Photo.net have a great do-it-yourself article that describes how to hook your digital camera up to a 7 inch portable LCD display - great for zooming in to see all the detail in your images. At $129, this is a cheap alternative to a laptop too.

“In the ‘old’ days we used to pass Polaroids around the studios to clients, art directors, teachers, etc. Now that I have switched to DSRL I really don’t feel like passing around my camera nor do I enjoy holding it while everyone has a chance to look at the image(s). So, I set out to find a solution that would allow instant playback with an image large enough for clients & me to view comfortably, without having to take the CF card out of the camera and load the images into a laptop. (I like to keep my shoots as time conscious as possible).

After much researching I have found the solution in the automotive retro-fit market.”

Website: Photo.net - Portable LCD Display

Think Tank Photo Press Release

SANTA ROSA, CA –  For veteran photographic equipment bag creator Doug Murdoch, designing camera bags and accessories is more than a craft, it is a cause.  “Many of history’s greatest moments are captured only because the photographer was ready ‘Before the Moment,’ intuitively pressing the shutter before the definitive moment occurred,” says Murdoch.  The goal of his new company, Think Tank Photo (www.thinktankphoto.com), is to design inventive carrying solutions, based upon photographer behavioral input, that help them capture these moments.

Maxell Press Release

Released: 01/17/2005

Ideal for critical data protection

FAIR LAWN, NJ, January 17, 2005 - Maxell Corporation of America, the technology and marketing leader in advanced recordable media products, steps up to meet the needs of business users with its new premium line of DVD-RPRO media. Designed to withstand both abuse and contaminants, DVD-RPRO incorporates breakthrough technologies, resulting in the utmost in DVD durability for long-term data protection.

Maxell’s new 4.7 GB DVD-RPRO media features the company’s innovative MAXPRO Hardcoat technology™, producing a media surface that is 40 times more scratch resistant and 20 times more dust resistant than standard DVD media.

Photoxels have a great new article which looks at the additional accessories that new camera users should consider buying (and budgeting for):

“Your new digital camera kit usually comes with everything you need to start taking pictures right out of the box. In some cases, you may need to purchase a set of rechargeable batteries and a battery charger; and, in most cases, you definitely need to purchase a larger memory card to store those high resolution images. There are also a few items “missing” in the box. In this article, we look at some of the accessories that every photographer must have, and a few others that are nice to have.”

Website: Photoxels - Digital Camera Accessories

Delkin Press Release

New Unique Rechargeable CR123A Charger and Batteries – Available in NOW!
                                                                                                                           
Delkin’s CR123A is a rechargeable Lithium Ion version of the disposable CR123.  The Rechargeable CR123A Kits comes complete with a charger and battery and will work with a variety of cameras.

Features:
·      High performance Li-ion technology with no memory effect.

·      Protection circuits to ensure safe operation.  Automatically shuts off when charge is complete.

·      Charging Time: 2 to 3 Hours.

·      Low self-discharging rate.  Retains 90% of its charge after 28 days sitting idle.

Shuttertalk have published a review of the Kata R-102 Photo Rucksack.

“So what’s a guy to do? You start innocently enough, buying a camera and lens. As time goes by, you buy more and more… along the way you accumulate camera bags to put all the stuff in. Eventually you end up carrying a double armful of camera bags, lens cases, tripods, and other assorted junk. At the airport, the security guards glare at you and your pile of “must-carry-on” and “oh-so-fragile” photo necessities.

Enough is enough - time for a new bag that meets my needs for organization, storage, transportation, security, and protection. After about 6 weeks of research, I decided on the Kata R-102 photo rucksack. I also looked seriously at cases from Lowepro, Tenba, Tamrac, Dakine, Crumpler, and Bogen, but for my needs, I chose the Kata.”

Website: Shuttertalk - Kata R-102 Photo Rucksack Review

Pretec Press Release

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Jan. 7, 2005 Pretec Electronics Corp., the inventor of iDisk Tiny, the smallest USB flash Drive in the world since 2003, is demonstrating CU-Flash(TM), the even smaller USB flash drive with area of 45% smaller and volume of 40% smaller than a US Quarter coin at CES (booth # IP 531& 532) in Las Vegas.

With volume of 0.47cm3 (21mmX11.9mmX1.9mm), only 25% of the size of bare iDisk Tiny (volume of 1.88cm3); CU-Flash is about 1/10 of the size of a typical USB flash drive. Much smaller than Pretec iDisk Tiny; the smallest USB flash drive in the world, with raw dimension of 32mmX13.5mmX4.5mm, which has been hailed by TIME Magazine (Nov. 2003) as “Best Gear of 2003,” CU-Flash can be an excellent companion to usher a new trend of mobile storage solution in fashionable style. With patented design, construction and stylish outlook, CU-Flash can be an ideal add-on for any stationery such as pen, jewelry or personal accessories such as watch, necktie pin, hairpin, etc. for value-added or personalized premium gift.

Pretec Press Release

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Jan. 7, 2005 Pretec Electronics Corp., the inventor of iDisk Tiny, the smallest USB Flash Drive in the world since 2003, is demonstrating the fastest USB flash drive in the world, with access speed up to 166X (24.9MB/s), at CES (booth # IP 531 & 532) in Las Vegas.

With more than 250% faster READ speed and at least 500% faster WRITE speed than the leading flash vendor in the world, Pretec iDisk Tiny 166X brings an entire new level of use for world’s fastest access speed in read & write up to 24.9MB/sec and 12MB/sec. Constructed with patented technologies of rugged and compact size with mere raw dimensions of 32mm x 13.5mm x 4.5mm, iDisk Tiny has been hailed by TIME Magazine (Nov. 2003) as “Best Gear of 2003.” Jointly promoted by Pretec and reputable companies around the globe such as NOKIA, ACATEL, YAHOO, VISA, OKWAP, MITAC, MICRON, etc., iDisk Tiny is the ideal premium gift. For the 1st time now users can enjoy the USB flash drive with the concurrent features of smallest size in the world together with the fastest access speed in the world.

Imation Press Release

Imation Unveils New Media Products for Preserving and Sharing Personal Memories at CES 2005

Imation Corp will unveil its new selection of digital media products designed to help “memory keepers” create, capture, preserve and share users’ important personal digital memories and data during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Jan. 6-9, 2005. These new product offerings are targeting a customer segment that Imation has coined “memory keepers”—users with an expectation for higher quality, longer-lasting and more innovative digital media to protect and save their most precious video, music and photo memories.

“Consumers are extremely passionate about sharing and capturing their digital creations and memories, and place a lot of trust in the media they use,” said Tom Lally, executive director of sales and marketing, Consumer and Office Markets, Imation. “Imation’s newest product introductions are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of ”memory keepers“ by delivering premium- quality, easy-to-use CDs, DVDs and flash drives that provide ultimate creativity, convenience and peace of mind that their memories and files will be there when they need them.”

Targus Press Release

Targus Debuts Industry’s First Complete Suite of Camera and Camcorder Accessories; Turnkey Collection of Accessories Answers Consumer Demand for Single, Trusted Manufacturer

2005 International CES South Hall, Booth #31242

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 5, 2005—Targus Inc., maker of the world’s top-selling notebook cases and accessories, today launched a complete line of camera and camcorder accessories, complementing its popular camera case lineup. Targus has added 200 new products to its camera and camcorder accessory family, encompassing everything from miniature tripods to lens cleaners. The breadth of products catapults the Targus brand into a leadership position, offering consumers the most comprehensive suite of case and accessory solutions for cameras and camcorders. A preview of these new accessories and cases will be on display in the Targus booth during the 2005 International CES in Las Vegas from Jan. 6-9, 2005.

Sony Press Release

5GB Micro Vault PRO and Newly Designed Micro Vault with Fingerprint Access Highlight Introductions

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #N109), Jan. 5, 2005—Exhibiting its most extensive Micro Vault product lineup to date here at CES, Sony is introducing an array of products that include a 5GB Micro Vault PRO USB-enabled hard drive, and a redesigned Micro Vault with Fingerprint Access.

“We have seen the use of USB storage devices grow exponentially every year since we first introduced the Micro Vault in 2002,” said Michael Lucas, director of consumer and convergent media for Sony Electronics’ Media and Applications Solutions Division. “As pioneers in this category, we are adding several new products to the lineup as well as product enhancements that will offer tailored solutions for the wide breadth of consumers who are using these devices.”

Lexar Media Press Release

Lexar’s New JumpDrive® Lightning Strikes With Top-Of-The-Line Capacity, Blazing Speed and Dazzling Design

LAS VEGAS, January 5, 2005 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today at the International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) exhibiting in the South Hall (booth #31574), introduced JumpDrive® Lightning, the latest addition to its vast line of USB flash drives. Lexar’s new premium product combines powerful read and write speeds and massive (2GB) storage capacities to provide first class portable data storage and transfer capabilities, all wrapped in a striking design.

JumpDrive Lightning is unrivaled in terms of capacity, software functionality and design. With a distinctive stainless steel casing, JumpDrive Lightning is capable of an impressive read/write speed rating of 120x (18MB/sec) minimum sustained write speed capability and 160x (24 MB/sec) minimum sustained read speed capability. It’s ideal for business professionals, power users and anyone looking for high performance storage, portability and the ability to save and carry large amounts of digital pictures, music, presentations or any other data files.

Sandisk Press Release

SANDISK DEMONSTRATES HIGHLY INNOVATIVE SD MEMORY CARD WITH BUILT-IN USB CONNECTIVITY

SanDisk Demonstrates Dual Functionality Card That Works Seamlessly In Any SD Card Slot As Well As A USB2.0 Flash Drive

Las Vegas, NV, January 6, 2005 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced an innovative SD™ flash memory card with built-in USB connectivity. The new product means greater convenience and cost savings for consumers who can just plug the SD card into any SD card slot such as is used in most digital cameras, and then plug it into any USB port without needing an SD card reader to transfer data, images, audio or video between computers, digital cameras and other electronic devices. The announcement was made at a SanDisk press conference at the annual Consumer Electronics Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #31438.

Sandisk Press Release

SANDISK UNVEILS COLORFUL, WEARABLE “SKINS” FOR CRUZER MICRO AND HIGHER CAPACITIES FOR ALL CRUZER USB FLASH DRIVES

Venerable SanDisk Cruzer Mini Now Reaches 4 Gigabytes, SanDisk Cruzer Micro Hits 2GB and Award-Winning SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Goes Up To 1GB

Las Vegas, NV, January 6, 2005 – They are tiny repositories of photos, files and music, but now the popular SanDisk® Cruzer® Micro USB flash memory drives are about to become personal fashion statements as well. Starting with spring shipments, the portable drives will be packaged with interchangeable colored skins and caps, providing panache, flair and a sense of energy for people on the go. SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) made the announcement at a press conference during the annual Consumer Electronics Show where the company is demonstrating products in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #31438.

Also announced were new, higher capacities for SanDisk’s entire line of flash drives. The popular SanDisk Cruzer Mini will now be available in 2 and 4 gigabyte (GB) models and the SanDisk Cruzer Micro will have 1GB and 2GB models. Also, the award-winning Cruzer Titanium, which has a titanium-coated shell and is designed to withstand harsh working environments and operating conditions, will be offered in a 1GB capacity.

SR Inc. Press Release

SR Inc. has released the Digi-Slave L-Ring Ultra II, an upgraded LED ring light that is a powerful, versatile tool for macro digital photography.  The L-Ring Ultra II features:

*24 oversized, super-bright LEDs for maximum power (up to 12W)
*Larger inner diameter that can accommodate any lens size (no more vignetting)
*Continuous light or flash mode
*Sync connector for PC or hot-shoe connection
*Full or half light capability (modes for full ring, left side only, and right side only)
*Variable power dial to easily control the exposure
*Threaded lens adapter (49mm, 52mm, 55mm and 58mm versions are available)
*4AA Batteries (NiMH, Nicad, Alkaline or Lithium)
*External power jack (adapter optional)

The L-Ring Ultra II can be used with any digital camera and is perfect for a variety of macro photography including dental, medical, catalog and jewelry to name just a few.  For more information, please call 800-324-7745 or visit   www.srelectronics.com.

JP Distribution Press Release

JP Distribution are pleased to announce the new L-308S light Meter from Sekonic. This new meter is a direct replacement for the Flashmate L-308 BII and still maintains the same small size, lightweight and one hand operation of its predecessor as well as many of the other existing features including:

· Built in sliding Lumisphere, which provides easy changeover from incident to reflected light measuring: Lumidisc provided for contrast measuring.
· Cord or cordless flash measuring.
· Single mode selection button for setting ambient or flash measuring.
· +_ 0.1 EV repeat accuracy.
· Energy efficient AA battery operation
· Supplied with Lumidisc, case, neck cord and battery.

Olympus UK Press Release

Extend your camera’s focal range without compromising aperture

Introducing the Olympus TCON-30C tele conversion lens

London, 5th January 2005

Digital camera owners can now significantly enhance their creative shooting options with the new Olympus TCON-30C tele conversion lens. Making a threefold increase in your camera’s existing focal range possible the TCON-30C brings distant subjects much closer for spectacularly detailed results. In addition Olympus’ usual high standard of manufacturing ensures shooting with the TCON-30C doesn’t result in any change to your camera’s specified aperture values.

Available from January 2005 the TCON-30C will be priced at £169.99 (or Ï259.99) inc VAT.

Imation Press Release

Imation’s New ForceField(TM) Scratch Resistant Coating Defends Discs Against Scratches, Smudges, Static and Debris

OAKDALE, Minn., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Do you often discover your children’s sticky fingerprints and smudges on your favorite CDs? Do your friends use your new DVDs as coasters? Do you toss CDs into your briefcase or backpack on the way out the door or stack your latest music mixes on the backseat of your car? If you’re like most people, you know that everyday life can be hard on CDs and DVDs—until now. Imation Corp’s (NYSE:IMN) new proprietary ForceField(TM) scratch resistant coating for Imation CDs and DVDs provides a long-lasting “memory protection” layer designed to resist the rigors of everyday life: scratches, dust, smudges and everyday wear and tear that can interfere with the maximum enjoyment of music, photos and videos.

“Disc reliability and longevity are top concerns of CD and DVD users,” according to Wolfgang Schlichting, research director, removable storage at IDC. “Imation’s new ForceField scratch resistant coating addresses those concerns by providing a layer of protection that resists damage, helping discs last longer.”

“Say goodbye to excessive skips and playback interruptions, worrying about scratches, handling CDs and DVDs by their edges, or searching for lint-free cleansing cloths,” said Tom Lally, executive director of sales and marketing, Consumer and Office Markets, Imation. “With Imation’s new ForceField scratch resistant coating, your discs—and your precious memories or valuable data—are protected against scratches, smudges and dust. This means no more worries about disc scratches or smudges that can result from slipping CDs in file folders, sliding DVDs across countertops or handling discs with your fingers.”

The rigors of everyday use can render a disc unplayable, jeopardizing the life of music, photo and video memories, and other valuable files when not cared for or stored properly. But Imation’s CDs and DVDs with ForceField protection have a revolutionary scratch resistant coating that provides the following benefits over standard uncoated discs.

  —Scratch and Scuff-Resistance means discs can withstand the rigors of
    everyday handling at home or the office, including skids across a
    tabletop or being cleaned with ordinary tissues or fabrics.
  —Anti-Static Dust-Resistance repels up to 100 times more dust than a
    standard uncoated disc, helping prevent playback skips caused by dust
    and debris.  This eliminates the need for extra care when storing or
    carrying discs, or spending time searching for lint-free cleaning
    cloths.
  —Smear-Resistance allows fingerprints and surface smudges to be
    contained and easily wiped away—like the effects of car wax causing
    liquids to bead up rather than bleed and smear—reducing
    interference with disc recording and playback.  Use any soft tissue,
    cloth or even a shirt sleeve to wipe the debris away.

Imation CDs and DVDs protected by Imation’s ForceField scratch resistant coating are fully compatible with standard CD and DVD recorders and players, and will be available in assorted pack sizes of 52x CD-Rs, 8x DVD+Rs and 8x DVD-Rs. Imation discs with ForceField scratch resistant coating will be priced at a slight premium compared to standard, uncoated discs, and will begin shipping to retailers nationwide in February.

For more information on Imation CDs and DVDs protected by ForceField coating, go to http://www.imation.com/forcefield .

About Imation
Imation Corp is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of magnetic and optical removable data storage media. Additional information about Imation is available on the company’s website at http://www.imation.com/ , or by calling 1-888-466-3456.

Imation, ForceField and the Imation logo are trademarks of Imation Corp. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Verbatim Corporation Press Release

Combines with Leading Printers to Economically Produce Edge-to-Edge, Custom-printed Discs with Clean, Crisp Graphics and Error-free Recording

Las Vegas, NV (January 3, 2005) –Verbatim® Corporation, a leading producer of printable CD-R media, announced today that it is now shipping 1-52x-speed White and Silver Inkjet Hub-printable CD-R media in 50-disc spindles. The new media is designed to meet the needs of small businesses and consumers who want to give their CDs a professional look for sharing and distribution. By combining the ultra-reliability of Verbatim CD-R technology with an advanced inkjet-printable surface, users can produce clean, crisp photographic-quality text and images across the entire disc without having to worry about the quality of the recording.

BIOS Magazine have just posted their review of the new Wacom Intuos3 pen tablet.

“Ideal for digital photographers, graphic design professionals and artists, Wacom’s Intuos3 pen tablet offers a much more precise and natural way to draw freehand compared to a mouse. The A4 tablet also provides a 1:1 mapping ratio for most monitors and is ideal for artistic styles that need full arm motion. In addition, it features ExpressKeys and Touch Strips on both sides of the active area to accommodate left- and right-handed people. Doubling the resolution of its predecessor, the Intuos2, Wacom has also upped the pressure sensitivity to 1024 levels in both the pen tip and eraser of the supplied pen, so the tablet is now a lot more sensitive. It also comes with a cordless and batteryless mouse, making it one of most intuitive input systems available. You also have the option of purchasing additional programmable accessories, such as an Airbrush (a digital pen with the feel and control of a real airbrush and includes a top-mounted fingerwheel to control ink flow, a pressure-sensitive tip and eraser), making the Intuos3 pen tablet one of the best products of its type.”

Website: BIOS Magazine - Wacom Intuos3 Review