Update on Epson's Response to Tohoku Area Earthquake
– TOKYO, Japan, March 31, 2011 –
Epson today issued an update on the situation surrounding its employees and businesses in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck the Tohoku area of Japan on March 11. A Disaster Headquarters led by President Minoru Usui has confirmed the following:
1. Epson employees
The company confirmed that although no casualties had been reported among Epson staff as of release time, it was still unable to make contact with one employee. Epson is continuing to make every effort to confirm the employee's safety.
2. Major Epson facilities affected
Epson has a network of more than 40 manufacturing sites located all around the world. Of these, the four plants listed below were affected by the earthquake with all other sites remaining fully operational. Recovery work is underway at the affected plants with the exception of the Epson Toyocom Corporation Fukushima Plant, which is within the 20-km compulsory evacuation zone around the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power station.
(1) Epson Atmix Corporation
(Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture: manufacture of powdered metals, components manufactured with metal injection molding, and artificial quartz)
Epson plans to resume production of components manufactured with metal injection molding and artificial quartz from the start of April. Production facilities and equipment for powdered metals was affected by water in the tsunami, and we plan to resume production at the end of April.
(2) Akita Epson Corporation
(Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture: manufacture of printer components, crystal devices, and ultra-precision components)
We resumed production of all product lines on March 22. We will continue production while constantly assessing the power and fuel supply situation.
(3) Seiko Epson Corporation Sakata Plant and Tohoku Epson Corporation
(Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture: manufacture of inkjet printer components and semiconductors)
We resumed production of inkjet printer components and partial production of semiconductors on March 28. We will continue production while constantly assessing the power and materials procurement situation.
(4) Epson Toyocom Corporation Fukushima Plant
(Minami-Soma, Fukushima Prefecture: manufacture of crystal devices)
This plant has been closed indefinitely.
3. Impact on other businesses
Production may be affected by issues relating to procuring certain components. Epson is now looking to minimize the impact by procuring alternative components and making technical adjustments.
4. Impact on business results
Epson is presently assessing the impact of damage caused by the earthquake and the subsequent effect on the full-year consolidated financial results (year ending March 31, 2011). The company will issue a timely disclosure release as and when it becomes necessary.
3rd Notice on the impact by the Major Earthquake in Northeastern Japan
March 31, 2011
The Nikon Group would express our deepest condolences to the victims of the earthquake and extend our profound sympathy and heartfelt concern to those individuals and families suffering from the disaster.
The following is an update regarding Nikon Corporation and its group manufacturing facilities.
It has been becoming clearer that we will be able to secure parts/components including their replacements through our investigation of the current conditions and possible measures to secure the procurement in our collaboration with our business partners. However, we have a concern that the situation may continue where our production cannot fully satisfy our customers’ requirement due to inability of full swing production worsened by the planned blackouts of electricity. While we will do our utmost effort to overcome such expected difficulties, we will be most grateful if our customers could understand such circumstances.
• Mito Plant, Nikon Corporation : Mito, Ibaraki Pref.
• Sendai Nikon Corporation : Natori, Miyagi Pref.
• Miyagi Nikon Precision Co., Ltd. : Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Pref.
• Zao factory, Nikon-Trimble Co., Ltd. : Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Pref.
• Tochigi Nikon Corporation : Otawara, Tochigi Pref.
• Tochigi Nikon Precision Co., Ltd. : Otawara, Tochigi Pref.
• Kurobane Nikon Co., Ltd. : Otawara, Tochigi Pref.
• Nasu Nikon Co., Ltd. : Nasukarasuyama, Tochigi Pref.
Note:
Nikon-Trimble Co., Ltd. is an equity-method company.
Nasu Nikon Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd. which is an equity-method company.
Tenba Launches New Skooba Harmony Women's Bag Collection
Tenba launches the latest new bags from Skooba. Skooba Design has added a collection of products designed exclusively for woman to its award-winning line of laptop bags and tech/travel accessories. The bags in the new "Harmony" collection blend the look, fashion and quality of a high-end tote or handbag with the capacity and protection of a laptop bag.
Tenba Launches New, Ultra Lightweight Discovery Collection
Discovery is the lightest weight collection of professional-level bags that Tenba has ever created, and is built to our legendary "Crafted Without Compromise" standard. Discovery bags are the perfect carrying solution for photographers who want to walk, bike, hike or climb with their gear - activities which truly require the lightest bags availble.
Get more information about these collections in the Tenba press release. Product images are available here.
46 new lens / camera combinations have been added to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing supports for Canon, Nikkor, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Zeiss, and Sony lenses, for numerous Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and Sony cameras.
Supported or planned combinations (click on second tab)
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.
Recently introduced were the Westcott Spiderlite TD6 and the Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella.
I have a Westcott Spiderlite TD5 (B&H) and like it a lot. The umbrella looks awesome.
B&H carries the Westcott Spiderlite TD6 and the Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella.
Canon U.S.A. has posted Canon EOS 60D Firmware 1.0.9.
Firmware Version 1.0.9 incorporates the following fixes and changes.
1. Changes the name of the feature called "Art Filters" to "Creative Filters" (which is used in markets other than Japan) in the Japanese version to make the terms consistent. (This change only applies to the Japanese version and does not apply to other language versions.)
2. Fixes a phenomenon where the camera may operate abnormally when it is set to Quick Mode AF during Live View shooting immediately after capturing an image with the C.Fn II-1 Long exposure noise reduction setting set to [2: On] and a shutter speed setting of 5 seconds or more.
3. Fixes a phenomenon where the camera may operate abnormally when after Live View shooting, the remote switch on the EOS Utility screen is pressed to immediately start movie-shooting. This phenomenon only occurs when the camera is connected to a compatible personal computer and the Remote Live View function of EOS Utility software is being used.
The Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D Digital SLR Camera Review has been posted to the site.
From Bibble Labs:
Adding Support for Canon's sRAW and mRAW formats, two additional Sony cameras, and Nikon's D1x
Austin, Tx, March 29th, 2011: Bibble 5.2.2 is new available for download now, and provides broader RAW file support, improved stability, and resolves minor issues found in previous releases of Bibble 5. Bibble 5.2.2 add support for Canon's sRAW and mRAW formats, Nikon's D1x, and Sony's a290 and a390 cameras. This update is free for all current Bibble 5 customers.
Bibble 5.2.2 also improves interaction with plugins that change the size of your photo, like zFrame and zShadow, and seen in the screenshot below. These plugins allow you to add creative frames and drop shadows to your images - directly within Bibble 5. Output images will look exactly like the preview in Bibble, ready to publish and share. You can create Presets with your favorite zFrame and zShadow settings to quickly add your finishing touch to every image in Bibble.
Bibble 5.2.2 is our third free update so far in 2011, and shows our continued commitment to constantly improving Bibble 5, adding not only newer cameras like we did in 5.2.1, but also older, popular cameras, creating one workflow tool for all your digital photography needs.
Availability, Upgrades, and Pricing
Bibble 5.2.2 Pro and Bibble 5.2.2 Lite are available immediately for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers for $199.95 and $99.95, respectively, from http://bibblelabs.com. Bibble Labs customers who purchased Bibble 4 since September, 2006 are eligible for a free upgrade to Bibble 5. Bibble 5.2 is a free upgrade for all current Bibble 5 customers.
Canon Japan has posted a notice indicating that the release of three of the new lenses you and I are anxiously awaiting has been postponed.
Here is the Google translation:
Apology for postponing EOS series lenses for sale
East of the great earthquake recently, everyone was affected, to those families and I would like to sincerely sympathy.
Well, EF is also damage plants ranging Utsunomiya our production base of the lens. Therefore, to guide and Orimashita released in March 2011 "EOS series lenses," For, I guide it to postpone the release date now as follows. We are currently promoting recovery measures in manufacturing facilities. For a concrete release date, as it becomes clear again I guide.
Release date Summary of Changes
Product Name | Expected Release Date (before) | Be released (after) |
EF300mm F2.8L IS II USM | March 2011 | Undecided |
EF400mm F2.8L IS II USM | March 2011 | Undecided |
Fish EF8-15mm F4L USM | March 2011 | Undecided |
Customers will have a great inconvenience, it will continue to make every effort for the sale, thank you so continue to support the continued patronage.
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 24, 2011 - We continue to monitor and analyze the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the areas impacted by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We are carefully assessing the situation, and its impact on production and operations.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) has announced that it is carefully monitoring and assessing the potential for radiological contamination. It is using several types of radiation detection equipment in air and sea ports, mail facilities, and elsewhere to scan cargo. CPB notes that it uses radiation equipment and operational protocols to resolve any safety risks. More information is available at http://www.usa.gov/Japan2011.shtml.
We will post updates regarding safety, recovery and rebuilding efforts, as necessary.
We thank everyone for their continued concern and support.
- Canon U.S.A. Press Release
Want to make your images huge? Project them with one of the five new portable LCD projectors Canon has announced.
ExpoImaging has introduced the Rogue Grid (press release) - a 3-in-1 stacking honeycomb flash grid.
ExpoImaging's Rogue products are available at B&H - the Rogue Grid is available for preorder.
March 23, 2011 - DxO Labs is pleased to announce the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v6.5.6 for Mac and Windows that adds RAW support for Canon 600D/Rebel T3i, Canon 1100D/Rebel T3, and Olympus Pen E-PL1 in both its Standard and Elite editions.
Further, 50 new DxO Optics Modules are now available to DxO Optics Pro users, covering numerous Canon, Nikon and Fuji cameras.
To see supported and planned combinations, click on the link below then select the second tab.
All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro since June 1st, 2009 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 6.5.6.
Supported or planned combinations
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.
Apple has released Aperture 3.1.2 Update:
This update improves overall stability and performance, and also includes the following specific fixes.
iPhoto Compatibility
• Resolves an issue that could cause Aperture to quit unexpectedly when importing large iPhoto libraries.
• Aperture now correctly handles albums contained in folders when importing iPhoto 9.1.1 libraries.
• Improves reliability when importing iPhoto 9 libraries that include slideshows containing text slides.
• RAW images imported from iPhoto 9 libraries no longer show the Reprocess brick in Adjustments.
Import
• Addresses an issue that could cause Aperture to stop responding when attempting to process damaged images.
• Olympus E-5 images with a 3:4 aspect ratio now import with the correct rotation.
Library
• Addresses an issue that could prevent referenced images from being reconnected.
• Resolves an issue that could cause Aperture to quit unexpectedly when switching libraries.
Adjustments
• Resolves an issue that could cause your Mac to become unresponsive when using brushes.
• Resolves an issue that could cause Aperture to quit unexpectedly when using Retouch.
• Addresses an issue that could cause the white balance value for certain RAW images to be displayed incorrectly.
Other
• Fixes an issue that could cause Aperture to quit unexpectedly when panning a zoomed image.
• Addresses compatibility of exported XMP Sidecar files with third-party applications.
• Resolves an issue that could cause Aperture to quit unexpectedly when using Align to Beats in a slideshow.
For more information, check the release notes. The update is available for download or can be loaded using the software's update function.
Canon has announced that it is extending its offer of a free two-year warranty for the EOS-1D Mark IV to include all cameras that are purchased before 30 June 2012.
This two-year warranty is a one-year extension on top of the standard Canon one-year European warranty that’s offered on all products, and it will be operating under identical terms and conditions. This gives photographers a total warranty period of two years from the date of purchase of their new product.
Canon is not only providing this extended two-year warranty on new EOS-1D Mark IV purchases, but it is also making it available to all existing owners of EOS-1D Mark IV bodies.
The extended warranty is available on EOS-1D Mark IV purchases that are made, or have been made, in specific countries in Europe. The countries where the two-year warranty is available are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
To be eligible for the extended warranty customers must provide a valid proof of purchase. For full terms and conditions please click here or download the 'Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Two-Year Warranty: terms & conditions' pdf from the 'Downloads' box on the right hand side of this page. Please note that within the Download pdf terms and conditions are available in all languages relevant to the participating countries, as mentioned above, where the warranty is available.
Information about Canon's standard terms and conditions of warranty will also be found in the two-year warranty leaflet that will be available in each EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR box from mid-April 2011.
To make the most of the warranty services purchasers of the EOS-1D Mark IV should register their product online - just click here to do so.