Samsung AMOLED 12M Camera Phone with 3x Optical Zoom

Following the launch of Pixon12, Samsung to launch world’s first 12-megapixel camera phone with a 3X optical zoom in the Korean market

Seoul, Korea, September 29, 2009 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced the launch of the ‘Samsung AMOLED 12M’ (Model Name: SCH-W880), the world’s first 12-megapixel camera phone with a 3-times optical zoom lens. The phone will be available in the Korean market from early October.

Following the launch in June of the Pixon 12, the first 12-megapixel camera phone to launch globally, Samsung has again applied its advanced imaging technology to achieve another landmark in the development of advanced camera phones.

The Samsung AMOLED 12M combines the latest camera technology with the world’s most advanced WVGA (800 x 480) AMOLED full touch screen, providing an exceptional picture-taking experience.

The AMOLED 12M’s 3x optical zoom, featured for the first time on a 12-megapixel camera phone, allows users to bring in the action from far away, producing close-up shots without distortion. The device also features a 2x digital zoom, giving users the full capabilities of a 6x zoom.

The AMOLED 12M comes packed with a host of functions enabling consumers to easily capture, browse and share their images on the move, fully utilizing the brilliant 3.3-inch AMOLED screen.

With the look and feel of a premium digital compact camera and a dedicated camera power key, users can snap high-definition photos quickly and naturally. The Samsung AMOLED 12M’s rapid image saving allows users to move to the next shot within just 2 seconds, while the phone also provides high-quality video recording (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second.

The Samsung AMOLED 12M introduces powerful and innovative camera functions. Its Touch Auto-Focus (AF) feature permits users to select a focus point with the touch of a finger, after which the lens will automatically track the object, keeping it in focus even as it moves across the screen. The Smart Auto feature lets users capture perfectly balanced images as the camera automatically changes its shooting mode based on the object, background, and lighting. Other features include a Xenon flash, shake reduction, face recognition, and 4GB of built-in memory.

“Samsung has led the camera phone market by introducing many landmark models – the first 5-megapixel camera phone (SCH-V7800, June 2005), the first 7-megapixel device with an optical zoom (SCH-V770, July 2005), the first 10-megapixel model (SCH-B600, October 2006) and, most recently, the first 12-megapixel camera phone for the global market (Samsung Pixon12, June 2009),” said JK Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of the Mobile Communication Division, Samsung Electronics. “The Samsung AMOLED 12M is another landmark and proof of our continuing commitment to providing the most advanced technology to enrich users’ mobile experience.”



Product Fact Sheet

Network: WCDMA (2100 MHz)GSM(900), DCS(1800 ), PCS(1900) Roaming

Display: 3.3” WVGA AMOLED

Camera: 12MP with 3X Optical Zoom + 2X Digital Zoom Xenon + Power Led Flash

Touch AF Tracking, Smart Auto, Beauty Shot, Macro Shot,

Video / Audio: Video: HD Level (1280 x 720) 30fps

MPEG4, H.263, H.264, DivX, XviD

Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, AAC+e, WMA

Value Added Features: Terrestrial DMB (Mobile TV)

Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0, USB 2.0 HS (micro USB)

Memory: Internal memory: 4GB

External memory: Micro SD (up to 32GB)

Battery: 1,100 mAh

Size: 115.8 x 56.9 x 16.3 mm




About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices across 61 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.



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Intro to ACDsee Pro 3

Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows: The Missing Manual--New from O'Reilly

Your Go-to Guide for the Newest Version of Photoshop Elements

Sebastopol, CA—Photoshop Elements 8 gives you most of what Photoshop offers, but at a price that won't break the bank. It's perfect for scrapbookers, photographers, and budding graphic artists alike, and this newest version is more powerful and easier to use than previous versions. But figuring out how and when to use the program's tools is still tricky.

NOTE: O'Reilly has done it again it seams. With personal experience with their books I must say they make some of the most comprehensive and useful manuals/books for programs and techniques. Though I have not read this one yet I am sure it up to the companies top-notch standards.



But with Photoshop Elements 8 For Windows: The Missing Manual (O'Reilly Media, $44.99 USD) by your side, you'll learn not only what each tool does, but also when it makes the most sense to use it and why. You get easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for everything from importing photos to organizing, editing, sharing, and storing your images. And if a feature isn't all that it's cracked up to be, we'll tell you.

Bestselling author Barbara Brundage says, "The earliest versions of Elements had something of a learning curve. It was a super program, but not one where you could expect to get perfect results right off the bat. In each new version, Adobe has added lots of push-button-easy ways to correct and improve your photos. Elements 8 brings you some really high-tech editing tools, new ways to arrange your workspace, and new ways to share your photos online more easily than ever."

How do you use the Photomerge Exposure? How do Quick Fix previews work? With a gentle introduction to get you started quickly, and advanced tips to help you produce really creative work, this Missing Manual provides the answers you need.

With the updated edition of this bestselling book, you will:

* Get crystal-clear and jargon-free explanations of every feature
* Learn to import, organize, back up, and fix photos quickly and easily
* Repair and restore old and damaged photos, and retouch any image
* Jazz up your pictures with dozens of filters, frames, and special effects
* Remove unwanted objects from images with the new Recompose tool
* Learn advanced techniques like working with layers and applying blend modes
* Download practice images and try new tricks right away

For a review copy or more information please email peyton@oreilly.com Please include your delivery address and contact information.

book coverIf You Have a Mac

This book covers Elements 8 for Windows. Adobe is releasing Elements 8 for Mac a few weeks after the Windows version, and there's a separate version of this book, Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac: The Missing Manual, which you should get if you're using the Mac version. Let me know if you would like to review this book as well.

Barbara Brundage is the author of Photoshop Elements 7: The Missing Manual, an Adobe Community Expert, and a member of Adobe's prerelease groups for Elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. She's been teaching people how to use Photoshop Elements since it came out in 2001. Barbara first started using Elements to create graphics for use in her day job as a harpist, music publisher, and arranger. Along the way, she joined the large group finding a renewed interest in photography thanks to digital cameras. If she can learn to use Elements, you can too!

Additional Resources:
For more information about the book, including table of contents, index, author bios, and cover graphic, see: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596803476

Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows: The Missing Manual
Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows: The Missing Manual
Barbara Brundage
ISBN: 9780596803476, 639 pages,
Book Price: $44.99 USD, £32.99 GBP
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938
1-707-827-7000

About O'Reilly
O'Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O'Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying "faint signals" from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.

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ACDSee Pro 3

ACDSee Pro 3 Offers Photographers Triple Threat of Speed, Flexibility and Value
New version of ACDSee Pro photo management software known for viewing, browsing and organizing digital images introduces new image processing and publishing capabilities

VICTORIA, British Columbia – Sept. 29, 2009 – ACD Systems International Inc. today unveiled ACDSee™ Pro 3, a new version of its leading digital image management software that retains the same fast and flexible features photographers rely upon and incorporates an enhanced user experience that delivers professional level workflow tools at a tremendous value.

ACDSee Pro 3 builds on its reputation as a leading viewer, browser and organizer with new advanced speed capabilities in the editing and online stages. For example, the program's unique process mode integrates two highly prized features – nondestructive image editing and precise pixel-level editing – into one seamless application.


NOTE: P3 has been an official Beta Tester of ACDsee 3 and can highly reccomend it so far. Currently we are reviewing the full version and will have a write up soon. ACDsee has always been one of my (Brendan) favorite programs to use for quick editing, sorting, tagging and browsing. With the current installment I have found myself relying on it even more than I used to with its powerful tools and ease/speed of use.


"ACDSee Pro 3 is geared around saving time and offers photographers the ability to customize their own workflow and speed up the process of preparing and sharing their photos," said Cam Carmichael, product manager for ACD Systems, who noted that more than 10,000 professional photographers worldwide participated in the beta test program. "The Pro 3 structure makes it easy for users to achieve their desired results quickly and efficiently."

Introduced in early 2006, ACDSee Pro has historically been designed around mode-based operations, so this new, updated version will be familiar to current ACDSee Pro users. The software emphasizes four areas of activity – manage, view, process and online – that optimizes each step in the photography workflow in one application.

"I'm on assignment overseas often and the last thing I want to worry about is my workflow," said Peter Pereira, a photojournalist and 4SEE Photo Agency photographer. "I've been a longtime ACDSee Pro user and the latest version is top-notch image software. I've tried them all and this is my favorite."

Manage: Digital asset management
ACDSee Pro 3 provides photographers with the capability to manage digital assets to their own specifications using both folders and metadata. The manage mode speeds the process of browsing, cataloging, retrieving, and presenting collections with flexible time-saving tools. New additions to the robust sharing capabilities allow users to distribute their creative work effortlessly through SMTP-enabled e-mail applications such as Gmail™ and Yahoo!® Mail Plus, and publish images to their Web sites via a new FTP uploader.

As in previous versions of ACDSee Pro, ACDSee Pro 3 supports the management of more than 100 file types and will be regularly updated to support the latest RAW formats as new camera models are released

View: Unparalleled image viewing
In view mode, images can be seen in full size at unparalleled speeds. Photographers can quickly scan through selected images with click advance or auto advance features, or flip between images using the new filmstrip window and remain oriented within a large group of files.

Process: Dynamic imaging processing
ACDSee Pro 3's new process mode integrates nondestructive image editing and precise pixel-level editing into one seamless application. Users can take advantage of the new mode to dynamically adjust images of any format, from RAW files to TIFFs and JPEGs, and easily complete both global nondestructive adjustments and pixel-level editing on any image in one intuitive workflow. Unlike other programs that make users wait while changes apply, ACDSee Pro 3 allows users to see the outcome of their adjustments in real time.

Online: Photo sharing with free storage
Photographers can easily store and share images online without leaving the application in ACDSee Pro 3's new online mode, which connects users to a free 2 GB account on the ACDSee Online Web site. The online mode is a convenient way to create, store, share and manage albums and access images when away from the desktop computer. ACDSee Pro 3 image folders can quickly and easily be dragged and dropped directly on the secure, password-protected online storage space. The ACDSee Online site, which is powered by Amazon Web Services™, the same secure infrastructure that backs Amazon.com and its affiliated sites, offers a hierarchical folder tree structure so images can be easily organized.

Availability
ACDSee Pro 3 is available for a free 30-day trial and for purchase at $169.99 (USD) by visiting www.acdsee.com. Registered owners of ACDSee Pro, Pro 2 and Pro 2.5 are eligible to upgrade for less than $90.00 (USD).

About ACD Systems
Headquartered in British Columbia since 1993, ACD Systems International Inc. is one of the world's leading developers and marketers of digital imaging software, including the renowned ACDSee image management tool and Canvas, an advanced technical illustration and graphics program. ACD Systems has millions of consumer and business users and more than 33,000 corporate customers, including many Fortune 500 companies. For further details, please visit www.acdsee.com.

ACD and ACDSee are trademarks of ACD Systems International Inc. and may be registered in Canada, the United States, the European Union, Japan or certain other jurisdictions. Canvas is a trademark of ACD Systems of America, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Trademarks of ACD Systems of America, Inc. are used under license by ACD Systems International Inc. or its subsidiaries.

All other marks, products and company names are the property of their respective owners.

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Google Picasa 3.5 features

Picasa 3.5 now has name tags, based on the same technology that powers name tags on Picasa Web Albums. With name tags, you can organize your photos based on what matters most: the people in them. In this new version, you can also more easily geotag photos using Google Maps, plus import photos from your camera and upload them to Picasa Web Albums in one step. Get started by downloading Picasa 3.5 for PC or Mac at picasa.google.com

People

Add name tags - Picasa 3.5 scans all the photos in your collection, identifies the ones with faces, and groups photos with similar faces together. It's easy to add name tags to dozens of photos at once by clicking "Add a name" below a photo and typing the person's name. Once you've tagged some pictures, you can make a face collage with one click, easily find all your pictures with the same two people in them, or upload your name tags to Picasa Web Albums. Learn more.

Other Improvements

	Geotag your photos with Google Maps - Quickly add geotags using new integrated Google Maps by clicking the Places button in Picasa 3.5, and dragging your photos to the location where you took them. Of course you can stil use Google Earth to tag or view photos if you prefer. Learn more.
	Import, upload, and share, all at once - We've improved the import process so that you can star your favorites, upload to Picasa Web Albums and share with Google contact groups at the same time. Learn more.
	Tags -- Better bulk tagging, quick tags & tag counts - We've also improved the tagging experience. Just click the new Tags button on the right side of the Photo tray to add Quick tags , see tag counts for groups of images, and manage tags more easily. Learn more.

*all info from google

Canon 7d Samples

The Canon 7d was announced on Sept 1st with much fan-fare from Canon users who were waiting for something better than the 50D, and cheeper than a 1 or 5-series camera. This was the first real contender to the D200/300 level that Canon has come up with and it is great. (Though the previous 50d and older class was in the same catigory normally, they still used a smaller sensor (1.6x vs a 1.5x crop factor) and were always IMHO a step behind)

Some very nice video samples HERE

Nice Stills and write up here

BUY NOW: Canon EOS 7D (Body Only)


Full Press release on the 7d after the jump

CANON U.S.A. REDEFINES MID-RANGE DSLR CATEGORY WITH THE NEW EOS 7D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
The EOS 7D Features Fast Eight fps Continuous Shooting, Class-Leading 18-Megapixel Resolution and Full HD Video Recording with Variable Frame Rates and Manual Exposure Control

Lake Success, N.Y., September 1, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionary camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it's shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.

The EOS 7D boasts significant EOS advancements including a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) and a new Intelligent Viewfinder. An 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors fuel the EOS 7D's 14-bit A/D data conversion and its ability to freeze fast motion in high-resolution with eight fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large JPEGS using a UDMA CF card, positioning this camera for the studio as well as the sideline. The EOS 7D captures beautiful low-light images with or without a flash, at occasions such as a dance recital or wedding reception, thanks to a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800). In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing.

"The EOS 7D represents a completely new chapter in digital photography and Canon product development. This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date, bringing together all of the best professional features offered, along with numerous user requests at a price-point everyone can appreciate," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Evolution of Vision, the EOS 7D's New Autofocus System
The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon's new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.

The Canon EOS 7D's AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:

# Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.
# AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.
# Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional AF improvements include a revised Automatic AF point selection sequence that allows a user to pick any one of the 19 AF points as a starting point for tracking moving subjects in AI Servo mode. (Previous EOS models required the subject to first be acquired by the center focusing point.) If the subject moves away, the camera will continue to track the movement with the remaining points and display the active focusing point in the viewfinder. Also, a time-saving feature is AF Point Switching, which allows photographers to select and register one AF point for horizontal compositions and a second AF point for vertical shooting, ideal for studio and portrait photographers.

To complement the new AF system, the exposure metering system for the EOS 7D has been completely re-designed to take color information into account, another first for an EOS system. Canon's iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

Canon's new Intelligent Viewfinder uses a liquid crystal overlay to provide clear and precise displays of focusing points and zones, on-demand grid lines and a spot metering circle. The LCD overlay can also be illuminated in extreme low-light situations or turned off completely. The EOS 7D camera's viewfinder includes a large all-glass pentaprism with an antireflective coating to maximize clarity and provide a brighter display. The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder features 1.0x magnification with 100 percent coverage for accurate composition and checking of detail.

EOS HD Movie: Empowering the World of Videography
Canon has blazed new trails in HD video capture with the 5D Mark II. Now, the EOS 7D takes DSLR video to new heights with Full HD capture featuring fully manual exposure control, and selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards. Compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, the EOS 7D lets videographers take full advantage of the camera's large CMOS sensor to achieve the dramatic frame composition they desire. At the heart of the EOS 7D are two key proprietary Canon technologies, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors and a large APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, helping to render stunning color reproduction, amazing depth of field and fine detail, even in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 7D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 7D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 7D features a new dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording. Like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera provides users with the capability to use an external stereo microphone for professional audio effects or a built-in monaural microphone for convenience.

The Features You Asked For
A helpful new tool for architectural and landscape photography where angles and perspective are critical is Canon's new built-in Dual Axis Electronic Level, featuring an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD screen in Live View or in the viewfinder using illuminated AF points for easy leveling while shooting. The dual axis electronic level shows both horizontal roll and vertical pitch, making it easy to identify when the camera is in a fixed level shooting position and ready to take the shot.

The EOS 7D's pop-up flash features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites without the need for an external transmitter. This built-in wireless option is a compact and economical solution for studio and wedding photography with multiple flash set-ups.

A new Intelligent Macro Tracking function helps reduce blur during macro shooting by recognizing when a macro lens is attached and automatically adjusting the AI Servo sampling frequency. This AI Servo adjustment accounts for camera movement forward and back, a typical occurrence when moving in close for a macro shot as photographers rock back and forth, or a flower blows in the wind.

Once in your hands, you can immediately feel the ergonomic improvements of the Canon EOS 7D camera, starting with a new super-fluid body design with continuous curves outlining the top of the camera and a revised grip that fits better in a user's hand. The camera has a new Quick Control Button, which opens an easy-to-navigate menu on the camera's LCD screen. From this menu, users can adjust all camera settings including AF modes as well as set custom button functions, an insightful new feature that can easily customize each button's function to the photographer's preference. Another new feature is the RAW/JPEG toggle button providing quick dual-format shooting, allowing photographers to quickly add large JPEG or RAW file formats to their already selected shooting mode at the touch of a button.

The Canon EOS 7D camera also features a new large, clear 3.0-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The camera's nine internal seals enhance weather resistance, and its 150,000-cycle shutter durability positions the EOS 7D as a "workhorse" for professionals in any photography discipline.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter (WFT) exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. The WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and Geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.i The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00ii. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00iii. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99iv.

Canon Digital Learning Center
Online visitors and Web surfers are encouraged to browse the Canon Digital Learning Center and take advantage of the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of Live Learning classes across the country with renowned photographers as well as online resources and tips. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and inkjet printer and unlock the full creative control of digital photography. To learn more about each program and register, please visit: www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. 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/rss.

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Special Pentax K-x website

BUY NOW: Pentax K-x w/ 18-55mm Lens (Red)

BUY NOW: Pentax K-x w/ 18-55mm Lens (White)

More Pentax K-x Samples

Some really great samples of low-light work with the K-x here
(untranslated here)

This guy is really on the ball, here are even more from his blog



BUY NOW: Pentax K-x w/ 18-55mm Lens (Red)

BUY NOW: Pentax K-x w/ 18-55mm Lens (White)

Review - Hands on Lowepro Midtown

By Mel Beus
The Lowepro Midtown, a recent addition to the Lowepro bag line-up, is a stylish messenger-style shoulder bag that comes in black with royal blue stitching detail for an added flair. The top zips in place around the opening, with a flap that extends over the front pocket and attaches to the bag via magnetic fasteners hidden in the construction. On the front of the bag is an open-top pocket that extends the width of the bag, constructed with a gusset for expansion. There are also two mesh, elastic-topped water bottle-type pockets, one on each end. The interior of the bag is dividable with two dividers that are included.



This is a camera bag that doesn't scream "Look at me I'm a camera bag!" For all intents and purposes it looks like your basic classy messenger bag, which is perfect for when you want to either play it low-key with your gear or need to dress it up a little more than usual. The shoulder strap has a locking flip buckle type of mechanism for easy adjustment even while wearing, and the movable pad on the strap is generous and cushy. The bag is comfortable to carry and easy to access while on the move. There is an additional handle attached to the back-side top for the quick grab-and-go, NOT the center of the lid for those accidental bag spillage incidents that we have all experienced. Okay, that I have experienced. The grabby magnetic closure is genius as it nearly closes itself when it's flipped over (again for those of us who are victims of the inadvertent bag-spillage).

So it looks like I may have found the mid-sized bag of my dreams. Well, close. The bag retails for a reasonable $49.95 which is good. However, as frugal as I am I would almost prefer to pay a little more and have a bag of more rugged construction and includes Lowepro's usual tuck-into-a-hiding-place waterproof cover. Additionally, I wish the shoulder strap was attached down the full length of the ends, rather than the just couple of inches that it is. If the top zipper is not zipped up at least along the sides, it pulls on the bag's sides in a manner that appears to place an undesirable strain on the construction. And the bag seems too narrow to easily fit a large dslr with grip. A smaller one (the Pentax K-7 with grip was used for testing), is a fairly tight fit. However, there shouldn't be any problems with most DSLRs without a grip attached.

The front accessory pocket has limited usage. While it is gusseted for expansion to hold a number of accessories, if the pocket bulges out too far the magnetic fasteners in the flap cannot reach their counterparts in the body of the bag. It's great for filters and such, but not for anything bulkier than that, and not for memory card or other smallish, easily lost items as there no organizers in the pocket. The last item on my wish list for this bag is the walls of this bag could stand to be stiffer. If the bag is fully loaded and is lifted by the top handle, the sides are not sufficiently strong to keep the bag from bowing and still possibly spilling.

Overall I do really like this bag. It has a nice size and shape and sports a very classy appearance. While using it during a day's shooting I found it easy to access and comfortable to carry for a few hours. I'm not sure how it will hold up to heavy usage by someone who is hard on bags and tends to fill them to the brim with heavy old manual lenses but time will tell. But in spite of the seeming shortcomings, this bag gets a recommendation based on appearance, simplicity, and ease of use.

By Mel Beus for P3N&R