Imaging Briefs
By Staff -- TWICE, 6/16/2008
Nikon Intros Imaging Software
Melville, N.Y. — Nikon will ship a new version of its Capture NX digital-editing software to dealers this month.
Capture NX 2 builds off the prior program with a new user interface, updated menu and browser functions and a new Auto Retouch Brush for removing blemishes or dust from images.
The software can be used to process and edit Nikon's NEF RAW file format in addition to standard JPEG and TIFF images.
New for NX 2 is the Selection Control Point, which lets consumers edit photos without manually outlining or masking the area in question and shadow/highlight adjustment for improving details in darkened or blown out areas of a photo. Also new in NX 2 is a "workspace" feature, where users can customize which tools and palettes they will use. Predefined workspaces are also available.
Capture NX 2 will retail for $179.
Lucidiom Launches Kiosk Software
Vienna, Va. — Lucidiom will ship version 6.0 of its EQ software to retailers this month.
Lucidiom's EQ 6.0 supports several new photo print products, including 6-inch by 8-inch photo books, notepads, banners and 8- by 12-inch calendars. Also new are Card Catalogs/Quick Books, which consumers can order like an index print, the company said.
The software features an auto-fill system to populate posters and collages, along with drag-and-drop functionality for photo book creation.
Lucidiom also integrated its Lab 50 and APM kiosk software into EQ 6.0, which allows photo retailers to centrally manage kiosk and price promotions.
Pentax Adds Zoom Lens
Golden, Colo. — Pentax will ship a new lens for its K-series digital SLRs to dealers this July.
The SMC DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM interchangeable zoom lens features a 4.1x zoom ratio (26mm to 107mm, 35mm equivalent) and a built-in autofocus system. A "quick-shift" focus system lets users switch between automatic and manual focusing by turning the focus ring.
The lens also features Pentax's Super Protect coating for repelling dust, water and grease, a maximum aperture of f/4 over the entire zoom range and a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches over the entire zoom range.
The 17-70mm lens will retail for $599.
SanDisk Offers Fast Memory Stick
Milpitas, Calif. — SanDisk said it would ship its fastest Memory Stick flash-memory card to dealers in June.
The Extreme III Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo card will offer read/write speeds of 30 MBps. It will be bundled with a copy of RescuePRO image recovery program. The new Memory Stick will be sold in 4GB and 8GB capacities for $89.99 and $149, respectively.
Zoran Chip to Power Touchscreen Printers
Sunnyvale, Calif. — Imaging processor manufacturer Zoran said it had developed a pair of chips to power photo printers with Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen LCD interfaces.
The Quatro 4301 and 4302 processors are geared toward manufacturers that produce standalone or all-in-one inkjet photo printers. In addition to Wi-Fi, the chips support Ethernet networking and the ability to connect a printer to a television or hard disc drives.
Zoran is currently sampling the processors with its partners.
Noritsu Hits The Road
Buena Park, Calif. — Noritsu will hit the road starting this month to promote its new D701 inkjet printer.
The tour will be aimed at retailers, pro photographers and professional studios, the company said. Epson's wide-format inkjet printers will also be included in the road show.
The tour will encompass 11 cities and run to mid-August. A full list of Roadshow locations and dates can be found at www.noritsu.com/roadshow.
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