Panasonic has renewed its Official Worldwide Olympic Partnership for a further eight years until 2016. Panasonic continues as the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Video Equipment category “Through our commitment to the Olympic Movement, we want to make it possible for people around the world to share the passion of the Olympic Games with our HD technologies whether they are in the stadium or watching from home.” said Fumio Ohtsubo.

Kodak UK Press Release

Christmas shopping for friends and loved ones can make even the most experienced shopper break out in a sweat - what to buy the woman who has everything?  The latest survey from Kodak reveals that you won’t go wrong with a gadget – over one in five of the women surveyed would put the latest ‘must-have’ technology item at the top of their Christmas wish list. When Kodak asked women their thoughts on finding a gadget under the Christmas tree, almost 70% of those surveyed said they would be ecstatic or pleased.  Interestingly, technology gifts are popular with all ages and generations – people over the age of 55 are just as likely to put a gadget on their gift list as the 16-24 year olds. The survey also revealed that the digital camera is the item that most people would like to receive, followed by SatNav, mobile phones, MP3 Players and camcorders.

Nikon Press Release

October 17, 2006 - Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce the establishment of NIKON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, a wholly owned sales and service subsidiary, in Sydney, Australia. This new company has been launched to fortify sales of imaging products, beginning with digital cameras, and to enhance after-sales service in Australia. Operations will commence on November 1, 2006. Sales of Nikon imaging products began in Australia in 1959 with distribution through Maxwell Photo Optics. Maxwell Optical Industries Pty. Ltd., has continued with sales and service of our products up to the present. In response to the continued digitization of imaging products, we have established this wholly owned sales subsidiary based on our determination that a stronger marketing, sales, and service presence is required to further expand our business in Australia.

Leica Press Release

Leica Camera Group, Solms, has closed fiscal year 2005/2006 (FY end 31 March) with sales of € 106.7 million. This is 15.9 % above the previous year’s figure of € 92.1 million. The earnings before income and taxes which have been adjusted for restructuring expenses have improved from € –10.6 million to € 0.6 million compared to the previous year, mainly as a result of increased sales. At the same time the Group net loss has decreased from last year’s € 18.1 million to € 9.2 million in fiscal year 2005/2006. The Group net loss of the previous year includes a loss of € 1.9 million from abandoned lines of business.

The world’s biggest travelling cameracomes to PHotoEspaña. After four weeks capturing the wilderness of Spain in a series of gigantic photographs, the cameratruck arrives in Madrid to be exhibited at the country’s leading photography festival. American photographer Shaun Irving and English Art Director Richard Browse have created what they believe to be the world’s largest mobile camera. Designed in America and constructed in Spain, the cameratruck is a simple box camera built right inside a standard delivery truck. Measuring 5 metres long, 2 metres wide and 2 metres high, the gigantic camera is capable of taking pictures almost 3 metres across. It’s the perfect camera to capture a subject as vast as Nature, the photographic theme for this year’s PHotoEspaña, where the cameratruck will be on display along with the photographs taken during its four week journey across Spain.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce strong results for the year end, 31st March 2006, which have exceeded original expectations.

• Net sales increased from 638.5 at the end of March 2005 to 730.9 at the end of March 2006.
• Operating income increased from 30.5 at the end of March 2005 to 66.6 at the end of March 2006.
• Net income increased from 24.1 at the end of March 2005 to 28.9 at the end of March 2006. (Units: billions of Yen)
• 1.34 million SLR cameras were sold in the fiscal year to March 2006, up from 1.05 million the previous year.
• 7.11 million compact digital cameras were sold in the fiscal year to March 2006, up from 5.56 million the previous year.

PMA UK Press Release

Manufacturers and importers are to be banned from bringing cameras and other photographic equipment made using lead solder into the UK after the end of June. According to the DTI, electrical and electronic products are “placed on the EU market” as soon as they leave the point of manufacture in the EU or clear customs in the EU and, with effect from July 1st, “placing them on the market” will be banned. However, provided no further work, of any sort, is performed on them after July 1st 2006 products already in stock in the UK can still be sold. The restrictions are contained in an EC directive which bans the use of lead solder and other materials in new electrical and electronic equipment and which has already led to the demise of cameras such as Hasselblad’s XPan and Pentax’s 67 and 645 models.

Mamiya America Corporation Press Release

ELMSFORD, NY – Mamiya-OP, in Japan, who has three business divisions including Camera, Golf, and Electronic Equipment, has recently announced that its Camera Division will be transferred to a new company to be called Mamiya Digital Imaging. The MAC Group (Mamiya America Corporation) is very enthusiastic about Mamiya’s future. As previously announced, there will be no change in Mamiya business activities in the U.S., including marketing, sales and service. Mamiya Digital Imaging will concentrate its efforts on expanding development of the Mamiya ZD Digital Camera, Mamiya Digital Back and all current Mamiya cameras and lenses.

Kodak Press Release

Digital Sales Increase 29%; 1st-Qtr GAAP Net Loss Totals $298 Million ($1.04 Per Share); Company Ends Quarter with $1.077 Billion in Cash; Company Reaffirms 2006 Performance Targets in Three Key Areas: Digital Earnings Growth, Digital Revenue Growth, and Cash Generation

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 4—Eastman Kodak Company reported that revenue rose 2% in the first quarter, led by a 29% increase in the sale of digital products and services. On the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP), the company reported a first-quarter loss of $298 million, or $1.04 per share, largely stemming from restructuring charges ($197 million after taxes) and rising silver and oil costs.

Microsoft have just announced a new photo contest aimed at college students, complete with a $20,000 first prize!

“The inaugural Microsoft Future Pro Photographers Photography Contest is the most lucrative contest of its kind and provides a unique opportunity for college and university student photographers from around the world to showcase their artistic talent and photographic style.  Microsoft is committed to carrying the art of digital photography forward by encouraging new and emerging talent at the student level to learn, utilize, and implement state-of-the-art equipment, software, and techniques to produce the finest images possible.”

The submission period is May 1st until May 31st, so you don’t have much time left to enter.

Website: Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Contest

Sony UK Press Release

Sony United Kingdom Ltd is pleased to announce the arrival of Paul Genge from Konica Minolta. Having previously spent 7 years at Konica Minolta Photo Imaging (UK) Limited, working as Product Manager Paul has a wealth of experience in the Digital Imaging market. Paul will work closely with the Sony Digital Imaging team lead by Shaun Dorrington on current and future developments in this area.

“Sony develops leading digital imaging technologies appealing to photographers who desire the increased performance of Digital SLR systems, I am pleased to join Sony at this exciting time and assist in the challenge of establishing Sony at the forefront of Digital SLR photography” said Paul Genge.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon has received two Best Camera awards this year from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The EOS 5D received the Best D-SLR Professional accolade, while the Digital IXUS 65 was pronounced Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera. Coinciding with the announcement that Canon holds the number one position in the Western European digital camera market for the fourth consecutive year , the TIPA awards highlight Canon’s leadership in the field of photographic technology. 
“We are delighted to receive this recognition from the TIPA members,” remarked Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Photography is at the core of our business, and we strive to always push the boundaries of imaging technology. The breakthrough EOS 5D and innovative Digital IXUS 65 are fine examples of this ethos.”

Wacom UK Press Release

Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and Interactive Pen Displays, will partner Adobe on its Adobe Live 2006 Tour, which will be taking place throughout Europe from 9 May to 21 June 2006. The Adobe Live Tour is taking place in the UK at Olympia 2, London on the 24 and 25 of May 24 2006. Wacom will be giving live demonstrations that offer creative professionals the chance to see first hand the benefits of using Wacom¹s pen technology together with Adobe creative software. On display will be the Intuos3 pen tablet system and the Cintiq 21UX Interactive Pen Display from Wacom¹s range of professional products that will be used to demonstrate the Adobe Creative Suite 2, Macromedia Studio 8 and Production Studio and which are aimed at illustrators, typographers, photographers, graphics and industrial designers.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Is this the ultimate amateur photo prize? Fujifilm Digital joins forces with National Geographic magazine to offer photo enthusiasts the chance to shoot an assignment with the magazine.

Competition website: www.morningnoonandnight.co.uk

Many budding photographers can only dream of seeing their pictures printed in National Geographic magazine, an ambition usually achieved by just a handful of the world’s top professional photographers.  Fujifilm Digital and National Geographic magazine have teamed up to give one talented amateur photographer the chance to go on assignment with globe-trotting, adventure photographer Bill Hatcher and see the results published in a special three-page feature in an upcoming issue.

Panasonic UK Press Release

Panasonic is pleased to announce that three of its digital imaging products have received prestigious TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) Awards. The Digital Camera LUMIX DMC-TZ1 receives Best Superzoom Digital Camera, and the Photo Printer KX-PX1/PX10 receives Best Small Format Photo Pinter and the Digital SD Slide Projector PT-P1SD receives Best Digital Photo Projector. Taking the awards in the three major categories; digital camera, printer, and projector is an accomplishment resulting from the fact that Panasonic, through its wide portfolio of consumer electronic expertise, is able to propose a total networking solution for digital imaging applications.

Fuji Photo Film yesterday reported a 57% fall in its annual operating profits fro 2005/6, reports Reuters. The decline of the film camera market, restructuring costs and the rising costs of manufacturing printing plates were to blame for the losses. Fuji Photo still maintain their committment to film, however, commenting “We will continue our film business until we become the last one”.

” The company has halved losses on digital cameras in the last business year compared with a year ago, Chief Financial Officer Toshio Takahashi said. Fuji Photo has struggled to profit from digital cameras, as its line-up is heavy on low-margin compact models. “We hope the current business of improvement will continue this year,” Takahashi said. “We’re not sure if it turns to a profit this year, but it would be good if we could.”

Website: Reuters - Fuji Photo profit falls, sees slow recovery

Canon have just announced quarterly operating profits of 18.7%, boosted by the weak Yen and strong sales of digital cameras and printers.

“As for digital cameras, Canon maintained its sales forecast of 19.2 million units, citing uncertainty amid growing price competition in the sector.”

Website: Reuters - Canon says Q1 profit up 19 pct, raises outlook

Sony have announced the largest profit rise, 68% for 2005/6, on the back of good sales of PSPs, LCD screens and Vaio PCs. The Reuters report doens’t contain much information about the company’s dgital camera division.

“Sony plans to boost capital spending by 20 percent this year to 460 billion yen, with a good chunk of that going to image sensor chips. As a result, its depreciation and amortisation burden will rise 7 percent to 410 billion yen.”

Website: Reuters - Sony’s profit jumps 68 pct, sees PlayStation costs

Kodak Press Release

KODAK Service & Support expands into new markets opening offices in Israel, Poland and South Africa

April 24, 2006 - As part of its continual strategy to offer customer and partner support worldwide, KODAK Service & Support, Eastman Kodak Company’s global service organisation, announces the opening of new offices in Israel (Tel Aviv), Poland (Warsaw), and South Africa (Johannesburg). Encompassing the complete product portfolio, Kodak’s field engineers and technical specialists will now provide industry-leading expertise locally in these growth markets, servicing and maintaining document imaging equipment, commercial print equipment and software and storage systems.

InfoTrends Press Release

WEYMOUTH, Mass.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 5, 2006—According to a recent U.S. consumer study from InfoTrends, the use of retail photo printing services continues to grow. Retail services might involve ordering prints from a photo kiosk print station, ordering them over-the-counter at a retail store, or placing an order through a retailer’s online site for pickup in the store. The study confirms that digital camera owners continue to use multiple sources for obtaining prints, but more people are shifting to retail. Not only is usage increasing, but frequency is as well. While only 13% of digital camera owners reported printing at retail most often during 2004, this percentage had increased to 23% in 2005.