2010 Photokina Underway

2010 Photokina Underway

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The 31st photokina swung open its doors today to over 1,250 suppliers from 45 countries.  The biannual “World of Imaging,” will attract over 150,000 visitors from around the world from September 21-26, 2010 in Cologne, Germany.

Here’s a brief look at some of the announcements those folks will be treated too during the week long celebration of all things imaging.

Sony’s two new α cameras (models SLT-A55V and SLT-A33) will steal much of the spotlight at their photokina booth this week. Both models adopt Sony’s newly-developed Translucent Mirror Technology, which achieves the highest-level of auto focus speed for both still image and movie shooting.

Translucent Mirror Technology provides performance previously unattainable with traditional DSLR technology. Using the new technology, the α55 and α33 models can continuously and quickly focus (with TTL phase-detection) while shooting stills and recording video—even in full HD, allowing desired moments to be captured in tack sharp focus, high-definition video. They can shoot continuously at up to 10 frames per second on theα55 (and up to seven on theα33), achieving shooting speeds that are the fastest in the industry for an APS-C size sensor-equipped interchangeable lens cameras under $1000.

Sony is also showcasing their three new S-Frame digital photo frames (models DPF-XR100, DPF-VR100 and DPF-D830) that let consumers keep their favorite memories close with innovative, high-quality features, including video playback and battery operated capabilities.

The DPF-XR100 and DPF-VR100 models offer AVCHD video playback capabilities, allowing consumers to view detailed, realistic video with vivid colors and contrast directly on the units' high-resolution WSVGA LED backlight LCD screen.
www.sony.com

Olympus will debut a  new flagship compact camera that will be the company’s first digital compact camera with a built-in Zuiko lens. The company tells us they expect to introduce the camera in the first quarter of 2011.

Like the Olympus Pen E-P2 and E-PL1 models, this new camera will include an accessory port so photographers can attach optional accessories, like the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set.

A prototype of the camera is on displayed this week at photokina 2010 in Cologne, Germany, and will be on exhibit at the 2010 PhotoPlus Expo at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 28-30. Expect to see their new E-5 steal some of the spotlight as well. www.olympusamerica.com.

Panasonic announced three new interchangeable lenses for its LUMIX G Series of cameras, including the world’s first interchangeable 3D lens, the H-FT012. The lenses, all based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard, are compact while featuring high optical performance and are compatible with Panasonic’s LUMIX DSLMicro cameras, such as the newly-announced LUMIX DMC-GH2.
 
Furthering Panasonic’s leadership in 3D technology, the new interchangeable 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012) features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system.  Panasonic's advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing systems, and lens barrel design, allow the 3D lens to be compact. www.panasonic.com

HiTi Digital, Inc. is launching their latest High-Capacity Roll-Type Photo Printer – the HiTi P720L. The 720  features powerful software, high media capacity of 1,000 prints (4” x 6”) and speedy printing times of approximate 7.9 seconds per print . The printer employs roll-type dye-sub photo printing technology and performs borderless photo printing in multiple sizes, and offers HiTi’s usual  friendly and simple operation.

HiTi is also highlighting its multi-functional software – the HiTi Picvite Minilab and HiTi Picvite Kiosk specifically designed for HiTi P720L that essentially extends the functionality of the 720 to a dry minilab or photo kiosk system. www.hiti.com

AAA Imaging Solutions announces the introduction of a minilab designed to specifically meet the needs of the African and other emerging markets.  The new machine, code named “Serengeti” is made in Japan by Noritsu Koki to AAA Imaging’s specifications.  Powered by an i-beam print engine the Serengeti can produce 760 prints per hour (4×6) and can make enlargements up to 8×12.

The Serengeti is exclusively available from AAA imaging Solutions and will be sold and serviced by AAA Imaging’s network of dealers. www.aaaimaging.com

Unibind will introduce the new and unique Photos & Sounds concept into the photo book market as the first photo book to incorporate sound into the cover. Users can record a personalized voice message such as a birthday greeting, or use pre-recorded music or popular songs, such as Christmas carols and Happy Birthday tunes. It will surely attract the attention on the shelves and therefore is an interesting new business opportunity for retailers.

This high-quality product combines Unibind’s innovative Staple SteelBinding technology with the award-winning ‘talking technology’ from US-based company, Dinotalk. The Photos & Sounds PhotoBook integrates this talking technology into the front cover, enabling users to record a personal message matching the securely bound photo prints. www.unibind.com

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