InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release 26/10/04

Growth in Photo Kiosk and Digital Minilab Placements Expected to Expand Availability of Digital Print Services, According to a New Report by InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

(Weymouth, MA) October, 26 2004… According to a new forecast report from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures, 50% of the minilabs installed in the U.S. are expected to be digital by the end of 2004. Meanwhile, photo kiosk sales are expected to demonstrate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% over the forecast period between 2003 and 2008. Kiosks continue to prove that they are a successful solution in the retail environment.

Most importantly, alternative channels for photo kiosks such as hotels, resorts, amusement parks, and consumer electronics stores continue to develop, and still provide significant growth potential. By the end of the year, about 4% of all kiosk placements will be in unconventional locations. Although the success of photo kiosks in many of these new venues remains to be seen, this continues to be an important market for vendors to consider as they work to increase their sales.

Sandisk Press Release 26/10/04

High Capacities and Small Size Make Cards Ideal for Digital Cameras, Mobile Phones and Other Electronic Devices

San Francisco, CA, Oct. 26, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced the world’s largest capacities of Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD cards with 4-gigabyte (GB), 1GB and 2GB capacities respectively. These new cards are double the current maximum capacities and are designed to fit into a broad range of digital cameras, digital camcorders, music players, games, mobile phones and other consumer electronics devices. The announcement was made at the CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2004 trade show at Moscone Center where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth 924.

“SanDisk is leveraging to the fullest our leading edge flash memory and advanced controllers to once again raise the bar by introducing the highest capacities of Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo card and SD cards in the industry,” said Nelson Chan, executive vice president and general manager of the consumer and handset business. “These new capacity points will allow our customers who need maximum storage in their digital cameras, mobile phones and other electronics devices to use these new cards to store as many digital pictures, songs and other personal data as they desire.”

Sandisk Press Release 26/10/04

SanDisk miniSD and RS-MMC Cards Increase To 512-Megabyte Capacities; New Capacities Needed for Digital Music, Photos And Other Storage-Intensive Features On The Latest Mobile Devices

San Francisco, CA, Oct. 26, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) announced today that it is doubling the current maximum capacities of its popular SanDisk miniSD and SanDisk RS-MMC cards to 512 megabytes (MB). These storage cards are used in a growing number of mobile phones with multimedia capabilities such as digital cameras, music players and video recording and playback. The announcement was made at the CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2004 trade show at Moscone Center where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth 924.

“The number of mobile phones with storage card slots is growing rapidly since removable memory provides many advantages in mobile phones that feature digital cameras, digital audio players, games and other applications,” said Nelson Chan, executive vice president and general manager of SanDisk?s consumer and handset business. “We expect to continue to increase capacities for these cards as these storage-intensive mobile phone applications grow in popularity.”

Sinar Press Release

Sinar expands the Sinar m modular digital camera system

The Universal Sinar m Camera Becomes Mobile

For more than 50 years, the name Sinar has been standing for professional cameras, especially those for studio applications. Sinar has remained faithful to this tradition with the introduction of the hand-held professional 6 x 4.5 cm Sinar m camera. The latter can be used as
an ultra-fast, computer-controlled shutter with Sinaron digital lenses on the handy Sinar p3 view camera.

Sinar Press Release

Sinar f3 - the Universal View Camera for Shooting on Location

The compact lightweight Sinar f3 offers mobile photographers practically unconstrained technical imaging possibilities, even on the road.

With the unique Sinar focusing technique, even complex subjects like architectural, industrial or macro photographs can be made with very conveniently and precisely, thus dramatically reducing subsequent image manipulation on the computer. The built-in scales permit accurate determination of depth of field, tilt- and swing angles. That systematically leads to perfect focusing without the camera distracting from the creative task. The Sinar f3 fits seamlessly into the highly versatile modular Sinar camera system. That makes it possible to tailor the Sinar f3 to even the most unusual tasks without any limitations.

JOBO Press Release October 2004

JOBO Fototechnic, Inc. is thrilled to announce the ImageMaestro PRO, a portable DVD and CD burner. Designed with the digital photographer in mind, the ImageMaestro PRO allows the user to burn files straight from the memory card to a DVD without a computer. Virtually all memory card types are supported with slots able to accept eight different types of memory cards, CFI/II, MicroDrive, SM, SD, MMC, MS, and MS PRO.

In addition to burning DVDs, the ImageMaestro PRO allows you to view JPEG photos as well as play CDs, DVDs, MP3, MPEG1, and MPEG2 files when connected to a television via the included RCA Cables.

LaCie USA Press Release October 2004

Achieve Maximum Transfer Speeds With the LaCie d2 SATA Hard Drive

- SATA interface capable of up to 1.5Gbps transfers
- Comes with exclusive LaCie SATA PCI Card
- Fast booting and backup on both PCs and Macs

PORTLAND, OR (October 2004) - Today LaCie introduces a new series of external hard drives for the Mac and PC, the d2 Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Drive that is capable of reaching transfer rates of 1.5Gbps making it a smart choice for applications requiring high-speed data transfer. With the new external SATA, or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, interface, people can achieve transfer rates faster than most internal Parallel ATA hard drives in capacities of up to 400GB. Availability of the drives, which includes a unique LaCie SATA PCI Card, is winter 2004.

“LaCie employs the latest hard drive technology in the d2 SATA Hard Drive offering capacities of up to 400GB with fastest 10,000rpm speed on the 74GB model,” says Olivier Mirloup, LaCie Senior Product Manager. “These high-performance drives make it possible for PC and Mac workstations to handle professional, speed-intensive applications including large-scale backup, graphic design work and digital video projects.”

LaCie USA Press Release October 2004LaCie USA Press Release October 2004

Expressive color purity
Color gamut equivalent to a CRT
Smooth color gradients thanks to 10-bit gamma correction

PORTLAND, OR (October 2004) - LaCie today debuts a new high-end series of LCD monitors for graphics professionals who are serious about color rendering. The new LaCie 321 Monitor utilizes SA-Superfine TFT technology, the most advanced LCD panel technology available today. Whether on a Mac or PC, the LaCie 321 Monitor ensures that images are displayed as they were intended.

The LaCie 321 Monitor offers a color gamut previously achievable only on CRT monitors. The broad gamut of colors displayed is a wide 72% of the NTSC (National Television System Committee) video standards gamut. With 10-bit gamma correction, the LaCie 321 also provides the finest caliber of gamma control, expressly engineered for serious graphics professionals. Whereas traditional 8-bit gamma allows for only 256 tonal options, 10-bit gamma expands the tonal range to 1024, smoothing color gradation and vastly improving image precision and accuracy.

Scheider Press Release 21/10/04

Hauppauge, NY, October 21, 2004 - Scheider Optics, the well known lens and professional filter manufacturer, now offers a broad line of B+W Digital-Pro filters created specifically for digital cameras.

Whether using a simple point-and-shoot, a digital SLR (DSLR) or a digital camcorder, B+W Digital-Pro filters are designed to enable the user to capture the best possible image in-camera, with a wide range of artistic effects and superb results whether or not the image is subsequently adjusted with image editing software. In fact, using a B+W Digital-Pro filter up front will actually enable a greater amount of subsequent software manipulation, by providing more detail across the entire image spectrum.

“Using B+W Digital-Pro filters enable you to start out with a superior image, allowing you to use your software to enhance your photos if you wish, rather than waste time using your software to correct image problems that may not be repairable” explained Scheider Senior Vice President Ron Leven. “While software is a powerful tool for any digital photographer, it doesn’t eliminate detail-blocking glare like a polarized filter does…it cannot replace the detail in an overexposed sky routinely captured using an on-camera graduated ND filter…and of course, it can’t protect your lens from damange the way a UV/skylight filter can.”

Delkin Press Release

Delkin Devices, Inc., manufacturer of quality eFilm memory cards and other innovative products, today introduced the eFilm Archival Gold “300-Year” CD-R. eFilm Archival Gold CD-R’s incorporate patented Phthalocyanine (thalo-sy-a-neen) dye and a 24k gold reflective layer into every CD-R. The innovative materials found in eFilm Archival Gold CD-R’s make them one of the most reliable storage medium available. Typically CD-R’s are known to deteriorate quickly due to Earth’s common elements: ultra violet light, heat, and humidity. Using an accelerated aging process to test the longevity of CD-R media, eFilm Archival Gold CD-R’s have been shown to safely store your images for more than 300 years.

“Consumers are now taking more pictures than ever with digital cameras,” explains Martin Wood, CEO of Delkin Devices, Inc. “Our research has indicated that the number one reason consumers take digital images is to preserve their precious memories. eFilm Archival Gold CD-R’s ensure that your precious memories are safe for years to come.”

Epson America Inc. Press Release 21/10/04

THE EPSON R-D1 - THE WORLD’S FIRST RANGEFINDER DIGITAL CAMERA BEGINS SHIPPING IN UNITED STATES ON NOV. 1

New Digital Rangefinder System is the First Digital Camera to Support L/M-Mount Lenses

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 21, 2004 - Epson America Inc. has achieved another digital photography breakthrough with the introduction of the EPSON R-D1-the world’s first rangefinder digital camera.  This camera was introduced in Japan earlier this year and will now be shipping in the United States in early November.
 
The EPSON R-D1 marks a significant milestone in the industry by combining the classic feel and precision engineering of a traditional rangefinder camera with the latest digital technology.  It is the first digital camera allowing photographers to use revered L- and M-mount lenses.
 
The EPSON R-D1 links the future with the past - a new digital camera with a classic rangefinder feel.  The EPSON R-D1 is comprised of a magnesium alloy exterior and an aluminum die cast body, combining digital technology with the traditional feel of a finely tuned instrument.  The camera features a 6.1 megapixel APS C-size CCD sensor with a 1.53 magnification factor for an image resolution up to 3008 x 2000 pixels, easily producing output of 16” x 20” and beyond.  The Epson R-D1 supports a RAW mode as well as two JPEG modes.  Both JPEG modes incorporate PRINT Image Matching II technology for optimal prints. 

JP Distribution Press Release 21/10/04

JP Distribution is pleased to announce the Gepe Card SafeTM 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 SafeTM series.

A special feature of all Card SafeTM 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.

All models of the Card SafeTM series have special viewing windows on the top, and bottom, which are positioned over the card so you can see which space is taken by which card, even if the box is closed. It makes organization easier.

Norwegian website Akamera.no have posted a review of the Nikon Coolwalker MSV-01, a 30GB portable image storage device for the organisation of digital images.

Website: Akamera.no - Nikon Coolwalker MSV-01 Review

DPNow have just reviewed the affordable Pantone ColorVision ColorPlus monitor calibrator:

“The results we obtained with the Pantone ColorVision ColorPlus monitor calibrator were about what we expected and very similar to more expensive Lacie Blue Eye and Gretag Macbeth Eye One Display calibrators we have used in the past. Comparing a printed Colour Confidence Repro Pack reference sheet with its RGB source image on-screen (above) didn’t prove to be an exact match, though none of the other solutions did any better, with the printed sheet looking warmer than the on-screen image, though looking at the greys on the screen, everything looked pretty neutral. Ambient lighting is a huge factor when viewing a monitor and it’s not a great idea to position your screen near a window, for example.”

Website: DPNow - ColorPlus Review

Website: Read my ColorPlus Review

I have now received the UK press release for the Olympus Easy Imaging System that was announced yesterday.

Olympus UK Press Release 13/10/04

Setting your life to music
The Olympus m:robe - a musical memory maker

Today Olympus announce their intention to redefine the world of personal imaging and musical entertainment with the revolutionary m:robe concept.

The Olympus m:robe MR-500i

Comprising of a 1.22 million pixel digital camera, an image viewer and a music player all in one the m:robe MR-500i combines the energy of music with the power of pictures to bring your photographs to life. With the m:robe it’s easy to weave together images and sounds to make the difference between a picture and a memory - amazing adventures and experiences can be recorded in photo albums and combined with the tracks that evoke the mood of the moment - letting you view the special moments of your life while you listen to your own personal soundtrack.

The m:robe looks great too.  An eye-catching clean and minimalist design together with a distinctive touch pad control ensure it will be the next ‘must have’ buy for the style conscious consumer. The m:robe MR-500i is planned for release in early 2005

I have now received the UK press release for the Olympus Easy Imaging System that was announced yesterday.

Olympus UK Press Release 13/10/04

Bringing the photo album to life

The Olympus Easy Imaging System - store and print digital images on the go

13 October 2004. Printing and archiving digital photos whilst on the go just got easier.  There?s no need to lug a laptop around any more or wait until you get home to print or share pictures.  Thanks to the Olympus Easy Imaging System it is easy to take, share and store great digital pictures anywhere.

The Olympus Easy Imaging System incorporates a digital camera, home printer, hard disk drive and in the future a DVD burner.  It is astonishingly simple.  Dock the components together and a comprehensive, but ultra-compact digital photography lab is ready to go. It?s easy to use too - both the camera and printer are PictBridge compatible, so prints can be instantly developed out without the need for a PC.

With compact dimensions, the Easy Imaging System can be used and transported virtually anywhere making it is the ideal home or travel accessory. A contemporary, aesthetic design means it would not look out of place in even the most stylish living rooms.

eFotoGrafija attended the Sandisk press conference at Photokina, where perhaps surprisingly they “the most interesting data” out of all the conferences that they attended.

“Perhaps a different approach for those that don’t like figures… the “second” digital revolution will develop in three to four years compared to eight years it took digicams to become mainstream. All along you have to keep in mind the second revolution is going to be many times bigger than the first!

As I mentioned earlier, those that refuse to reconsider their priorities and accept the new trends will soon be forgotten. Many, photo labs included, should start making some changes in their business or at least start thinking about it seriously. Don’t get left out the second time around!”

Website: eFotoGrafija - Sandisk Press Conference

Wired Magazine have published an interesting look at the problem of keeping track of digital photos and several innovative ways of making the process easier.

“A digital camera is an enticement to take more snaps than you can keep track of. Why not shoot a few more pictures of Aunt Rose to see if you can get one that’s slightly more flattering to her - how to put it? - irregular profile. You don’t even need to carry a camera; you can squeeze off a stream of shots with your cell phone and send them to your inbox. With the price of digital storage plummeting even as our time seems to become ever more valuable, it’s cheaper to store the lot of them than to weed out the clunkers.

But having thousands of photos on a hard disk or DVD-ROM is the equivalent of throwing Bettmann’s images into the air and letting them flutter to the ground. Our only hope is that the army of engineers laboring in labs around the world can come up with a better way.”

Website: Wired Magazine - Point. Shoot. Kiss It Good-Bye.

Vosonic Press Release

VOSONIC NEW RANGE OF MULTIMEDIA X’S-DRIVES

XS Drive Super VP6210
MMV VP6300

Vosonic, the manufacturer based in Taiwan of the XS Drives, has announced the availability of two new MultiMedia XS Drives to complete its range of portable storage devices, which were shown at Photokina trade show.

The XS Drive Super VP6210 and MMV VP6300 enter the range as top specification devices providing via their 2” LCD display the possibility to view JPEG photos, play MPEG-1 videos or MP3 - WMA music.

The XS Drive Super is available from 20GB to 80GB and uses an internal 2.5” Hard disk, whereas the MMV is a more compact unit by using a 20GB 1.8” internal Hard disk.

Both units provide the exact same features:
- Copy from any memory card including Compactflash, MicroDrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo (via adapter), MMC, RS-MMC (via adapter), Secure Digital, mini SD (via adapter), Smartmedia,  xD picture card to the internal Hard disk
- Copy selected files from the Hard disk (or a memory card) to a memory card inserted
- View JPEG photos up to 16 MegaPixels, run slideshow, view Exif information, Rotate by 90 degrees, Zoom in/out
- Play MPEG-1 or Motion JPEG in AVI or MOD format videos
- Play MP3 and WMA music
- Audio/Video outputs to plug to a TV and/or listen on headphones
- Infrared remote control is supplied
- 3 hours of battery life with the LCD Screen on (up to 6 hours when the LCD is in standby)
- USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 backward compatible) connection to a computer
- Faster transfer speed than current XS Drive models (VP2060, VP300, VP3310, VP3610)

Vosonic Press Release

VOSONIC X’S-DRIVE PRO VP3310

9in1 Portable Storage Device with 40GB or more
Fast connection with USB 2.0 & Blue Backlight LCD Panel
MP3 Jukebox Player

Cardmedia (Europe) Ltd, the official UK distributor for the manufacturer Vosonic, has announced the availability of the X?S-Drive Pro VP3310, a new Portable Storage Device with enhanced LCD display + MP3 player, which features a blue Backlight LCD display and support long MP3 filenames.

Like the XS Drive Pro VP300, the Vosonic X’S-Drive Pro VP3310 combines all the X’S-Drive latest features; Fast USB 2.0 compatible interface, LCD panel to indicate detailed Working status, File transfer and battery power level.

The X’S-Drive Pro VP3310 allows the transfer of pictures and any other file from any memory card to its internal 2.5 inches hard drive.

It displays on its 2.5 inches LCD screen detailed information such as the names of files being transferred and the transfer progress status.

It can be used with all types of memory cards: Compactflash, IBM Microdrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, and xD picture card without any adapter.