DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Olympus SP-550 UZ. This is the first digital camera to offer an 18x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28-504mm.

“Olympus throws in a lot of gimmicks that make this ultra-zoom model look even better: a 15 fps burst mode, ISO settings up to 5000, and a pre-capture mode that snaps pictures before you push the shutter release button. However, all of these features are so flawed that they are hardly worth using.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Olympus SP-550 UZ Review

Website: Read our Olympus SP-550 UZ Review

DCResource have reviewed the Canon A570 IS compact digital camera, which offers a 7.1 megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom lens, Face Detection Technology and Red-Eye Correction, plus an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake and full manual control.

“I’ve long been a fan of Canon’s PowerShot series, and here’s why. They offer features (like manual controls and conversion lens support) normally found on cameras costing hundreds more. They are also use AA batteries, are quick performers, and take high quality photos. The PowerShot A570 IS continues this tradition, and adds a very handy feature: optical image stabilization. With a street price hovering around $225, there’s no arguing about the A570’s value—you get a lot of bang for the buck. All these things make it an easy camera to recommend.”

Website: DCResource - Canon A570 IS Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Canon Powershot SD1000 camera (called the Digital IXUS 70 in Europe), which is Canon’s slimmest optical zoom camera.

“Face Detection (FD) is quickly becoming a standard feature, and Canon has one of the most responsive and accurate FD technologies I’ve worked with to date. The SD1000 is equipped with Canon’s latest FD technology that not only recognizes multiple faces and helps ensure accurate focus and exposure of subjects. It also analyzes and adjusts flash output according to shooting conditions.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon Powershot SD1000 Review

Website: Read our Canon Powershot SD1000 Review

ePhotoZine have just reviewed the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 A3+ six-colour photo printer.

“Speedwise, the Epsons have never been fast and this is certainly the case here. The claimed speed is a 10x8in image on A4 paper, so not even using all of it, in 111 seconds, or nearly two minutes. Now, this is a fairly useless claim because the entire point of an A3 printer is to print in A3. Printing out 250dpi images at full A3 size took around 8mins 45secs each time which is fairly pedestrian.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Epson Stylus Photo 1400 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD750 digital camera (also known as the IXUS 75) which has a metallic finish, 3x zoom lens and 3 inch LCD screen.

“The overall image quality was very good for a 7-megapixel model. We used the highest quality setting available (Large SuperFine), and when doing so, the SD750 captured nice images. I did not see much CA (chromatic aberrations, aka purple fringing) on the edges and color saturation was good. Its 3x optical zoom lens offers a typical range of 35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent), and helped the camera produce sharp images throughout the zoom range. I did observe moderate barrel distortion and pincushioning at the wide angle and telephoto extremes, respectively.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PowerShot SD750 Review

The new Canon S5 IS ultra-zoom compact camera features a 12x optical zoom lens equivalent to 36-432mm, optical image stabilizer and 8 megapixel sensor. The Canon S5 replaces the S3 model, adding face detection technology, flash hot shoe compatible with some Canon EX Speedlite external flashes, and an increased sensitivity range of ISO 80-1600. The Canon S5 IS will be available from early June, priced at £409 / €601 RRP inc. VAT.

The new Canon IXUS 950 IS (also known as the SD850 IS) is an 8 megapixel digital camera with 4x zoom, image stabilized lens equivalent to 35-140mm. The Canon 950 IS / SD850 IS replaces the Digital IXUS 800 IS / SD700, adding faster processing, advanced Noise Reduction, Face Detection technology and Red-Eye Correction. The Canon 950 IS will be available at the end of May, priced at £329 / €484 RRP inc. VAT.

The Canon CP740 and Canon CP750 are two new additions to the SELPHY dye-sub printer lineup. Introducing Red-Eye Correction to the CP series, the CP730 has a 2.4 inch LCD screen and the CP720 a 2 inch screen. Prints from both models will last for up to 100 years. The new Canon CP730 and Canon CP720 printers will be available from May, priced at £79 / €116 RRP inc. VAT and £139 / €204 RRP inc. VAT respectively.

Photoxels have reviewed the new Olympus SP-550 UZ. This is the first digital camera to offer an 18x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28-504mm.

“The Olympus SP-550 UZ shakes up the ultra zoom category with an 18x optical zoom that starts at a beautiful 28mm wide-angle coverage to the longest telephoto available so far at 504mm. No longer playing catch up to its competitors, the SP-550 UZ now includes CCD-shift image stabilization to help eliminate camera shake when using long focal lengths.”

Website: Photoxels - Olympus SP-550 UZ Review

Website: Read our Olympus SP-550 UZ Review

DPReview 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 Casio EX-V7 is one of the those cameras that works better on paper than it does ‘in the flesh’. The combination of ultra-compact design, 7x zoom, mechanical stabilization and rich feature set is an alluring one, and one that makes the EX-V7 one of the most powerful ‘pocket cameras’ we’ve seen to date - a real case of ‘having your cake a eating it’. Like I said: on paper.”

Website: DPReview - Casio EX-V7 Review

Website: Read our Casio EX-V7 Review

DigiCamReview have reviewed the 7.1 megapixel Canon PowerShot A550, which has a 2 inch LCD screen, and 4x zoom lens.

“The sensor, electronics and optics used by Canon can produce good images. However, best results are achieved by tweaking the exposure compensation and white balance in manual mode. Exposure compensation is also available in the scene modes, but not in auto mode (which tends to produce overexposed images). Colours are rich and in a very wide range of situations the camera will take sharp, detailed pictures.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Canon PowerShot A550 Review

You can now test-drive a Beta version of ACDSee Pro 2.0, which is scheduled for release in the Autumn. ACDSee Pro 2.0 Beta is compatible with Windows Vista and is available free for download at http://www.acdseepro.com . “Our software development starts and ends with the needs of today’s photographers,” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president of ACD Systems. “It’s very important to us to invite feedback at this crucial stage, especially as an increasing number of photographers demand a high level of control in RAW processing.” Beta testers and users of the previous version will receive a 30 percent discount.

Kodak’s new range of All-In-One inkjet printers will be sold in the UK through PC World, Currys and Currys.digital outlets from June 2007. The Kodak 5300 and 5500 All-in-One Printers will cost £139 (RRP) and £209 (RRP) respectively. “Our commitment to changing the rules in the inkjet industry in favour of the consumer is reflected in our decision to partner with DSG international, a quality consumer electronics giant dedicated to bringing its customers the very best in consumer-oriented innovation, first,” said Julian Baust, chairman & managing director, Kodak Limited.

Digital Railroad have announced two partnerships with ADBASE Inc and HindSight Ltd, which will provide access to a wealth of creative buyers, and services that manage licensing fees, contacts, and invoicing, for their professional photography community. ADBASE is the leading mailing list service for creative professionals, and HindSight, Ltd. provides professional photographers with affordable image organization and management solutions. “We are constantly searching for services that will further empower our members and significantly contribute to their business.  These partnerships are equipping our community with tools that will significantly increase productivity, so they can spend less time minding the store and concentrate on making great images,” said Evan Nisselson, Digital Railroad CEO and Founder.“

The new PNY 2GB Micro SD card is fully compliant with all mobile phones, digital still cameras and camcorders. The PNY Micro SD card is sold with an SD adapter which can also be used in standard SD slots. “2GB storage capacity offers vast possibilities”, says Laure Lapègue, PNY Category Manager for Flash Cards, “storing up to 34 hours of MP3s, 12 hours of video MPEG 4s and 2000 digital pictures from a standard 2 Megapixel camera phone,  on just one mini card!”. The PNY 2GB Micro SD card is available now for £17.50 in the UK.

The Fantasea FD-40X waterproof camera housing is dedicated exclusively to the new Nikon D40 and D40X digital SLR cameras. The FD-40X’s interchangeable port system accommodates a wide variety of SLR lenses, and is rated to a depth of 200 feet (60m). The new case also provides protection against damage from rain, snow, dust, sand and dirt. Price of the Fantasea FD-40X is US $1099.

The Fantasea FL-11 and FL-10 are new underwater housings for the Nikon Coolpix L10 and L11 digital cameras. The Fantasea FL-10 and FL-11 housings are depth rated to 200 feet/60 meters. The suggested retail price of the FL-10 and FL-11 is US $200.00.

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, v1.12, for the Ricoh GX100 digital camera.

Modified the following phenomena.
• If you register the Aperture priority mode (A mode) in the [My setting 2], a shutter speed will be fixed.
• With your setting the [SEQUENTIAL NO.] is ON, after a file number reached to “9999”, the “File Number Over” message will appear and you will not able to take a picture any more.

Website: Ricoh GX100 1.12 Firmware Update

Luminous Landscape have published the final part of a 3-part guide to assessing your technical and aesthetic level as a photographer.

“There are lots of wonderful tunes, yet there is something about ‘Amazing Grace’, especially on the bagpipes, which just grabs many people. I remember when it first started playing on the radio in the early 70’s and was surprised at my reaction to it, and even more so when I found that others had a similar reaction. We’re talking about photographs like that tune. That so many wonderful pieces of music don’t grab you that way suggests an element of magic for which there are unlikely to be any rules, tricks or tips to make equivalent photographs,they just are…”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Taking Your Photography To The Next Level

Reuters are reporting that Yahoo is shutting down Yahoo Photos and directing customers to Flickr, which Yahoo bought in 2005. Yahoo Photos only has around 5.8% of the US market, which is let by PhotoBucket with around 40%. Yahoo Photos has around 30 million users, who had uploaded 2 billion photos as of June 2006. “We are making great strides in our ongoing efforts to align Yahoo!‘s resources and focus on core strategic priorities. Part of this progress is today’s decision to close Yahoo! Photos to better serve our valued customers through Flickr.” commented Jeff Weiner, executive vice president of Yahoo’s Network Division.

Website: Reuters