Like a brush stroking color across a blank white canvas, the E-30 delivers instant artistic gratification. Its ease of use and power to transform the everyday into something artistic will appeal to painters, graphic designers, illustrators and Web designers, those with an eye for fashion and artists from all walks of life, not just photographers. New Art Filters and Multiple Exposure change how we create images, unleashing a digital imaging experience unlike any other that produces striking works of art inside the camera without the need for costly computer image editing software.

E-30 Rounds Out Robust E-System DSLR Lineup
The E-30 fits in the spectrum of the E-System lineup above the E-520 as a mid-range advanced DSLR, while the E-3 remains at the top as the flagship Olympus DSLR. Beyond the new Art Filters and Multiple Exposure function, the E-30 delivers the same high-precision performance and imaging quality demanded by professional photographers who use the E-3, as well as the consumer-friendly features found on the E-520, and several new surprises all its own.

As with all Olympus DSLRs, the new camera provides advanced Dust Reduction and in-body mechanical Image Stabilization so that every Four Thirds lens is stabilized. The new camera also offers TruePic III+ Image Processor and Full Time Autofocus Live View. These features are coupled with a new 12.3-megapixel high-speed Live MOS image sensor to capture breathtaking images.

Adding to the line of Four Thirds-compliant lenses, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II is also being announced today. It boasts high-speed Imager AF support for Live View shooting and a circular aperture mechanism for higher imaging performance. A versatile 28-108mm equivalent zoom range makes the new lens an ideal choice in a wide range of shooting situations, enabling users to enjoy the exaggerated perspective of wide angle shooting while providing telephoto power to zoom in for close-ups.

We Are the Visual Generation
The visual tastes of people of all ages are growing more refined as a result of art cinema and movies, music videos, television, video games, magazines, the Internet and online videos created in a wide array of visual styles. More distinct and artistic visuals are appearing everywhere, and the bar for creative images has been raised higher.

“The E-30 is the camera for people who are not content to simply capture and document a scene, but rather enjoy enhancing or customizing an image to make it their own,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The camera’s Art Filters and Multiple Exposure capabilities enable incredible individual artistic control over an image within the camera, in many cases eliminating the need for time spent applying image effects in the computer. Additionally, it delivers the same proven image quality of our E-System DSLR line.”

Art Filters Make Your Vision Come to Life
New to the E-30 is technology that conveniently helps photographers transform a basic image that faithfully represents the scene into an image that carries emotional impact. Olympus recognizes that some of the most iconic images ever captured were intentionally altered through exposures to render contrast beyond normal levels, or are alive with saturated colors or the gritty graininess of film. All have wonderful artistic merit.

The new Art Filters take this capability to a higher level, replicating these dramatic effects as you shoot using the Autofocus Live View LCD:

• Pop Art: Enhances colors, making them more saturated and vivid, creating high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s.
• Soft Focus: Creates an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details.
• Pale & Light Color: Encloses the foreground of an image in flat gentle light and pastel colors reminiscent of a flashback scene in a movie.
• Light Tone: Renders shade and highlight areas softly to lend an elegant air to the subject.
• Grainy Film: Evokes the feeling of documentary footage shot in monochrome with grainy, high-contrast film.
• Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center of the picture.

Art Filters are easily activated via the mode dial on the left side of the camera body, and the effects are viewable right on the new camera’s 100 percent accurate swivel 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal™ LCD when using the E-30 in Live View mode or when reviewing the captured image.

Multiple Exposures Create Something Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
With the new camera’s Multiple Exposure function it is possible to alter space and time by combining images shot in different locations and moments, lending your photos another dramatic dimension. For instance, take one shot of the full moon with the E-30 and the image will appear on the camera’s LCD. Then take another shot while the moon still appears on the LCD and superimpose a close-up of an owl perched on a tree branch. The two images will merge together seamlessly to form one dramatic image that has the haunting effect of a Halloween night.

Or take a self-portrait posing far away from the camera, and then another close-up shot to capture you and your “identical twin” both in sharp focus. Wedding photographers can capture an image of newlyweds posing together and then overlay a portrait of the blushing bride and a shot of the sunset to create a lasting wedding memory. The creative possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination. The E-30 can combine up to four images in a single photograph, overlaying various subjects to create a montage that blends all the elements together. Thanks to the new TruePic III+ Image Processor you are able to accurately compose, capture and combine your images on the fly directly on the camera’s LCD.

Digital Leveler
The E-30 is equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera’s pitch and roll and indicates it in the optical viewfinder, on the control panel and during Live View operation. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit for architectural photographers who must ensure that images they take of buildings are as centered and true as the walls of the buildings themselves. Rather than spend time rotating an image in computer software, you can use the new camera’s Digital Leveler to make sure your subjects are where they should be in the frame.

Superior Image Quality
The new camera’s high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to eradicate noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

Its Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor that produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible with accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression in between. TruePic III+ also lowers image noise in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Two Fast Autofocus Systems
The E-30 offers two systems to quickly focus and capture the image. They include:

• Fast Autofocus with AF Live View – When it comes to measuring camera speed, autofocus is a key factor. If a camera’s AF system does not meet photographers’ demands and lock focus accurately and quickly, they will miss shots regardless of the camera’s shot-to-shot speed or start-up time. Thanks to the new 14-54mm II lens with high-speed Imager AF, shooting with Live View is faster than ever – a key element in utilizing the new camera’s art filters. AF accuracy is further ensured by precise 11 point imager AF with the 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor; and
• Phase Detection AF – This 11 point twin cross sensor provides world-class fast and accurate focusing. The E-30 takes advantage of the SWD lens speed. The alignment of the optical axis from the lens to the AF phase detection sensors combined with accurate mounting of the sensors within the AF unit delivers accurate and fast focusing.

Swivel Live View LCD: Freedom to Move You
Unlike others with fixed LCDs, the new camera’s 100 percent accurate 270 degree swivel 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal™ LCD can be rotated freely so photographers can compose at tough angles, including overhead and down low, without feeling like a contortionist. Because Live View enables an E-30 photographer to communicate face-to-face with subjects and still have everything in the frame with the camera body out of the way, an encouraging smile or wink of the eye can be used with a shy or nervous subject to get the desired results.

During composition, settings like white balance and exposure can be selected, and their impact is seen instantly on the LCD, thanks to Live View. Real-time monitoring offers amazing versatility and creative control. The LCD displays 230,000 pixels in vivid color and includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback. It also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures images can be composed from even the most obscure angles. The 2.7-inch LCD makes viewing icons and text on the camera’s menu a squint-free process.

Multi-Aspect Ratio Shooting
Since photography is a form of expression that is essentially based on clipping a scene, framing is an important component of style. The E-30 provides nine aspect ratios including the standard 4:3, as well as 16:9 for impressive, cinematic-style images, and 6:6, which is available with medium format cameras, plus 3:2, 5:4, 7:6, 6:5, 7:5 and 3:4. By selecting the aspect ratio before shooting and easily reviewing images on the LCD throughout the shoot, the Multi-Aspect function adds a new means of expression to your photography.

As with all Olympus E-System DSLRs, the E-30 offers the following features:

• Face Detection recognizes up to eight faces;
• Shadow Adjustment Technology controls highlights and shadow exposure automatically;
• Perfect Shot Preview shows how various settings will enhance the image before actually capturing it;
• Wireless Flash System provides control for multiple wireless flashes (FL50R or FL36R) without needing an external commander unit;
• Large Optical Viewfinder offers 98 percent field of view and 1.02 x magnification; and
• Proven Dust Reduction with SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter) system cleans the tiniest particles of dust and dirt for spot-free images.

Availability
The Olympus E-30 DSLR will be available in January 2009. It includes E-30 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card. The ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II lens will also be available in January 2009.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
E-30 Body Estimated Street Price: $1,299
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II lens Estimated Street Price: $599

(source: Olympus press release)

The X1 is an arc-slider phone with the Windows Mobile 6.1 Operating System. It is Sony Ericsson’s first mobile phone to feature Windows Mobile. Device also has Java virtual machine (JBed) and supports JavaME that is claimed to have richer set of features than typically available.

The phone features a three-inch touchscreen overlaying a QWERTY keypad which emerges when the user slides the touchscreen face upward, much as in the HTC TyTN II, although the X1’s touchscreen slides out in an arc. Its touchscreen is a 65,536-color TFT WVGA display. It has a 3.2 megapixel digital camera which records video at thirty frames per second in VGA (640×480) quality. There is also a secondary front facing camera for videoconferencing that is of QCIF format. Connectivity options for the phone include: mini-USB; wireless LAN 802.11b/g; Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, FTP, and HID; EDGE; and quad-band GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, and HSCSD. The X1 has 512MB of internal memory (400MB free), which is expandable to 32GB using High Capacity microSD cards, although currently only cards up to 16GB have been released by SanDisk. The phone also features A-GPS for navigation.

The Xperia X1 supports an ‘always on’ 3G broadband Internet connection with high-speed data transfer. This enables audio and video streaming, Web surfing, multimedia messaging and email. This enables audio and video streaming, Web surfing, multimedia messaging and email.

The Nokia E71 is optimized for messaging and e-mail with a full messaging keyboard and two customizable home screens, which let users switch easily between business and personal applications. Other features include one-touch keys, intelligent input (including auto-completion), Nokia Calendar, built-in A-GPS, Nokia Maps, 3.2-megapixel camera, music player and e-mail support, including Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email among others. Supported WCDMA frequencies depend on the region where the device is available.

Nokia E71 Features

• Quad band GSM / GPRS / EDGE: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• Dual band UMTS / HSDPA: UMTS 900 / 2100 (E71-1) or UMTS 850 / 1900 (E71-2) or UMTS 850 / 2100 (E71-3). The e71-3 has not at this stage been released. It appears to have been designed for specific carriers (such as Australia’s Telstra) who have not as yet taken it up. AT&T is getting a variant of the E71-2, the E71x.
• Integrated and Assisted GPS.
• FM Radio 87.5-108 MHz with Visual Radio.
• 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash.
• Front facing camera for video calls.
• Self-portrait mirror.
• 2.4 inch QVGA screen, Resolution 320 x 240
• Modes: Define user preset standby screens for different times of the day.
• QWERTY keypad
• WiFi 802.11b/g WLAN networking
• Infrared, maximum speed 115 kbps
• Bluetooth version 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate, Bluetooth profiles: DUN, OPP, FTP, HFP, GOEP, HSP, BIP, RSAP, GAVDP, AVRCP, A2DP
• Developer Platform S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1
• Operating System Symbian OS v9.2
• Dimensions: 114 x 57 x 10 mm and Weight: 127 g
• Latest firmware version 110.07.127 (09-10-2008)

(source: nokia.com & wikipedia)

Nikon D3x features overview

• Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
  Large 5.94µm pixels capture astonishing detail and subtleties with outstanding dynamic range for demanding commercial applications.
• Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies
  EXPEED extends and assures breathtakingly rich image fidelity and reduces noise, even at high ISOs.
• 138 MB Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files
  Selectable bit depths of 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a 16-bit processing pipeline, for smoother tonal gradations.
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600
  Added ISO settings of Lo-1 ISO 50, Hi-1 ISO 3200 and Hi-2 ISO 6400 extend versatility.
• Two Live View shooting modes
  Two Live View modes add flexibility, and up to 27x magnification in the Tripod Mode, acute focusing accuracy is easily confirmed.
• Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution
  Commercial image quality teams with speed and handling to create new shooting possibilities—in the studio or on location.
• Fast, accurate 51-point AF system
  AF system features 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking, for autofocus precision and razor sharpness.
• 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
  Two Nikon-exclusive technologies provide intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with refined auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.
• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor
  Individual factory calibration assures the color accuracy of each D3X monitor for critical image review.
• 100% viewfinder coverage
• Nikon Picture Control
  Four preset options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, and 9 customizable settings provide advanced, personalized color control.
• Rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy construction
  Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to 300,000 cycles.
• Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options
• Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
• Up to 4,400 images per battery charge

(source: nikonusa.com)

“From the desktop to the laptop and now to your pocket, the Nokia N97 is the most powerful, multi-sensory mobile computer in existence,” said Jonas Geust, Vice President, heading Nokia Nseries. “Together with the Ovi services announced today, the Nokia N97 mobile computer adjusts to the world around us, helping stay connected to the people and things that matter most. With the Nokia N97, Nseries leads the charge in helping to transform the Internet into your Internet”.

The Nokia N97 introduces the concept of ’social location’. With integrated A-GPS sensors and an electronic compass, the Nokia N97 mobile computer intuitively understands where it is. The Nokia N97 makes it easy to update social networks automatically with real-time information, giving approved friends the ability to update their ’status’ and share their ’social location’ as well as related pictures or videos.

The home screen of the Nokia N97 mobile computer features the people, content and media that matter the most. Friends, social networks and news are available by simply touching the home screen. The 16:9 widescreen display can be fully personalized with frequently updated widgets of favorite web services and social networking sites. The Nokia N97 is also perfectly suited for browsing the web, streaming Flash videos or playing games. Both the physical QWERTY and virtual touch input ensure efficiency in blogging, chatting, posting, sending texts or emailing. The Nokia N97 supports up to 48 GB of storage, including 32 GB of on-board memory, expandable with a 16 GB microSD card for music, media and more. This is complemented by excellent music capabilities, full support for the Nokia Music Store and continuous playback time of up to 1.5 days. The Nokia N97 also has a 5-Megapixel camera with high-quality Carl Zeiss optics, 16:9 and DVD quality video capture, and support for services like Share on Ovi for immediate sharing over HSDPA and WLAN.

(source: Nokia press release)

Sony HDR-CX11E HD Camcorder features & specifications

• Full HD 1920×1080 video recording at high bit-rate (16Mbps) using AVCHD format
• Up to 5 hours 55 mins HD recording on removable Memory Stick™ (16GB, optional)
• ClearVid CMOS Sensor with Exmor™ derived technology for superb picture quality
• BIONZ high-speed image processor for enhanced image quality and responsive performance
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom / 150x digital zoom
• Optical SteadyShot for improved still image and video stability, especially in low light
• x.v.Colour mode for more true, more vivid colours with compatible TV
• Face Detection automatically adjusts focus, exposure, colour balance and skin tone for clearer, more natural faces for both photo and videos
• Smile Shutter automatically captures smiling faces for happy still portraits
• D-Range Optimiser adjusts exposure and contrast for evenly exposed backlit shots
• Up to 10 megapixel still image recording and 7.6 effective megapixel Dual Rec while recording video
• 2.7? Wide Clear Photo LCD plus touch screen
• Quick browsing with smart search functions: Film Roll Index, Face Index, Highlight Index
• 5.1 surround sound recording with zoom mic for clearer dialogue and sound of foreground subjects
• HDMI™/component connector for enjoying HD video on HD ready TV
• BRAVIA Sync via HDMI™ connection for playback control via compatible BRAVIA™ TV remote
• PhotoTV HD for optimised still photo display on compatible BRAVIA™ TV
• STAMINA up to 6 hours (with optional battery, LCD backlight off)
• One Touch Disc Burn and Easy PC back up via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection (output only) with supplied Handycam® Station
• Assignable Dial for manual focus and iris control
• Easy to use Picture Motion Browser software with web upload assist function

* Please be aware that the features/specifications can differ from country to country.

Supplied accessories include a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, USB and component A/V cables, Handycam Station and remote controller. There’s also a full range of optional accessories including conversion lenses, batteries, chargers, micro phones, tripods, HDMI cables and cases. The Sony Handycam HDR-CX11E will be available from August 2008.

LG electronic has introduced the XD1 in South Korea without any release date or pricing information.

Redefining Mobile Imaging
Simply slide the lens cover open to illuminate ModeShift Technology, transforming the full-featured mobile phone into an ultra-fast 5 megapixel camera, complete with auto-focus, low-light optimization, and a bright Xenon flash.  ZINE ZN5 is the only mobile phone to have KODAK Imaging Technology that can be instantly combined with KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology for brighter, more vivid pictures on the spot which look noticeably better than pictures created without the technology. Users can take advantage of multiple capture modes, including panorama, which automatically stitches together continuous shots taken on the horizon line into a single, extended image.

Motorola MOTOZINE ZN5 Specifications and Features

• GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EDGE Class 12, GPRS Class 12
• 2.4? LCD 240×320 262k TFT
• Up to 350MB available memory, optional removable 4GB microSD card
• ModeShift Technology
• 5 megapixel camera, auto-focus, low-light setting, digital zoom
• Shutter speed: 1/60 – 1/1000 seconds in auto mode
• Multi-shot mode
• Capture modes: panorama, macro, multi-shot
• Editing effects: grayscale, sepia, negative, reddish, greenish, bluish, brightness, sharpen, contrast, blur
• Panorama feature automatically matches continuous shots taken on horizon line into single image
  Digital zoom lens
• Focal length: 5.56mm.  Aperture: 2.8/5.6
• Digital viewfinder
• CrystalTalk Technology
• SMS, MMS, IM, personal e-mail
• Full HTML open source browser
• 3.5mm A/V jack, FM radio, MP3, WMA
• Wi-Fi enabled/ WLAN: 802.11 b/g/i
• Windows Media Player® 11
• Video-C/P 15fps, MPEG4, H263
• TV out
• AutoPairing with Motorola/Kodak Bluetooth-enabled accessories, Stereo Bluetooth Class 2 wireless technology, High-Speed USB 2.0, Mobile Phone Tools and compatible Kodak Bluetooth-enabled accessories including Kodak EasyShare printers

The MOTOZINE ZN5 will be first available in China in July 2008 and is expected to roll out around the globe throughout the remainder of the year.

The H3DI-50 camera system has been especially designed to meet the demands of the high-end commercial photographer who demands both flexibility and ultimate image quality. The H3DI-50 includes:

• Highest image resolution from 50Mpixel sensor
• The freedom to choose between eye-level and waist-level viewfinders
• The choice of combining point-and–shoot and tilt/shift to solve creative commercial challenges
• The ability to combine working tethered and un-tethered to get the most of your camera system both on location and in the studio
• The option of processing your images in Hasselblad’s Phocus imaging toolbox, or working with your raw images directly in Apple’s Aperture.

The H3DII camera system is available with three different sensor models, offering image capture with a sensor resolution of 31Mpixel, 39Mpixel or 50Mpixel.

The H3DII-50 camera system produces the most detailed, highest resolution files available, providing:

• 300 MB files
• More creative freedom when cropping and altering
• Incredible enlargement potential
• Less moiré
• 1 fps capture rate thanks to 4-channel read-out structure
• ISO 50 to ISO 400
• ISO 800 with Hasselblad’s Phocus software
• Full access to all Hasselblad lenses

(source: H3DII-50 promotion)

The Nokia 7610 Supernova Specifications:

• 2G Network,  GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• Dimensions:  98 x 48 x 15 mm, 63 cc
• Weight:  99 g
• Display TFT, 16M colors
• Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2.0 inches
• Ringtones: Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3
• Memory Phonebook 2000 entries, Photocall
• microSD (TransFlash) card slot, up to 2GB, 512MB or 2GB included 64 MB internal memory
• GPRS data Class 32, 88 kbps
• Support HSCSD and EDGE Class 32, 296 kbits
• No support for 3G.
• Bluetooth v2.0, v2.0 microUSB
• Colors:    Muted Gray, Steel Blue, Red, Bright Lilac, Pristine White
• Camera:    3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, autofocus, video(VGA@15fps), dual LED
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+/WMA player
• MPEG-4 player
• Built-in handsfree
• Xpress-on covers
• Standard battery, Li-Ion 860 mAh (BL-4S), Stand-by     Up to 300 h, Talk time    Up to 5 h 20 min

The Nokia 7610 Supernova cell phone will be available in the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of €225 (before taxes).