Category:

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Casio EX-Z77Steves Digicams have just 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.

“A new addition to this model, as with most new digicams these days, is face detection. It will recognize one or many faces in a group shot, however, Casio has taken this technology one step further, by adding face recognition priority. The camera can store and prioritize faces of family members, allowing the camera to concentrate on specific faces if mixed into a group. A great feature if you are often in a group setting.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio EX-Z77 Review

Steves Digicams have just 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. “A new addition to this model, as with most new digicams these days, is face detection. It will recognize one or many…

Monday, August 27, 2007

X-RiteX-Rite has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Pantone, Inc. for $180 million. Expected to close in the fall of 2007, the deal will see Pantone will become a new business unit within X-Rite. “We have proven expertise in integrating sizable, strategic acquisitions into our business,” Vacchiano continued. “We are confident that we can successfully blend the Pantone integration with our existing responsibilities as we evolve into a faster growing, more diverse business.” Last year X-Rite acquired GretagMacbeth in a $280 million deal.

X-Rite has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Pantone, Inc. for $180 million. Expected to close in the fall of 2007, the deal will see Pantone will become a new business unit within X-Rite. “We have proven expertise in integrating sizable, strategic acquisitions into our business,” Vacchiano continued. “We…

Pentax 645 DigitalUK magazine Amateur Photographer are reporting that Pentax may be about to ditch their 645 medium format digital camera. A very tentative release date of sometime in 2007 was suggested when the Pentax 645 Digital camera was last seen as a prototype at PMA 2007 back in March. Now Pentax has commented that “‘The medium format digital SLR is no longer a priority for Pentax.’”, according to Amateur Photographer’s article, casting doubt on whether or not it will actually ever see the light of day.

Website: Amateur Photographer

UK magazine Amateur Photographer are reporting that Pentax may be about to ditch their 645 medium format digital camera. A very tentative release date of sometime in 2007 was suggested when the Pentax 645 Digital camera was last seen as a prototype at PMA 2007 back in March. Now Pentax…

ATPThe new ATP 300X ProMax II compact flash memory cards features a 45MB/sec transfer speed rating. ATP’s new range supports UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) mode, optimizing write transfer speeds for high resolution continuous shooting. The ATP 300X ProMax II CompactFlash cards are fully backwards compatible and available in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB capacities. ATP are also introducing the ProMax USB2.0 UDMA card reader.

The new ATP 300X ProMax II compact flash memory cards features a 45MB/sec transfer speed rating. ATP’s new range supports UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) mode, optimizing write transfer speeds for high resolution continuous shooting. The ATP 300X ProMax II CompactFlash cards are fully backwards compatible and available in 2GB…

Ricoh R6Ricoh have released a firmware update, v1.43, for the Ricoh R6 camera. It includes the following change:

Modified that a zoom position value displayed in the LCD when you turn a camera after you have registered Macro and Step zoom in a My Setting.

Website: Ricoh R6 v1.43 Firmware Update

Ricoh have released a firmware update, v1.43, for the Ricoh R6 camera. It includes the following change: Modified that a zoom position value displayed in the LCD when you turn a camera after you have registered Macro and Step zoom in a My Setting. Website: Ricoh R6 v1.43 Firmware Update

Plustek OpticFilm 7300The Plustek OpticFilm 7300 is a high-resolution film scanner capable of scanning 35mm slides and negatives. The Plustek 7300 model offers a high optical 7200dpi resolution and features Plustek’s new multi-exposure function for negative film. The Plustek OpticFilm 7300 is priced at £145 excluding VAT, available from Jessops in the UK.

The Plustek OpticFilm 7300 is a high-resolution film scanner capable of scanning 35mm slides and negatives. The Plustek 7300 model offers a high optical 7200dpi resolution and features Plustek’s new multi-exposure function for negative film. The Plustek OpticFilm 7300 is priced at £145 excluding VAT, available from Jessops in the UK.

Rick MaimanSports photographer Rick Maiman is providing a behind-the-scenes look at photographing the 2007 US Open Tennis Championships on the ‘Look Who’s Using Kingston’ website. “As a photographer, you need to keep in mind that you can’t produce Pulitzer Prize-winning pictures everyday,” said Maiman. “You have to value your work and care about it more passionately than anyone else.” Images captured by Maiman at this year’s US Open Championship, held August 27-September 9, will be uploaded to Kingston’s microsite.

Sports photographer Rick Maiman is providing a behind-the-scenes look at photographing the 2007 US Open Tennis Championships on the ‘Look Who’s Using Kingston’ website. “As a photographer, you need to keep in mind that you can’t produce Pulitzer Prize-winning pictures everyday,” said Maiman. “You have to value your work and…

Tamron 18-250mm LensThe Tamron AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical IF Macro lens has won the European Consumer Lens of the Year EISA Award. “This is a do-it-all lens many DSLR users will never need to take off their cameras. The extreme (almost 14X) zoom ratio delivers the ultimate freedom for composition and framing.” commented the EISA Jury. Tamron’s 18-250mm lens offers a zoom ratio of 13.9X covering a 28mm wide-angle to 388mm ultra telephoto focal length.

The Tamron AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical IF Macro lens has won the European Consumer Lens of the Year EISA Award. “This is a do-it-all lens many DSLR users will never need to take off their cameras. The extreme (almost 14X) zoom ratio delivers the ultimate freedom for composition…

Inside Digital PhotoOn the latest Inside Digital Photo online radio show, Adobe present their vision for the future of digital imaging. Kevin Connor, Senior Director of Product Management for Adobe’s Professional Digital Imaging Group, explains Adobe’s vision and synergy behind both PhotoShop and Lightroom with some workflow tips from the perspective of how the applications were developed to work closely together. He shares some tips, including using the “targeted adjustment” tool in Lightroom. Kevin also discusses how keeping in touch with their customers and beta testers helps them develop the features they include in the latest versions. Hear how other markets, including medical imaging, influence future application features.

Website: Inside Digital Photo - Kevin Connor Interview

On the latest Inside Digital Photo online radio show, Adobe present their vision for the future of digital imaging. Kevin Connor, Senior Director of Product Management for Adobe’s Professional Digital Imaging Group, explains Adobe’s vision and synergy behind both PhotoShop and Lightroom with some workflow tips from the perspective of…

Epson Inkjet PapersEpson has redesigned its consumer photo paper range, offering a simple choice of three glossy paper types. The new line-up now includes Premium Glossy Photo Paper, Glossy Photo Paper and Photo Paper, easily identified by the Epson star rating. The papers are all available in three sizes, 10x15cm (4x6”), 13x18cm (5x7”) and A4.

Epson has redesigned its consumer photo paper range, offering a simple choice of three glossy paper types. The new line-up now includes Premium Glossy Photo Paper, Glossy Photo Paper and Photo Paper, easily identified by the Epson star rating. The papers are all available in three sizes, 10x15cm (4x6”), 13x18cm…

Fujifilm RealaFujifilm has announced a worldwide price increase for its color negative photo film products. Due to take place in October, the increase is being blamed on the rapid rise in costs of silver, oil and other raw materials. Prices are expected to increase globally by around 5% - Fujifilm USA are still considering the best pricing structure for the US market.

Fujifilm has announced a worldwide price increase for its color negative photo film products. Due to take place in October, the increase is being blamed on the rapid rise in costs of silver, oil and other raw materials. Prices are expected to increase globally by around 5% - Fujifilm USA…

Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACROTamron has postponed development of their 28-300mm lens for the Canon mount, blaming a “technical problem in a part of the VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism”. The Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC lens was expected to be available on August 29th in Japan. A new release date has yet to be announced by the company.

Tamron has postponed development of their 28-300mm lens for the Canon mount, blaming a “technical problem in a part of the VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism”. The Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC lens was expected to be available on August 29th in Japan. A new release date has yet to…

Nikon AF-S DX VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6CameraLabs have reviewed the Nikon 55-200mm VR lens, a compact telephoto zoom lens featuring Vibration Reduction at a budget price point.

“The Nikkor DX 55-200mm VR is one of the best value lenses around right now for Nikon DSLRs. It’s compact, light and perfectly complements the DX 18-55mm kit lens, extending the effective range to 300mm for useful telephoto coverage. The addition of Vibration Reduction effectively reduces camera shake and in order to support AF on its entry-level DSLRs, Nikon’s had to equip the lens with a quick and quiet SWM focusing motor which gives the DX 55-200mm VR a degree of classiness that’s absent on rival budget telephoto zooms.”

Website: CameraLabs - Nikon 55-200mm VR Lens Review

CameraLabs have reviewed the Nikon 55-200mm VR lens, a compact telephoto zoom lens featuring Vibration Reduction at a budget price point. “The Nikkor DX 55-200mm VR is one of the best value lenses around right now for Nikon DSLRs. It’s compact, light and perfectly complements the DX 18-55mm kit lens…

Zuiko Digital 90-250mm f/2.8e-Fotografija have just reviewed the Zuiko Digital 90-250mm f/2.8 Four Thirds lens, which is equivalent to 180-50mm in 35mm terms.

“The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 90-250 mm/2.8 performed well even at maximum apertures. All it needs is a good camera, and it’ll be one of the best lenses. This is even more true due to the sheer size and weight of classic 35 mm format lenses. The only thing that’s wrong about it is the price. It’s very much in line with its performance, but it’s still enormous. Because of its optical quality and usefulness, it’s going to be the subject of much admiration and desire.”

Website: e-Fotografija - Zuiko Digital 90-250mm f/2.8 Lens Review

e-Fotografija have just reviewed the Zuiko Digital 90-250mm f/2.8 Four Thirds lens, which is equivalent to 180-50mm in 35mm terms. “The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 90-250 mm/2.8 performed well even at maximum apertures. All it needs is a good camera, and it’ll be one of the best lenses. This is…

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Nikon D3The Nikon D3 is a full-frame, 12.1 megapixel DSLR camera that offers 9fps continuous shooting and a 51 point autofocus system. Other standout features of the Nikon D3 include a 3 inch VGA LCD screen with Live View, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, and new EXPEED image processing system with 4-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. “The incredible speed, resolution and flexibility of the D3 will enable photographers to capture images under conditions previously thought impossible.” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. Available in November, the guide price for the Nikon D3 body only is £3399.99 / €5180 / $4,999.95. There are some product shots taken at this morning’s UK press launch after the jump.

The Nikon D3 is a full-frame, 12.1 megapixel DSLR camera that offers 9fps continuous shooting and a 51 point autofocus system. Other standout features of the Nikon D3 include a 3 inch VGA LCD screen with Live View, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, and new EXPEED image processing system with…

Nikon D300The Nikon D300 is a 12.3 megapixel DSLR camera that offers 6fps continuous shooting and a 51 point autofocus system. Other standout features of the Nikon D300 include a 3 inch VGA LCD screen with Live View, self-cleaning sensor unit, expandable ISO settings from 200-3200, and new EXPEED image processing system with 4-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. “The D300 is a true ‘go-anywhere’ camera, delivering fast response, high performance and ease of use that will appeal to anyone serious about their photography.” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. Available in November, the Nikon D300 body only has a guide price of £1299.99 / €1980 / $1,799.95. There are some product shots taken at this morning’s UK press launch after the jump.

The Nikon D300 is a 12.3 megapixel DSLR camera that offers 6fps continuous shooting and a 51 point autofocus system. Other standout features of the Nikon D300 include a 3 inch VGA LCD screen with Live View, self-cleaning sensor unit, expandable ISO settings from 200-3200, and new EXPEED image processing…

Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 and Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 are two new professional zoom lenses designed for the new FX (full-frame) format D3 DSLR camera. Both lenses share Nikon’s unique Nano Crystal coat technology to minimize ghost and flare “These new zoom NIKKORS offer photographers immense creative potential when combined with the new FX-format D3, but are equally useful for those using Nikon’s DX-format cameras too”, said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products Europe. Available in November, the price of the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 and Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses has yet to be announced. The estimated US selling price for the AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens will be $1,799.95, and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED will be $1,699.95.

The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 and Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 are two new professional zoom lenses designed for the new FX (full-frame) format D3 DSLR camera. Both lenses share Nikon’s unique Nano Crystal coat technology to minimize ghost and flare “These new zoom NIKKORS offer photographers immense creative potential when…

Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 VRNikon have unveiled three super-telephoto lenses featuring the VR II Vibration Reduction system - the Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 VR and Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 VR. “Lenses like these bring the photographer right to the heart of the action, even from hundreds of metres away,” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “Judging from feedback we have had already, this news will be very welcomed by photographers”. Available in November, the price of the Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 VR and Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 VR lenses has yet to be announced. Estimated selling prices for the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm and 600mm f/4G ED VR lenses are $8,799.95, $7,899.95 and $9,499.95 respectively

Nikon have unveiled three super-telephoto lenses featuring the VR II Vibration Reduction system - the Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 VR and Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 VR. “Lenses like these bring the photographer right to the heart of the action, even from hundreds of metres away,”…

Pentax Z10The Pentax Z10 and Pentax S10 digital cameras offer a 7x zoom lens and 10 megapixels respectively. The 8 megapixel Pentax Z10 has a 7x optical zoom, Face Recognition for improved portraits and ISO 3200 mode. The tiny Pentax S10 is a 10 megapixel camera with digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition and DivX video format. Priced at US $249.95 each, the Pentax Z10 and Pentax S10 will ship in September.

The Pentax Z10 and Pentax S10 digital cameras offer a 7x zoom lens and 10 megapixels respectively. The 8 megapixel Pentax Z10 has a 7x optical zoom, Face Recognition for improved portraits and ISO 3200 mode. The tiny Pentax S10 is a 10 megapixel camera with digital Shake Reduction, Face…

Olympus SP-560 UZThe Olympus SP-560 UZ is the successor to the SP-550 UZ, featuring an 18x wide optical zoom equivalent to 27-486mm. Face Detection has been added to the SP-560 UZ, along with a new 8 megapixel sensor. The Olympus SP-560 UZ will be available from October 2007 at around £350.

The Olympus SP-560 UZ is the successor to the SP-550 UZ, featuring an 18x wide optical zoom equivalent to 27-486mm. Face Detection has been added to the SP-560 UZ, along with a new 8 megapixel sensor. The Olympus SP-560 UZ will be available from October 2007 at around £350.