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Monday, November 5, 2007

The Need for SpeedCameraLabs have just reviewed two high speed memory card readers and two fast memory cards.

“The importance of speed should never be under-estimated with digital photography. Higher resolution photographs create larger file sizes and larger files require larger memory card capacities. At the same time - larger file sizes make it increasingly more difficult for cameras and computers to process and transfer these images with speed. Cameratown has just published an article/review titled “The Need for Speed,” where they take a look at the advantages of using faster memory cards and faster card readers to improve your overall digital photography experience. The review covers the SanDisk high-speed USB 2.0 reader, the new Lexar Professional UDMA USB 2.0 card reader, the new Lexar 300x Professional UDMA CompactFlash card, and the new Kingston 266x Ultimate CompactFlash card.”

Website: CameraTown- The Need for Speed - Gear Review

CameraLabs have just reviewed two high speed memory card readers and two fast memory cards. “The importance of speed should never be under-estimated with digital photography. Higher resolution photographs create larger file sizes and larger files require larger memory card capacities. At the same time - larger file sizes make…

Panasonic DMC-FX55CameraLabs have reviewed the 8 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX33 digital camera, which offers a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens (28-100mm), 2.5 inch monitor, optical image stabiliser, face detection and Intelligent Auto mode.

“The extra Megapixel doesn’t make much difference and the boosted 6400 ISO is operating in a fantasy land. But the inclusion of face detection is worth having while Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode really does an uncanny job of knowing what you’re trying to photograph. Together they make the FX33 – along with Panasonic’s other July 2007 launches – a joy to use in automatic.”

Website: CameraLabs - Panasonic DMC-FX33 Review

CameraLabs have reviewed the 8 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX33 digital camera, which offers a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens (28-100mm), 2.5 inch monitor, optical image stabiliser, face detection and Intelligent Auto mode. “The extra Megapixel doesn’t make much difference and the boosted 6400 ISO is operating in a fantasy land. But…

Fujifilm Finepix F50fdPopPhoto have reviewed the Fujifilm Finepix F50fd compact digicam, which has a 12 megapixel sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, and Face Detection 2.0 technology with a a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature.

“You’ve got to give FujiFilm credit for trying, but these lab numbers don’t live up the legacy of the F30. ISO 100 images look fantastic, ISO 200 and 400 images look very good, but at ISO 800, you’ll start to notice noisy shadows and soggy edges. This wasn’t the case with the F30. In fact, the F30 performed significantly better at ISO 3200 than the F50fd (both of which capture at 6 megapixels at this ISO), which is disappointing.”

Website: PopPhoto - Fujifilm Finepix F50fd Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F50fd Review

PopPhoto have reviewed the Fujifilm Finepix F50fd compact digicam, which has a 12 megapixel sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, and Face Detection 2.0 technology with a a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature. “You’ve got to give FujiFilm credit for trying, but these lab numbers don’t live up the legacy of the…

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Fireworks by supermarvin76In anticipation of the Bonfire Night celebrations in the UK this weekend, I’ve trawled the web for the 10 best tips and tutorials on photographing fireworks. You still have a day or so to read through all this great free advice before you head out, so have a read and learn how to take great fireworks photos. Even if you don’t live in the UK, these great tips should come in handy on more than one occasion this year. And after this weekend, when you’ve taken lots of award-winning photos of fireworks displays, make sure to share them in our Gallery.

In anticipation of the Bonfire Night celebrations in the UK this weekend, I’ve trawled the web for the 10 best tips and tutorials on photographing fireworks. You still have a day or so to read through all this great free advice before you head out, so have a read and…

Penatx and Hoya MergerNearly a year after Hoya and Pentax first announced their merger, the two companies seem to have finally made it. In an open letter to customers, Pentax and Hoya have announced that they have entered into a merger agreement which will become effective on March 31, 2008. “We continue to devote our efforts to make even more outstanding the PENTAX brand even after the merger.” said the brief statement. The merger agreement effectively negates the news back in June that Hoya had bought Pentax outright.

Nearly a year after Hoya and Pentax first announced their merger, the two companies seem to have finally made it. In an open letter to customers, Pentax and Hoya have announced that they have entered into a merger agreement which will become effective on March 31, 2008. “We continue to…

DXG-110The DXG-110 is the first 10 megapixel digital camera to break the $200 barrier. Retailing for just $170, the DXG-100 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom, anti-shake and face detection. The DXG-110 also features several DXG proprietary technologies, including Automatic Contrast Management, Advanced Flash Controls, ISO 1600/Antishake, and Dynamic Fill Light. The DXG-110 is available immediately with a street price of $169.99 through major retailers and at www.dxgusa.com.

The DXG-110 is the first 10 megapixel digital camera to break the $200 barrier. Retailing for just $170, the DXG-100 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom, anti-shake and face detection. The DXG-110 also features several DXG proprietary technologies, including Automatic Contrast Management, Advanced Flash Controls, ISO 1600/Antishake, and…

The HDRI HandbookThe HDRI Handbook reveals the secrets behind High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI). This book is packed with practical hints and tips, software evaluations, workshops, and hands-on tutorials, and HDR software is included on the companion DVD. Author Christian Bloch is a highly acclaimed visual effects artists works and lives in Hollywood, California. The HDRI Handbook costs $49.95 USD, £30.99 GBP.

The HDRI Handbook reveals the secrets behind High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI). This book is packed with practical hints and tips, software evaluations, workshops, and hands-on tutorials, and HDR software is included on the companion DVD. Author Christian Bloch is a highly acclaimed visual effects artists works and lives in…

Eye-Fi Wireless Memory CardDPReview have tested the Eye-Fi Card, the world’s first wireless SD memory card for digital cameras.

“The Eye-Fi card is one of those products which is great fun out of the box but the returns begin to diminish the more you use it. It’s not particularly fast (no surprise really as it is WiFi but it’s quite a bit slower than we expected), it needs to be pre-configured for each access point and doesn’t support public access points, it uploads everything on the card (which could literally be a gigabyte of images) and there’s no option for delivering reduced size images to photo sharing sites (although to counter that you can uploaded without a computer which could be useful if your files aren’t too large).”

Website: DPReview - Eye-Fi Card Review

DPReview have tested the Eye-Fi Card, the world’s first wireless SD memory card for digital cameras. “The Eye-Fi card is one of those products which is great fun out of the box but the returns begin to diminish the more you use it. It’s not particularly fast (no surprise really…

Kodak V1003Imaging Resource have reviewed the Kodak V1003 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and up to ISO 1600.

“Despite the attractiveness of the Kodak EasyShare V1003, I was disappointed in its performance. It was hard to read the LCD and “catch the moment” with this camera. Focus was very slow and shutter lag really got in the way. It got even worse when I added flash to the equation. When I looked over the images, they were far too saturated with too much contrast in sunlight.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak V1003 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Kodak V1003 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and up to ISO 1600. “Despite the attractiveness of the Kodak EasyShare V1003, I was disappointed in its performance. It was hard to read the LCD and “catch the moment”…

Pentax S10TrustedReviews have reviewed the Pentax Optio S10, which is a 10 megapixel camera with digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition and DivX video format.

“Fortunately the improvement in performance has been accompanied by an increase in overall picture quality, thanks in no small part to the excellent lens. Pentax has always enjyed a good reputation for the quality of its optics, and the SMC (Super Multi Coated) Pentax label is usually a guarantee of superior performance. This is certainly the case here, with the S10’s lens producing excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal barrel distortion at wide angle, both things that have been an issue on some versions of the Sliding Lens system.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Pentax Optio S10 Review

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Pentax Optio S10, which is a 10 megapixel camera with digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition and DivX video format. “Fortunately the improvement in performance has been accompanied by an increase in overall picture quality, thanks in no small part to the excellent lens. Pentax has always…

Epson PM 260PCMag have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Dash (also known as the PM 260) compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.

“Epson’s PictureMate small-format photo printers have always stood out from the crowd, but the company has really outdone itself with its latest iteration, the PictureMate Dash ($99.99 direct). Although the Dash is the low cost version of the newest generation of PictureMates, it offers features I’m used to seeing only on printers that cost far more—from a surprisingly big 3.6-inch LCD screen to the ability to print from a wide range of sources. It’s also the fastest small format photo printer I’ve seen at any price.”

Website: PCMag - Epson PictureMate Dash Review

PCMag have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Dash (also known as the PM 260) compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds. “Epson’s PictureMate small-format photo printers have always stood out from the crowd, but the company has really outdone itself with its latest…

Friday, November 2, 2007

Canon EOS-1D Mark IIICanon USA have issued a service notice for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, specifically about its autofocus system. Some EOS-1D Mark III cameras may have an issue with the mirror mechanism which causes inconsistent focusing accuracy or inconsistent focus tracking with moving subjects when using AI-Servo AF and continuous shooting modes, particularly in high temperatures. If the serial number on the bottom of the camera is between 501001 and 546561, the camera might require an adjustment of its AF mirror mechanism. Starting in late November, Canon will offer repairs free of charge for customers who have affected products and are experiencing this problem.

Canon USA have issued a service notice for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, specifically about its autofocus system. Some EOS-1D Mark III cameras may have an issue with the mirror mechanism which causes inconsistent focusing accuracy or inconsistent focus tracking with moving subjects when using AI-Servo AF and continuous shooting…

Douglas KirklandPhoto Expo West 2007 is Southern California’s most successful photography event, with free seminars from the world’s best photographers including Douglas Kirkland. This popular public event, formerly the San Diego Photo Expo, is being held this year at a larger, improved venue at the Del Mar fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, November 10th and 11th. Admission to Photo Expo West 2007 is free, including 19 daily seminars from professional photographers.

Photo Expo West 2007 is Southern California’s most successful photography event, with free seminars from the world’s best photographers including Douglas Kirkland. This popular public event, formerly the San Diego Photo Expo, is being held this year at a larger, improved venue at the Del Mar fairgrounds on Saturday and…

Ricoh R7Ricoh have released a new firmware update, version 1.25, for the R7 digital camera, which includes the following changes.

- Modified the following phenomenon. In direct printing (PictBridge), a camera may not connect properly with some printers and you may not print out a picture.
- Improved stability at the lens unit retracting.

Website: Rioch R7 v1.25 Firmware Update

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, version 1.25, for the R7 digital camera, which includes the following changes. - Modified the following phenomenon. In direct printing (PictBridge), a camera may not connect properly with some printers and you may not print out a picture. - Improved stability at the…

Ricoh R6Ricoh have released a firmware update, v1.45, for the Ricoh R6 camera. It includes the following change:

Improved stability at the lens unit retracting.

Website: Ricoh R6 v1.45 Firmware Update

Ricoh have released a firmware update, v1.45, for the Ricoh R6 camera. It includes the following change: Improved stability at the lens unit retracting. Website: Ricoh R6 v1.45 Firmware Update

Samsung L700Imaging Resource have reviewed the Samsung L700 camera, which offers several advanced features, including a suite of advanced video and editing functions, in a compact, stylish metal body. It has 7 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a bright 2.5” LCD display.

“If pricing and simplicity are your main goals in a camera and you don’t do a lot of low-light shooting, the Samsung L700 could fit the bill. For quick daytime snapshots that aren’t likely to be printed to large sizes, the results are generally quite acceptable. If you’re looking to exercise much control over the final look of your images, or image quality is paramount in your decision however, then the Samsung L700 probably isn’t the camera for you.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Samsung L700 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Samsung L700 camera, which offers several advanced features, including a suite of advanced video and editing functions, in a compact, stylish metal body. It has 7 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a bright 2.5” LCD display. “If pricing and simplicity are your main goals in…

Kodak M853DCResource have reviewed the new Kodak M853 camera which has an 8 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens.

“The Kodak EasyShare M853 is an entry-level camera that is mediocre (or worse) in almost all areas. While it does offer a simple interface, good battery life, and attractive software bundle, its poor photo quality miserable low light shooting ability make this a camera that I cannot recommend. Better options are available in this price range.”

Website: DCResource - Kodak M853 Review

DCResource have reviewed the new Kodak M853 camera which has an 8 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens. “The Kodak EasyShare M853 is an entry-level camera that is mediocre (or worse) in almost all areas. While it does offer a simple interface, good battery life, and attractive software bundle…

Canon SX100 ISDigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Canon SX100, the first camera in the new SX series, offering a 10x zoom, image stabilized lens and 8 megapixel resolution.

“At an introductory price of $299, the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a strong contender in the 10x optical zoom market. When compared to the entire point-and-shoot market, the PowerShot SX100 is a bit on the expensive side, since some cameras can be found for around $100. On the other hand, when compared to other 10x cameras with optical image stabilization, the SX100 IS is a bargain. Most other cameras in this class are priced at $350 or more. With solid image performance and face detection, the Canon SX100 IS is an admirable choice.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon Powershot SX100 Review

Website: Read our Canon Powershot SX100 IS Review

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Canon SX100, the first camera in the new SX series, offering a 10x zoom, image stabilized lens and 8 megapixel resolution. “At an introductory price of $299, the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a strong contender in the 10x optical zoom market. When compared to…

Casio EX-Z77CNET have reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Casio EX-Z77 camera, which features a special YouTube mode that saves movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings.

“While noise stays pleasantly low in the EX-Z77’s pictures, a general softness obscures details that should otherwise look sharp. Pictures taken under incandescent light tend to come out slightly warm even under the tungsten white balance, though the camera’s manual white balance can help you overcome this problem. The camera’s shots work well enough for e-mails and small prints, but any bigger print will likely disappoint.”

Website: CNET - Casio EX-Z77 Review

CNET have reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Casio EX-Z77 camera, which features a special YouTube mode that saves movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings. “While noise stays pleasantly low in the EX-Z77’s pictures, a general softness obscures details that should otherwise look sharp. Pictures taken under incandescent light…

Epson PM 290DPNow have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 290 compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.

“Epson have worked wonders with the internals of the latest PictureMate models. Print quality is attractive and there’s no twiddling your thumbs while printing. The large screen is a plus point and ease of use is commendable. The design is good enough, though the rather flimsy lid doesn’t seem to complement the rest of the hardware well. To be honest, we don’t think the new angular and boxy design introduced last year was an improvement on the curvaceous and more compact styling of the original PictureMate.”

Website: DPNow - Epson PictureMate 290 Review

DPNow have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 290 compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds. “Epson have worked wonders with the internals of the latest PictureMate models. Print quality is attractive and there’s no twiddling your thumbs while printing. The large screen is…