Dominion launches Daminion Server network-based digital asset manager version is free

 Software maker Daminion has announced Daminion Server, a network-friendly digital asset management program. The software allows multiple users to access a centrally-held archive of images, with version control and user access controls to ensure images are kept safe and only edited or accessed by authorized people.
Daminion Software, a company specializing in digital asset management (DAM) solutions, has announced the release of the 0.9 beta version of its low-cost, local network based photo management software – Daminion

Today there is no problem selecting decent photo management software for personal use from the wide range of products available.
Pricing
Daminion Standalone version is free, while the server version is inexpensively priced for small teams and home users.
True, multi-user image management that protects your content from damage, unlike File-Server based systems

Restricted access to content by User Roles
Support for huge media archives (up to 500K-1M files per catalog)
Automatically sync image annotations (tags) with metadata (IPTC/XMP/MWG), including writing the metadata to Camera RAW files without sidecar files.
Daminion is compatible with Windows XP, 2003 or 2008 Server, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.  Daminion Server can run

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Sony announces three CMOS-based compacts including 18MP DSC-TX200V the 2012

High-Resolution, High-Speed
Each of the new Cyber-shot cameras features a new “Extra High Sensitivity” technology, which minimizes unwanted noise in low-light shooting conditions.  The TX200V, WX70 and WX50 cameras also offer image stabilization during video and still shooting.  All models can shoot video in Full HD resolution.

Features include:
18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
26mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
“Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode

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Pentax Update Optio VS20 long-zoom compact with twin shutter buttons

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION announced the Optio VS20 digital compact camera today. This versatile model features a high-power 20X optical zoom lens (28-560mm equivalent) and a second vertical shutter-release button with zoom lever for effortless portrait oriented shooting. The Optio VS20 even includes a vertical tripod socket for outstanding stabilized vertical support. 
Auto Picture mode that automatically chooses the best camera setting

PENTAX OPTIO VS20 FACT SHEET
The Optio VS20 features a high-performance, extra-powerful 20X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 28mm wide angle to 560mm super-telephoto (equivalent in the 35mm format).  The extra-wide zoom range captures images in a wide range of subjects and scenes from landscapes to sports events.  
Effortless, comfortable vertical-position shooting with image orientation shift and vertical position tripod socket.

The Optio VS20 enhances vertical shooting three ways:
Exceptional image quality
With 16.0 effective megapixels, a high-performance smc PENTAX zoom lens, and a CCD shift Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism, the Optio VS20 delivers well-defined, high-quality images. 
Large 3.0 inch LCD monitor
The Optio VS20 features an HVGA high-resolution 3.0 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots.
Triple Shake Reduction for sharp, blur-free images
Sensor-shift-type Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism

Digital SR mode*
This user-friendly feature allows photographers to capture the subject at faster shutter speeds to minimize the risk of camera shake and subject shake.

Movie SR mode**
During movie recording, the Movie SR mode effectively compensates for camera shake to produce beautiful, stabilized movie clips.
Automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode
Thirteen user-friendly scene modes allow the photographer to effortlessly capture beautiful images simply by selecting a desired scene mode for a given subject or scene. 

The new camera also incorporates a new sensor-shift based image stabilization mode which the company claims can prevent camera shake in images resulting in sharper images.
Pentax has announced the Optio VS20, possibly the first compact camera with a second shutter button and zoom lever for portrait-orientation shooting.

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Nikon replaces high-end Coolpix 'P' series with P510 and P310 optically stabilized lens

Nikon Inc. introduced two new COOLPIX cameras into the P-series, providing photographers with amazing optics from compact offerings for their next adventure-packed outing. COOLPIX Technology
At the core of these powerful new COOLPIX cameras are Nikon's world-class NIKKOR lenses, delivering accurate detail, brilliant color and amazing clarity. The New COOLPIX P510: Setting a Higher Zoom Standard
Shattering the conventional zoom barrier, the new COOLPIX P510 features a staggering 42x Wide-Angle NIKKOR glass zoom lens.

The astounding zoom range of 24mm to 1,000mm with advanced optical Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization ensures that the photographer captures their intended subject with exceptional image quality. To further enhance image quality and help combat challenging low-light conditions, the COOLPIX P510 includes an advanced 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. The New COOLPIX P310: Low Light, No Problem.

The new COOLPIX P310 achieves superior image quality in low-light settings thanks to the powerful combination of a 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, wide ISO range up to 3200 (Hi1 6400 equivalent) and a fast, wide-angle maximum aperture f/1.8 lens. The COOLPIX P310 further fights blur by incorporating advanced optical VR image stabilization and makes shooting in low-light a breeze with several scene modes including Advanced Night Portrait mode, Night Landscape mode and Backlight/High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode. To facilitate easy composing, viewing and playback, the COOLPIX P310 features a 3-inch high resolution (921,000-dot) LCD screen.

Understanding the demand for a capable multimedia camera, the COOLPIX P310 also sports incredible video capabilities.
Nikon has updated its photographer-friendly P series with the Coolpix P510 and P310. Both cameras offer 1080p30 with stereo sound recording.
The Coolpix P510  the zoom barrier" with a 42x 24-1000mm optically stabilized lens. It features a 16.1 megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensor, a 921k-dot 3-inch vari-angle LCD, can shoot 1080p HD video with stereo sound and supports ISO 100-3200 shooting with Hi1 (ISO 6400) and Hi2 (ISO 12800, monochrome) options. There's also 1080/30p video capture with stereo sound and in-camera editing.

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