Photodoto takes a look at 6 portable ways to store your photos.

“When you’re on the road and you run out of film, you can pop into almost any nearby store and just buy some more. But what do you do when you run out of space on a digital memory card? They’re also sold just about everywhere, but they’re not nearly as cheap. You could lug a laptop around and transfer files to the hard drive but what do you do if you don’t have a laptop or are loathe to bring something so bulky and expensive on a day trip or vacation? The solution is the portable media storage device. In this article I’ll discuss things to look for when purchasing one of these devices followed by a quick roundup of several popular units.”

Website: Photodoto - Portable photo storage buyer’s guide

epic software group Press Release

Universal Tripod Tray Keeps Your Photo Gear Handy and Safe

The Woodlands, Texas, June 28, 2006 – Photographers are always looking for gadgets that will make their work easier. The epic Tripod Butler is one of those photo accessories you never realized you needed, but just use it once and you’ll never want to be without it.  Perfect for holding lenses, strobes, batteries, or anything else you need to keep handy, the epic Tripod Butler is designed to stand up to the rigors of both studio and field use.

Fantasea Press Release

Fantasea Line is pleased to let you have an advance look at our new products and affordable underwater solutions for the 2006 dive season to be released soon. These include 5 new housings for Nikon Coolpix cameras, for the first time Fantasea housings will be fully functional. These new housings allow the underwater photographer to access all essential control functions including On/Off, Zoom, Macro, Exposure, Mode, Menu, Review, Flash On/Off, Delete, Video, White Balance and more. Fantasea is also pleased to release a new DSLR housing for the revolutionary Olympus E330 camera and upgraded DSLR systems for the Nikon D50, D70 and D70S.

Medea International Press Release

With Infiniti Lightscribe discs you can burn and ‘scribe’ your CD-R using the same device.  A special coating is used on the upper surface of the discs that allows a Lightscribe enabled disc burner to ‘burn’ a design onto it.  Focused light energy from the laser inside a Lightscribe drive causes a chemical reaction on the thin, dye coated surface on the disc.  Because there is no printing involved there is no need for the extra expense of a separate printer..  All Lightscribe designs are etched using the laser already inside your disc drive.

Transcend Press Release

Transcend launches the Compact Card Reader and the Multi Card Reader M1, two new portable devices ideal for plug and play data transfer. These innovative products are extremely practical and thanks to their pocket size you can always take them with you. These two new products together with the Multi Card Reader form an exclusive trio of indispensable gadgets for reading movies, photos, and e-data from any flash card. Choose the Multi-Card Reader for larger flash cards, the Multi-Card Reader M1 for smaller cards, or if you don’t want to use any cable, choose the Compact Card Reader that can be directly plugged into the USB port. Transcend’s Portable Multi-Card Readers do not require any installation, and simply connect to your PC, Mac, or notebook computer. In addition, the fast transfer rates, reduced dimensions, and captivating designs will enhance your photo, music, and data transfer experience.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic is pleased to announce today that it will launch a 4GB* SDHC (SD High-Capacity) Memory Card based on the new SD Specification Version 2.00. This latest specification was established to meet the growing demand for HD (High Definition) video and high-resolution image recording now used in many SD-enabled devices. Sales of the memory card worldwide are scheduled to begin in August.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic is pleased to announce today that it will launch a new SD Memory Card lineup compliant with the Class 2 SD Speed Class specification designated by the SD Card Association. Sales of the new lineup are scheduled to begin in August 2006. The SD Speed Class specifications were established to standardize data transfer speeds (Class 2, Class 4, and Class 6, with guaranteed increases in speed from one class to the next), instead of relying on the different standards of individual manufacturers.

FujiFilm USA Press Release

Protective Housing for FinePix A400 and A500 Digital Camera Models; Perfect for Summertime Fun!

Valhalla, NY, June 7, 2006 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc., today unveiled the new, custom-made ‘Aquamask’ – a protective housing designed specifically for Fujifilm’s FinePix A400 and A500 digital cameras. The Aquamask is a tough, protective shell that allows for full digital camera operation as it protects the models from sand, dust and dirt, plus water up to a depth of 10 feet. As the summertime approaches, Fujifilm’s Aquamask is a smart, complementary companion to the FinePix A400 and A500 and is one of the few protective, waterproof casings available for entry-level digital cameras. Sporting fun, light green color accents, the Aquamask is ideal for families who spend their summer days engaged in a myriad of outdoor activities.

Duracell Press Release

Duracell Launches New Rechargeable Cells; Introduces Powerful, Higher Capacity 2650 mAh NiMH Rechargeable Cells

BETHEL, Conn.—May 24, 2006—Duracell today announced the latest additions to its rechargeable battery line designed to meet the growing demands of high-drain devices like digital cameras. The new nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which include 2650 mAh AA and 1000 mAh AAA cells, are arriving on mass market, drug, grocery and electronic store shelves in May 2006. The new batteries represent some of the highest capacity AA and AAA rechargeable cells available today. Ideal for consumers who frequently use high-drain devices like digital cameras, the 2650 mAh AA and 1000 mAh AAA cells offer both strong performance and value. The introduction builds upon Duracell’s extensive line of rechargeable battery solutions, including the Duracell 15-minute charger, which was introduced earlier this year.

A Living Picture Press Release

digital photo frames running Windows SideShow will be presented in the keynote presentations of both Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect, Microsoft, and Will Poole, Senior Vice President, Windows Client Business, Microsoft.

Seattle (PRWEB) May 22, 2006—A Living Picture is working with Microsoft to enable Windows SideShow capabilities on the full range of the A Living Picture Digital Photo Frames for the upcoming launch of Windows Vista. A Living Picture’s digital photo frames running Windows SideShow will be presented in the keynote presentations of both Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect, Microsoft, and Will Poole, Senior Vice President, Windows Client Business, Microsoft, and be on display at WInHEC.

Shuttertalk have just reviewed the new Crumpler Sinking Barge Photo Backpack.

“The Sinking Barge has 2 main storage areas – the top section being for a laptop, while the front section houses your camera gear. The front compartment of the bag opens up via 2 way zipper to reveal padded compartment with 2 adjustable dividers, giving essentially room for a DSLR with lens attached, and 2 additional lenses/accessories on each side. This compartment is covered by a zippered mesh to hold everything securely in place. It was a snug fit, but it was able to accommodate my Nikon D50 with 18-70 zoom lens, 55-200 zoom lens and SB-600 flashgun. I think if you had a bigger body or lenses, you would probably have to reconfigure the dividers to with some trade off in storage space.”

Website: Shuttertalk - Crumpler Sinking Barge Photo Backpack Review

Imation Press Release

Imation’s new Flash Drive plays a pivotal role in providing rugged security - Resilient drive will protect important files and applications from damage

Bracknell, 17 May 2006 - Imation, a leading supplier of removable data storage media, has today announced the launch of its new Pivot Flash Drive.  Set in a tough rubberised, water-resistant shell and designed with a reinforced ring, the Imation Pivot Flash Drive offers high capacity and file encryption in a durable form.  The Imation Pivot Flash Drive is also protected with a pivot cap to prevent loss and includes an ultra-sturdy keychain clip.

Intro2020 Press Release

Gorillapod – it’s lightweight, compact, portable, bendable, wrappable and it’s a tripod!

The Gorillapod firmly secures your compact digital camera to just about anything – anywhere and everywhere! It wraps around posts, trees and railings, even sides of rocks, to form a stable anchor for compact cameras. The Gorillapod has legs that can be contorted into various positions, made possible by ball and socket type joints that bend and rotate 360 degrees. The Gorillapod also doubles as a standard mini tripod with rubber grips on the feet. It is supplied with a quick release plate that can be clicked into position and the release button can be locked for added security.

Transcend Press Release

Transcend Information, Inc. releases 2GB high capacity mini SecureDigital (miniSD) flash memory card.  In order to meet the requirements of new high-spec cell phones such as the Nokia 6270, and 6280, the 80X Ultra-Performance high-speed miniSD cards (256MB~2GB) joins the ranks of the highest capacity miniSDTM cards in the world. Transcend miniSDTM cards have all the features and performance of standard SDTM cards, but are less than half the size.  This makes miniSDTM cards ideal for the next generation of multimedia cell phones and mobile devices, which are incorporating miniSDTM card slots into their design.  To ensure compatibility with SDTM devices, Transcend provides an adapter, which converts a miniSDTM card for use in SDTM card slots.  The adapter works by placing the smaller memory card into its respective case and treating the card plus adapter as an SD card.

Imation Press Release

Imation Inkjet Printable CDs and DVDs with AquaGuard™ - Water-Fast Surface Now Available - New product makes water and smudge resistant printed images jump off the disc with vibrant colors and crisp designs that last

OAKDALE, Minn. (May 8, 2006) – Print images with lasting impact on the new Inkjet Printable CDs and DVDs with AquaGuard™ surface from Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN)—available in mid-May through Imation authorized distributors. Thanks to the first-of-its kind AquaGuard nanoparticle technology, the new discs feature a whiter, brighter surface that provides a better canvas on which to print vibrant, lasting impressions. Printed images and text are also permanently locked into the disc’s surface – even when handled immediately after printing or when exposed to water.

Gitzo Press Release

Gitzo, revered throughout the world for its precision, quality and innovation in bringing new products to market for both the professional photo and video markets, is proud to introduce the world’s first monopod developed from volcanic rock – the GM2940 Basalt Monopod. In 2005, Gitzo, maker of the original carbon fiber tripods and magnesium alloy photographic heads, introduced their new, exclusive Basalt technology.  The volcanic-based basalt materials used to develop the line of tripods and monopods provide photographers advanced performance and durability at affordable prices. Basalt tripods and monopods are designed to achieve the best performance for camera support applications.  The new line is composed of Gitzo’s innovative fiber tube fabrication capabilities, which were developed for the space program because of the material’s lightweight and insulating fire-proof properties.

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston U3 DataTraveler USB Smart Drive Combines Storage with Leading Software – Pass2Go, ACDSee, and Zinio

Fountain Valley, CA — Kingston Technology Company, Inc. today introduced the Kingston U3 DataTraveler, a U3™ powered smart drive that helps streamline and support the “digital life” experience. Available in capacities up to 2 GB and smaller than a pack of gum, the latest Kingston® U3 DataTraveler® features software to help file, organize and share photos; automatically populate forms; generate, manage and secure passwords; and read and interact with digital publications. Representing a new paradigm in computing, the U3 smart drive computing platform transforms a USB flash drive from simple storage device into a new consumer product that people can use to carry, store and launch their own applications from any PC, wherever they go. One of the goals of the U3 platform is to make software programs, personal preferences, passwords, settings, and files more portable, personal, and protected. U3 smart drives feature a “U3 Launchpad” from which applications can be opened on Windows 2000/XP.

Sigma Press Release

Multi coating filters optimized for Digital SLRs

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new SIGMA EX DG range of filters which is optimized for digital SLRs. The new filters benefit from a super multi-layer lens coating developed to counteract the highly reflective characteristics of digital image sensors reducing both flare and ghosting. Black rimmed glass eliminates unnecessary internal reflections. The Sigma EX DG range comprises UV filters, which not only reduce ultraviolet light but are ideal for protecting the lens during general photography, and Circular Polarizing (CP) filters which eliminate reflections from subjects such as glass and water and deepen the intensity of blue skies. The range of CP filters, with the exception of the 86mm, 95mm and 105mm, is encased within an ultra- thin metal ring that does not cause vignetting with wide-angle lenses. Each of these Sigma EX DG filters is designed to accept the front cap of the lens.

Hama Press Release

Party pictures make for good moods and lasting memories even after the big celebration. Yet often, the later it gets, the blurrier the snapshots are and that’s hard to eliminate even in the digital age. Small, light, and quick to set up, the Bottle Pod from Hama is a smart solution coming in at 5 centimetres and 46 grams. You simply pull the rubber attachment over the head of a bottle (up to 30 mm) like a cap, fasten the camera onto a small ball joint using the quick-release coupling (with an A 1/4-inch threaded mount), and the shakes are gone. Of course this practical helper is great for self-timer shots too. However, the bottle should then be as heavy as possible and therefore stable.  The minitripod, which even has an eye for fastening it to the camera’s carrying strap, is available now in stores.

LaCie Press Release

April 18, 2006 - LaCie today unveils LaFrame for 100 Series Monitors. By eliminating distractions from the user’s field of vision, LaFrame creates visual comfort for the user. It allows full focus on the task at hand, thus enhancing productivity even in the busiest open-space corporate offices. LaFrame will ship with all LaCie 119 and 120 Monitors, a series designed to ensure documents are displayed in their best light thanks to high contrast ratios of up to 1000:1. LaCie Product Manager Daniel Mayer says, “LaFrame offers a revolutionary visual experience that ultimately helps you focus on your work. Paired with the high contrast ratio of our 100 Series Monitors, it’s the perfect choice for design, layout or editing work.”