Monday, March 31, 2008

The Epson Stylus Photo R1900 is a new A3+ inkjet printer, offering durable, superior quality photos on a wide range of media. The R1900 features Epson’s new UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 ink system, with a wider colour gamut, natural skin tones and consistent colour with a smooth gloss finish. With a recommended retail price of £399.99 / $549.99, is the Epson Stylus Photo R1900 a worthy successor to the popular R1800 model? Jon Canfield put the R1900 through its paces to find out…

Website: Epson Stylus Photo R1900 Review

WWAOW.com is the first low-cost self-publishing service for creating high-quality hard or soft cover books, documents, and manuals. Pronounced “WOW!”, WWAOW.com allows you to publish your own book “on demand” for only $79 for 5 books. No long-term commitments, sign-up fees, or service contracts are required. “For writers, self-publishing through WWAOW.com is an amazing way to achieve the dream of publishing and earning royalties.  For businesses, WWAOW means documents and catalogs can be quickly updated online and printed as needed,” said Brigitte Peleman-Vantieghem, CEO, Peleman Industries. 

Click to continue...

Luminous Landscape have just reviewed DxO Optics Pro 5, a software application for automatic image quality enhancement for Digital SLR camera users.

“DxO 5 features significant improvements and new features compared to previous versions.  If you are already using DxO you will find that version 5 features new options and is easier to use. If you have not used DxO yet you can download a free trial version from DxO.com and evaluate the software. To me, the new user interface alone is worth updating.  Until DxO 5 I kept wondering where some of the options were. Now I find them all easily and my workflow is a lot quicker and more intuitive.  I focus on image optimization instead of trying to remember where everything is.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - DxO Optics Pro 5 Review

CNET have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS80, a new entry-level 8 megapixel digital camera.

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS80 distinguishes itself as one of the least expensive cameras available with an optical image stabilization system. Unfortunately, while that feature is handy, it simply can’t make up for the camera’s sluggish performance and poor picture quality. If you’re looking for an affordable budget camera, forego the LS80’s image stabilization and instead look to the Canon PowerShot A470. It doesn’t include optical or mechanical image stabilization, but it shoots faster and produces much nicer-looking photos.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS80 Review

Friday, March 28, 2008

Apple today released Aperture 2.1, which introduces an open plug-in architecture and now includes the Apple-developed plug-in, Dodge & Burn. Apple is working closely with key developers to bring the most requested plug-ins to Aperture. “The image quality in Aperture 2 has won over the most demanding photographers,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “Now, thanks to our open plug-in architecture, users can access an entire industry’s worth of imaging expertise without ever leaving Aperture.” Aperture 2.1 is available immediately as a free software update to current Aperture 2.0 users.

Click to continue...

Never seen before images of Britain are to be unveiled at an exhibition in London. Renowned climber and photographer Mike Robertson toured the country scaling legendary landmarks, armed with the Sony A700 DSLR camera. “Whilst I am used to embarking on difficult climbs, the unusual building structures and the unpredictable weather conditions made the Sony α Unseen Britain an amazing challenge” said Mike Robertson.  “Using the α700 Digital SLR camera and range of lenses allowed me to capture some fantastic and unique shots of Britain.” The Unseen Britain exhibition takes place at La Galleria, Royal Opera Arcade, London between Thursday 27th – Saturday 29th March 2008.

Click to continue...

Hasselblad 3FR RAW files are now supported by Apple in Mac OS X 10.5.2 and Aperture 2. The free Leopard update includes support for Hasselblad raw image files in the 3FR, FFF and DNG format, created with any Hasselblad digital camera. Apple’s raw file processing is very fast, and delivers images with a generally high image quality, resulting in a level of image quality sufficient for standard application.  The quality of the images produced, however, will not equal that of those processed via Hasselblad’s proprietary FlexColor or Phocus software.

Click to continue...

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, version 2.0, for the GR DIGITAL II compact digital camera. Ricoh’s function-enhancing firmware updates are developed in response to opinions and requests received from a large number of customers. The function-enhancing firmware and instructions for using these functions can be downloaded free of charge from the Ricoh website.

Click to continue...

The Kodak M1020, M820 and P720 are new additions to Kodak’s range of digital picture frames. These sleek and stylish frames host a suite of features including the newly announced Quick Touch Border, as well as accessories for enhancing your home. “Kodak’s acclaimed and industry-leading Digital Picture Frames let consumers bring their favorite memories to life, releasing them from a computer and displaying them in brilliant quality in the home or office,” said John Blake, general manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “With the addition of Quick Touch Border, Kodak has made the consumer experience even more intuitive and engaging.”

Click to continue...

JP Service Solutions has introduced a new concept to DSLR sensor cleaning. They have launched a sensor cleaning service in the UK which is delivered via a pre-paid fixed price voucher. The vouchers can be purchased from appointed retailers, and the sensor clean is performed by experienced engineers within the JPSS Staffordshire facility. The complete service is provided within a 72-hour window and the price includes the secured courier return of the product. Commenting on this new initiative, David Harper, the JPSS Operations Director, said, “In developing this new service, we believe that we can provide a defined and cost effective response to the needs of the UK DSLR user.  Customers can feel assured that their product will be handled by experienced staff, which removes the inherent risk of product damage if sensor cleaning is undertaken by other means”, he continued.

Click to continue...