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25 Essential Free iPhone Apps for Journalists and Bloggers

While some of the most useful iPhone apps already come installed — including the Safari Web browser, camera, maps and voice memos — journalists and bloggers often need more apps to be on the cutting edge of any news story. But, often armed with thin budgets, it can be difficult to arm your iPhone like the commando station you require. That’s why we’ve provided twenty-five essential iPhone apps for journalists and bloggers that are totally free.

The following list is categorized and apps are listed alphabetically within each category. We’ve also included a few tips that may help with your journalistic efforts.

Tip: If you plan to use a lot of apps, don’t get caught short with a dead battery. Do invest in an external battery backup to save all your work and keep a charger in your car.

Productivity

Tip: iPhone supports Cisco IPSec VPN and WPA2 Enterprise for secure access to corporate networks. If your office uses Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 or 2007, you can wirelessly push email, calendar events, and contacts to iPhone.

  1. Central Desktop MOBI: Red Oak Technologies has moved this app from beta into a 2.2 version, which makes it more reliable. Us this app to connect to your desktop with workspaces, tasks, events and calendars.
  2. Dropbox: Download files for offline viewing, sync photos and videos and share links. The app works in conjunction with Dropbox’s downloadable programs for Windows, Mac and Linux computers and works even if you do not have access to cellular or Wi-Fi. The online basic version is free. Read more about this app at Mashable.
  3. Evernote: Take notes, create lists, search through images and share information with others. Seamless integration across all devices, including Mac, Evernote Web, and Evernote for Windows.
  4. Google: This app includes maps, Gmail, YouTube and Google’s new Buzz as well as search options — including Google Mobile Search. Read through this site to learn how to incorporate options into the iPhone.
  5. iBillTo: Freelance journalists and bloggers can keep track of client billing information, rates and hours on specific projects.
  6. Instapaper Free: One of the easiest ways to store Web pages for later offline reading. Go to Instapaper.com and install the Read Later bookmark to mark any pages you’d like to read later.
  7. Qik for 3GS: A reliable and fast way to upload videos to the Internet. Includes Facebook Connect, YouTube, Twitter, and Qik.com.
  8. Soonr – Integrated online workspace: Soonr secures documents in the cloud and makes it easy for teams to collaborate on projects when everyone is mobile. Automatic continuous backup of your PC or Mac makes sure that the files you need are available for remote access even when the computers are offline. Your phone or any web browser is your control panel.
  9. WordWeb English Dictionary for iPhone and iPod Touch: Use this dictionary to gain access to 285,000 words, phrases and derived forms including many proper nouns, compounds and phrases. ull coverage of American, British, Canadian, Australasian and Asian English and it works offline. The standard edition is free, audio version is about $5.00 USD.
  10. Zoho Office Suite: Offers six online applications including email, calendar, online word processor, spreadsheet, presentation and database applications. Syncs with online application.

Communication

Tip: You can talk to more than one person at a time on your iPhone and merge up to five calls, depending on your carrier. Conference calling may be an optional service in some countries. Contact your carrier for more information.

  1. Cisco WebEx Meeting Center: Use this application to attend, schedule, start, and cancel WebEx Meetings. Get the full meeting experience with native 3G or WiFi support for simultaneous data and audio. You don’t need a WebEx account to attend WebEx meetings.
  2. Facebook: Facebook for iPhone makes it easy to stay connected and share information. You can view news feed groups, view events, and upload photos and videos, but you cannot view videos that have been uploaded to FB. App includes built-in web browser.
  3. iTalk Recorder: If you are serious about capturing the sounds around you, Griffin iTalk is the app you need for your iPhone. Your recordings are saved for replay on your iPhone or iPod, and you can use iTalk Sync (free download) to drag-and-drop them as high-quality AIFF files to your computer over a Wi-Fi connection.
  4. LinkedIn: Stay connected with your professional network with this free app. Get the latest updates and messages from your network and keep them up-to-date with your status in real-time.
  5. Skype: With Skype on your iPhone or iPod touch you can call and instant message anyone else on Skype for free. You also can call landlines and mobiles and send SMS anywhere in the world at great rates.
  6. TweetDeck for iPhone: Filter messages by columns, create groups and use multiple accounts at one time with this app. If you use the desktop version of Tweetdeck, you can sync across all computers and your iPhone.

Outside the Home Zone

Tips: Before you leave, take a photo of your passport for safekeeping. Should you lose your iPhone, keep it safe by setting a passcode lock. You also can turn off data roaming while traveling abroad to save on data charges.

  1. A Simple to use Translator: Very basic translator that reaches into ten different languages. You select a source and a destination language, enter the text and learn the translation.
  2. Places: Tap one of the preset buttons for coffee, gas, ATM, etc., or enter a place name and you receive information for the best route to that source. Uses Geolocation to find you and to offer the best routes.
  3. TripIt – Travel Organizer: TripIt Travel Organizer puts all your travel plans right on your iPhone no matter where your travel was booked. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might want to upgrade.
  4. XE Currency: Keep track of mid-market rates for every world currency with this app. You can use it offline and the last updated rates are stored on your iPhone.

Stay on Top of News, Information

Tip: Open the Stocks app, then rotate to see breaking news about investments and the stock market.

  1. AP Mobile: You probably know by now that AP is on top of the story both locally and globally. AP Mobile news helps you keep up-to-date with what’s happening anywhere, in your hometown and across the globe. Additionally, you can personalize the news to meet your needs.
  2. ESPN ScoreCenter: Stay on top of the latest scores from hundreds of sports leagues around the world. Get full-season and single-game scoring alerts, game starts, scoring plays, end of period/qtr/half, and final score alerts.
  3. Stanza: Read books on your iPhone or iPod Touch with this highly-rated ebook reader. Purchase popular new books from a selection of over 50,000 contemporary titles available in various partner stores, or choose from an additional 50,000 free classics and recent original works available from Project Gutenberg, Feedbooks, and many other sources.
  4. TED: Inspiration, knowledge, news and story ideas all in one place. This application integrates multiple information feeds from TED into an unique user experience on the iPhone.
  5. The Weather Channel®: Take your weather experience to the next level with in-motion radar maps, traffic cams (select markets), improved graphics and more.
[via Journalism Degree.]

Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Opera Mini Ready for iPhone - Wil Apple Allow It?

A big mobile browser launch and mounting frustrations add up to some intriguing iPhone storylines

Norway-based Opera Software ASA's mobile browsers -- Opera Mini 4 (currently in beta for Mini 5) and Opera Mobile 10 -- are the world's most used cell phone browsers. One of the key challenges to Opera's mobile market share over the past couple years has been Safari, the browser used on the iPhone.

Traditionally Apple did not allow third-party browsers on the iPhone. It recently relaxed these restrictions allowing third-party browsers -- but only those based on webkit. Now Opera has offered a sneak peak of Opera Mini on the iPhone, leaving many unanswered questions.

Opera Mini is based on the Presto layout engine, not Webkit, and is underpinned by Java ME API calls. Opera has already been welcomed on less unrestrictive platforms, such as Google's Android OS (which uses an emulation layer to translate the Java API calls to appropriate Android API calls). However, it seems pretty amazing if Apple actually allows Opera Mini -- a huge threat to its big mobile browsing market share -- on the iPhone.

[via Daily Tech]

Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Free Danielle Lloyd iPhone Wallpaper


Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Stream SlingPlayer Over 3G for iPhone Users


FCC complaints on original ban likely helped the change come about

AT&T's network woes since the iPhone launched have become legendary with the company unable to support the bandwidth that is being consumed by iPhone users. The poor performance of the AT&T network has led to bad press for the mobile provider and a number of attacks from U.S. mobile wireless market leader Verizon.

To keep the load on its network at a lower level, AT&T has a long history of banning applications that could consume significant bandwidth when used. AT&T banned 3G streaming when using the SlingPlayer app back in May of 2009 on the iPhone despite the fact that other handsets on the AT&T network were allowed to use the SlingPlayer with 3G. AT&T also originally banned VoIP apps from being used over its 3G network only to lift that ban on with the unveiling of the new iPhone/iPad SDK in January 2010.

[via Daily Tech]

Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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iPhone/iPad SDK Lifts Ban on 3G VoIP Support

iPhone users may be able to leverage VOIP 3G to cut their monthly bills

Apple began to ease its restrictions on VoIP apps last fall when it approved a Vonage app. In October AT&T and Apple said that they would eventually be opening 3G data traffic to voice-over IP calls (initially approved apps like the Vonage app were crippled to only work over Wi-Fi connections). AT&T, which cut its investment its capital costs (network investment) last year basically said its reasoning for banning the traffic for so long was not to try to control customers, but rather to protect its network from being overwhelmed.

Now, the new iPad/iPhone SDK, whose launch coincided with that of the new Apple tablet, has at last made good on this promise, reportedly opening up VoIP over 3G. The company that broke the news, iCall, now has an updated app available that works with 3G.

ICall CEO Arlo Gilbert cheered the news, stating, "I applaud Apple's decision to allow iCall to extend its functionality beyond Wi-Fi and onto the 3G networks. This heralds a new era for VoIP applications on mobile platforms, especially for iCall and our free calling model. I hope that now more developers will begin using our VoIP as a platform to integrate VoIP into their applications."

[via Daily Tech]

Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Show Your Creativity With Love-Digi Moving Photo Camera

Show Your Creativity With Love-Digi Moving Photo Camera


Decorate your snaps in ways that match your style preferences with Love-Digi Moving Photo Camera from Japan Trend Shop. This new pocket-friendly camera comes with graphic decoration functions which consist of 30 different frames, 30 different backgrounds and 100 different ’stamp’ graphics for producing unique and cute photos. Apart from that, the camera is also equipped with a 1GB of storage, 2 million 480 x 234 pixels and runs on 3 AAA batteries. If you’re interested, the Love-Digi Moving Photo Camera will set you back $168.





(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

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Pink Pentax K-x DSLR For Your Girl

Pink Pentax K-x DSLR For Your Girl

Pink Pentax K-x DSLR For Your Girl


Pentax has rolled out the pink version of their K-x DSLR, which is perfect for Valentine’s day gift. FYI, this camera is currently available in red, white, navy blue and black. The entry-level DSLR features a 2.7-inch LCD screen, a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor that is capable of shooting up to 12,800 ISO in expanded range. It is also able to record HD video in 720P at 24fps. The pink Pentax K-x DSLR retails for around $770. [Engadget]


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Free Michelle Candice iPhone Wallpaper


Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Apple Bans iPhone Hackers From iTunes

Apple, a company founded by a pair of ex-hackers, continues to turn its back on its roots

Microsoft took a lot of flak for recently banning the Xbox Live accounts of customers who modified their hardware in violation of the unit's EULA. The move for many brought back not-so-fond memories of Apple's attempt to "brick" unlocked iPhones in 2007.

Now things have come full circle, with Apple reportedly moving to crack down on iPhone hacking by banning hackers iTunes accounts.

One hacker, Sherif Hashim recently boasted online about finding an exploit that could allow for the iPhone OS v3.1.3 to be unlocked (be made useable on any compatible GSM network, not just Apple's partners, i.e. in the U.S., AT&T). Unfortunately, Hashim was foolish enough to use his screenname in his iTunes account email. He discovered just days after his boast of the new unlock that his iTunes account had been disabled.

He tweets:
Your Apple ID was banned for security reasons", that’s what i get when i try to go to the app store, they must be really angry :) ))))
and guess what my apple ID was, "sherif_hashim@yahoo.com", what a fool was me not to notice :) )), can’t help laughing, they are babies :) ))
Another iPhone hacker, iH8sn0w, who produces sn0wbreeze, also reports being banned by identical means, tweeting, "@sherif_hashim lol, they did that to my ih8sn0wyday[@t]googmail.com too. (right after I posted XEMN)…"
The interesting part about the ban on Sherif Hashim, though, is that he didn't even release his exploit, which has been confirmed to work by the team of hackers known as the iPhone Dev Team. Still, Apple showed little mercy in sparing his account once they discovered his claims.

[via Daily Tech]

Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Average iPhone User Consumes 273MB of Data Monthly


Biggest iPhone users use over 1GB monthly

Apple struck a chord with competitors and consumers alike when it launched the first iPhone. The device wasn't perfect, but it sold in droves and each successive version of the iPhone has sold exceptionally well. The device is one of the most popular smartphones on the American market, despite only having one carrier.

The popularity of the iPhone and the tendency of customers to actually use the smartphone for its intended purpose means that owners tend to consumer more data bandwidth than users of other devices. In fact, AT&T has threatened in the past to charge iPhone users who consume more data than it thinks they should more money, despite the fact that iPhone data plans are said to be unlimited.

AT&T may blame the huge number of iPhones that it sells for its data woes, but the company recognizes how important the iPhone is to its bottom line. The company has pledged to improve its network and in Q1 Apple reported sales of the iPhone doubled so the number of iPhones on the AT&T network will only increase.

Consumer Reports has published the results of research that it commissioned from a company called Validas. Validas is a web firm that analyses the bills of wireless users that the customers willingly upload and the data is used for research when the providers won’t give first party numbers.

[via Daily Tech]

Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Canon Announces A New Point-And-Shoot Camera

Canon Announces A New Point-And-Shoot Camera


Canon has added a new point-and-shoot camera to its PowerShot range by announcing the SX210 IS. Powered by a DIGIC 4 Image processor, this compact camera boasts a 14-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 28mm wide-angle lens, 14x optical zoom lens and a 3.0-inch widescreen PureColor II G LCD display. Not to mention, it also features a range of advanced technologies including Image Stabilization, Smart Auto, Motion Detection, Face Detection and 720p HD video recording at 30fps. The PowerShot SX210 IS is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $349.99. [dpreview]


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Canon SD3500 IS Touchscreen Digital Camera

Canon SD3500 IS Touchscreen Digital Camera

Canon SD3500 IS With Touchscreen LCD


Canon today unveiled the latest Canon SD3500 IS or also known as the Digital IXUS 210 in Europe. Available in black, gold, silver and pink, the Canon SD3500 IS features a sculpted metal exterior, a 14.1-megapixel image sensor and a 24mm genuine Canon lens. The camera also supports a 3.5-inch PureColor II Touch TFT LCD, a 5x optical zoom, Face Detection, Smart Shutter, an HDMI out, a Touch AF, a tap control, and Smart Flash Exposure. Its card reader reads SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMCplus and HC MMCplus.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

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Olympus PEN E-PL1 Available For Pre-Order

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Available For Pre-Order


The much awaited PEN E-PL1 micro four thirds camera from Olympus is finally available for pre-order via Amazon. In case you didn’t know, this compact camera features a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with Live View function, Olympus’ TruePic V Image Processor, in-body Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction System, HD video recording and comes bundled with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 digital zoom lens. The PEN E-PL1 is priced at $599.99.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

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Canon EOS Digital Rebel T2i Released

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T2i Released

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T2i


Canon has officially announced the Rebel T2i as a successor to the Rebel T1i/500D. This entry-level all-in-one dSLR camera supports a 18MP still mode and records up to 1080p 30fps videos. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in early March 2010, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

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How to Make Money From a Free iPhone App

If you look in the app store you will find tons of free apps. Some may think that free apps are a waste of time but I assure you they can definitely lead to financial success with your other apps.

Use this price point when you are trying to:

- Build your app development portfolio.
If your just starting out in iPhone development, this would be a great way to showcase your skills and let others know that you are fully capable of developing quality iPhone applications.

- Release a trial version which could lead to paid version sales.
This can be extremely effective for cheap games, that have addictive properties. If you let people get a taste of your app and they enjoy it, it is very common for them to want more and be than happy to purchase the full paid version.

- Supporting another product.
If you sell a service and want to offer additional ways to use that product. Building a free iPhone app is a great way to increase customer usage.

- Generating a base for future sales conversion.
The more people use your apps, they more likely they are going to buy one in the future.

- Use it for advertising
This can be extremely lucrative if your app is downloaded enough. There are also a lot of services available now that makes advertising in your app easier than ever.

Free apps are definitely capable of generating income, you just need to know when to use them.

[ by Andrew Gazdecki ]

Free iPhone 3GSGet a Free iPhone 3GS! Yes, that is correct! Why pay for one when CNN, BBC, NBC, and other news sites have proven this system LEGIT. Get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Not interested? Then maybe get a Free PS3!
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Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD Camera With 18X Optical Zoom

Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD Camera With 18X Optical Zoom

Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD Prosumer Camera With 18X Optical Zoom


The S2500HD is the latest digital camera from Fujifilm that sports an 18x optical zoom with dual image stabilization, face detection, and red-eye removal and more. The camera can also record 720p HD resolution video. In addition, you can also connect the FinePix S2500HD to a bigger screen to view your favorite photos and videos. Too bad, there is no info on pricing or availability at this time.


Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD


[Slashgear]


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In Which the Fujifilm XP10 Toughcam Mocks My Sedentary Lifestyle and I Tell It What's What

In Which the Fujifilm XP10 Toughcam Mocks My Sedentary Lifestyle and I Tell It What's What

Mountain climbing. Cliff jumping. Cross-country skiing. Those are the kinds of activities the XP10 would be great at capturing. But I stay in my pajamas until 4:00 PM and do not appreciate the XP10's implicit condescension.


Who do you think you are, XP10? Just because you're a 12MP point-and-shoot capable of withstanding 3-foot drops, 10 feet of water and 14-degree temperatures, you think you're better than me? Well, how about that 165-shot battery life, huh? Not much endurance there. Maybe you should work out a bit, get those numbers up. One-touch tagging for Facebook and YouTube? Oh, you mean for when you're plugged into a computer, indoors, while sitting still, just like eeeeeverybody else? That's not very active, now is it? And that fancy-sounding 5x periscopic internal zoom—we'll just wee how good that is when you're released this month. Your price is okay, at $200, but just don't start thinking you're such hot stuff. Because I can work out, and then we'll see. Then we'll see, XP10 Toughcam from Fujifilm.

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

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Waterproof, Shockproof and Crushproof: Olympus' µTOUGH 8010 and 6020 Cameras

Waterproof, Shockproof and Crushproof: Olympus' µTOUGH 8010 and 6020 Cameras

Dan was lamenting the fact that Fujifilm's XP10 made him feel even more of a couch-potato than usual, but I've got to say, after owning one of Olympus' µTOUGHs before, there's a lot you can do with a waterproof cam.


If you're even remotely clumsy, then it's a practical investment. If you occasionally go boating, swimming or like partaking in shower-based photography, then the double waterproofing build of Olympus' µTOUGH-8010 and µTOUGH-6020 will come in use. Really, you don't have to be a rock-climbing steroid-pusher to appreciate a hardy camera model.


Both the 8010 and 6020 have 14-megapixel sensors and 5x optical zooms, with the only real difference being how far you want to test that hardiness—the 8010 can be dropped from 6.6-foot, resist temperatures up to -10°Ccrushed and crushed under 220 pounds of pressure and still survive. The 6020 is a little more weak-skinned, surviving under only a 5-foot fall.


Both models have 2.7-inch LCD screens and shoot in 720p resolution, with the 8010 containing 2GB of internal storage. On sale in February, for $399.99 and $299.99 each.



(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

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Hasselblad H4D-40 specs

Hasselblad H4D-40 specs

Hasselblad H4D 40 Hasselblad H4D 40 specs


Focus-Numerique published some Hasselblad H4D-40 specs (Google translation):


Sensor Resolution: 40.1 Megapixel (5477 × 7302 pixels) in size 3 / 4

Sensor dimensions: 33.1 x 44.2 mm

Pixel size: 6.0 μm

Image Size: Shooting RAW 3FR, compressed from 54 MB on average. TIFF 8bit: 120 MB

Raw File Format (RAW): Hasselblad 3FR lossless compressed

Fashion Shooting: Single Shot

Definition of color: 16 bits

ISO Range: ISO 100, 200, 400 and 800

2 storage options: CF card type U-DMA (eg. SanDisk Extreme Pro) or cable connection to a Mac or PC

Color Management: Solution of Hasselblad Natural Color

Storage Capacity FC: A 4GB CF card contains an average of 74 images

Capture rate: 1.4 seconds per capture. 42 catches per minute

Color Screen: 3 inch, double-resolution (460,320 pixels), TFT, 24 bit color

Histogram: Yes

IR filter mounted CCD

Acoustic feedback: Yes

Software Included: Phocus for Mac and Windows

Platforms Supported: Macintosh OS X version 10.6. Windows: XP, Vista and Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit)

Type of connection to the Host: FireWire 800 (IEEE1394b)

Compatibility view camera: Yes, via flash sync for mechanical valves. Phocus software allows to control the electronic shutters.

Operating temperatures: 0 - 45 C

Dimensions: Complete camera without lens: 153 x 131 x 136 mm [W x H x D]

Weight: 1800 g (camera body, viewfinder HV 90x-II, Li-Ion battery and CF card), 2290g with 80mm





(Via Photo Rumors.)

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