InVisage Unveils QuantumFilm Image Sensors

Press Release: 22nd March, 2010.

PALM DESERT, Calif, USA.

Quantum Dot Material Replaces Silicon; Enables Stunning Image Quality 
on Mobile Handsets

PALM DESERT, Calif., March 22, 2010, DEMO Spring 2010 –

Ushering in a new era of high-performance image sensors, InVisage Technologies, Inc. – a venture-backed start-up that is revolutionizing the way light is captured – today announced QuantumFilm. Harnessing the power of custom-designed semiconductor materials, QuantumFilm image sensors are the world’s first commercial quantum dot-based image sensors, replacing silicon. InVisage delivers 4x higher performance, 2x higher dynamic range and professional camera features not yet found in mobile image sensors. The first QuantumFilm-enabled product, due out later this year, solves the crucial challenge of capturing stunning images using mobile handset cameras.

 (l-r) typical camera phone pixel light gathering efficiency compared with pixel using Quantum Film

QuantumFilm was developed by InVisage after years of research under the guidance of notable scientist and InVisage CTO Ted Sargent. The technology is based on quantum dots – semiconductors with unique light-capture properties. QuantumFilm works by capturing an imprint of a light image, and then employing the silicon beneath it to read out the image and turn it into versatile digital signals. InVisage spent three years engineering the quantum dot material to produce highly-sensitive image sensors that integrate with standard CMOS manufacturing processes. The first application of QuantumFilm will enable high pixel count and high performance in tiny form factors, breaking silicon's inherent performance-resolution tradeoff.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to develop next-generation image sensors using silicon; essentially, silicon has hit a wall,” says Jess Lee, InVisage President and C.E.O.

“The fundamental problem is that silicon cannot capture light efficiently, but until now it has been the only option. The disruptive nature of QuantumFilm builds on silicon's success in electronics, and elevates its function using new materials that are engineered from the ground up for light capture.”

Silicon-based image sensors – the technology used today for all digital cameras including handheld, professional, mobile phone, security and automotive cameras – capture on average a mere 25 percent of light. QuantumFilm captures between 90-95 percent, enabling better pictures in even the most challenging lighting conditions. This increase in efficiency will deliver improvements across the entire imaging market, allowing QuantumFilm to be the de-facto next generation camera platform. The first target market for QuantumFilm is mobile handsets, where there is the greatest demand for small, high performance image sensors.

Quantum Film enhanced imaging sensor

Just nanometers in size, the quantum dot-based material is deposited directly on top of the wafer during manufacturing. And unlike silicon-based image sensor technologies such as BSI (back-side illumination) and FSI (front-side illumination), QuantumFilm covers 100 percent of each pixel. The material is added as a final wafer-level process, which allows for easy integration into standard semiconductor foundries. The process - akin to coating a layer of photoresist onto a standard wafer - adds minimal cost on top of the standard layers of silicon processes.

“It is safe to say that the industry spends an average of $1 billion for each new generation of pixel technology, all to achieve a single-digit percentage improvement in image quality,” says Tetsuo Omori, senior analyst, Techno Systems Research Co.

“The future of imaging is in new materials like QuantumFilm, which will change the competitive landscape and possibly re-ignite the pixel race.”

InVisage was founded in 2006 and is led by industry veterans from the image sensor and advanced semiconductor materials industry.  It employs 30 people at its Menlo Park headquarters and has received more than $30 million in funding from RockPort Capital, Charles River Ventures, InterWest Partners and OnPoint Technologies.  Its technology is protected by 21 patents and patents pending.

QuantumFilm is ideal for a wide range of image-sensing technologies including security cameras, automotive cameras and military applications. The first QuantumFilm image sensors, targeting high-end mobile handsets and smartphones, will sample in Q4 of 2010.

For more information on InVisage Technologies, please visit its newly-launched web site at www.invisageinc.com. InVisage will be demonstrating its new technology at DEMO Spring 2010 in Palm Desert, Calif., on March 22 and 23.  InVisage will also be giving a talk about its technology at Image Sensors Europe 2010 on March 24 in London.

About InVisage Technologies. Inc.
InVisage Technologies, Inc. is a venture-backed fabless semiconductor company based in Menlo Park, Calif. that is developing QuantumFilm, a breakthrough imaging-sensing technology that will replace silicon. Its first product enables the high-fidelity, high resolution images from handheld devices like camera phones and PDAs.  Founded in 2006, InVisage Technologies is venture funded by RockPort Capital, Charles River Ventures, InterWest Partners, and OnPoint Technologies. More information is available at www.invisageinc.com.

About DEMO. 
Produced by the IDG Enterprise events group, the worldwide DEMO conferences focus on emerging technologies and new products innovations, which are hand selected from across the spectrum of the technology marketplace. The DEMO conferences have earned their reputation for consistently identifying cutting-edge technologies and helping entrepreneurs secure venture funding and establish critical business. For more information on the DEMO conferences, visit http://www.demo.com/.

For more information, please contact
: Tara Sims 
Silicon PR for InVisage Inc. 
tara.sims@siliconpr.com
 415 310 5779

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www.ajaxnetphoto.com 2010.

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World First - Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Touch-Screen Control

Press Release. 7th March, 2010.


The DMC-G2 - LUMIX G Micro System


Part of the highly commended Lumix G Micro System of digital still cameras, the 12.1 megapixel DMC-G2 is stylish, sophisticated and packed with features – whilst remaining committed to ease of use even for beginners. Standing out from the crowd, the new DMC-G2 is the world’s first interchangeable lens system camera with touch-control shooting1, offering consumers an entirely new kind of system camera shooting.


With a feature set to be proud of – including a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, the new Venus Engine HD II processor, double Live-View function, AVCHS Lite high definition movie recording, popular My Colour Mode and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – to name but a few, the DMC-G2 offers revolutionary shooting ease and comfort.


The intuitive touch-control shooting- world’s first in an interchangeable lens system camera 1


Continuing to push the boundaries, Panasonic’s new DMC-G2 adopts touch-control shooting for the first time in an interchangeable lens system camera. AF is immediately set to the subject by just touching it on the large, 460,000-dot LCD. You can even release the shutter using a single touch.


Once you lock on the subject by touch, the camera tracks the subject even if it moves with the AF tracking function. Just one touch on the screen lets you select the part and size of the AF area with the 1-area AF. The 1-area AF in Face Detection even allows you to set finer focus on the persons eye while capturing a great portrait.. The Multi-area AF allows users to set a group of AF point according to the composition. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched, for example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and the a touch on the background or a scenery to the scenery mode while a touch on the subject close to the camera to the macro mode. In the manual focusing, you can enlarge the key part of the subject by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x zoom. The touch operation dramatically reduces the time of changing settings in the menu, too.

The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the image you want by touching on the one in the thumbnail. To play back images one by one in order, you can drag the image across the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book. Max.16x of enlargement is also easy with touches.

The large, high resolution LCD with wide viewing angle rotates 180° from side to and tilts 270° up and down offers approx.100% of field of view. The free-angle LCD with a touch-screen operation makes both monitoring and touching at any physical position.

The double Live-View function offered by the large and bright 3.0-inch 460,000-dot free-angle Intelligent LCD and 1,440,000-dot 1.4x (0.7x[2]) Live View Finder makes it possible to see how settings results in the picture in advance to the shooting. The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and the new Venus Engine HD II integrating Intelligent Resolution technology assure high image quality in both photo and movie recording.

Despite the incorporation of the high-performance LCD, the DMC-G2 remains small and light to offer excellent portability.


Superb Image Quality


While achieving breakthroughs in advanced functions and compactness of design, Panasonic also refined its comprehensive digital imaging technologies for every cameras of LUMIX G Micro System to raise the level of image quality that rivals or even surpasses D-SLR cameras. The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the DMC-G2 offers the best of both worlds -- the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology that makes it possible to read 4 channels of data simultaneously also helps the G2 deliver 60 frames-per-second Full-time Live View images, while faithfully reproducing high-resolution images with fine detail and rich gradation.


The new Venus Engine HD II features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. This sophisticated LSI separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, so you capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine HD II also provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colours, so even delicate colour nuances are reproduced faithfully. Linking smoothly with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine HD II records stunning high-resolution 12.1-megapixel images with exceptional accuracy. Signals containing a large amount of image data are sent from the Live MOS sensor to the Live View Finder at 60 fps, resulting in clear, smooth live view.


The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD has been re-engineered to compile the new image processing technology "Intelligent Resolution". It enables the recording of beautiful photo and high-definition movie with higher quality signal processing. With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas — outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction system of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording.


Cameras of LUMIX G Micro System are equipped with a highly efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you're changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System in the G2 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.


HD Movies with Ease Thanks to AVCHD Lite


The DMC-G2 can record 1280 x 720 high-definition motion picture[3] in AVCHD Lite that features long recording time and high compatibility with audio-visual equipments. Users can enjoy recording HD motion images taking maximum advantage of the large sensor size and the interchangeable lenses. The action starts at a single press of a dedicated button on the top while most of the settings for photo recording are succeeded, which is convenient when you record the same subject at the same situation in both photo and movie. HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 can also be selected as an alternative movie recording format in addition to QVGA, VGA and WVGA, which is more compatible with PCs. High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby Digital Creator and optional accessory Stereo Microphone (DMW-MS1) can be attach ed to the G2. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.


Even video beginners can record excellent movies with DMC-G2 because the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in motion image recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Portrait, Scenery, Close-up and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.


The G2 also provides a My Colour mode, Film mode and carries over a variety of scene modes from photo scene modes in movie recording. Motion picture P mode that lets you change the aperture for more creative HD movie recording. You can try professional-like movie recording with these variety of options like you do with photo recording.


Now the DMC-G2 can take photo while recording movie by just pressing a shutter button. Plus you can save a frame of movie as photo during playback. Newly added Video Divide function lets you split a video into two at the point you desire. This makes it possible to delete the unwanted part by cutting it off.


Creativity for Photographers


The DMC-G2 is artistic not only in form, but also in function. It provides an array of features that lets users either capture precisely true-to-life images or create their own beautifully expressive images. The G2 features My Colour mode with a total of seven preset effects - Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette - while inheriting the previous Custom mode, which lets users manually set the colour, brightness and saturation levels. With the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. The G2 also provides a total of 26 Scene modes inclu ding the Peripheral Defocus mode. Most of these modes can be used when shooting motion images too, letting users create movies with dramatic, theatrical effects without having to edit after they shoot.


The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a colour-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range. For newcomers to system camera photography, this makes it easy to learn proper settings both visually and logically, enhancing their photography skills.


iA (Intelligent Auto) mode for Great Shots Every Time


The DMC-G10 is ideal for compact camera owners who want to step up to higher-quality photos and advanced functions that are easy to use. Panasonic achieved this superb ease of use by continuing to improve the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode - with its shooting assist functions that have proven extremely popular in LUMIX compact cameras - and adding it to the LUMIX G Micro System's advanced imaging technologies. iA mode is available not only in photo but also movie recording.


With AF Tracking, the G2 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves - making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. Simply aim, lock, and shoot. The Face Recognition[4] function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback.


In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. It also features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the most common shooting situations - Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Close-up and Sunset - and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.


The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode.



•Some functions in iA mode may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.


Enjoy watching high quality photos and movies on a HDTV with VIERA Link networking


Both still images and motion images in AVCHD Lite recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV with dynamic HD resolution. The user simply inserts the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on a VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player[5] to play the content. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the DMC-G2 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation. This makes it possible to take maximum advantage of the camera's playback functions, including slideshows in which both still and motion images are played sequentially, or calendar displays and so on. All control is possible using only the TV's remote control.


In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving.


An Expanding System


The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today's Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-G2 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R. This gives the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.


With the LUMIX G Micro System and the growing assortment of lenses becoming available, the expressive possibilities are unlimited. The LUMIX DMC-G2 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style.


The DMC-G2 with HD movie recording capability offers an abundance of advanced funtions with an unprecedented ease of use realized by an innovative touch control. A new-generation system camera that gives you both stunning images and super-easy operation – Panasonic’s new DMC-G2 will be available from June 2010.

Some functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
· These are standard times taken at a temperature of 23ºC (73.4ºF) and a humidity of 50%. •The time available for recording varies depending on the environment, the interval between recordings, and the manner of use. •Actual recordable time is the time available for recording when repeating actions such as switching the power supply [ON]/[OFF], starting/stopping recording, zoom operation etc. *The length of recording time depends on the capacity of the SDHC/SD Memory Card. (Up to the equivalent of 2 GB per motion-picture recording.)
· Shooting conditions: 23 °C with 50% humidity; LCD on; Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (512 MB); Using the supplied battery; Using the supplied lens; Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on (When the optical image stabilizer is set to [Mode1]); Recording once every 30 seconds with full flash every second recording; Turning the camera off every 10 recordings; The number of recordable images decreases in Auto Power LCD mode or Power LCD mode. CIPA is an abbreviation of "Camera & Imaging Products Association".
· ·Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds, and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries
· ·The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The "AVCHD Lite" is a subset of the "AVCHD format" for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new "AVCHD Lite" Logo and the "AVCHD Lite" License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category.
· ·The "AVCHD Lite" and the "AVCHD Lite" logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
· AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
· Contrast AF can be used with Micro Four Thirds lenses or with Four Thirds lenses compatible with contrast AF attached via the Mount Adaptor (DMW-MA1). Only manual focusing can be used with some Four Thirds lenses.
· Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
· YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
· The SDXC/SDHC Memory Card can be used only if their logos are indicated on the equipment or in the operation manual. It cannot be used with equipment that supports only the SD Memory Card.
· Some functions may not work when lenses other than the included lens are used. Please refer to Panasonic's website etc., for the latest information.
· 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.
· Weight and dimensions shown are approximate.
· Design, functions, and specifications are subject to change without notice.




[1] For an interchangeable lens system camera as of March 7, 2010


[2] 35mm camera equivalent

[3] Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD Lite]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 6" or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].

*SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.

·Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in some countries.

·Continuous recording exceeding 2 GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG.

Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.

·AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

[4] Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance.

[5] AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

–ends-


Visitors, users and viewers of the foregoing content may copy and re-use it in other internet content sites on condition the source of all material so used is acknowledged with the attachment of the following.
www.ajaxnetphoto.blogspot.com 2010.
www.ajaxnetphoto.com 2010.

This content may be used in any media made available for commercial resale.
The products and companies named in this website content are trademarks , registered trademarks or servicemarks of their respective owners or licensed user.

Ricoh announces the CX3

Press Release

Tokyo, Japan, February 3, 2010

Ricoh CX3 with 28-300 mm High-Magnification Wide-Angle Digital Camera and Back-Illuminated CMOS Image Sensor for Greater Sensitivity

Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of the CX3, a new digital camera featuring a high magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom lens, a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, and an enhanced noise reduction function.

With a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a noise reduction function incorporating the algorithm used on the GR DIGITAL III (introduced August 2009), the new CX3 has dramatically improved image quality performance when shooting low-light scenes.

When the camera is pointed at the subject, the new "scene auto mode" will switch to the optimum scene mode. Since the camera automatically changes to the optimum shooting settings, you can enjoy easy shooting of beautiful photographs.

Shooting has never been more enjoyable. With many other function enhancements, such as the addition of a 1280 × 720 pixel HD movie function, the addition of high & low luminance priority settings for "dynamic range double shot mode" dynamic range expansion effects, and the addition of the "pets" scene mode. The CX3 compact digital camera takes another step forward in realizing the Ricoh design concept "A tool you will want to use every day."

1. Greater image quality in low-light scenes possible with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a new noise reduction function

The back-illuminated 10 megapixel CMOS sensor significantly increases shooting performance in low-light scenes.
The CX3 uses the noise reduction algorithm introduced on the GR DIGITAL III. Performing noise reduction processing on the signal immediately after it is output by the CMOS sensor makes it possible to reduce noise while maintaining resolution, tone characteristics, and saturation.
The noise reduction level can be specified as Off, Auto, Weak, Strong, or MAX. By specifying MAX, it is possible to do sophisticated variance-estimation type noise reduction processing in which the sensor image data's noise variance is analyzed and the optimum processing is done for each region.

2. The 28-300 mm 10.7x optical zoom is mounted on a body that is both easy to operate and easy to carry

Ricoh's original retracting lens system made it possible to fit the high magnification 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom lens in a compact 29.4 mm body.
With 28 mm wide-angle to 300 mm telephoto coverage, this high magnification zoom lens can handle a wide range of shooting situations, including powerful telephoto shots as well as wide-angle shooting of both expansive landscapes and interior scenes with limited distance between camera and subject.

3. By just pointing the camera at the subject, "scene auto mode" will switch to the optimum shooting settings

With "scene auto mode," the camera identifies the type of scene being photographed (portrait, sports, night portrait, landscape, nightscape, macro mode, etc.) and automatically switches to the optimum shooting settings. Enjoy quick and easy photography of people, landscapes, nightscapes, close-ups, and much else.

4. Get the shot you want with high-speed continuous shooting functions capable of high image quality

It is possible to do high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5 frames/second for still images with the maximum number of pixels.
* Continuous shooting speed will vary depending on shooting conditions, card type, card condition, etc.
For the M-continuous plus shooting function, which saves consecutive images shot before the finger is removed from the shutter release button, there is a mode that makes it possible to shoot at the maximum number of pixels. To fit the scene being photographed, you can select from two modes: M-Continuous Plus (10M) for 15 images taken in as little as three seconds and M-Continuous Plus (2M) for 26 images taken in about 0.9 seconds.
* M-Continuous Plus (10M) image size is fixed at 10M 4:3N.
* M-Continuous Plus (2M) image size is fixed at 2M 4:3N.
* The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file).
With ultra-high-speed continuous shooting, the CX3 shoots 120 images (120 frames/sec.) during an interval of about one second after the shutter release button is pushed, or 120 images (60 frames/sec.) during an interval of about two seconds.
* Image size is fixed at VGA 4:3N.
* The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file).

5. High image quality that will expand your range of expression

Dynamic range double shot mode makes it possible to record images with an almost naked-eye impression, and new detailed settings have been added to control the dynamic range expansion effect. It is now possible to choose the tone range to be given priority using the following options: highlights, shadows, and off.
Residing on a customized circuit of the image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV, the pixel output interpolation algorithm reduces whiteout in high-contrast situations, thereby recreating beauty as seen.
Multi-pattern auto white balance makes it possible to recreate natural as-seen colors even in people-photography scenes that were difficult to shoot with past auto white balance functions, such as scenes with both shadow and sunlight and scenes mixing flash and natural light (or fluorescent light, etc.).

6. New modes to stimulate creative photography

The new "pets mode" turns off the flash, AF auxiliary light, and operation sounds to avoid startling the pet. You can easily capture the antics of your cute pet. This mode also gives priority in focusing for a cat's face when one is detected.
The 13 scene modes includes two popular modes introduced on the CX2: "miniaturize mode" makes it possible to shoot actual scenes but record images that recreate the impression given when photographing miniatures; "high-contrast B&W mode" makes it possible to record images with a grainy feel such as that created by using ultra-high-sensitivity film in a film camera or by push processing film at the development stage.

7. High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor

The large, high-resolution LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give excellent visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine.
With sRGB comparison of 100% for colour reproduction range, the monitor vividly reproduces image colours.

8. A wide range of functions inspired by the "A tool you will want to use every day" concept

It is now possible to shoot 1280 × 720 pixel HD movies.
With the macro photography functions you can get as close to the subject as 1 cm for wide angle* and 28 cm for telephoto. *Equivalent to 31 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras
There is a function for shooting aspect ratio 16:9 still images.
In playback, it is now possible to display images in date of recording sequence.


Product
Model

Rechargeable battery
DB-100*

Battery charger
BJ-10*

Soft case (black)
SC-90BK

Soft case (brown)
SC-90BN

Neck strap
ST-2

Cable switch
CA-1

*New options.

The CX3 will be available at SRP £299.99 inc

*All of the focal lengths in this release are converted to the equivalent values for a 35 mm film camera.
*The term "MP file" used in this document refers to "Extended MP files" conforming to the "multi-picture format" standardized by the CIPA. (The file extension is MPO.) With MP file images recorded by the CX3, a selected frame can be extracted and saved as an individual JPEG image within the camera.

CX3 – Major Specifications:
No. of Effective Pixels (Camera):
Approximately 10.00 million pixels

Image Sensor:
1/2.3-inch CMOS (total pixels: approx. 10.60 million pixels)

Lens:
Focal length: f=4.9-52.5 mm
(Equivalent to 28-300 mm for 35 mm film cameras. With Step Zoom set, focal lengths can be fixed at eight steps: 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, 135 mm, 200 mm, and 300 mm)
F-aperture: F3.5 (Wide) - F5.6 (Telephoto)
Shooting Distance: Normal shooting: Approx. 30 cm - infinity (Wide), approx. 1.5 m - infinity
(Telephoto) (from the front of the lens)
Macro: Approx. 1 cm - infinity (Wide), approx. 28 cm - infinity (Telephoto), approx. 1 cm -infinity (Zoom Macro) (from the front of the lens)
Lens Construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (aspheric lens: 4 elements and 5 surfaces)

Zoom Magnification:
Optical: 10.7x zoom (equivalent to 28-300 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras)
Digital: 4.8x up to 51.4x (equivalent to 1440 mm) when used with optical zoom 
Auto Resize: 5.7x*1 up to 61.0x*1 (equivalent to 1710 mm) when used with optical zoom

Focus Modes:
Multi AF (Contrast AF method) / Spot AF (Contrast AF method) / Face-Priority
AF / Continuous AF / Multi-target AF / MF / Snap / ∞ (with AF Auxiliary Light)

Motion Blur Reduction:
Image sensor shift method image stabilizer

Shutter Speed: *2
Still image: 8, 4, 2, 1 - 1/2000 sec. / Movie: 1/30 - 1/2000 sec.
Continuous Shooting:
Continuous shooting speed: *3 approx. 5 frames/sec. (10M 4:3F shooting time; shooting speed after 12 pictures is approx. 3 frames/sec.)
Continuous shooting capacity: 999 pictures

Exposure Control:
Exposure Metering Mode: Multi Light Metering (256 segments) / Centre-weighted Light Metering / Spot Metering
Exposure Mode: Program AE
Exposure Compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps), Auto Bracket Function (-0.5EV, ±0, +0.5EV)

ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):
AUTO, ISO80 / ISO100 / ISO200 / ISO400 / ISO800 / ISO1600 / ISO3200

White Balance Mode:
Auto / Multi-pattern Auto / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent Lamp / Incandescent Lamp 2 / Fluorescent Lamp / Manual Settings, White balance bracket function

Flash:
Flash Mode: Auto flash (fires automatically in low-light conditions and when the subject is backlit) / Red-eye Flash / Flash On / Flash Synchro. / Flash Off
Built-in flash range: Approx. 20 cm - 4.0 m (Wide), approx. 28 cm - 4.0 m (Telephoto) (ISO Auto/ISO1600, from the front of the lens) 
Flash compensation: +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps)
Monitor:
3.0-inch Transparent LCD (approx. 920,000 dots)

Shooting Mode:
Auto shooting mode / Scene auto mode / Dynamic range double shot mode / Continuous mode /Scene mode (Portrait / Sports / Pets /Night. Port. / Nightscape / Miniaturize / Landscape / High Sens / High Contrast B&W / Discreet Mode / Zoom Macro / Text Mode / Skew Correct Mode) / My settings mode / Movie mode

Picture Quality Mode: *4
F(Fine) / N(Normal)

No. of Pixels Recorded:
Still image/multi-picture: 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 2736, 3648 x 2048, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1728 x 1296 (multi-picture only), 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
Movie: 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240
Text: 3648 x 2736, 2048 x 1536

Recording Media:
SD memory card
SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB), Internal memory (approx. 88 MB)

Storage Capacity (Pictures/Time): *5 (internal memory approx. 88MB):
Still image/multi-picture: 3648 x 2736 (F: 22, N: 38), 3648 x 2432 (F: 25), 2736 x 2736 (F: 30), 3648 x 2048 (F: 30), 2592 x 1944 (F: 34), 2048 x 1536 (F: 54), 1728×1296 (N: 133) (M-Cont Plus), 1280 x 960 (F: 98), 640 x 480 (F: 402), 640 x 480 (N: 705)(Speed Cont)
Movie:*6 1280 x 720 (17 sec.), 640 x 480 (50 sec.), 320 × 240 (2 min. 1 sec.)

Recording File Format:
Still Image: JPEG (Exif ver. 2.21) *7
Multi-picture: CIPA DC-007-2009 Multi-Picture Format
Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format compliant)
Compression method: JPEG Baseline method compliant

Other Major Shooting Functions:
Continuous, Self-Timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / approx. 2 sec. / custom self-timer), Interval Timer (Shooting interval: 5 sec. - 1 hour (5 sec. steps), Color Bracket function, Focus Bracket function, AE/AF Target Shift, Histogram, Grid Guide, Electronic Level

Other Major Playback Functions:
Grid View, Enlarged Display (maximum 16x), Resize, Level Compensation, White Balance Compensation, Trim, Flag, Slideshow, DPOF Setting

Interface:
USB 2.0 (High-Speed USB) Mini-B, Mass storage compatible*8 / AV Out 1.0Vp-p (75Ω)
Video Signal Format:
NTSC, PAL switchable

Power Supply:
Rechargeable Battery: DB-100 x1
Battery Consumption: *9
Based on CIPA Standard: Using the DB-100, approx. 310 pictures (when LCD Dim is on) *10
External Dimensions:
101.5 mm (W) x 58.3 mm (H) x 29.4 mm (D) (according to CIPA guidelines)
Weight:
Approx. 206 g (including the supplied battery and SD memory card)
Approx. 185 g (body only)

Operating Temperature Range:
0ºC-40ºC

*1. VGA image size
*2. Shutter speed upper and lower limits vary depending on Shooting Mode and Flash Mode.
*3. Values measured under Ricoh measurement conditions using a Panasonic PRO HIGH SPEED 8GB SDHC memory card. The continuous shooting speed and number of pictures will vary depending on the shooting conditions, the type of recording media used, the condition of the recording media, etc.
*4. The picture quality modes which can be set vary depending on the image size.
*5. Estimated number of still images it is possible to record and estimated amount of movie recording time.
*6. The maximum length for one instance of movie recording is 29 minutes.
*7. Compatible with DCF and DPOF. DCF is the abbreviation of the JEITA standard “Design rule for Camera File system.” (Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.)
*8. Mass storage driver is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS9.0-9.2.2, and Mac OSX10.1.2-10.6.1
*9 Shooting capacity was measured using CIPA-standard parameters. This is only an estimate, and performance may vary according to usage conditions.
*10 When LCD Auto Dim is off: approx. 290 pictures

* Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries.
* Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries.

Sales Enquiries:
Alpha Digital Services Limited
Tel 01189 337000
Web HYPERLINK www.alphadigitalservices.co.uk www.alphadigitalservices.co.uk


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New Extending Handle for the Ezybox Hotshoe

Press Release

The new handle extends from 73cm to 221cm (2ft 5” to 7ft 3”) and weighs only 700g. Featuring two sponge grips for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for the photographer when positioning their off camera light source. The top of the handle includes a standard spigot connector making it easy to fit the Ezybox hotshoe, the tilthead hotshoe, the tilthead spigot or the TriFlash brackets.

The new handle (2435) will be offered in addition to two smaller handles already available from Lastolite: 24cm – 48cm (2400) and 65cm (2413).

JP Code - 192304 LAS Code - 2435 SRP - £45.00 Come visit us at Focus On Imaging on Stand B1 to see the new Lastolite range. For more information please contact JP Distribution: Tel: 01782 753300 Email: info@johnsons-photopia.co.uk



Visitors, users and viewers of the foregoing content may copy and re-use it in other internet content sites on condition the source of all material so used is acknowledged with the attachment of the following.
www.ajaxnetphoto.blogspot.com 2010.
www.ajaxnetphoto.com 2010.
http://archive.ajaxnetphoto.com
This content may be used in any media made available for commercial resale.
The products and companies named in this website content are trademarks , registered trademarks or servicemarks of their respective owners or licensed user.