Inside Digital Photo - Special Report
Photokina 2008

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Join Scott Sheppard and Mike McNamara as they review this year’s highlights announced at Photokina 2008 held in Cologne, Germany September 23-28, 2000. Many of the product that were introduced were previewed in the U.S. prior to the event and Scott and Mike share their personal experiences with them and discuss some products that should stay on your radar screen as the fall show season unfolds.

• Adobe CS4 - many features added to this version provide enhanced productivity which at first seem tuned for graphic/print design but will offer great benefits for professional photographers once they become more familiar with the new tools.
• Casio - announced the Casio HIGH SPEED EXILIM Pro EX-F1 and the EX-FH20 Camera superzoom with 9.1 megapixels, and high speed burst shooting up to 40 fps at 7 megapixels and high definition movie recording at up to 1,000 fps. At a price point around $600.
• Canon - launched the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which could easily become the camera of the year but they also showed their new top range compact digital, the PowerShot G10. Both cameras offer the key functionality and performance near their professional cameras but are marketed to the prosumer/entry-level DSLR users.
• Leica - introduced the Leica S2, with its premium collection of lenses that include everything from ultra wide to super telephoto. The S2 features a smaller metal body that is easier to carry, and a special new sensor with 30 x 45 mm and 37.5 megapixels designed for professionals.
• Sigma - delivered upgrades to their camera bodies with Sigma SD15 powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor which captures all primary RGB colors. They also announced the Sigma DP2, also 14 megapixel high definition digital camera, which packs the full spec of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera.
• Pentax - took the lead in the entry-level category with their lightweight, easy to maneuver, PENTAX K-m digital SLR camera and lenses. The lenses include two DA L-series interchangeable zoom lenses: the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL and the smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED. The system is perfect for first-time DSLR users.
• Ricoh -adds another "cult" point-and-shoot with the GX200 featuring 24 mm wide-angle optical 3x zoom and an effective 12 mega-pixel CCD. Not readily available in the U.S. these cameras add another option to those wishing for their unique status and capabilities.
• Epson - introduced the Epson Perfection V300 entry level scanner, at a price of $99 which includes 4800 x 9600 dpi optical resolution and a built in transparency unit to scan 35mm film.

Scott & Mike also shared their insights to new products announced by Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Kodak with their predictions on the impact of these new technologies and their effect on the "megapixel" and "camera wars" which are sure to drive performance to new heights in the next 6 months.

Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage on these products or visit Mike’s site "The McNamara Report" at http://www.mcnamarareport.com.

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Wes Williamson, Worldwide Thinkpad Product Marketing Manager, Lenovo joins host Scott Sheppard for some details on their newly announced ThinkPad W700. Learn about the features that make this notebook a photographer’s dream machine. First, the display is a 17" super wide gamut WUXGA 1920 x 1200 resolution making it comparable to many high-end desktop monitors. The ThinkPad W700 also includes an optional integrated 128×80mm Wacom Digitizer & Pen, an X-Rite Huey Pro Color Calibrator, and a built-in compact flash reader. All these components are packaged in a laptop that delivers the horsepower to intuitively handle a digital RAW image workflow.

Wes explains that one of the main visions behind their development was to create a notebook with the power and features of an integrated desktop system - without the extra weight, accessories, cables, and devices - in a footprint that is completely portable. Accessories are available to expand the capabilities including a docking station and Blu-Ray DVD burner. Lenovo worked very closely with Microsoft’s Rich Media Group and their Icons of Imaging including Bambi Cantrell & Dennis Reggie who provided input and feedback on each element.

For more information about this system visit http://www.lenovo.com or the ThinkPad W700’s blog site at: http://www.photolaptop.com

The McNamara Report on Inside Digital Photo with Michael J. McNamara
This week’s topic: Sony A900 DSLR takes steady aim at pros

Mike has over 17 years experience testing digital cameras, and he explains his experience testing the new Alpha 900. He feels Sony delivered a pro camera in nearly every respect, from its optical viewfinder (100% coverage) and magnesium-alloy, weather-sealed body construction down to the placement of most control buttons. It also offers a plethora of fine-tuning adjustments available via menus, removable focusing screens, HDMI video output for HDTV viewing, Dynamic Range Optimization, and dual BIONZ processing chips for fast startup and performance. While heavier than most advanced DSLRs in the sub-$2,000 price range, the Alpha 900 body, at 30 ounces, weighs slightly less than the Nikon D700 (34 oz), and ¾ lb less than either the EOS 1Ds Mark III or Nikon D3.

Read more insights and analysis from Mike McNamara on: http://www.mcnamarareport.com/sony-a900-dslr-takes-steady-aim-at-pros/

Josh Weisberg, Director, Microsoft Rich Media Group joins Inside Digital Photo for some insights on how Microsoft collaborated with Lenovo, and other manufacturers to develop the ThinkPad W700 photo laptop. Josh explains how their development efforts include working closely with professional photographers to gather their input about their digital workflows and how they use Windows Vista. Microsoft incorporated this feedback into creating these new generation of tools that include the ThinkPad W700, integrating Wacom and other technolgies. Josh also shares some information about a new Sony system, and Photosynth along with some hints at their role in the upcoming Photokina Trade Show.

For more information about Microsoft’s Pro Photo Tools visit: http://www.microsoft.com/ProPhoto/ or http://www.photolaptop.com