Topaz has just released a major update to their Sharpen AI software. This update will include highly-requested batch processing capabilities. Sharpen AI will also include the ability to selectively apply or remove the sharpening treatment to certain areas in your image.

To promote the latest update, Topaz is launching a special sale. Sharpen AI will be on sale for $59.99 (save 25%) from today until April 3.

On this website you can use their interactive tools to see how the plugin performs. Below there is a video showing the new features:

Today DxO announced the new PhotoLab 3.2 software. And til March 31 you save up to 30% on all DxO software (Click here). New improvements:

– more flexible local adjustment masks
– optimized Repair Tool
– improved PhotoLibrary keyword function
– improved Local Adjustment Palette with two new settings: Duplicate and Rename.
– ability to move automatic masks available for Windows users too

So here is what you save on all DxO software:

• $30 off on Photolab 3.2. Download a free trial version here.
• $50 off on Nik Collection. Download a free trial version here.
• $20 off on DxO Filmpack. Download a free trial version here.
• $30 off on DxO Viewpoint. Download a free trial version here.

After NAB also Photokina has been canceled:

Photokina Press Release

The management team of Koelnmesse has decided not to organise any own events on the part of Koelnmesse until the end of June 2020 – including the photokina. This decision is supported by the crisis management team of the City of Cologne, which also recommended in its meeting on 18.03.2020 to cancel the trade fairs during this period of time.

This also happens against the background of the agreement reached on 16.03.2020 between the German federal government and the governments of the German states – laying down common guidelines for dealing with the coronavirus epidemic and explicitly including the general closure of trade fairs and exhibitions. This impairs the planning security for Koelnmesse and the participants of the trade fairs in Cologne far beyond the scope of the current scenarios.

This decision also includes the cancellation of photokina, which was planned for 27 to 30 May 2020. The cancellation is also valid for the Imaging Innovation Conference for 26 May 2020. A new date will be coordinated.

We have also received enquiries from you about health and safety at the trade fair ground. The health of all trade fair participants is our top priority.

Added to this is the uncertainty of numerous customers and the complicated travel situation. Against this background it is currently not possible for us to offer a global business and community platform for the imaging industry in the usual quality.

The next photokina will take place in Cologne 18 to 21 May 2022. The 2022 orientation gives us enough time to design the next photokina according to the needs of the market, our exhibitors and visitors.

All paid tickets will be refunded. Koelnmesse will arrange this centrally in the coming weeks. There is nothing further for you to do.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the photokina team.

Sincerely,

Your photokina team

via Fujirumors

Reuters reports:

Shares in Japan’s Fujifilm Holdings Corp (4901.T) surged 15% on Wednesday morning after a Chinese official said the company’s Avigan anti-flu drug appeared to help coronavirus patients recover.

Avigan, also known as Favipiravir, is manufactured by a subsidiary of Fujifilm, which has a healthcare arm although it is better known for its cameras. The drug was approved for use in Japan in 2014.

Favipiravir has been effective, with no obvious side-effects, in helping coronavirus patients recover, Zhang Xinmin, an official at China’s Science and Technology Ministry, told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday.

A Fujifilm spokeswoman said the company had no comment on the Chinese government’s announcement. Fujifilm manufactures Avigan only on receiving orders from the Japanese government and has no sales target for the drug, she said.

Fujifilm shares closed the morning up 14.7% at 5,207 yen, having briefly hit their daily limit high of 5,238 yen.

In a clinical trial in Shenzhen involving 80 participants, patients who took Favipiravir showed greater chest improvement and took less time to test negative for the genomic trace of the virus, compared with patients not given the drug, Zhang said.

BCNranking published the full February sales report and you would have expected Sony or Canon or Nikon or Fuji to lead the pack. Nope! It’s Olympus that now is on number on position :)

Here are the most sold cameras in February:

* Sigma fp is the basis for the future of camera at Sigma
* Sigma doesn’t want to impose his view on how to use the Sigma fp
* In the future, Sigma thinks that all cameras will no longer use a mechanical shutter
* The most important characteristics of the Sigma fp is compactness and high quality images
* Sigma Foveon FF camera is late because of issues with the sensor design and manufacturing delay from vendors
* Sigma wants to differentiate itself from other competitors with Foveon sensor.
* They are building a new building at Aizu factory to improve the manufacturing process, not increasing the production capabilities
* Yamaki-san thinks there needs to be more lenses for the L-mount system
* In terms of market share, Sigma is not satisfied by the L-Mount Alliance. But according to Kazuto Yamaki it is still too early to draw conclusions. There needs to be 3 to 4 years after the launch to assess the results L-rumors
* Kazuto Yamaki is satisfied by the diversity of lenses and cameras offered by the members of the L-Mount Alliance.

Everything makes sense in what they say…still I hope there is room for some major surpises!