DPNow have today 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.

“Previous Graphire mouse models had been criticised for an unpleasantly hard feel when pushed around the tablet area and the new fabric base certainly helps, but I never once felt that the Graphire Bluetooth mouse was a patch on my Logitech MouseMan Optical. The Graphire mouse felt cumbersome and heavy in its movement and without precision. And to make matters worse, a standard optical mouse won’t work on the surface of the tablet because it is transparent. “

Website: DPNow - Wacom Graphire Bluetooth Review

Wacom Press Release

PenPartner2 provides a comfortable input solution and allows handwritten annotations to be added in Microsoft Office

Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays, today announces PenPartner2 – an ultra-slim and compact pen tablet for use with a notebook. It perfectly combines a contemporary, ergonomic design with reliable functionality and is aimed at business professionals and business travellers. PenPartner2 is ideal for the comfortable navigation of PC applications and with the JustWrite Office software included, it is perfect for adding hand-written notes in Microsoft Office documents and personalising emails with signatures.

PenPartner2, the successor to PenPartner launched in April 2004 - Wacom’s first tablet designed specifically for use with laptops - reflects the current style trends for notebooks on the market today. Its design is sleek and professional looking, and both the tablet and pen come in black with anthracite accents. It also has a smaller footprint than its predecessor of 146mm x 150.6mm, which provides improved portability and requires less desk space.

Engadget have posted a lengthy review of the new Philips 7FF1AW Digital Photo Display.

“The display is, unfortunately smaller than we imagined from the press photos and marketing collateral. Guess we fixated too much on those, er “7-inches” which in photography patter would indicate a device for showcasing 5 x 7-inch photos. Oh right, Philips manufactures displays so that measurement is diagonal! Thus the actual LCD is 3.6 x 5.4-inches (9 x 14-centimeters) which is still respectable and in-line with traditional frames you’ll find in most homes — just not what we had expected.”

Website: Engadget - Philips 7FF1AW Digital Photo Display Review

Creative UK Press Release

INTRODUCING THE WEBCAM LIVE! MOTION: A BREAKTHROUGH IN WEBCAM DESIGN

With automatic motorised Pan-n-Tilt for smooth tracking, plus an ultra-wide angle lens to capture more information, this is the new reference level in high-end webcams.

London; 21 September 2005: Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, announces a breakthrough in webcam design with the WebCam Live! Motion. This premier Creative WebCam quietly and smoothly follows user movements during video instant messaging with its MaxView™ technology, a combination of motorised Pan-n-Tilt and the ViewPlus™ 76-degree wide-angle lens. The system can also capture high-resolution panoramic stills with a single click.

The auto Pan-n-Tilt feature gives users wide freedom of movement during video instant messaging with friends, family or business colleagues. It automatically follows their natural movements during conversations, so they don’t have to make constant manual adjustments to stay centred in the field of view. Users can select Smart Face Tracking so the WebCam Live! Motion follows the movements of one person, or they can use the system in standard mode to include a group of people and take advantage of the widest view available in a webcam. Ideal for broadband users, the Creative Live! Motion incorporates true high-speed USB 2.0 for crisp, high-resolution video at up to twice the video frame rates of USB 1.1 cameras. It also supports popular instant messaging services including MSN® Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM and Windows® Messenger.

Lexar Press Release

Lexar Professional LockTight™ CompactFlash™ Offers Card Level Protection to Security-Conscious Photographers

Industry Experts Agree That Restricted Access to Stored Images and Information is Vital in the Growing Digital Camera Market

FREMONT, Ca., September 20, 2005 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, announced its LockTight™ CompactFlash™ security system is an essential solution for digital photographers who want to protect their stored digital images and information. Photographers working in highly sensitive and vulnerable areas who require added security can leverage the LockTight system for card level security designed to limit unauthorized access to data and material stored on the card.

Sandisk Press Release

SanDisk to Ship Units of Its First ‘‘U3 Smart’’ Flash Drive That Creates a Portable Secure Personal Workspace; U3-Powered SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Smart Drive Will Be Distributed to U.S. Retailers in October

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 19, 2005—SanDisk(R) Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced its first USB smart drive using U3(TM) technology, a powerful new platform that enables users to store and manage their “personal workspace”—including files, programs, passwords and settings—on a tiny device the size of a pack of gum. The announcement was made at DEMOfall, where SanDisk’s first U3 production units were demonstrated. The event at the Hyatt Huntington Beach is showcasing 70 of the world’s most promising new technologies.

SanDisk Cruzer(R) Micro smart drives will offer a private, securely protected experience on any PC with Microsoft Windows XP or 2000 without leaving the user’s personal information on the host machine at the end of a session when the drive is removed. These smart drives will be able to launch a variety of U3-compatible (called “U3 smart”) software programs, including anti-virus, security, communications, audio, video, gaming and photo-editing, to name a few.

LaCie Press Release

LaCie Breaks Ground With Carte Orange: Credit-Card Sized 8GB USB Key

September 19, 2005

  * Ultra thin 8GB credit-card sized USB key
  * Sturdy and convenient metal design
  * Amazing price per gigabyte for mobile storage

LaCie unveils the latest in storage technology: a credit-card sized USB key called the LaCie Carte Orange that offers an unprecedented 4GB (4000MB) or 8GB (8000MB) storage capacity. LaCie Carte Orange is ideal for exchanging or backing up large amounts of office files, and storing hours of music, videos, photos and slideshows. With its sturdy metal design and plastic bumper, LaCie Carte Orange is amazingly light and thin—far thinner than most traditional 1GB or 2GB USB keys. Measuring at 6mm height and weighing less than 60g, LaCie Carte Orange’s smart and convenient design easily fits in small pockets and wallets making it the most convenient way to travel with lots of data.

The Memorex Mega TravelDrive portable storage device is unveiled today. Offering 4Gbs of capacity in less than 2 inches of space, the Mega TravelDrive also features a pivoting USB connector. The Memorex Mega TravelDrive will be available in October for $149.99.

Memorex Press Release

‘Mega TravelDrive’ Delivers Best Combination of Size and Capacity

CERRITOS, Calif., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/—Memorex introduces the Mega TravelDrive(TM), the latest addition to the award-winning family of TravelDrive portable storage devices.  For business travelers or anyone with a laptop and a massive amount of data to store, the new Mega TravelDrive offers 4GB of capacity in less than a two-inch square—making it the smallest portable USB hard drive available.

At just 1.75” x 1.96” x .56”, the ultra-compact Mega TravelDrive is 20% smaller than today’s pocket hard drives.  The Mega features a pivoting USB connector that easily plugs into your computer’s USB port on planes, trains or anywhere space is tight, without requiring an extra power supply.  And with 4GB of capacity, consumers can store more than 8,000 digital photos; 1,200 songs in MP3 format; or tens of thousands of text files in this stylish, platinum-finish device.  The Mega also features a blue LED indicator that flashes during data transfer.  The product comes bundled with convenience accessories such as a protective, black carrying pouch and a USB cable.

The Wacom Graphire4 pen tablet range is announced today. Graphire 4 offers a new, ergonomically designed pen and tablet in either A6 or A5 size and silver, metallic design. The Graphire4 Classic is priced at EUR 83.99, the Graphire4 Classic XL at EUR 125.99, the Graphire4 Studio at EUR 167.99 and the Graphire4 Studio XL at EUR 210.00 (all prices exclude VAT).

Wacom Europe Press Release

Wacom Launches New Pen Tablet Range for Easy Picture Editing; Improve Digital Photographs with Graphire4

KREFELD, Germany—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 15, 2005—Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays, today announces Graphire4 - a range of consumer pen tablets that provide the ideal tools for conveniently optimising digital photographs. Graphire4 is aimed at all amateur photographers who record family events such as birthdays, weddings and holidays, and who want to get the best out of their digital photographs. Offering an intuitive way to achieve natural looking results, Graphire4 can easily correct exposure problems and imperfections, remove unwanted objects and improve the colour of a picture.

Intemos Press Release

INTEMOS MAKES LIGHT WORK OF CLEANING DSLR SENSORS

A step by step video guide to cleaning digital SLR sensors is launched online today by Intemos, the optical cleaning specialists. 

“We have produced this user-friendly video to show how easily sensor cleaning can be carried out,” said Intemos MD Andrew Stagg.

“I have spoken to many digital camera owners weary of cleaning their sensors because they are concerned about damaging them. With this video we wanted to show what a simple procedure it really is and that it can be completed with ease in a few seconds.”

Westinghouse Digital Press Release

Westinghouse Digital Expands into New LCD Display Market with Digital Photo Frames; Stylish LCD Frame Accepts Six Flash Card Standards Including XD

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 13, 2005—Westinghouse Digital Electronics, a leading North American LCD TV and monitor provider, today announced its entry into the digital photography marketplace with the introduction of its Digital Photo Frame (model #DPF-0561), allowing multiple photographs to be displayed in a single frame.

The 5.6-inch LCD display is easily customizable to match any home or office decor by attaching the included interchangeable mahogany, black or brushed aluminum frames. Ideal for displaying wedding photos, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, photos of loved ones, and other special events, the frame allows consumers to create a slideshow or view individual digital snapshots by simply plugging in a digital camera memory card or downloading images from the computer’s hard drive via a USB port.

auspiciousdragon.net have just reviewed the Novoflex Classic ballhead and Q-base quick release clamp.

“Every ballhead that I’ve used prior to this one has used the same control to release the ballhead for movement and control the amount of friction that the cup exerts during movement. This means that inattention can cause the ball to be over loosened and can lead to the camera flopping forward. The blue band in the picture is a separate “set and forget” friction control. You can adjust the friction on the loose ballhead to the amount that suits you.”

Website: auspiciousdragon.net - Novoflex Classic Ballhead Review

Delsey Press Release

A New Line of Bags Truly for the Get Up and Go Shooter

Ramsey, NJ (September 7, 2005) – It’s a fact; digital camera technology just keeps getting smaller. Changing with the times, Delsey has cut out the bulk and crafted its line of GOPIX bags and cases around the evolving technology and the user, providing carrying solutions that make it easier to get up and go without being weighed down by a large unnecessary bag. As with all Delsey products, each GOPIX bag and case is designed focusing on three core ideals which have become the hallmark of the Delsey brand; protection, function and style.

GOPIX 50
The new GOPIX 50 is suitable for compact digital cameras, video cameras or even a CD player. The GOPIX 50 has enough storage for six CDs and features external zippered side pockets and an opening for an earphone connection. The bag is very light, weighing approximately .60 pounds and, like the entire GOPIX line, features a compact design with measurements of 4” (L) x 2 3/4” (W) x 6” (H).

THE pod INDUSTRIES Press Release

THE pod INDUSTRIES Partners with Bogen Imaging to Deliver Contemporary Photo Gear in the United States

Ramsey, NJ (September 6, 2005) – THE pod INDUSTRIES, creators of the breakthrough pod™ camera platform for digital cameras and mini-DV cameras, has teamed up with Bogen Imaging to act as the exclusive distributor of THE pod products in the U.S.

Designed with durability and portability in mind, THE pod is a camera platform that can be taken anywhere and setup on virtually any surface. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, THE pod can be used at home or on the road by simply attaching any camera or camcorder to its universal locking bolt.  Boasting a unique design similar to that of a hockey puck, THE pod contains plastic beans, is Velcro-sealed and is the ideal solution for situations where a tripod is not allowed. Images taken with THE pod offer a wider variety of angles, sharper photographs and better overall saturation than that of handheld shots.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Introduction of full Memory Stick™ range completes Fujifilm’s media card line-up

Fujifilm now offers professional photographers and consumers every digital memory card format on the market

Fujifilm, already the market leader in memory cards for digital devices, has announced the introduction of the Memory Stick Duo™, Memory Stick Pro™ and Memory Stick Duo Pro™ to its range. The additions complete Fujifilm’s media card offering, which now includes every format available on the market.

Pentax USA Press Release

VISIT THE PENTAX www.H20camera.com WATERPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA WEBSITE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN OPTIOWP SKIN

Golden, CO. (August 25, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the limited availability of a protective, silicone Skin for the OptioWP digital camera.  Custom-made to protect the popular waterproof camera, the PENTAX OptioWP Skin helps prevent surface scratches and dents, offers a non-slip surface and retains the compact, elegant shape of the camera.  The translucent, non-toxic, versatile Skin material will stretch and give to fit snugly around the camera and offer an anti-static finish to further repel moisture and dust.  Made of high-quality, flexible and durable silicone, PENTAX OptioWP Skins will be available exclusively online from PENTAX Imaging Company at a cost of $19.95 US beginning September 1, 2005.

Pentax UK Press Release

Pentax Markets a Powerful Clip-on Auto Flash with Auto Zoom Head and Digital-SLR Compatibility

Pentax Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the Pentax AF540FGZ auto flash unit. Featuring a large guide number of 54 (at ISO100/m), this clip-on-type auto-zoom flash provides a variety of advanced flash applications, including P-TTL auto flash, high-speed synchronisation and wireless P-TTL auto flash, when mounted on a Pentax SLR camera.

Major features
1. Large guide number
Despite its compact dimensions and clip-on design, the AF540FGZ auto flash offers a large guide number of 54 (at ISO100/m) to accommodate a wide range of flash applications.

The Canon Speedlite 430EX is announced. The Canon 430EX replaces the Speedlite 420EX and increases the guide number to 43. The Canon Speedlite 430EX is available from September 2005 priced at £199.00 RRP inc. VAT/ €287.00 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon extends its range of digital compatible flashes with the Speedlite 430EX

Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the Speedlite 430EX flash unit, replacing the popular Speedlite 420EX. The Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor, and includes new features to maximise digital image quality when using a flash. These include automatic selection of camera white balance settings, and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached. The Speedlite 430EX has increased its guide number to 43 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm), and has approximately 40% faster recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX.

Frame Destination Press Release

Innovative Frame Company Fills Void in Photography with Elegant Frames in Non-Standard Sizes

Aug 3, 2005 – Dallas, TX – When amateur photographer Mark Rogers started researching frames for his own digital prints, he discovered frame companies simply did not offer the non-standard sized frames needed to fit the unique shape of digital prints. For example, he found many 13x19 prints available but not one single company sold 13x19 frames. Another very common paper size used in digital photography, 8.5x11, was available only in certificate frames and not in fine-art frames. These and other challenges inspired Mark Rogers to found Frame Destination, Inc. (http://www.framedestination.com).

Manfrotto Press Release

Manfrotto Introduces the New and Improved NeoTec Monopod - New 685B deluxe monopod offers new features

Bassano del Grappa, Italia (August 10, 2005) – Manfrotto, the world’s leading manufacturer of photographic support products, is introducing the new and improved 685B NeoTec Deluxe Monopod with four new features including a safety lever, foot pedal, leg warmer and suction cup foot. From the NeoTec line of Pro Photo Supports, the 685B is built around an innovative self-regulating mechanism inside the leg that delivers unmatched speed, stability and ease-of-use.

This revolutionary new mechanism allows the user to quickly and easily extend each leg to the desired height by simply pulling downwards. There are no locks, knobs or levers of any kind to contend with. Once the leg is extended into position, NeoTec’s patented internal mechanism automatically locks it there by pushing outwards on the tubing, exerting more locking power and further stabilizing the tripod as additional weight is added.