World Press Photo of The Year 2009 Winners

The international jury of the 53rd annual World Press Photo Contest has selected a photo by the Italian photographer Pietro Masturzo as the World Press Photo of the Year 2009. The picture depicts women shouting in protest from a rooftop in Tehran on 24 June.

The winning photograph is part of a story depicting the nights following the contested presidential elections in Iran, when people shouted their dissent from roofs and balconies, after daytime protests in the streets. The story as a whole was awarded first prize in the category People in the News.

Jury chair Ayperi Karabuda Ecer said: "The photo shows the beginning of something, the beginning of a huge story. It adds perspectives to news. It touches you both visually and emotionally, and my heart went out to it immediately."

Visit Winners Gallery at www.worldpressphoto.org/index.php?option=com_photogallery&task=blogsection&id=20&Itemid=257 to see the complete list of winners. digitalpixels.net

Canon EOS 550D: Semi-pro DSLR in a Consumer Body

Canon has just released a camera that performs the technologies and features of semi-professional DSLRs, but gains a compact and light-weighted consumer body. The price? US$ 799.99 for body only, or US$ 899.99 with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens.

This camera, which will start shipping in Europe on February 24 and on the beginning of March in the US, is the EOS 550D or the Rebel T2i; has an 18 MP APS-C sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 processor. Alike the 7D, this camera features the iFCL metering system, but the top limit of the auto ISO is expandable to 12800 (from 100-6400) - a new way to control noise in images. Acquiring the trend of recent DSLR, 550D can record 1920 x 1080p video HD. You can also choose some frame rates: 30, 25 or 24 fps, also 720p video at 60 and 50 fps.

The other features are 3.5mm microphone jack; 3-inches 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with resolution of 1.040k dots; Movie Crop function; Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility; compatibility with the EF and EF-S lenses, also Canon EX flash units; and the latest IR remote that is compatible with 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II. journal.phottix.com, photographyblog.com

Nikon Releases Two New Pro Nikkor Lenses

Nikon Inc. recently announced two new lenses for professional and enthusiast photographers. The highly anticipated AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED lens is engineered to meet the demand for an ultra-fast professional lens for wide angle applications, while the AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR offers Nikon's widest FX-format focal range with VR.

"The 16-35mm f/4 VR and 24mm f/1.4 are two new lenses designed to address the needs of an ever-expanding number of Nikon FX-format photographers, delivering dramatic perspectives, amazing clarity, contrast and color when capturing stills or HD video," said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. pdngearguide.com

Work on Mac Faster with Aperture 3

Aperture 3, which has just been released by Apple, can make you work on Mac faster, even before you finish importing your photos. When importing is processing, you can double-click the thumbnails in the Import window to view pictures, play video, or listen to an audio file. Moreover, you can start adjusting images when they are still being copied from the memory card to your Mac.

When importing, Aperture 3 records data, like shutter speed, aperture, lens and focus point, and start sorting right away. You can add any keyword and adjustment preset on import, and it can also automatically back up your master images to a second drive during import. Several iPhoto's tools are also featured in this software, and some updates for image software, like the iLife Support 9.0.4, Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.0 and Aperture SlideShow Support Update 1.0, are available now via your Mac's Software Update, in the wake of the Aperture 3.
apple.com, pcworld.com

Photo by Pujo Rahmanto

Balikpapan through the Lens

"The people of Balikpapan (East Kalimantan) are getting familiar to photography; therefore photography world becomes more popular here. We want to significantly escalate this photography interest, which now begins to be growing in Balikpapan," said Connie, a female photographer whose photos were being displayed on "The View of Balikpapan through the Lens" photography exhibition.

Twenty seven photographers, who exhibit 95 photo works, were trying to manifest the situations on the street, beach and sea, fishing activity in Manggar, Pertamina's oil refinery, slum area and forest, in that exhibition; held by the Fobia (Photographer of Balikpapan) in the commemoration of the 113th anniversary of Balikpapan city on February 10. The exhibition was pursuing from February 8 to 14 at BSB Mal (Balikpapan Super Block).

Fobia's official leader, Freyke Elli Hofni Kosakoy, explained that besides commemorating Balikpapan's anniversary, this event was also aimed to sharpen the potency of photography enthusiasts in Balikpapan and to raise people's interest on photography. As a completion, together with this event, Fobia performed a "Travel and People Photography" seminar, presenting Yadi Yasin and Gathot Subroto as the speakers, on February 13 in Gedung Telkon DivRe VI.
fotografer.net, tribunkaltim.co.id | Pujo Rahmanto, Handry Jonathan

"This Is It" in Samsung S2 Portable

Everybody knows This Is It. Yes, this song by Michael Jackson is also the title of his 50 concerts tour, which was planned to be proceeding from July 2009 until March 2010. Unfortunately, less than three weeks before the concerts began, Michael died. After his death, this song and concert title became the title of a film - giving out stories on Michael's preparation intended for the concert - which the premier was played on October 28, 2009.

After the DVD and Blu-ray Disc of this film was released, Samsung has then been producing a new external hard-drive called Samsung S2 Portable, with “This Is It” film pre-loaded in it as a bonus. Starting from February 22, this external HDD will be available in Europe, delivering 500 GB capacity. For the details, please visit www.samsung.com/uk. photographymonthly.com, movie.detikhot.com

Henri Cartier-Bresson 2-Disc Collector's Edition

Henri Cartier-Bresson may be considered the father of modern photojournalism, but he was not solely a photographer. Several documentaries he shot between the 1930s and the 1970s bear witness to his affection for the cinema, a medium that he sees as "an alternative to photography in the way it sees the world and captures its movement." This lavish collector's edition includes: a series of documentaries about the artist, which allows us to (re)discover his powerful and rare photographic work; five major works directed by Cartier-Bresson himself; and a 32-page illustrated collectible book containing criticism of his work as well as reproductions of his legendary photographs. It will be available on March 30, 2010. cameratown.com

Hunting & Workshop for PAF's 86th Anniversary

To celebrate the 86th anniversary of Bandung (West Java) PAF's (Photo Amateur Federation) on February 21, you are invited to Vin's Berry on Jl. Kol Masturi 14, Jambudipa, Cisarua.

The invitation covers an event running from 08:00am to 03:00pm (local time) that will be divided into some sessions, such as a model hunting, workshop by Jerry Aurum, also a photo discussion by Jerry Aurum, Goenadi Haryanto, Budhi Ipoeng, Dedy H. Siswandi and Andi Wijaya. For registering, please visit fotografer.net.
Rosmeini Ismael

SD Card Reader for iPhone & iPod Touch

ZoomMediaPlus has released a new accessory for iPhone and iPod Touch: the zoomIt SD card reader. With this US$ 59.99 device, you can transfer files, like photo, video, music and documents from and to both sides. Besides, you can share them via email, Facebook, Flickr, etc.

You do not need to worry about your gadget type, because this accessory, which will be available on the market from April 2010, is compatible with all generations and memory configurations of iPhone and iPod Touch. The application software can be downloaded for free in the Apple App Store, and if you make a pre-orders at www.zoomitonline.com, you will be given a US$ 10 discount (limited time). dpreview.com

Olympus E-PL1 & Its Underwater Case

Around the first week of this month Olympus announced the E-PL1, the company's third Micro Four Thirds camera, and the first to offer built-in flash and a direct-access video recording button. Probably the most striking development, though, is what's been taken away: the E-PL1 is priced at US$ 599.99 with 14-42mm lens. which is US$ 200 lower than the original E-P1 and US$ 500 less than the E-P2 (which includes both the lens and an electronic viewfinder).

Available on March 2010, The E-PL1 does not come with the electronic viewfinder, but it does have the port required to connect a viewfinder if the user chooses to invest an extra US$ 200 (the E-P1 isn't compatible with the electronic viewfinder at all). The same port can be used to connect the optional SEMA-1 stereo microphone adapter ($89.99), which is scheduled to ship within a month and also fits the E-P2.

Olympus Imaging Corporation has also announced the introduction of the PT-EP01 Underwater case for the E-PL1. The new housing enables truly high-quality underwater photography with compact camera ease, and is scheduled to go on sale on March 5, 2010.
digitalcamerainfo.com, digitalpixels.net

Photomicrography Competition

The Nikon International Small World Competition is a competition that is connecting microscopy and photography, which is to celebrate over 30 years of excellence in photography and digital imaging through the microscope, dedicated to furthering excellence and creativity in microscopy. Photomicrographers are challenged to capture an image of the world that the naked eye cannot see.

If you are more than 18 years old and interested in the beauty of structure, color, composition and content of objects on the microscope, you are challenged to fill the registration form on www.microscopyu.com. Twenty winners will be chosen, and the first winner will enjoy a US$ 30,000 trip or the equivalent amount of photographic, scientific, or industrial equipment and accessories at their suggested retail selling prices in the USA.
photography-news.com

Aptus-II 8, the Fastest Digital Back from Leaf

On last weekend Leaf Imaging announced the Leaf Aptus-II 8 medium format digital camera back. The company's newest addition to the Leaf Aptus-II product family, the Leaf Aptus-II 8 features a resolution of 40 MP. At a capture rate of under 0.8 seconds per frame, it delivers a sustainable burst of 60 full resolution images per minute, making it the industry's fastest digital back.

The Leaf Aptus-II 8 features the same high quality sensor technology as Leaf's flagship product, the Leaf Aptus-II 10, a 56 MP camera back. This system is geared towards professional photographers looking for the highest available quality at an affordable price.

The Leaf Aptus-II 8 camera back is priced at € 13,995 and is now available for orders. All equipment can be ordered now from Leaf Partners (for the Leaf Partner nearest you, please see: http://www.leaf-photography.com/fal_singapore.asp).
cameratown.com

"The Wedding Crush & Fairy Angels" Hunting

"The Wedding Crush & Fairy Angels". An interesting phrase, isn't it? This phrase is the title of a pre-wedding hunting by CAR Photohunt, Inc., which will be established on February 20 in Ebony, Pantai Indah Kapuk (Jakarta). A cheerful, modern and fashionable wedding is what the committee would like to present you on your lens.

Besides couple pre-wedding, you will be given a single bride wearing an international and traditional gown, bridesmaids wearing colorful gowns and a white-gowned angel of love; they will be fulfilling your lens and memory card. Need more challenge? A street-style pre-wedding that bears a casual but fashionable costumes will perhaps meet your finest expectations. Andri Ratanacandra

Premier in 2010: Canon-FN Gathering & Workshop

This year, Canon and Fotografer.net (FN) will present you a Canon & FN Gathering/Workshop Series 2010 in several cities in Indonesia. To start it off, Yogyakarta is chosen as the venue of the first edition of 2010's gathering and workshop.

As usual, to make FNers (FN's members) more intimate and able to share their photography experience and knowledge, the gathering is held on Saturday, February 27, at 06:00 pm (local time), at the Royal Garden Restaurant that you can find close to the Alun-alun Utara (Northern Square) of Yogyakarta city. On the day after, a famous Indonesian fashion photographer, Nicoline Patricia Malina, will deliver the "Evoking Sense of Fashion" workshop. This will be at the Jogja Plaza Hotel and limited to only 150 participants.
Dodi Sandradi

Seminar by Nikon Indonesia

Two speakers, Johnny Hendarta and Novijan Sanjaya, are being invited by Nikon Indonesia to perform a seminar entitled "The New World… Called Photography" discussing Multiple Expose, Long Expose and Light Painting.

If you are interested in this seminar, prepare yourself on February 24 to be at the Golden Flower Hotel, on Jl. Asia Afrika 15-17, Bandung (West Java), and contribute Rp 250,000 to register. If you register before February 20, you will receive a cash-back of Rp 50,000. For further information, please visit fotografer.net. Abun Candra

National Geographic Grants US$ 30.000

Photo by Sanguinetti

National Geographic (NG) invites professional photojournalists to prepare one proposal compromising a production plan of photography project that reflects NG's mission: "to inspire people to care about the planet."

Submit your proposal before March 1, 2010, and you have a chance to get NG's US$ 30,000 grant to make real of your photography project. The winning project may be considered for publication in NG magazine and/or the NG magazine website or for possible exhibit at NG headquarters or other venues. Please visit http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com to get to know the terms and conditions.
photography-news.com

Future's Camera Breakthrough

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the British Heart Foundation of Oxford University have made a breakthrough on camera technology, which can support science, industry and consumer sectors alike in the future.

This breakthrough performs a revolutionary way of capturing a high-resolution still image alongside a high-speed video at the same time on the same sensor. This is done by allowing the camera's pixels to act as if they were part of tens, or even hundreds of individual cameras taking pictures in rapid succession during a single normal exposure. The trick is that the pattern of pixel exposures keeps the high resolution content of the overall image, which can then be used as-is, to form a regular high-res picture, or be decoded into a high-speed movie. photography-news.com

"Playing" a Toy Camera

You can "play" photography with any kind of camera, indeed. This is what Witness Klastic tries to prove by "playing" a toy camera. Begun by an idea from a toy camera tradesman, this community was finally founded in December 7, 2008, and is now gaining a larger number of members in Jakarta, Surabaya, Malang, Balikpapan, Bandung, Medan, Yogyakarta and Solo, with approximately 150 members in each city.

With cameras ranging from Rp 5.000 to Rp 6 millions, they are "playing" panoramic, human interest and model photography. Plastic cameras with outdated technology and simple design become their weapon to create old school photos that have Polaroid "look." Some toy cameras are modified to be functioning as if they were lomo, and some members "play" pinhole cameras too.

Meet at the digital world, then on the "real" world in January 25, 2009, now they often do hunting and gathering, and make exhibition and workshop. "It's about affordable cameras - and an affordable hobby. We've always hoped that the people who join us do not because it's a trend, but because it's their passion to create something out of nothing," said Renaldy Fernando Kusuma, the official leader of Witness Klastic. thejakartaglobe.com

New on Facebook: Slideshow Application

If usually you are too lazy to see photos on your friends' Facebook album one by one by clicking the "previous" or "next" button, now Facebook eases you with its new prototype called Slideshow. What you need to do is to press the “play” button, sit and watch the photos. You can also make a pause by clicking the "stop" button. If bored, you can deactivate this application anytime. To download, please visit Facebook's application page. latimesblogs.latimes.com

Colorful Mini Tripods

Hama (www.hama.co.uk) introduces four new mini tripods in vibrant colors. The tripod legs are available in orange, green, white, and pink, and the tripod head on all of the models is silver. Once the legs are completely extended, the camera stands 18 centimeters above the ground.

This makes it a practical and unmistakable companion that measures 2.4 x 12 centimeters, weighs just 110 grams, and fits in the pocket of your jacket. These lively mini tripods can also be used to hold small video cameras, microphones, and mini speakers.
dcviews.com

Outdoor Photography in Bogor

If you are Bogor (West Java) citizen or about to visit and stay in that town, galeribogor.com and Visit Bogor magazine invite you to take part in their workshop and hunting event with Riza Marlon and Raiyani Muharramah, on March 13-14. What is so special about this event is that you will be taken to Wana Wisata Sukamantri in Ciapus, Bogor, and then spend a night at the camping ground. You will enjoy some sessions, including a sunrise hunting.

Dedy Baros, the author of Rahasia Fotografi Pernikahan Tradisional Indonesia, (The Secret of Indonesian's Traditional Wedding Photography) book, will be performing a similar event and revealing the tips and tricks of outdoor model photography in a wildlife nuance. This will be held on February 20, at the Cigamea Waterfall.
R. Bagas Kara Arya, Ade Wahyudi

Ideal Display for Photography

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announces the new MultiSync PA Series, successor MultiSync 90 Series, by introducing the MultiSync PA241W. Designed for professional graphics applications, this 24-inch desktop display is ideal for photography, video editing, print production and any environment in which color accuracy is crucial.

The PA241W continues the MultiSync 90 Series' tradition of delivering crisp, accurate images while adding improved color coverage, sleeker industrial design and enhanced connectivity. thedigitalnewsroom.com

8 New Pentax K-x's Colors

At the beginning, Pentax K-x is available only in black, pearl white, red and navy blue. But, because of so many people are keen of this camera, Pentax adds eight new interesting colors: beige, metal fuchsia, pink, metal turquoise, metal dark grey, olive green and soft brown.

These colorful cameras having 12.4 MP CMOS sensor will be available in March in a limited edition, at a retail price of £ 599 (including a 18-55 lens). Unfortunately, they will only be available in Europe. dpreview.com

Film for Large-format Photographers

Eastman Kodak Company announced the release of Kodak Professional Ektar 100 Film on 4x5 and 8x10 sheet formats, also 35mm and 120mm formats. This film that features high saturation and ultra-vivid color is having a Kodak Vision Motion Picture Film technology; makes it perfect for you who demand a superior resolution of a large-format film and fine magnification when scanning and printing. Color and detail is what this grain color negative film offers. It will be available in April 2010. pdngearguide.com

African-American Lives in Photography & Film

Photo by Suzanne Grill

"Double Exposure - African Americans Before and Behind the Camera" is an exhibition that will be establishing on May 30, held by the Southeast Museum Photography of Daytona State University. It will expose the cultural phenomenon of African-American people of the 19th and 20th century, through photography works.

There will be three thematic sessions: photo, album and cased images, along with contemporary art works that incorporate vintage photographic imagery. Those works are the witness of slavery, civil right conflicts, family problem, identity and history.

Together with this exhibition, there will be another program called "African-American History on Film." After the films are played, the committee will perform an open-class (free and opened for public) session that takes the audiences into a discussion. Some of the films are Amistad, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and Glory. For further information, please visit www.smponline.org.
myhometownnews.net

CMOS Imagers Offer High Performance for Mobile Handsets

Samsung Electronics announced that it has developed two new CMOS image sensors - the S5K4E2 and the S5K5CA - for the mobile phone market. Designers and manufacturers of high-end smart phones and slim mobile handsets can now integrate one of these high-performance, cost efficient, small form factor imagers into their next generation design.

"To meet the diverse needs of the mobile phone market, we've expanded our product line-up to include imagers that support HD video capabilities while fitting into an ever decreasing module space," said Dr. Dojun Rhee, vice president, System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics.

Samsung's new S5K4E2 is currently sampling and will be in mass production by the end of the first quarter 2010. Samsung's S5K5CA is in volume production for many of the world's top handset manufacturers today.
cameratown.com