June 2007

FAST AND LIGHT
Take a simple, intuitive approach to shooting digital using the Nikon D40x, a D-SLR that uses a more powerful 10.2-megapixel image sensor than its D40 predecessor. The high-performance camera weighs just more than 16 ounces, powers up in 0.18 seconds, shoots up to 3 frames per second for fast-moving sports-action shots and hosts a range of shooting modes and in-camera editing tools. View your images and the function menus easily on the camera’s 2.5-inch, 170-degree wide-angle LCD screen. Estimated Street Price: $729 (body only). Contact: Nikon, (800) NIKON-UX, www.nikonusa.com.


SAVE THE HIGHLIGHTS
Make quick work of recovering highlights in your digital images with the latest upgrade to DxO Optics Pro image enhancement software. Version 4.2 features a highlight recovery tool that adjusts bright highlights when working with RAW images by restoring tonal information. Additional new updates include a SmartVibrancy function for selectively enhancing color and several interface improvements, making tools easier to use. The upgrade is free for Version 4 users. List Price: $149 (standard). Contact: DxO, www.dxo.com.


BACK UP ANYWHERE
Carry enough storage for all your photography needs with Digital Foci’s Photo Safe portable hard drive with built-in memory card reader. Download straight to the Photo Safe from any CompactFlash, MicroDrive, xD-Picture Card, MMC, SD/HD, miniSD, Memory Stick, MS PRO and MS PRO Duo memory card. The Photo Safe is available in 40, 80 or 120 GB sizes, and starts at a weight of only 0.6 pounds. A simplified operating system keeps the price low, while still providing LED monitoring of status, battery life and capacity. When connecting to a computer, the Photo Safe also acts as an external hard drive and memory card reader. Windows- and Mac-compatible. List Price: 40 GB ($139); 80 GB ($179); 120 GB ($229). Contact: Digital Foci, (310) 763-9100, www.digitalfoci.com.


MOVIE PICTURES
Capture sharp 720p high-definition video and take vivid 7.1-megapixel stills with the Canon PowerShot TX1. The versatile camera is loaded with features, starting with a 39-390mm (35mm equivalent) 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilization. Canon’s proprietary DIGIC III image processor delivers improved face detection technology, which pinpoints the faces in a scene and chooses the ideal focus point. Stereo sound, a 1.8-inch vari-angle wide-view LCD and a durable, metal body are all part of the package. Estimated Street Price: $499. Contact: Canon, (800) OK-CANON, www.usa.canon.com.