SJ Namo Interactive Press Release 29/10/04

SJ Namo Interactive announces strategic alliance with Phoenix Global Software.

London, October 2004, SJ Namo Interactive, leading developer and global supplier of software solutions for the World Wide Web announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with United Kingdom-based software republishing company Phoenix Global Software (PGS). Phoenix Global Software will republish, market and distribute the Namo product range to its distribution channel in the UK, Ireland and South Africa.

Gareth Davies, director at Phoenix Global Software, said: “the SJ Namo agreement is in line with Phoenix Global Software?s strategy to align itself with leading international software vendors to republish and distribute niche and best-of-breed software products”.

Canon USA Press Release 28/10/04

CANON CAPTURES NUMBER ONE DIGITAL CAMERA POSITION FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT MONTH; LAUNCHES NEW INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN

With Ongoing Focus on Consumer Education, Canon Drives Toward Holiday Season with New Products, Incentives and Sequel to Award-Winning Digic Advertising Campaign

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Oct. 28, 2004 - On the heels of four straight months in the U.S. as the number one* digital camera manufacturer with no signs of slowing down, Canon today introduced a new integrated marketing campaign surrounding its PowerShot digital camera line. Highlighted by a multi-million dollar advertising execution, the campaign includes new television and print ads that focus on the benefits of Canon’s proprietary DIGIC image processor, retail incentives, sponsorships and events, and recently launched compact digital cameras that delivers style and excellent image quality to consumers.

“We have achieved number one position based on our combination of superior imaging technology, features designed to meet consumers photographic needs and stylish product designs that fit into peoples’ lifestyle,” 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). “As a result of our dedication to photographic excellence, Canon has now sold more than 10 million PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras worldwide. Our first digital ELPH cameras were released in April of 2000 and the 10 millionth unit sold on Oct. 1, 2004. We’re extremely proud of this achievement, and understand what it took to get us to this point, and more importantly, what it will take to get Canon to the next level.”

Canon Press Release 27/10/04

TOKYO (CBS.MW) - Japan’s Canon Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter net profit rose 39.4 percent to a record from a year earlier on robust sales of digital cameras, laser beam printers and semiconductor-production equipment, and upgraded its full-year earnings forecast.

The world’s biggest maker of copiers said its net profit for the three months ended Sept. 30 rose to 101.78 billion yen ($960 million) from 73 billion yen a year ago.

Operating profit for the quarter rose 26.1 percent to a record 158.3 billion yen. Sales rose 9.2 percent to 838.3 billion yen.

For the fourth quarter, Canon said that the digital camera market is expected to continue growing at a rapid pace, particularly in the overseas markets.

Sanyo Press Release 28/10/04

TOKYO, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Japanese electronics maker Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. lowered its digital camera production target for the current business year by over 20 percent on Thursday due to weaker than expected demand.

Sanyo is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of digital cameras, but more than 90 percent of its output supplies other companies such as Olympus Corp. and Nikon Corp. under original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreements.

The Osaka-based company slashed its production target for the current business year to March 31 to 14 million units from 18 million units, and said it planned to lower its output capacity target to 15 million digital cameras from 20 million.

“Inventories increased a bit to levels that exceeded our initial expectations so we have cut back on our production plans,” said Sanyo spokesman Atsushi Watanabe.

As you would expect when 18,500 entries are made to a competition, there are some stunning images that won the various categories of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest. BBC News have pictures online of the winners of the 5 categories.

“A stunning image of two sharks twisting through a baitball of sardines has earned Texan Doug Perrine the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

The judges described it as a “spectacle of light and movement” and were all agreed it should win the competition.

A picture of a green lizard hiding among the leaves “like a velociraptor” gave Gabby Salazar, 17, of North Carolina, the coveted junior prize.

The competition has become one of the most prestigious in world photography.”

Website: BBC - Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Photo.net have posted a report on Photo Plus Expo, an annual photography show held last week in New York, USA.

“My overall impression, and the impression that I got from talking with many of the exhibitors is that the photo industry in general is in pretty good shape - as long as you’re talking digital. If you’re in the film business, especially 35mm film, you may be in trouble if you don’t shift gears and move more into digital. Even medium format film work is in some trouble, with previous users (like wedding photographers) moving into 35mm digital. Right now large format camera sales aren’t being affected a lot by digital, but then large format work is a pretty small and specialized part of the photography pie.”

Website: Photo.net - Photo Plus Expo Report

Luminous Landscape have posted a report on Photo Plus Expo, an annual photography show currently being held in New York, USA.

“Konica / Minolta was showing their Maxxum 7D, which will start shipping in a few weeks (early November). The big news here, in addition to it being the first DSLR from that company, is the built-in Anti-Shake, which provides image stabilization with almost all lenses. I am field testing the 7D right now, and hope to have a review online before the end of the month. The retail price will be approximately $1,600, which makes it just slightly more expensive than a prime competitor such as the Canon 20D, at $1,500. Not enough of a price difference to matter to someone with a commitment to Minolta lenses, or someone with a desire for Anti-Shake in the body.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Photo Plus Expo Report

Nikon USA Press Release 21/10/04

Nikon Showcases Cutting-Edge New Products and Initiatives at PhotoPlus Expo 2004

Show Activities to Expand Nikon’s Position as the World Leader in Photography

PHOTOPLUS EXPO, BOOTH 715 - NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2004 - Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, will be at this year’s PhotoPlus Expo to exhibit a variety of exciting new products and initiatives. Attendees may visit Nikon at booth #715 at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York City, October 21 - October 23, to see the most advanced digital and film photography equipment, and learn about all the resources and services Nikon makes available.

Nikon’s entire Total Imaging System will be on display at PhotoPlus Expo, demonstrating the complete solution Nikon offers in photography and imaging applications. The award-winning Nikon Coolpix line of digital cameras will be featured at the Nikon booth, including the new Nikon Coolpix 8800, Coolpix 8400, and Coolpix 4800. The exciting new Nikon D2X and sophisticated D70 professional digital SLR cameras, the complete range of Nikkor lenses, Nikon’s range of Speedlights, 35mm compact cameras, and Sports and Recreational Optics will also be available. Nikon will also feature the innovative Coolscan V ED, Super Coolscan 5000 ED and Super Coolscan 9000 ED film scanners. The display will also exhibit the complete range of 35mm film SLR cameras, like the fantastic new F6.

Kodak yesterday reported a sharp incrase in its profits for the 3rd quarter of this financial year, exceeding Wall Street expectations. Signs that Kodak’s push towards digital is paying off? Maybe, but losses in its traditional film and camera businesses still caused the share price to fall by 8%.

“The world’s biggest film manufacturer, which is navigating a tough transition to filmless photography, said it earned $US479 million, or $US1.67 a share, in the July-September period, up from $US122 million, or 42 cents a share, a year ago.

Excluding restructuring costs and a gain of $US434 million, or $US1.51 a share, from the sale of its historic remote sensing systems business, profits were $US226 million, or 79 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call expected earnings of 72 cents a share.”

Website: Sydney Morning Herald - Kodak benefits from digital sales surge

American Society of Media Photographers Press Release 19/10/04

October 19, 2004—The American Society of Media Photographers has posted a new Copyright Tutorial to the public area of its web site: http://www.asmp.org/copyright/. Although modern law gives independent photographers an automatic copyright at the moment a picture is taken, there still are procedures that must be followed to obtain the maximum legal protection for the photographer’s rights. The ASMP tutorial details those procedures, providing step-by-step instructions and annotated sample forms. In addition, it explores several copyright-related issues of particular importance to photographers, such as pictures of public buildings and the distinctions that courts use in deciding whether two images are substantially similar.

Said Eugene Mopsik, ASMP’s executive director, “Photographers would rather make images than file paperwork, but their future income often depends on having properly registered their copyrights. ASMP can’t do the paperwork for its members, of course. But we can educate about the importance of registering, explain the ins and outs of the process, and provide clear, photographer-friendly directions. Our goal in preparing this tutorial was to help photographers protect their legal rights with a minimum of hassle.”

Back in August the UK’s biggest photography retailer, Jessops, announced that they were planning to join the London Stock Exchange. Now they have officially launched their offer and made public the details, including how much the company will actually be worth:

Indicative price range of 185p to 220p per share, which will give Jessops a market capitalisation of between £173 million to £189 million…At the price range, the total number of shares in the Company at admission will be between 93.5 million shares and 85.7 million shares.

Website: ePhotoZine - Jessops initial public offering price range

?2002 Kristen Ashburn, Canon Female Photojournalist Award 2004, Agency: Contact Press Images

Canon UK Press Release 18/10/04

US photographer Kristen Ashburn has become the fourth woman to win the Canon Female Photojournalist Award, for her images depicting HIV in Zimbabwe and its impact on daily life, and the country’s culture and economy. The award was granted by the French Association of Women Journalists (AFJ) at the 16th International Festival of Photojournalism Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan, France, on 3 September 2004.

The Canon Female Photojournalist Award, was initiated in 2001 by Guy Bourreau, Marketing Director of Canon Communication & Image in France and AFJ. It aims to support and highlight the work of female photographers around the world. “Women make up only 11% of the world’s photojournalists,” explains Bourreau. “Through its support and its technology, Canon is committed to meeting the needs of all photographers - male and female. With this award we are aiming to address the under-representation of women in this field and draw attention to the diverse work female photojournalists produce.”

A new article from The New York Times called “Tunnel Visions” is a brief but nevertheless interesting look back at subway/tube/metro photography.

“This year, in the 100th year of New York’s subway, the city is celebrating in two ways: with lots of exhibitions and books of subway photography and, perversely enough, by thinking about reinstating the ban on subway photography for security reasons. (The old one was rescinded 10 years ago.) If the rule, proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, goes into effect, anyone shooting a photo, film or video in the subway without a pass will face a $25 fine.”

Website: New York Times - Tunnel Visions

Fujifilm UK Press Release 14/10/04

Fujifilm today announced that its UK photographic business divisions will be restructured to meet the needs of the changing market, effective 1 November 2004.

With the retirement on 31 October of two of the Company’s long-serving Directors, Graham Rutherford and Tony Lawrence, who currently head up Fujifilm’s Professional and Photofinishing businesses respectively, Fujifilm’s UK photographic departments will be reorganised, with both the Professional and Consumer divisions, and the Photofinishing and Equipment divisions, consolidating to form new Strategic Business Units (SBUs).

All professional, digital, and conventional film and camera products will be managed from Fujifilm’s London office, while paper, minilabs, technical and service will be handled from its Bedford premises.

Consumer Products Director, Adrian Clarke, has been promoted to head up both the London and Bedford operations as Director, Photo Imaging Group, while David Honey takes up the new position of Group SBU Manager in charge of the consolidated Photofinishing Products SBU.

New York Times Press Release 08/10/04

The New York Times Photo Archives Launches Web Site for One of World’s Largest and Most Comprehensive Photo Collections; WWW.NYTIMES.COM/PHOTOARCHIVES Available to Design Community and Corporations

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE) - Oct. 8, 2004 - The New York Times Photo Archives announced today the launch of a Web site, www.nytimes.com/photoarchives, created in response to the growing demand from corporations and the design community for The Times’s historic photographs.

“We are excited to bring this historic photographic collection to the design industry,” said Jim Mones, director, The New York Times Photo Archives. “In addition to opening our photo archives, we are presenting versatile design applications that give designers, architects and art consultants a world of new possibilities. Our easy-to-use site offers an unprecedented opportunity to integrate significant moments in history with their designs.”

Leica Press Release 08/10/04

Ralf Coenen (43), hitherto member of the Board of Management responsible for Engineering, Cooperations and Asian Sales, will become the new Chairman of the Leica Camera AG, Solms, as from January 1, 2005. This decision of the Company’s Supervisory Board, made in its meeting on Thursday, follows the proposal brought forward by Hanns-Peter Cohn (56). After six years on duty as Chairman of the Board of Management, Cohn will leave the Company at his own request to return to Vitra AG, Basle. At this manufacturer of high quality office and home furniture, he has already been active from 1984 until 1998 as one of three managing directors, with marketing and sales as his main field. As from January 1, 2005, Cohn will take on the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Swiss company.

Dieter Uckele (55) will stay on Leica Camera AG’s Board of Management, which in the future will consist of two members.

This changeover has been prepared from a long-term perspective in cooperation with the supervising bodies of Leica Camera AG. For a transitional period, Dieter Uckele had been appointed third member of the Board of Management as from April 1, 2003. Simultaneously Ralf Coenen, whose previous responsibilities as a Board member had been Engineering and Logistics, had extended his field of activities, taking on responsibility for Sales in the important Asian market, and had thus prepared himself for his new tasks as Chairman of the Board of Management.

ePhotoZine have reported today that the UK’s biggest photography retailer, Jessops, have decided to join the London Stock Exchange “by way of a global offer of ordinary shares in the Company to institutional investors”.

Derek Hine, Chief Executive of Jessops, commented:

“This is a very exciting time for Jessops and for everyone involved in the company. Flotation will help increase our profile and will provide us with the opportunity to access additional sources of capital, to build on the success we have achieved to date and to capitalise on the digital revolution. We believe flotation will be of benefit to customers, staff and shareholders alike.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Jessops announces their intention to float

Kodak Press Release 05/10/04

Kodak Announces Changes in European Manufacturing As Part of Broader Plan to Accelerate Digital Imaging Strategy; Plants in U.K. and France to be affected

Eastman Kodak Company today announced changes at manufacturing sites in England and France, reflecting the increasing popularity of digital photography among consumers and customers.

The actions are part of Kodak’s three-year program, announced in January; to reduce worldwide employment by 12-15,000 and to reduce total facilities square footage by one-third. These actions are part of Kodak’s broader strategy to accelerate growth in its digital businesses and to manage smartly the declining demand for some of the company’s traditional products and services.

“Such actions are essential for Kodak to reinforce its leading position in digital imaging products and services, while sustaining and extending its worldwide leadership in traditional photographic products,” said Etienne Bourgeois, Chairman, Eastman Kodak S.A., and Regional Operations Manager, Europe, Africa and Middle Eastern Region.

Kodak Press Release

September 2004 - Kodak Express outlets across the UK are offering their customers the chance to win a state-of-the-art KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 Digital Camera and Printer Dock and to support UNICEF into the bargain.

Kodak has supported UNICEF for the past 4 years as parts of its worldwide Corporate Contributions programme, raising over $850,000 to-date. This year, through the One Million Smiles campaign, the company is aiming to reach over the $1 Million mark. To support the fund-raising effort, all people have to do is complete the entry form available in-store at Kodak Express outlets and post it to the prize draw address. No purchase is necessary and Kodak will donate $1 to UNICEF for every entry form received. Closing date for entries is 25th October 2004.

The International QuickTime VR Association (IQTVRA) and International Association of Panorama Photographers (IAPP)

will unveil an exhibit of 41 panorama’s from around the world during Photokina, the world’s largest photography expo in Cologne, Germany. The exhibit will be in Hall 14.1, booth F55, and can be viewed Tuesday, 28 September through Sunday, 3 October during expo hours.

Members will be on hand to demonstrate panoramic tips and techniques, as well as show real-world applications with this very hot technology. A workshop on Saturday, 2 October, will feature several new products demonstrated and present Hans Nyberg of panoramas.dk, discussing how his web site began and has developed into today and in the future.

VRMag, the premier panoramic e-zine has launched a site that will feature daily news and Photokina information targeting the VR community: http://vrm.vrway.com/projects/photokina_koeln_2004/default.htm