Canon USA Pres Release

Grand Prize Winner Awarded a Trip for Four to Super Bowl XLI and Winning Photo to Be Displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 6, 2006 - Canon and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are once again giving football and photography fans the opportunity to capture the fun, passion and excitement of youth football by entering their best football photos, everything from a playful catch in the backyard to any youth, school, or organized football games in the “Why Do You Love Football” Photo Challenge. The nation-wide amateur photo contest features two entry categories “Action” and “Feature.”  The “Action” category focuses on any image that captures football action during game play, while the “Feature” category comprises any football imagery outside of game action on the field.

onOne Software Press Release

Affordable add-ons for PhotoFrame Pro 3 and PhotoFrame Elements enhance creativity and professional style

Portland, OR, - September 7, 2006 - onOne Software, Inc., announces today at the Photoshop World tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV, the addition of four new professionally designed digital frame collections that add to the already extensive library of easy-to-use border and edge effects available for users of onOne Software’s PhotoFrame Pro 3 and PhotoFrame 3 designed specifically for Photoshop® Elements. Available today is the new Jim DiVitale Digital Frame Collection and the new Vincent Versace Digital Frame Collection. The new Helene Glassman and Jack Davis Digital Frame Collections will be available in late September 2006. These four new Signature Collections for PhotoFrame Pro 3 and PhotoFrame Elements join the recently introduced Rick Sammon Digital Frame Collection and the popular Instant Film Digital Frame Collection.

onOne Software Press Release

Announced update adds new features and tutorials on how to best use each masking tool

Portland, OR, - September 7, 2006 - onOne Software, Inc., announces and demonstrates today at the Photoshop World tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV, Mask Pro 4 – the long-awaited update to the company’s popular digital image masking plug-in Mask Pro 3. Mask Pro 4 provides a complete collection of Photoshop® plug-in tools that allow users unprecedented flexibility when tackling the most challenging masking job. And this new version focuses on teaching the user how to best use each comprehensive toolset for masking a wide range of images. And as in the previous version, onOne Software’s Mask Pro 4 uses the concept of “keep colors” and “drop colors” chosen by the user and then based on those user selections, the Mask Pro algorithm will remove only those selected colors from an image. One of the strengths of Mask Pro is that when a “drop color” is found in another pixel, Mask Pro will remove only that color value from the pixel, leaving that pixel (or pixels) semi-transparent. This allows Mask Pro to minimize the edge halo effect often seen when masking a transparent object or edge.

InfoTrends Press Release

New InfoTrends Forecast Reveals Continued Growth in Digital Photo Printing for Western Europe through 2009

(Weymouth, MA) September, 07 2006… According to new forecast data released by InfoTrends, the total volume of digital photo prints produced in 2005 by Western European consumers was 9.4 billion. The digital photo prints market is expected to grow to 11.9 billion in 2006. This significant growth can be primarily attributed to the increase in the installed base of digital cameras. Although the total volume of digital photo prints is growing for the next couple of years, InfoTrends estimates that the market will peak in 2009 at 14.6 billion prints. The market will still remain stable or decline slightly, but it is unlikely that total print volume will grow significantly beyond 2010.

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera.

“After a few days of use I’m happy to say that my initial impression of borrowed design has melted away. The Sony Alpha A100 is Sony’s first SLR, backed up by years of Minolta experience and Sony’s reputation for design excellence. By naming it the Alpha—the name used for Minolta Maxxum cameras in Japan for years—Sony has signaled that they’re not at all concerned about their new camera’s association with the Konica Minolta line. Nor should they be.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony A100 Review

Website: Read our Sony A100 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix L4, a 4 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD.

“Compared to some competing entry-level models that take AA batteries the new Nikon Coolpix L4 has very limited manual control particularly when it comes to ISO light sensitivity adjustment. The L4 makes up for its lack of control, however, with a robust automatic feature set that’s helps make picture-taking easier for the entry-level shooter. Still, it’s not the fastest camera in its class, and the Nikon L4’s images are really only suitable for 5x7 or 4x6, due to significant noise in the images. Consider the price, and it’s not bad, but we saw much better performance from the L3, which seems to be the sweet spot in the L-series lineup.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix L4 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

TrustedReviews have reviewed the new HP Photosmart D7360, which can print a 4x6-inch photo in just 12 seconds.

“You can use two different kinds of photo paper with the Photosmart D7360, but we strongly recommend using Advanced Photo paper. This is an absorbent paper, so the ink sinks into the surface and dries almost instantly. Photo prints come out with a photographic gloss and a clarity which is as good as we’ve seen from a digital print. Even at fast draft, which is when you approach the 12 seconds per print claimed by HP, print colours are very natural, while remaining full and vibrant.”

Website: TrustedReviews - HP Photosmart D7360 Review

Epson and Panasonic Press Release

6 September 2006 - As 16:9 ratio has become the international standard of HDTV, a new photo culture is emerging, raising the demand for true 16:9 format cameras, printers and photo paper.  At the forefront are Epson and Panasonic with new products to meet the needs of photographers who want to shoot, view and print in 16:9 format which brings wider breadth and deeper perspective into the picture.  Panasonic has introduced its LUMIX LX2 digital camera to feature a 16:9 CCD sensor and LCD screen.  Epson is launching Premium Glossy Photo Paper 16:9 (101.60mm x 180.60mm).  It features a smooth, bright white resin-coated layer for a vibrant high-gloss finish and is compatible with a range of Epson printers including the new Epson Stylus Photo R360 and Stylus Photo RX560. As an introductory offer Epson and Panasonic are joining together to provide a trial sample of the new 16:9 Premium Glossy Photo Paper with every purchase of the Panasonic DMC-LX2.

JP Distribution Press Release

JP Distribution is pleased to announce the new Digital Master L-758 Light Meter from Sekonic. The Digital Master L-758 is the world’s first multi-functional light meter that can be calibrated to match the sensitivity of a digital cameras sensor at all ISO settings, flash/ambient or file format characteristics. Sekonic have ensured that the L-758 offers photographers the greatest digital exposure control, accuracy and repeatability. Available in October, price to be confirmed.

The PictureMate Pal, Snap and Flash will all be available in September 2006 for $149, $199 and $299.

Epson America Press Release

Epson Builds on Success of PictureMate® Personal Photo Lab Family With New Printers That Deliver Even Better Image Quality, Speed and Ease of Use - PictureMate Pal, Snap and Flash Offer Professional Quality 4” x 6” Photos That Consumers Can Easily Print Themselves

LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/—Building on the phenomenal success of the PictureMate personal photo lab line, Epson America Inc. today announced three new printer models, which enable consumers to easily print professional looking 4” x 6” photos themselves at home or wherever they choose, with or without a computer. The newest PictureMate printer line, which includes PictureMate Pal™, PictureMate Snap™ and PictureMate Flash™, boasts several improvements over the previous generation, including features that make it even easier to print the best looking photos with no tradeoffs.

Casio have released a new firmware version (v1.03) for the Casio EX-S500, which adds SDHC memory card format support.

Website: Casio EX-S500 v1.03 Firmware Update

Sony have released a firmware update, v1.01, for the 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera.

The firmware update is to:
  1. Address the symptom that in very rare cases, RAW format files may not be opened by the supplied image control software, Picture Motion Browser.
  2. Improve image gradation when the shutter speed is 1 sec or longer.
  3. Improve printed picture quality when the image is printed by Epson(R) printer under PRINT Image Matching.

Website: Sony A100 v1.01 Firmware

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Pentax have released firmware updates for their *ist DL and DS series digital SLR cameras, adding support for the new SDHC memory card format.

Website: Pentax *ist DL2 v1.01 Firmware
Website: Pentax *ist DS2 v1.01 Firmware

Website: Pentax *ist DL v1.02 Firmware
Website: Pentax *ist DS v2.01 Firmware

ArcSoft Press Release

FREMONT, CA— Sep 05, 2006—ArcSoft, Inc. announced today ArcSoft® PhotoStudio® Darkroom, a new software application that focuses on non-destructive photo processing for RAW, JPEG and TIFF image files. The program offers professional photographers and photo hobbyists a complete set of image enhancement tools and export options inside a professional user interface. “As the popularity of DSLR cameras and RAW image processing grows, it becomes important to offer a photo software solution that works for a wide range of users. ArcSoft PhotoStudio Darkroom meets that need,” said Mr. Michael Downs, ArcSoft Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “The program boasts high-speed performance and a full catalog of advanced photo processing tools inside an interface that makes it easy for everyone to get the professional results they’re looking for.”

Samsung UK Press Release

International footballer and Samsung Cameras demonstrate great teamwork

London, UK – September, 2006: Chelsea and England footballer star, Joe Cole, has signed an exclusive partnership with Samsung Cameras to champion their new NV range of stylish digital cameras. This high profile relationship highlights Samsung’s dedication to the new NV series with Cole’s skill and creative flair on the pitch reflecting the high performance and results experienced with Samsung cameras. Both Joe Cole and the Samsung cameras are supremely talented in their own fields and this partnership is sure to reinforce the profile of Samsung as a serious player in the digital camera arena.

Nikon UK Press Release

Opodo Reflections and Nikon reveal new trends in travel photography

Thursday September 7, 2006 - The Feb launch of Opodo Reflections, in association with Nikon, to celebrate and reward budding photographers has brought to light some beautiful travel images from all over the world. Proof that more and more everyday holidaymakers are turning their hands to professional photography with the help of today’s digital camera technology. On the back of this, a recent survey of customers from the Opodo database* has revealed some significant and exciting changes in today’s travel photography trends…

Shutterfly Press Release

Shutterfly launches simple digital scrapbooking solutions with customizable pre-set styles designed to save customers time while sharing memories

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — (September 6, 2006) — Shutterfly, Inc., an Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service, today introduced a new line of Photo Books, designed to make it easier than ever for customers to be thoughtful and creative with their memories.  Joining Shutterfly’s award-winning hardcover 8x11 Classic Book and softcover 5x7 Casual Book, the Company’s new Photo Book line-up features three square book formats: the 12x12 Memory Book, the 8x8 Story Book and the 4x4 Brag Book. Nearly two thirds (65%) of Shutterfly customers surveyed cited the main reason that they preferred Shutterfly Photo Books is because the service is “easy to use.”  To build on this positive experience, Shutterfly added new design tools, a larger workspace, hundreds of creative page designs, greater editing flexibility including detailed preview and “zoom” features and the ability to re-arrange completed pages.  The new Photo Book creation process gives customers numerous choices while building the ultimate Photo Book in less time.

IDC Press Release

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 6, 2006—U.S. digital still camera and camcorder owners are accessorizing to complement existing assets. According to a new IDC survey of U.S. digital still camera and camcorder owners, 84% of respondents have purchased accessories, and the majority are very pleased with those purchases. For those looking to purchase accessories in the future, memory cards, add-on lenses, and 4x6 photo printers are among the wish-list leaders. “When digital still cameras owners outshoot the capacity of the memory card bundled with their camera, they are very willing to purchase additional, higher capacity cards,” said Chris Chute, research manager for IDC’s Worldwide Digital Imaging Solutions group. The 4x6 photo printer has also emerged as a critical accessory to digital still camera users. “Photo printers are helping break the chains of traditional PC dependency,” Chute said. “Ease of use, photo print speed improvements and eroding prices are contributing factors to the success of the 4x6 photo printer.”

Up to 640x480 resolution, RAW file format not included…

Disney Press Release

Disney Launches New Line of Digital Cameras for Children; Designed to Inspire Creativity, Disney Pix Click Features Easy-To-Use Editing Software for a Fun and Personalized Experience

BURBANK, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 7, 2006—Fostering creativity and stretching the imaginations of children have long been a part of the Disney legacy, this month Disney Consumer Products delivers on this tradition with a new line of Disney Pix digital cameras especially designed for kids and tweens. Available in a variety of styles and character-themed designs for all ages, including “High School Musical,” “Cars” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” the new Disney Pix line features digital cameras, camcorders and peripherals that allow young users to shoot, edit, print and share their own digital photographs.

Breeze Systems Press Release

BreezeBrowser Pro v1.5.2.3 adds support for reading and writing Adobe XMP data, new keyword, IPTC scene and subject code editors and picture frames for slideshows and proofs. BreezeBrowser Pro runs on Windows and is available on a 15 day free trial from Breeze Systems’ website. BreezeBrowser Pro v1.5.2.3 is a free upgrade for all registered users who purchased a license within the last year. BreezeBrowser users and users who purchased a license for BreezeBrowser Pro before 1 September 2005 please see the upgrade page for details on upgrading.