Vlad Polyanskiy today is proud to announce the release of Light Meter, a new utility for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. We have made this illuminometer for that you could save on purchasing of professional illuminometers which cost hundreds of dollars. At the same time we love beautiful design and we like to surprise, therefore, having acquired our illuminometer you also receive the graceful and extremely convenient device with intuitive interface.

Moscow, Russian Federation – Indie developer, Vlad Polyanskiy today is proud to announce the release of Light Meter – lux measurement tool, a new utility for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad which allows you to measure lux value of any area you want.

Exclusive accuracy of measurements. Calibrated with professional high-precision illuminometer.

We have made this illuminometer for that you could save on purchasing of professional illuminometers which cost hundreds of dollars. At the same time we love beautiful design and we like to surprise, therefore, having acquired our illuminometer you also receive the graceful and extremely convenient device with intuitive interface.

Features:

* Inaccuracy less than 10%

* Unique and attractive design

* Exclusive simplicity and convenience of use

* Integrated help

Supported Languages:

* US English, Russian

Device Requirements:

* iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

* Requires iOS 5.0 or later (5.0 tested)

* Universal Application

* 8 MB

Pricing and Availability:

Light Meter 1.0 is only $0.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent when making your request. All future updates are included with initial purchase of full version.

Light Meter 1.0: http://lightmeterpro.com

Purchase and Download: https://itunes.apple.com/app/light-meter-lux-measurement/id642285909

Screenshot: http://a1244.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/083/Purple2/v4/5f/61/96/5f619609-7f66-6af4-3029-743a2daf21ed/mzl.faxpmvbs.320×480-75.jpg

Based in Moscow, Russia, Indie developer Vlad Polyanskiy creates apps for the iOS and OS X platforms. Copyright (C) 2013 Vlad Polyanskiy. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks may be the property of their respective owners.

ImagingInsider.com

#vladpolyansjiy #lightmeter #imaginginsider

Adobe today announced the availability of Adobe Photoshop Express for Windows 8 devices, including the Microsoft Surface. Photoshop Express is a free photo-editing app for applying fun, fast and cool looks to photos —perfect for customers who want an easy way to quickly touch-up and share photos from a mobile device.

The availability of Photoshop Express for Windows 8 brings similar functionality from the iOS and Android versions to Windows customers, including integration with Adobe Revel. Adobe Revel allows customers to access, edit and share their entire photo library across Windows 8 devices, iPhone devices, Web browsers and Mac computers.

The Photoshop Express app for Windows 8 puts photo magic at the customer’s fingertips, making it easy and fun to:

· Make basic photo enhancements such as crop, straighten, rotate, flip, or remove red-eye.

· Enjoy creative, one-touch filters that provide eye-catching effects — more than 15 to choose from!

· Let their photos shine with a one-tap correction that adjusts color, contrast, and brightness all at once.

· Use slider controls to enhance contrast, exposure, and white balance, or let the app auto-correct it for them.

· Upload their photos to Adobe Revel to sync them across their Windows 8 tablet, iPhone, and computer.

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Photoshop Express for Windows 8 is immediately available as a free download from the Windows Store. Customers can also download Photoshop Express for iOS or Android via iTunes or Google Play, respectively.

Learn more about Photoshop Express for Windows at http://www.photoshop.com/products/mobile/express. Customers can also connect with the Photoshop Express team on Twitter (www.twitter.com/psexpress) or on the Photoshop.com blog: http://blogs.adobe.com/photoshopdotcom/.

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#adobe #photoshop #imaginginsider

Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder of Leica Camera AG, has acquired a 25.1% stake in the Internet platform “I-shot-it”. For a small fee, www.i-shot-it.com enables photo-enthusiasts—from amateurs to professionals—to take part in photographic competitions. An independent jury of internationally acclaimed photographers selects the prizewinners and in the open competitions, members of the “I-shot-it” community select the prizewinners by direct online voting.

“Many amateur photographers, and professionals, too, think our platform is great, because this is where their work finds the recognition they would otherwise often never find”, explains “I-shot-it” founder Hartmut Hennige. “The majority of photo competitions are so restrictive or have such strict rules that many photo enthusiasts are barred from entering right from the start. We let everybody try their luck. The jury members, all independent, acclaimed photographers, know nothing about the entrants or the camera they used to take the pictures.” According to Hartmut Hennige, around five million pictures have been uploaded so far. Around one half of these were submitted as competition entries.

Winners of the online photography competitions receive cash prizes –financed by the charges due for uploading image material—and a Leica camera. The current thirteen categories include genres such as wildlife, landscapes, black and white, cars, transport, flowers, street photography, sports, food and more.

The majority of visitors to the “I-shot-it” Web site come from the USA with more than 132,000 visits and 1.85 million page views. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann from ACM in Salzburg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Leica Camera AG, reckons with high growth rates in the coming months. “There has been a tremendous upswing of interest in photography over the past few years. The wish to be able to present your own photos to a virtually unlimited number of people in competitions is widespread”, says Dr. Kaufmann. “The growing numbers of fans and users shows just how enormous the demand is amongst photographers around the world. We intend to satisfy this demand.”

ImagingInsider.com

#leica #ishotit #imaginginsider

After my mom sent boxes of my family’s photo albums years ago we found a nice space on my closet shelf with hope of one day digitizing them.

ScanMyPhotos.com has commercialized a new type of super-fast scanning technology, which results in 300 or 600 DPI scans for prints. Slides are scanned into medium or high resolution files.

Ten years or so later, one of the boxes has finally seen the digital era, with no thanks to my scanning ability.

I recently tested a company called ScanMyPhotos.com and I wish I had found them sooner.

The system is pretty simple; just choose what service you want from a variety of choices including scanning for slides and prints with prices per image. I chose one prepaid photo scanning box for slides and one for prints.

I registered on the site and the next day received a prepaid and addressed United States Postal Service flat rate shipping box in the mail.

Now all it took was for me to choose and organize the photos I wanted scanned since I was limited to how many photos fit in the box.

In my case I was able to pack in 2,297 photos, all 4 x 6-inches or smaller. This option does allow sizes from 3 x 3 up to 8 x 10-inches.

My slide box was filled with 523 35mm slides, although I could have fit in a few more.

While this was the best choice for my photos, scans can be done on a per image basis or a variety of bulk scanning options so check the site for what works best for your family archives.

Other upgrades include duplicate DVD’s or having images saved to thumb drives, or even hard-cover bound photo index books.

With the index books, you can flip through pages of contact sheets to easily locate a specific image. You can also have your images rotated so they are all upright or digitally upgraded to make them look perfect.

All I can say is be prepared to spend hours staring at the images on your screen. The scans were great quality, more than enough for prints. But why do that since it will put me right where I started!

You also might want to warn your relatives your doing a project like this – you’ll be filling their inboxes with photos instantly.

The company does a good job communicating during the process, especially considering that you are sending a box whose contents are impossible to value since the contents are irreplaceable.

I got an email confirming they thy received my boxes and just a few days later an email announced my scanning was complete.

Later that week my images arrived on my doorstep along with a DVD of my newly digitized images. Orders are advertised to be completed in most cases in about 2 or 3 weeks.

ScanMyPhotos.com has commercialized a new type of super-fast scanning technology, which results in 300 or 600 DPI scans for prints. Slides are scanned into medium or high resolution files.

While this was the best choice for my photos, scans can be done on a per image basis or a variety of bulk scanning options so check the site for what works best for your family archives.

Other upgrades include duplicate DVD’s or having images saved to thumb drives, or even hard-cover bound photo index books.

With the index books, you can flip through pages of contact sheets to easily locate a specific image. You can also have your images rotated so they are all upright or digitally upgraded to make them look perfect.

All I can say is be prepared to spend hours staring at the images on your screen. The scans were great quality, more than enough for prints. But why do that since it will put me right where I started?

You also might want to warn your relatives you're doing a project like this – you’ll be filling their inboxes with photos instantly.

ScanMyPhotos.com

ImagingInsider.com

#scanmyphotos #imaginginsider

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces the release of a new version of its popular large capacity rolling camera bag, the Logistics Manager™ 30. The rolling case’s endless interior layout options adapt to numerous equipment combinations and help manage all of the logistics of transporting and using a lot of gear while on location.

​Its roomy internal dimensions of 13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25 – 10”D (35 x 70 x 21 – 25.5cm) allow it to hold multiple combinations of cameras and lenses, lighting gear such as strobes and reflectors, and accessories of all kinds.

Key Features

• Holds and transports all types of gear on location.

• Organizer side pocket for various equipment.

• Interior pockets for extra organization.

• Two clear accessory bags included for miscellaneous items.

• Quickly deployable roller handle.

• Large front organizer pocket.

• Expandable front pocket for large items.

• TSA-approved main zipper lock for added security.

• Tripod cup, strap, and rain cover included.

“The Logistics Manager 30 answers a question often asked by working photographers: ‘How can I transport all of my gear into the field, have quick access to it, and secure it from loss or theft?’” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo president and

lead designer. “We took the design and engineering principles we pioneered in our line-up of award-winning rolling camera bags and applied them to this very roomy pro photographer logistics solution.”

Specifications

• Internal Dimensions: 13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25 – 10”D (35 x 70 x 21 – 25.5cm)

• External Dimensions: 15.75”W x 30”H x 11.5”D (40 x 76 x 29cm)

• Weight: 16 – 20 lbs (7.3 – 9.1 kg) (depending on accessories used)​

#​#​#

About Think Tank Photo

​Think Tank Photo is a group of designers and professional photographers focused on studying how photographers work, and developing inventive new carrying solutions to meet their needs. By focusing on “speed” and “accessibility,” we prepare photographers to Be Ready “Before The Moment,” allowing them to document those historic moments that reflect their personal visions and artistic talents. We design products that help photographers travel easier, take pictures faster, and organize their gear more efficiently.

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#thinktankphoto #imaginginsider

Rogue Photographic Design delivers new Portable Lighting Kit for Speedlights, includes quick change diffusers to create Strip Box, Soft Box, or White / Black / Silver Reflector.

ExpoImaging, Inc., which markets, designs, manufactures and distributes innovative camera accessories to the photographic market, today announced availability of the Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting Kit for small strobe lighting enthusiasts.

Photographers using and traveling with speedlights are always looking for ways to do more with less,” said Erik Sowder, CEO of ExpoImaging, Inc. “The new FlashBender XL Pro reflector is larger than anything we’ve designed before and ideally suited for on location off-camera lighting. Included in the kit is a new variable-width strip box diffuser attachment that introduces an entirely new edge lighting tool to the Rogue system.”

“Like our other Rogue FlashBenders, this compact, durable system of flash modifiers packs flat. It’s sized to fit in the most popular roller bags, or into a 17” laptop compartment,” said Sowder.

In studio or on location, the Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting Kit provides more creative lighting control for photographers using small flash. The included quick change attachments make a variable width strip box for background, rim and edge lighting control, a low profile soft box for soft directional light, or a multi-surface white, black, or silver reflector to manipulate contrast.

The Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting Kit includes: Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Reflector, Rogue XL Pro Strip Box Attachment, Rogue XL Pro Soft Box Attachment, Rogue XL Pro Reversible Silver-Black Attachment. Like all FlashBenders, the integrated attachment strap fits all popular brands of shoe mounted flashes.

Pricing and Availability

The Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting Kit is available now through ExpoImaging’s distribution partners worldwide, or online at http://www.expoimaging.com. The Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting Kit retails for $99.95.

About Rogue Photographic Design

Created by ExpoImaging, Rogue Photographic Design is a growing line of innovative lighting equipment for speedlight enthusiasts. Compact, versatile, and durable, patented Rogue light modifiers offer unparalleled lighting control and creative possibility in a minimum amount of space. More information about offerings from Rogue Photographic Design is available at http://www.expoimaging.com.

About ExpoImaging, Inc.

ExpoImaging, Inc. markets, designs, manufactures and distributes innovative camera accessories to the photographic market. ExpoImaging is the pioneer in white balance filters and manufactures ExpoDisc White Balance Filters, Rogue FlashBenders, Rogue Diffusion Panels, Rogue Grid, Rogue Flash Gels, and the ExpoAperture2 Depth-of-Field Guide. ExpoImaging is also the exclusive U.S. distributor of Ray Flash: The Ring Light Adapter. These unique products are available at select photography dealers worldwide or online at http://www.expoimaging.com

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#rogueflashbender #expoimaging #imaginginsider.

IMRSV, a New York-based start-up, has announced the launch of its Cara face detection software, which enables any standard webcam to become an intelligent sensor. Cara software is a perceptive computing platform that solves the problem of optimizing efficiency for retailers and advertisers by measuring consumer demographics and engagement in real-time. Cara provides anonymous audience data such as gender, age, attention time, and glances in real world spaces. IMRSV has designed Cara as a way to measure retail, advertising and other real world environments that have typically required expensive research studies using a handwritten pen, paper and clipboard.

Companies such as IPG, Reebok and Adflow Networks are initial customers for Cara.

The full press release appears below.

Screenshots of the Cara software, IMRSV and Cara logo files, and headshots of Jason Sosa, founder and CEO of IMRSV, can be accessed at: http://s530.photobucket.com/user/montclairpfaff/library/IMRSV%20photos?sort=3&page=1

IMRSV has raised more than $2 million from various investors including Dave McClure, Sam Yagan, Quotidian Ventures, The Windquest Group, Start Garden, Great Oaks Venture Capital and Eniac Ventures.

The technology enables smarter spaces and devices – whether toys that smile back at you, or advertising messages that adapt to the audience automatically – with real-time, continuous data collection. The software detects up to 25 people simultaneously up to 25 feet away using a basic web camera for real-time information gathering. Cara is being initially released for Windows and Linux and requires only a PC, Internet connection and a standard webcam. IMRSV is currently working to bring real-time face detection to tablet and mobile devices on both Android and iOS later this year.

Available today for download from the IMRSV site (http://www.imrsv.com), the initial version of Cara is $39.95 per month per camera. Designed as a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) offering, Cara has pay-as-you-go monthly plans with a 14-day free trial. Cara is available to developers as a REST API allowing third party developers to leverage real world data for custom applications. Developers can download the Developers Kit from http://www.imrsv.com/developers. Enterprise customers can inquire about the SDK, which provides a local real-time response and triggered events in milliseconds.

ImagingInsider.com

#facedetection #imrsv #imaginginsider

Support for the Canon EOS 700D/REBEL T5i, the Leica M, the Nikon Coolpix A, the Nikon Coolpix P330, the Pentax MX-1, and the Sony NEX-3N

May 15, 2013 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v8.1.6 for Mac and Windows, the new version of its image processing software of reference for all demanding photographers. With this update, DxO Optics Pro 8 now supports the Leica M (Elite edition only) and the Canon EOS 700D/REBEL T5i. Four other cameras complete the list of cameras supported by this updated version: the Nikon Coolpix A, the Nikon Coolpix P330, the Pentax MX-1, and the Sony NEX-3N.

Based on DxO Labs’ exclusive prior calibration process conducted in its laboratories, DxO Optics Pro offers many powerful and automatic tools for processing RAW and JPEG images, including the best tool for automatically adjusting contrast and light, and precise color management.

12,000 DxO Optics Modules available

DxO Optics Pro v8.1.6 benefits from the continuous addition of DxO Optics Modules. Since the last version, 267 new camera/lens combinations have been added to the library, providing support for even more [Canon, Leica, Nikkor, Olympusn Panasonic, Pentax, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Tokina and Zeiss] lenses for [Canon, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony] cameras.

DxO Optics Pro now offers more than 12,000 DxO Optics Modules, each of which contains tens of thousands of data points about the intrinsic characteristics and flaws of its camera/lens combination. The DxO Optics Modules database, unique in the entire world, allows DxO Optics Pro to automatically correct all the optical flaws in RAW and JPEG images – distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, lens softness – with an unrivaled level of quality.

Availability and prices

The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro v8.1.6 for Mac and Windows are available in the DxO Labs online store (shop.dxo.com) and at photo resellers at the following prices:

USD:

DxO Optics Pro 8 Standard Edition: $169

DxO Optics Pro 8 Elite Edition: $299

GBP:

DxO Optics Pro 8 Standard Edition: £119

DxO Optics Pro 8 Elite Edition: £239

(Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

EUR:

DxO Optics Pro 8 Standard Edition: 149€

DxO Optics Pro 8 Elite Edition: 299€

(Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 8, as well as for photographers who purchased a DxO Optics Pro 7 license on or after September 1, 2012.

A fully-functional trial version of DxO Optics Pro 8, good for one month, is available on the DxO Labs website (http://www.dxo.com/intl/photo/free_trial_version).

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#dxoopticspro #imaginginsider

The Newest Addition to the Nikon 1 System, the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 Lens, Offers Superior Resolution and Incredible Depth of Field to Nikon 1 Shooters

MELVILLE, N.Y. (May 14, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the newest addition to the acclaimed Nikon 1 system, the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens, a fast medium-telephoto offering for photographers who appreciate the speed and portability of the Nikon 1 System. With a fixed focal length of 32mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.2, the new 32mm lens is the fastest in the ever expanding 1 NIKKOR lens lineup. An ideal lens for portraiture, the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens is capable of rendering breathtaking images that capture every detail.

The 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens (86mm equivalent in 35mm format) enables brilliant sharpness and is able to resolve intricate details in portraits such as hair, eyes and eyelashes, while also allowing for strategically precise image blur and bokeh. From flattering portraits to still-life art, this fast lens gives users the ability to emphasize a primary subject combined with a skillfully blurred background for a dramatic yet natural separation, and shoot with confidence in challenging light.

Additionally, core NIKKOR lens technologies have been carried over into the 1 NIKKOR series, as the 32mm f/1.2 is the first 1 NIKKOR lens to be equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), a manual focus ring and a Nano Crystal Coat — all traditional staples of the NIKKOR line. Utilizing the Close-Range Correction System, the lens is able to provide high-resolution, realistic textures and minimized aberration, even during close-up shooting. The M/A (autofocus with manual override) mode lets the user to manually focus during autofocus operation for intuitive and fine adjustments while shooting. Additionally, the lens sports an elegant and portable design while Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces instances of ghost and flare for optimal image quality.

With the addition of the new 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens, the 1 NIKKOR lens lineup now offers nine total lenses for photographers seeking the ideal harmony of performance and portability.

Nikon will continue to expand the 1 NIKKOR lineup with lenses that make the most of the capabilities and performance offered by Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses, while consistently offering new ways for users to express their creative vision.

Price and Availability

The 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens will be available in Black and Silver for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95* in June 2013. For more information on the Nikon 1 system and other 1 NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About the NIKKOR brand

With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the new super telephoto 800mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the “Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of the Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 80th anniversary of NIKKOR optics, and announced the production of over 75 million NIKKOR lenses in 2012, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

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*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

ImagingInside.com

#nikkor #nikon#imaginginsider

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 14.05.2013. During the first six months of fiscal year 2012/13 the business trend in the ZEISS Group was marked by the difficult conditions experienced in some markets. Nevertheless, the Group concluded the first half of the year (ended 31 March) with revenue totaling EUR 1.978 billion (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 2.040 billion). Earnings (EBIT) reached a level of EUR 109 million (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 236 million). “As expected, the first half of fiscal year 2012/13 was more difficult than the equivalent period last year,” said Dr. Michael Kaschke, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG. “Revenue and earnings are characterized by the partly very different and challenging developments in our markets and by the recessionary trends in the global economy. However, our half-year figures are solid and at the level that we planned.”

Downturn in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology business – growth in direct business, primarily in rapidly developing economies

In this difficult scenario the Industrial Metrology and Medical Technology business groups generated further growth in revenue. The Vision Care and Microscopy business groups showed a largely stable development. The revenue reported by the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology business group remained considerably below last year's figure, as demand for this technology in the very volatile semiconductor sector continued to be very slow in the first six months of the fiscal year.

ZEISS generated around 84 percent of revenue through direct business, and the remaining 16 percent with cooperation partners. The company transacted over 85 percent of its direct business on the international markets.

After currency adjustments, the Group grew its revenue in the Asia/Pacific region (APAC) by four percent to a figure totaling EUR 395 million (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 385 million). In the Americas ZEISS reported growth of two percent. In this region revenue reached the EUR 552 million mark (first six months of fiscal year 2011/12: EUR 534 million). In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) ZEISS generated revenue totaling EUR 460 million, a plus of one percent (first six months of fiscal year 2011/12: EUR 455 million). Business in Germany amounted to EUR 244 million (first six months of fiscal year 2011/12: EUR 242 million).

Direct business in the rapidly developing economies such as China, India or Latin America showed a particularly positive development and increased by 16 percent over the previous year. Overall, ZEISS is now generating just under 22 percent of revenue through direct business on these markets (first six months of 2011/12: 19 percent).

The development of the business generated with cooperation partners, on the other hand, is being impacted by the downturn evident in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology business group, where revenue dropped 23 percent to EUR 327 million (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 423 million).

Further increase in headcount

On 31 March 2013, 24,803 people were working for ZEISS around the globe. The headcount rose by around three percent – the equivalent of 690 employees – over the first six months of fiscal year 2011/12 (31 March 2012: 24,113 employees). In the first six months of fiscal year 2012/13 ZEISS hired 470 new recruits, predominantly in Asia and Germany.

Further increase in expenditure on research and development

In the first half of the current fiscal year ZEISS invested EUR 191 million, or ten percent of revenue, into its research and development activities. This means that – despite a slight drop in revenue – expenditure on research and development was six percent above last year's level (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 180 million).

Investments in expansion and modernization of the Group

In the first half of fiscal year 2012/13 Carl Zeiss invested EUR 107 million in property, plant and equipment (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 108 million). These funds were primarily channeled into global infrastructure projects and into production technology for the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology and Medical Technology business groups. “Despite the slowdown in the global economy we are increasing our spending on research and development. We are neither halting nor postponing important investments in the company's future, but are pursuing them with unchanged consistency,” Kaschke emphasized. “Such continuity is key for a high-tech company like ZEISS. This will safeguard our innovative strength in the future.” As announced in 2011, ZEISS will invest around EUR 500 million in the expansion and modernization of its German sites in the period to 2014. This includes the facilities and plant expansions opened at headquarters in Oberkochen in April. The construction of a logistics center and a conference center is currently underway. These investments compared to depreciations totaling EUR 65 million (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 65 million).

ZEISS finances multi-year investment program from its own resources

ZEISS made massive investments in the previous year and in the first half of the current fiscal year. This is reflected in the trend displayed by gross liquidity. On 31 March 2013 this amounted to EUR 566 million – EUR 196 million less than at the end of fiscal year 2011/12 (30 September 2012: EUR 762 million). Net liquidity totaled EUR 179 million (30 September 2012: EUR 373 million). “This expected development in liquidity in the first six months of fiscal year 2012/13 is attributable not only to the downward trend in the revenue of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology business group but also, and above all, to our high level of investment. We are pleased that we have been able to achieve this without external financial support,” said Thomas Spitzenpfeil, CFO of Carl Zeiss AG. The high level of investment is also reflected in the free cash flow which fell to minus EUR 34 million (first six months of fiscal year 2011/12: EUR 71 million).

Equity showed a stable development. On 31 March 2013 it totaled EUR 1.204 billion (30 September 2012: EUR 1.213 billion). Spitzenpfeil stressed: “Our equity ratio remains at a solid level of 26 percent – just as at the end of fiscal year 2011/12.”

Trends in the business groups

In the first half of the fiscal year, the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology business group generated revenue of EUR 392 million. Due to the continuing reluctance to invest evident in the semiconductor sector, this was a decrease of 18 percent on a like-for-like basis (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 478 million). Therefore, the revenue trend remained within the expected framework.

After the first six months of fiscal year 2012/13 the Industrial Metrology business group reported an 11 percent increase in revenue to EUR 264 million (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 237 million). Particular success was reported for the business group's service business and for its sales in the USA.

The Microscopy business group ended the first six months of fiscal year 2012/13 with revenue of EUR 303 million. This equates to a slight reduction of two percent on a like-for-like basis (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 310 million). The business group is particularly feeling the impact of the continued cost-saving measures being implemented by the public sector in its investments into research.

The Medical Technology business group achieved a slight increase in revenue of two percent to EUR 494 million (first six months of fiscal year 2011/12: EUR 484 million). The business with surgical microscopes and intraocular lenses was particularly pleasing. The business group also scored considerable success in the rapidly developing economies. These values deviate from the published figures of the publicly listed company Carl Zeiss Meditec AG as a result of different consolidation models.

The Vision Care business group ended the first half of 2012/13 with revenue of EUR 419 million, slightly less than last year's figure (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 432 million). The business group's operating result was clearly positive. Vision Care has developed into a stable and important pillar of the ZEISS portfolio since its integration into the Carl Zeiss Group on 1 October 2010.

In the first half of fiscal year 2012/13 the Camera Lenses, Sports Optics and Planetariums strategic business groups together generated revenue totaling EUR 90 million, an increase of five percent (first six months of 2011/12: EUR 86 million).

Outlook

For the second half of the fiscal year, ZEISS anticipates continued economic stagnation in many regions and sectors. Nevertheless, Kaschke underscored the Group's plan for fiscal year 2012/13: “We are still aiming for total revenue of around four billion euros for the Carl Zeiss Group.” The Group assumes that the global economy will persist at its current level.

“ZEISS has a future-oriented portfolio and is well positioned to address the challenges posed by the global markets. However, we will further optimize our structures and processes on an ongoing basis to enable us to react quickly and flexibly to constantly changing market conditions. We will continue to consistently invest in expanding the company's international footprint and, above all, in research and development,” said Kaschke.

The previous year's figures are calculated on a like-for-like basis.

ImagingInsider.com

#carlzeiss #imaginginsider