Digital Shot

Getting wind of a flash memory successor is far from new, but a major player in the flash game now seems to have something a bit counterintuitive going on behind the scenes. After slashing jobs and prices in an attempt to “keep up with competitors,” SanDisk is now reportedly delving into the “read-only memory” realm, as it seeks to create a product that acts as a “cheap archival device.” Although the company is remaining tight lipped about the details, this self-proclaimed “3D memory” is said to last “up to 100 years” and become the “new digital film,” but we’re not exactly sure the digital disposable market is apt to boom anytime soon. Moreover, SanDisk seems to hope that this new creation will “remove the PC from the equation,” allowing users to relive to excruciating annoyance that is developing film in-store while removing the ability to delete photos or overwrite bad snapshots once taken. Nevertheless, the memory is purportedly being tested in a retail pilot program, and Greg Rhine (head of SanDisk’s consumer business) noted that Walgreens and Wal-Mart both raved over the invention, as it would theoretically force more customers to revert to ages ago when OTC development was an unfortunate mainstay.

If you’re here for surprises, you’re not apt to leave satisfied, but if you’re interested in a few extra deets on Sony’s latest duo of megazoom digicams, this is the spot. Set to replace the DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 just about one year after their respective releases, Sony once again did a horrendous job keeping the DSC-H7 and DSC-H9 on the low, but we’re not complaining or anything. Anyways, future H7 / H9 owners can look forward to a Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens, 8.1-megapixel sensor, face detection technology, HDTV output, the ability to shoot up to 1/4000 of a second, Bionz processing engine (seen in the Alpha lineup), Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization, up to ISO 3200, and red-eye reduction. The H9 steps it up ever so slightly by adding a three-inch flip-up LCD (compared to the H7’s 2.5-inch rendition) and Sony’s own NightShot technology, which purportedly allows photographers to snap legible shots even in dark alleys. Notably, neither camera sports any kind of movie mode whatsoever, and those hoping to shoot in RAW will also be sorely disappointed, but if you’re fine with those two oversights and the massive zoom tickles your stalking instincts, both cameras will be landing in April for $400 (DSC-H7) / $480 (DSC-H9).

Not many surprises here, Sony’s W series comes in the 7.2 megapixel DSC-W80, 8 megapixel DSC-W90 and 12 megapixel DSC-W200 flavors we spotted before, but instead of the HDMI plug we were hearing about, the three cameras output their HD wares via a component adapter. Everything else seems to be in line, like 3x zoom lenses, 2.5-inch LCDs, optical image stabilization, ISO 3200, and face detection for boosting exposure and focus. Pre-orders start February 28th, and the W80 and W90 should be available sometime in March, with the W200 following in May. Prices aren’t bad for what these things are packing, with the W200 at $400, W90 $300 and the W80 for $250.

Good news for all photographers! Digital media and design training specialists lynda.com launched a new 6.5 hour-long tutorial that they say will help achieve robust, dynamic database design – the Photoshop Lightroom Essential Training. According to the…

Good news for all photographers! Digital media and design training specialists lynda.com launched a new 6.5 hour-long tutorial that they say will help achieve robust, dynamic database design – the Photoshop Lightroom Essential Training. According to the developers, the tool will help bring out a photographer’s creative best.

Chris Orwig, a professional photographer and instructor, takes the trainee through the nuances of browsing, organizing, and adjusting of images that will help in improved photo management, processing and also presentation. The tutorial also comes with full-resolution exercise files. So all of you out with cameras get going!!!! We all expect some great-looking photos from you in the future!!! And all you need is to get hooked to the Internet. Subscribe to lynda.com’s Online Training Library Subscriptions start at $25 per month. To know more and for free online samples, you can visit http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=364. A CD version of the tool is expected to be released at the end of the month.

CEO of lynda.com Lynda Weinman says;

I am really excited about teaching Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, as it’s a revolutionary tool that empowers photographers (including myself) to become more effective and creative. Lightroom not only helps me organize and access images, it expands my creative potential with its powerful RAW processing capabilities that are non-destructive to the original image. Since I started using LR, my workflow has become streamlined, which has helped me rediscover my passion for the essentials of photography.

Via: Business Wire