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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the new 10x zoom, 5 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera.
“Although the Panasonic Lumix TZ1 did well in the test run and we really enjoyed having the MEGA O.I.S image stabilizer, we still see some challenges ahead for Panasonic. The noise ratio at ISO values of 400 and higher is still a stumbling block for this manufacturer. Looking at the competition, we can see that it is possible to get more out of the small CCD image sensors and to have less obvious noise than there was at 400 ISO and higher.”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Review
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the new 10x zoom, 5 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera. “Although the Panasonic Lumix TZ1 did well in the test run and we really enjoyed having the MEGA O.I.S image stabilizer, we still see some challenges ahead for Panasonic. The noise ratio…
The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the new Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens.
“The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens’ AF sound is relatively quiet but not silent like an HSM or USM lens. AF speed is on the slow side of average. AF accuracy was also on the low side of average. When shooting the very well-lit ideal focus point on ISO 12233 chart tests using AF, every other image was completely out of focus at 18mm f/2.8 and AF was inconsistent at 24mm. In real world use, I missed a noticeably higher number of shots than I should have. AF performance was especially poor in low light (where focus hunting is frequent). Results were also poor in AI Servo mode.”
Website: The-Digital-Picture - Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Lens Review
The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the new Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens. “The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens’ AF sound is relatively quiet but not silent like an HSM or USM lens. AF speed is on the slow side of average. AF accuracy was also on the low side of…
Disgruntled owner Pavel Kudrys has started an online petition about the new 10 megapixel Panasonic LX2 and FZ50 digital cameras.
“The main aim of this petition is to “force” the Panasonic to release a firmware update for their very recent prosumer cameras FZ50 and LX2. This new firmware should allow the users to turn the in-camera Noise Reduction (and other picture adjustments, like contrast, saturation and sharpness) completely OFF. The current option to set the picture adjustments to LOW is not enough, because the VENUS III NR is simply too strong and kills many fine details and gives the JPEG output very smudgy and watercolor paint look.”
So far 160 people have agreed with Pavel and signed the petition. We’re in the middle of reviewing the DMC-FZ50 at the moment, so expect our comments on this “issue” soon…
Website: Panasonic LX2 / FZ50 Petition
Disgruntled owner Pavel Kudrys has started an online petition about the new 10 megapixel Panasonic LX2 and FZ50 digital cameras. “The main aim of this petition is to “force” the Panasonic to release a firmware update for their very recent prosumer cameras FZ50 and LX2. This new firmware should allow…
PCMagazine have just reviewed the Epson Perfection V750 Pro scanner.
“The Epson Perfection V750-M Pro ($799.99 direct) shares most of its traits with the Epson Perfection V700 Photo. Both claim an optical resolution of 6,400 pixels per inch (ppi); both deliver among the best-quality scans I’ve ever seen; and both cost enough to be of interest only to serious photographers, particularly those with a large library of negatives and slides to digitize. But where the target market for the V700 is the serious amateur photographer, the V750-M goes one step further, aiming at both serious amateurs and professionals.”
PCMagazine have just reviewed the Epson Perfection V750 Pro scanner. “The Epson Perfection V750-M Pro ($799.99 direct) shares most of its traits with the Epson Perfection V700 Photo. Both claim an optical resolution of 6,400 pixels per inch (ppi); both deliver among the best-quality scans I’ve ever seen; and both…
Steves Digicams have reviewed the 7 megapixel, 12x zoom Kodak Easyshare P712 digital camera.
“Shooting performance is very robust for a camera in this class. From power-on till the first image captured measures about 3.2 seconds. Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter and capturing the image, measures less than less than 1/10 of a second when pre-focused, and only 2/10 of a second including autofocus. Shooting a sequence of JPEG/Fine or RAW images in single-shot mode yielded a shot to shot time of 1.4 seconds between frames; TIFF mode slowed to about 12.5 seconds. Flash images were captured at intervals of between 1.8 and 3 seconds, depending on the subject distance.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Kodak Easyshare P712 Review
Website: Read our Kodak Easyshare P712 Review
Steves Digicams have reviewed the 7 megapixel, 12x zoom Kodak Easyshare P712 digital camera. “Shooting performance is very robust for a camera in this class. From power-on till the first image captured measures about 3.2 seconds. Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter and capturing the image, measures less…
Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX07, which has 7.2 megapixel, a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens and optical image stabilizer.
Website: Akam.no - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX07 Review
Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX07, which has 7.2 megapixel, a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens and optical image stabilizer. Website: Akam.no - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX07 Review Website: Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
ThinkCamera have just reviewed the Pentax Optio A10, which features a shake reduction system, 8 megapixels and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.
“The A10 was released before high sensitivity modes became the norm, and the camera only offers a maximum ISO of 400 (relying on its image stabilisation to compensate in low-light). Noise is a big issue however, and the images suffer from it at all levels apart from 50 at the bottom end of the scale. Despite the noise colours and detail are good and at low ISO very sharp.”
ThinkCamera have just reviewed the Pentax Optio A10, which features a shake reduction system, 8 megapixels and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The A10 was released before high sensitivity modes became the norm, and the camera only offers a maximum ISO of 400 (relying on its image stabilisation to compensate…
TrustedReviews have just reviewed the 7 megapixel Samsung NV3 digital camera.
“As well as this, the overall image quality is very good, with excellent exposure and colour rendition especially in good light, and surprisingly good dynamic range for a 1/2.5” sensor. With 7.2MP it produces plenty of detail, however some of this is lost to the noise reduction system. The NV lens is excellent, producing virtually zero distortion at wide angle, and the stepless zoom makes accurate framing easy.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Samsung NV3 Review
TrustedReviews have just reviewed the 7 megapixel Samsung NV3 digital camera. “As well as this, the overall image quality is very good, with excellent exposure and colour rendition especially in good light, and surprisingly good dynamic range for a 1/2.5” sensor. With 7.2MP it produces plenty of detail, however some…
Epson UK Press Release
The Epson Stylus Photo R360 and Epson Stylus Photo R265 are Epson’s latest A4 photo printers, featuring a new dye ink formulation – Claria Photographic Ink for high quality, low cost printing. It also includes PhotoEnhance, the photo expert inside your printer and Advanced Variable Sized Droplet technology for smooth tones and fast print speeds. Both printers are ideal for any home where superior print quality is required.
5th September 2006 – Epson features its latest ink technology innovation - Claria Photographic Ink, for superior photo quality, in its two new 6-colour photo printers. The Epson R360 and Epson R265 also feature Epson PhotoEnhance technology, a photo expert inside your printer that ensures you produce bright and vibrant photos every time. As with all of Epson’s new consumer printer range for 2006, both new models also offer cost-effective printing with individual ink cartridges from only £6.99 each. You only need to replace the colour you have used. You won’t have to wait long for your photos either as you can print a 10x15cm photo in just 13 seconds.
Epson UK Press Release The Epson Stylus Photo R360 and Epson Stylus Photo R265 are Epson’s latest A4 photo printers, featuring a new dye ink formulation – Claria Photographic Ink for high quality, low cost printing. It also includes PhotoEnhance, the photo expert inside your printer and Advanced Variable Sized…
Epson UK Press Release
Epson’s Stylus Photo RX560 features Epson’s latest innovation, Claria Photographic Ink for high quality, low cost printing and also includes PhotoEnhance, the photo expert inside your printer. It delivers affordable, premium quality print, copy and scan functionality for photo enthusiasts and small office users.
5th September 2006 – Epson launches the Stylus Photo RX560, a six-colour premium quality All-in-One as an addition to its award winning range. It features Epson’s new innovative Claria Photographic Ink for superior photo quality; Epson PhotoEnhance technology for bright and vibrant photos and Advanced Variable Sized Droplet technology for smooth tones and fast print speeds. With individual ink cartridges from only £6.99, it offers cost effective printing and copying as you only need to replace the colour you have used, a feature of all Epson consumer printer range for 2006. The RX560 also features an A4 flatbed scanner with optical resolution up to 1200x2400dpi to deliver high-quality scanning and copying.
Epson UK Press Release Epson’s Stylus Photo RX560 features Epson’s latest innovation, Claria Photographic Ink for high quality, low cost printing and also includes PhotoEnhance, the photo expert inside your printer. It delivers affordable, premium quality print, copy and scan functionality for photo enthusiasts and small office users. 5th September…
Corel Press Release
Fast, Simple and Fun, Corel® Snapfire* is a Free Download that Delivers the Easiest, Most Enjoyable Ways of Sharing, Enhancing and Organising Digital Photos and Videos - Users Can Easily Upgrade to the Enhanced Version, Corel Snapfire Plus, While Adding New Product Feature Modules and Connecting to Popular Online Services Like Webshots
Maidenhead, UK - 5 September 2006 - Corel Corporation (NASDAQ:CREL; TSE:CRE) today announced Corel Snapfire and Corel Snapfire Plus, the smart alternatives to traditional digital camera software. These represent the first releases from Corel’s next-generation modular digital imaging platform which was first introduced under the code-name “Alta.” As a free download, Corel Snapfire provides all the tools users need to easily organise, enhance and share their digital photos and video clips. Easier to use and learn than comparable products, Corel Snapfire is the first free photo software to make a wide range of popular photo and video sharing and organising capabilities readily accessible to users of all levels.
Corel Press Release Fast, Simple and Fun, Corel® Snapfire* is a Free Download that Delivers the Easiest, Most Enjoyable Ways of Sharing, Enhancing and Organising Digital Photos and Videos - Users Can Easily Upgrade to the Enhanced Version, Corel Snapfire Plus, While Adding New Product Feature Modules and Connecting to…
Transcend Press Release
A greater number of advanced mobile devices and smart phones are now available on the market. This new breed of Hi-Tech Handheld device typically has a built-in High-resolution digital camera and a large number of multimedia applications; both of these features alone have catapulted the need for higher performance and bigger capacity Flash Memory Cards. To ensure you get the most from your Hi-Tech devices, Transcend Information Inc., a world leader in flash memory devices, has released its latest Hi-Speed 80X Ultra-Performance microSD Memory Cards, available in 256MB and 512MB capacities, and only half the size of a mobile phone SIM card they are the smallest memory cards in the world with the highest speed.
Transcend Press Release A greater number of advanced mobile devices and smart phones are now available on the market. This new breed of Hi-Tech Handheld device typically has a built-in High-resolution digital camera and a large number of multimedia applications; both of these features alone have catapulted the need for…
Wacom Press Release
Hall 4.1, stand G011/H018, Photokina 2006, Cologne, Germany, 26 September – 1 October 2006- “Let your work flow” will be the theme for Wacom’s presentation at Photokina 2006. At the show, the company will be showcasing its products for professional and amateur photographers and their integration into the digital workflow. Wacom’s products enhance the creative process. They enable photographers to easily and intuitively edit their digital pictures, saving time and money. At the same time, they give every photographer the freedom to fully explore his creative potential, making picture editing a truly creative, artistic process.
Wacom Press Release Hall 4.1, stand G011/H018, Photokina 2006, Cologne, Germany, 26 September – 1 October 2006- “Let your work flow” will be the theme for Wacom’s presentation at Photokina 2006. At the show, the company will be showcasing its products for professional and amateur photographers and their integration into…
MIG Europe Press Release
MIG Europe announces launch of Don’t Panic Photo Edition – the world’s fastest recovery software - sector specific software will offer optimum recovery process for digital photography, gaming, mobile and MP3 markets
London, UK 5 September 2006 – Media Innovations Group (MIG Europe), a portfolio of companies that specialise in a range of high quality digital products, today announced the launch of ‘Don’t Panic Photo Edition ’, the world’s fastest image recovery software. ‘Don’t Panic’, the new name for the market leading ‘Image Recall’ series of recovery software, is at the forefront of customer disaster-management in the digital high street, and is set to roll out into individual vertical markets in order to offer customers the optimum digital solution for lost data. In tests, the software recovered images significantly quicker than its closest rival, with 350 ‘lost’ images from a 2GB SD card recovered and thumbnailed in just 1 minute 53 seconds. The leading competitor’s software took six minutes to reach the same stage.
MIG Europe Press Release MIG Europe announces launch of Don’t Panic Photo Edition – the world’s fastest recovery software - sector specific software will offer optimum recovery process for digital photography, gaming, mobile and MP3 markets London, UK 5 September 2006 – Media Innovations Group (MIG Europe), a portfolio of…
FotoNation Press Release
FotoNation Face Tracker Identifies and Locks on Faces for Optimal Focus & Exposure in New PENTAX Optio S7 & Optio A20 Digital Cameras
September 5, 2006, Galway, Ireland— FotoNation, (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading award-winning imaging and connectivity solutions companies for the digital photography industry, announced today that its innovative “Face Tracker”™ technology is now available in PENTAX Corporation’s latest addition to its Optio line, the 7 megapixels Optio S7 & the 10 megapixels Optio A20 digital camera. FotoNation Face Tracker, available as the “Face Recognition AF & AE” function on the PENTAX Optio S7 & Optio A20, automatically detects the position of a subject’s face and adjusts focus and exposure accordingly.
FotoNation Press Release FotoNation Face Tracker Identifies and Locks on Faces for Optimal Focus & Exposure in New PENTAX Optio S7 & Optio A20 Digital Cameras September 5, 2006, Galway, Ireland— FotoNation, (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading award-winning imaging and connectivity solutions companies for the digital photography industry, announced…
LaCie Press Release
LaCie Expands SAFE Biometric Hard Drive Range With Enhanced Security Features and Desktop Editions
PORTLAND, OR (September 2006) – LaCie today announced it has expanded its range of LaCie SAFE Hard Drives to include a desktop edition with enhanced security features. LaCie now offers a full range of secure desktop and mobile hard drives with biometric access control designed to protect confidential data from unauthorized use. The new LaCie SAFE Hard Drive comes in capacities of 160GB, 320GB or 500GB with a universal Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for use on PC and/or Mac. Enhanced security features include an internal drive lock and an external port for attaching an optional chain lock. “We’ve grown our SAFE range to accommodate the demand for larger capacity biometric hard drives for office or home use,” says Marie Renouard, LaCie Product Manager. “The LaCie SAFE Hard Drives offers three levels of security for your private files, whether you need to back up personal financial documents or protect intellectual property. You can rest easy knowing that your data will be kept private in the LaCie SAFE.”
LaCie Press Release LaCie Expands SAFE Biometric Hard Drive Range With Enhanced Security Features and Desktop Editions PORTLAND, OR (September 2006) – LaCie today announced it has expanded its range of LaCie SAFE Hard Drives to include a desktop edition with enhanced security features. LaCie now offers a full range…
PNY Press Release
Mérignac (France) - September 5th, 2006 PNY is delighted to announce new solutions for advanced mobile phones. More and more models now come with memory card slots built in to enable customers to use the camera, MP3 player, PDA, and play games. So it’s no surprise that PNY Technologies has enlarged its mobile flash card range with high capacity digital storage solutions. Mini SD(tm), Micro SD(tm) and MMC Mobile cards have now become the main storage formats used in Mobile Phone. With the launch of the 2GB Mini SD(tm) and 1GB Micro SD(tm), PNY can now deliver storage solutions for customers with advanced mobile phones.
PNY Press Release Mérignac (France) - September 5th, 2006 PNY is delighted to announce new solutions for advanced mobile phones. More and more models now come with memory card slots built in to enable customers to use the camera, MP3 player, PDA, and play games. So it’s no surprise that…
O’Reilly Press Release
Sebastopol, CA—In the city where gambling is a way of life, digital photographers are betting they’ll learn something new and exciting at this week’s Photoshop World Expo in Las Vegas. And Thursday’s keynote address puts the spotlight on O’Reilly author Eddie Tapp and his official induction into the Photoshop Hall of Fame. “This is the greatest honor of my entire career,” says Tapp. A popular lecturer on digital imaging, Tapp is widely admired for his knack for making the photo editing process easier and more transparent. His newly released “Photoshop Workflow Setups” (O’Reilly, US $29.99)—the first in a five-book series—shows users how to organize an efficient and user-friendly workspace.
O’Reilly Press Release Sebastopol, CA—In the city where gambling is a way of life, digital photographers are betting they’ll learn something new and exciting at this week’s Photoshop World Expo in Las Vegas. And Thursday’s keynote address puts the spotlight on O’Reilly author Eddie Tapp and his official induction into…
Fujifilm have releaesed a new firmware update for the FinePix F30 Zoom digital camera.
The firmware (Ver.1.00 to Ver.1.02) update incorporates the following issues.
1. Fix the issues that some camera operation cause the following effects in very rare cases.
(a) Some recorded images cannot be viewed and “Read Error” message is displayed on the LCD monitor.
(b) The full frame of camera recorded image cannot be viewed on PC.
2. Shorten the recognition time of PC when the camera connected to the PC via USB interface.
In the case of 1000 JPEG images in camera, PC recognition time is improved from 20 seconds to 2 seconds.
Fujifilm have releaesed a new firmware update for the FinePix F30 Zoom digital camera. The firmware (Ver.1.00 to Ver.1.02) update incorporates the following issues. 1. Fix the issues that some camera operation cause the following effects in very rare cases. (a) Some recorded images cannot be viewed and “Read Error”…
Fujifilm have released a new firmware version for the FinePix Z3 Zoom camera.
The firmware (Ver.1.00 to Ver.1.02) update incorporates the following issues.
1. Fix the issues that some camera operation cause the following effects in very rare cases.
(a) Some recorded images cannot be viewed and “Read Error” message is displayed on the LCD monitor.
(b) The full frame of camera recorded image cannot be viewed on PC.
2. Shorten the recognition time of PC when the camera connected to the PC via USB interface.
In the case of 1000 JPEG images in camera, PC recognition time is improved from 20 seconds to 2 seconds.
Fujifilm have released a new firmware version for the FinePix Z3 Zoom camera. The firmware (Ver.1.00 to Ver.1.02) update incorporates the following issues. 1. Fix the issues that some camera operation cause the following effects in very rare cases. (a) Some recorded images cannot be viewed and “Read Error” message…