Sony Europe Press Release

New CompactFlash (TM) Type II hard disk drive with unique Cybercapture (TM) technology delivers increased storage capacity for all photo enthusiasts and professionals

Paris, 31 October, 2005 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division today announced the launch of its first 5GB CompactFlash™ Type II media, under the new COMPACTVAULT™brand. The new COMPACTVAULT provides the latest addition to Sony’s removable media range, enabling storage of up to 1600 images (1) or four hours of MPEG 4 recording. The one-inch hard disk drive boasts a native transfer rate of up to 96.7Mbps, which is further maximized when the COMPACTVAULT is used in conjunction with future Cybercapture enabled products, providing even faster recording of images and higher quality of videos, in what is termed AV mode.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm today announces the launch of its compact Underwater Strobe Kit, for sub-aqua photography at depths of up to 60m. The equipment is designed to fit the entire range of Fujifilm underwater housings, and is compatible with almost all brands of digital cameras and underwater housings currently on the market.

The Underwater Strobe Kit provides that vital extra burst of light, meaning colour and tone can be recorded more naturally, and giving underwater shots greater clarity and depth of colour for mesmerising underwater images.

Ricoh Press Release

8x write speed according to the High Speed Standard; Excellent compatibility through optimised manufacturing process; 8.5 gigabyte – ideal for movie and data archiving.

With the DVD+R 8x DL, Ricoh, an innovative manufacturer of optical storage media, again presents a DVD blank medium which due to its high performance and extensive capacity, offers users numerous benefits when archiving valuable data. With its enormous storage capacity of 8.5 gigabyte combined with the extremely fast 8x write speed, the Ricoh DVD+R 8x DL can be recommended as the perfect medium for movie fans and collectors. Thus the new generation of Ricoh DVD+R 8x Double Layer discs allows extensive data protection, hard disc backups and uninterrupted movie archiving of amounts of data up to 8.5 gigabyte in only about 16 minutes. In comparison: a DVD+R 2.4x DL requires about 44 minutes to store the same amount of data.

JP Distribution Press Release

Giottos launches new addition to its Pro Classic range of tripods, costing £79.99 inc Vat.

JP Distribution are pleased to announce the addition of the GB 1140 tripod to the Giottos Pro Classic range of tripods. Giottos Industrial Inc. was founded in 1988 and specializes in the design and manufacture of tripods and lighting stands.  From the very beginning Giottos have focused on design excellence together with high quality materials and state of the art manufacturing and it is this approach that has lead to many industry awards. 

The popular Professional classic tripod series are made from aluminium and are all assembled by hand. The robust GB 1140 is a lightweight tripod and together with the MH 1001 head will support up to 7.98kg. in weight.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm relaunches popular Multijet papers and introduces Photo Enthusiast and Super Heavyweight varieties

Fujifilm has extended its successful Multijet range of high-performance, professional quality, photo inkjet papers to include 240gsm Photo Enthusiast and 300gsm Super Heavyweight grades.  At the same time, Fujifilm has relaunched the entire range in brand new packaging that makes choosing the type and weight of paper easier for the customer.

Fujifilm Multijet products are thoroughly tested to work with all leading makes of inkjet printer, and offer excellent handling properties. The papers are instant-drying with each type offering a bright white finish in either satin or gloss*.  Multijet inkjet paper already has an established reputation for producing crisp, sharp and faithful results with impressive contrast and colour saturation on a super-smooth surface.

Just Rams Plc Press Release

London, 19th October 2005 – Just Rams Plc today announces a stylish addition to its highly successful range of flash drives, the Integral i-Pen USB 2.0.  Compact and robust, with a cool white design that complements Mac computers and looks stylish with PCs too. The Integral i-Pen USB 2.0 Flash Drive makes transferring data between PC, Mac and notebooks quick and easy. It is perfect for users wanting a simple, secure way of transporting important data between the home, office and school or college.

“The new Integral i-Pen USB 2.0 Flash Drive is set to become the “must have” flash drive,” commented Sanjiv Kotecha, Marketing Director Just Rams Plc. “The new drive has the capacity to hold up to 1GB of data, is small enough to carry around in a pocket or on a key chain and it’s stylish, cool white design will complement any Mac, PC or notebook.”

Digital Foci Press Release

Displays Photos, Slideshows and Music at Home or Office

Los Angeles, California, October 18, 2005 – Digital Foci, Inc. (www.digitalfoci.com) introduced today the powerful Image Moments digital photo album frame, which lets you display and share photos directly from digital camera memory cards at home or at the office on beautiful maple or walnut picture frames.  Just insert any digital camera card into Image Moments and memories will instantly come to life in sharp, vibrant color on its big 8-inch high-resolution LCD screen. 

Photo Slideshows with Music
Instead of seeing the same picture day in and day out as you do with traditional print photo frames, Image Moments lets you easily change photos at your whim.  Remember cherished memories – your wedding, the birth of your baby, or your family vacations with Image Moment’s “Photo Slideshow Mode,” which lets you automatically scroll through collections of photos.  Since Image Moments supports MP3 and video formats, you can even add music to your slideshows and play movies.

PhotoVu Press Release

PhotoVu™ Compatible with World’s First Built-in WiFi-Enabled Digital Camera, the Nikon® COOLPIX P1

For direct wireless viewing of photos from camera to PhotoVu Digital Wireless Picture Frames

Boulder, CO—October 18, 2005—Today PhotoVu™ announced the compatibility of their PV1945 and PV1750 wireless digital LCD picture frames with the world’s first built-in WiFi-enabled digital cameras, the Nikon® COOLPIX™ P1 and P2. By easily accessing the WiFi features of these new cameras, a person can immediately view the photos they’re taking on their PhotoVu frame.

“At a birthday party, a wedding or any gathering where photos are a must, individuals can now add to their enjoyment by viewing the event as it unfolds,” said Robert Jordan, Partner, PhotoVu. “Using WiFi technology to save a step and automatically display new photos on the PhotoVu frame is just one new way we’re taking photos out of the shoebox and on to the wall.”

JP Distribution Press Release

JP Distribution is pleased to announce the Gepe Card Safe (TM) range.

Digital memory cards are now used in almost every electronic device such as digital cameras, video cameras, MP3 Players, cell phones, PDAs, etc. For these devices different type and sizes of cards are used. All cards have one point in common however; the personal value of their contained data that needs to be protected. For transport, safekeeping and optimal protection of these memory cards Gepe has developed the unique Card Safe series.

A special feature of all Card Safe models is the innovative MultiCard insert. Each card space can be used for different card types. Without having to change the insert MMC/SD cards, Smart Media, Memory Stick or Compact Flash cards can be stored tightly and safely. The design and special material used, protect the cards from shocks and keeps them securely in place, whilst the unique, Anti-Static lining material prevents valuable data from being erased, or damaged, due to electrostatic effects.

Lexar Card Readers Provide Photographers With Easy, Efficient Management Of Images And Information

New Professional Compactflash Reader Is The Latest Addition To The Company’s Award-Winning Line

FREMONT, Ca., October 18, 2005 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, is demonstrating its focus on meeting the needs of professional photography workflow by strengthening its line of memory card readers from the new Professional CompactFlash Reader and high-speed multi-card readers to the single slot unit ideal for the mobile photographer.

“The big trend today for the pros is turning images around quickly, and that means they need workflow tools that will enable the speed of transferring images. We see this trend emerging for pro-sumers as well, as they are discovering and exploring the multitude of features that their new SLR camera has to offer, and the real need for tools that will help them manage volume better,” said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar. “Our newest product, the Professional CompactFlash Reader is a high quality, durable device that streamlines the photography workflow and improves the experience for professionals.”

Hama Press Release

Sporty but stylish
With the new Samsonite Ravenna series, Hama proves that Samsonite camera cases are not always just refined and elegant.

The durable polytex cases for small digital cameras are available in either black or olive. As in the successful Samsonite Freestyler suitcase series, the slim red rubber application on the front gives the cases a special eye-catching look and a certain flair. Five sizes are available with a cover flap and five with a zip.

Big mouth
Whether on a boat trip or mountain hike, the Ravenna cases with cover flaps hold your camera ready for the best snapshots at all times thanks to the hook and loop fastener. The flat front pocket holds memory cards and spare batteries.

Colour Confidence Press Release

Take it as Red that the Triangle Colorscale will give you the hue you need

An invaluable tool for graphic designers who specify colours for four-colour process print - 300g Silk stock paper provides a high quality finish and durable format

Birmingham UK, 10th October, 2005 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, have today been announced as UK distributor of the new Triangle Colorscale.

The Triangle Colorscale is the most efficient CMYK colour scale ever; enabling designers and print specifiers to identify the colour they want with a minimum of fuss. It represents great value priced at just £99.00/€149.00 ex. VAT, and is available now from www.colourconfidence.com

Luminous Landscape have taken a look at the curiously named Arctic Butterfly, a new digital SLR sensor cleaning solution from the company VisibleDust.

“I’ve been trying to think of a good pun or some other humorous lead in, given this product’s whimsical name. But nothing comes to mind. Instead I’m simply going to start by saying that the Arctic Butterfly from VisibleDust is hands-down the finest sensor cleaning tool yet developed, particularly for anyone that travels by air. To my mind the best sensor cleaning tools on the market are from VisibleDust. My review of their products describes how they work and what they do. They have been the mainstay of my sensor cleaning since they first came to market in late 2004.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Arctic Butterfly Review

LaCie Press Release

LaCie Introduces Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0: Compact 1TB USB Hard Drive

  * Packs up to 1TB of storage in a tough aluminum case
  * The latest in cooling technology
  * Use it anywhere: no software needed, universal USB connectivity

October 4, 2005 - LaCie today introduces an affordable and easy-to-use Hi-Speed USB 2.0 hard drive: LaCie Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0 packing up to 1TB into a sturdy aluminum d2 case. With USB connectivity and no software to con¬figure, LaCie Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0 is the ultimate combination of convenience, capacity and affordability per gigabyte. Drives ship standard with LaCie’s new One Click Backup Software for PC and Mac.

The Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0’s portability and versatility make it easy to use at any workstation. This low-cost alternative is ideal for backing up several workstations or handling space-hungry applications. No need to configure any software—just hook it up to a universal USB port on any PC or Mac and start swapping images, large files or office documents right away.

Think Tank Photo Press Release

THINK TANK PHOTO RELEASES FIRST BACKPACK TO HOLD LARGE LENSES AND FIT IN AIRLINE OVERHEAD COMPARTMENTS

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. – Think Tank Photo announces the release of Airport Addicted, the first backpack designed to hold large lenses (e.g. a 400 2.8 with lens hood and a 300 2.8), as well as multiple SLR bodies and a laptop computer, and fit within airline dimension requirements for overhead storage compartments.  To aid photographers in getting their gear through the airport and safely onto the plane, Think Tank Photo has posted a free article entitled “Fear for your gear while running through the airport.”  Filled with advice from noted photojournalists, this article can be found at www.thinktankphoto.com/airport

PCMagazine have reviewed the Wacom Graphire4 pen tablet, which offers a new, ergonomically designed pen and tablet in either A6 or A5 size and silver, metallic design.

“For the artistically inclined, or for those with repetitive stress hand injuries, the Wacom Graphire4 pen tablet may be just what the doctor ordered. Wacom’s new entry-level input device is an elegant alternative to a desktop mouse, offering precise control at an exceptional value.”

Website: PCMagazine - Wacom Graphire4 Review

BIOS have reviewed the new Wacom Graphire Bluetooth, a 6” x 8” wireless pen tablet that can be used up to 30 feet away from your computer.

“Ideal for digital photographers, graphic design professionals and artists, Wacom’s Graphire Bluetooth Wireless Pen Tablet offers a much more precise and natural way to draw freehand compared to a mouse. The tablet doesn’t provide a 1:1 mapping ratio for most monitors, offers just 512 sensitivity levels, and may not be ideal for artistic styles that need full arm motion, but the ability to use the tablet wirelessly and without a power outlet is a real boon. In addition, the excellent bundled software make it worth its high cost for serious artists and designers.”

Website: BIOS - Wacom Graphire Bluetooth Review

CameraTown have published their review of the new ZAP-SHOT RF Wireless Remote control for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Rebel XT, 300/350D Digital SLRs.

“Announced in early September, the ZAP-SHOT is the perfect accessory or gift for owners of the Canon EOS 300D, 350D, Rebel, or Rebel XT. What is the ZAP-SHOT? The ZAP-SHOT is a wireless remote trigger for the aforementioned Canon Digital SLRs that use Radio Frequency to trigger the shutter release of the camera. By using RF, the photographer is able to trigger the camera from up to 75 feet (or more) away and without a line-of-sight limitation. Unlike a remote cable switch, the ZAP-SHOT allows you the freedom to operate your camera’s shutter without having to touch or even be near the camera. The flexibility will start to get your creative juices flowing. Just think, you’ll now be able to shoot pictures that you’re actually in - without having to use the customary “Ready…. Set .... RUN.”

Website: CameraTown - ZAP-SHOT RF Wireless Remote Review

Lexar Media Press Release

Lexar Introduces JumpDrive Secure II Featuring Sleek Design and New Software Including Encrypted Vault and File Shredder

FREMONT, Ca., September 27, 2005 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today announced the availability of JumpDrive Secure II, a second generation USB flash drive featuring 256-bit AES Encryption to secure folders and files so consumers can easily store and protect valuable files, data and images.

JumpDrive Secure II offers a dashboard onscreen interface that makes it easy for consumers to navigate the drive’s advanced security features. Users can quickly create secure files on either the USB flash drive or on the host computer using the new unique ‘Encrypted Vault’ feature. Simply drag and drop files into the ‘Encrypted Vault’ to automatically secure them with on-the-fly 256-bit AES Encryption. When files are dragged out of the ‘Encrypted Vault’ they are automatically decrypted.

Canon UK Press Release

PORTMEIRION LAUNCHES NEW CELEBRITY FUND RAISING MUGS FOR PINK RIBBON FOUNDATION & 2005 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

UK tableware manufacturer Portmeirion has joined forces with two of the UK’s brightest young female performers, Joss Stone and Natasha Bedingfield, to once again support the Pink Ribbon Foundation and Breast Cancer Awareness, with the launch of two new Good Times fund-raising mugs for 2005.

In times of adversity, positive thought can have a powerful effect, whether it be a person, a place or a thing that reminds us of a good time in our lives. With generous support from Canon (UK) Ltd, a leader in imaging technology, Joss Stone and Natasha Bedingfield were given a Canon Digital IXUS 40 camera and asked to take a picture of something that reminded them of a good time. Both stars have provided exclusive photographs, one showing the excitement of performing at Live 8, the other showing the serenity of a stunning beach scene - revealing just how personal good times can be. These two new Good Times mugs for 2005 will join the most popular mugs from 2004, which will be re-released. The mugs feature images by Sir Alan Parker, Annie Lennox, Tracey Emin, Sir Terence Conran, Tom Dixon, Anthony Minghella, Tamzin Outhwaite, Frank Skinner, The Thrills, Ian Wright and Joan Collins.