Hasselblad set for growth under new European owners

Hasselblad, the premium medium format camera manufacturer, is planning a rapid expansion of cutting edge capture products and is set to target new imaging markets following the company’s acquisition by Ventizz Capital Fund IV, LP, a private equity investor exclusively advised by Swiss- and Germany based Ventizz Capital Partners AG.

Ventizz, which specializes in funding growth in companies across various high-tech industry sectors including communications technology and renewable energy, says it plans 'no major structural or key management changes' at Hasselblad.

New Olympus® Micro Four Thirds® Lenses and Accessories

High-Speed, Silent and Beautifully Designed, Two New Lenses Complement Latest Generation of PEN Cameras; New Flash and Grip Expand Creative Horizons
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 30, 2011 – Two powerful, fast new prime lenses and two new accessories maximize the performance of the Olympus PEN® E-P3, E-PL3 and E-PM1 compact system cameras, also announced today, to help photographers capture their unique visions of the world. The M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0 lens (24mm equivalent) and M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8 lens (90mm equivalent) are Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) and feature high-speed, near-silent autofocus during still shooting and high-definition (HD) video capture. Joining them is the sleek, versatile FL-300R Compact Flash and the MCG-2 interchangeable Camera Grip available exclusively for the PEN E-P3.
The powerfully simple and growing Olympus PEN MICRO Four Thirds family now features eight fully-compatible MICRO Four Thirds lenses. The legendary Olympus Zuiko® Digital Four Thirds range of 27 high-quality lenses, OM-series and other manufacturers’ lenses can be attached to Olympus PEN cameras with optional adapters.
New High-Speed and Near-Silent MICRO Four Thirds Lenses

• M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0 lens: This high-speed, single-focal-length, wide-angle lens is ideal for shooting high-quality, dramatic landscapes and street scenes in low-light conditions. It has a beautiful full-metal body and a snap ring that enables photographers to pan focus with a distance indicator.

• M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8 lens: This single-focal-length portrait lens has a beautiful shallow depth of field which allows for background blurring effects that are not possible with the 14-42mm kit zoom lens. The MSC mechanism is great for tracking a moving child or pet, and provides a quick and silent focus mechanism for movies and still photography. 

Canon U.S.A. Announces Fan-Focused Events For Copa America Argentina 2011

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., June 29, 2011 – As an official sponsor of Copa America Argentina 2011, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the Company's fan-focused sponsorship activities highlighting the dynamic image capture technology of Canon products and the diverse Copa America audience. Canon's sponsorship activities will provide commemorative tournament giveaway items, fan-face painting, viewing parties in Colombia and Peru, the official tournament "Best Photo" contest and more.
"With the start of Copa America 2011 Argentina only days away, Canon is pleased to announce a series of fan-friendly events that we hope will enhance appreciation for this incredible sporting event," said Taro Maruyama, president, Canon Latin America. "Followed by millions of fans throughout Latin America and the rest of the world, Copa America represents an excellent opportunity for Canon to strengthen our brand and foster growth throughout the region's consumer and business markets. We hope that everyone enjoys the tournament."
Beginning with the start of tournament play on July 1, Canon will launch a series of activities in Argentina to enrich the Copa America 2011 experience including:

• The Canon Tent at La Plata Stadium at which the first 20,000 visitors on July 1will receive a commemorative tournament scarf, pen or seat cushion. On July 3 (La Plata Stadium) and July 24 (River Plate Stadium), the Canon Tent will feature complimentary face painting allowing fans to demonstrate support for their favorite team and receive a free photo celebrating the occasion.
• Canon's display at the Copa America Argentina 2011 Fan Fest tent located at Av 9 de Julio in the Buenos Aires city center, offering face painting, product displays and exciting giveaways for visitors throughout the tournament.

Olympus® Launches the PEN® E-P3: Are You PEN Ready?

Compact, All-Metal, Premium, Classic-Style Camera Delivers Incredible Power, Amazing Image Quality with Record-Breaking Autofocus and Touch Display
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 30, 2011 – Today Olympus announces a new flagship PEN camera designed for the hobbyist or advanced photographer who desires superior image quality, FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) Autofocus Tracking System and total creative control in a body portable enough to travel the world: the PEN E-P3.
The powerful Olympus PEN® E-P3 is the ultimate PEN camera for visual expression, delivering professional image quality, the World’s Fastest AF** speed, a huge selection of built-in creative features and an easy-to-use interface, all elegantly packaged in a classic, all-metal body with full-advanced controls. Two new M. Zuiko prime lenses also join the family of six MICRO Four Thirds® lenses, to expand the broad options offered to imaging enthusiasts.
Look what you can do with the new Olympus PEN E-P3. It blends high-quality still images expected of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera with high-definition (HD) video, AC3 Dolby Digital audio (comparable to studio recordings) and In-Camera Creativity in an ultra-portable body. The PEN E-P3 has it all. 

Outstanding New Features:

12.3 MP Live MOS Sensor – Utilizing new Fine Detail Processing Technology for greater detail in the photograph, the sensor is optimized to maximize the performance of all M. Zuiko digital lenses in all shooting conditions;

TruePic VI Image Processor – This new image engine, designed specifically for the Olympus PEN, features Real Color Technology for improved color reproduction and faster speeds;

FAST AF – To meet the demand for focusing speed, Olympus has introduced the new FAST AF Tracking System. The FAST AF Tracking System features 35 focus points as well as new Tracking AF to ensure fast & accurate focus each and every time;

Low Light Performance – AF Illuminator / Built In Flash / ISO to 12,800;

Fast Shutter Response – Never miss a shot again with fast shutter response time of less than 60 milliseconds;

Full HD Movie – Shoot up to 29 minutes of full 1080i HD video in either AVCHD or AVI formats; and

3-inch 614,000 pixel OLED Touch screen – Bright high-resolution screen features a newly-designed touch interface that provides an innovative touch display solution.

“With a classic, compact, all-metal body reminiscent of the Olympus PEN E-P1, the PEN E-P3 offers an unprecedented level of portability to help you capture great images and videos on the go,” said Katie Roseman, senior product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “This camera has the creative flexibility to give you a true professional experience.” 

Not One, Not Two, But Three New Olympus PEN Cameras Bring Your Creative Vision to Life

Compact Portable Bodies Deliver Incredible Image Quality, Speed and In-Camera Creativity
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 30, 2011 – Today Olympus launches three new PEN compact system cameras designed to help inspiration-seekers capture their unique visions and share their stories in brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video. The Olympus PEN family combines the portability of a point-and-shoot with features found on bulkier cameras or camcorders to deliver amazing image quality and lightning fast speed. With a new 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor, TruePic™ VI Image Processor, high ISO of 12,800, a reengineered autofocus system, full 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital sound recording, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters and built-in creative features, these powerfully simple cameras offer advanced capabilities without the complexity of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera.
In addition to these great shared capabilities, each new model offers unique features:

• PEN E-P3: Also announced today, the flagship Olympus PEN with a classic, all-metal design and the world’s fastest autofocus**. A body portable enough to travel the world without sacrificing DSLR image quality and control that experienced photographers expect. It features a bright, 614,000 pixel, high-resolution, OLED touchscreen to easily navigate and control the camera at the touch of a finger. 
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• PEN E-PL3: This powerful camera is perfect for photographers who want their memories to reflect incredible, professional image quality. Easy-to-use creative technologies are packed in its versatile body – the size of a small, portable point-and-shoot camera, but with the versatility of interchangeable lenses. A clever, tilting three-inch LCD empowers photographers to go head-and-shoulders above the crowd to capture graduations, easily stoop to eye-level as babies take their first steps or even lower to the ground to get an adorable shot of the family pet. 
• PEN E-PM1: The smallest and lightest Olympus PEN is available in six stylish colors (purple, pink, brown, white, silver and black) and features a new and simplified user interface as well as a streamlined button structure for superior ease of use. Its small size and portability make it the ideal camera to document life’s fun and spontaneous moments. 

Duggal to Offer Kodak Pro Media

Duggal Visual Solutions to Offer New KODAK PROFESSIONAL ENDURA EP Media and KODAK PROFESSIONAL UV-Curable Display Film-Plus as Part of its Media Portfolio

New York, NY, June 27, 2011 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today announced that Duggal Visual Solutions, Inc., renowned supplier of printing, computer imaging, wide format graphics and display services, will offer its KODAK PROFESSIONAL ENDURA EP Media to print photobooks and KODAK PROFESSIONAL UV-Curable Display Film-Plus for wide-format display products. Duggal cited that Kodak’s professional papers matched its clients’ quality conscious printing needs as the primary reason for selecting these papers.  Duggal showcased sample products made with Kodak media at its recent celebration of servicing the industry for more than 45 years.