Nikon USA have today released a new firmware update for their pro DSLR, the Nikon D2H. Version 2.0 has no less than 20 improvements and fixes, so it’s definitely worth installing!

Website: Nikon USA - D2H Firmware Update

Digital Outback Photo have a new article from contributor Rick Decker that looks at using a product called the Sensor Brush to clean the sensor inside a digital SLR camera.

“My sensor on my SD9 had been getting dirtier and dirtier. I admit I am not the most careful when it comes to changing lenses. I had some success with methanol-based products early on but as the camera got more and more dust, I just couldn’t get it clean and often felt like I was just moving dust around. With my SD9, I had pretty much given up and just spent time with Photoshop using the clone tool and healing brush; this process was getting longer and longer and naturally more painful! My SD10 was starting to get more dust in addition. Desperate to find a solution, I tried the Sensor Brush from Visible Dust…”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Cleaning your Sensor with the Sensor Brush

Canon have released a new firmware version (1.0.2) for the EOS 1D Mark II DSLR.

This firmware update fixes/improves the following:

- The screen becoming magenta-colored when shooting bulb exposures
- The values being cleared when C.Fn-06 is set to “2” and the battery is removed
- Improves image quality of NTSC video output
 
This firmware supports cameras with firmware Version 1.0.1.  If the camera already has the Version 1.0.2 firmware, this update is unnecessary.

Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Firmware

DPReview have posted their usual extensive review of the 14 megapixel Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c.

“Get it right, shoot RAW, good light, low to medium ISO’s and be careful about the development of your RAW images and you really can get some mind-blowing good resolution with rewarding image quality attributes (good dynamic range, good color). That’s just where the SLR/c fits in, it’s certainly not a camera for everyone, it’s not a point and shoot digital SLR, it’s a camera for enthusiasts who are ready to work around its quirks and utilize it as a photographic tool.”

Website: DPReview - Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c Review

Nikon have released a new version of firmware for their extremely popular D70 DSLR.

What is new/Content Description

Issues addressed with A firmware version 1.01:

- Images captured in Continuous mode at high shutter speeds sometimes displayed vignetting in upper portions of the image.  This problem has been corrected.
- When the built-in Speedlight was in its raised position but did not fire, the Automatic Sensitivity Adjustment function (ISO Auto: CSM 5) sometimes failed.  This problem has been corrected.

Issues addressed with B firmware version 1.02

- The camera now supports CompactFlash? memory cards with a capacity greater than 4GB.
- When images were captured in Continuous mode at an Image size setting of M and an Image quality setting of FINE, the memory card access lamp sometimes glowed continuously and the camera could not be turned off with the power switch.  This problem has been corrected.
- Text errors in display of Chinese menus and messages have been corrected

Compatible OS platform
Windows 98 SE
Windows 2000
Windows ME
Windows XP

What’s included in the download
AD700101.bin: Camera A firmware
BD700102.bin: Camera B firmware

Website: Nikon D70 Firmware

Website: Nikon D70 Firmware (Windows)

Website: Nikon D70 Firmware (Macintosh)

Fortune.com have just published their review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR.

“Should you tempt the geek gods by buying a D70 now, knowing that next year there will be a newer, better, and maybe even cheaper digital SLR? The way I figure it, years from now, long after the D70 has been replaced by a fancier camera, I’ll still treasure the photos it has allowed me to take. To have missed them would be the real tragedy.”

Thanks to Sanj for the link.

Website: Fortune.com - Nikon D70 Review

Harbortronics Press Release 28/06/04

Harbortronics is excited to announce a very simple method of performing time-lapse, and manual remote shutter release with the Nikon D70. The DigiSnap 2100 now includes an “IR Output” feature, which includes signalling particular to the D70. The 2100-IR cable is also now available, providing a tough, lightweight plastic fiber optic cable which can be taped to the front of the D70, or simply placed near the front of the camera.

The standard DigiSnap 2100, compatible with a wide range of cameras, is priced at $150. The new IR Output feature is available for $30, and is compatible with every DigiSnap 2100 ever built! The 2100-IR cable is priced at $30, and is normally 3 ft long, but can be provided in essentially any length for an additional $0.50 per foot.

For more information, please contact [email protected], 253-858-7769.

Website: Harbortronics

The German website digitalkamera.de have just published their review of the popular 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR.

Website: digitalkamera.de - Nikon D70 Review

In an interview with Reuters yesterday, Nikon has said that it intends to increase production of the D70 DSLR to above 90,000 units by September/October 2004, compared to 70,000 when the camera was launched in March. At the same time Nikon also announced that it has “no plans to stop producing film SLRs, but that it may next year start considering pulling out of the film compact camera business due to a sharp plunge in demand.” Sales of compact film cameras have slipped to 50,000 units worldwide in the current business year to March, compared with 1.3 million in 2002.

Website: Yahoo.com - Nikon Boosts Digital Cameras, Eyes Exit from Film

DPReview have today posted their review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.

“I could go through the list of improvements, such as the vastly improved LCD monitor and up to 10x magnification in playback mode but it’s more interesting to take just one example. Canon pointed out to me that they had changed the design of the media compartment release lever, it now has a raised midsection making it more of a ‘U’ shape. Why was this done? To make it easier to open the media compartment when wearing gloves. Small details matter.”

Thanks to Joe Bunker for letting me know about the review :-)

Website: DPReview - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Diary Review

Well-known Nikon user Thom Hogan has just released a comprehensive guide to the Nikon D70 DSLR.

“This eBook helps you master the use of the Nikon D70 digital SLR, with a full description of the camera features and lots of useful tips and background information. This is the work that should have been the manual!

Even in its first edition, this eBook is a must-read for any D70 user, with over 500 pages of information about how to use the camera and the software that accompanies it. This eBook is $29.95 plus shipping and can only be purchased from this site.”

Thanks to R.I. Pienaar for sending me the link.

Website: Thom Hogan’s Complete Guide to the Nikon D70

Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 09/06/04

New PocketWizard Upgrade Available for KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital SLRs

Supports DCS Pro 14n, DCS Pro 14nx and DCS SLR/n in U.S., Canada

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 09—Eastman Kodak Company today announced a PocketWizard upgrade for several of its digital SLR cameras.  The upgrade, available only as a service upgrade in the US and Canada, direct from Kodak, is compatible with the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro 14n, DCS 14nx and DCS Pro SLR/n digital cameras.

The PocketWizard is a digital radio triggering system that fires the flash and camera simultaneously to capture split second action at every angle.  It allows photographers more flexibility to position lighting where necessary without being tethered by a Synch cord. 

“The integration of the PocketWizard system inside the camera body is another way to get the most out of KODAL PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro 14n, DCS 14nx and DCS Pro SLR/n digital cameras and enhance professional photographers? workflows,” said John Witzel, Worldwide and US&C Marketing Manager, Eastman Kodak Company.

Pentax USA Press Release 08/06/04

PENTAX PLANS DIGITAL SLR FAMILY EXPANSION

June 8, 2004 (GOLDEN, CO) - PENTAX Imaging Company, a division of PENTAX of America, Inc. has announced it is developing cameras for the entry level digital SLR category.  The first introduction is slated for Fall of 2004.

PENTAX entered the digital SLR market in the Fall of 2003 with the popular *ist D digital SLR that offers 6.1 megapixels (pictured), interchangeable lens compatibility, and one of the world?s smallest, lightest camera bodies in the digital SLR category. 

PENTAX introduced two DA series designed lenses to match the *ist D CCD size since the 2003 arrival.  The PENTAX-DA Zoom 16mm-45mm F4 ED AL shipped earlier this year and the smc PENTAX-DA 14mm F2.8 ED [IF] interchangeable wide-angle lens will ship in June 2004.

This latest announcement further demonstrates the PENTAX commitment to the digital SLR camera market including entry level photographers.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, 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.  PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.

Website: Pentax USA

The ShortCourses Bookstore have just released the latest in a long line of guides to popular digital cameras. The Nikon D70 one is 136 pages, 8.5 x 11, B&W book with spiral binding and accompanying full-color, fully searchable eBook. Available as a Book, eBook, or package at a special low price.

“A Short Courses digital photography book for people who own the Nikon D70 digital camera and want to get better pictures. This beautifully written and illustrated guide, drawing on the much more comprehensive information on the ShortCourses Web site, pulls together answers to the questions you might have about using the D70.”

Website: A Short Course in Nikon D70 Photography

Pocket-lint have published a short review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR (found via DP-Now).

“Overall the D70 is a spectacularly good digital SLR. The speed of the drive, the size of image buffer and strange decision not to make an external booster battery to fit the camera are the only signs this is not designed for the professional market, well that and the price. This is the sort of camera that the masses are hankering to own and the professionals would be proud to turn to as a back up or a lighter ?in-the-field? body.”

Website: Pocket-lint - Nikon D70 Review

If you have a Canon EOS 300D then you may be interested in this website which explains how to improve your camera. I say “may” because most of the suggested tips and tricks will instantly invalidate your warranty!

While a solid camera out of the box, the Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel user experience can be enhanced with a few simple, money-saving tricks. In fact, I roughly estimate that these tips and tricks can save you over $500

I know that claiming a savings of over $500 might seem far fetched, but I will show you below that it is possible.

Disclaimer: Most, if not all of these tips and tricks could violate your Camera’s warranty. Any use of these tips is at your will and not the fault of this website or the author.

Website: Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel Tips and Tricks

Associated Press have published a short review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR.

“Our overnight backpacking trip was supposed to be bare bones ? just enough food for 48 hours, no extra socks, no bulky books. We considered ditching the tent to shed pounds.

But I couldn’t resist one weighty indulgence. I had become addicted to the Nikon D70, a 6.1-megapixel digital camera that costs about $1,300 with an 18-70 mm lens.”

Thanks to Sanj for the link.

Website: Associated Press (via Yahoo News) - Nikon Camera Makes Shots Sparkle

digitalreview.ca have posted a short but interesting article that looks at using the Nikon D2H DSLR, in conjunction with the WT-1 wireless LAN pack and a Regional-BGAN portable satellite modem, to wirelessly transmit images via satellite. You can’t get much more cutting edge than that!

Website: digitalreview.ca - Using the Nikon D2H SLR Wirelessly via Satellite Communications

Digital Outback Photo have started their diary review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.

“Today we made our traditional Los Gatos tour with our brand new 1D Mark II. There is not to much learning coming from a Canon 1Ds. The only thing to reevaluate is the reading of the histogram (e.g. how much to the right can we go without blowing out any highlights). We rather accept some mild under exposure than risk to lose highlights. Also here a low noise helps as the underexposed areas won’t show that bad noise with the Mark II.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Diary Review

Finnish photographer Pekka Saarinen has published a great review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II (found via Digicamera.net).

“One of the most obvious changes when you upgrade 10D to Mark II is 1.3X crop factor. Wide angle is more like wide angle and on long lenses you loose some reach. Most lenses feel a bit odd first and it will take some time before you mentally tune yourself to the new focal system. Choice of lenses may change: with 10D you collected extreme wide angle and zoomed quite far with 200mm, now you can cope quite nicely with 17-40 and you start wishing for 300 and 400mm lenses. With Mark II L series lenses are very recommended, because fast AF needs fast and accurate lenses and sharp camera is not sharp without sharp lenses.”

Website: Pekka Saarinen - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Mini Review