Photo.net have posted their review of the 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.

“The intuitive, rapid handling of the *istDS, combined with its fairly compact size has made more than one of us wonder about the possibility of street/candid photography. Although a bit noisier (audible noise, not pixel noise) than a rangefinder, this DSRL isn’t really much more intrusive. Theory aside, the camera was both capable and enjoyable to use in this context; if you can believe it, I even felt at ease leaving my Leica M6 at home during most of the trial. Given the high rate of misses when you’re chasing (and, in my case, routinely missing) decisive moments, the zero cost of digital capture is also a huge bonus.”

Website: Photo.net - Pentax *ist DS Review

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Imaging Resource have posted their full review of the new 8 megapixel Olympus E-300 / Evolt DSLR.

“In the case of the Olympus E-300, we found that its 8 megapixel resolution produced beautiful 13x19” prints on the i9900, with no hint of pixelation to be seen anywhere. Colors were bright but believable, and generally very lifelike. Viewed at a distance, the E-300’s default sharpening looked quite good on 13x19 prints, but when we scrutinized them up close, we found small “halos” resulting from the sharpening algorithm: For critical work, we’d suggest using the low sharpening setting in-camera, then applying unsharp masking with a small pixel radius (try 0.4-0.5 pixels) in Adobe Photoshop(tm) or other imaging software after the fact.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review

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The-Digital-Picture.com have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.

“Of highest importance is image quality - I am also not disappointed in any way in this regard. I didn’t find anything sacrificed in image quality to get the large 16.6 megapixel image. The sensor and the related software deliver the excellent image quality I expect from Canon Digital SLRs. Dynamic range is very good (non-officially rated at 9.5 f-stops), colors look natural. Auto white balance is very good (I am using it more often than ever). “

Website: The-Digital-Picture.com - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review

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The website Whichlens.com has published a comparative review of the new Canon EOS 350D DSLR versus it’s bigger brother, the EOS 20D. Thanks to Mark Cho for letting me know.

“The 20D shutter seems to fire slightly quicker than the 350D. The blackout between shots is also slightly shorter on the 20D. The 350D is still very responsive, but a small difference between the two is present. The 20D has a faster, longer continuous shooting mode of around 24 frames at 5fps versus the 350D’s approximate 15 frames at 3fps. I say approximate because the number of continuous frames at 5 or 3fps depends on the speed of the card being used. Nonetheless, there is a difference in the size of the buffer and for sports and fast action shooters, the 20D would be the preferable camera.”

Website: Whichlens.com - Canon EOS 350D Review

Pentax have released a firmware update for the *ist D digital SLR camera. These are the changes in version 1.12:

- Correspond to the media card that exceeded 4GB, also Version 1.12 contain the additional function which was released at Version 1.10 ~ 1.11.

Website: Pentax Japan

Olympus Press Release

OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES REBATES FOR EVOLT E-300 DIGITAL SLR, LENSES, AND ACCESSORIES

Now Until March 31, 2005 Purchase EVOLT E-300 SLR and Two Lens for Under $1000 with Rebate

Melville, New York, March 4, 2005 – Olympus Imaging America Inc. announces a $100 rebate on its EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR system both with and without its consumer Zuiko Digital Specific™ lenses. Now, when consumers purchase one of the following items from an authorized OLYMPUS SLR dealer or log on to www.OlympusAmerica.com/rebate they can receive a mail-in rebate coupon for $100 cash back from Olympus:

·      The EVOLT E-300 body on its own
·      The EVOLT E-300 Kit (that includes the 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Specific lens) or
·      The EVOLT E-300 Two Lens Kit (includes both the 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 and 40-150mm f3.5/4.5 Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses)

The offer applies to all EVOLT bodies and EVOLT Kits purchased from February 7 until March 31, 2005 in the US and Canada (rebates must be postmarked by April 30, 2005).

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm has today announced a firmware update and software update for the FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR.

The firmware update can be downloaded at: http://home.fujifilm.com/products/digital/download/s3pro/fupd.html

This update incorporates the following:

1) Updates the Auto Rotate function
2) Enables lens interchange while camera power is left on (applies to some
AF-S Nikon and AF-VR Nikon lenses)
3) Updates the compatibility for high capacity storage media

Mamiya ZD update - as promised, here are some shots of the Mamiya ZD DSLR live from the show floor here at the Focus On Imaging photography show in the UK. The ZD unit on show is a prototype mock-up that has been kept behind glass for the entire show - I got here early for an exclusive look at the camera.

Click on each picture to see a larger version.

Mamiya ZD digital SLR that was announced in August last year will be on show at the Focus on Imaging event next week at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. The Mamiya ZD is a 22 megapixel digital SLR that will cost around £8,000 body only. PhotographyBLOG will be at Focus where I will hopefully be able to try out the Mamiya ZD.

Mamiya Press Release

Mamiya are pleased to announce that initial production tests of the ZD camera have been successful. To ensure that the camera meets the high demands and requirements of the professional photographer there are significant field tests now taking place in Japan. It is estimated that these tests will conclude at the end of March and that once any modifications have been implemented full production will start and then be launched during summer 05.

The Mamiya ZD back is in final development and is also due for launch during summer 05.

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is undoubtedly the star of PMA 2005 show (called the Canon EOS 350D in Europe). An 8 megapixel digital SLR with the same DIGIC II image processor found in Canon’s professional series D-SLR cameras, the Digital Rebel XT is an amazing upgrade of the already very popular Canon Digital Rebel. Build-quality is better than you may imaging, certainly a lot better than the original Rebel, but not as good as the higher-end EOS 20D. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT also even smaller than the previous model, although not to small for my large hand size. The popularity of the Digital Rebel XT at PMA and also after the show will no doubt be helped by the lack of any new comparative DLSR from Nikon, whose stand here is noticeably smaller than Canon’s. The Canon EOS 350D will cost £750 when it launches in the UK in March.
Click on each picture to see a larger version.

Canon EOS 350D is announced today. The EOS 350D (called the EOS Digital Rebel XT in the USA) is an updated version of the popular Canon EOS 300D DSLR. The EOS 350D Digital features a new APS-C size 8 Megapixel CMOS sensor. The Canon EOS 350D is powered by the same DIGIC II image processor found in Canon’s professional series D-SLR cameras. The EOS 350D features 3 frames per second, 14 frame burst operation, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface, simultaneous RAW and Large JPEG writing and 0.2 second start up time. The Canon EOS 350D will cost £749.99 and be available in March.

Canon UK Press Release

Introducing the new EOS 350D - Canon upgrades world’s best selling Digital SLR

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the upgrade to its hugely popular EOS 300D Digital SLR - the 8.0 Megapixel, 3 frame per second EOS 350D. The launch completes a refresh of the entire Digital EOS line-up and confirms Canon’s commitment to Digital SLR research and development.

Nikon D2Hs is announced today. The Nikon D2Hs is a new version of the Nikon D2H digital SLR camera. The 4 megapixel D2Hs adds a number of improvements including 8 fps for a continuous burst of up to 50 images, IEEE802.11b/g Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A support, a higher resolution LCD screen. The D2Hs also adds support for GPS devices, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II and support for the sYCC color profile.

Nikon Press Release

The professional digital SLR for action and sports, featuring ultra-high speed, high image quality, and maximum efficiency

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of a professional digital SLR camera that delivers high speed, high precision, and improved handling for action photography: the Nikon D2Hs.

Nikon D2HsSince the launch of the D1 series and successful introduction of the Nikon DX Format in 1999, Nikon has been conducting extensive research into the needs of photographers in every field and discipline. This research, coupled with painstaking analysis of feedback from Nikon users worldwide, has led to a string of technological and design innovations for the Nikon DX Format aimed at enhancing system performance for the serious photographer.

Konica Minolta Europe and Konica Minolta have released a firmware update for the Dynax 7D and Maxxum 7D digital SLR camera.

V110 includes the following changes:

1. Added the remote storage function which can be used in combination with the DiMAGE Transfer software.
2. Speeded up its access to a memory card. This improvement shortens the writing speed to the memory card and USB data transfer speed. *Effect varies depending on the memory card.
3. Added enlarged display function in both the histogram display and the index display in playback mode.
4. Added luminance limit display function in the histogram display in instant playback.
5. Modified the “No memory card” warning indication.
6. Modified the following problems: - External flash fires with its full power in rare cases. - Camera freezes after self-timer recording in rare cases.

Olympus have released new firmware updates for their E-300/Evolt and E-1 DSLR cameras.

E-300 Version 1.1 Firmware:
- [AUTO] of the white balance setting has been improved to better accommodate subjects containing yellows.
- Highlighted parts appeared pink when the color space was set to [Adobe RGB] and [CUSTOM WB] was set to a low color temperature. This situation has been improved.
- Battery consumption during sleep mode has been improved.

E-1 Version 1.4 Firmware:
- The S-AF speed in low luminance conditions has been improved.
- AF accuracy under fluorescent lighting has been improved.
- Images shot with the E-300 (TIFF, RAW, SHQ) can be displayed normally.
- New high speed CompactFlash cards are supported.

Website: Olympus Japan - Olympus E-300 and E-1 Firmware Updates

Canon EOS 20Da is quietly introduced by Canon Japan. The 20Da is a new version of the Canon EOS 20D digital SLR camera that has been modified to make it suitable for astro or infra-red photography. The “hot mirror”, which filters out the infrared part of the colour spectrum, has been removed from the 20D a, and it also has a partially transmissive mirror, which allows for live focusing on the LCD monitor on the rear of the camera. The Canon EOS 20Da als has a new noise reduction capability specifically for high ISO use. No news yet on availability and price outside of Japan (stay tuned!).

Website: Canon Japan - Canon EOS 20Da

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Konica Minolta today launches a Cashback Promotion for the Dynax 7D digital SLR. From 14/02/05 until 15/4/05 any purchaser of the Dynax 7D within the UK and Republic of Ireland can also purchase a lens** and/or Program Flash 5600HSD Flashgun and receive up to £150.00 cashback. Consumers within the Republic of Ireland can claim up to €216.00. Click the link below to see the list of lenses and a link to a PDF version of the cashback voucher.

Pentax *istDS Silver is introduced by Pentax UK. The *istDS Silver is a silver-coloured version of Pentax’s popular digital SLR, with the same specification as the black version. Price and availability of the Pentax *istDS Silver are to be confirmed.

Pentax UK Press Release

PENTAX Adds a Silver-Coloured Version to Its Popularly Priced Compact Digital SLR Camera

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of a silver-coloured version to the popular PENTAX *istDS digital SLR camera. Named the PENTAX *istDS Silver, it offers the same user-friendly features and high-standard specifications as the original black-coloured version, except for its body colour. With a choice of two attractive colours, the *istDS now extends outstanding manoeuvrability, simplified operations and an affordable price to a broader range of quality-conscious digital SLR users.

Photoscala have a fascinating interview on the topic of the Four Thirds System with both Olympus and Panasonic, who recently recently signed a joint development agreement with Olympus for interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras based on the Four Thirds System standard.

“photoscala: What is Panasonic expecting from this agreement? Where will the company benefit, where will the company bring in?
Michael Langbehn: At first, the joint agreement is a benefit for „Four Thirds“. Both partners bundle their power. With Olympus’ experience with digital SLRs, and Panasonic’s knowledge in digital technology it shall go ahead for the Four Thirds System. Moreover, this alliance is supporting us in our goal to be registered better as a manufacturer of digital cameras, and to achieve a 10 per cent global market share in 2006.”

Website: Photoscala - Interview: Four Thirds on the up and up

DCViews have posted their review of the new, competitively priced Olympus E-300/Evolt DSLR.

“The E-300 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 1600. At lower settings images are remarkably noise free. However when you go higher up the scale some noise becomes present and especially at ISO 1600 noise is clearly visible. Obviously the Kodak CCD does not like to be pushed to such high sensitivities, although you should keep in mind that ISO 1600 is only meant for those situations where flash is banned or not appropriate, such as in a church, museum or theatre. For best image results stick to settings between 100 and 400.”

Website: DCViews - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review

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Olympus America have just started a rebate offer on the 8 megapixel Olympus E-300 Evolt DSLR and the 7 megapixel C-7000 Zoom (also known as the C-70 Zoom in Europe) digital cameras. $100 rebate is available to residents of the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

Website: Olympus USA Press Release - Olympus E-300 / C-7000 Rebates

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