Mamiya Leaf, a leading provider of medium format camera equipment, today introduced a newly designed medium format digital camera back platform — the Leaf Credo. Available in three different models, the Leaf Credo 80, Credo 60, and Credo 40 digital camera backs feature high-quality resolutions of 80, 60 and 40 megapixels respectively.

Key platform features include:

• A large, high resolution (1.15 megapixel), touchscreen with excellent rendition of 16 million colors for quick and easy verification of focus and tonal accuracy;
• Fast, new dual-core microprocessor enables powerful performance for the fastest available image viewing, focusing and editing;
• A new, intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) offers easy navigation and extends the touchscreen beyond the LCD area — letting you navigate and click outside the image area;
• New FireWire 800 and USB 3 implementation delivers fastest image transfer speeds.

Planned from the ground-up for comfortable, effective shooting both indoors and out, Leaf Credo delivers high-resolution Live View functionality for precise focusing when shooting un-tethered.  It also offers a wide viewing angle and a built-in bi-directional spirit level.

The flagship of the Leaf Credo platform is a full-frame 80 MP CCD sensor with a dynamic range of 12.5 f-stops. New to Mamiya Leaf is a full frame 60 MP CCD sensor with 3:4 aspect ratio providing unmatched detail, richness of color, low noise and beautiful tonality. Also available is the 40 MP CCD sensor which offers the fastest capture speed in the Leaf Credo platform at 1.2 frames per second.

Leaf Credo digital backs work seamlessly with the Mamiya 645DF camera — which offers shutter speeds up to 1/4000 of a second and sync speeds of up to 1/1600 of a second with Schneider-Kreuznach designed Leaf shutter lenses.

The Mamiya Leaf open platform philosophy enables compatibility with other medium format camera bodies, such as the Hasselblad V and H and Contax (see www.mamiyaleaf.com for full compatibility list).

Leaf Credo digital backs are optimized for shooting with Capture One software, which comprises a comprehensive workflow to capture, organize, edit, share and print images.

“Leaf Credo delivers the best price/performance ratio in the large sensor digital back market,” said Ziv Argov, marketing director, Mamiya Leaf. “Its impressive combination of high resolution image quality, ease of use, and the latest touchscreen LCD technologies makes the Leaf Credo digital back platform appealing for all photographers regardless of their styles.”

Pricing for the Leaf Credo 40 starts at € 14,995/$19,495. The Leaf Credo 60 is listed at €24,995/$32,495 and the Leaf Credo 80 for € 29,995/$38,995.  Shipping is planned for June, 2012.

Leaf Credo Technical Highlights:

About Mamiya Leaf
Leveraging 70 years of Mamiya camera and optics expertise with the digital imaging technology of Leaf – the company that introduced the world’s first commercial digital camera back – Mamiya Leaf represents the finest in high end photographic solutions, and is dedicated to improving the quality of its products, technologies and services to support the advancement of professional digital photography.

For more information, please visit the new Mamiya Leaf website atwww.mamiyaleaf.com
<

The Dive Housing is compatible with all HD HERO cameras, GoPro mounts and accessories. Included items: waterproof Dive Housing, protective lens cap, tether string and assorted mounting hardware. This new accessory adds to the HD HERO’s reputation as the most versatile camera in the world. It is now available for order at Our Online Store, specialty retailers around the world, Sport Chalet and Best Buy for MSRP US $49.99.

About GoPro

Based in Half Moon Bay, California, GoPro makes the world’s most versatile cameras, enabling people to capture and share their lives’ most exciting moments in professional quality HD video and photos. GoPro’s HD HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras are used collectively by more consumers, professional athletes, and video production professionals than any other camera in the world. GoPro’s products are sold in over 140 countries via specialty sports retailers, Sport Chalet, Best Buy and at GoPro.com.

Saskatoon, SK (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

Today, Draganfly Innovations Inc. has released theDraganflyer X4-P, the newest model in their series of well-engineered, miniature flying VTOL UAV’s. Designed for safe and stable commercial/industrial aerial videography and photography, the X4-P is the best grab-and-go solution for steady low altitude video and photos. Based on the design of the popular Draganflyer X8, the Draganflyer X4-P features incredible stability, a patented portable folding airframe, stabilized camera mount with vibration isolation, and increased flight time. Zenon Dragan, President of Draganfly Innovations Inc., says “The Draganflyer X4-P incorporates many of the technologies of our other high-end UAVs into a less expensive package and offers the longest flight time with increased payload.”

The Draganflyer X4-P is extremely lightweight and portable. The unique patented folding carbon fiber airframe fits inside a military-grade case the size of a suitcase. It can easily fit into the trunk or back seat of most cars, making transport a breeze. This gives the X4-P system the “all-in-one-box” flexibility to go anywhere at any time.

The Draganflyer X4-P incorporates safety and durability with high quality carbon fiber parts, innovative airframe design, and a sophisticated electronic flight stabilization system. Each flight battery includes an advanced integrated protection circuit that monitors the battery condition and status along with an easy to use battery life indicator. The X4-P features high intensity LED navigation lights for long distance and low-light flying, an “auto-landing” feature if the radio link to the helicopter is lost, and an onboard flight data recorder which stores telemetry and flight information on a removable memory card.

The camera mounting system on the Draganflyer X4-P offers enhanced vibration protection, isolating the camera from the helicopter, and features an active tilt function to keep the camera level in flight. This combination provides smooth, stable photographs and video.

The Draganflyer X4-P offers all of the standard features of previous Draganflyer systems. The advanced onboard flight computer system incorporates SteadyFlight software and processes the inputs from eleven individual sensors (including a barometric pressure sensor, three accelerometers, three gyroscopes, three magnetometers and a GPS receiver) to provide superior flight stability while maintaining a simple, easy–to-control experience for the user.

The Draganflyer X4-P is flown using a custom handheld controller with a 2.8” OLED touch screen displaying telemetry and flight data (GPS position, altitude, heading, bearing, helicopter battery voltage, and more). The controller features a built-in dual diversity video receiver that takes the streaming video transmitted from the helicopter and displays what the camera is seeing in real-time on a pair of video goggles.

The X4-P from Draganfly Innovations is a State-of-the-Art system designed, developed, and built from the ground up. All hardware, software, and systems development takes place in the company’s development/manufacturing facility so if any problems arise, Draganfly has the parts and in-house expertise to get the helicopter flying again. In contrast to many of the systems on the market today, Draganfly UAV’s display a level of professionalism few others can. Each Draganflyer is truly a work of art.

Additional information, pictures, and videos are available from the Draganfly Innovations web site:http://www.draganfly.com

(PRWEB) May 14, 2012

With new themes and better performance, Appmaker e.K. has made the iPad-App for Diary enthusiasts – and those who want to become one – even more attractive.

Since there is nothing more individual than your own diary, there are now special design themes to give “My Own Diary HD” the desired individual look. While the looks “Classic” and “Black & White” are included, the theme looks “Baby” and “Travel” are now ready for download for only $ 0.99 each.

Other features of the new version are the excellent retina graphics, which make pixels disappear to the naked eye, and two new typefaces, both of which support Cyrillic characters.

Additionally, the performance has been enhanced. “We have made My Own Diary HD more individual and have bettered the performance, because ever more users are using My Own Diary HD more intensively and internationally,” explains Bernhard Harrer, chief developer at Appmaker e.K., regarding the improvements. “The different themes are a lot of fun and assure that everyone has a theme fitting their individual needs.” Moreover, many requests and suggestions from users were incorporated.

“Whether My Own Diary HD is kept as a travel book, family album or project report – now everyone can style their diary the way they wish,” raves Christoph Masak, leading designer of Appmaker e.K.

“My Own Diary HD 2.3” is exclusive for the iPad and already available for $ 3.99 in the App Store (http://www.appmaker.de/myowndiary/2.3/buy/).
Further information, screenshots and a video presentation to “My Own Diary HD 2.3” can be found underhttp://www.appmaker.de/myowndiaryhd.

Appmaker e.K is specialized in creating intuitive software for mobile end devices. The young developer team started in 2010 and combines attractive design with versatile usage. “My Own Diary HD” was their first product, has a quick-growing fan base and continues to be improved regularly. If you want to know more about “My Own Diary HD” or Appmaker e.K., we look forward to hearing from you.

Sydney 15 May 2012: Canon Australia has today announced that the EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM interchangeable lens has been honoured in Japan with the prestigious Camera Grand Prix 2012 “Lens of the Year Award.” The accolade marks the second award to date for the Canon fisheye lens, which was also named “Best Professional DSLR Lens in 2012” in Europe by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).*¹

The Camera Grand Prix, considered the most sought-after camera and lens product awards in Japan, is organised by the Camera Journal Press Club,*² comprising journalists from major domestic photography and camera magazines. Separated into four award categories, the 29th Camera Grand Prix honoured Canon’s EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM with the “Lens of the Year Award” based on a review of lens products introduced in the Japanese market during the past year.

“This latest award is a tremendous affirmation of Canon’s leadership in optical technology and reinforces why Canon EOS is Australia’s brand of choice for interchangeable lens cameras*⁴,” said Rebecca Pearson, Assistant Brand Manager – EOS, Canon Australia. “The two awards received this year are formal industry recognition of the EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM’s innovative, extreme wide angle and fisheye performance, made possible by Canon’s optical technologies.”

25 years of Canon EOS

The Canon EOS camera system was introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of AF SLR cameras that incorporate the world’s first electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system. Since that time more than 50 million EOS cameras and 70 million EF lenses have been produced. Comprising more than 65 models, Canon’s current EF lens line-up enables an infinite range of creative options to suit photographers from beginner level to professional.

Reason for selection*³

Delivering both 180-degree diagonal angle of view and 180-degree circular fisheye in a single zoom lens, Canon’s EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM enables a wide range of stunning imaging possibilities with unique and interesting perspectives. The lens was selected for this year’s Camera Grand Prix award thanks to such factors as its 8-15mm focal length range, and its high-image-quality performance made possible by the incorporation of UD (ultra-low dispersion)-glass and high-precision glass-mould aspherical elements to correct for aberrations. The lens was also recognised for its Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which minimises the occurrence of ghosting and flare; its compact design delivering enhanced portability; and a dust-proof, moisture-proof structure for reliable shooting even in harsh weather conditions.

*1             The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), comprising 29 photography and imaging magazines across 14 European countries, awards products based on an annual vote

*2             Launched in September of 1963; currently comprises 11 affiliated magazines (as of April 2012)

*3             Based on announcement by the Camera Journal Press Club 2012 executive committee

*4             50% value share of the total interchangeable lens camera market in 2011. Source: GfK Retail Tracking – Interchangeable Lens Jan – Dec 2011 (excludes Internet/Online Sales)

About Canon:

Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon’s Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 20 years, and had global revenues of around $US46 billion in 2011. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au, www.facebook.com/canonaustralia, www.twitter.com/canonaustralia, www.youtube.com/canonaustralia

* Based on weekly patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office

http://www.phoozl.com/phorums/phorums/critique-my-photo-please-2/

Feedback is a very important part of developing as a photographer and this is good way of getting some.

Charlottesville, Virginia (May 2012) – Photography education and entertainment site PhoozL* announces the relaunch of its flagship website: www.phoozl.com. The new PhoozL is a global destination for photographers and photo enthusiasts (amateur to pro) who want to be challenged and have “phun” while learning more about photography and stretching their creative wings. Photo contests, photo assignments, photo critiques, photo learning, photo sharing and community… it’s all part of PhoozL. If you like taking pictures, getting exposure and recognition for your photos, improving your photo skills, and being challenged, inspired and motivated to take more and better photographs, then PhoozL is your new home.

“We’ve combined our prior activities and photo contests/challenges onto the new revamped site,” says Harald Johnson, PhoozL’s creator, “and we’re very excited to launch with a new photo contest being judged by the legendary Joel Meyerowitz. There’s also a new photo assignment series, the first one being judged by yours truly. Both challenges are live and awaiting your submissions.”

Photo Contests & Assignments
PhoozL launches with two challenging photo contests/assignments. “Seeing the Light” is a “super-judged” contest with two rounds of judging, a theme chosen by Joel Meyerowitz, and the final judging and determination of winners also by him. The grand prize is a priceless one-on-one review of the winner’s photography by the iconic photographer himself. More information about this contest can be found at:

http://www.phoozl.com/photo-contests/seeing-the-light-2-2/

The “After Dark” photo assignment is the first of a series of more casual photo challenges modeled on traditional assignments that art directors, editors, and publishers have always given photographers. There is an assignment, a limited time period to submit photos, and a final selection of winning images by the Assigner, in this first case by Harald Johnson. For more information, go here:
http://www.phoozl.com/photo-assignments/after-dark/

PhoozL’s Other Features
In addition to the contests and assignments, the new PhoozL also has forums (“Phorums”), a photo-critiquing area, a growing list of Photo Tips, and a Featured Photographer interview that will update regularly. There’s also a site blog (“PhoozNews”) and a special Phun section that includes Flash photo games, photo apps, and more to come.

Who is PhoozL?
PhoozL is the creation of Harald Johnson, Richard Marks, and some adventurous friends and colleagues. Those friends include a range of photographers from famous photo legends to amateur photo enthusiasts. And there are other contributors to PhoozL, too, including the PhoozL Photo Pros, a unique group of professional photographers and photo-industry experts who provide feedback to PhoozL members open to receiving it. The current PhoozL Photo Pro team includes (in addition to Harald Johnson): Andrew Darlow, C. David Tobie, David Saffir, Jonathan Smith, and Wayne Cosshall.

PhoozL’s founder/creator, Harald Johnson, has been immersed in the worlds of photography, art, and publishing for more than 30 years. A former professional photographer, creative and art director, and publisher, Harald is the author of the groundbreaking book series: “Mastering Digital Printing,” and for years has been a marketing and imaging/printing consultant for global technology companies. And he’s now expanding his photo website publishing activities, in addition to creating photo apps.

Other PhoozL Projects
On top of the 100,000 photo games that have been played on the original Phoozl.com site to date, PhoozL also created and ran a successful photo contest on Facebook in 2011 (“Alphabetography Photo Challenge”), and it recently released its first mobile photo apps: “PhoozL IQ: A Photo IQ Challenge” on the App Store (in four versions).

To join PhoozL’s global community and see what’s happening, visit the site at:
http://www.phoozl.com

About PhoozL
PhoozL® (http://www.phoozl.com) provides photo education and entertainment sites, apps, and destinations for photographers and photo enthusiasts who want to be challenged and have “phun” while learning about photography. PhoozL’s new tagline – “Challenging you to be a better photographer” – says it all.

*PhoozL® and Photo IQ™ are registered trademarks of Harald Johnson.

I’m indebted to Roberto Garza over on SnapGuide for the solution and here’s the link straight to his article.

For those who want the quick summary:

1. run one of the core apps, like Calendar, Weather, etc

2. press and hold the power button till the shutdown slider appears

3. immediately press and hold the home button until the app quits and you are back to the home screen

That’s it. I’ve tried it. It works. Back to a happy responsive iThingaMeJiggy.

Adobe releases iPad versions of “Collage” & “Proto” apps

http://9to5mac.com/2012/05/11/adobe-releases-ipad-version-of-conceptual-mood-board-collage-app/

20 Stunning Images That Show How Magical The Apple Store Can Really Be [Gallery] | Cult of Mac

http://www.cultofmac.com/165853/20-stunning-images-that-show-how-magical-the-apple-store-can-really-be-gallery/

Facebook Rolls Out File-Sharing for All Groups [EXCLUSIVE]

http://mashable.com/2012/05/10/facebook-groups-3/

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 8, 2012 Olympus draws on its heritage of creating rugged, durable cameras that take the worry out of life-on-the-go shooting with the new Olympus TG-1 iHS. Marking a revolution for the Tough Series of Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof and Dustproof compact cameras, the Olympus TG-1 iHS combines incredible durability with iHS technology, the world’s first high-speed bright f2.0 lens on a Tough camera and converter-lens compatibility to create a versatile system camera. The combination of durability and outstanding image quality make it possible to shoot in even the harshest conditions. Capture beautiful underwater scenes and aquatic life, snap photos of dusk-lit peaks or record your ride down the rapids in dazzling 1080p Full HD Video.

Superior Optics
The Olympus TG-1 iHS is the world’s first rugged camera to incorporate an ultra-bright, high-speed f2.0 lens* so you can capture high-quality images at blazing fast shutter speeds, even in low-light conditions. The camera’s three-inch high-resolution OLED display (610K dots) provides excellent visibility in bright situations, enabling you to compose the perfect shot in direct sunlight. Protective coatings help to prevent scratches and cut down on reflective glare, and the new lens on the Olympus TG-1 iHS transforms your photographs with the same FAST AF system technology found in Olympus PEN cameras. Never worry about water droplets obstructing your images thanks to the water-repellent lens coating that prevents water from remaining on the lens surface.

Unmatched Rugged Durability
From atop an Alpine mountain to the depths of a tropical lagoon, the Olympus TG-1 iHS captures the perfect shot in unforgiving environments. Waterproof to 40 feet, Shockproof to 6.6 feet, Freezeproof to 14°F** and even Crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds, the flagship Olympus Tough model is the toughest Tough model to date and an exceptionally high-speed performer with faster start-up time and quicker refresh rates.

Outstanding Image Quality
A high-sensitivity, high-speed 12-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor combined with a blazing fast, DSLR-quality TruePic VI image processor results in high-speed autofocus, enhanced Intelligent Auto for spectacular scene and subject recognition, and 8x Super-resolution Zoom to produce jaw-dropping images in locations that make even the most seasoned photographers cringe. This family of technologies combines for unmatched image quality in challenging shooting conditions with improved lighting, less noise and response times twice as fast as traditional cameras.

Designed specifically to keep up with the on-the-go photographer, the new Super Sport Mode combines high-speed autofocus with extra fast shutter speeds  up to 1/2000 to freeze the action. Conveniently located on the dial, this mode captures five shots in a high-speed burst to ensure crisp shots in even the most extreme action sport settings. Low Light Mode is perfect for capturing the mood of low-light indoor scenes, beautiful sunsets or late night outdoor festivities without ruining the ambience with a bright flash. Shoot like a pro with five frames-per-second high-speed burst shooting and 1080p Full HD videos (1920×1080 pixels) or 60 frames-per-second (3mp) at the touch of button, allowing for slow-motion playback. Thanks to iHS Technology, your videos will benefit from excellent color reproduction and faster processing speeds, while Multi-Motion IS compensates for user movement during recording, creating smoother videos. Linear PCM Recording, an audio technology pioneered by Olympus for professional voice recorders, records your videos with high-definition audio for optimal playback results.

In iAuto mode, the Olympus TG-1 iHS automatically detects the subject, lighting and situation to identify the scene you’re shooting up to 30 different scenes including Night, Sport, Beach and Snow, Underwater Snapshot and Backlight HDR and adjusts the settings for ideal results.

System Expandability
For serious photographers, Olympus is offering system expandability for the Olympus TG-1 iHS. A converter ring allows you to add a lens converter adapter, waterproof Fisheye Converter Lens and Teleconverter Lens for use on land or in water. The Fisheye Converter Lens captures panoramic, wide-angle shots without sacrificing the brightness of the 4x wide optical zoom (25-100mm*) f2.0 lens. The Teleconverter Lens extends your optical zoom from 4x to 6.8x, delivering dramatic close-ups with professional-looking background blur. Combined with the Olympus TG-1 iHS 8x Super-resolution Zoom, which extends the range of the optical zoom with virtually no loss of image quality, you can reach an unmatched 13.6x magnification. Both converter lenses are waterproof to 40 feet. If 40 feet is not deep enough for you, the new Olympus PT-053 underwater housing is designed specifically for the TG-1 iHS, enabling you to dive to depths of 135 feet (45m).

Extreme Versatility
With the GPS and e.compass functions on the Olympus TG-1 iHS, location and landmark information will be displayed and recorded along with every image. The camera is also equipped with a logging function so you can track the route taken from recorded images by using applications such as Google Earth and Picasa. And with the brand-new LI-90 battery, you’ll worry less about battery life and more about your next destination. Mark your spot on the map with the built-in manometer, which records elevation and water depth and even displays a warning when the user approaches a depth of 40 feet. The Olympus TG-1 iHS boasts four different underwater scene modes — Underwater Snapshot, Underwater Wide 1, Underwater Wide 2 and Underwater Macro — each carefully calibrated to allow for optimal color balance, exposure and flash so you automatically get the best results. An LED illuminator on the front of the camera enhances focus and exposure for macro shooting great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED illuminator also works in conjunction with the flash to help illuminate your subject in low-light conditions.

U.S. Availability
The Olympus TG-1 iHS will be available in June and ships with a USB Cable & Charger (F-3AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (Li-90B), Wrist Strap, Instruction Manual and ib Software CDs, Quick Start Guide and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: 
Olympus Tough TG-1 Digital Camera: $399.99 (Available in Titanium)
Fisheye Converter Lens: $119.99
Teleconverter Lens: $109.99
Adapter: $19.99
PT-053 Underwater Housing: $309.99 (Available in July)

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1621

Journalists interested in more information, review units and high-resolution images of the Olympus TG-1 iHS should contact Keith Gordon, Mullen Public Relations, 212-885-3218, keith.gordon@mullen.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5719, jennifer.colucci@olympus.com, or visit the Olympus website: http://asset.olympusamerica.com/login/.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC. 
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder.
2012 Olympus Imaging America Inc.

*As of April 23, 2012
** Waterproof according to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8. Shockproof figures equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof according to Olympus test conditions.