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For the first time, a Green Screen lighting kit for photo & video, plus the support to allow you to broaden your expectations

JP Distribution, the exclusive UK distributor for Westcott – one of the world leaders in professional photography and video lighting equipment - has announced the new complete Green Screen Digital Lighting Kit 405 from Photo Basics by Westcott.

Green Screen is the most widely-used method for creating special effects in movies and publications and with Westcott’s new Green Screen Lighting Kit, creating unique images in just a few simple steps has never been easier!

You may have heard about the wonders of using Green Screen, but fort he first time, this kit will teach you how simple and easy this technique is to perform for video and for stills.

A single, simple kit for everyone invlolved in modern image making.

The kit comprises of:

• Two lights, softboxes and stands.
• Educational DVDs,
• 10x Photo and 10x Animated backgrounds.
• Free trials of Adobe Premiere and Adobe Photoshop Elements.
  

Pricing and Availability:

The complete Green Screen Lighting Kit 405 is available for £288.00 inc VAT. Please contact Johnsons Photopia for your nearest dealer on 01782 753304 or e-mail info@johnsons-photopia.co.uk

About Westcott:

Westcott is distributed in the UK by JP Distribution. Westcott is a leading manufacturer of light control equipment, backgrounds and accessories for professional imagemakers in photography and video fields. Since Westcott entered the photography market, it’s been a major innovator in devising professional light control products. With over 600 items for professional and beginning photographers, Westcott have continued a long-standing commitment to product innovation.

For more information on Westcott please see: http://www.fjwestcott.com.

About JP Distribution:

JP Distribution is a successful division of Johnsons Photopia Ltd., an independent, privately owned company that can trace its roots back to 1743. JP Distribution is committed to providing an exclusive complimentary portfolio of leading brands for the professional and enthusiast photographer via a dedicated network of retail partners.

Sekonic, ILFORD, Broncolor, Gepe, Geimuplast, Billingham, PocketWizard, Toffee cases, Peli, Trek-Tech, and Spudz are all part of the JP Distribution brand portfolio.

JP Distribution is located in the heart of England at the company headquarters in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, where the company employs a wealth of experienced personnel with an unrivalled level of imaging knowledge, expertise and experience.

For more information on JP Distribution, please visit: www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

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MAGIX products nominated for Software of the Year Award!

Four different MAGIX products have been nominated for Software Load Software of the Year Award.

Xtreme PhotoStory and CD & DVD has been nominated in the Graphics category, Music Maker and Audio Cleaning Lab in the Audio category and Movie Edit Pro in the Video category.

To vote for these products, please click on the link below. You have until November 5th to vote!!

http://www.softwareload.co.uk/softwareoftheyear-categories

Coming Soon in November 2010 - Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator!

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Reallusion have announced their next product following on from CrazyTalk6. CrazyTalk Animator is the next major leap after CrazyTalk6. Before, the CrazyTalk product line was initially focused on talking head animation. In this new generation of CrazyTalk, you can not only animate a character’s face, but also do full-body animation with enhanced bone-based fitting technology in the unique puppeteering engine. CrazyTalk Animator is a revolutionary animation suite with 3D layering mechanics and drag-n-drop multi-media compatibility that allows you to import your characters and props directly from photos! Explore more, and learn all about the new enhancements below:

http://www.reallusion.com/event/2010/crazytalk_animator/

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Lastolite Announce New TriGrip Difflector

The World’s First Dual Purpose Reflector Panel Which Can Be Used as Both a Diffuser and a Soft Silver Bounce Reflector.

Lastolite Limited, the world's leading manufacturer of backgrounds and lighting control systems for the photo, video and cinema industry, announces the release of the new TriGrip Difflector.

The TriGrip Difflector is the world's first dual purpose reflector panel which can be used as a diffuser and a soft bounce reflector. The unique fabric developed for this product allows light to pass through one side and bounce off the other side, making it a truly versatile product whatever the lighting conditions.

The TriGrip Difflector also features the unique TriGrip moulded handle for accurate positioning of the reflector with just one hand.

Main Features:

• Hold the reflector with just one hand
• Hold two reflectors' - one in each hand
• Use as a diffuser or a bounce reflector
• Collapses to a third of its original size

Price & Availability:

The new TriGrip Difflector is available in 3 sizes:

TriGrip Mini 45cm (18") Difflector - £48.00 inc VAT

TriGrip 75cm (30") Difflector - £63.32 inc VAT

TriGrip Large 120cm (48") Difflector - £78.64 inc VAT

For stockist information, please see: http://www.lastolite.com/distributors.php

Email: sales@lastolite.com

Telephone: 01530 832570

About Lastolite:

Lastolite are world leading manufacturers of backgrounds and lighting control equipment for the photographic and video industries.

Established in 1985, the company started out with just a handful of employees and one product, the original 'pop up' circular reflector. Today the company employs over 100 people, operates from a 60,000 sq.ft manufacturing facility and offers a comprehensive range of innovative, award winning products to over 60 countries worldwide.

Photography on the move and innovation are in the company's heart. Lastolite hold a number of worldwide patents for their products and their ongoing investment into research and development enables them to continue delivering ground breaking products to the market.

In 2009, Lastolite founded the Lastolite School of Photography. Lastolite's strategy for the School of Photography is to provide FREE OF CHARGE video and written tutorials for photographers on a monthly basis, building an 'industry leading' library of tutorials for existing users and photographers looking to buying one of their products.

For more information please see: http://www.lastoliteschoolofphotography.com/

For all information on Lastolite product please see: http://www.lastolite.com/

Ricoh Releases the Second Function Enhancing Firmware Update for the GXR

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Tokyo, Japan, October 26, 2010—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Shiro Kondo) released the second function-enhancing firmware update on October 27th, 2010 for its GXR range of high-performance compact digital cameras which were initially released in December 2009.

With the GXR system, the lens, image sensor, and image processing engine are all mounted within the camera unit instead of the body, creating a ground-breaking interchangeable unit system that utilizes a slide mechanism for attachment and removal. 

  Ricoh’s function enhancing firmware updates are developed in response to opinions and requests received from a large number of customers via surveys submitted at customer registration time and other channels. This second update enables customers who already own a GXR to update their firmware to include the latest functions, thus making it possible for them to enhance the performance and usability of their cameras by adding new function and setting possibilities.

The function-enhancing firmware and instructions for using these functions can be downloaded free of charge from the Ricoh website.

<Enhanced Functions>

(1) Addition of “Screen Magnification Position Movement” when shooting

The magnification position of the shooting screen display can now be moved together with the AF/AE target movement or macro target movement. Supported in both auto focus and manual focus modes. (Macro target movement is only supported on units equipped with macro mode.)

(2) Addition of 3 handy magnification ratios for the focus check function

You can select the magnification ratio from 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1 in the shooting screen. Additionally, you can register the magnification function to the Fn1 or Fn2 key.

(3) Addition of “spot AF, macro AF area selection”

You can choose from normal or pinpoint AF area size when Spot AF is selected or when shooting in macro mode. (Only spot AF is available when GR LENS A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO or GR LENS A12 28mm F2.5 is used.)

(4) Addition of “ADJ key and Fn key registration function” when changing the aspect ratio

You can now register the aspect ratio change function to the ADJ, Fn1 and Fn2 keys.

(5) Addition of “key custom setting initialization” function

Key custom settings can be returned to their initial values.

(6) Addition of “My Setting delete” function

You can return the registered settings in the My Settings BOX and mode dial to the initial values.

(7) Addition of “Shutter half-press confirm” function in the DIRECT screen

You can confirm setting changes in the DIRECT screen by half-pressing the shutter.

(8) Exif2.3 support

Exif2.3 is now supported.

(9) Addition of “Noise Reduction AUTO”

You can now automatically adjust the noise reduction effects on the camera using the AUTO function.

(10) Macro AF Distance Limitation

When macro shooting using the GR LENS A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO, you can now select the shooting distance (distance within which the auto focus can focus) from 7-14cm or 12-30cm to provide overlapping distance ranges.

(11) AF Acceleration

The autofocus control drive system has been improved and accelerated. In association with this change, the AF mode (QK-AF and FR-AF selection mode) in the set up menu has been deleted. (When GR LENS A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO is used)

Contact Information:

Alpha Digital Services Ltd : UK Exclusive Distributor

http://www.alphadigitalservices.co.uk/

sales@alphadigitalservices.co.uk

01189 337000   

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More Creative Options with the 28” Apollo Kit from Westcott!

JP Distribution, the exclusive UK distributor for Westcott – world leaders in professional photography and video lighting equipment - has announced the 28“ Apollo Kit.

The 28“ Apollo Kit from Westcott is perfect for the ‘Strobist‘ who is looking for more creative options and the ability to modify the light from their flashguns. Opening up like an umbrella, the 28“ Apollo is simple to use, and quick to put up and take down. The unique design allows for the flash to either be bounced towards the back of the Apollo for a soft, indirect light source, or directly through the front diffusion panel for more spectacular highlights. The Kit includes the 28“ Apollo, Shoe-mount Umbrella Bracket and Stand.

Pricing and Availability:

The 28“ Apollo Kit is available for £135 inc, saving 25% on component pricing. Please contact Johnsons Photopia for your nearest dealer on 01782 753304 or e-mail info@johnsons-photopia.co.uk

About Westcott:

Westcott is distributed in the UK by JP Distribution. Westcott is a leading manufacturer of light control equipment, backgrounds and accessories for professional imagemakers in photography and video fields. Since Westcott entered the photography market, it’s been a major innovator in devising professional light control products. With over 600 items for professional and beginning photographers, Westcott have continued a long-standing commitment to product innovation.

For more information on Westcott please see: http://www.fjwestcott.com.

About JP Distribution:

JP Distribution is a successful division of Johnsons Photopia Ltd., an independent, privately owned company that can trace its roots back to 1743. JP Distribution is committed to providing an exclusive complimentary portfolio of leading brands for the professional and enthusiast photographer via a dedicated network of retail partners.

Mamiya, Sekonic, Lastolite, ILFORD, Gepe, Geimuplast, Billingham, PocketWizard, Peli, Trek-Tech, CamGrip, MAGIX and Spudz are all part of the JP Distribution brand portfolio.

JP Distribution is located in the heart of England at the company headquarters in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, where the company employs a wealth of experienced personnel with an unrivalled level of imaging knowledge, expertise and experience.

For more information on JP Distribution, please visit: www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

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NEW MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 17

The World’s First 3D Video Editing Program!

UK, October 20th, 2010, MAGIX AG, One of the leading international providers of software, online services, and digital content, has announced the release of Movie Edit Pro 17. Available in two versions – Classic for beginners and Plus for more ambitious users, Movie Edit Pro 17 is the perfect solution for video editing and dubbing. Movie Edit Pro 17 gives you everything you need for creating perfect videos. With over 1000 effects and fades you can transform your videos into works of art. The comfortable video editing and extensive audio dubbing means it is ideal for the beginner and ambitious user, whilst the full HD workflow supports all standard DV camcorders as well as high-resolution HDV and AVCHD video cameras.

MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 17 is the best Movie Edit Pro of all time! With greatly improved performance, it is even faster and easier to transform your footage into breathtaking moves including impressive special effects, matching background music and interactive menus.

Movie Edit Pro 17 Features:

• Support for all conventional (H) DV camcorders, webcams and other video sources
• Burns video with interactive menus onto DVDs and Blu-ray Disc
• Import videos directly from your iPhone
• Upload videos to YouTube/Vimeo in Full HD
• PC performance check
• Generate colour clips
• Professional travel route animation

Bonus Additional Software:

• Professional Title Editor: proDad Heroglyph Rapid
• 3D Real-time Animation Software: Reallusion iClone 4 SE
• Special Effects Package: proDAD Adorage Starter Package
  

Movie Edit Pro 17 Plus is the world’s first consumer 3D video editing program. Edit your videos as usual in 2D, then create breathtaking 3D movies that captivate your audience! Movie Edit Pro 17 Plus offers more ambitious filmmakers improved performance for even easier video editing and professional video editing with video monitor zoom and trackers outside of the image area. Upload your completed videos to YouTube, Vimeo or Facebook, or burn them to a DVD or Blu-ray and experience the next dimension of video editing!

Movie Edit Pro 17 Features:

• Professional video editing with 99 tracks, 3D design, individual effects automation, primary and secondary colour correction, chroma keying and more.
• High-end dubbing – Multi-channel Surround Sound with Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, Audio Mastering Suite, Beat recognition and more
• MultiCam Editing for 2 cameras
• AVCHD import assistant with preview function makes the import process easier
• New modern, uniform design
• Editing with video monitor zoom and trackers outside of the image area
• Full support for stereoscopic recordings
• Full import functions for many 3D camera models
• Editing of own 3D recordings made, for example, with two cameras
• Real 3D fades and titles for 3D video projects
• Preview and output to all conventional 3D display devices
• Output in all formats (DVD, Blu-ray, as file, on YouTube etc)
• BONUS! Includes 3D glasses

Price & Availability:

MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 17 is available and Movie Edit Pro 17 Plus are available now for SRP £59.99 and £79.99 inc VAT from Amazon and PC World.

MAGIX Movie Edit Pro - plus

About MAGIX:

MAGIX is a leading international provider of high-quality software, online services and digital contents for multimedia communications. Since 1993, MAGIX has been developing leading technologies for creation, editing, management and presentation of photos and graphics, videos and music. Internationally, MAGIX operates from branches in the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. The product range is targeted towards laymen and professionals alike and goes beyond the PC range to include seamlessly integrated online and mobile applications.

According to its retail sales figures, MAGIX leads in the multimedia software sector in Germany and the most important European markets, and is one of the most successful competitors in the USA. Fifteen years of market presence as well as one thousand awards worldwide testify to the company's power of innovation.

Music, photo, and video software from the market leader - MAGIX

15 years MAGIX – 15 years innovation with passion

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Creativity to Go with the 43“ Collapsible Umbrella Flash Kit from Westcott!

JP Distribution, the exclusive UK distributor for Westcott – world leaders in professional photography and video lighting equipment - has announced the 43“ Collapsible Umbrella Flash Kit.

For a photographer on the go, there are times when a standard flashgun just doesn’t offer the creativity and quality of light needed. With the new flash kit from Westcott, portability and versatility is guaranteed for users of all levels whether shooting an intimate portait or an impatient wedding party. The Kit is quick and easy to assemble and small enough to carry with your existing equipment. It includes a collapsible umbrella, shoe mount bracket and stand.

Pricing and Availability:

The 43“ Collapsible Umbrella Flash Kit is available for £65 inc, saving 20% on component pricing. Please contact Johnsons Photopia for your nearest dealer on 01782 753304 or e-mail info@johnsons-photopia.co.uk

About Westcott:

Westcott is distributed in the UK by JP Distribution. Westcott is a leading manufacturer of light control equipment, backgrounds and accessories for professional imagemakers in photography and video fields. Since Westcott entered the photography market, it’s been a major innovator in devising professional light control products. With over 600 items for professional and beginning photographers, Westcott have continued a long-standing commitment to product innovation.

For more information on Westcott please see: http://www.fjwestcott.com.

About JP Distribution:

JP Distribution is a successful division of Johnsons Photopia Ltd., an independent, privately owned company that can trace its roots back to 1743. JP Distribution is committed to providing an exclusive complimentary portfolio of leading brands for the professional and enthusiast photographer via a dedicated network of retail partners.

Mamiya, Sekonic, Lastolite, ILFORD, Gepe, Geimuplast, Billingham, PocketWizard, Peli, Trek-Tech, CamGrip, MAGIX and Spudz are all part of the JP Distribution brand portfolio.

JP Distribution is located in the heart of England at the company headquarters in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, where the company employs a wealth of experienced personnel with an unrivalled level of imaging knowledge, expertise and experience.

For more information on JP Distribution, please visit: www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk