The Photoflex First Studio Portrait Kit is designed for basic portrait photography. By entering this rapidly growing segment of the photographic lighting market, Photoflex intends to serve budget-conscious photographers who also want the traditional Photoflex quality and reliability The First Studio Product Kit is sufficient as the first set of lights for anyone who's just opening up a small studio on a budget or for those who might want to step up from on-camera flash and try studio photography. Included are: two FirstStar light heads, two FirstStar 250 watt lamps, two 43" silver umbrellas, and two 2205 LiteStands.

The Photoflex umbrella has a black exterior and a high efficiency silver interior for maximum light output. These are the most light-efficient umbrella in the world. A double-laminated interior limits light leaks and thus cuts power costs and shooting time. Compact and portable, the LiteStand comes in four sections. It sets up quickly, and the aluminum tubing extends to a maximum of 7 feet, 4 inches.

Holes in the reflectors allow you to pass through and mount the umbrellas via their stems. The stands are lightweight, but they're still strong enough to handle the large umbrellas, even when extended out to the maximum 76". When shooting at f/4 at 1/60 sec, the dual light setup worked best when positioned in close.

Main Features

• Economical 2-light setup for nicely lit portraits
• 250-watt, double-envelope tungsten lamps with E26 base
• High-efficiency, silver reflector umbrellas
• Durable, easy to operate light stands
• One-year warranty

Photographers who need product capabilities can add the LiteIgloo to the Portrait Kit either at the time of purchase or at a later date.

Photoflex provides extensive information on lighting principles, equipment lessons, lighting lessons, specifics on how products work, and product comparisons at: www.photoflexlightingschool.com.

The First Studio Product Kit has a price of $349.95 (US MSRP). The medium LiteIgloo has a price of $109.95 (US MSRP). There is also a support kit available.

Also announced at CES is the new Kodak Easyshare C653 Zoom digicam with 6MP resolution and 3x optical zoom. The camera features a 2.4-inch indoor/outdoor bright color display, digital image stabilization using the anti-blur mode and KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology for superb picture quality.

Other features include:

• 6.1MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
• VGA video capture with audio at 640 x 480 at 11 frames per second
• 19 programmed scene and 3 color modes, including High ISO mode
• combine up to three shots together into one large picture with panorama stitch mode
• internal memory plus feature switches to in-camera memory when SD memory card is full
• Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by AA-size batteries (alkaline batteries included)

The Model C653 is available at retail for $129.95 (US MSRP).

Ordering

Order the Easyshare C653 for less at Amazon.com*.

*Ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

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Casio, Inc. has announced the release of the 7.2MP EXILIM Hi-ZOOM EX-V7, the most powerful zoom in the stylish EXILIM® series of compact digital cameras. It sports impressive features such as a 7.2MP 1/2.5 ” Type CCD, 2.5" Super Bright LCD, 33 Photo Best Shot Modes and 10 Movie Best Shot Modes. Thinness is the hallmark of EXILIM cameras. The EX-V7 is no different measuring at 3.76" (W) x 2.35" (H) x 1.0" (D), it easily fits into a shirt pocket or small purse.

Main Features

• The world's slimmest* digital camera with a 7X optical zoom lens*
• Four blur reduction technologies with new CCD shift system
• Newly designed EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processor
• High-quality movies using next-generation H.264 video encoding method

* As of January 8, 2007, for digital cameras with a zoom ratio of 7x or above. Based on a Casio survey.

The EX-V7 is powered by the Exilim Engine 2.0 for high resolution, high performance, high speed, power saving and ultra-compact configuration. The Engine 2.0 incorporates Auto Tracking AF", tonal control, the ability to eliminate noise in designated color regions (such as the sky), and boasts faster image processing functions that enable instantaneous color correction or angle adjustment.

There are also four technologies integrated into the EX-V7 to reduce blurring. These include: (i) new CCD shift system that mechanically compensates for camera shake, (ii) camera automatically analyzes the velocity and vector of a moving subject and sets the most appropriate ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, (iii) Anti Shake DSP reduces blur due to shaky hands and subject movement, using high shutter speeds and high sensitivity settings, (iv) electronic camera shake compensation function eliminates blur when shooting in movie mode.

The EX-V7 can capture high-quality movies using next-generation H.264 video encoding method that records movies at high compression ratios that save storage space. Recording times are about 1.5 times longer, with the same capacity and same picture quality as conventional MPEG-4.** In addition, silent lens motion enables optical zooming while recording movies in stereo sound. The EX-V7 can record 16:9 wide-aspect movies compatible with wide-screen TVs.

** Casio comparison, at Normal picture quality setting.

Pricing and Availability

The EXILIM Hi-ZOOM EX-V7 will be available in March at a price of $299.99 (US MSRP). Accessories include cases and straps as well as the NP-50 rechargeable battery (Exilim Hi-Zoom Series Cameras).

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At the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Kodak introduced two new additions cameras to its award-winning line of EASYSHARE digicams. The Kodak Easyshare V1003 Zoom Digital Camera (shown here) - with 10MP resolution and the Kodak Easyshare V803 Zoom Digital Camera - with 8MP resolution, have 3X Kodak Retinar aspheric all glass optical zoom lenses, and come in a number of colors (pink bliss, red shimmer, cosmic blue, mystic purple, golden dream, white glaze, silver essence, slate gray and java black.)

Feature include:

• New high ISO mode up to ISO 1600 for bright pictures when shooting under low light conditions.
• KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology for better, brighter pictures automatically. This exclusive technology examines each picture to bring out shadow detail and deliver more vibrant colors in the shot.
• 22 scene modes, including simple on-camera stitching for dynamic panorama shots.
• Digital image stabilization using the anti-blur mode to prevent blurring from subject or hand movement.
• Advanced video mode to record VGA video (640 x 480) with sound at 30 fps; includes trimming and tagging for easy editing and searching.
• Convenient on-camera tools include blurry picture alert, digital red-eye reduction and picture cropping for consistently better shots.

Pricing and Availability

The Kodak Easyshare V1003 Camera will retail for $249.95 (US MSRP) beginning in March, and the Easyshare V803 Camera will retail for $199.95 (US MSRP) beginning in February.

Ordering

Order the Easyshare V1003 at Amazon.com*.

Order the Easyshare V803 at Amazon.com*.

*Ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

Sony has announced four additions to Sony Electronics' consumer lineup of high-definition Handycam® camcorders debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The new HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 AVCHD™ DVD models and HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 HDV tape camcorders feature Sony's ClearVid™ CMOS sensor technology. Developed for the processing needs of data-rich, high-definition video, this technology, along with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor® circuitry, bring the advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity with low noise, and virtually smear-free pictures.

The top-of-the-line HDR-UX7 and HDR-HC7 models feature Sony's three-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, which produces exceptional 1080i HD video quality, as well as 6MP digital still photos. Combined with Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization, these two camcorders have even more hybrid benefits. Such as the virtually blur-free results that a sensor-stabilized device can deliver with both digital stills and video.

The HDR-UX5 and HDR-HC7 models also deliver a powerful high-definition punch with their two-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensors that can also produce 4MP digital still photos.

All four new models exemplify the ClearVid benefits of smooth slow record and dual record modes. With the smooth slow record function, you can create slow motion video by playing back short video clips at 240 frames per second. Added this year is a voice memo so that you can playback those clips with audio recordings.

Dual record mode is even more useful now that the HDR-UX7 and HDR-HC7 models can shoot video, while simultaneously capturing a 4.6MP digital still picture. The HDR-UX5 and HDR-HC5 models can produce a 2.3MP photo in this mode.

Pricing and Availability

The HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 camcorders will be available in February for $1,400 and $1,100, respectively (US MSRP). The HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 models will be available in March for $1,300 and $1,000, respectively (US MSRP).

Canon must be working overtime these days with 7 new camcorder models introduced just before the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Starting with its entry-level MiniDV ZR series, Canon has added the ZR800, ZR830, and ZR850.

According to the Canon press release, “Canon’s ZR camcorder line offers the ideal solution for consumers who may just be getting started with their first camcorder and are looking for the simplest, most accessible device that delivers great results. The new ZR models feature a joystick in the main panel display that makes it easier than ever to record, play back and navigate the menu options. The Easy Mode automatically optimizes most of the camcorder’s settings, while the preset scene modes make it easy to shoot common scenes, including sunsets, fireworks, or a day at the beach”.

Here’s a quick comparison of the specs for the three new ZR models:

• ZR800: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; SD card capability
• ZR830: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; still photo capture (1024 x 768 resolution), SD/SDHC card capability
• ZR850: 1/6″ 1007K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; still photo capture (1152 x 864 resolution), SD/SDHC card capability

The DVD-recording DC lineup also gets three new models — the DC210, DC220, and DC230.

Canon sums them up saying, “All three of these new DVD camcorders combine the convenience, versatility, and broad compatibility of DVD recording and playback with the dramatic reach of genuine Canon 35x optical zoom lens (1000x digital zoom), which is Canon’s longest optical zoom on a camcorder to date. Sophisticated yet simple to use, Canon’s Smooth Zoom feature actually reduces the erratic, jerky zoom techniques that plague some users of long zooms, smoothing out the process by selecting from one of three pre-set zoom speeds. For even smoother video, Canon Image Stabilization helps provide a shake free image for the entire focal length“.

Here’s a quick comparison of the specs for the three new DVD models:

• DC210: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; EIS image stabilization; 1024 x 768 still resolution
• DC220: 1/6″ 680K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; EIS image stabilization; 1024 x 768 still resolution; MiniSD memory card capable
• DC230: 1/6″ 1007K Pixel CCD; 35x optical zoom; EIS image stabilization; 1152 x 768 still resolution; MiniSD memory card capable

Lastly, for semi-pro home video buffs, Canon announced the DC50 DVD camcorder.

According to Canon, “The DC50 DVD Camcorder incorporates a robust 5.39 Megapixel CCD Image Sensor with an RGB Primary Color Filter that provides vibrantly colored video and brilliant five megapixel photos. Combined with the range of optical advantages and technological advances beginning with its high quality, genuine Canon 10x optical / 200x digital zoom lens, the DC50 DVD Camcorder delivers the stellar image quality resulting from Canon’s experience and heritage as an optics company. The zoom lens on the DC50 DVD Camcorder goes beyond simply drawing the far off subject close in and bringing the distant vista near. With Canon’s smooth zoom control, the user can select one of three steady zoom speeds that maintain their constancy regardless of how hard the user presses on the zoom button“.

The DC50 also incorporates a DIGIC DV II processor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This camcorder ships with Roxio MyDVD editing software.

Reference links:
Canon Camcorders at Amazon.com.
All New Camcorders at Amazon.com.
Canon DVD Camcorders at Amazon.com.
Camcorders Buying Guide from eBay.