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Photo-i have just reviewed Fluid Mask, a Photoshop plugin for cutting out objects.
“The single thing that I like most about digital photography is being able to cut out an object or person and place them in a new photograph. Depending on your software, cutting out and masking skills, you can produce a very accurate cut out and still retain the finest of hair detail. An item of software that recently came to my attention was Vertus Fluid Mask 2.0, a Photoshop plug in that allows you to quickly create very complex masks. The software is available for both Mac OSX and Windows XP. Let’s put this software through some tough tests and see how it compares to some other offerings.”
Website: Photo-i - Fluid Mask Review
Photo-i have just reviewed Fluid Mask, a Photoshop plugin for cutting out objects. “The single thing that I like most about digital photography is being able to cut out an object or person and place them in a new photograph. Depending on your software, cutting out and masking skills, you…
DIWA member Steves Digicams has the first online review of the Olympus mju 810 digital camera, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, and a stainless steel, weatherproof body.
“The Stylus 810 is yet another versatile “water resistant” model to add to Olympus’ already popular line. It features almost identical specs with its sibling the Stylus 710, but increases resolution to 8-megapixels, more advanced use of its Image Stabilization mode as well as a beefier body. Shared features include a 3x optical zoom lens, high quality VGA-size movie mode, and large 2.5-inch LCD. This is a point-n-shoot model that can be used by just about any member of your home or office. The Auto and scene modes are perfect for those who like to take great pictures without dealing with exposure settings, while its Program exposure mode gives the novice user a bit more control with access to settings like ISO, Metering, AF mode, White balance, etc.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams has the first online review of the Olympus mju 810 digital camera, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, and a stainless steel, weatherproof body. “The Stylus 810 is yet another versatile “water resistant” model to add to Olympus’ already popular line. It features…
CNET have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen.
“Step-up snapshooters, soccer moms, and even some advanced amateurs will find that the Cyber Shot DSC-H5 has a lot to offer. The huge zoom range is great for occasions when you want versatility but don’t want to lug around a DSLR and a ton of lenses. Plus, the wide maximum aperture of f/2.8, along with the image stabilization, helps in low light. Unfortunately, this camera’s higher ISOs yields so much noise that picky low-light shooters will want to look elsewhere.”
Website: CNET - Sony DSC-H5 Review
CNET have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen. “Step-up snapshooters, soccer moms, and even some advanced amateurs will find that the Cyber Shot DSC-H5 has a lot to offer. The huge zoom range is great…
DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the Casio EX-S600, a 6 megapixel ultra-slim digital camera with a movie stabilizer function that reduces camera shake when recording movies.
“The conclusion is that the camera is extremely thin and small, yet provides ample space for camera handling. The 6 Mp CCD delivers adequate image resolution for amateur use, but the lens needs a general improvement to meet the requirements. In general, the EX-S600 performs fairly well in terms of image quality, with precise exposure, reliable white balance and well controlled image noise at sensitivities from ISO 50 to 400. Unfortunately, the LCD is rather small, with low resolution and there is no optical viewfinder available. All in all, an average camera in an extremely compact housing.”
Website: Digit.no - Casio EX-S600 Review
DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the Casio EX-S600, a 6 megapixel ultra-slim digital camera with a movie stabilizer function that reduces camera shake when recording movies. “The conclusion is that the camera is extremely thin and small, yet provides ample space for camera handling. The 6 Mp…
DCResource have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen.
“Even with a few flaws, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 is still one of the best ultra zoom cameras on the market. It offers a high resolution sensor (with low noise levels through ISO 400), a 12X zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and an enormous 3-inch LCD display. Downsides are few, and they include above average purple fringing and a so-so continuous shooting mode.”
Website: DCResource - Sony DSC-H5 Review
DCResource have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen. “Even with a few flaws, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 is still one of the best ultra zoom cameras on the market. It offers a high resolution sensor…
DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount.
Website: Fotoaparat - Samsung GX-1S Review
DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount. Website: Fotoaparat - Samsung GX-1S Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Sony Cybershot DSC-T30, a 7.2 megapixel camera with a 3 inch LCD screen, image stabilisation and high sensitivity mode (ISO 1000) to help avoid blurry photos.
“Sony’s Cyber-shot T-series of digital cameras have proven popular in the market thanks to their slim, compact bodies and ease of use while still allowing a fair degree of control over photos. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 builds on that heritage, as an update to the existing DSC-T9 model.”
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Sony Cybershot DSC-T30, a 7.2 megapixel camera with a 3 inch LCD screen, image stabilisation and high sensitivity mode (ISO 1000) to help avoid blurry photos. “Sony’s Cyber-shot T-series of digital cameras have proven popular in the market thanks to their slim, compact bodies…
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body.
“Image stabilisation is always welcome, but when you compare this to the competing cameras on the market, you see that models with optical image stabilisation have a big advantage. This system works the best, something that works to the Olympus Mju 700’s disadvantage. Olympus has taken the first step by recognising the added value of image stabilisation in a compact digital camera. If the next generation of compact digital cameras from Olympus have optical image stabilisation, the journey will be complete.”
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body. “Image stabilisation is always welcome, but when you compare this to the competing cameras on the…
A 9 megapixel camera for £199 from a major manufacturer - surely there must be some mistake? The Fujifilm Finepix E900 is the model in question, offering 9 megapixels, a 4x zoom lens, 2 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder. Plus the E900 offers a full range of creative shooting modes, manual focus and RAW format for the more discerning photographer. Is the Fujifilm Finepix E900 too cheap to be any good, or is this the bargain of the year? Read our latest review to find out.
Website: Fujifilm Finepix E900 Review
A 9 megapixel camera for £199 from a major manufacturer - surely there must be some mistake? The Fujifilm Finepix E900 is the model in question, offering 9 megapixels, a 4x zoom lens, 2 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder. Plus the E900 offers a full range of creative shooting…
On Thursday news emerged about a new image file format from Microsoft, specifically for photos, called the Windows Media Photo format. Said to offer better quality at half the size when compared to the JPEG format, WMPs will be part of Windows Vista and may also be released as an add-on for WIndows XP. But does the world really need another image format - isn’t JPEG good enough already? After all, JPEG 2000 has struggled to gain widespread support, despite its technical superiority to bog-standard JPEG. And will anyone except for Microsoft actually bother to support the WMP format? Shout out now…
On Thursday news emerged about a new image file format from Microsoft, specifically for photos, called the Windows Media Photo format. Said to offer better quality at half the size when compared to the JPEG format, WMPs will be part of Windows Vista and may also be released as an…
DIWA Press Release
Last year, the 4 Megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 received a DIWA Gold Award for excellent test results. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the 7.1 Megapixel PowerShot A620, passes the merciless DIWA test procedure with an impressive scoreboard. With its comfortable and user-friendly design, high image quality, flexible lens construction, and budget-friendly price, the A620 has all it takes to deserve a DIWA Gold medal.
Amsterdam, 26. May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Canon PowerShot A620 digital compact amateur camera.
DIWA Press Release Last year, the 4 Megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 received a DIWA Gold Award for excellent test results. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the 7.1 Megapixel PowerShot A620, passes the merciless DIWA test procedure with an impressive scoreboard. With its comfortable and user-friendly design, high image…
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days:
New Cameras
Pentax K100D DSLR (pictured)
Pentax K110D DSLR
Ricoh R40
Sanyo Xacti S60
Canon Ends Film Camera Development
New Accessories
SmartDisk FireLite XPress Portable Hard Drive
Linatree’s Downloadable Pinhole Camera
New Software
Windows Media Photo Format
Other Headlines
Sony Memory Stick Data Rescue Service
Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Service Notice
Leica Sales Up 15.9%
The Cameratruck Project
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days: New CamerasPentax K100D DSLR (pictured)Pentax K110D DSLRRicoh R40Sanyo Xacti S60Canon Ends Film Camera Development New AccessoriesSmartDisk FireLite XPress Portable Hard DriveLinatree’s Downloadable Pinhole Camera New SoftwareWindows Media Photo Format Other HeadlinesSony Memory Stick Data Rescue ServiceCanon EF 70-300 f/4-5.…
Reuters are reporting that Canon have today announced that they have stopped development of new compact and SLR film cameras. The company will continue to promote and sell existing film models, although it also said it will “make a final judgment on the business in the future while monitoring market demand.” Canon’s announcement follows a similar one by Nikon earlier this year.
UPDATE: Well, it seems that Reuters were a little quick off the mark, in that Canon are now considering halting film camera production, rather than actually doing it. Which isn’t half as interesting as the original news!
Website: Reuters - Canon to halt development of film cameras
Reuters are reporting that Canon have today announced that they have stopped development of new compact and SLR film cameras. The company will continue to promote and sell existing film models, although it also said it will “make a final judgment on the business in the future while monitoring market…
Microsoft have unveiled a completely new image file format, called Windows Media Photo (.wmp files), at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference, which will apparently be of better quality at half the size of a comparable JPEG image.
“WMP captures more of the raw information of photos to enable better presentation, editing and compression. Crow said WMP will easily enable 25:1 compression ratios for most uses of digital photography. That compares to a maximum of about 12:1 for consumer JPEG images before images visibly degrade.”
Do we need another file format for photography, or is the JPEG format good enough already? Will the .wmp format be supported by the camera manufacturers, or will it become a forgotten part of Windows Vista?
Website: EETimes - Microsoft beats JPEG with new photo format for Vista
Microsoft have unveiled a completely new image file format, called Windows Media Photo (.wmp files), at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference, which will apparently be of better quality at half the size of a comparable JPEG image. “WMP captures more of the raw information of photos to enable better presentation…
Sanyo Press Release
Sanyo Debuts Compact, Affordable Xacti S60 6-Megapixel Digital Camera With Touch Sensor Shutter and New Ergonomic Styling
CHATSWORTH, Calif., May 24—The SANYO Xacti S60 is a high performance, yet exceptionally easy to use, 6-megapixel digital still camera. Featuring a 3x optical zoom lens and an extra-large 2.5 inch TFT LCD monitor, the palm-sized Sanyo S60 offers an ergonomic, easy to hold design to help users capture beautifully detailed images every time. The Sanyo S60 incorporates a newly developed high-resolution 6.18-megapixel CCD (total) designed to capture vibrant, razor-sharp color images. Simply touch SANYO’s unique Touch Sensor Shutter Button and both Auto Focus and Auto Exposure are instantly confirmed with a luminous touch signal and beep. Then, a gentle press of the shutter button captures the image.
Sanyo Press Release Sanyo Debuts Compact, Affordable Xacti S60 6-Megapixel Digital Camera With Touch Sensor Shutter and New Ergonomic Styling CHATSWORTH, Calif., May 24—The SANYO Xacti S60 is a high performance, yet exceptionally easy to use, 6-megapixel digital still camera. Featuring a 3x optical zoom lens and an extra-large 2.…
Sony Europe Press Release
Free to download, the new service enables quick recovery of deleted photographs and files
Paris, 24 May, 2006 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division today announced the launch of its new Memory Stick Data Rescue Service. The service enables recovery of photography and data files which, once stored on a Memory Stick have been lost or deleted. The File Rescue software is free and can be downloaded from the Sony customer support website at: www.sonydigital-link.com/memstick/downloads 1.
Sony Europe Press Release Free to download, the new service enables quick recovery of deleted photographs and files Paris, 24 May, 2006 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division today announced the launch of its new Memory Stick Data Rescue Service. The service enables recovery of photography and…
Duracell Press Release
Duracell Launches New Rechargeable Cells; Introduces Powerful, Higher Capacity 2650 mAh NiMH Rechargeable Cells
BETHEL, Conn.—May 24, 2006—Duracell today announced the latest additions to its rechargeable battery line designed to meet the growing demands of high-drain devices like digital cameras. The new nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which include 2650 mAh AA and 1000 mAh AAA cells, are arriving on mass market, drug, grocery and electronic store shelves in May 2006. The new batteries represent some of the highest capacity AA and AAA rechargeable cells available today. Ideal for consumers who frequently use high-drain devices like digital cameras, the 2650 mAh AA and 1000 mAh AAA cells offer both strong performance and value. The introduction builds upon Duracell’s extensive line of rechargeable battery solutions, including the Duracell 15-minute charger, which was introduced earlier this year.
Duracell Press Release Duracell Launches New Rechargeable Cells; Introduces Powerful, Higher Capacity 2650 mAh NiMH Rechargeable Cells BETHEL, Conn.—May 24, 2006—Duracell today announced the latest additions to its rechargeable battery line designed to meet the growing demands of high-drain devices like digital cameras. The new nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which…
Canon USA Service Notice
Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens May Result in Insufficient Resolution
To Customers Who Use the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Thank you very much for your patronage of our products. We have recently become aware of a phenomenon in which some images captured by the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM lens appear in insufficient resolution. This phenomenon may be seen at the edge of the frame at the 300mm setting when the camera is held vertically. We have been studying the symptoms of this phenomenon in order to determine its precise cause and to develop an appropriate remedy. We will inform you on this Web site as soon as this remedy has been decided, which, at this point should be by the end of June 2006.
Canon USA Service Notice Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens May Result in Insufficient Resolution To Customers Who Use the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens: Thank you very much for your patronage of our products. We have recently become aware of a phenomenon in which some…
PCMagazine have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix L4, a 4 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD.
“Novices will appreciate its simple menu navigation and useful in-camera features such as cropping and repairing dark images. I was satisfied with both its picture quality and in-camera features, but the lack of a viewfinder and the inability to record video with sound hurt the camera’s rating. Still, if you’re a camera newbie or just need to return to the basics, the Nikon Coolpix L4 is a good choice.”
Website: PCMagazine - Nikon Coolpix L4 Review
PCMagazine have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix L4, a 4 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD. “Novices will appreciate its simple menu navigation and useful in-camera features such as cropping and repairing dark images. I was satisfied with both its picture quality and in-camera features, but…
ePhotoZine have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games!
“I am impressed by the V10’s control of digital noise. Images taken up to ISO400 are clean and sharp, with just a little noticeable noise visible at ISO400. At ISO800 and ISO1600 noise becomes much more of a feature, but it is still usable for small prints of about 6x4inches. Another feature of images taken at these high sensitivity settings comes from the liberal use of in-camera noise reduction, which smooths over the speckles. Unfortunately this also reduces detail and creates strange looking blotchy patterns of it’s own.”
ePhotoZine have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games! “I am impressed by the V10’s control of digital noise. Images taken up to ISO400 are clean and sharp, with just a little noticeable noise visible…