Thursday, 10 January 2008 10:50 GMT
Press Release:

No. 1 Selling Consumer Photo-Editing Software Combines Power and Simplicity*
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jan. 10, 2008 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the highly anticipated Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 software for Macintosh® is now available for pre-order at www.adobe.com/go/buyphotoshop_elements_mac. Photoshop Elements 6 software for Mac® combines power and simplicity so consumers at all experience levels can easily achieve outstanding results with their digital photos. In advance of its early Q2 2008 ship date, the Macintosh community will get its first peek at the new product features during the Macworld Conference & Expo, Jan. 14-17, 2008 in San Francisco (Booth #S1302).

“We’re excited to showcase a brand new version of Photoshop Elements at Macworld,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. “In this release, we’ve focused on going beyond the basics to make everyday and advanced tasks even easier to achieve. Photoshop Elements 6 for Macintosh allows people to organize and find photos quickly, unleash powerful editing tricks without any heavy lifting, and creatively share photos that give them all the bragging rights.”


Make Photos Look Their Best
Photoshop Elements 6 software helps photo enthusiasts achieve desired results quickly and easily. New features based on proprietary Photomerge® technology let users easily combine the best facial expressions and body language from a series of shots to create a single, perfect group shot. The new Quick Selection Tool reduces a once time-consuming select-and-adjust task to a single click. Photographers - beginner to expert - can choose from one of three edit modes, each geared toward a different experience level. A new Guided Edit mode helps walk users through the steps of improving a photo. Photoshop Elements 6 software streamlines editing with clean, uncluttered screens that draw focus to the photos, with new tabs providing simple access to the many capabilities of the program. Additional enhancements include an improved conversion tool that dramatically converts color images into elegant, nuanced black-and-whites.

Create and Share Photos in Fun, Unique WaysPhotoshop Elements 6 software offers creative options to tell stories in fun and engaging ways. Customizable layouts let users create scrapbook pages, photo books, greeting cards and burn to CD/DVD for high impact sharing which requires no previous experience. Additional sharing options include ordering prints, creating personal online albums for sharing photo creations on the web, printing photos into real U.S. postage stamps, and showcasing creations on a CEIVA Digital Photo Frame™.

Pricing and AvailabilityAdobe Photoshop Elements 6 for Macintosh will run on Leopard, (Mac OS X v 10.5), as well as previous versions of Mac OS X starting with 10.4.8., and is immediately available for pre-order at www.adobe.com/go/buyphotoshop_elements_mac for an estimated street price of US$89.99. The software will later be available at Amazon.com, or from one of the following retailers: Apple Stores, Best Buy, Staples, Costco.com, Fry’s, Circuit City, Microcenter, J&R, Buy.com and NewEgg.com. Information about other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade and support policies for other countries is available on www.adobe.com/go/photoshopelmac

*Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service (April 2002 to November 2007) based on units sold.

Pre-PMA 2008: In just over two weeks the most important photography trade show of the year will kick off. The Photo Marketing Association show begins in Las Vegas on 31st January and will open the floodgates on a raft of new digital cameras and other digital photography related products. So that you can keep up to date with his growing list of new products we have enabled our show report and new product index which will also provide direct access to our live ‘from the show floor’ reports as they happen. We’ve also added a little preview / predictions list. Bookmark our show report page or subscribe to our PMA 2008 RSS feeds


PMA 2008 preview / predictions / hopes
New digital SLRs - We’re likely to see several new DSLR announcements at this PMA, last PMA saw four new DSLRs, I’d expect to see at least this many and probably a couple more. I’m pretty confident that 2008 will go down as the year of the digital SLR with perhaps up to 25 new DSLRs over the course of the year.


HD video - One of the ‘buzz words’ at this years PMA will likely be improved video capture capability in digital cameras, with many models achieving 720p and some 1080i/p. I’m also hopeful that some manufacturers will embrace a better video compression codec such as AVCHD which will mean more than a few seconds on a 1 GB card. We’d also like to see more adoption of digital (HDMI) output to avoid the cost (and fuss) of component video cables.


Bigger zoom - “Bigger, better, more” will be the mantra when it comes to zoom on compact ‘bridge cameras’ this year, expect to see zoom ranges beyond 500 mm equiv. and starting at a wide 28 mm equiv. Again, another attempt to attach a ‘big number’ to sell something, we can’t help wondering what optical compromises have to be made to build such lenses.


Frames per second - Casio’s EX-F1 may well be a glimpse into the next ‘unique selling point’, the ability to shoot continuously at very high frame rates (the F1 can do 60 fps at six megapixels; full resolution). In this model at least this tech is enabled by the Sony IMX017CQE CMOS sensor.


CMOS in compacts - This prediction is a bit more left-field, I won’t be putting any money on it in the Vegas Casinos, however it won’t be “before time” if we see more compact cameras featuring CMOS sensors with some of the advantages they bring (one of the biggest issues for CMOS at small sensor sizes is fill factor, which could mean lower pixel counts on such models).


Even bigger storage cards - In response to the increased numbers of ’solid state’ camcorders which record directly to flash media such as SD cards plus the new digital cameras with HD video support it’s likely that the memory companies will announce larger cards (some of which have been announced at CES).





Fewer pixels please (we care about image quality) - It’s a straightforward prediction that we’ll see fourteen megapixel compacts at PMA, which in our opinion will be yet another step back for image quality. Other than subtle improvements in image processing overall image quality in compact digital cameras hasn’t improved since the six megapixel era, to make things worse the marketeers have decided that high sensitivity will sell compact cameras. There’s simply no worse combination than tiny photosites and high gain. So we’d be happy to pat any manufacturer on the back who delivers improvements in overall image quality without the obvious step in megapixel count (great high ISO performance will be a natural consequence of larger photosites and/or larger sensors).

Shelf stuffing - Lastly, please, lets move away from the practice of ’shelf stuffing’. That is producing four or five product variations on the exact same model with very subtle differences (such as LCD screen size) with the intention of getting more shelf space for the brand. It’s counter productive as it only leads to confuse the consumer and in these days of online purchasing the gains of such practices must surely be questionable


from www.dpreview.com

EXILIM Pro EX-F1 — a high speed digital camera boasting the world’s fastest* burst shooting performance

The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 incorporates a new high speed CMOS sensor and high speed LSI processor. After building in 6.0 million effective pixels and a 12X optical zoom, the developers focused on achieving a burst shooting speed capability that was hitherto unheard of. Using the camera’s ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images or its high speed movie recording mode, users can capture a split second’s movement with greater detail than before, allowing them to catch each decisive moment, and even motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive.
*As at January 6, 2008, based on a Casio survey for the consumer market digital cameras.


Full resolution photography using 60 fps ultra-high speed burst mode captures the crucial moment
Using the still image burst mode, users can shoot at an ultra fast 60 frames per second. In burst mode, the frame rate can also be varied from between 1 and 60 frames per second while shooting. Up to 60 shots can be taken at once, so 60 shots per second for one second, or 5 shots per second for 12 seconds, are possible.

Don’t miss that crucial moment, Prerecord Still Images, using ultra-high speed burst function
Users can record images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Continuously recording at up to 60 images per second, a maximum of 60 images can be saved in the camera’s own buffer memory even before the shutter button is depressed. Even if users press the shutter a little late, they will still be able to catch that vital moment.

Slow Motion View function lets users view and capture that critical moment in slow motion during still photography
Users can take photographs while, in the monitor, the momentary action that is before their eyes is displayed in slow motion. It is just as if they have slowed down the passing of time. Users can unhurriedly observe the motion of the subject as they press the shutter, ensuring that they never miss that crucial moment.



Rapid Flash function allows continuous shooting even in low light
It is possible while using flash to take up to 20 continuous shots at a speed of up to 7 frames per second, so even in low light, no more missed shots. Also, the internal LED light allows high speed burst shooting at between 10 and 60 frames per second.

High speed movie recording at up to 1,200 fps
The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select a recording speed of 300 fps, 600 fps or 1,200 fps. There is also a Movie Button that lets users quickly start movie recording without first switching from still image mode.

Full High-Definition movies
The camera features Full High-Definition movie recording capability. Users can record beautiful movies at a screen size of 1920×1080 pixels, at a rate of 60 fields per second. The camera can be connected to an HD compatible television with a separately available HDMI cable to enjoy viewing movies.

Sony’s Alpha A200 is a relatively minor revamp to the electronics giant’s first digital SLR, the A100, which itself was a more significant step up from the Konica Minolta 5D. The Sony A200 is said to be lighter and smaller than the A100.
Sony claims improvements to the Sony A200’s AF system that will make focus acquisition 1.7 times faster, thanks to the high-torque AF motor and improved AF sequence borrowed from the A700.


Alpha A200 Highlights
10.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD Superb image quality gives you great DSLR shots right from the start, with a large APS-size CCD imager developed by Sony to expand dynamic range, minimize noise more effectively and provide greater detail for making big prints or cropping in tight on your subject.


Expanded ISO sensitivity Broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the Alpha DSLR-A200 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light — with High ISO Noise Reduction technology that reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.


Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization A high-performance sensor detects vibrations and the image stabilization system automatically compensates. Because image stabilization is built into the Alpha DSLR-A200, every lens benefits — and with an advantage of from 2.5 to 3.5 stops, you can shoot effectively at higher shutter speeds even in very low light with minimum blur from shaky hands or fast-moving subjects.



Bionz Image Processor The “brain” of the a (alpha) DSLR-A200 is the advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, improved white balance and exposure control, and expanded D-Range Optimizer capabilities. With 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, your camera can also respond faster.


Dynamic Range Optimizer To improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare, the Alpha DSLR-A200 provides Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels: Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.


Anti-dust technology Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera — so to keep the CCD imager cleaner for better pictures, the Alpha DSLR-A200 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.


Auto pop-up flash In Auto or some scene selection modes, the camera flash automatically pops up and fires when needed to help you shoot more effectively. Flash is cancelled in Landscape, Sport or Sunset modes and in “Flash Off” position on the Exposure Mode dial


Eye-Start Autofocus System It begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye — so unlike some DSLR cameras that don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 never slows down your ability to catch fast action.


9-point center cross AF sensor A fast focus motor and improved focus control help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, with predictive focus control that automatically calculates the position of a fast-moving subject.


Flexible, accurate exposure control A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy — and you can also select center-weighted or spot metering modes. You’ll also have 6 preset White Balance control settings and RGB Histogram display to check color balance.


Scene Selection modes Along with auto exposure, the Alpha DSLR-A200 gives you scene selection modes to optimize camera performance for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night Portrait/Night View situations.


Creative style settings To express your creativity and personal taste, you can adjust contrast, saturation and sharpness settings for any of 8 finishing styles — including Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B&W and Adobe RGB modes.


2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen A large built-in screen with anti-reflective coating makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight and improves image quality when you check your shots.
Index and Slide Show display To quickly review your photos, the Alpha DSLR-A200 can display 4, 9 or 25-frame index views — or present automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect.





High-resolution thumbnails for PhotoTVHD viewing The Alpha DSLR-A200 can also create high-resolution thumbnail images for viewing on a Sony Bravia HDTV in optimized PhotoTVHD mode, with image format adjustable for standard 3:2 or widescreen 16:9 display.


Function Guide Display On-screen menus are intuitive and easy to use — and a simple Camera Function Display can be activated and operated with one hand using the Fn (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer.


Continuous Burst Mode at 3 frames per second To capture action more effectively, the Alpha DSLR-A200 offers continuous JPEG shooting up to the limit of your flash memory card — plus RAW Burst Mode (up to 6 shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.


Stamina battery power You can take up to 750 shots on a fully-charged NP-FM500H InfoLithium battery — and you’ll be able to see about how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.


High-capacity media options For conveniently storing and sharing your images, the Alpha DSLR-A200 accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Pro Duo media.


Advanced Lenses and Accessories The Sony Alpha system gives you everything you need to expand your creativity in DSLR photography: precision Sony DT zoom lenses and specialty lenses, Sony “G” Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss T* coated lenses, professional-quality flash units, and over 16 million Minolta a-mount lenses sold worldwide.