FILM-BASED CAMERAS

Nikon F6 Caps Historic Line

Nikon has introduced the F6, the latest of the F series cameras inaugurated in 1959. The F6 includes the latest Nikon advances, such as the 11-area autofocus system and the Creative Lighting System. The 3D Color Matrix Metering system has been refined for improved accuracy in scene reading.

The camera has an aluminum-alloy die-cast chassis, magnesium-alloy front body and covers, aluminum-alloy back body and camera back, strategically placed rubber surfaces, an easy-to-grip texture and a self-diagnostic shutter that has undergone testing to assure accurate release up to 150,000 cycles. It also offers a variety of control options, such as a customizable function button, built-in data back functions and shooting data memory. Forty-one custom settings allow photographers to fine-tune shooting preferences.

The F6’s shutter unit was created from DuPont Kevlar and an aluminum alloy. The blades are lightweight, and their movement was analyzed using a high-speed video camera and computer simulations, enabling precision even at shutter speeds of up to 1/8,000 second.

The Creative Lighting System, with SB-800/600, incorporates i-TTL balanced fill-flash, advanced wireless lighting capability, auto FP high-speed sync capability, flash value lock, and slow sync and rear-curtain sync. The camera has four film advance modes: single, continuous low-speed for up to approximately two frames per second, continuous high-speed for up to 5.5 fps (or 8 fps with optional multi-power battery pack) and continuous silent for nearly silent operation at approximately one frame per second.

The suggested retail price for the F6 is $2,810.

Holga Releases New Models

Holga of China has expanded its line with a new 35mm camera in both manual and autofocus models. Also new are the Holga N, FN and CFN models using 120-size film. The new Holga 120 CFN is a medium-format camera with integrated color flash and a plastic lens. The rotating flash wheel can change the color of the flash to red, yellow, blue or standard white.

The cameras feature enhancements to the original Holga, including bulb time exposure switches, brass tripod mounts and film-handling improvements. They are available in the United States through Freestyle Photographic Supplies.

Price for the Holga model N is $20; the FN is $30; and the CFN is $35.

Tamron Discontinues Bronica

Tamron USA has ceased sales of Bronica ETR-Si, SQ-Ai, SQ-B and GS-1 cameras and accessories in the United States market. Takashi Inoue, the company’s president, cited the advent of digital photography for the decline in medium-format sales. The current sales volume cannot sustain the production of Bronica SLR products, he said.

Tamron will post a list of dealers with substantial Bronica inventory and suggests that photographers contact these dealers to purchase equipment. The Bronica RF645 Medium Format Rangefinder will continue to be distributed, and Tamron USA will offer the current rebates on that product line. Repair service will continue for seven years, as mandated by law. Any new Bronica SLR equipment purchased after Oct. 31, 2004, will carry a one-year limited warranty from date of purchase. However, all warranty and out-of-warranty repair service obligations will cease on Oct. 31, 2011, regardless of purchase date.

LENSES

Original Lensbaby Offers Versatility

The Original Lensbaby is a flexible camera lens that creates an area of focus surrounded by a graduated blur, with greater versatility, convenience, creative control and new effects. The unique imagery is particularly attractive for portrait, wedding, product and fashion photographers.

An image created by a Lensbaby has a circular area of sharp focus. The photographer can move the in-focus area by bending the flex-ible lens tubing in any direction. The farther from this sharp area, the greater the blurring and prismatic color distortions. Photographers can control the size of the sharp area and the overall level of blur by using one of four aperture settings: f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6 and f/8.

The Original Lensbaby is available in camera mounts for almost all SLR camera bodies for $96.

DIGITAL CAMERAS AND BACKS

Konica Minolta Releases Maxxum 7D Digital SLR

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging has developed a Minolta Maxxum 7D digital single-lens reflex camera with 6.1-megapixel resolution, as well as body-integral CCD-shift anti-shake technology. The new digital SLR also features a high-definition 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and is compatible with virtually any Maxxum AF lens.

Specifically designed to match the performance requirements of the camera’s 6-megapixel CCD, the Maxxum 7D’s built-in anti-shake technology allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to three steps slower. It also reduces blur due to camera shake, even when shooting dimly lit scenes or when using telephoto lenses and shooting macro subjects without the aid of flash or a tripod.

The camera features CxProcess III image processing technology for high-definition, natural-looking images. High-speed image processing is achieved with the new Advanced LSI engine, designed to help provide fast data handling for improved camera responsiveness and control.

The new model builds on its predecessors’ dial and lever operation systems, and features a bright, high-performance viewfinder designed to be comfortable and easy to use. The Maxxum 7D’s suggested retail price is $1,599 for the camera body.

Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom Debuts

Olympus has released its C-7070 Wide Zoom with a super-wide-angle lens and high-resolution, 7.1-megapixel CCD. Two new autofocus modes enable photographers to shoot fast, sharp photos of subjects in motion.

The C-7070’s high-quality glass lens was designed specifically for digital cameras. Its 4x optical zoom ultra-wide-angle is equivalent to 27-110mm, f/2.8-f/8. For added versatility, photographers can select from three new conversion lenses. The WCON-17c is a 0.7x wide-angle converter that reduces the focal length by a factor of 0.7 (35mm conversion of 19mm). For even closer photography, the TCON-17C, a 1.7x teleconverter lens, increases the focal length by a factor of 1.7 (35mm conversion of 187mm), and the TCON-30C increases the focal length by a factor of 3 (35mm con-version of 330mm). A conversion lens adapter is required to attach the TCON-17C, TCON-30C or WCON-17C.

The camera also features a Super Macro mode that allows shooting from 1.18 inches. The 1.8-inch semi-transmissive swivel LCD makes it easy to take pictures at any angle, even 180 degrees. New LCD technology also provides excellent high-contrast visibility in any light condition.

The camera body is constructed of magnesium alloy with a rubber-ized grip. The camera measures 4.9 x 3.3 x 3.9 inches and weighs 15.3 ounces. The estimated retail price of the C-7070 Wide Zoom is $699.

Casio’s New Exilim Model Offers High Resolution

Casio has added to its Exilim line with the EX-P700. The camera has a 7.2-megapixel CCD with 4X optical zoom and a 0.01-second release time lag.

The EX-P700 also features a high-speed continuous shooting function that can shoot five photographs at a rate of three photos per second. New functions include flash assist, auto macro and icon help. The Business Shot function compensates for pictures taken at an angle and records them as though taken from straight ahead.

Auto Bracketing allows exposure, white balance and focus position to be set quickly with a single press of the shutter. The multi-bracketing feature enables a variety of shots with different color effects to be taken in combination with the rapid shooting function. Manual shooting is made easier with the two-inch, high-definition TFT LCD screen, which displays all necessary information about shooting and effects. Manual settings can be changed on-screen.

The camera stores images in a web browser-viewable format that allows images to be browsed in on-screen albums. It has internal 8.9MB flash memory, with a card slot that supports the use of an SD Memory Card or MMC. It also connects directly to PictBridge and USB Direct-Print compatible printers, and complies with ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching. The EX-P700 has a retail price of $599.

Sony Cyber-shot Line Slims Down

Sony has expanded its Cyber-shot T-series of digital still cameras with the 5.1-megapixel DSC-T33 model. The camera maintains its slim design with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical lens, which operates within the camera rather than extending outside. It also has a 3X optical zoom.

With a depth of just one-half inch, the new camera incorporates a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder, which occupies about two-thirds of the back of the camera. The anti-reflection LCD enhances viewing quality by preventing reflected light from interfering with the displayed image. Other LCD improvements include higher contrast, brightness and resolution.

Sony’s Real Imaging Processor circuitry makes it possible to shoot full-resolution images at one-second intervals. With optional Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards, the camera can capture and play back high-resolution motion video. The MPEG-VX fine mode helps to record MPEG video with 640-by-480-pixel resolution at 30 frames per second.

The supplied Cyber-shot Station USB cradle allows the DSC-T33 to play back slide shows on a television or transfer images to a PC. The camera also works with PictBridge-compatible printers. The DSC-T33 camera is available for about $450.

Samsung Introduces 6-Megapixel V6

Samsung Camera has launched the Digimax V6, a 6-megapixel digital camera — the latest addition to its Digimax V Series of compact digital cameras.

The V6 offers a number of features, including Schneider optics, support for nine different power sources, three customizable profile settings and a super macro feature that lets the photographer shoot subjects as close as six centimeters in manual mode. Also included are 12x zoom (3x optical, 4x digital), auto and manual shooting modes, and the ability to record up to two hours of audio.

The convenient shooting-mode dial allows photographers to choose from multiple shooting modes, including easy, program, portrait, night scene and movie clip; voice recording and aperture; and shutter and manual. With the four-way key and OK button, photographers can navigate the option menu. The brightness of the 1.5-inch color TFT LCD monitor is adjustable to ensure easy viewing in any lighting conditions.

The V Series supports multiple file formats, including TIFF, JPEG and DPOF for still images as well as AVI (MJPEG) for movie clips and WAV for audio files. The V6 has an estimated retail price of $399.

Olympus Introduces Stylus 500

Olympus has released the next generation in its Stylus series: the Stylus 500. The camera features a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD, 5 megapixels of image resolution and a compact, all-weather body.

The lens provides the equivalent of 35-105mm, f/3.1-f/5.2 in 35mm photography, with 12x combined total zoom (3x optical and 4x digital). A super macro mode captures fine details.

The LCD, with 215,000 pixels of high resolution, has a 160-degree view radius and provides visibility in any light condition. The Stylus 500 also combines a 5-megapixel CCD sensor with Olympus’ image processor, TruePic Turbo, designed to enhance image quality and speed overall processing for rapid startup, shutter release and playback.

The body is constructed of durable, lightweight metal with rubber gaskets throughout the interior. The camera measures 3.9 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches and has an estimated retail price of $399.

Pentax Debuts Amphibious Digital

Pentax Imaging has developed the amphibious OptioWP digital camera with 5 megapixels and a 3x zoom, for use both on land and underwater. Every seam in the camera is protected with rubber sealant and an interlocking design to resist dust, pressure and moisture. The OptioWP can produce high-quality images up to three feet underwater without an additional underwater housing unit.

The camera features a 2-inch, low-reflection LCD, 10MB built-in memory, quick startup and fast nine-point autofocus. It also can take movies at 30 frames per second in JPEG format. The internal 3x optical zoom can focus as close as 0.36 inch without protruding from the camera body. A special watertight locking mechanism fully secures the camera’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery and SD Memory Card slot.

The OptioWP measures 4 x 2 x 0.9 inches and weighs 4.2 ounces. The camera is priced at approximately $400.

Konica Minolta Introduces DiMage Z5 Digital Camera

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging’s new compact DiMage Z5 digital camera offers a built-in 12x optical mega zoom lens, anti-shake system, 5-megapixel CCD, rapid autofocusing and two-inch LCD screen.

The 12x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom combine for a total 48x zoom. Its CCD-shift anti-shake system is particularly effective at such high zoom ranges. It allows photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer. It also provides steady, shake-free images with evening or other dimly lit shots, which otherwise may be susceptible to blur because of their slow shutter speed.

The rapid AF operates at approximately 0.2 second at wide angle and 0.3 second at telephoto. The camera also features a fast startup, short shutter release time lag, Ultra-High-Speed Continuous Advance, Progressive Capture and Real Motion monitor for smooth display on the LCD. These features combine to let photographers capture any subject, no matter how fleeting, on the spur of the moment. The camera can also film high-resolution VGA movies.

Price has yet to be determined.

Mamiya Develops Integrated Medium-Format Digital Camera

Mamiya has introduced an integrated medium-format digital SLR camera, the Mamiya ZD. The built-in 22-megapixel, 36-by-48mm Dalsa CCD imaging sensor is nearly three times as large as a full-size 35mm D-SLR sensor. The 14-bit analog-to-digital converter records information as 12-bit-per-color channel for color accuracy. Data transfer from the sensor is processed with Mamiya’s Application Specific Integrated Circuit, with a frame capture rate of 1.5 fps.

With its built-in SD and CF media storage card choices, the Mamiya ZD can be used in the studio or wirelessly on location. The camera incorporates a 645AF interchangeable lens mount design. The sensor size of the Mamiya ZD is nearly equal to a 6x4.5-inch film format, which allows use of the full range of wide-angle to telephoto lenses.

To complement the Mamiya ZD, Digital PhotoStudio software has been developed. It offers image capture, editing and processing in both Mac and Windows. With a FireWire connection (IEEE1394) cable, many of the camera’s functions and controls may be selected and set via computer.

Mamiya also has released the ZD digital back, designed for the Mamiya 645AFD and the new RZ67 Pro IID medium-format film cameras. The digital back has a built-in 22-megapixel, 36x48mm Dalsa CCD imaging sensor. The 14-bit analog-to-digital converter records information as 12-bit-per-color channel and has a frame capture rate of 1.2 fps.

With its built-in SD and CF media storage card choices, the Mamiya ZD digital back can be used on location or in the studio. The built-in 1.8-inch LCD screen and mode buttons are located on the back. Using Mamiya Serial Communication data transfer, all necessary data, such as storage space, battery status, exposure data and capture status, are displayed in the viewfinder and main data display of the 645AFD.

The ZD SLR camera will be priced $10,000 to $15,000. The ZD digital back price has yet to be determined.

Mamiya Introduces RZ67 Pro IID

Building on its RZ67 film back, Mamiya has introduced the new RZ67 Pro IID. The Pro IID offers advanced microprocessor technology for traditional film capture, while enabling direct communication of many camera functions to digital capture backs through its Mamiya Serial Communication system.

A wide selection of interchangeable lenses, prisms and focusing screens provides convenience. Interchangeable backs for roll or Polaroid film, or for digital capture backs, increase the choices that professional photographers can offer. The back includes manual or motorized film advance and many accessories.

The minimum advertised price for RZ Pro IID body is $2,199; value pack is $3,199.

Jenoptik, Sinar Combine Camera Back Expertise

Jenoptik Laser (a subsidiary of Jenoptik) and Sinar have entered into a partnership for the development, manufacture and sale of professional digital camera backs. The companies plan to work together in the areas of technological development and manufacture, and will coordinate their products.

Through the partnership, Jenoptik is strengthening the marketing of its EyelikeT products through Sinar’s worldwide distribution network. The new Eyelike eMotion22 digital camera back for mobile use operates independently of the computer.

DIGITAL CAMERA PERIPHERALS and MEDIA

Delkin BurnAway Makes DVDs

Delkin Devices has introduced a new version of its BurnAway portable combo media player that burns DVDs. Both the CD and DVD BurnAways feature slim-type recordable disc drives, digital slide show players and DVD/MP3/CD players. The DVD BurnAway features a DVDR/RW/CDR/RW drive, which allows the making of CDs and DVDs with one unit.

Both units operate independently of a computer. Two built-in Memory Card slots support CompactFlash (I & II), Microdrive, SD, MMC, Smart-Media, Memory Stick and MS PRO. Both BurnAways also support XD cards with an adapter (not included).

The suggested retail price for the DVD BurnAway is $399, with the BurnAway retailing for $299.

SanDisk Controller Technology Boosts Memory Card Capacities

SanDisk’s new Multi-Level Cell and advanced controller technology have allowed it to quadruple the capacity of its high-speed SanDisk Ultra II cards. The company now offers 8GB CompactFlash Type I cards, 4GB SanDisk Ultra II Memory Stick PRO cards and 2GB SanDisk Ultra II SD cards. All cards maintain their minimum write speeds of 9MB per second and minimum read speeds of 10MB per second.

Price ranges for the SanDisk Ultra II product line are as follows:
Ultra II CF — 256MB-2GB, $49-$249; 4GB, $479; 8GB, $959.
Ultra II MS PRO — 256MB-1GB, $74-$249; 2GB-4GB, $479-$959.
Ultra II SD — 256MB-512MB, $64-$89; 1GB-2GB, $119-$239.

CAMCORDERS

Sony Releases New DVD Camcorders

Sony has enhanced its 2005 DVD Handycam camcorder line with new technology and design. The five new DVD models incorporate features such as Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround recording, DVD+RW/-RW/-R compatibility and touch-panel displays. DVD recordings can be played back using most current home DVD players and PC drives, as well as later releases of PlayStation2 videogame consoles.

The DCR-DVD403 includes Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, with built-in multi-channel microphones. The model also has a 3.3-megapixel advanced HAD CCD for higher-quality video and 3-megapixel still images. A 2.7-inch-wide hybrid SwivelScreen touch-panel LCD screen allows viewing on wide-screen televisions. A Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens and built-in flash complete the package.

Two other options for surround sound recording are provided by the DCR-DVD203 and DCR-DVD103 models, both of which have external microphones. The DCR-DVD203 has a 1.07-megapixel advanced HAD CCD and a 2.7-inch SwivelScreen touch-panel LCD Screen. The DCR-DVD103 also has advanced HAD CCD and 2.5-inch touch-panel LCD Screen.

The DCR-DVD92 entry-level model is available for about $600. The other models in the line are priced at DCR-DVD103 and DCR-DVD7, about $700; DCR-DVD203, about $800; and DCR-DVD403 DVD, about $1,000.

Canon Releases New Mini DV Camcorders

Canon’s new line of Mini DV camcorders is targeted toward entry- and mid-level users. The camcorders allow users to view their home movies from PCs or televisions. The line also offers a high-resolution 16:9 widescreen shooting mode, and operates with both Windows XP and Macintosh OS X.

The new two-in-one Elura 90, Elura 85 and Elura 80 camcorders have the ability to take photos and Mini DV digital video. DV Photo Plus technology integrates Canon optics and the Digic DV image processor, a 1.33-megapixel CCD image sensor and a print-and-share feature. The latest generation of Eluras has LCD backlights with easy-to-find backlight buttons. The camcorders also have icons for full auto mode.

Canon has increased the zoom capacity on all three models. The Elura 80 and Elura 85 now feature 18x optical zoom lenses and built- in flashes. The 85 also incorporates a microphone terminal and Super Night Mode. The Elura 90 camcorder features a 20x zoom, built-in mini video light and wide attachment.

Canon’s ZR300, ZR200 and ZR100 camcorders were designed for beginners and have an array of new features, including streamlined designs and icons for full auto mode. The ZR100 and ZR200 have 20x optical zoom lenses, and the ZR200 also has an SD card slot, XGA photo recording capability, PictBridge compatibility and selectable focusing points. In addition to these features, the ZR300 incorporates a 22x optical zoom, a wide converter and Super Night Mode.

The Eluras are priced at $699 for the Elura 90, $500 for the Elura 85 and $549 for the Elura 80. The ZR100 has an estimated retail price of $349, while the ZR200 and ZR300 have estimated price tags of $399 and $499, respectively.

Sony Launches 2005 Mini DV Camcorders

Sony has introduced its 2005 line of six new Mini DV Handycam camcorder models. Heading the lineup is the DCR-PC1000 model with three-chip complimentary metal oxide semiconductor sensor technology. The enhanced imaging processor allows wide dynamic range for improved picture quality with better lighting details on video and still images. The DCR-PC1000 also includes a cinematic mode, a 2.7-inch-wide hybrid SwivelScreen touch-panel LCD screen and a Handycam Station for connection to televisions or PCs.

The DCR-PC55 model, which is slightly larger than a deck of cards, has a three-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD, a SlideShow Plus feature and a Handycam Station. The DCR-HC90 3-megapixel Mini DV camcorder comes with a 2.7-inch Hybrid Swivel-Screen touch-panel LCD display to record and play back in widescreen format, an intelligent accessory shoe, Super NightShot Plus, a built-in flash and the advanced multi-layer coating of a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Rounding out the new Mini DV camcorders with Handycam Stations are the DCR-HC32 and DCR-HC42 models.

Handycam Stations charge the units and connect them to tele-visions or PCs. They incorporate all necessary inputs, including S-video and audio/video terminals, USB ports and i.LINK (IEEE1394) digital interfaces.

The line is available at a starting retail price of about $500 for the DCR-HC32. The DCR-HC42 is priced at about $600, while the DCR-PC55 is $800, the DCR-HC90 $1,000 and the DCR-PC1000 about $1,300.

SCANNERS

Epson Perfection 4990 Scanners Offer Range, Transparency

Epson’s newest flatbed scanners incorporate a higher Dmax for greater dynamic range and a larger transparency unit than predecessor models. The Perfection 4990 Photo and Perfection 4990 Pro scanners both have built-in 8x10 transparency units with moving carriages and lamps optimized for film scans. The TPU is almost 50 percent larger than the predecessor models. It includes film holders that support eight 35mm mounted slides, four 35mm film strips up to 24 frames, and three to six medium-format frames or two 4x5 frames. It also has an 8x10 guide for transparencies and proof sheets without film holders.

Both models have maximum hardware resolutions of 4,800 by 9,600 dpi, 48-bit color and up to 4 Dmax for color accuracy and image detail. The Perfection 4990 uses Epson’s ColorTrue II Imaging System, which integrates hardware, optics and image processing to achieve accurate color reproduction and reduced noise.

The scanners’ technology automatically repairs physical defects such as scratches, tears and bends, as well as dust from scanned images from both film and prints. They also have Easy Photo Fix technology for color restoration and dust removal, which automatically restores faded and damaged color photographs, slides or negatives. The scanners are priced at $449 for the 4990 Photo and $599 for the 4990 Pro.

PRINTERS AND PERIPHERALS

Lyson Introduces Bulk Feed for Epson Stylus Pro 4000

Lyson, a provider of inks, media and related products to the printing, photography, graphic arts and other allied industries, has introduced a bulk-feed ink delivery system with complete pigment and dye-based inksets for the Epson Stylus Pro 4000. Bulk-enabled inksets for the printer allow users to save upward of 70 percent on ink costs, speed workflow processing and eliminate the need to change cartridges.

Lyson’s inksets have a wide color gamut and intense color reproduction. The combination of Fotonic dye-based inks and pigment-based Cave Paint provides a comprehensive ink offering. The Lyson bulk-feed system for the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 includes eight half-liter bottles of Cave Paint and has a suggested retail price of $1,199.

SOFTWARE

Hindsight Updates InView, StockView

HindSight has released Version 5 of its popular image and business management software, InView and StockView. New in Version 5 are a number of digital capabilities, including the ability to read and write meta tags, batch-convert file types and sizes, batch rename and assemble digital submissions with PDF trails. The built-in HTML generator allows users to create thumbnail galleries. License tracking alerts users when licenses are about to expire.

StockView is able to import a variety of third-party keyword lists. The label templates print several formats, some designed for barcode 39 or barcode 128. A flexible serial numbering system organizes images. InView adds contacts, word processing and accounting features. It has numerous enhancements, including an interactive help system and several Internet hooks, such as bulk e-mailing capabilities. Customization remains one of its highlights.

InView and StockView are available separately for $395, or as a package for $545.

WEB SITES

Web Photo School Updates Site

Photoflex’s Web Photo School has relaunched its website, www.webphotoschool.com, with new free and paid digital photography lessons that offer online learning for all skill levels. The library of more than 200 lessons is grouped into nine general categories: basic camera, basic lighting, portraits, products/still life, business websites, Internet/auction photos, outdoor photography/travel, digital manipulation/Photoshop and new lessons.

Fifteen free lessons are available, on topics ranging from shooting portraits, to photographing jewelry for print and the web, to using strobes and soft lights. Lessons on simple techniques and digital-camera use cost 99 cents each. More extensive lessons that combine several photo techniques cost $1.99 apiece, and advanced lessons taught by well known photographers are $2.99 each. Students also can take advantage of as many of the 150 lessons as they wish for $8 a month, or $60 for a full year.

Printroom.com Customizes Pro Photography Services

Printroom.com has expanded its customization services. In addition to its web-ready storefront capabilities, photographers can customize how they present and sell images by creating original storefronts, customized team and player posters, and event- or organization-specific templates. The services can be implemented directly by the photographer or by designers with Platinum Digital, a newly formed partnership with Printroom.

PDS offers full site design, incorporating Printroom.com galleries, for as low as $250. For photographers who want to develop their websites themselves, Printroom.com charges a $50 fee. For development and design services from Printroom.com and Platinum Digital, there is a $35 per hour fee (the total number of development and design hours varies depending on site complexity, size and requirements).

Printroom also has released Pro Studio Manager 2.5 for Mac OS X. PSM provides a complete digital photography management tool for photographers using Printroom.com services, including the creation and management of image galleries and fulfillment of client orders. PSM 2.5 is optimized for high-volume photographers, such as those shooting weddings and sporting events, producing large quantities of images and posting them online. Photographers may join Printroom.com by paying a $99 membership fee, which provides hosted space for more than 7,500 images, PSM 2.5, business services, training, customer service and technical support, as well as access to the creation and management of online galleries.

BOOKS, CDs and DVDs

Lonely Planet Guide Encombasses Globe

Lonely Planet’s new “Travel Book” seeks to represent every country in the world with images and text in an A-to-Z format. With the intention of showing a slice of life in each place, it focuses on a location’s beauty, singularity and most fascinating qualities.

The “Travel Book” features full-color, double-page spreads combined with cultural insights, key facts and maps. Original content was written by Lonely Planet’s expert staff and authors. The hardcover “Travel Book” is 448 pages and lists for $39.99.

Jack Dykinga Travels Arizona

Jack Dykinga has published his first book devoted entirely to the state of Arizona. The coffeetable book, written and photographed by Dykinga with a foreword by Charles Bowden, captures the diversity of the state in more than 120 images.

The 128-page, 11 x 11 hardcover is available at bookstores or through Westcliffe Publishers for $50.