Olympus UK Press Release 12/02/04

Focus in on the Olympus C-725 Ultra Zoom

The new Olympus C-725 Ultra Zoom has a wealth of photo features and a price to tempt even the most cost-conscious of people. This 3 million pixel camera boasts an 8x zoom, plus QuickTime movie capability, allowing you to do much more than take regular party and holiday snaps. Available from May 2004, RRP will be ?249.99 [inc VAT]. For stockist information call 0800 072 0070 or go to www.olympus.co.uk.

Olympus UK Press Release 12/02/04

Forget Your Camcorder: Use the Olympus C-770 Movie instead

If you don?t have room to take both your camera and your camcorder on holiday this year, then the Olympus C-770 Movie is the answer to your problem. The 4 million pixel digital camera not only allows extremely versatile shooting with a powerful 10x optical zoom, it also records full-screen quality MPEG4 movies with sound. Available from April 2004, RRP will be ?499.99 [inc VAT]. For stockist information call 0800 072 0070 or go to www.olympus.co.uk.

This camera is the perfect holiday companion for the seasoned traveller; the compact C-770 Movie doesn?t simply take superb digital shots, it also boasts a full-screen movie recording capability of 30 frames per second in MPEG4 quality - one of the most advanced of any existing digital cameras to date. The extraordinary picture quality also allows full television screen presentations.

Olympus UK Press Release 12/02/04

The Olympus C-460 ZOOM - Sharper images at an amazing price

Olympus announces the launch of the C-460 ZOOM digital camera as an exclusive at Dixons. The 4 megapixel model offers a 3x optical zoom and an optimised image processing system for stunning results. Not only does this process images more quickly but prints will also boast sharper contrast and colour. The easy-to-use, compact model incorporates a host of impressive features such as Super Macro mode for shooting from as close as 7cm away. Available exclusively from Dixons from March 2004, RRP ?249.99 (inc VAT).

Olympus UK Press Release 12/02/04

The Olympus C-360 ZOOM - Sharper images at an amazing price

Olympus is proud to announce the C-360 ZOOM digital camera. The 3 megapixel model has a 3x optical zoom and an optimised image processing system for stunning results. Not only does this process images more quickly but prints will also boast sharper contrast and colour. This easy-to-use, compact model incorporates a host of features such as Super Macro mode for shooting from as close as 7cm. Available from March 2004, RRP ?179.99 (inc VAT). For stockist information call freephone 0800 072 0070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.

Olympus UK Press Release 12/02/04

The C-310 ZOOM from Olympus Great Looks, Great Value and Outstanding Performance

The new C-310 ZOOM from Olympus is easy to use and makes discovering digital photography a real joy. The compact model weighs only 150g without batteries. It boasts 3.2 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent 38 ? 114mm on 35mm camera). What?s more, even experienced photographers can enjoy features such as the movie recording function and Super Macro Mode for close-up shots. The C-310 ZOOM is available from March 2004, RRP ?149.99 (inc VAT). For stockist information call freephone 0800 072 0070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.

Olympus UK Press Release 12/02/04

Announcing the Mju 410 Digital from Olympus - Enhancing an award winning range

Olympus is introducing the Mju 410 Digital, the latest addition to the world?s most popular camera series. The Mju 410 is encased in a full metal body with a silver finish, offers 4 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. The Mju 410 is the first Mju Digital model to feature TruePic Turbo, a new image processor which sharpens image clarity, contrast and colour for life-like results. This feature also makes the camera 30% faster in processing images and is combined with a super fast shutter release time. Available from March, RRP ?299.99 (inc VAT). For stockist information freephone 0800 072 0070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.

DP-Now have posted an interesting press release today: who would have thought that you can now buy a 5-megapixel digital camera for just ?199! OK, so the Centon DC5 may not be the most stylish or advanced 5 megapixel camera available, but just take another look at that price-tag…

Website: DP-Now.com - Centon DC5

HP Press Release 12/02/04

HP Photosmart R707 digital camera with HP Instant Share

Overview
The stylish HP Photosmart R707 digital camera with HP Instant Share features HP?s exclusive Real Life Technologies, which includes technologies such as Adaptive Lighting Technology and HP Image Advice ? essentially making it hard to take a bad picture. The HP Photosmart R707 also features the world?s first in-camera, red-eye removal to instantly touch-up photos and memories. With two additional shooting modes - sand and sun, and document capture - users have more options to assist in taking outstanding photos.

Its durable, stainless-steel construction, coupled with a unique, ergonomic grip that is exclusive to HP cameras, feels great and keeps the camera steady for quick, one-handed shots.

HP Press Release 12/02/04

HP Revamps Digital Camera Lineup, Increases Investment to Become a Top Vendor

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 R&D Investment in Imaging and Printing Simplifies Capture, Share and Print Experience for Consumers

HP (NYSE:HPQ) (Nasdaq:HPQ) today unveiled plans to revamp its digital camera lineup as part of an aggressive strategy to become a leading vendor. The new camera line will include the introduction of eight cameras with revolutionary consumer industrial design and exclusive HP technology to improve image processing and ease of use for mainstream consumers. Industry-first improvements include HP In-Camera Red-Eye Removal, which instantly removes red-eye from photos right on the camera without using a PC.

The revamp is the result of a significant increase in HP’s digital camera research and design efforts, nearly doubling the investment dollars in the past 18 months as part of HP’s overall $1 billion-plus research and development budget in imaging and printing.

Additionally, HP is bolstering its retail efforts with comprehensive online and in-store training programs for sales representatives in more than 4,500 stores across the United States. HP trainers reach approximately 15,000 store associates every week, assisting associates in understanding how HP products work better together—from capture to share to print.

Olympus haven’t made any official announcements yet, but the 8 megapixel CAMEDIA c-8080 Wide Zoom is definitely on the way. Lumoinous Landscape have made an announcement on their PMA page and DCResource have already posted a preview (accidentally or otherwise). It looks like a cross between the current c-5060 and e-10 cameras.

According to the DPReview forums, there are at least 5 other new additions to the Olympus digital camera lineup, so stay tuned for the official press releases…

Website: Luminous Landscape - PMA 2004 Report

Website: DCResource - Olympus c-8080 Preview

Website: DPReview - Olympus Forums

DCResource have published a comprehensive review of the 4 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE G400 digital camera, which is actually exactly the same model as the Konica KD-420Z.

“While not my favorite camera of the bunch, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400 is a solid performer. Probably its most impressive trick is the ultra-fast startup time—really amazing. It also takes very good photos, though they’re slightly noisy. The camera did surprisingly well in our redeye test, as well. While the G400 starts up quickly, the autofocus performance wasn’t as impressive—especially in low light.”

Website: DCResource - Minolta DiMAGE G400 Review

Nikon Press Release 12/02/04

NIKON ANNOUNCES WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL CAMERAS THAT REMOVE RED-EYE AUTOMATICALLY, RIGHT IN THE CAMERA

‘The Power Is In Your Pocket’ With the New Nikon Coolpix 5200 and Coolpix 4200

MELVILLE, NY, February 12, 2004 - 2 cameras. 5.1 and 4.0-megapixels. Nikon In- Camera Red-Eye Fix, an industry exclusive. Nikon’s pro-quality grade ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. PictBridge-enabled, for direct printing to compatible printers. An all-metal body weighing in at just 5.5 ounces. Now that we have your attention, Nikon continues its sweep in 2004 as it announces two sexy new consumer digital cameras - the Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200. No matter what your lifestyle, a Nikon Coolpix digital camera provides a way to capture it.

The Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200 pack power, flexibility and portability into one beautiful and easy-to-use design. These latest additions to the award-winning Nikon Coolpix (www.nikoncoolpix.com) line of consumer products offer ultra-fast operation and a brand new digital “bag of tricks,” sporting new and enhanced features like fixing red-eye right in the camera, enjoying built-in memory to store extra photos and having the full range of Nikon’s Scene Modes at your fingertips, to help every shooter take masterful shots on the go or on the job.

“The Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200 come at a great time when consumers are beginning to look for more power packed into a smaller package,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The Coolpix 5200 is the perfect travel companion, powerful enough to take on vacation yet small enough to pocket. The Coolpix 4200 provides enough versatility to stowaway in a briefcase or shoulder the burden for small business applications. Any way you use them, these newest additions to the Coolpix line are well-suited to go anywhere and easily take great pictures.”

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY PACKS PERFORMANCE AND SIMPLICITY INTO NEW RANGEFINDER-STYLE CYBER-SHOT W1 CAMERA

Camera’s Large 2.5-Inch LCD Screen Makes Sharing Images Just as Fun as Capturing Them

LAS VEGAS (PMA 2004, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Once you play with Sony’s new five-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1 camera, you will realize the adage of not judging a book by its cover also applies to digital cameras.

Available in May for about $400, its small size (a little larger than a deck of cards) belies the performance within, which is largely attributed to the inclusion of Sony’s new Real Imaging Processor circuit. Designed specifically for the special tasks of digital cameras, the new processor aids in fast camera response times and extended battery life with up to 340 shots between power charges.

Either as a step-up model for those who have tried digital photography or those who are looking to cross-over from film cameras, the Cyber-shot W1 camera allows users to explore the possibilities of photography digitally.

“As digital music improved music, the new Cyber-shot W1 is an example of Sony’s way of improving photography digitally,” said Greg Young, Sony Electronics’ director of digital camera marketing.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY PROMOTES ‘WORRY-FREE’ PHOTOGRAPHY WITH NEW CYBER-SHOT CAMERA LINE-UP

Benefits of Real Imaging Processor Find Their Way to Entire Line-up

LAS VEGAS (PMA 2004, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Amid the flurry of high-tech/high-end digital cameras introduced at the annual digital imaging trade show, Sony demonstrates its keen sense of consumer needs with the introduction of its new Cyber-shot compact P- and basic P-series cameras, designed for taking great pictures simply.

So that the cameras’ settings can be quickly determined behind-the-scenes, Sony incorporated its new Real Imaging Processor circuit on the new Cyber-shot DSC-P100, -P93, -P73 and -P41 cameras. Measured in fast start-up and shot-to-shot times rather than megahertz, key benefits of the processor translate into making the Cyber-shot cameras always ready to great pictures. All cameras will be available this May.

“Throughout the coming years, we’ll see a greater number of people trying out a digital camera for the first time, and we’re making sure that Cyber-shot cameras improve upon their film camera experience,” said Greg Young, Sony Electronics’ director of digital camera marketing.

Pentax USA Press Release 12/02/04

PENTAX USA ANNOUNCES NEW STATUS AS “THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (February 11, 2004)...PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. announced a new tagline and the launch of an innovative marketing strategy for the legendary camera manufacturer’s extensive line of digital cameras. 

PENTAX tagged the line, “THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET” to illuminate Optio digital cameras’ significance in the Internet Age.

“For more than half a century, PENTAX has delivered better and easier ways to capture and share images. By being THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET, Pentax underscores the recognition that digital photography in the Internet age has forever changed this process,” said Jim Kast, vice president of marketing, PENTAX USA. 

Pentax Press Release 12/02/04

PENTAX Unveils First Optio Digital Still/Movie Camera With $400 Price Tag and Adds a Second Lens for Digital SLR

GOLDEN, Colo.—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. has announced the introduction of the first PENTAX Optio(R) digital still/movie camera - the OptioMX.
The innovative, palm-sized OptioMX features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability. With advanced design and the compact signature dimensions of the Optio line of digital cameras, the OptioMX features an ergonomic grip handle and an articulating LCD monitor that swivels horizontally and vertically to frame subjects exactly as you prefer.

OptioMX marks the legendary manufacturer’s first step into the production of full-capacity digital video and PENTAX has priced the camera under $400. For optimal results in panoramic settings, a wide conversion lens will be available as an accessory to the OptioMX, and the digital video camera will ship to dealers in June 2004

A second PENTAX digital product under development - a wide-angle interchangeable lens for the *ist D digital SLR - also has been announced. The smc PENTAX-DA 14mm F2.8 ED (IF) is extremely compact, measuring 2.7 inches long and 3.3 inches in diameter. Featuring the reliable PENTAX KAF lens mount and high-performance 12-element, 11-group optics, it offers a focal length of 14mm (equivalent to 21.5mm in the 35mm format), and a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 inches. An innovative Quick-Shift Focus system enables the lens user to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring. The PENTAX-DA 14mm also offers a 77mm-size filter thread for quick, effortless mounting and removal of a filter.

These latest PENTAX digital developments will be showcased under glass at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association’s (PMA) Show in Booth C140 from February 12-15 in Las Vegas.

PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, Pentax technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With corporate headquarters located in GOLDEN, Colorado, PENTAX U.S.A., INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX CORPORATION.

The Norwegian digital photography website Akamera.no has just reviewed the Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom digital camera, which offers a 4 megapixel CCD and a massive 10x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38 - 380mm on a traditional 35mm camera).

Website: Akamera.no - Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom Review

The Czech website Digineff is one of the first to post a selection of sample images taken with the hot-off-the-press Canon Powershot Pro1. There are 8 full-sized images for you to take a look at and see if the 8 megapixel sensor delivers the goods.

Website: Digineff - Canon Powershot Pro1 Sample Images

Uniden America Corporation Press Release 10/02/04

Uniden Showcases the Latest in Digital Camera Innovation At PMA 2004; Uniden to Feature Polaroid Digital Camera with Foveon X3 Technology

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 10, 2004 Uniden America Corporation will exhibit the latest Polaroid digital camera products at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 12-15, 2004, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in booth #C110.
Uniden has an exclusive agreement with World Wide Licenses Limited (WWL) to distribute the Polaroid line of digital cameras to retailers in the United States. At PMA, Uniden will debut the Polaroid x530 Digital Camera, the world’s first point-and-shoot digital camera to incorporate the revolutionary, high-fidelity Foveon X3 4.5 million pixel direct image sensor. This new image sensor technology allows the Polaroid x530 to produce brilliantly sharp 8 x 10 images with warm tones and rich colors - the basis for making extraordinary digital prints. In addition to capturing still images, the Polaroid x530 captures high-resolution TV-quality VGA video clips at 30 frames per second. It is scheduled to ship to retailers in June 2004 with a suggested retail price of $399.

“We are excited to launch our distributor partnership with WWL and to feature the best digital cameras offered in the industry,” said Uniden America President Al Silverberg. “The Polaroid x530 is the first of its kind and represents the beginning of an exciting new class of digital cameras.”

The Norwgian digital camera website Digit.no has posted its review of the Fuji Finepix S5000. This mid-range digital camera looks like a traditional SLR (but isn’t) and has a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera.

Website: Digit.no - Fuji FinePix S5000 Review