NEW POLAROID X530 POINT-AND-SHOOT DIGITAL CAMERA USES FOVEON X3 DIRECT IMAGE SENSOR

Anticipated arrival of consumer camera with advanced technology due in 2004

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, February 11, 2004 ? Foveon Inc., a technology leader in high-quality digital image capture products, announced today that a new Polaroid brand digital camera will incorporate the 4.5 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor. The camera is the world?s first point-and-shoot digital camera to incorporate X3 technology. Foveon X3 direct image sensors are the only image sensors that directly capture color in three layers, just like color film. This results in richer colors, warmer tones, and sharper images than are available through traditional image sensors.

First introduced in 2002, the X3 image sensor has only been available in a professional class digital camera. Now with the introduction of the Polaroid x530, consumers are able to enjoy the many benefits of X3 technology in an affordable full-featured point-and-shoot digital camera. The Polaroid x530 is scheduled to ship to retailers in June 2004 with a suggested retail price of $399.

As ever with new product releases, a number of websites have already been able to test out some of the Canon products and post previews or hands-on tests. Here in no particular order is a round-up of those websites:

Canon Powershot Pro 1

Website: Index Digicam - Canon Powershot Pro 1 Preview

Website: DPReview - Canon Powershot Pro 1 Preview

Website: Canon PowerShot Pro1 Sample Images

Canon PowerShot S1 IS

Website: DPReview - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Preview

Website: Canon PowerShot S1 IS Sample Images

Canon Focuses on Imaging Innovation, Long-Term Leadership and a Future That Anticipates, Meets, and Exceeds Customers’ Needs

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 9, 2004—Canon U.S.A.: Canon Raises Analog and Digital Imaging Standards Spanning Professional Product Sophistication to Point-and-Shoot Simplicity, Image Capture to Output and Photos to Video

Canon expands its commanding presence in the imaging industry with the rollout of nearly two-dozen new consumer products at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association exhibit Feb. 12 - 15. Building on the company’s recently announced record results for 2003, Canon’s big picture for 2004 features a battery of new imaging products designed to fit pro photographers’ needs and consumers’ lifestyles.

“Canon is proudly in the position of imaging industry leadership thanks to the foresight, creativity and talents of our engineers and designers who consistently find new ways to improve technology for real world applications,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc, a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ - News). “It is our goal - our unwavering ethic - to provide our customers with products that raise their expectations of what is possible and then deliver on and even surpass those expectations.”

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today cements its leadership position in digital photography with the release of the 8.0 Megapixel PowerShot Pro1, the new flagship of the PowerShot range. Targeted at professional and highly advanced photographers, the camera is the first compact from Canon to be fitted with a Canon professional L-series lens; the f/2.4-3.5, 7.2-50.8mm (28-200mm 35mm film equivalent) USM lens. An abundance of features generally reserved for Canon’s high-end digital SLR cameras combine to deliver outstanding camera performance and exceptional image quality for enlargements up to A2 size.

Professional features include RAW file recording and a hybrid AF system, combining TTL and external metering focusing systems for fast and precise auto-focus. The PowerShot Pro1 can shoot at 2.5 frames per second, and has shutter speeds from 15 sec to 1/4000 sec. The photographer is handed full control over all focus points and exposure variables. Twelve shooting modes, including two custom modes, cover a broad range of shooting situations. The camera’s purpose built DIGIC processor delivers high speed, noise free and extremely accurate colour rendition and image processing. This is the first PowerShot to support both sRGB and Adobe RGB colour spaces. Advanced photographers will recognize the PowerShot Pro1 as a ?system camera?, with complete access to Canon?s Speedlite EX flash range, close-up lenses and an optical tele-converter lens.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the hybrid PowerShot S1 IS compact digital camera. A fully featured and well specified 3.2 Megapixel digital still camera with a 10x optical zoom, the PowerShot S1 IS is also a quality digital video camcorder, with capacity to shoot clear and natural video clips with 30 frames per second VGA resolution and high quality sound. An optical Image Stabilizer is featured, limiting blur in digital stills and keeping video footage steady. The 3.2 Megapixel sensor and Canon’s image processing algorithms allow enlargements without image degradation up to A4 in size.

“This camera represents a significant development for Canon,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe at the camera’s launch. “It has digital still capacity to rival many single purpose digital cameras, and digital video quality that will delight many camcorder users. Canon’s strengths across different fields have driven a convergence of technologies to deliver an exciting new product concept”.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Canon releases new range, celebrates 30 IXUS models

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of three new Digital IXUS cameras. This takes to a total of 30 the number of IXUS models released since 1996.

The range release includes a new flagship of the Digital IXUS fleet, the 5.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 500. The 4.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 430 replaces the previous top of the line Digital IXUS 400, while the 3.2 Megapixel Digital IXUS IIs takes over from the popular Digital IXUS II.

Launched to popular and critical acclaim in May 1996, the original stainless steel IXUS APS camera triggered an avalanche success. Canon has stuck with IXUS ever since, never straying from the IXUS philosophy of simplicity and beauty that feels great in the hands. Released in May 2000, the first Digital IXUS marked the beginning of a string of successes for Canon in the style-conscious digital compact segment.

“This new range celebrates eight stylish IXUS years,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Unmistakably IXUS, these new cameras bring together uncompromising build quality and an abundance of relevant technologies in a triumph of miniaturisation and design”.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases its new entry-level digital camera, the 3.2 Megapixel PowerShot A310. With a new Print/Share button and extended print functionality, the camera replaces the PowerShot A300. Although targeted at consumers looking for an easy-to-use camera, many features found in Canon’s high-end cameras have been included to ensure image quality and flexibility is maintained. These include Canon’s highly responsive and award winning dedicated DIGIC processor for superb colour rendering and high image quality, a 5.1x digital zoom, movie clips and 5-point AiAF auto-focus with 5cm macro close-up.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of its new range-opening zoom lens digital camera, the 3.2 Megapixel PowerShot A75. The camera has a number of new features including a ‘Special Scene Mode’ to deliver optimal results in tricky lighting conditions and a Print/Share button to simplify direct printing and uploading to Windows PCs.

The New York Times have reported that none other than Polaroid are set to introduce a compact digital camera called the x530 which is based around a Foveon sensor at PMA 2004. It will have 4.5 million effective pixel sensors and cost $399.

Website: DPReview - Polaroid x530 uses Foveon chip

Website: New York Times

Website: Foveon X3 5M CMOS Direct Image Sensor

The US website DCResource has posted the full specifications of the still unconfirmed Canon PowerShot Pro1, and also a new model in the shape of the PowerShot S1 IS. The Pro1 will apparently cost $999, whilst the S1 has a price tage of $499.

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Specifications

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Specifications

Fairly self-explanatory - 2 product shots of the rumoured 8-megapixel Canon Powershot Pro 1…

The following specification is also completely unconfirmed:

- 28-200mm optical zoom (35mm equivalent)
- 8.3 megapixel, 2/3 inch sensor
- 8.0 effective megapixels
- Aperture range: f2.4 - f3.5
- Shutter speed range: 15 seconds - 1/4000 second
- DiGiC Processor
- Macro 10 - 50cm
- Super Macro 3-30cm
- UD lens with 14 element lens (with Flourite) and aspherical elements

Steves Digicams has just reviewed the 3-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 3200 compact digital camera.

“The 3x Nikkor zoom lens is sharp and has excellent macro coverage down to about 1.6 inches. The lens exhibits moderate barrel distortion at full wideangle but is relatively free of pincushioning at full telephoto. The zoom and focus mechanisms move smoothly and quietly through their range. Its 38-115mm (35mm-equivalent) optical zoom range is typical for a camera in this class, offering a sufficient field of view for pleasing panorama’s, and enough telephoto magnification to bring your subject closer.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon Coolpix 3200 Review

As ever the rumour mill is working at full speed just ahead of PMA 2004, with Canon the latest manufacturer to be in the spotlight, and the DPReview forums to be source of the rumours. Apparently 3 new models in the form of the Canon Powershot Pro1, S1 and S3 have been spotted in the German photography magazine “ColorFoto”, with the Pro 1 being an 8-megapixel model. Follow the links below for all of the discussion.

Website: DPReview - Two New Canons

Website: DPReview - PowerShot Pro1 Specs

It looks like an updated version of the Minolta DiMAGE A1 (pictured) will be announced very soon. DCViews are reporting that the French website Chasseur d’Images have published an article showing a German advert for the new Minolta DiMAGE A2. There’s a picture of the camera and specifications, including the fact that the A2 will join the likes of the Sony DSC-F828 and Nikon Coolpix 8700 in having a 8-megapixel sensor. Oh, and there’s also a scantily-clad female model in the advert as well, just in case all those megapixels aren’t quite enough to persuade you to part with your money :-)

Website: DCViews - Minolta DiMAGE A2

Website: Chasseur d’Images - Minolta DiMAGE A2

The German website Photoworld.de have reviewed the stylish and affordable 5 megapixel Olympus CAMEDIA C-5000 Zoom, which relaces the older C-4000 Zoom model and features a more compact design that is almost 20% smaller than its predecessor. The C-5000 has a full range of exposure modes, including Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, full Manual control and 6 preset Creative Scene modes. It has a built-in flash with 7 different modes and also accepts an external flash via its hot shoe.

Website: photoworld.de - Olympus CAMEDIA C-5000 Zoom Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have reviewed the Fuji FinePix S7000, which is the successor to the popular FinePix S602 model. The S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.3 million recorded pixels. It costs around $799.99 and is available now.

Website: Index Digicam - Fuji FinePix S7000 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix S7000

Imaging Resource have posted a full review of the 8-megapixel Sony DSC-F828, which now has some serious competition in the shape of the Nikon Coolpix 8700 and the Minolta DiMAGE A2 (more on that shortly!).

“Higher image noise than the best 5-megapixel cameras. We’ll have to wait to see if this is a uniform characteristic of 8-megapixel digicams, once other units hit the market, from other manufacturers. Much has been made of the F828’s image noise. There’s no question that its images show more noise than those from the best 5-megapixel cameras, and it isn’t even in the same category as digital SLRs like the Canon Digital Rebel and Nikon D100. That said, I didn’t personally find its noise at low ISO settings to be particularly objectionable.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony DSC-F828 Review

THE GUARDIAN via NewsEdge Corporation: The battle for superiority in the high end of the compact digital camera market continues with the launch next month of the Sony DSC-T1. The Japanese version of the camera - identical to the UK model - has been a huge hit and it’s easy to see why. First, it is truly pocketable. Despite having a 3x optical zoom, the ultra-thin T1 has no protruding lens. This is due to its Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical lens that operates within the camera.

The T1’s second trump card is a 2.5in LCD monitor that boasts superb resolution and vivid colours. It needs to be good, though, as there is no space for a traditional viewfinder. The T1 can also take good quality 640x480-pixel moving images.

The clincher, though, is the impressive five megapixel images, which are crisper and of a higher resolution than those snapped by rivals. Its only weaknesses are a flash that’s a little underpowered and the high price of around pounds 500. Trust me: you’ll want one.

LetsGoDigital have been literally burning the midnight oil to bring you an exlusive First Look at the Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro digital camera, announced earlier today.

“A new feature of the FinePix S20 Pro camera is a PC-Sync link. This feature is handy for linking strobes or external flash systems to the FinePix S20 Pro camera. The camera’s high-speed flash synch fires at up to 1/1000 second. This gives professional photographers the opportunity to use the camera directly with their studio flash systems. And to give them even more freedom, the Live Video function lets the photographer see the subject on a monitor without having to rely on the LCD display or Electronic Viewfinder.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro First Look

Website: Read my Review of the Fuji FinePix S20 Pro

Fujifilm Press Release 05/02/04

Fujifilm looks beyond the pixels with the FinePix S20 Pro

Digital spotlight centres on image quality as Fujifilm launches second Super CCD SR camera

5 February 2004 - Fujifilm today launches the FinePix S20 Pro, a powerful enthusiasts? camera that raises digital image control to new heights.

Built to cater for the creatively-minded photographer, the FinePix S20 Pro is the second camera in the FinePix range to offer Fujifilm?s pioneering Super CCD SR technology, an award-winning development which underlines the importance of image quality as a whole, rather than pixel count alone.

With 6.2 million effective pixels (3.1 million S-pixels + 3.1 million R-pixels*), delivering 6.03 million recorded pixels, the camera?s excellence is built on more than just pixel power. The FinePix S20 Pro?s SR technology revolves around the use of paired photodiodes in place of a solitary pixel. These paired photodiodes combine to capture tonal detail missed by conventional single-pixel CCDs, particularly in low-light and high contrast scenes. The result is a camera that produces outstanding dynamic range, greater sensitivity and class-leading signal to noise ratio.

Furthermore, the FinePix S20 Pro?s CCD RAW mode offers photographers the chance to save full image data uncompressed, guaranteeing every element of the captured file is ready for careful out-of-camera manipulation. The camera is also supplied with Hyper Utility HS-V2, a new software tool that enables the user to fine-tune aspects of an image such as sharpness, colour balance, and crucially, the full extent of the camera?s impressive dynamic range.