Archive for February, 2012

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Getty Images Creative Grants

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Getty Images announced today the rebranding of the Grants for Good as Getty Images Creative Grants. Two grants of $15,000 are up for grabs. Applications close on 1 March.

Getty Images Creative Grants - applications end on 1 March.

Getty Images Creative Grants – applications end on 1 March.

The rebranded Getty Images Creative Grants will increase emphasis on the innovative use of creative and conceptual imagery and film.

“Nonprofits need compelling creative content to effectively tell their stories and stand out from the documentary style traditionally associated with the nonprofit sector,” said Andrew Saunders, Senior Vice President of Creative Content for Getty Images. “Together with creative agencies and content creators these organizations can leverage innovative conceptual imagery to raise awareness around critical world issues.”Fostering the collaboration between photographers and filmmakers with agency creatives and nonprofits, the grants will fund the creation of a compelling visual campaign that promotes positive change.

In addition to the cash prize, the winning photographer-agency or filmmaker-agency team will have the opportunity to leverage the expertise of Getty Images’ art directors, photo editors and producers to execute the project.

Online applications can be made at the website of Getty Images Grants.

The grants will be awarded by independent judges, each selected by Getty Images based on their  industry standing and experience.

Applications will be evaluated against criteria which include the strength and concept of the portfolio imagery as well as the level of collaboration between the creative communications agency and the nonprofit, to create a compelling visual narrative.

Winners will be announced in June at the 2012 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival.

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Posted in Contest, Photography | 1 Comment »

Dell delivers new data solutions

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Dell improves Fluid Data architecture for more flexibility in meeting the changing demands of organisations, and for increased automation for management of primary, backup and archive data.

Dell has a range of data solutions for SMBs and large enterprises.

Dell has a range of data solutions for SMBs and large enterprises.

Enhancements include new storage backup, application and networking solutions to help SMBs and large enterprises.

“With Dell‟s new primary, archive and backup storage solutions, the Dell Fluid Data architecture delivers the storage intelligence customers need to deal with a sea of constant IT change without driving up costs, wasting time or continually replacing infrastructure.”Dell’s Fluid Data architecture is designed to enable customers to manage more information more effectively.

Specifically, the enhancements include the following:

  • Dell‟s first deduplication backup appliance that integrates intellectual property from the Ocarina acquisition
  • a major software release for Compellent storage arrays
  • a new storage optimization solution for Microsoft SharePoint
  • broader support for Dell Force10, PowerConnect and Brocade storage networking solutions

The solutions are listed below:

  • New Dell DR4000 Storage Platform with Deduplication and Compression
  • New Dell Compellent Storage Center 6.0
  • Dell Compellent VMware vSphere Storage APIs for Array Integration
  • Dell Compellent Storage Replication Adapter (SRA) for Site Recovery Manager 5
  • Dell Compellent vSphere 5 Client Plug-In and Enterprise Manager-vSphere 5 Integration
  • Expanded Support for Dell Force10, Dell PowerConnect and Brocade Storage Networking Solutions

DellAvailability

Currently available:

  • The Brocade 6510 and Brocade DCX 8510 data center switches will be available in January.
  • The Dell Force10 S4810 10Gb Ethernet switch and the deep-buffer S60 1Gb/10Gb Ethernet switches for EqualLogic are currently available.
  • The Dell PowerConnect 8024 10Gb switches and M8024-k Blade IO modules are currently available.

First quarter 2012:

  • The Dell DR4000 disk-based backup appliance with deduplication will be available in Q1.
  • The Compellent Storage Center 6.0 software will be available in Q1.

Detailed descriptions of the solutions can be found in the press release below.

(more…)

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Posted in Announce, Dell, Enterprise IT, Gadgets, storage drive | No Comments »

New superzoom camera: Olympus SZ-31MR

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

The 16-megapixel SZ-31MR has 24x zoom, shoots Full HD movie, gets iHS and high-res touch LCD. It’ll be available in May 2012 in either black or silver.

The Olympus SZ-31MR comes in either black or silver

The Olympus SZ-31MR comes in either black or silver

Olympus claims that the new SZ-31MR has the lightest, smallest (and cutest) body of any compact with a 20-plus optical zoom.

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR

The SZ Traveller range is the first to capture 1080 Full HD movies and 16-megapixel stills simultaneously, using Olympus’ Multi Recording (MR) technology.

The AF is faster, the LCD is brighter and – thanks to the new touch interface – features like Multi Framing and Live Guide are even easier to use.

The SZ-31MR can now record movies and stills at high frame rates, and play back photo slideshows with music and transition effects.

Olympus SZ-31MR has 24x optical zoom

Olympus SZ-31MR has 24x optical zoom

The SZ-31MR is an extraordinary compact, despite its 24x wide optical zoom lens from 25-600mm (35mm equivalent).

The new iHS (Intelligence, High Sensitivity and High Speed) technologies make it possible to capture good blur-free images in the most challenging conditions, for example in low light or with backlight.

iHS draws on Olympus’ 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processors (originally developed for D-SLR cameras) to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response and enhance scene and subject recognition.

Olympus SZ-31MR has16 megapixels

Olympus SZ-31MR has16 megapixels

Combined with high-speed sequential shooting and high-speed autofocus, iHS cuts down picture noise and enhances resolution and colour gradation with fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots.

Multi motion Movie IS and Dual Image Stabilisation all but eliminate blur, even when you are walking and shooting at the same time.

IS is crucial with macros or close-ups of inaccessible subjects, when even the slightest wobble might otherwise ruin stand-out shots that regular lightweight compacts, with their weaker zoom lenses, simply can’t deliver.

Olympus SZ-31MR shoots Full HD

Olympus SZ-31MR shoots Full HD

When time is tight, Multi Recording and Multi Framing give another big advantage: You never have to choose between capturing one-off scenes as a 1080 Full HD movie or still photo – nor as a close-up or broader shot.

The SZ-31MR lets you do both.

A simple tap on the bright 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD takes a photo while you are filming.

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR

Or resets the point of focus, shutter speed and zoom factor – all without interrupting your movie recording.

The touch-sensitive screen also gives you direct access to Live Guide, which in i-Auto mode displays a sliding scale that you can move with your finger to adjust key parameters such as brightness and depth of field.

You can check the effect of your changes in real time before you capture the scene.

Main features for the SZ-31MR:

(more…)

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Posted in Announce, Cameras, Compact camera, Gadgets, Olympus, Photography, Specifications | No Comments »

Company byte: Belkin rebranded

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Belkin is a maker of network connectivity hardware, as well as accessories for consumer devices such as iPods and iPads. 

Belkin makes wireless routers, iPod accessories, iPad cases and energy saving devices.

Belkin makes wireless routers, iPod accessories, iPad cases and energy saving devices.

Belkin was founded in 1983 by Chet Pipkin and is headquartered in Playa Vista, Los Angeles, California, USA.

The rebranded Belkin logo.

The rebranded Belkin logo.

The company rebranded itself with a change in corporate logo during CES 2012, and a refocus onto developing “People-Inspired Products”.

Founder Pipkin, now President and CEO of the company, initiated the rebranding.

“The new Belkin logo, also known as PIP for ‘People-Inspired Products’, is an image made of dots configured to create a universal symbol of a person. It symbolises Belkin’s commitment in enhancing technology experiences for people, inspired by people,” said Alan Sparks, Vice President of Belkin, Asia Pacific.To achieve the promise of delivering People-Inspired Products, Belkin will put the emphasis on listening to the voices of their customers and partners.

These voices are to be integral to the development of Belkin’s products in their effort to improve and anticipate the evolving needs in our daily lives.

In conjunction with the rebranding, Belkin also announced its range of new products.

A list of these products is included in the press release below.

(more…)

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Posted in Accessories, Announce, Company byte, Events, Prices, Router, Specifications | 1 Comment »

CA Technologies leads in User Authentication

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Gartner has positioned CA Technologies in the Leaders Quadrant of the Magic Quadrant for User Authentication.

CA Technologies has a range of User Authentication security solutions.

CA Technologies has a range of User Authentication security solutions.

Gartner estimates the overall growth in the market by customers to be approximately 30 percent year-over-year.

“By 2017, more than 50 percent of enterprises will choose cloud-based services as the delivery option for new or refreshed user authentication implementations, up from less than 10 percent today,” writes Ant Allan, Gartner Research Vice President.Because of the shift toward lower-cost authentication solutions, the overall growth by revenue is estimated to be approximately only 20 percent.

Considering Gartner’s user authentication market growth estimate, and the forecast that half of the implementations will be cloud services, CA Technologies is confident it is in a solid position for success in this sector.

“With more than 14,000 organizations leveraging our authentication solutions and more than 85 million identities protected by our cloud-based authentication services we should be on the short-list for anyone considering a cloud authentication solution,” said Vic Mankotia, Vice President of Security, Asia Pacific, CA Technologies.

Get a complimentary copy of the report here.

CA Technologies was also positioned by Gartner in the Leaders Quadrant of two Gartner reports: Magic Quadrant for Identity and Access Governance (IAG), and Magic Quadrant for User Administration/Provisioning.

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Posted in Announce, CA Technologies, Cloud, Enterprise IT, Security, Study | No Comments »

New MIL camera: Olympus OM-D E-M5

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

It’s confirmed! The Olympus E-M5 (from the new OM-D series) has been launched in Singapore in sync with the launch in Japan. The Micro Four Thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens (MIL) camera will be available in late March. Price TBC.

Retro-looking Olympus OM-D E-M5 launched today some 40 years after the original OM film SLR. Photo taken with PEN E-P3.

Retro-looking Olympus OM-D E-M5 launched today some 40 years after the original OM film SLR. Photo taken with PEN E-P3.

Most of the speculation prior to the actual launch turned out to be spot-on. The camera will be launched in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

“The four-thirds traditional DSLR like the E-5 is not dead. Even now, the staff at Tokyo HQ are discussing what the successor to the E-5 should be like,” Toshiyuki Terada, Group Leader of Product and Marketing Planning Group.The launch will then be held in Amsterdam for the European countries next week.

The key question everybody is asking is whether the four-thirds DSLR, viz the E-5, E-30, E620 line of traditional DSLRs is dead.

Many in the industry that I’ve spoken to thinks so.

So I posed the question to Toshiyuki Terada, Group Leader of Product and Marketing Planning Group.

Toshiyuki Terada san, holding an E-M5 doused in water.

Toshiyuki Terada san, holding an E-M5 doused in water.

Terada-san said that the four-thirds DSLR are not dead.

According to him – even now, the Tokyo staff is discussing what the successor to the E-5 will be like.

E-5 is the flagship four-thirds traditional DSLR in Olympus’ four-thirds line.

Terada acknowledges that the higher end professional photographers will, for the moment, prefer the E-5 as the primary camera.

But the micro four-thirds mirrorless cameras are gaining very rapidly in popularity (especially with the younger generation) and capability.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

Looking at the OM-D E-M5, it does look like a “bridge” between the PEN E-P3 and the E-5.

Newly unveiled Olympus OM-D E-M5

Newly unveiled Olympus OM-D E-M5

Main improvements in plugging that gap is the increased auto-focus speed and the built-in electronic viewfinder, together with a host of other sweeteners.

Probably due to physics, it is still not possible for the OM-D to be a replacement for the E-5.

Only time will tell if the traditional DSLR will follow the way of the film cameras, or will the MIL cameras themselves be eventually replaced by higher performing prosumer compacts.

The camera will come with an M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-55mm f3.5-6.3 EZ kit lens.

In addition, two new micro four thirds lenses – ED 75mm f/1.8 and ED 60mm f/2.8 macro lenses – were also unveiled to be under development.

Two new Micro Four Thirds lenses under development - ED 75mm f/1.8 and ED 60mm f/2.8 macro lenses.

Two new Micro Four Thirds lenses under development - ED 75mm f/1.8 and ED 60mm f/2.8 macro lenses.

The design mock-up of these lenses will be exhibited at CP+ in Yokohama, Japan from 9-12 February, 2012.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 comes in black or silver but kit lens only comes in black.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 comes in black or silver but kit lens only comes in black.

Main specifications of the OM-D E-M5

  • 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor
  • TruePic VI image processing engine
  • 5-axis (instead of 2) image stabilisation
  • ISO range of 200 to 25,600
  • 3-inch 610k-dot OLED-based touch-screen
  • Built-in 1.44-megapixel electronic viewfinder.
  • Fast auto-focus (20% faster than PEN E-P3)
  • 3D tracking
  • New “Key Line” Art Filter
  • New “Cross Process II” & “Dramatic Tone II” Art Filter variations
  • Dust/splash proof
  • Echo special effect for video
  • Burst shooting of 4.2-9.2fps
  • Shutter speeds from 60 to 1/4000th second.
  • 121mm x 89.6mm x 41.9mm (4.8 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches)
  • 425 g with battery and memory card
  • Hot-shoe for external flash

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Posted in Cameras, Events, Gadgets, Launch, MIL, Olympus, Photography, Specifications | No Comments »

Rumour: Olympus OM-D/E-M5

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

After much speculation and buzz over the past few weeks, Olympus will be launching, worldwide, their new micro four-thirds camera today. It is believed to be the new OM-D/E-M5 (speculated price: SGD1,600 or JPY100,000).

The widely anticipated Olympus launch event

The widely anticipated Olympus launch event

I’ll be attending the Singapore launch later on today. For now, this is what the rumour mills out there speculate. We’ll see how close to the truth later on today.

Front view of the anticipated Olympus OM-D E-M5 (Photo: 43Rumors)

Front view of the anticipated Olympus OM-D E-M5 (Photo: 43Rumors)

The OM-D/E-M5 is believed to be a micro four thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens camera based in design on the retro OM-series of film SLRs from Olympus.

The camera is expected to have a 16 megapixel sensor, five-axis image stabilisation, an ISO range of 200 to 25,600, a hot-shoe for external flash, and a 3-inch 610k-dot OLED-based touch-screen, as well as a built-in 1.44-megapixel electronic viewfinder.

It’s supposed to have superfast auto-focus and 3D tracking, burst shooting of four frames per second, shutter speeds between 60 and 1/4000th of a second.

Rear view of the OM-D E-M5 (Photo:43Rumors)

Rear view of the OM-D E-M5 (Photo:43Rumors)

Body dimensions could be 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches), weighing 369 grams (about 0.8 pounds).

Two photos of the camera were leaked and withdrawn on Amazon Japan, but not before 43Rumors downloaded them and posted them. The pictures show the camera with a battery grip.

Lens-wise, two new micro four thirds lenses – 75mm f/1.8 and 60mm f/2.8 macro lenses – may be launched in conjunction with the camera.

Some believe it’s a higher end PEN E-P3 in the class of E-5.

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Posted in Cameras, Gadgets, Lens, MIL, Olympus, Specifications | 1 Comment »

New DSLR: Nikon D800 and D800E

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Nikon has launched, worldwide, the successor to the D700. The 36.3-megapixel D800 (approx. S$3,750) will be available in March, while the D800E (approx. 10% more at S$4,100) will be available in April.

Update (22 March 2012):

D4 (S$9,799) and D800 (S$4,488) go on sale in Singapore on 22 Mar.

Nikon launched the D800 and D800E DSLRs worldwide today.

Nikon launched the D800 and D800E DSLRs worldwide today.

The 36.3 megapixel, FX-format DSLRs boast the highest effective pixel count in the world.

In Singapore, Nikon launched the D800 and D800E in the Pan Pacific Hotel, together with the slew of 12 COOLPIX cameras that it had announced one week ago.

Expected to be less than half the price of Nikon’s recently released flagship D4, the D800/800E promises tremendous value for money for enthusiasts looking for a similar level of video recording performance as the D4, but who do not need the professional-oriented features for shooting stills in the D4.

But the star of the event was undoubtedly the D800 and D800E.

Main features

Nikon D800 with 36.3 million pixelsBoth have a powerful new EXPEED 3 image processing engine, 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, and 91k-pixel RGB sensor (for Advanced Scene Recognition) inside a light, single-piece magnesium body that is water and dust resistant.

They are capable of shooting broadcast quality video with high-fidelity audio recording.

The cinematographer will love the versatility of being able to shoot 1080p Full HD in both FX and DX based formats.

ISO ranges from 100 – 6400 (extensible to ISO 50 – 25,600)

The D800E offers even greater detail resolution

Nikon D800E with a battery grip

Nikon D800E with a battery grip

The D800E disables the aliasing and moiré pattern reduction operation performed by the optical low-pass filter in the D800 and most DSLRs, that result in a slight blurring of details.

By doing so, light passing through a NIKKOR lens is able to strike photodiodes directly for greater resolution in details.

This model is optimal for landscape and artistic photography, which demand higher detail resolution and clear definition.

Apart from this, the D800E possesses the same characteristics as the D800.

The detailed brochure for the two cameras can be viewed here.

(more…)

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Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 14 Comments »

CA ERwin solutions enable collaborative modeling for cloud and on-premise data

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Support for SQL Azure, new Web Portal helps stakeholders visualize data assets across the business.

ERwin solutions from CA Technologies

ERwin solutions from CA Technologies

Today’s resource-strapped organizations struggle to manage data complexity and share accurate information as new platforms and increasing volumes of data are added to their IT environments.

With CA ERwin data modeling tools, business and technical users can reap the benefits of a centralized, common view of business data in context.

This enables them to better understand and enforce critical data definitions and more easily leverage information as a strategic asset.

The products are described in more detail below:
(more…)

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Posted in Announce, CA Technologies, Cloud, Enterprise IT | No Comments »

Review: Nikon 1 V1 and J1 MIL camera

Monday, February 6th, 2012

I tried out the Nikon 1 V1 (and Nikon 1 J1) mirrorless interchangeable lens (MIL) digital camera over the Chinese New Year.

Here’s what I like and dislike about Nikon’s debut into this relatively new segment of digital cameras.

This is a joint review in partnership with Tech65.org. Check out their video review of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1.

This is a joint review in partnership with Tech65.org. Check out their video review of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1.

Both the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 comes with a choice of 3 lenses. Their bundled prices are tabulated below.

Nikkor Lens kit Nikon 1 V1 Nikon 1 J1
10mm S$1,269 S$969
VR 10-30mm S$1,199 S$899
10mm + VR 10-30mm S$1,399 S$1,099
VR 10-30mm + VR 30-110mm S$1,449 S$1,149

The Nikon 1 has a crop factor of 2.7, so the 10, 30 and 110 mm focal lengths of the Nikon 1 lenses are equivalent (35mm format) to 27, 81 and 297 mm respectively.

If you’re looking for a compact and stylish camera that focuses fast, shoots good quality images in auto mode, offers the flexibility of changing lenses; and you’re not into rolling up your sleeves to interfere with exposure controls – this camera is for you.

Likes

I like the simplicity and clean design of the camera. It’s as simple to use (actually simpler) as a digital compact, and yet it’s only slightly heftier than a compact, but with faster focusing and better image quality.

The new CX format 1-inch 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor is larger than those in compact cameras but smaller than other MIL cameras. It has a crop factor of 2.7 and allows lenses to be compact.

The new CX format 1-inch 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor is larger than those in compact cameras but smaller than other MIL cameras. It has a crop factor of 2.7 and allows lenses to be compact.

With a bigger sensor than most compacts, the image quality was noticeably better. Focusing was also very fast with its hybrid Contrast and Phase detection auto-focus.

So on those days that I just want a point-and-shoot that I can leave on auto and snap away at those precious spontaneous moments, this would be an ideal choice.

Such as when people come and go over the Chinese New Year period to “拜年” and you just want to shoot stills and videos of the kids spewing their well-wishing lines to earn their ang pows.

No need to frighten the kids with this gigantic and obstructive DSLR getting in the way. Besides, the design is retro and nice, very similar to the Olympus PEN, whose design I also like.

And the white design of the Nikon 1 V1 that I used was the conversation topic drawing oohs and aahs from the subjects.

(That is invariably followed by more oohs and aahs when they hear the price of the camera).

On the main mode dial, you can see the four main shooting modes for using the camera. The usual Still shooting mode and Movie recording mode, as well as two interesting new modes: Motion Snapshot and Smart Photo Selector.

Motion Snapshot

The first time I shot with Motion Snapshot mode I really liked the effect. What happens is that when you half-press the shutter release button, the camera begins to record video in its buffer.

(more…)

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Posted in Cameras, Gadgets, MIL, Nikon, Prices, Review, Specifications | 5 Comments »

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