Michael Reichmann’s latest article over at the Luminous Landscape website revisits his controversial review of the Sony DSC-F828 digital camera:

“This is where the cognitive dissonance comes in. Digicams are for snapshots, beginners and hobbyists. DSLRs are for serious photographers. Well, maybe that’s been the case till now, but the game is changing. It could be that there are other models currently available (early 2004) that might fall into the same camp as the Sony F828. I don’t know, as I haven’t tested them all. But that’s not the point. The real issue is that we are about to enter a new era where the line between interchangeable lens DSLRs and fixed lens digicams starts to blur, and where measurable parameters like pixel count and sensor size are becoming increasingly of lesser importance than how suitable the device is for its intended task. And the things that determine suitability can’t always be quantified.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Why The Sony F828 Produces Consumer Angst

Aiwa, best known for its home stereo systems, has announced its very first digital camera. The 2.1 megapixel AZ-C7 is going after the fashionable, quirky part of the market, with a round camera body and proprietary 32MB Pavit USB flash drive as storage. It has a 42mm fixed lens and a 1.5” LCD screen. The AZ-C7 ships in May 2004 - no news yet about the price (found via Gizmodo).

Website: PCWorld - Aiwa AZ-C7

ByteSector.com has posted new reviews of the Olympus C-740 Ultra-Zoom digital camera, which offers an optical 10x zoom lens.

“The 10X optical zoom works great when combined with the 3.2 Megapixels. Although 3.2 is not the best quality available on the market, it is decent and provides good pictures. Pictures printed at 12? x 18? or close to that range won?t be the best in sharpness and quality at when taken with a 3.2 megapixel camera though. Pictures taken with the c-740 come out great with and without the 10X zoom.”

Website: ByteSector.com - Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom Review

CNET have reviewed the 5 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE G500, which has a 3x zoom lens with a range that is equivalent to 39 - 117mm on a 35mm camera.

“Despite its point-and-shoot feature set, the G500 takes impressive photos that will look good at print sizes of 8x10 and even a bit larger. Sharpness and detail are excellent, noise at ISO 50 and ISO 100 is low, colors are vivid, there are few processing artifacts, and skin tones look natural.”

Website: CNET - Minolta DiMAGE G500 Review

Olympus Europe Press Release 14/01/04

PhotoImpact 7 SE as application software for digital cameras

Hamburg, January 2004 ? Ulead Systems, a leading developer of image and video editing, 3D animation and DVD authoring software, and Olympus Europa GmbH continue their successful cooperation in product bundling. Ulead?s multiple-award-winning digital image editing software, Ulead PhotoImpact 7 in the SE version, is now bundled in Europe with the new OLYMPUS digital camera, CAMEDIA C-5060 WIDE ZOOM.

“The requirements of customers differ greatly, not just regards cameras but also the accompanying software. To meet their needs, we present buyers of high-end cameras a first-class tool for editing images. For us, PhotoImpact 7 SE offers the best possible value. It is a tool that is easy to use, opens up many possibilities and delivers perfect results. We are therefore delighted to continue our existing partnership,” comments Ulrich Beckedorf, European Product Manager Software, Olympus Europa GmbH.

“With Olympus, we have formed a successful partnership. Digital cameras are ever increasing in popularity and we have reacted to this market development. The high end cameras from Olympus, such as the C-5060 WIDE ZOOM, together with the image editing software PhotoImpact 7 SE offer customers a solution that straight away not only enables them to take photos, but also allows processing on the home computer,” says Dieter Modner, OEM Manager, Ulead Systems GmbH.

The UK-based Digital Camera Magazine has just posted a number of new reviews on its website. In no particular order they are:

- Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z1
- Olympus E1
- Kodak EasyShare DX6490
- HP Photosmart 945
- Richo Caplio G4 Wide
- Epson L300
- Microtek Takeit D1

Website: Digital Camera Magazine

The German website Photoworld.de has posted a review of the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera, an updated version of the popular Olympus CAMEDIA C-5050 model, with a wider-angle lens that is equivalent to a 27-110mm lens on a 35mm camera.

Website: Photoworld.de - Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom Review

ByteSector.com have reviewed the 3-megapixel Olympus Stylus 300 Digital, a compact digital camera that is positioned in what Olympus call their “Stylish” category.

“The Stylus 300 makes it easy to take pictures anytime, anywhere. We found that this camera is a great unit for point and shoot photos, but it does not give the user much control over advanced options such as aperture size and shutter speed. The camera produces clear, crisp photos each and every time. We again found that the Stylus 300 does not capture audio while in movie mode. This is a fairly huge downside for this camera since many point and shoot photographers would like to take video clips.”

Website: ByteSector.com - Olympus Stylus 300 Digital Review

ByteSector.com have posted a review of the 5-megapixel Olympus CAMEDIA C-50 Zoom digital camera.

“The C-50 Zoom digital still camera is a great camera for any photographer. It provides a fair amount of control over the end result (the photo). The largest downside is the lack of audio capture in movie mode. Many other cameras come with this feature, but not the Olympus C-50 Zoom. With the amount of control this camera gives, we can fairly conclude that this is not a point and shoot camera that an amateur photographer will go out and purchase.”

Website: ByteSector.com - Olympus C-50 Zoom Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 digital camera, which should be in your local photography shop now.

“Packing a 5-megapixel imager into a sleek body weighing only 6.3 ounces including memory and battery, the SONY DSC-T1 sets a new standard for image resolution per ounce. Considering its stylish body, 3x optical zoom lens and a 640x480 30 frame per second movie mode with sound, the T1 sets a new benchmark for fun factor per ounce as well. Its Automatic exposure mode will appeal to beginners needing the ease of use of a point-n-shoot, while its Program and Scene modes provide features desired by intermediate photographers.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 Review

Fujifilm FinePix S7000 Zoom: Possible power adjustment required for cameras manufactured prior to 15 December 2003

Fujifilm today announced that a number of early FinePix S7000 Zoom digital cameras may experience battery power depletion when used with some CompactFlash(tm) memory cards.

Fujifilm has already made the required internal modifications to cameras manufactured after 15 December 2003, and is no longer supplying affected units. However, the company advises that a limited number of cameras produced prior to this date were released to the UK market and may encounter this problem.

The nature of the fault is as follows:
Where certain CompactFlash(tm) cards are used within particular S7000s (see below), the batteries may exhaust fully in approximately 18 hours, whether or not the camera is in use.

This fault does not occur when the S7000 is used with either an xD-Picture Card(tm) or a Microdrive(tm), nor does it occur in any other Fujifilm products that offer a CompactFlash(tm) storage facility, such as the FinePix S2 Pro, S602, S602 Pro or M603 Zoom.

Cameras with serial numbers above 34L60001 (inclusive) were produced after 15 December 2003 and therefore will definitely not experience this battery drain problem.

In the short term, the problem can be avoided by unloading then re-loading the batteries just after the camera is switched off. The camera’s power supply will then perform normally.

Fujifilm is offering a priority replacement of the part / camera on affected units.  Naturally, this service is free and prioritised, and the camera will be picked up and returned by Fujifilm.  Customers can telephone 01234 245383 or email [email protected] to arrange collection of the camera.

In addition, Fujifilm will be pleased to carry out an assessment on any cameras purchased outside the UK, providing that the user is resident in the UK.

Explanation of power supply depletion
Some CompactFlash(tm) cards incorporate a large capacity condenser in the card. When the camera is switched off, the camera automatically discharges the condenser, but cannot fully discharge the large capacity condenser. The remaining charge in the card automatically switches on the internal electric circuit in the camera. Therefore, even if the camera is switched off, the battery is drained of power.

Adrian Clarke, Director of Consumer Products, Fujifilm UK, commented, “Fujifilm would like to apologise to anyone affected by this problem, but would like to assure customers that the issue has been resolved quickly. We would like to thank our customers for their continued support of our products, and should there be any cause for concern regarding the FinePix S7000 Zoom, we would encourage them to call the number quoted for more information.”

LetsGoDigital have reviewed the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, a digital camera which features a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length). The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of ?399.99.

“When we take a look at the total EasyShare concept, camera, docking station and printer station, we may say that it is a thoroughly thought through and effective concept. The EasyShare CX6490 is a camera that performs great within the concept and puts down the base for a new generation of high quality digital cameras. The camera has put the bar higher and aims at the advanced user.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Kodak EasyShare DX6490 Review

DPReview have posted an extensive 21 page review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera.

“Where the F828 starts to disappoint is image quality, many observers had concerns about the very small pixel pitch of the camera’s eight million pixel sensor knowing that it would most likely lead to noisier images but what we weren’t prepared for were chromatic aberrations. This came as a surprise especially considering the F828’s lens carries not only the Carl Zeiss name but also the ‘T*’ notation indicating the use of special lens coatings. So in reality the F828’s biggest issue becomes chromatic aberrations, with noise a second place.”

Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-F828 Review

The Danish website Akamera.dk have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.

Website: Akamera.dk - Canon Powershot A80 Review

Imaging Resource have confirmed the rumours by publishing a news story that more than hints at a number of 8 megapixel digital cameras being released in the next 6 months, hot on the heels of the Sony DSC-F828.

“As always at this time of year, we’re under NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with essentially all the major digicam manufacturers. We know a lot of what’s coming over roughly the next 6 months, but can’t breathe a word of it to anyone.

Well, almost. While we can’t say anything about any individual manufacturer’s plans, it certainly doesn’t violate anything that we’ve signed to observe that 2004 is going to be the year of the 8 megapixel prosumer digicam.”

Website: Imaging Resource - NDA report: The 8 megapixels are coming!

One of the Lowest Priced 4 Megapixel Optical Zoom Digital Cameras on the Market
Featuring AVI Video at 30 Frames per Second for Mini-Movies

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—(CES BOOTH: SOUTH HALL 3-4, FLASH FORWARD# FF-1A)—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq: LENS - News), a leader in high-quality low-priced digital cameras, today announced at CES shipment of their new 4 Megapixel 3x optical zoom point & shoot digital camera, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z. With a suggested retail price of $199, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z delivers exceptional price/performance.

Targeted at cost-conscious consumers who want a high quality, high resolution digital camera at a low-cost, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z features a 4 Megapixel CCD sensor, advanced optics, a 3x optical zoom and 6x digital zoom (18x total zoom), exposure control and 30 frames per second AVI video.

First time digital photographers will find taking great shots simple with the built-in automatic features, while more advanced users will find that the user-friendly interface allows easy and intuitive access to more sophisticated photographic controls, such as exposure and white balance control.

Capturing AVI video at 30 frames per second, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z stands far above other digital cameras on the market that offer just 15-16 frames per second. At 30 frames per second, mini-movies will look more real and exciting. Video length is determined by the capacity of the SD card and can then be replayed on your TV for the whole family to see with the included video out cable.

To save consumers the expense of buying batteries, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z includes two rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, a four battery charger and a power meter which continuously displays battery-life on the 1.5” TFT LCD screen indicating when to change batteries.

Kodak Press Release 08/01/04

New KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 Digital Cameras Combine Sophisticated Style and Innovation to Expand Picture Sharing

Models Offer Stunning Image Quality with New Favorites Feature for Instant Sharing

LAS VEGAS, January 8 ? Eastman Kodak Company today announced two stylish additions to its EASYSHARE digital photography system, the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 zoom digital cameras. Both combine compact design, enhanced sharing features, superb image quality and ease of use to help people capture and enjoy those moments that make life enjoyable, whether at a birthday party or the ballet.

The cameras - whose sleek aluminum bodies are the size of a small mobile phone ? integrate Kodak’s new ‘camera favorites’ feature. With a touch of the red-jeweled Share button, people can put pictures into the cameras’ digital photo album for later viewing or printing. These pictures can then be shared anytime on the cameras’ large, 1.8-inch high-resolution indoor/outdoor LCD screens. The Share button also allows individuals to immediately select photos for printing and even e-mailing, with up to 32 e-mail addresses stored in the cameras’ memory.

Both the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 cameras feature a new, professional-quality SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 2.8X compact optical zoom lens and the new KODAK Color Science image processing chip for phenomenal image quality with rich color, accurate skin tones, low noise and precise exposure. The LS743 camera boasts 4 megapixel (MP) resolution and 16 megabytes (MB) of internal memory, allowing for rich detail as well as the ability to enlarge photos up to 20 x 30 inches. The LS753 camera goes one step further with 5 MP resolution and 32 MB of internal memory.

Casio Press Release 08/01/04

January 8th 2004 ? CASIO Electronics Co. Ltd, today announced the latest addition to its popular QV compact digital camera series, the new 5.0 megapixel QV-R51. Following the success of the QV-R3, the QV- R4 and most recently the R40, the new QV-R51 (as with all CASIO digital cameras) has been designed to be fast, stylish, compact and exceptionally easy to use.

CASIO continues to innovate in digital technology and has packed even more functionality than its previous compact digital cameras. Whilst retaining CASIO?s industry leading start-up time of just 1 second and an enviable 0.01 second shutter release lag time, the QV-R51 also features a large 2.0? LCD screen which enables easy viewing and editing of images.

The new QV-R51 features CASIO?s revolutionary Stack MCM*1 which radically improves the camera?s functionality and more importantly its battery life. The new Stack MCM technology reduces battery power consumption by up to 40%, thereby allowing the user to shoot as many as 900 photos (2 ? hours) on a single charge*2.

Other features include a 3x optical zoom, magnesium alloy body and CASIO?s easy to use BESTSHOT mode. With 21 pre-defined built in settings, users can take beautiful, clear shots in any lighting condition. Image quality is further enhanced by the camera?s unique noise reduction process, which helps users take even better images using the BESTSHOT modes. The QV-R51 also comes with a new seven point multi auto focus system ? increased from the five auto focus points in previous models ? for even easier, more accurate focusing.

In addition to the features that consumers have come to expect from CASIO digital cameras, the new QV-R51 also includes features such as ?Direct-On?, that lets you start the camera up in either record or play mode instantly. With all these features built into such a small camera, the new QV-R51 is likely to be one of 2004?s must have consumer gadgets. The new CASIO QV-R51 will be available in the UK from March 2004.

*1 Stack MCM (Multi-Chip Module): A technology that enables the mounting of high density chips on top of each other
*2 With the LCD switched off

Experience more action with the world’s smallest 10x zoom camera*

If you are looking for a 10x zoom, why not come to the founder of the ultra zoom range? Thanks to its longstanding experience, you may rely on Olympus for a lens that offers superior performance. The very bright (f2.8 - 3.7), high quality optical system comprises eleven elements arranged in seven groups and includes two aspherical lenses plus an ED element. These are normally only found in pro-level SLR cameras and significantly help reduce chromatic aberration. And this model is not only perfect for distant objects, but also lets you shoot from just 3cm away to create fascinating macro photos. With 3.2 million pixels, great quality prints are assured - even in sizes up to A4.

The camera’s optimised electronic viewfinder allows - unlike many optical viewfinders - precise framing of the shot and the resolution of 240,000 pixels means you enjoy a clear picture. Furthermore, so you don’t have to take your eye from the subject when shooting, all activated settings are displayed in the electronic viewfinder.

This model is versatile enough to match any user’s comfort level. In auto mode, it offers point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For those times when creative expression is desired, the aperture priority, shutter priority or full manual settings allow greater control.

But it is more than just a still image digital camera. The movie mode enables you to capture video with sound. For instance, you can record the winning goal being scored, accompanied by the jubilation of the crowd. The USB 2.0 AutoConnect interface ensures file transfer to the computer is now even quicker.

For newcomers as well as ambitious amateurs alike, the Olympus CAMEDIA C-760 Ultra Zoom gives the power of 10x zoom to even those with smaller budgets. The camera, which weighs just 280 grams, has the smallest and lightest 10x Ultra Zoom body ever*, so that you can take it virtually anywhere. Offering excellent image quality and a broad range of advanced features, it combines versatility and ease of use in one sleek package.

Main features
- 3.2 million pixels
- 10x optical zoom f2.8/3.7 (equiv. 42 - 420mm on 35mm camera) 
- Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Full Manual modes
- 4 scene programs (portrait, sports, night scene, landscape) 
- Super macro mode: shooting from as close as 3cm
- Movie recording function with sound
- 240,000 pixel electronic viewfinder
- USB 2.0
- PictBridge compatible

* as of December 2003

Nikon Press Release 07/01/04

Nikon(R) Announces Next Evolution of its Incredibly Successful Compact Digital Cameras With New Coolpix(R) 2200 and Coolpix 3200

Nikon Coolpix 2200 and Coolpix 3200 Place the Power Of Great Pictures In the Eager Hands Of Beginning Digital Photographers

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/—Gaining simplicity doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality.  Nikon Inc., the world leader in photography, and its new Nikon Coolpix 2200 and Nikon Coolpix 3200 compact digital cameras prove that ‘you can have it all’ in an affordable digital camera.  The latest additions to the award-winning Nikon Coolpix (http://www.nikoncoolpix.com) consumer line of products are both portable and capable, sharing a slim, new Coolpix body design, ultra-fast operation and a host of new and enhanced features to help digital snap-shooters get the best possible pictures out of their camera.
These exciting new Coolpix cameras build upon Nikon’s existing Scene Modes and Scene Assist features to deliver faster, better results without the hassle of haggling through menus and modes.

“The Coolpix 2200 and 3200 will resonate especially well for those looking for a small camera at a great price that’s really easy to use,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products for Nikon Inc. “Nikon’s heritage is in understanding picture quality, and these two new cameras make it easier than ever to take great quality images, anytime, anywhere.”