Steves Digicams have reviewed the 15x zoom Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H9 digital camera.

“The colors in the images captured outside were very bright and vivid, providing very pleasing results. The exposure was controlled nicely making a beautiful image. There is very little noise, only noticeable in dark or shadowed areas. Well lit and bright areas, such as a light blue sky showed absolutely no noise. At the wide angle end of the lens there is a little barrel distortion, but no pin cushioning on the zoom end. The 15x optical zoom works very well outside and is great for shooting sporting events. Shooting in shutter priority mode with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second combined with the image stabilization, you should have no problem capturing clear, blur-free images.”

Steves Digicams - Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H9 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7, which offers 8 megapixels, 15x optical stabilized zoom lens, ISO 3200, face-detection and HDTV output.

“Upgrading the H5 for 2007 is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC H7. One of the major updates on this model is the image sensor, which increases resolution from 7 to 8-megapixels. Other new features include an even more powerful Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 15x image stabilized optical zoom lens. This camera is full of features, such as a 2.5 inch LCD screen, easy to use controls and an incredible exposure system. Providing everything that an advanced photographer can ask for, with a full selection of manual controls, to the pre-programmed scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, High Shutter Speed, etc.) and the full automatic mode for the beginning users, this camera will be enjoyed by all.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review

The new Canon iPF6100 is a large format printer that uses a 12-colour pigment inkset and can print up to A1 in size. The iPF6100 can produce a borderless A1 glossy print in less than 4 minutes, and incorporates a built-in colour calibration system. A wide colour gamut is offered by the dual-head 12-colour LUCIA II pigment ink system which packs 30,720 nozzles into two 1” print heads. Can the new Canon iPF6100 compete with the likes of the HP Z3100? Jon Canfield found just enough room in his office to test it out.

Website: Canon iPF6100 Review

The Canon ES2 and Canon ES20 are two new compact photo printers. Canon’s Easy System uses integrated ink and media cassettes, and is complemented by one-touch operation and a 50-sheet capacity. The Canon ES2 offers a 3 inch LCD monitor, and the ES20 a 2.5 inch display. “Digital cameras are more popular than ever, but many users have yet to invest in a dedicated photo printer,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “With the SELPHY ES2 and ES20, we are able to offer two convenient, high-quality products that will allow digital photographers to share and store their photos for years to come.” The Canon ES2 will be available from the end of October 2007 priced at £169.00 / €249.00 / $199.99. The Canon ES20 will be available from the end of November 2007 priced at £139.00 / €199.00 (the ES20 isn’t available in the USA).

One True Media takes photo and video editing and sharing to the next level, with new sophisticated editing and social media posting capabilities. You can combine photos, video, music and special effects in completely new ways to create amazing video montages. “We are very excited about our new QuickStyle content additions and the new look and feel of our website.  Now our customers can let their imaginations run wild and build extremely creative montages they can easily share in more ways than ever,” said Mark Moore, CEO, One True Media.

Fantasea Line have introduced a new underwater case for the Nikon Coolpix P5100 compact camera. The FP-5000 housing, previously released for the older P5000 camera, is totally compatible with the newer model. The FP-5000 is depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet, has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, and built-in diffuser. As with all other Fantasea Camera Housings, in the event of accidental water leakage, the Coolpix camera inside is insured.

Sony have introduced three new 300x high speed compact flash cards. With UDMA (ultra direct memory access) support, the new media achieve data transfer rates of 45MB/s during write operation. The Sony CompactFlash 300x cards are available in capacities of 2GB, 4GB and 8GB. The 300x cards come complete with a 5 year warranty. The new Sony CompactFlash 300x cards will be available from October 2007, pricing to be announced.

Getty has confirmed that they are revising their controversial $49 Web Use stock image license, in response to pressure from more than 50,000 artists from 17 different trade associations. Announced 2 weeks ago, the $49 / £39 images are available across virtually all of Getty’s editorial and creative collections. In talks with Getty Images last week, the Stock Artists Alliance (SAA) made clear that the announcement of a term reduction to three months was a positive move, but falls short of addressing their serious concerns. SAA is now ongoing an increasingly productive dialog with Getty Images specifically around the $49 license.

Pure Digital Technologies is giving away a million Flip Video camcorders to nonprofit organizations worldwide over the next five years. The Flip Video Spotlight program will enable non-profit organizations and other qualified non-governmental organizations to use video to promote their causes. “We believe video can help change the world,” said Jonathan Kaplan, Chairperson and CEO of Pure Digital Technologies. “Non-profit organizations do incredible everyday work that the public rarely sees.  Imagine the impact that video would make if every on-the-ground staff member or volunteer had both a camcorder and the ability to broadcast their message to the world.” The massive camcorder giveaway will be kicked off tomorrow at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City.

e-Photographia have reviewed the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera, which offers a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting and 3 inch LCD screen.

“It only took a few shots to notice the difference in focusing. Focusing is faster and very accurate. I took more than 500 shots that night, some of them in burst mode with 6.5 fps, and the AF system proved to be equal to that of Canon 1-series cameras. The central point worked well even without flash. I can’t think of a single other camera in this class with such a great AF system.”

Website: e-Photographia - Canon EOS 40D Review

Website: Read our Canon EOS 40D Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W80, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, metal body, 2.5-inch LCD screen and an eye-level viewfinder.

“The W80 is a compact bargain, including the hottest technology Sony has introduced in its 2007 lineup. It has a Bionz processor, face detection technology, High ISO and Super SteadyShot one-two punch, in-camera editing and HD output signal. It does give away detail to hold onto color at higher ISO settings, but most users won’t mind that tradeoff, particularly if 4x6 prints are the game you want to play.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W80 Review

CNET have reviewed the 8 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 digital camera, which offers a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens (28-100mm), optical image stabiliser, face detection and intelligent scene selection.

“Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FX55 is a beautiful little camera. It has a clean, simple, and solid design that should appeal to most camera buyers. But in the world of cameras, beauty is only body-casing deep and it’s what happens inside the camera that really counts. Unfortunately, the images that are captured and processed inside the DMC-FX55 fall a little short of the competition. That means that while it does include a lot of nice features, photographers who value image quality first should look elsewhere for a sleek, shiny pocket camera.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 Review

Website: Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 Review

Megapixel.net have reviewed the Casio EX-V7, the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 7X optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38-266mm on a 35mm film camera).

“The Exilim EX-V7 is yet another innovative camera from Casio. Very compact, it manages to offer a better than average zoom with CCD stabilization, a large resolution and even offers movie modes with stereo sound. The EX-V7 is generally simple to use — albeit too many of its functions depend on the menu, slowing down the selection of settings — and is responsive to both the shutter release and its other external controls.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Casio EX-V7 Review

Website: Read our Casio EX-V7 Review

Our Portfolios section is back! The 72nd PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by sh00.

“sh00, 19 year old photographer from France. As an urban exploration fan, I have most of the time a camera with me. All kinds of photos do interest me. More on my photoblog www.sh00.fr, regularly actualized. These pictures have been taken in La Rochelle’s harbor and in Marseille, France.”

Website: sh00

The Lacie 2big Triple two-disk RAID hard-drive is now available. Featuring three inerfaces - FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 - the 2big Triple is ideal for digital editing and graphic design. “Professional ergonomics, RAID flexibility, plug and play, and two hot-swappable drives are key components of the 2big family,” said Marie Renouard, LaCie Product Manager.  “Add in triple interface with USB cross-platform compatibility, and FireWire 800 for speed demanding applications, and you have a device that was not only designed well, but is an ideal solution for creative professionals.” Offered in 1, 1.5 and 2 terabyte versions, the 2big Triple features a new natural cooling heat sink metal design, The LaCie 2big Triple is available in October starting at $399.

Ernesto Fernandez, one of Cuba’s greatest photographers, is featured in the ‘Cubanismo’ exhibition which opens this week at the Capital Culture gallery in London. Fernandez is considered one of the four greats of the “Epic” period of Cuban photography. An exhibition of Black and White fine art photographs of Cuba from the 1930s to the modern day, Cubanismo runs from Thursday September 27th - Saturday November 3rd 2007. The gallery is open Mon-Fri 11.00am-6.00pm.

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Samsung NV11 camera, featuring a Schneider lens, Smart Touch user interface, 2.7 inch high definition LCD, 10 megapixels and 5x optical zoom lens.

“I liked the Samsung NV11 in practice. Although I had to get used to the unique way of operation via the touch-buttons and the LCD display, the camera turned out to be convenient in use. The image quality is good and the possibilities are extensive. The beginner can, without a doubt, take the first picture without any problems and for the experienced user it’s a camera to be creative with.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Samsung NV11 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S200 digital camera, which offers 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom lens (38-114mm), electronic Vibration Reduction to help combat camera shake, ISO 1000 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“A streamlined feature set and an equally sleek design will appeal to snapshooters who appreciate simplicity as well as style. However, its feature set may be a little too meager for more advanced users. The Nikon S200’s image noise issues and the use of electronic rather than optical Vibration Reduction won’t be of much use for those who like to shoot in low light without a flash. But the camera is easy to use, it’s stylish, highly portable and at low ISOs, the Nikon Coolpix S200 can produce some decent images, and good quality prints up to 8x10.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix S200 Review

DCResource have reviewed the new Kodak Z712, which is positioned as an alternative to a DSLR, offering a 12x zoom lens (36-432 mm) and 7.1 megapixels.

“Kodak’s EasyShare Z712 IS offers a big lens, image stabilization, a nearly complete set of manual controls, and a ton of scene modes, all for less than $250. Competing models from the likes of Canon, Panasonic, and Sony, cost anywhere from $100 - $200 more than the Z712. While it’s not the best ultra zoom on the market, the EasyShare Z712 is certainly one of the best values.”

Website: DCResource - Kodak Z712 Review

CNET have reviewed the Fujifilm A900, which offers 9 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom lens and ISO 800.

“Without a doubt, the Fujifilm FinePix A900 is one of the weirdest little cameras I’ve ever reviewed. On the surface it seems like an ordinary budget point-and-shoot camera, but underneath it packs a strange mish-mash of features and design quirks. Nearly everything about it, from its 9-megapixel resolution to its bizarre jog dial, simply feels…off.”

Website: CNET - Fujifilm A900 Review