater range of creative options by featuring innovative tools such as: 1cm Macro mode for the capture of dramatic close-up images from just one centimeter away; high-speed continuous shooting of up to 60 images per second; and HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to synthesize an ultra-wide-gradation image from three images taken at varying exposure levels.

“We are excited to bring Ricoh Imaging’s technology and manufacturing experience with DSLR cameras to the XG-1.  This exciting new camera demonstrates advanced imaging technology and quality workmanship, but also the versatility of a long zoom lens and the easy operation expected of a compact camera,” said Brian McIntosh, Director of Marketing, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp.

Pricing and Availability

The XG-1 will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in August 2014 for a suggested retail price of $399.95

To learn more about the comprehensive lineup of Pentax products as well as other Ricoh Imaging products, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com.com

About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation|

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.

The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.

For further information, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
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© 2014 Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Contact:
Sarah Schachterle
Public Relations Manager
(303) 728-0320
Sarah.schachterle@us.ricoh-imaging.com

RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION   www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
633 17th Street I Suite 2600 I Denver, CO 80202 I Phone: 303-799-8000

Vision Research Advances the Boundaries On The World’s Fastest Ultrahigh-Speed Digital Camera

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The Phantom v2511 Increases Performance, Flexibility and Light Sensitivity with A Market-Leading 25,600 Frames-Per-Second at 1 Megapixel Resolution

07/09/2014

Vision Research, a leading manufacturer of digital high-speed imaging systems, has announced the release of the Phantom v2511, the most light sensitive, flexible and highest-performance ultrahigh-speed camera on the market.  The Phantom v2511 can capture up to 25,600 frames-per-second (fps) at full 1 megapixel resolution, making it the fastest member of the Phantom ultrahigh-speed digital camera line.  The v2511 also features improved sensitivity, providing better picture quality and more lighting flexibility.

“One of the challenges to capturing footage at ultrahigh speeds is ensuring adequate lighting.  At Vision Research, we are dedicated to helping our customers mitigate this challenge, and have developed our new proprietary sensor and supporting camera innovations to increase the ISO measurement of the v2511, while also increasing the camera speed,” comments Rick Robinson, Director of Marketing for Vision Research. “Vision Research takes pride in leading the high-speed industry with the world’s fastest cameras, and now better picture quality and the extra flexibility needed to make shooting in low-light and difficult-to-light scenarios less difficult.”

The new Phantom v2511 offers sensitivity as high as ISO 6400 (daylight illumination) for color images and ISO 32,000 for monochrome images. In addition to lessening the challenges of low-light scenarios, the improved ISO gives consumers the option to use a faster shutter speed, which can reduce motion blur and result in clearer images. Users also may find that they can now use lenses with smaller apertures, which are typically less expensive and easier to acquire.

Since the new Phantom v2511 is built on the same proven platform as the current Phantom ultrahigh-speed 1Mpx cameras, it is fully compatible with all current accessories and software options. This eliminates the additional expense of purchasing new accessories and requiring additional training time, which are both often synonymous with equipment upgrades.

As with all Phantom ultrahigh-speed cameras, the new Phantom v2511 sets the bar in camera connectivity. The camera back panel provides easy access to all camera connections and controls, including two HS-SDI ports and a 10GB Ethernet connection along with the standard 1GB Ethernet connection.

Phantom CineMag Workflow

The v2511 comes equipped with Vision Research’s breakthrough CineMag interface, which allows the user to save a high-speed shot from camera memory to non-volatile storage in a matter of seconds. With the ability to save 1GB/s of data to an attached CineMag, a 96GB shot can be saved in about 1.5 minutes.

Advanced Features

The new v2511 also has many advanced features that have become standard as a result of customer feedback, providing specific features that many scientists and researchers have asked for.  These features include an image-based auto-trigger that allows the camera to be triggered from the motion of the live images, making infrequent or unpredictable events easier to record on camera.

The v2511 also has an internal mechanical shutter that makes it easier to obtain a black reference for truer high-quality images.  If users are recording back-to-back, they will want to make use of the Multi-Cine option, which allows them to partition internal memory into segments and make shorter recordings without missing any action.

On the other hand, customers, who need to record many occurrences of an unpredictable event, can use the continuous recording feature.  This allows a recorded cine to automatically save to a disk drive on a connected PC and then re-arms the camera to catch the next occurrence.  If a customer is using the v2511 camera in a measurement application like Particle Image Velocimetry or Particle Tracking Velocimetry, it has extremely accurate timing with super-low straddle time of 500 ns.   It also operates in burst mode to capture images at precise moments, and allows a customer to turn off the fan to eliminate vibrations, which may interfere with some experiments.

The Phantom v2511 starts shipping in late August.  In addition, Vision Research operates AMEcare performance sites around the world for truly global service, training and support. For more information please visit: www.visionresearch.com/Service–Support/.

To find out the latest on Vision Research and its high-speed cameras, follow it on Twitter at @PhantomHiSpeed, LinkedIn at Vision Research, Facebook at “visionresearch” or keep up to date with the innovations on the Vision Research blog at www.visionresearch.com/blog

 

Eyefi Connected Now Available in More than 300 of the World’s Best Selling Digital Cameras

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Seamlessly transfer, organize, sync and share photos from smartphones, tablets and PC’s anytime, anywhere

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 24, 2014 — Eyefi (www.eyefi.com), the global leader in digital camera connectivity, today announced that more than 300 digital camera models now include Eyefi Connected functionality. In achieving this milestone Eyefi Connected is by far the most widely adopted technology for connecting digital cameras to a wireless SD card, providing customers with the easiest and most capable connectivity solution on the market.

Eyefi Connected firmware is embedded into cameras enabling them to instantly detect when an Eyefi SD card is inserted. This functionality allows the photographer to control the wireless features using the in-camera menu options to seamlessly transfer pictures to their smartphone, tablet or PC, wirelessly. Eyefi Connected cameras also include features such as the ability to power toggle the WiFi radio, select when photos transfer and advanced power management to maximize battery life.

Eyefi Connected has been adopted by virtually every digital camera manufacturer, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Casio, Ricoh, Pentax, JVC, Olympus and Panasonic – representing nearly 100 percent of all digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras sold in 2014.

“Our research shows that even with the explosive growth in mobile photography, many consumers still rely on digital cameras for important picture-taking occasions and special events,” said Alan Bullock, associate director of connected imaging trends at InfoTrends. “Eyefi brings WiFi connectivity to nearly any digital camera and with Eyefi Connected technology built-in to most cameras, Internet connectivity is a seamless part of the camera’s function.”

This achievement coincides with the one year anniversary of Eyefi Mobi – the company’s flagship product offering. In April, the company launched Eyefi Cloud, making Eyefi Mobi the world’s first WiFi SD card to automatically transfer photos from the camera to the cloud, making every picture instantly accessible, anytime, anywhere—to enjoy, curate and share securely and privately.

“Eyefi Connected is one of the most important benefits we offer our camera partners and consumers,” said Matt DiMaria, CEO of Eyefi. “When combined with Eyefi Mobi and Eyefi Cloud, photographers can enjoy the full power and quality of their digital cameras with the convenience of their smartphone, tablet or smart TV”.

About Eyefi

At Eyefi we are passionate about photography. We build products and services that help photographers experience the beauty and clarity of life’s moments anytime, anywhere. We are dedicated to creating products and services that enable consumers to enjoy a secure, magical experience beginning the moment they take a picture and extending to anywhere they wish those images to go. Our pioneering, patented, technology and products provide the only way to get high quality pictures from any digital camera to any Internet enabled display device, instantly. Eyefi products have transferred over 1 billion images from digital cameras to the Internet, mobile devices and PCs.

Eyefi’s headquarters is in Mountain View, California and our products are available throughout the world. Our investors include NTT Docomo, Opus Capital, Shasta Ventures and TransLink Capital. Eyefi was founded in 2005.

For more information about eyefi, please visit www.eyefi.com or @EyefiCard.

Media Contact:

Danielle Coe
SHIFT Communications for Eyefi
eyefi@shiftcomm.com
415.591.8448

The New LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 with a 1-inch, High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and 16x Optical Zoom for the Ultimate Picture Quality

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Press Release by: Panasonic USA

The New LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 with a 1-inch, High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and 16x Optical Zoom for the Ultimate Picture Quality

Featuring the World’s First 4K Video Recording Capability*

*For a digital compact camera as of June 12, 2014

NEWARK, NJ (June 12, 2014) – Panasonic is proud to introduce the new DMC-FZ1000 (FZ1000) that boasts a 1-inch, High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and 4K video recording capability as the latest member of the popular LUMIX FZ series. The FZ1000 will be available at www.shop.panasonic.com and valued channel partners.

A newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 16x optical zoom lens is integrated that achieving high resolution edge to edge. It also produces stunningly beautiful defocus together with the large-sized MOS Sensor.

The 1-inch large 20.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor dramatically improves S/N (signal to noise) ratio, making it possible to capture a clear image with minimum noise even when it is shot at a high ISO. The Venus Engine is also newly developed to feature multiple noise reduction systems such as Multi Process NR, Random Filter and Aperture Filter, to achieve high color reproduction and high image quality with a natural look.

The FZ1000 incorporates 4K (QFHD 4K: 3840×2160, up to 30 fps in MP4) video recording capability for the first time with a digital compact camera*1. Panasonic is also proposing a new solution to capture 3840×2160 8-megapixel equivalent images from the 4K video footage which is normally difficult to photograph. Also, videos can be recorded in full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format or MP4 at 60p. A powerful 16x optical zoom with 5-step speed control enables smooth zoom adjustment even while video recording. The 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)+ with Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration.  Creative Video mode, High Speed video in full-HD at 120fps, Time Lapse Shot and Stop Motion Animation are all available for a variety of video effects..

The FZ1000 also features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, for its focusing accuracy and improved Light Speed AF of approx. 0.09 sec*2. Together with the quick start-up time of approx.0.66 sec, the DMC-FZ1000 never misses a  shooting opportunity.   High speed burst shooting can be shot at 12 fps in 20.1-megapixel full resolution. It also offers a max.1/4,000 (mechanical) and 1/16,000 (electronic) shutter speed.

The FZ1000 boasts a high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder). With 0.39-inch 2,359k-dot high resolution in 4:3 aspect ratio, the new LVF boasts approx.1.88x / 0.7x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. The 3.0-inch 921k-dot free-angle LCD with its wide-viewing angle rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down. Operability is also improved with a newly added zoom lever, zoom ring and drive mode dial for more intuitive operation.  For more creative freedom, Creative Control, Creative Panorama and Photo Style are available.

The FZ1000 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with a simple operation. The FZ1000 also comes with a 3.5mm jack for an external microphone connection. In addition, RAW data can be processed in camera.

*1As of June 12, 2014

*2*Based on the CIPA standard, when using Live View Finder.

1. Bright Leica DC Lens 25-400mm F2.8-4.0

Panasonic newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens system (F2.8-F4.0) with 16x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-400mm). Comprised of 15 elements in 11 groups, including 4 ED lenses and 5 aspherical lenses with 8 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit achieves high MTF value.

2. Large 1-inch 20.1MP MOS Sensor for Amazing Defocus Control

The DMC-FZ1000 incorporates a 1-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with 20.1-megapixel high resolution. The new 1-inch sensor is 4x larger than conventional 1/2.3-inch sensor in size. This new large MOS Sensor improves S/N ratio, resulting in dramatic reduction of noise even when shooting at ISO 12,800.

The Venus Engine image processor was developed for DMC-FZ1000 to dramatically boost its performance with a new quad-core CPU providing high speed signal processing required for rich 4K video recording . The advanced Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) applies effective noise reduction and detail processing according to each component frequency. Plus, newly added Random Filter granulates chromatic noise to be blended into the image even more naturally.

 3. The World’s First Digital Compact Camera Recording High Quality Video in 4K

The LUMIX FZ1000 is not only for capturing still images but also high quality video in 4K. It features outstanding 4K video recording capability (QFHD 4K: 3840×2160, up to 30 fps (NTSC) / in MP4*1. Users can enjoy recording video in ultra high definition and even grab an 8-megapixel frame as still image. After recording video in 4K, users can cut out a single frame to choose the best still image in rich resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.  The FZ1000 should be used with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3).  The UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) guarantees a constant minimum write speed of 30MB/s to respond to market needs for 4K video.

*1 4K video can be recorded up to 29 minutes 59second. Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bitrate video recording mode of 100 Mbps or greater.

4. Super-fast LUMIX DFD Focusing Technology

For even faster response and higher mobility, the FZ1000 newly integrates a dedicated motor into the focus system to achieve extremely fast focusing. In addition, the Light Speed AF is further enhanced with an adoption of DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology which even shortens the time to set focus. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating 2 images with different sharpness level while consulting the data of optical characteristics of the current lens in a moment. As a result, the DMC-FZ1000 achieves ultra high speed AF of approx.0.09 sec*2 at wide end and even approx.0.17 sec at tele-end.*3 Together with the quick start-up of approx.0.66 sec and short release time lag, the DMC-FZ1000 never lets photographers miss fleeting shooting opportunities.

*2*Based on the CIPA standard, when using Live View Finder.

*3Panasonic in-house examination (infinity to 2m shooting time lag)

5. Integrated Smartphone/Tablet Wi-Fi® for Remote Imaging Control

The FZ1000 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology camera to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing. With the Panasonic “Image App”, remote shooting of both stills and video is possible by using the smartphone/tablet for a remote shutter with a monitor. You can release the shutter, zoom, focus and set shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation with a smartphone / tablet.

6. Other Features

 3cm Macro Shooting

Stunning macro shots can be shot with minimum focusing distance of 3cm.

 Highlight/Shadow Control

The Live View function is also advanced digitally making it possible to adjust highlight / shadow separately with the front/rear dial. 3 patterns of settings can be customized in addition to 3 patterns of preset.

 RAW data development in Camera

The FZ1000 is capable of processing RAW images in camera.

 Level Gauge

The DMC-FZ1000 is equipped with Level Gauge to detect the horizontal / vertical angle of view.

iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode for Photo and Video

For beginners, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode supports taking beautiful pictures with a variety of shooting-assist functions including AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control and Food Recognition.

Optional Accessories

A GN58 powerful External Flash (DMW-FL580L) is newly added to the LUMIX optional accessories which allow high speed charging of approx.1.7 sec. Not only wireless control but also LED video light functions are available. The Stereo / Shotgun Microphone (DMW-MS2) which enables stereo/shotgun switch. The 62mm diameter of ND Filter (DMW-LND62), PL Filter (DMW-LPL62) and MC Protector (DMW-LMCH62) are also offered for more creative freedom.

•The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

• “AVCHD Progressive”, “AVCHD”, the “AVCHD Progressive” Logo and the “AVCHD” Logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

•Android and Google Play are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.

• IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

•All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

•This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC/SDXC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

•SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards can be used only in equipment that is compatible with their respective formats.

  • If the computer being used does not support SDXC Memory Cards, a message prompting you to format may appear. (Doing so will cause recorded images to be erased so do not choose to format.) If the card is not recognized, please refer to the below support site.

http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html[Open New Window]

•Some accessories are not available in some countries.

•The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

•Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

To learn more about Panasonic’s line of LUMIX Digital Cameras and other consumer electronic products please visit www.shop.panasonic.com and www.lumixlounge.com.  You can also follow Panasonic on Twitter (@PanasonicUSA) and Facebook.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Newark, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. The Company’s portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray Disc players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness, Personal Care and Beauty products.

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Editorial Contacts

Dan Unger (Media Relations)         201-392-4571     dan.unger@us.panasonic.com

Alyssa Hershfield (Cohn & Wolfe)  212-798-9527     alyssa.hershfield@cohnwolfe.com

The Nikon Photo Contest, 2014-2015: Call for Entries

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Put your lens on the world

By: Nikon. June 12, 2014 (http://www.nikon.com)

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that entries for the Nikon Photo Contest 2014-2015 will be accepted between September 15 and December 15, 2014.

Nikon Photo Contest (NPC) is one of the world’s most prestigious international photo contests. Held since 1969, the goal behind the contest is to provide an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike. The name of the contest was changed to “Nikon Photo Contest” the last time it was held (34th time), and with 99,339 entries—the largest number of entries in the history of the contest—from 153 countries and regions around the world judged by a globally diverse panel of 17 judges, Nikon Photo Contest is a truly international contest.

Full press release at the source>