FotoNation Press Release

FOTONATION IS FINALIST FOR EUROPEAN IST GRAND PRIZE AWARD - CHOSEN FOR RED-EYE TECHNOLOGY

Galway, Ireland, November 29, 2005—FotoNation® Ireland Ltd., a subsidiary of FotoNation Inc. (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading imaging and connectivity solutions, announced today that it has been selected as finalist for the prestigious 2006 European IST (Information Society Technology) Grand Prize for its innovative Red-Eye Technology.

Drawn from a pool of 213 nominees from 29 countries, FotoNation is one of only twenty finalists for the IST award.  Now in its eleventh year, the European IST Prize (www.ist-prize.org ) is awarded for groundbreaking products that represent the best of European innovation in IT technology.  The award provides public recognition and is a highly visible display of entrepreneurial teams that excel in generating unique ideas and R&D and converting them into marketable products.  The high standard of applicants and the competitive selection procedure makes this prize the most distinguished for new technology products.

Iomega Press Release

New Iomega Desktop Hard Drive XL Series Offers Massive Capacity for Your Digital Photos, Music, Video, Work Files and Other Data Intensive Projects

Triple-Interface, One-Terabyte External Drive Delivers Powerful, High-Performance Storage Solution for Today’s Small Business and Digital Home

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Iomega Corporation (NYSE:IOM) , a global leader in data storage celebrating 25 years of business, today announced the Iomega(R) Desktop Hard Drive XL Series, a compact four-drive enclosure with 1 terabyte (TB) of capacity*. Designed for creative services professionals and others who require the fastest editing speeds possible in today’s small office and tech-savvy home office, the Iomega XL Series 1TB drive delivers advanced capacity and performance and includes Dantz(R) Retrospect(TM) Express software for a complete data backup and disaster recovery solution.

Samsung Electronics Press Release

SEOUL, Korea—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 28, 2005—Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., announced today that it has developed the world’s largest transmissive TFT LCD (thin-film transistor, liquid crystal display), with sufficiently high resolution to display digital television content. The seven-inch, 640x480 (VGA-standard) flexible display uses a transparent plastic substrate that is thinner, lighter and more durable than the conventional LCD glass panels used today. Moreover, the full-color transmissive LCD panel maintains a constant thickness even when it is bent.

Considered the next-generation in flat panel displays, this technology involves the use of pliable plastic instead of rigid glass substrates in TFT-LCD production. The plastic will not break when flexed, allowing much greater freedom in commercial designs requiring flexible full-color, high-resolution display components. The seven-inch flexible TFT-LCD is optimized for mobility applications, including cell phones and notebook computers. System designers and OEMs also may apply the advanced Samsung display technology to new applications, such as fashion-enhancing or wearable electronic display designs, thanks to its differentiated flexible format.

Digital Foci Press Release

Media Buddy Digital Photo Storage Securely Saves Photos on the Road on 30GB to 80GB Portable Hard Drives – Lower Cost Alternative to Digital Foci Picture Porter

Los Angeles, California, November 18, 2005—Digital Foci, Inc. (http://www.digitalfoci.com) introduced today Media Buddy portable digital photo storage with hard drive and card reader that lets you instantly and securely save digital photos on a hard drive wherever you go, so you can keep snapping away and not worry about running out of memory card space.

Media Buddy is the traveler’s essential digital camera companion.  Its built-in memory card slots let you copy and store photos directly from any digital camera card, without the need of cumbersome cabling.  A lower cost alternative to Digital Foci’s Picture Porter, Media Buddy is priced starting at only $229.  Both Media Buddy and Picture Porter save photos on their portable hard drives, so you don’t have to bring heavy laptops on the road, but Media Buddy provides a lower price by offering a backlit LCD for text-only use, instead of the Picture Porter’s 2” color LCD screen for viewing photos (see http://www.thomas-pr.com/pressreleases/digitalocipictureportervmediabuddy.html for Media Buddy/Picture Porter comparison chart).

DALSA Corporation Press Release

WATERLOO, ONTARIO—(CCNMatthews - Nov. 17, 2005) - DALSA Corporation (TSX:DSA), an international high performance semiconductor and electronics company, today announced that its next generation 33 mega-pixel and 28 mega-pixel CCD image sensors chips have been designed into new digital camera backs.

The new Leaf Aptus 75 medium and large format digital camera back, which was recently launched at the PhotoPlus Expo, is powered by DALSA’s new 33 mega-pixel FTF5066 CCD image sensor. The camera back, which will begin shipping in November, produces stunning 16 bit images with file sizes of nearly 200 megabytes. The Leaf Aptus 65, which will be available early in 2006, features the 28 mega-pixel FTF6146 DALSA chip and generates high quality 160 megabyte image files, also at 16 bit.

Iomega Press Release

New Iomega ScreenPlay Multimedia Drive Brings Digital Content to Any TV or A/V System With No Computer Needed

Pocket-Sized Mobile 60 Gigabyte Drive Adds Portability to Digital Video, Music, Photo Albums and Work Files

SAN DIEGO, November 15, 2005- Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in data storage celebrating 25 years of business, today announced the new Iomega® ScreenPlay™ Multimedia Drive, a portable hard drive with built-in multimedia playback capability that makes it a digital media jukebox for photos, songs and video files that can be used with virtually any television or audio-video system in the world.

Designed for families and road warriors that have long struggled with the inconvenience of transporting computer-based digital media (audio, video, and still image files), the ScreenPlay™ Multimedia Drive offers new freedom to anyone who wants to enjoy digital video, photo albums, music collections and work files on any TV or A/V receiver-without the need for a computer.

Kodak Press Release

KODAK EASYSHARE Products Win Four Prestigious Innovations 2006 Design and Engineering Awards; Honor Includes ``Best of Innovations’’ Awards for the EASYSHARE-ONE WiFi Digital Camera and the EASYSHARE Photo Printer 500

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 16, 2005—Kodak innovation was spotlighted last evening at the International Consumer Electronics Show Press Preview, where the company’s digital products and services won four prestigious Innovations 2006 Design and Engineering Awards. The groundbreaking KODAK EASYSHARE-ONE zoom digital camera and the EASYSHARE Photo Printer 500 were named “Best of Innovations 2006” award winners for the digital imaging and digital imaging accessories categories, respectively, while the KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery Premier Service and EASYSHARE V550 zoom digital camera garnered Innovations 2006 Design and Engineering honors.

PCMagazine considers why digital camera companies are struggling to turn a profit, following the recent spate of negative financial statements from companies like Konica Minolta and Olympus.

“Why Aren’t Camera Companies Making Money? Inexpensive digital cameras are selling like hotcakes, right? So why are so many camera manufacturers losing money and/or pulling out? Lead Analyst Terry Sullivan and Associate Section Editor Kyle Monson chew the fat over the state of the consumer camera industry, where it’s headed, and what it means to you as a consumer.”

Website: PCMagazine - Why Aren’t Camera Companies Making Money?

Cypress Press Release

Cypress Samples Low-Cost, 9-Megapixel APS CMOS Image Sensors With Superior Image Quality for High-End Digital Still Camera Market

SAN JOSE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 7, 2005—First Cypress-Manufactured Sensor Features Low Dark Current and Low Noise to Deliver Picture Quality On Par With More Expensive CCD Devices

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY) today announced commercial sampling of its new 9.0-megapixel CMOS image sensors for high-end digital still cameras (DSCs). The cost-effective new image sensors offer low dark current and low noise, on par with that of more expensive charge coupled devices (CCDs). These features deliver outstanding image quality, enabling camera makers to meet the increasing demand for high-performance, economically priced single-lens reflex (SLR) DSCs.

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A620, which features a 7.1 megapixel sensor, 2 inch LCD screen and 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35–140 mm focal length.

“These are some of the most well designed models I have dealt with. They are not your typical compact consumer models, yet they are small enough to be carried in a coat pocket or purse. When I first saw the A620 and A610, it seemed like they were a cross between the consumer A95 and the prosumer G6 . After working with the A620, I can now confirm that this is the case. Its high-end features speak of “only the best”, while its more affordable price says “I’m easy on the wallet”.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PowerShot A620 Review

Website: Read my Canon Powershot A620 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot A620

Write a Review of the Canon PowerShot A620

ZDNet’s technology blog has an article about a new camera, dubbed the “light field camera”, that allows you to change the point of focus AFTER a photograph has been taken. You can already change the exposure, white balance etc on today’s digital cameras (especially if you use the RAW file format) - the cameras of tomorrow could allow you to decide what you want to be in focus in the comfort of your own home.

“By inserting a microlens array between the main lens and the photosensor, their “light field camera” takes one shot, but also captures information about light conditions. And you can later compute “photographs in which subjects at every depth appear in finely tuned focus.” However, his new technology will probably appear for applications such as security surveillance and commercial photography before landing in your personal camera.”

Website: ZDNet - No more blurry pictures!w

Sharp Japan have announced a new 10 megapixel, 1/1.7 inch CCD sensor, which crams in 3766 horizontal and 2801 vertical pixels. Expect to see even more noise and chromatic aberrations in the next wave of digital cameras…

Website: Sharp Japan

The 80Gb Epson P-4000 has now been announced in the UK, priced at £499.99.

Epson UK Press Release

Epson’s® P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer is the essential portable device for photographers on the move

With its 3.8” Photo Fine high definition colour display, impressive 80GB storage and wide RAW support, the P-4000 is one of the most advanced photographic storage devices on the market.

1st November 2005: The Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer is the new addition to Epson’s award winning Multimedia Storage Viewer range.  It is the ideal tool for professional and semi-professional photographers, featuring an incredible 80GB storage capacity for image backup as well as Epson’s market leading Photo Fine screen. Presented in a sleek and resilient aluminium casing the Epson P-4000 is a truly stylish and portable device that should be in every photographer’s camera bag.

Colour Confidence Press Release

Turn your Apple the Right Shade of Green - ColorPlus is Mac Compliant!

ColorVision ColorPlus available from £59.53/€85.00 ex. VAT - Windows only product is now available to MAC users

Birmingham, UK, 25th October, 2005 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, have today announced a long awaited upgrade to the ColorVision ColorPlus, bringing the product to a MAC for the first time. This upgrade gives Mac users the opportunity to calibrate their monitor at a fraction of the cost of other monitor calibration solutions. ColorPlus has been the lowest cost monitor calibrator available for some time; however the new price of £59.53 ex. VAT is revolutionary and is the first time a colour management tool has been offered at such a low price point. ColorPlus is available to buy now from www.colourconfidence.com

Website: Read my ColorPlus Review

Canon has announced that it has developed three different sizes of hydrogen fuel cells which it hopes will start replacing traditional batteries within the next 3 years. That’s not the only thing that the Japanese camera giant is working on:

“Canon, the world’s top maker of copiers and cameras, is aggressively investing in the development of new products, keen to cultivate new growth drivers as the digital camera market slows and competition in the printer and copier markets heats up. The move is also in line with its plan to cut procurement costs by bringing more production of key parts in-house. Canon is also developing organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays to replace the liquid crystal displays (LCD) it buys from other firms for use in its cameras and printers.”

Website: Reuters - Canon to develop fuel cells for printers, cameras

Phase One Press Release

Phase One A/S, PhotoPlus East, New York, US (October 20, 2005): Phase One®, the world leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce the world launch of the new P 30 digital back.

Since the announcement of complete openness into the Phase One 18 months’ product roadmap in July this year, photographers have been aware of and waiting for the upcoming launch of three new backs from Phase One — the P 30, the P 45, and the P 21. The P 30 is the first one to see the light of day and it will be launched at the PhotoPlus East show in New York.

Phase One will be represented at the show by their two US partners; Digital Transitions (booth #360) and Calumet Photographic (booth #626), both working out of New York premises. Both partners
will be presenting and demoing the P 30 back to visitors at the show.

The new P 30 camera back contains a 31MP sensor, provides virtually Moiré free shooting — and is therefore aimed at the world’s leading fashion photographers who require sharp, noise-free images with natural colors at all times.

Phase One Press Release

Phase One® improves efficiency and storage for professional photographers

Phase Ones 3S technology and P-series digital camera backs now provide the fastest and most secure solution for professional photographers

Phase One®, the world leader in digital imaging solutions is constantly improving their Pseries digital backs to satisfy professional digital photographers’ desire for faster captures and a more efficient workflow.

Phase One today announces that its P-series digital camera backs, including the new P 45, P30 and P 21 products, are now bundled with the award winning professional SanDisk Extreme III Compact Flash storage cards and accommodating USB readers. Phase One is the only photographic hardware manufacturer in the world that can use the full bandwidth of SanDisk Extreme III cards.

A month after it was first announced by Epson Japan, the new P-4000 portable storage device has now been introduced by Epson America.

Epson USA Press Release

The Epson® P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Offers 80GB Hard Drive for Storing, Sharing and Viewing Thousands of Photos

Latest Multimedia Storage Viewer from Epson Provides High Capacity Hard Drive and Beautiful 3.8’’ LCD with Epson Photo Fine™ Technology for Brilliant Color and Incredible Detail

NEW YORK, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/—Epson is introducing its newest product in the Multimedia Storage Viewer category, the Epson P-4000. Epson is continuing to develop products that meet the changing needs of today’s digital photographer. The Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer has many of the same features and strengths of the popular Epson P-2000, but now offers double the hard drive capacity with 80GB* for storing and sharing an even larger number of photos along with video and music files.

The Epson P-4000 is the perfect portable companion to any digital camera with its built-in card slots, high storage capacity and Epson’s exclusive and highly-regarded large 3.8” LCD with Epson Photo Fine technology for the ultimate in color, detail and clarity.

Kodak Press Release

Kodak Announces Highest Resolution Image Sensors for Professional Photography

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 20—Eastman Kodak Company has once again set the quality standard for digital imaging with new high-resolution image sensors that allow commercial, studio, and other professional photographers to capture digital images with the most life-like detail possible. These new products strengthen Kodak’s position as a leading image sensor supplier to a wide variety of markets, and reinforce strategic product and partnership announcements made earlier this year that target mass-market consumer applications.

Already the world’s leading supplier of image sensors for medium-format professional photography, Kodak is expanding its product line with the introduction of the world’s highest-resolution sensors for professional photography. The KODAK KAF-39000 Image Sensor, featuring 39 million pixels, and the KODAK KAF-31600 Image Sensor, with 31.6 million pixels, offer professional camera and camera back manufacturers resolution and image detail that was once unimaginable for digital cameras, allowing photographers to experience a new level of image quality for portrait, wedding, landscape, fashion, studio, and commercial photography. These new CCD image sensors have already been selected for use by Phase One A/S for use in their upcoming P45 and P30 digital camera backs.

Yamaha Corporation and Fuji Photo Film Press Release

FUJIFILM AND YAMAHA INTRODUCE LABELFLASH™ TECHNOLOGY

October 19, 2005 – Yamaha Corporation and Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. today announced the Labelflash™ technology, a new technology that advances the ability to burn high quality images directly into a specialized dye layer on the disc labeling side using laser for data recording. This technology allows consumers to personalize and customize their DVDs with photos, text and graphics, replacing traditional sticker and marker labeling.