FotoNation’s Red-Eye and FaceTracker imaging technologies are built-in to more than one out of every two digital cameras. 21 out of 48 new compact digital camera models introduced in the first half of 2007 used the FaceTracker face detection system, which can track up to 10 human faces in an image. FotoNation Red-Eye instantly finds and corrects red-eye artifacts in digital images with no software required. FotoNation holds more than 180 pending and granted patents worldwide related to embedded imaging technology.

The Lacie Golden Disk is a new external hard drive designed by famed industrial designer Ora-Ïto. The Golden Disk features a unique jewel style while the outside finish actually contains a small percentage of real gold. “The Golden drive encompasses all that is glamour while having the guts to perform flawlessly with glowing performance,” said Lise Manteau, LaCie Desktop Solutions Product Manager. Thankfully the Lacie Golden Disk isn’t as expensive as its name suggests, with prices starting at $189, available late October.

LaCie has introduced its 2big family of professional RAID hard drives, comprised of the 2big Dual, 2big Triple and the 2big Network. With capacities from from 1 to 2 terabytes, the LaCie 2big family features a new natural cooling, heat sink metal design with a thermoregulated progressive smart fan.  “We listened to industry demand and created a product that is not only stylish, but allows for massive capacity, high speed and security on demand.  The two hot-swappable bays requires no configuration and assure that information will always be there when needed.” said Marie Renouard, LaCie Product Manager. The LaCie 2big Network and Triple are expected to ship in September followed by the 2big Dual in October, with prices starting at $399.

Epson have developed a new optical low pass filter (OLPF) which combats moiré patterns on digital cameras. The Epson OLPF features a new structure that enables the uniform separation of light rays across the visible spectrum. Moiré patterns are subsequently eliminated across the visible spectrum. The new OLPF is also thinner and lighter than a conventional structure.

A study by J.D. Power and Associates has revealed that Nikon owners are the most satisfied DSLR customers around. With a an index score of 822 out of 1000, the Nikon D Series leads the DSLR segment, receiving notably high ratings from customers. The Fujifilm Finepix F series ranks highest in the point and shoot segment, Canon PowerShot SD series in premium point and shoot cameras, and Casio Exilim Zoom in the ultra slim segment. The study also found that DSLR camera owners take more than twice the amount of pictures per month than do owners in any other segment.

The Wolverine ESP portable multimedia player with a storage capacity of 250GB is now shipping. The Wolverine ESP 250Gb features a 3.6-inch TFT LCD display and the ability to store and view 125,000 digital photos. Support for RAW files from many cameras is also offered. The Wolverine ESP 250Gb can be purchased online and at leading retailers for an estimated street price of less than $650.

Sony have unveiled a 12.47 megapixel, APS-C sized sensor, seemingly in direct response to Canon’s announcement of the 10 megapixel EOS 40D DSLR camera earlier this week. The “IMX021” CMOS sensor will offer 12.47 effective megapixels and a maximum of 10.39 fps shooting at 12 bit output, exceeding the specifications of the 40D’s sensor. Expect to see this new sensor in the Sony DSLR camera that will be released before Christmas this year…

100 million DivX Certified video devices have been shipped since the DivX Certification program started in 2003. The 100 million devices represent over 2,500 individual product models that fully support the playback of high-quality DivX video files. “In practical terms, there are now over 100 million devices sitting in the hands of consumers that can easily playback high-quality video from the PC or the Internet.” said Kevin Hell, Acting CEO of DivX, Inc.

Microsoft is showcasing several digital photography innovations at SIGGRAPH 2007. Image Deblurring with Blurred/Noisy Image Pairs enables digital photographers to generate high quality images by combining a blurred image with a noisy one. Photo Clip Art delivers a system for inserting new objects into existing photographs by querying a vast, image-based object library. Soft Scissors is the first interactive tool for high quality image matting and compositing. SIGGRAPH 2007 runs from August 5th to 9th at the San Diego Convention Center.

DPReview have reviewed the Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera, which has a 10 megapixel sensor, focal factor of 1.33x and an ISO range of 160-2500.

“Thankfully Leica made the great decision not to have an anti-alias filter on the M8, this means that the sensor can capture every last ounce of detail from those ultra sharp lenses, and as long as you’re shooting RAW you’ll be able to see that very clearly in the images.”

Website: DPReview - Leica M8 Review

A new firmware update, version 1.107, is now available for the Leica M8 camera. The following technical optimizations have been incorporated into Firmware version 1.107:

The changes within the firmware version allows Leica Camera an even saver and more efficient production process. Furthermore, by modification of internal procedures, optimisation of the general image reproduction and the functional features of the LEICA M8 has been accomplished.

Website: Leica M8 v1.107 Firmware Update

CameraLabs compares the fors and againsts of compacts and DSLRs to find out which kind of camera you should buy.

“Ultimately you can take pictures of people, landscapes, or close-ups with any camera, but some models are better-suited to specific types of photography than others – not to mention being better-suited for certain types of photographers. So what follows is a list of key questions you should be asking yourself when deciding what type of camera to buy – they’ll help you make the important decision of whether to go for a DSLR, a compact or a super-zoom digital camera.”

Website: CameraLabs - Should you buy a DSLR or a Compact?

A new firmware download for the Leica M8 camera will be made available on July 27th. The minor changes within the firmware version accomplish via modification of internal procedures an optimisation of the general image reproduction and the functional features of the LEICA M8.

Tim Grey, Senior Technology Evangelist, Microsoft Corporation joins IDPB host Scott Sheppard for an inside look at the recent Microsoft Pro Photo Summit. Tim’s background in photography and digital imaging give him insight to helping lead Microsoft’s efforts to bring together the photo industry and discuss their key issues. The summit included some keynotes, photo shoots hosted by their “Icons of Imaging” photographers, and technology showcases. The majority of the summit, however, was focused on panel discussions, open Q&A, and solving the workflow concerns of the participants. One of the hottest topics of the sessions were copyright concerns to help manage the digital rights of photos and the photographers who took them. Other topics included training and education, and using video to capture digital still images.

Leica have released a firmware update, version 1.3, for the Leica Digital Modul R digital back.

The following optimisations were accomplished by the new firmware version:

  * Improved colour rendering on the Digital Modul R display
  * Adjustment of exposure
  * Improved compatibility of SD cards with FAT 32 system /4 GB cards (not SDHC)
  * Numerous internal procedures were implemented that optimise the general image reproduction and functional features of the Digital Modul R

Website: Leica Digital Modul R Firmware v1.3

The Lacie Big Disk Extreme+ is a new external hard-drive with FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 interfaces. Other features include EMC Retrospect backup and recovery software and Lacie Shortcut Button to backup files or launch any application. The LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ 1TB, 1.5TB, and 2TB drives are available immediately, costing $350, $600 and $850 respectively.

The Sony VRD-MC5 DVDirect DVD Recorder can quickly transfer videos and digital photos to DVD discs without using a computer. The Sony VRD-MC5 can directly record digital photos to a DVD as a slideshow or just for photo storage from any of five popular digital camera memory cards. There’s also a a built-in 2.5-inch color LCD screen for easily previewing video or up to six digital photos at a time. The Sony VRD-MC5 DVDirect DVD Recorder will be available in August for about $230.

Plans have been revealed to develop a CompactFlash memory card with a SATA interface. The new CompactFlash SATA cards will provide even faster interface data rates than the current 133MB/second, and ensure compatibility with SATA disk drive interfaces. “The development of a CompactFlash card with a SATA interface will maintain the dominance of CompactFlash in the nonconsumer markets…having the SATA interface will be a significant step for CompactFlash.” commented Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon and chairman of the CompactFlash Association.

Nikon UK will offer a two year warranty as standard on all camera bodies from 1st September 2007. The new warranty applies to all Coolpix and DSLR cameras purchased on or after 1st July 2007. Nikon customers are required to register their product to take advantage of the two year warranty. “The introduction of the two year warranty from September 1st demonstrates Nikon’s commitment to all our customers. We are confident that this will be a distinct benefit to all users and reinforces the confidence we have in the quality and durability of our products.” commented Mark Evans, Service Manager - Imaging, Nikon UK.

DIWA member Digit.no have reviewed the Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera, which has a 10 megapixel sensor, focal factor of 1.33x and an ISO range of 160-2500.

“The Leica M8 is a unique camera in many respects, first of all because of its combination of a conservative, traditional exteriour, virtually identical to its analogue siblings, and a high-tech interiour. Its 10 MP image resolution and first class Leica lenses is a superb foundation for outstanding image quality. However, the image is a bit more complex than that. This a photographer’s tool, exclusively for those who shoot RAW, and certainly not a fancy show-off piece to match the Rolex and the Jaguar. The price tag alone will obviously discourage most amateurs from considering buying the Leica M8. That’s all right, because with JPEG you can’t tell that the pictures come from one of the finest and most expensive cameras available. There are far cheaper cameras out there that performs a lot better. Besides, who wants a modern camera without autofocus and programmed exposure? That’s right, only the dedicated Leica enthusiast who prefers to do it the old-fashioned way.”

Website: Digit.no - Leica M8 Review