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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

Chuck Westfall on Canon - EOS 5D Mark II

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Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor with the Professional Products Marketing Division of the Consumer Imaging Group with Canon U.S.A., Inc. joins host Scott Sheppard for a special report with preview of their new Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Chuck explains some of the new features now available in this 21.1-megapixel DSLR camera. A significant upgrade from the previous 5D. The EOS 5D Mark II includes a redesigned full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4 imaging processor, significantly lower noise and an expanded sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25,600.

One of the most amazing upgrades to the camera includes it’s ability to capture up to 12 minutes of full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution. In addition of capturing detailed images, the camera even has an audio outlet compatible with standard microphones easily enabling video coverage in a .MOV format which is easily brought into any standard editing program. Perfect for capturing editorial stories or candid wedding moments, the EOS 5D Mark II is of course compatible with the 60+ Canon EF Lenses allowing for complete creative expression and effects.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II includes; three live view AF modes - quick, live and face Detection Live mode, peripheral illumination correction, auto lighting optimizer, new creative auto mode, 2 small RAW formats, silent shooting in LIVE view, and the EOS integrated cleaning system.

Canon also introduced the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens which replaces their EF 24mm f/1.4L USM professional wide-angle lens. This is the first upgrade since the lens was introduced in 1997 and now includes re-designed optics and uses a new anti-reflection lens coating called SWC (Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating) to minimize ghosting and flare.

The camera will be available for $2,699 for the body or with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens kit for $3,499 scheduled for delivery in the U.S. by the end of November. They will introduce the camera at Photokina and it will be shown in the U.S. at the upcoming PhotoPlus Expo in NYC. The EF24mm f/1.4L II USM lens has an estimated selling price of $1,699 and it is due to be shipped in December.

For details about their EOS system visit: http://www.canon.com/eos-d/ Find out more on all of Canon’s products at: http://www.usa.canon.com/ and For more tips visit Canon’s Digital Learning Center website at: http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/