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PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL CAMERA

2007-11-04T02:54:00.001-06:00

A digital camera is an electronic device used to capture and store photographs digitally, instead of using photographic film like conventional cameras, or recording images in an analog format to magnetic tape like many video cameras.

Modern compact digital cameras are typically multifunctional, with some devices capable of recording sound and/or video as well as photographs. In the Western market, digital cameras now outsell their 35 mm film counterparts.

Digital cameras can be classified into several categories :
Video cameras
Video cameras are classified as devices whose main purpose is to record moving images.
Professional video cameras such as those used in television and movie production. These typically have multiple image sensors (one per color) to enhance resolution and color gamut. Professional video cameras usually do not have a built-in VCR or microphone.
Camcorders used by amateurs. They generally include a microphone to record sound, and feature a small liquid crystal display to watch the video during taping and playback.
Webcams are digital cameras attached to computers, used for video conferencing or other purposes. Webcams can capture full-motion video as well, and some models include microphones or zoom ability. In addition, many Live-Preview Digital cameras have a "movie" mode, in which images are continuously acquired at a frame rate sufficient for video.

Live-preview digital cameras

The term digital still camera (DSC) most commonly refers to the class of live-preview digital cameras, cameras that use an electronic screen as the principal means of framing and previewing before taking the photograph. All use either a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS image sensor to sense the light intensities across the focal plane.

Many modern live-preview cameras have a movie mode, and a growing number of camcorders can take still photographs. However, even a low-end live-preview camera can take better still pictures than a mid-range video camera, and mid-range live-preview cameras have much lower video quality than low-end video cameras; that is, products are not generally optimized for both still and video photography, due to their different requirements.

Among live-preview cameras, most have a rear liquid crystal display for both preview and reviewing photographs. Transfers to a computer are commonly carried out using the USB mass storage device class (so that the camera appears as a drive) or using the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) and its derivatives; in addition, Firewire is sometimes supported.

The live-preview cameras are typically divided into compact (and subcompact) and bridge cameras.

Compact digital cameras

Also called digicams, this encompasses most digital cameras. They are characterized by great ease in operation and easy focusing; this design allows for limited motion picture capability. They tend to have significantly smaller zooms than bridge and DSLR cameras. They have an extended depth of field. This allows objects at a larger range of depths to be in focus, which accounts for much of their ease of use. They excel in landscape photography and casual use. They typically save pictures in only the JPEG file format. All but the cheapest models have a built-in flash, although its guide number tends to be very low, perhaps just 6 or 8.

Bridge cameras

Bridge or SLR-like cameras form a general group of higher-end live-preview cameras that physically resemble DSLRs and share with these some advanced features, but share with compacts the live-preview design and small sensor sizes.

Bridge cameras tend to have superzoom lenses, which compromises – in varying degrees, depending on the quality of the zoom lens – a "do it all" ability with barrel distortion and pincushioning. These cameras are sometimes marketed as and confused with digital SLR cameras since the bodies resemble each other. The distinguishing characteristics are that bridge cameras lack the mirror and reflex system of DSLRs, have so far been always produced with only one single sealed (non-interchangeable) lens (but accessory wide angle or telephoto converters can be attached to the front of the sealed lens), can usually take movies, record audio and the scene composition is done with either the liquid crystal display or the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The overall performance tends to be slower than a true digital SLR, but they are capable of very good image quality while being more compact and lighter than DSLRs. The high-end models of this type have comparable resolutions to low and mid-range DSLRs. Many of the these cameras can save in JPEG or RAW format. The majority have a built-in flash, often a unit which flips up over the lens. The guide number tends to be between 11 and 15.

Digital single lens reflex cameras

Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) are digital cameras based on film single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs), both types are characterized by the existence of a mirror and reflex system. See the main article on DSLRs for a detailed treatment of this category.

Digital rangefinders

A rangefinder is a focusing mechanism once widely used on film cameras, but much less common in digital cameras. The term rangefinder alone is often used to mean a rangefinder camera, that is, a camera equipped with a rangefinder.
For information on digital rangefinders specifically, check the digital rangefinder section in the main article linked above.

Professional modular digital camera systems

This category includes very high end professional equipment that can be assembled from modular components (winders, grips, lenses, etc.) to suit particular purposes. Common makes include Hasselblad and Mamiya. They were developed for medium or large format film sizes, as these captured greater detail and could be enlarged more than 35mm.

Typically these cameras are used in studios for commercial production; being bulky and awkward to carry they are rarely used in action or nature photography. They can often be converted into either film or digital use by changing out the back part of the unit, hence the use of terms such as a "digital back" or "film back." These cameras are very expensive (up to $40,000) and are typically not seen in the hands of consumers.

Line-scan camera systems

A line-scan camera is a camera device containing a line-scan image sensor chip, and a focusing mechanism. These cameras are almost solely used in industrial settings to capture an image of a constant stream of moving material. Unlike video cameras, line-scan cameras use a single array of pixel sensors, instead of a matrix of them. Data coming from the line-scan camera has a frequency, where the camera scans a line, waits, and repeats. The data coming from the line-scan camera is commonly processed by a computer, to collect the one-dimensional line data and to create a two-dimensional image. The collected two-dimensional image data is then processed by image-processing methods for industrial purposes.

Line-scan technology is capable of capturing data extremely fast, and at very high image resolutions. Usually under these conditions, resulting collected image data can quickly exceed 100MB in a fraction of a second. Line-scan-camera–based integrated systems, therefore are usually designed to streamline the camera's output in order to meet the system's objective, using computer technology which is also affordable.

Line-scan cameras intended for the parcel handling industry can integrate adaptive focusing mechanisms to scan 6 sides of any rectangular parcel in focus, regardless of angle, and size. The resulting 2-D captured images could contain, but are not limited to: 1D and 2D barcodes, address information, and any pattern that can be processed via image processing methods. Since the images are 2-D, they are also human-readable and can be viewable on a computer screen. Advanced integrated systems include video coding and optical character recognition (OCR).

SMALL LUXURY HOTEL

2007-09-24T00:52:00.000-05:00

Situated on a private peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean and Bay of Ornos, Santa Marina Resort & Villas offers panoramic views of sparkling sapphire waters, emerald green grass and topaz skies. Featuring the traditional white Cycladic architecture and a wealth of facilities, Santa Marina Resort & Villas is a jewel of Mykonos.

The beauty of Mykonos is highlighted by our world-class facilities. Spend endless hours at our private sandy beach and outdoor pools or pamper yourself at Lotus Spa featuring the finest products and an incomparable sense of refreshment. Indulge in our Marine Club gourmet dining, gazing across the sparkling azure sea, with perfect seclusion, a poolside lunch or enjoy barbecue and drinks at our beach restaurant and bar.

Elegant, island charm and beautiful colors complemented by panoramic sea views are characteristic of our 96 guest rooms and suites. Open the window to sophisticated luxury at the Santa Marina Resort & Villas and indulge in the ultimate accommodation, two to four bedroom exclusive Villas with infinity pools.

For the ultimate in service during your stay, we may arrange for a luxury jet transfer from your origin destination airport directly to Mykonos aboard our new private jet, Citation XLS, a helicopter tour or a yacht ride across the blue waters of the Aegean to nearby beaches or islands.

Ornos Bay · Mykonos 84600 · Greece

HOTEL PLAZA ATHENEE

2007-09-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

Description

# Prime location on the fashionable Upper East Side of Manhattan
# 5 blocks to Midtown Manhattan
# Located on a quiet, tree-lined street surrounded by the lovely townhouses of East 64th Street
# One block from Central Park
# Madison Avenue, considered by many as the best shopping street in New York City, the hotel
# Walking distance to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Whitney Museum.
# Walking distance to Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman Department stores
# 12 miles from LaGuardia Airport, 16 miles from JFK and 23 miles from Newark Liberty Port

* 114 elegant guest rooms situated on 17 floors * 35 Suites, 8 with dining rooms and/or indoor atriums and outdoor balconies * Newly renovated guest rooms combine European style with meticulous attention to detail * The 149 rooms and suites boast the ambiance reminiscent of fine homes European fabrics.

Please visit our photo gallery page and click on individual room photos for guest room descriptions.

* CD players
* High-speed Internet access
* In-room movies
* Two line speaker phones
* Large writing desks
* Belgian linens
* Safes
* Mini bars
* Hair dryers

* 24 hour “Clefs d’Or” concierge
* 24 hour room services
* Twice daily maid service
* Choice of newspapers
* Complimentary use of the Business Center
* Complimentary high-speed Internet access in Bar Seine
* Complimentary shoe shine
* Access to fitness center
* Tea/Coffee between 5:30-7:00am

* Two work stations
* Internet
* Fax machine
* Hourly rates
* 24 hour rates
* TV news service

# Zagat Rated restaurant, Arabelle
# Bar Seine and lounge
# Banquet and meeting rooms seating up to 100 guests

"...fine French-American food and 'treat you like royalty' service" - Zagat, 2007

"Arabelle" is the stunning backdrop for Chef Koutrakos's modern American cuisine. This elegant gold-domed room with murano glass and brass chandeliers combines a touch of Europe and Asia. The chiffon colored walls with murals of pagodas and faux conservatory windows create a serene and soothing mood.

This highly-rated Zagat restaurant features creative, seasonal menus including Seared Ocean Striped Bass, Maine Lobster Salad and Herb Roasted Loin of Lamb.

Sunday brunch is an event not to be missed. Guests enjoy a buffet of steamed lobster, chilled shrimp, salads and sliced meats then order off of the Entree menu and are treated to a dessert buffet.

"Bar Seine", voted "Best Spot for Romance" by the NY Post in February 2004 is famous for its exotic atmosphere and eclectic décor. The amber-lit Bar Seine lounge features a combination of Moroccan, African, European and Asian artwork and furnishings with rich velvet curtains, Moroccan olive jars, red lacquered walls, onyx sconces, animal print fabrics and leather floors. Offering a unique bar menu and home to the "crystal cosmopolitan", Bar Seine has the feeling of an upscale lounge with the intimacy of a private home.

Private rooms are available for parties, weddings, corporate meetings or any special occasion. Gift certificates may be purchased by calling 212-606-4661.

LE TRIANON

Le Trianon, the hotel’s banquet and meeting space is elegantly appointed in natural earth tones with ten windows providing natural daylight. These beautifully decorated surroundings are equipped with built-in white board, screen and new sound system. Le Trianon I and II can accommodate up to 100 for banquets and may be divided into two separate, private rooms.

PRIVATE DINING ROOM

The Private Dining Room is an intimate room for up to 24 people. Bar Seine and Arabelle Restaurant are also available for private events.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to continuously anticipate and ultimately exceed our guests' high expectations. By empowering our employees and providing the necessary resources and support, we are able to offer our guests a safe, unique and memorable experience in a luxurious setting. Personal attention and courteous, exceptional service taken to the highest level is the reason why our guests return. Patron loyalty has and will always be our barometer of success.

Our employees are our most valuable assets. We provide an enriched work environment, which encourages employee development and advancement as well as maximizes each employee's individual talents and qualities. Our team is second to none with regards to dedication, loyalty and ensuring exceptional customer service. By upholding these principles, we are recognized as one of the finest hotels in the world.

MARKETIVA FOREX ONLINE

2007-09-17T02:03:00.000-05:00

What is Marketiva?

With more than 310,000 serviced users, 180,000 unique and live trading accounts, and more than 2.8 million live orders executed each month, Marketiva is one of the most popular over-the-counter market makers in the world.

About Marketiva

Marketiva is a financial services corporation specialized in providing traders with high quality online trading services. With a team of dedicated financial specialists and technical support personnel, Marketiva operates globally as a market maker and principal counterparty to retail traders. Marketiva has established itself as an industry leader by relying on its groundbreaking internet trading platform and its superior customer service.

Marketiva's mission is to harness the power of the internet and provide traders with exceptionally effective trading tools and outstanding customer support. Traders using Marketiva enjoy the most advanced online retail trading front-end in the world, the Streamster™ software, renowned for its ease of use, flexibility and reliability.

Providing Opportunity Around the World

Our mission is to provide opportunity for individuals around the world to trade on financial markets under equal conditions like traders operating in traditionally closed financial centers and institutions.

In order to help individual traders make independent and knowledgeable trading decisions, Marketiva provides several types of service completely free of charge: an advanced charting system, daily research reports, market event alerts, expert discussion forums and several other free value added services. Marketiva also offers virtual trading desks within each customer account to make it easy for traders to experiment with strategies, improve their trading skills and get acquainted with the system before buying and selling on a live trading desk.

Multinational Team of Professionals and Scientists

Marketiva's multinational team consists of financial specialists and computer scientists residing across four continents and all time zones, giving Marketiva unparalleled edge both in exposure to market events and real-time responsiveness to customer needs.

The uniqueness of Marketiva's approach lays in the synergy of financial professionals with more than 30 years of combined experience in both trading and dealing working together as one team with computer science experts shaping Marketiva's advanced trading platform. To achieve the ultimate in customer satisfaction, Marketiva's financial and IT experts combine their skills, target-oriented attitude, team spirit and unrelenting focus on the customer.

http://www.marketiva.com