PMA 2007: Sony introduces three new dye sublimation photo printers. The top-of-the-range Sony DPP-FP90 has an extra-large (3.6-inch) screen with adjustable tilt position, whilst the Sony DPP-FP70 offers a fixed 2.5-inch TFT LCD. Both the FP90 and FP70 are powered by the Sony BIONZ processor, previously used in the Alpha DSLR camera. Face Detection technology automatically detects human faces in a scene, and contrast and colour values are adjusted accordingly. The affordable Sony DPP-FP60 features a 2-inch LCD screen and optional bluetooth kit. The DPP-FP90, DPP-FP70, DPP-FP60 and DPP-FP60BT will be available throughout Europe from May 2007.

PMA 2007: The Sony GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit kit with Picture Motion Browser software provides image positioning and online mapping capabilities with a wide range of cameras. Picture Motion Browser software is compatible with all digital cameras conforming to the Exif 2.1 file specification. This means in practice that the GPS-CS1KA can now be used successfully with all digital cameras produced within the last few years, including most non-Sony models. The Sony GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit kit will be available throughout Europe from February 2007.

PMA 2007: The Sony FA-ST1AM Sync Terminal Adaptor for the Sony A100 DSLR links this camera with external studio flashes for more versatile lighting effects. The FA-ST1AM Sync Terminal Adaptor will also offer full compatibility with future Alpha DSLR camera models. The new Sony A100 Sync Terminal Adaptor will be available throughout Europe from July 2007.

The ARCHOS 404 Camcorder is the first portable media player to feature a built-in camcorder. it features a a 30GB hard drive for capturing up to 80 hours of VGA-quality video or 300,000 photos, 1.3 megapixel camera and 3.5-inch LCD screen. The ARCHOS 404 Camcorder is priced at $299.99 and is available now at http://www.archos.com

PMA 2007: The Sony H9 and Sony H7 are two new additions to Sony’s range of ultra-zoom compact digital cameras. Both the H9 and H7 offer 8 megapixels, 15x optical stabilized zoom lenses, ISO 3200, face-detection and HDTV output. The Sony H9 also offers a 3-inch, flip-up LCD screen (the Sony H7 just has a fixed 2.5-inch LCD), plus NightShot technology for shooting in near-darkness. The Sony H9 and Sony H7 cameras will ship in April for about $480 and $400, respectively.

PMA 2007: The Sony W200, Sony W90 and Sony W80 are three new digital camera that all offer direct connection to a high definition TV. The Sony W200 is the stand-out model, being the first 12 megapixel camera on the market. The Sony W90 has an 8 megapixel sensor and the W80 7.2 megapixels. All three new Sony cameras have 3x optical zoom lenses, metal bodies, 2.5-inch LCD screens and an eye-level viewfinder. The silver Sony W200 will ship in May for about $400. The Sony W90 camera will be available in March for about $300 in black and silver. The Sony W80 model will ship in March for about $250 in pink, white, black and silver.

PMA 2007: The Sony T100 and Sony T20 digital cameras are new additions to Sony’s range of slim and stylish digital cameras. The Sony T100 has a 5x optical zoom lens and 3-inch LCD screen, with red, black and silver colours available. The Sony T20 camera features a 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and is in pink, white, black and silver. Both cameras have an 8 megapixel sensor and are powered by the Bionz processing engine (first used in the Sony Alpha DSLR). The T100 camera will ship in March for about $400, and the T20 will be available in April for about $330.

Image Rescue 3 new version of Lexar’s award-winning image recovery software. New features include a redesigned interface and a live online customer support chat link. Image Rescue 3 is available for download free of charge with purchase of all Lexar Professional and Platinum II cards. It will also be available at photo stores and for easy download at http://lexar.com/software/image_rescue.html for $29.95.

PMA 2007: The X-Rite i1Display family of products is the result of a merger with world-class color technology developer GretagMacbeth. The new X-Rite i1DisplayLT delivers an accurately profiled monitor with unrivaled controls, including grey balance optimization and an ambient light check. The X-Rite i1Display2 adds a Workgroup Match function and unlimited gamma white point and luminance settings.

PMA 2007: The new colorimeter-driven X-Rite i1®DisplayLT calibrates your monitor, whilst the spectro-powered X-Rite i1PhotoLT ensures that prints match your screen. Both new products will be on show at PMA 2007 and are the result of a merger with fellow color technology developer GretagMacbeth.

PMA 2007: The X-Rite i1Photo delivers a complete color-precise digital RGB workflow. It can calibrate all types of monitors and profile scanners, digital cameras and digital projectors as well as capture natural light conditions with a new ambient light head. The X-Rite-i1 product line is the result of a merger with fellow color technology developer GretagMacbeth.

Want to know if your digital camera will play nicely with Windows Vista? The head over to DCViews, who have provided a handy overview of the camera manufacturers’ statements about Vista compatibility.

Website: DCViews - Digital camera compatibility with Windows Vista overview

PCMagazine have published their review of the new Nikon D40 entry level DSLR camera.

“In the realm of digital photography, it often seems that the most advanced and expensive gadgets are the first to include the most innovative and unique technologies. Surprisingly, in the last few years I’ve seen ease-of-use features usually found in lower-end point-and-shoot cameras popping up in higher-end models. This is particularly evident in Nikon’s low-end Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera, the Nikon D40, which offers the power of a professional shooter with an assortment of consumer-friendly features.”

Website: PCMagazine - Nikon D40 Review

Website: Read our Nikon D40 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the new Fujifilm S9600 (called the FinePix S9100 in the USA), which is a 9 megapixel camera with a 10x zoom lens.

“The Fujifilm FinePix S9100 is a well-designed long zoom digital camera with excellent handling and fast operations. It has excellent proportions and successfully captures the DSLR-like handling. A couple of often-used features are still menu-bound and would gain much in practical usability if they were more directly accessible. All in all, a very well designed and thought-out digital camera which feels and handles as you would expect a professional digital camera to.”

Website: Photoxels - Fujifilm FinePix S9100 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DPReview have reviewed the new 8 megapixel Kodak Easyshare C875 digital camera.

“If you’re on a budget and looking for a camera that allows you to experiment with the more creative side of photography as you learn more about shutter speeds, apertures and so on, then the C875 is well worth considering.”

Website: DPReview - Kodak Easyshare C875 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CNET are first out of the blocks with a review of the new weatherproof Olympus Stylus 760. This is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x zoom (37-111mm), Dual Image Stabilization and a slim-line metal body.

“The Stylus 760’s performance was decent, but not remarkable. After a startup time of 2.1 seconds, the camera could take a shot every two seconds thereafter. With the onboard flash enabled, that time increased to three seconds per shot. Shutter lag was a brisk 0.5 second in bright light, though shooting targets in dim light more than tripled the lag to 1.7 seconds.”

Website: CNET - Olympus Stylus 760 Review

Nikon were one of the few major camera manufacturer’s exhibiting at Focus (Canon, Samsung, Pentax, Casio, Kodak, Olympus, Sony and Panasonic were all notable by their absence). Consequently it was difficult to actually get to the Nikon stand, as people crowded round watching and waiting for the free seminar series. Nikon announced their new Coolpix range nearly a week ago and only had a few prototype samples on show, including the P5000 performance model, which looked nice and was a lot smaller than I’d expected.

Fujifilm were the other big camera name at Focus. They were showing the S5700 / S700 camera that was announced last week (although not the A900 or A820). It was next to the older S5600 model and was noticeably smaller and lighter, yet still retaining a 10x zoom lens and with a much larger LCD screen. The other highlights were the F40d and Z5 (first announced at CES in early January). Fujifilm were also keen to point out that a growing number of models had the new dual xD / SD memory card slot, citing demand from repeat buyers with a vested interest in SD cards as the principal reason. Finally, the new S5 Pro DSLR has already crept onto the store shelves, with retailer Jacobs offering it for a show special of £999 body only.

HP and Epson were both at Focus 2007, although neither had any brand new products on show. HP were heavily pushing their large-format Z series printer range (which we’ve enthusiastically reviewed), whilst Epson were concentrating on the Stylus 1400 and 3800 models.

There were a couple of notable monitor manufacturers at Focus on Imaging 2007. First up were NEC, displaying their brand new 26 inch NEC 2690WXi wide-angle display aimed at the general consumer (although at £868, still not cheap), plus their much more expensive professional range of SpectraView models. It was also the first time at the show for EIZO and their extensive range of ColorEdge monitors. I’ll be getting hold of some to review in the coming months.