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Sunday, April 1, 2007

Competition WinnerThe winners of the March 2007 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected by a panel of judges. The theme for March was “Lines” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:

1st Place
Diagonal by peterka

Prize: CanvasRus 40 x 30” Canvas Print
Kindly donated by CanvasRus
http://www.canvasrus.co.uk

The winners of the March 2007 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected by a panel of judges. The theme for March was “Lines” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners: 1st PlaceDiagonal by peterka Prize: CanvasRus 40 x 30” Canvas Print Kindly…

Gary's ParriesThis week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:

1. Mock-Ups Prevail At Camera Trade Shows
2. Shopping For High-Zoom Low-Noise Point-N-Shoot
3. Why Aren’t Video Resolutions As High As Stills?

Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, inventor, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected] , and then, En Garde!

You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.

This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are: 1. Mock-Ups Prevail At Camera Trade Shows 2. Shopping For High-Zoom Low-Noise Point-N-Shoot 3. Why Aren’t Video Resolutions As High As Stills? Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question…

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Saturday ShoutTwo weeks ago Saturday Shout wondered if the Sigma DP1 could be the ultimate compact camera for keen photographers. Just 10 days later, there’s a new contender in the shape of the Ricoh GX100. Ricoh are like Sigma - a relatively small company in a massive pond filled with much bigger fish - so they have to do things a little differently to make an impression. The new Ricoh GX100 certainly fits that bill. It offers a wide-angle, 24-72mm zoom lens, with an optional wide conversion lens that will provide 19mm if required. And unlike most recent digital cameras from the larger manufacturers with entry-level DSLRs, the GX100 provides both RAW and RAW + JPEG shooting modes. This new camera comes in two different versions, the more expensive offering a removable electronic view?nder, which provides an extra way of framing your images. Throw in a 10 megapixel sensor and a hot shoe which accepts an electronic view?nder, an external ?ash, or the external view?nder, and the Ricoh GX100 starts to look very interesting. There is one fundamental difference between this camera and the Sigma DP1, however, and that’s the size of the sensor, with the DP1 having a much larger APS-C sized sensor which will almost certainly provide better overall image quality. The GX100 does offer a more versatile focal range than the DP1, though, so photographers looking for a DSLR backup suddenly have two very interesting cameras to consider. Can the Ricoh GX100 be a contender? Shout out now...

Two weeks ago Saturday Shout wondered if the Sigma DP1 could be the ultimate compact camera for keen photographers. Just 10 days later, there’s a new contender in the shape of the Ricoh GX100. Ricoh are like Sigma - a relatively small company in a massive pond filled with much…

Friday, March 30, 2007

Panasonic DMC-TZ3The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 is a 10x ultra-zoom, 28-280mm compact digital camera that can fit inside a pocket. Other standout features of the TZ3 include a large 3 inch LCD screen, 7.2 megapixel sensor, new Intelligent ISO shooting mode to help prevent motion blur and Extra Optical Zoom to extend the zoom up to 15x. Find out now if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 is worth considering by reading the world’s first online review.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 is a 10x ultra-zoom, 28-280mm compact digital camera that can fit inside a pocket. Other standout features of the TZ3 include a large 3 inch LCD screen, 7.2 megapixel sensor, new Intelligent ISO shooting mode to help prevent motion blur and Extra Optical Zoom to extend…

The new Iomega Power Pro Desktop Hard Drive is a 2TB drive powered by four hot-swappable SATA hard drives. FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 connections are available, with transfer rates up to 70MB/sec. The Iomega Power Pro Desktop Hard Drive is expected to be available worldwide on April 10 for $1,699.95.

The new Iomega Power Pro Desktop Hard Drive is a 2TB drive powered by four hot-swappable SATA hard drives. FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 connections are available, with transfer rates up to 70MB/sec. The Iomega Power Pro Desktop Hard Drive is expected to be available worldwide on April 10 for $1,699.95.

Ricoh GR DigitalRicoh have released a new firmware version, 2.30, for the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras. The update includes the following changes:

- [SEPIA] for [IMG SET]
You can choose [SEPIA] for [IMG SET] in the Shooting Setting menu.
- [CONTRAST] and [SHARPNESS] in [B&W] and [SEPIA]
You can change the value in [CONTRAST] and [SHARPNESS] individually in [B&W] and [SEPIA].
- [CL-BKT] for [AUTO BRACKET]
You can choose [CL-BKT] in [AUTO BRACKET] in the Shooting Setting menu. This allows you to take pictures in ‘black and white’, ‘color’, and ‘sepia’ at once.
- Modified the phenomenon that a movie file from the GR DIGITAL will not sound properly in the Windows Vista.

Website: Ricoh GR Digital v2.30 Firmware Update (Windows)

Website: Ricoh GR Digital v2.30 Firmware Update (MAC)

Ricoh have released a new firmware version, 2.30, for the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras. The update includes the following changes: - [SEPIA] for [IMG SET] You can choose [SEPIA] for [IMG SET] in the Shooting Setting…

Sigma SD10 Digital SLRSigma have announced the imminent release of new software for the Sigma SD10 and SD9 digital SLR cameras (which already ships with the new SD14 model).

“The download of SIGMA Photo Pro v3.0 RAW image processing software for Windows and Sigma Photo Pro 2.2 for Macintosh is planned for SD9 and SD10 users on April 2nd. This latest version of Sigma Photo Pro software has an improved image-processing algorithm and it is already packaged with the SD14 Digital SLR camera.”

Sigma have announced the imminent release of new software for the Sigma SD10 and SD9 digital SLR cameras (which already ships with the new SD14 model). “The download of SIGMA Photo Pro v3.0 RAW image processing software for Windows and Sigma Photo Pro 2.2 for Macintosh is planned for SD…

Canon iPF5000Luminous Landscape have published a user report on the Canon iPF5000 large format printer.

“This report will document my experiences setting up and using the printer over the last 4 months.  All of the significant problems that have been uncovered and documented on the Unofficial Canon iPF5000 Printer Wiki will also be included.  I believe that this will give the reader a better feel for what it is like to own and use the iPF5000 and avoid any unpleasant surprises after making a purchase.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon iPF5000 User Report

Website: Read our Canon iPF5000 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Luminous Landscape have published a user report on the Canon iPF5000 large format printer. “This report will document my experiences setting up and using the printer over the last 4 months. All of the significant problems that have been uncovered and documented on the Unofficial Canon iPF5000 Printer Wiki will…

Kodak V803DCResource have reviewed the Kodak EasyShare V803 camera which offers 8 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lense and up to ISO 1600.

“The Kodak EasyShare V803 is a camera that’s average in almost all respects. About the only thing that distinguishes it from the rest of the compact camera crowd is its stylish and choice of eight different colors. While the V803 is fairly capable and quite a value for the money, ultimately there are better options out there.”

Website: DCResource - Kodak EasyShare V803 Review

Website: Read our Kodak EasyShare V803 Review

DCResource have reviewed the Kodak EasyShare V803 camera which offers 8 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lense and up to ISO 1600. “The Kodak EasyShare V803 is a camera that’s average in almost all respects. About the only thing that distinguishes it from the rest of…

Thursday, March 29, 2007

HPHP have launched a new website dedicated to street photography at http://www.hypegallery.com/streetphotography, where photographers can upload and display their street photos for free. In addition, HP are also announcing a competition in which the best 30 photos, as judged by Magnum president Stuart Franklin, will be displayed at the prestigious Recontres D’Arles photo festival in early July. “Street Photography is a hugely significant part of documentary photography,” said Franklin. “I am delighted that HP is supporting this endeavour through the Street Photography gallery and competition.” The competition closes on June 10th.

HP have launched a new website dedicated to street photography at http://www.hypegallery.com/streetphotography, where photographers can upload and display their street photos for free. In addition, HP are also announcing a competition in which the best 30 photos, as judged by Magnum president Stuart Franklin, will be displayed at the prestigious…

O'ReillyThe annual Photoshop World Conference & Expo takes place in Boston, US, from April 3rd to 6th, and some of O’Reilly Media’s bestselling photography authors will be hosting a series of talks. O’Reilly are also offering a 35 percent conference discount on every title in their range of books. Photoshop World attendees should head to Booth #203.

The annual Photoshop World Conference & Expo takes place in Boston, US, from April 3rd to 6th, and some of O’Reilly Media’s bestselling photography authors will be hosting a series of talks. O’Reilly are also offering a 35 percent conference discount on every title in their range of books. Photoshop…

CanonA new version of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY offers a range of new features and personalised content for Canon owners who want to to store, share and print photos online. Members can now upload up to 100MB worth of photos and movies, and you can buy prints and photo gifts via third-party Print Centres. “With plenty of personal storage space and great new features to discover, there has never been a better time to become a member.” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe.

A new version of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY offers a range of new features and personalised content for Canon owners who want to to store, share and print photos online. Members can now upload up to 100MB worth of photos and movies, and you can buy prints and photo gifts via…

BenVistaPhotoZoom Pro 2.2, the digital image resizing software, has been updated with a better S-Spline XL resizing technique, speed improvements and new preference settings. PhotoZoom Pro 2 is available as a standalone application and an export plugin for Adobe Photoshop. PhotoZoom Pro 2.2 is free update for registered PhotoZoom Pro 2 users.

PhotoZoom Pro 2.2, the digital image resizing software, has been updated with a better S-Spline XL resizing technique, speed improvements and new preference settings. PhotoZoom Pro 2 is available as a standalone application and an export plugin for Adobe Photoshop. PhotoZoom Pro 2.2 is free update for registered PhotoZoom Pro 2 users.

Sony W35CNET have reviewed the Sony W55 camera, which offers 7.2 megapixels, Real Imaging Processor, ISO 1000 and a 3x optical zoom lens.

“Overall, we found the DSC-W55’s photos clear and pleasing. Despite the slight softening of some finer details, photos looked crisp. Colors generally reproduced well, though users should remember to switch to the tungsten white-balance setting when shooting indoors—the W55’s automatic white balance fared poorly in our difficult tungsten-lit test shots, rendering harsh and yellow.”

Website: CNET - Sony W55 Review

CNET have reviewed the Sony W55 camera, which offers 7.2 megapixels, Real Imaging Processor, ISO 1000 and a 3x optical zoom lens. “Overall, we found the DSC-W55’s photos clear and pleasing. Despite the slight softening of some finer details, photos looked crisp. Colors generally reproduced well, though users should remember…

Pentax T30ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Pentax T30 compact digital camera, which features 7.1 megapixels, a 3 inch touch-screen LCD display, Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure, plus a high ISO Digital Shake Reduction mode.

“The build quality is very good with a matt metal body and chrome trim. The zoom rocker is solid, and the two buttons on the back, next to the large and very pleasing 3in LCD, are easy to press and activate. The zoom, when activated, emerges from the body and while slightly wobbly, is made of three concentric metal rings so feels reasonably solid as well. The Optio T30 is also quite thin and, since it lacks any really awkward protuding elements, can easily be slipped into pockets.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Pentax T30 Review

ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Pentax T30 compact digital camera, which features 7.1 megapixels, a 3 inch touch-screen LCD display, Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure, plus a high ISO Digital Shake Reduction mode. “The build quality is very good with a matt metal body and chrome trim. The…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2Megapixel.net have reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2 camera.

“Nevertheless, while offering an increase in image resolution over last year’s model, it avoids taking away features its predecessor had, and does not introduce an increase in noise. So, put simply, the N2 can be thought of as more bang for less buck, since its price is considerably lower than the N1 commanded at its introduction and it offers a higher resolution while retaining the same high image quality.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Megapixel.net have reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2 camera. “Nevertheless, while offering an increase in image resolution over last year’s model, it avoids taking away features its predecessor had, and does not introduce an increase in noise. So, put simply, the N2 can be thought of as more bang…

Panasonic DMC-TZ3PopPhoto have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 camera, which fits a 10x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixels and 3 inch LCD screen into a compact, stylish body.

“Our single biggest criticism of the TZ1 was its mediocre noise performance. That was then, using the Venus II image processing engine. The TZ3 is now, with the lastest Venus III engine. Noise is handled much better in the TZ3. It doesn’t score the lowest numbers we’ve ever seen, but scores much better than its predecessor. It only creeps into “Unacceptable” territory at ISO 1250.”

Website: PopPhoto - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

Website: Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

PopPhoto have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 camera, which fits a 10x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixels and 3 inch LCD screen into a compact, stylish body. “Our single biggest criticism of the TZ1 was its mediocre noise performance. That was then, using the Venus II image processing engine. The TZ…

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Ricoh GX100The Ricoh GX100 digital camera features a 10.01 megapixel CCD, fast 24-72mm wide zoom lens and a removable electronic view?nder. The new GX100 is the successor to the popular Caplio GX8. The Ricoh GX100‘s hot shoe accepts an electronic view?nder, an external ?ash, or an external view?nder, and the optional hood and adaptor allow use of the 19 mm wide conversion lens or other 43 mm diameter accessories. There’s also a RAW and RAW + JPEG shooting mode. The Ricoh GX100 with electronic view?nder will be available at the end of April 2007 at £399.99 inc vat.

The Ricoh GX100 digital camera features a 10.01 megapixel CCD, fast 24-72mm wide zoom lens and a removable electronic view?nder. The new GX100 is the successor to the popular Caplio GX8. The Ricoh GX100‘s hot shoe accepts an electronic view?nder, an external ?ash, or an external view?nder, and the optional…

Kingston microSD Dual Adapter PackKingston Technology have launched a 2Gb version of its special microSD card, with dual adapter bundle, which provides maximum compatibility of microSD Flash memory cards across multiple devices. “With microSD cards becoming an emerging standard in many multifunction handsets, Kingston decided to enhance the popular and very practical microSD dual adapter pack with the addition of a 2GB card,” said Jean Wong, Flash memory product manager, Kingston. Consisting of a 2GB microSD card, a microSD to miniSD card adapter and a microSD to full size SD card adapter, the new microSD Dual Adapter Pack is priced at $58.00 US and £27.30 (plus VAT) in the UK.

Kingston Technology have launched a 2Gb version of its special microSD card, with dual adapter bundle, which provides maximum compatibility of microSD Flash memory cards across multiple devices. “With microSD cards becoming an emerging standard in many multifunction handsets, Kingston decided to enhance the popular and very practical microSD dual…

Think Tank Photo Airport UltralightThe new Think Tank Photo Airport Ultralight photo backpack is specifically designed to fit within hard cases. The new bag holds one to two pro-size SLRs, multiple lenses, and accessories. Keeping the total weight of your bag down to the minimum is critical on many airlines,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo founder and lead designer. “This ultra-light backpack cuts down your base weight from 2 to 5 lbs before you even pack it with gear.” The Think Tank Photo Airport Ultralight costs $169.00 and is available now.

The new Think Tank Photo Airport Ultralight photo backpack is specifically designed to fit within hard cases. The new bag holds one to two pro-size SLRs, multiple lenses, and accessories. Keeping the total weight of your bag down to the minimum is critical on many airlines,” said Doug Murdoch, Think…