Samsung Press Release

Seoul, Korea, November 21, 2006 : Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world’s largest provider of thin-film transistor, liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels announced today that it has developed the thinnest reported LCD panel, one no thicker than a credit card at 0.82mm, which is 0.07mm thinner than the panel previously reported to be the world’s slimmest. The company also announced that it has developed a new mobile technology, which it is calling, “i-Lens”, for integrating the entire panel assembly, including a protective layer, into a single, thinner module that is more shock-resistant and easier to read than conventional panels. Executive Vice President Yun Jin-hyuk, in charge of the Mobile Display Team within the Samsung Electronics LCD Business division, said,” Samsung’s R&D initiatives, including LCD module thickness reduction and reinforced shock resistance, will enable our customers to develop truly differentiated and more reliable, ultra-thin mobile products.”

Toshiba Press Release

IRVINE, Calif., and TOKYO, November 20, 2006 — Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., (TAEC)* and its parent, Toshiba Corp. (Toshiba), today announced the global launch of the latest addition to its new series of high-capacity SDHC Memory Cards: the industry’s first 8-gigabyte (GB)1 Class 4 memory card. The new card will be introduced in early January 2007, alongside the 4GB products launched in September, and will give Toshiba a larger commercially available lineup in high performance SD Memory Cards. The SDHC (SD High Capacity) Memory Card is based on the SD Card Association’s SD Specifications Ver2.00, which defines high capacity, high performance enhancements to market-leading SD Memory Cards. The new card meets the Class 4 standard, a speed standard that requires a data write speed of at least 4GB/second2. Toshiba is first in the industry to announce the launch of Class 4 8GB SDHC memory card.

Transcend Press Release

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a leading company in flash memory cards, announced its new 4GB high-speed mini SD High Capacity Card (mini SDHC card). The mini SDHC card is the mini size of the SDHC card, and the new generation of mini SD card (SD 2.0) that, formatted in FAT32, can reach up to a 32GB capacity. With the enclosed adaptor, Transcend’s mini SDHC card can be used as a standard SDHC card and can fulfill the high capacity demand of the new SDHC devices such as Casio Exilim Z1000/Z600/S600 cameras, Panasonic DMC-L1 camera, and Panasonic SDR-S200 Digital Video Camera. Now you can enjoy a high-quality digital life and store all of your MP3 music files, high-resolution pictures and video clips in your mini SDHC card.

DPReview are reporting that Sharp have just announced a 12 megapixel 1/1.7” image sensor with 1.88 microns. Given the disappointing image quality of a lot of 10 megapixel compact cameras, another escalation in the megapixel wars is not really a welcome development. What do you think - would you buy a camera with such a small sensor and high pixel count?

Website: DPReview - Compacts megapixel race not over

SanDisk Press Release

SanDisk Wins Prestigious CES Innovation Award for the V-Mate Video Memory Card Recorder

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced that the Consumer Electronics Association has given SanDisk a prestigious Innovation Award for the V-Mate™ Video Memory Card Recorder. The V-Mate Video Memory Card Recorder was selected as one of the most innovative consumer electronic products in the Portable Electronics: Audio/Video category. It was showcased today at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Press Review. SanDisk will also hold a press conference and demonstrate the V-Mate at the CES in Las Vegas, NV on January 8-11 at the Innovations 2007 Showcase, booth #68747, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

FotoNation Press Release

FotoNation Implements PTP-IP Protocol on Trimble Devices to Wirelessly Transfer Photos from Digital Cameras

Burlingame, CA, Nov. 6, 2006—FotoNation, (www.fotonation.com), a world-leading imaging and connectivity solutions company for the digital photography industry, announced today that it has been selected by Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) to provide wireless PTP-IP technology for Trimble’s Mapping & Geographic Information System (GIS) handheld product line. Trimble’s new TrimPix technology enabled by FotoNation, links high resolution digital photographs to GIS features using Wi-Fi capable Nikon cameras. The technology is being showcased at the Trimble Dimensions Users Conference in Las Vegas and the European Conference for ESRI Users in Athens, Greece.

Colour Confidence Press Release

Birmingham, UK, 24th October 2006 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, have today announced the availability of two exclusive solutions for designers and photographers. Based around the LaCie 300 series monitors, the Designer Edition and Photo Edition include a selection of products designed to improve the end user’s overall workflow and provide excellent value, at the same price as the monitor on its own. The two new products are available immediately from www.colourconfidence.com

ATP Press Release

Sunnyvale, CA (October 23, 2006) – ATP Electronics® Inc., the industry leading manufacturer of flash media storage products, announced the release of a Class 6 ProMax® SD High Capacity (SDHCTM) 4GB memory card.  This SDHC card, strictly following SD Association (SDA) v2.00 specifications, has passed rigorous testings for Class 6 certification at a recent SDA interoperability session performed by major camera manufacturers, such as Panasonic, Canon, Nikon and Casio.  The Class 6 ProMax SDHC 4GB card maximizes the performances of newest models of high megapixel digital cameras such as Canon IXY 1000, PowerShot G7, A630/640,  Panasonic DMC/SDR/DMR series, Nikon CoolPix S5, S6, D80 and Casio Exilim Z and S series digital cameras.

Sony Europe Press Release

Sony doubles MICRO VAULT™ storage capacity - A huge 8GB available in MICRO VAULT ‘Midi’ line-up from October 2006

Oct 18, 2006 - Sony Recording Media & Energy (RME) division today announced the 8GB MICRO VAULT ‘Midi’, doubling the maximum capacity available in its line-up of USB flash storage devices. With 8GB native storage capacity the new MICRO VAULT is capable of holding over 2,000 MP3 songs or high definition images, or more than 20 hours of MPEG4 video footage1. In addition, the pre-installed Virtual Expander2 compression software allows you to store up to 3 times3 more data. MICRO VAULT Midi models now incorporate an innovative retractable USB connector port. Gone are the days of losing the protective cap. Simply extend the connector and you’re ready to plug and play. The LED indicator, signalling the ongoing read/write operation, is built into the semi-transparent slide button.

Transcend Press Release

Your digital world keeps expanding and you are running out of memory space? Transcend, with its new high-capacity USB 2.0 JetFlash 2A, allows you to store up to 16GB of data to take always with you! The JetFlash(tm) 2A 16GB is a sleek, hi-speed USB 2.0 Flash Drive designed to fit in your busy lifestyle. In today’s office environment, people have the need to transfer and share e-work between several different computers. The 16GB JetFlash 2A combines large capacity, performance, and style in a device that slips into your pocket and can help you manage your active work life. The JetFlash 2A conveniently plugs into the USB port on any desktop or notebook computer, so you can easily transfer, store, and share your work.

Sanyo Epson Press Release

TOKYO, Japan, October 18, 2006 - Sanyo Epson Imaging Devices Corporation (“Sanyo Epson”) has announced the development of a 2.2-inch amorphous silicon TFT liquid-crystal display (LCD) that is just 1.1 mm thick, making it ideal for use in mobile phones and other portable devices. The fusion of telecommunications and broadcasting through digitization and the seamless integration of cable and mobile communication in the network society have raised expectations for the next generation of mobile devices and for the improved convenience that these devices will bring. Moreover, consumers are increasingly demanding that small and medium-sized LCDs for mobile devices should have high resolution and be slim and energy efficient. To meet these demands, Sanyo Epson has developed products and technologies based on the concept of supplying clear, user-friendly displays that can be used anytime, anywhere.

Leica Press Release

Get $500 when you buy a R9 or DMR

10/12/2006 - Switch to digital with the world’s only digital analog system ... and save $500! The Leica Digital-Modul-R is the only imaging system in the universe that allows you to switch seamlessly from digital to film capture. It’s also the only system that lets you make full use of the incomparable range of Leica lenses - optics that deliver excellent image quality technically and aesthetically. Now you can avail yourself of the superlative Leica R9 camera and Modul-R system at a substantial cost saving. For a limited time, we will give you $500 when you buy a new Leica R9 or Digital-Modul-R outfit. This promotion is only in the United States of America and Canada. All purchasers must be made at an authorized Leica dealer in the USA or Canada.

Canon USA Press Release

Great Savings on Select Products Including up to $600 on the Full-Frame EOS 5D and up to $200 on the Popular EOS 30D, and Double Rebates to Help Expand a Growing EOS System

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2006 - From fall foliage to the intensity of fourth down at the five-yard line, the autumn is full of fantastic photo opportunities.  Whether expanding a current EOS system, or thinking of the family photographer for the upcoming holiday season,  Canon U.S.A., Inc. helps make it easy and affordable to capture and share memories on the sidelines, at home, or out in the field.  The “Cash In With Canon” Mail-In-Rebate Program returns from October 15, 2006 - January 13, 2007, providing consumers and professionals the opportunity to take advantage of big savings on an assortment of select Canon products.

Wacom Press Release

Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays, today announces an update to the entry-level Volito2 pen tablet. Aimed at consumers using a pen tablet for painting, writing, navigating or editing photos, Volito2 with ArtRage2 will now offer increased functionality with the easy to use painting software. ArtRage2 is designed to provide a realistic and fun simulation of using paint on a canvas, along with pens, pencils, crayons, and other tools. In combination with the Volito2 pen tablet the user can take full advantage of the pressure sensitivity support of these drawing tools to create a realistic painting feel. The Volito2 pen has 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a natural experience when working with the painting tools.

Samsung Press Release

Samsung Introduces New Ultra-Wide, 30” LCD Monitor - New commercial monitor designed for medical, graphics and engineering professionals

IRVINE, Calif. - October 10, 2006 - Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a world-leading manufacturer of professional LCD and PDP display products, today introduced the SyncMaster 305T, an ultra-wide, high-resolution 30-inch TFT-LCD monitor. Designed for the commercial market, the 305T combines a 16:10 wide-screen design and high, 2560x1600 resolution, making it ideal for a variety of professional applications, including medical, engineering, control rooms, CAD, graphics and design, and desktop publishing. Other
specifications include 400cd/m2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 178/178 degree viewing angle, a fast response time of 6ms (GTG), and a 0.25 pixel pitch for clean, tight image reproduction.

Wolverine Data Press Release

The Wolverine ESP is the world’s first portable media player to deliver true digital multimedia convergence for professional and serious amateur photographers as well as for consumers who want the most extensive array of multimedia/multifunction capabilities in the palm of their hand. Featuring a 3.6-inch TFT LCD display, the ESP can display 60,000 digital photos, play 240 hours of video, 40,000 songs and record television programs and FM radio—all in a 10-oz. unit.

IRVINE, Calif.—Wolverine Data Inc. today introduced the ESP Professional Portable Media Player (PMP), the world’s first professional or “prosumer” PMP model to deliver complete digital multimedia convergence. The new Wolverine ESP features a razor-sharp 3.6-inch TFT LCD display and the ability to store and view 60,000 digital photos, play 240 hours of video and 40,000 songs, plus the capability to record television programs and FM radio—all in a 5.3"x2.8"x0.9” footprint that weighs 10.2 ounces. It is ideal for professional and serious amateur photographers as well as for consumers who want the most extensive array of multimedia/multifunction capabilities in the palm of their hand.

Leaf Press Release

Leaf introduce the Leaf AFi, a new medium-format digital camera for professional photographers.

Herzlia, Israel (October 4, 2006) - Leaf, the acclaimed leader in the design of digital backs for professional photographers and developer of the world’s fastest digital camera backs, announced today the introduction of the Leaf AFi - a new, nextgeneration, medium-format digital camera aimed at professional photographers. The Leaf AFi is specifically designed for high-resolution digital photography, and is seamlessly integrated with the new Leaf Aptus S-Series digital camera backs. The Leaf AFi product line will include three models: Leaf AFi -75, Leaf AFi -65 and Leaf AFi -54.

LaCie Press Release

PORTLAND, OR (September 2006) – Today LaCie unleashed the d2 SATA II 3Gbits Hard Drive Series, ultra-speedy desktop hard drives with interface speeds up to 3Gbit/s—twice as fast as LaCie’s first-generation SATA I 1.5Gbits drives. Faster interface transfer rates provide enough bandwidth for even the most demanding audio/video applications and small server/IT workstations, especially when multiple drives are striped together in a software RAID. Boot Windows or Mac natively from the drive or use it as a cost-effective back up solution with included LaCie software. LaCie d2 SATA II 3Gbits Hard Drives Series offer up to an amazing 500GB on one disk for ultimate capacity and speed in a sleek d2 case. “LaCie has lead the way with making external SATA hard drives accessible and affordable for early adopters,” said Olivier Mirloup, LaCie Hard Drive Business Unit Manager. “Our new d2 SATA II 3Gbits Hard Drives are faster than the previous generation and the best alternative to high-priced SCSI. You’ll see more adoption of eSATA in 2007 as many desktop and even laptop computers adopt this new external interface natively, or with optional cards.”

Epson P-5000 Multimedia Storage Viewer - The complete digital solution for photographers

Transform the way you view, store and manage digital photos and movies. The Epson P5000 is ideal for photo enthusiasts and professionals looking for the ultimate in flexible photo support - on the move and in the studio. Take a brighter, clearer look at your digital images with the Epson P5000. This compact, portable device is built around the clear, bright, colourful 4” Photo Fine Ultra colour LCD, which features the world’s first 4-colour filter system. It’s perfect for viewing images during a shoot, even in RAW format, before arranging and storing them safely on the 80GB hard drive. Its portability allows you to store and share images, wherever you are.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos live from Photokina 2006 - just click the link below to view them.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today launches the portable devices, designed with EOS and other digital photographers in mind. The Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 devices feature a large ultra-bright 3.7” TFT screen with 160º viewing angle for image and video review, and a 30Gb/80Gb hard disk to store digital images, movie and sound files of various file formats. Both the Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 feature a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and slots for CF and SD cards. With their tough, robust magnesium alloy bodies and intuitive navigation familiar to EOS owners, the devices add an important link to the workflow chain of professional photojournalists and photographers on location, outdoor and expedition shoots. The Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 are also expected to be popular with the increasing body of every-day photographers looking for new ways to store and display favourite shots and extend storage capacity whilst away from the computer.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos live from Photokina 2006 - just click the link below to view them.