Nikon are looking to expand and complete their DSLR family range with the introduction of the D3X, at the end of this December. This camera is set to break new ground in image quality and will RRP at £5499.99 (approx $8357.89).

Press release below: 

Nikon UK is pleased to introduce its new top-of-the-range premium D-SLR - the D3X. Building on the reliability, handling and durability of the award-winning D3, the D3X offers an imaging sensor with over twice the resolution of the revolutionary D3, breaking new ground in image quality.

The all-new 24.5MP CMOS sensor makes the new model eminently suitable for the broadest range of shooting situations, both in the studio and on location – ideal for photographers seeking unrivalled detail.

“This is the camera that many professional photographers have been waiting for,” said Robert Cristina, Professional Products and NPS Manager at Nikon Europe. “Just as the D3 has become the professionals’ camera of choice in sports photography, the D3X’s extremely high imaging resolution will raise the bar for commercial, fashion and stock photography. The results speak for themselves: this is without doubt our highest-quality camera to date.”

The World is Your Studio
The D3X boasts a specially-developed FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12-channel readout, gapless micro lens array and on-chip noise reduction. It delivers class-leading levels of continuous shooting speed and noise management at higher sensitivities without sacrificing detail.

The D3X supports a broad ISO range from ISO 100-1600, extendable down to ISO 50 and up to 6400 equivalent with up to 5 fps continuous shooting at full resolution, or 7 fps in the 10MP DX-crop mode. The acclaimed MultiCAM3500FX 51-point autofocus system enables extreme accuracy with outstanding dynamic tracking for fast moving subjects in low light.

The camera’s LiveView function offers a smooth workflow option, perfect for studio work or other situations where the use of the viewfinder is impractical. The camera also delivers a superb response rate, with a start-up of just 12 milliseconds and 40ms shutter lag. The Kevlar/carbon fibre composite shutter has been designed for intensive professional needs and tested to 300,000 cycles.

Images with the X factor
The D3X reaps the benefits of the very latest developments in sensor design and image processing technology. Designed to produce files suitable to meet the demands of tomorrow’s commercial and stock requirements, the camera produces 50MB 14-bit NEF (Raw) files. Using Capture NX2 software, NEF files can be processed into medium format terrain; 140MB (16-bit TIFF-RGB). Fine details are reproduced with incredible clarity, whilst shadows and highlights contain tonal gradation with minimal clipping for pictures with a unique look and feel.

Intuitive control
The D3X shares the same ergonomics and handling as the D3, which have been designed to enable anyone to get to work quickly and efficiently. The bright, uncluttered viewfinder features 100% coverage and comprehensive illuminated displays, while the high-definition, 3-inch, 920,000-dot VGA TFT monitor enables outstanding playback quality for on-the-spot image assessment. The D3X’s magnesium body, which is sealed for moisture and dust resistance, also supports Nikon’s wireless system (the WT-4), HDMI output, offers a dual slot for CF cards and is compatible with the new GP-1 GPS unit.

Nikon’s professional photography show, Solutions Expo from 9-10th December at Olympia Conference Centre, London, is free to register for and worth a visit.

Press  release below:

Now in its fourth year, Nikon’s Solutions Expo is back to offer photographers a look at complete workflow solutions; from inspiration, to tips and advice on getting the right shots, to software processing and printing.

Visitors will have the chance to check out Nikon’s latest professional products including the flagship D3 and D700 digital SLR cameras. The D90 – the world’s first digital SLR camera with High Definition video mode will also be on display.

Nikon partners, including Apple, Adobe, Epson, HP and Mitsubishi will be supporting this year’s show with a series of talks and product demonstrations. Together, these brands will offer photographers the flexibility to shoot outstanding images in any given situation, as reflected in the show’s theme, FREEDOM.

Live interactive shooting demonstrations will be held throughout the two-day event featuring ballerinas, Chinese circus and a bridal shoot in the studio area. A selection of high profile photographers will also be giving talks at the show, offering insight into their images and photographic experiences. Photographers include:
Alex Bailey
Joe Cornish
Donovan Wylie

More information and photographer profiles within the expert showcase can be found at: http://www.solutions-expo.co.uk/expert_showcase_d3.htm

Visitors to the show will also be able view entries to the Nikon’s student photographer competition, the Discovery Awards, and to participate in a silent charity auction for images shot by top photographers.

 Adobe proudly present another FREE software upgrade, this time for Camera Raw plug-in.
Press release below:
Adobe has released an update to its Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in, available immediately as a free download on Adobe.com. Adobe Camera Raw 5.2 extends raw file support to an additional seven camera models, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Panasonic DMC LX3. This update provides several new enhancements including the Targeted Adjustment Tool for on-image refinements and output sharpening for print or screen output. Also, users now have the ability to create a snapshot of all adjustments made to an image as a bookmark for future reference.

In addition, Adobe has updated Camera Profiles, which are now available natively within Camera Raw 5.2 and DNG Converter 5.2. Camera profiles provide the visual starting-point for photographers using a raw processing workflow. Adobe supplies different styles of profiles while also providing the ability for customization.

The new Camera Raw 5.2 plug-in supports the following additional seven camera models: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon PowerShot G10, Panasonic DMC-G1, Panasonic DMC-FX150, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Panasonic DMC LX3 and Leica D-LUX 4. Photoshop Lightroom, leveraging Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw technology, will add support for the cameras listed above in a future update.
Pricing and Availability

The Photoshop Camera Raw 5.2 plug-in is available as a free download for existing customers of Photoshop CS4, Photoshop Elements 7, and Premiere Elements 7. Follow this link to download the update:  http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/. The Adobe DNG Converter 5.2 is also available today as a free download at www.adobe.com/dng.

Love digital painting, game art and Prince of Persia?

Want a chance to win an the latest Prince of Persia console game? An XBOX? An XBOX and a Wacom Tablet?

If so then this is the competition for you. Visit http://news.deviantart.com/article/62882/

To celebrate the release of the exciting new Prince of Persia game, Ubisoft has teamed with the creative brilliance of deviantART’s Community to blow the walls off this amazing contest. Your challenge is to create stunning, innovative, and original art as inspired by the fantastic new game!

Deadline: December 12th

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS TO OFFER MPS IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE/SUMMER-RESIDENCY

SVA MAKES PRACTICE-BASED EDUCATION GLOBALLY ACCESSIBLE
Press release:

Online Information Session: Monday, December 8, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Register at www.sva.edu/gradopenhouse/app
New York, NY—November 12, 2008—Beginning in the fall of 2009, the School of Visual Arts (SVA) will offer the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Digital Photography Online/Summer-Residency degree. Expanding on the success of the MPS in Digital Photography, which is a residential learning program, the new degree takes a unique approach by combining web-based education with a summer residency. This one-year, low-residency program is designed for working professionals who are looking to advance their skills in digital image capture, management and high-quality output, or make a career change into the field of digital photography.
Katrin Eismann, photographer, author and chair of the MPS in Digital Photography Department at SVA remarks, “This program is ideal for anyone who has a deep passion for exploring the confluence of photographic aesthetics and digital technology but can’t relocate to New York for a full calendar year of study. Ideal candidates include working photographers, photographic educators and fine artists who are interested in developing a professional and unique body of work.” The program will be conducted online during the fall and spring semesters using state-of-the-art technology and will culminate in an intensive 9-week summer session in New York City, where students will produce a thesis project and the prints and collateral materials for a group exhibition.

The MPS in Digital Photography Online/Summer-Residency is comprised of a rigorous curriculum designed to advance students’ understanding and application of cutting-edge digital imaging technologies through in-depth online coursework composed of weekly classes and assignments, extensive discussions and critique sessions. Required classes include: Color Management and Output; Digital Materials and Processes; The Art of Editorial Photography; Advanced Image Processing; Photo Illustration; Studio Management and Practices; Thesis Development; and Scripting and Automation. Under the guidance of leading photographers, industry experts, retouchers, designers and studio managers, students master the latest tools and techniques to create technically perfect and aesthetically compelling images. Students also become versed in the critical aspects of marketing their work, studio operations and current business practices.

To provide students with a complete learning experience, SVA has developed a feature-rich online environment, including interactive video and audio components, allowing for synchronous and asynchronous meetings, exchanges in real time, virtual office hours and live feeds of lectures and events. Students will be able to make use of SVA’s library holdings online, in addition to other resources available to residential students, and will have 24-hour access to the course content.

As Eismann explains, “In creating this program, we thought a lot about how to bring SVA to you, wherever you are—everything from a sense of community with classmates, to abundant feedback from instructors, to access to technical support and student discounts.”

Katrin Eismann has written and lectured extensively on the latest digital imaging techniques and technologies as well as their impact on professional photographers, artists and educators. She has worked with Adobe Systems, Apple Computer, Eastman Kodak, Nikon and other companies to develop and refine photographic software and hardware. She is the author of multiple books on digital photography and digital imaging techniques, including Real World Digital Photography (Peachpit Press, 2003), Photoshop Masking & Compositing (New Riders Press, 2004), Adobe Photoshop Restoration & Retouching (New Riders Press, 2005) and The Creative Digital Darkroom (O’Reilly Media, Inc., 2008). Eismann is a featured columnist in American Photo and Photoshop User.

The study of the lens-based arts at School of Visual Arts encompasses commercial, fashion, fine art and documentary photography. Students have the opportunity to master multiple genres and image-making vocabularies in order to produce work that is both personally meaningful and marketable. In addition to the MPS in Digital Photography Online/Summer-Residency, SVA offers a BFA in Photography; an MFA in Photography, Video and Related Media; an MPS in Digital Photography (residency program launched in 2007); a one-year certificate for international students, called PhotoGlobal; and nearly 50 photography courses and workshops in the Division of Continuing Education.

School of Visual Arts is a comprehensive college of art and design which has been authorized by the New York State Education Department to confer the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in advertising; animation; cartooning; computer art; film and video; fine arts; graphic design; illustration; interior design; photography; and visual and critical studies; and to confer the degree of Master of Fine Arts in art criticism and writing; computer art; design; design criticism; fine arts; illustration as visual essay; interaction design; photography, video and related media; social documentary film; and the degree of Master of Professional Studies in art therapy and digital photography; and to confer the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching in art education.
School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City is an established leader and innovator in the education of artists. From its inception in 1947, the faculty has been comprised of professionals working in the arts and art-related fields. SVA provides an environment that nurtures creativity, inventiveness and experimentation, enabling students to develop a strong sense of identity and a clear direction of purpose.

The online information session for the program will take place on Monday, December 8, from 6:30-8:30pm. To RSVP for the session, please visit www.sva.edu/gradopenhouse/app. For additional information on the program, please visit www.sva.edu/digitalphoto.

If your looking to top of the range, consumer range DSLR then Nikon have an inviting retail deal for you.

Press release:

Nikon UK is pleased to announce a new cashback promotion offering customers up to £50 back on purchases of Nikon D60 digital SLR camera kits.

The cash back offer is available on all lens combinations purchased between 17th November and 18th January 2009 (inclusive). Details about kit combinations and cashback values are outlined below.
Kit Cash back available Deadline for claims

D60 single lens kit £30 / €40 2nd March 2009

D60 twin lens kit £50 / €65 2nd March 2009

More information about the cashback offer and details about how to submit a claim can be found at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.

All claims must be made by 2nd March 2008 in order to qualify. Terms and conditions apply.

On a global trail for the worlds most creative individuals, Hyper Island is looking to recruit students for the fall of 2009 and they may just be coming to a city near you.

If you’re unfamiliar with this creative school then you should know that Hyper Island runs the long-term programs Digital Media (in Stockholm and Karlskrona), Interactive Art Director (Stockholm) and Business Management (Karlskrona) with over 260 students study full time at each year. They promote self-exploration and personal development prompting freethinking to create digital artists optimistic about their work and the industry it exists in.

Hyper Island will be visiting major cities such as Barcelona, London, Prague and Berlin, plus many more, until the 31st January 2009. All courses are open to English speaking people and recruitment days last for about 10 hours in the intended city so don’t be late. If this appeals to your creative appetite and you think that you can achieve at and add to the Hyper Island experience then visit the official website address below and check diary dates now.

www.hyperisland.se

A recruitment day consists of a personal interview, informal meetings with Hyper Island staff, an individual creative task and a cool team assignment.

Since the start in 1996, the methodology of Hyper Island has been a true success, going from strength to strength with over 260 students study full time at Hyper Island each year.

Register now for MAX 2008 Europe, Adobe’s annual event for forward-thinking designers, developers and decision-makers.

You’ll join hundreds of other Adobe users, industry leaders and Adobe product teams at sessions, in-depth labs and special networking and community events.

This certainly is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with the most creative, innovative minds in the industry.

The event will be running from the 1st - 4th December Milan, Italy

Visit http://max.adobe.com/eu/experience/?trackingid=EAXGZ#?s=0&p=0  for more info and schedules.

Kapitza are pleased to pronounce their very first publication packed with visual and design delicacies.

official press release:

GEOMETRIC BOOK - HOT OFF THE PRESS

We are proud to announce the publication of our first book: ‘Geometric - Graphic Art and Pattern Fonts’ which has just hit the shops! What began as a seemingly straightforward exploration of pattern font design became an in-depth, yearlong obsession. This labour of love resulted in a unique and substantial book featuring original Kapitza graphic pattern art, fonts and more.

The Geometric book comes with a CD containing 100 pattern fonts - the most extensive pattern font collection available from any foundry. It also includes a helpful font index and easy to follow tutorials. We hope that you will be inspired by the innumerable possibilities the Geometric font collection has to offer. With thousands of characters you can create your own patterns for years to come.

All this inspiration and versatility is beautifully packaged. The book is truly vibrant – printed on heavy matte stock, it features an embossed cover that’s wrapped in an American-style poster and bound in a distinctive rhythm technique – making Geometric a new classic and a keeper.

www.kapitza.com

Want to win cool prizes and promote the fight against breast cancer? Well this is th contest for you.

“DeviantART has teamed up with these two powerhouses to promote this special contest. MGM’s PiNKiTUDE program is partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure by utilizing the iconic Pink Panther and the breast cancer research fund-raising genius of Susan G. Komen foundation to promote early detection as the key to breast cancer prevention among young women and teens.”

All you have to do is visit  http://news.deviantart.com/article/61887/ and embrace the Pink Philosophy and express it within your artwork.