PMA 2006: A Windows version of Lightzone is released today. LightZone is available for Windows and Mac OS X for $249.95.

Light Crafts Press Release

Award-Winning Photo Editing and Image Processing Software Now Available for Microsoft Windows - LightZone Delivers the Most Significant Advance in Windows-Based Photo Editing in More Than a Decade

Palo Alto, CA – February 23, 2006—Light Crafts, Inc. today announced that the Microsoft Windows version of its award-winning photo editing software – LightZone™ – is now available. Designed and built from the ground up for professionals and other serious photographers, LightZone for Windows is available as a free 30-day trial at www.lightcrafts.com . Light Crafts also announced its Charter Customer Program. Customers who purchase and register any version of LightZone by March 31, 2006, will receive lifetime upgrades at no charge. LightZone, which recently received a “Best of Show” award at the 2006 Macworld Expo, provides a better way to edit and correct digital photographs and create stunning photographic and fine art prints. With LightZone, a digital photograph can be developed and edited using light values and shapes in a true non-destructive editing environment. LightZone’s breakthrough patent-pending technology helps serious photographers achieve professional results and is easy and intuitive to use.

DigiCamReview have just reviewed the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras.

“mage quality is very good to excellent. Images have very good natural colour, with good saturation, contrast, detail, and low purple fringing. Images were slightly soft (although sharpness can be increased in-camera), and images were noisy when higher ISO settings were used. The camera did a good job focusing even in low light thanks to the focus-assist lamp - however macro focusing in low light was occassionally unsuccessful. I did not notice vignetting in photos, and there was very low barrel distortion considering the wide angle lens. There is a good range of image sizes, and a good choice of compression options. The macro mode is excellent, and provides good detail and colour. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be good the majority of the time. Red-eye was not a huge problem.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Ricoh GR Digital Review

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ByteSector have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA).

“I must say that the camera worked wonderfully. Of all the cameras I have tested, this one had the most comfortable button arrangement and menu organization. I particularly enjoyed having the thumb scroll bar on the top right, changing between the modes was very easy, and could be done with the camera powered off, so you can start off in whichever mode you wanted. The camera’s load up time was average for its category, and didn’t feel obstinately long.”

Website: ByteSector - Olympus Mju Mini Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DCResource have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

“Photo quality was excellent as well. Photos were properly exposed, with vivid colors and low purple fringing and noise levels. As is typical with D-SLRs, images are very smooth, and some folks may want to sharpen things up a bit. My only real photo quality complaint is that noise levels are higher than I would’ve liked at ISO sensitivities above 640. They’re not horrible by any means, but after just reviewing the Canon EOS-5D, I’m a bit spoiled. Then again, the 5D costs $3299 and the D200 is $1699.”

Website: DCResource - Nikon D200 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DPReview have also reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

“Next we’ll talk megapixels, or I guess the marketeers would like that, but to be frank there’s really little to gain or lose in two megapixels either way, hence in a neutral comparison (as we did here, shooting RAW and using the same converter) you really can’t see any significant advantage or disadvantage going either way (8 to 10 or 10 to 12). You really wouldn’t be able to see a difference in print even at very large sizes.”

Website: DPReview - Nikon D200 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.

Website: Fotoaparat - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

muvee Press Release

Photo and video-sharing portals benefit from being able to offer end users a more compelling, emotive way of displaying and sharing their digital media

Singapore and New York, NY - February 22, 2006 - muvee, the pioneer and leader in Instant Personal Video, launches its new muveeOnline web service at the 2006 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Convention in Orlando, Florida.  The first and only of its kind, muveeOnline is a back-end Web service that brings muvee’s award-winning automatic video production capabilities to photo-/video-sharing portals, as well as a host of other online web communities where digital media content is uploaded and shared. When integrated with these portals, muveeOnline enables end users to automatically create polished, edited video productions using their personal photos and video clips that are hosted on the portal, without having to download and install any software.  Users have over 100 unique production styles to choose from and the finished productions, called muvees, are intelligently cut to the beat of the music with synchronized style effects and transitions.

SeeFile Press Release

ORLANDO—February 22, 2005—At the Photo Marketing Association’s (PMA) annual conference, SeeFile will be showing a major upgrade to their software package, fulfilling on a promise to improve often and well a product that was deemed best of show last year by, among others Joe Farace of Shutterbug and Liz Cunningham of Cygnus Publications.

The Macintosh-based software is aimed at photographers, designers, and smaller graphic arts shops looking for a way to promote their work and interact with customers on the Internet. Traditional solutions to this problem have cost as much as $50,000. The SeeFile 2.0 system is being shown in booth 3280 at PMA at a complete price of only $995, including hardware that puts a Web server on an affordable platform. Once plugged in, it provides instant Web access for any images stored on the system.

PMA 2006: Canon announced no less than 39 new products today, including a new DSLR, new still and video digital cameras, professional, consumer, laser and multi-function printers, and projectors. PhotographyBLOG attended the UK press launch at the Worx Studios in South West London to try to make sense of it all. Here are some real-life product shots from the event that you won’t find anywhere else…

PMA 2006: The Canon EOS 30D is announced today. Improvements over the 20D include a 2.5 inch LCD, spot metering, Picture Style pre-sets and a few other minor tweaks. The Canon 30D will be available from March 2006, priced at body only £1099.99 / €1599.99, plus EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (non USM) lens £1179.99 / €1749.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon upgrades best selling EOS 20D

Canon is pleased to announce the new EOS 30D, replacing the award winning EOS 20D. Retaining the 5fps, 8.2 Megapixel performance of its predecessor, the upgraded camera enjoys a larger, wider viewing angle 2.5” LCD, extended 100,000 shutter cycle durability, spot metering, and a variety of refinements designed to enhance the photographic experience. Targeted at an increasingly discerning population of serious creative photographers, the Canon 30D replaces a camera that already claims a significant share of the Western Europe D-SLR market, which grew by 120% in the past 12 months. “A rapidly expanding population of serious and semi-commercial creative photographers is helping drive EOS growth,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “As well as putting many high-end pro features into their hands, the EOS 30D becomes a launching pad into the world’s most comprehensive interchangeable lens system and huge range of flash units and accessories.”

PMA 2006: The EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM portait lens is announced today. The EF 85mm f/1.2 II USM will be available from April 2006, priced at £1629.99 / €2359.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon introduces its EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM lens; ideal for portraits and low light

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of its latest professional L-series prime lens: the exceptionally fast EF 85 mm f/1.2 L II USM. With the widest aperture of any lens in the current EF range, the new model becomes Canon’s definitive portraiture lens, offering extremely fine control over depth of field and consummate low light performance. With vastly improved auto focus speed, the lens replaces the popular EF 85mm f/1.2 L USM. As with all L-series lenses, the EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM incorporates the very finest standards of precision optics.

PMA 2006: The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is announced today. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM will be available from June 2006, priced at £869.99 / €1259.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new constant aperture EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom lens; a great low-light performer

Canon today strengthens its EF-S lens series with the launch of the Image Stabilised wide angle EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. With image quality and construction approaching that of Canon’s renowned professional lenses, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM becomes the fastest standard focal length zoom for EF–S mount cameras such as the new EOS 30D. Combining constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range with Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser, it delivers outstanding wide angle performance and framing flexibility in low light conditions. Specialist optics such as UD glass and aspherical elements help deliver exceptional clarity, sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy.

PMA 2006: The Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS is announced today. 6 megapixels, image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS), ISO 800. The Canon IXUS 800 IS will be available from April 2006, priced at £399.00 / €589.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new Digital IXUS 800 IS: A new class of IXUS (called the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH in the USA).
 
Canon is pleased to announce the launch of the Digital IXUS that advanced photographers have been waiting for – the 6.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 800 IS. Redefining the boundaries of compact camera design, the new flagship of the Digital IXUS range fits a 4x optical zoom lens and Canon’s optical Image Stabiliser (IS) technology into an incredibly slender body. “IXUS is synonymous with distinctive style and leading technology,” comments Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The Digital IXUS 800 IS adds another dimension to the range with a new level of functionality that will thrill serious photo enthusiasts.

PMA 2006: The Canon Digital IXUS 65 and Canon Digital IXUS 60 are announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, ISO 800, Widescreen (16:9) mode, 3 inch and 2.5 inch LCD respectively. The Digital IXUS 60 will be available from March 2006 and Digital IXUS 65 from April 2006, priced at £299.00 / €449.99 and £349.00 / €519.99 respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon builds on design pedigree with two new Digital IXUS models; the Digital IXUS 60 and Digital IXUS 65 (called the PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH and PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH in the USA).

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of two new jewels in the Digital IXUS crown – the Digital IXUS 60 and Digital IXUS 65. The two cameras continue the IXUS tradition of fusing cutting-edge technologies and superb build quality with compelling camera design. Featuring a high resolution 2.5” LCD screen, the steel-bodied Digital IXUS 60 draws on original IXUS designer Yasushi Shiotani’s ‘box and circle’ concept to achieve a look of classic elegance. The innovative Digital IXUS 65 sports a massive 3.0” LCD, unique Touch Control Dial and a two-tone finish in brushed silver and ebony black. The Digital IXUS 60 and Digital IXUS 65 sit above the Digital IXUS 55 in the IXUS range and will appeal to style-conscious consumers seeking large displays, advanced functionality and great image quality in a compact and elegant camera. “These new additions to the Digital IXUS range exemplify everything IXUS stands for – leading design, innovative technologies and outstanding performance,” said Mogens Jensen Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe.

PMA 2006: The Canon PowerShot S3 IS is announced today. 6 megapixels, image stabilized 12x zoom lens, ISO 800, 2 inch LCD. The Canon PowerShot S3 IS will be available from early May 2006, priced at £449.00 / €649.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches new PowerShot S3 IS; improved monster zoom compact

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of the 12x optical zoom PowerShot S3 IS. Successor to the popular PowerShot S2 IS, the latest addition to the PowerShot S-series incorporates a 6.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, Canon’s renowned optical Image Stabiliser technology and video functionality rivalling that of dedicated digital video camcorders. Sporting a striking new finish in gunmetal grey, the compact PowerShot S3 IS answers the demands of advanced photographers with several improvements over its predecessor, including an increased sensitivity range of ISO 80 to ISO 800, a larger 2.0” vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, new movie features and an additional Sports mode. The PowerShot S3 IS caters for serious photo enthusiasts seeking extended zooming flexibility and fully featured movie recording in a versatile compact digital stills camera.

PMA 2006: The Canon PowerShot A700 and Canon PowerShot A540 are announced today. 6 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD, 6x and 4x optical zoom lens respectively. The PowerShot A700 and PowerShot A540 will be available from March 2006, priced at £289.00 / €429.99 and £249.00 / €369.99 respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon broadens PowerShot A-series range with two versatile models for creative shooting
 
Canon is pleased to announce the launch of two new PowerShot cameras that combine ease of use with creative flexibility – the PowerShot A700 and PowerShot A540. The 6.0 Megapixel PowerShot A700 defines a new level of performance for the A-series range with a 6x optical zoom lens featuring a real-image optical viewfinder. The PowerShot A540 delivers 6.0 Megapixel resolution and a high performance 4x optical zoom lens. Both cameras feature an extensive range of creative shooting modes and are compatible with optional converter lenses for extended versatility. With its powerful optical performance and rich feature set, the PowerShot A700 is the new flagship of the A-series range. The versatile PowerShot A540 is the replacement to last year’s popular PowerShot A520. “The PowerShot A-series range stands for performance, ease of use and affordability,” explains Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “By broadening the range with these fully featured cameras, Canon is putting advanced photography into the hands of the mainstream consumer.”

PMA 2006: The Canon PowerShot A530 and Canon PowerShot A430 are announced today. 5 and 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD, 4x optical zoom lens. The PowerShot A430 and PowerShot A530 will be available from March 2006, priced at £149.00 / €219.99 and £199.00 / €299.99 respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches new point-and-shoot PowerShot A430 and PowerShot A530

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of two fun, easy and affordable cameras – the PowerShot A430 and PowerShot A530. The new additions to the popular PowerShot A-series range offer consumers an outstanding combination of easy-to-use features, solid construction and excellent image quality at an entry-level price. Both cameras incorporate Canon’s acclaimed DIGIC II processor and iSAPS technology for rapid processing speeds, highly responsive controls and superb image quality. Sitting just below the PowerShot A540 – also released today – in the PowerShot A-series range, the cameras will appeal to first time digital camera buyers as well as experienced photographers looking for a second take-anywhere camera. “Since the launch of the PowerShot A5 in 1998, the A-series has helped millions of European consumers switch to digital,” explains Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “With these new additions to the range, Canon is making high quality digital photography more accessible than ever before.”

PMA 2006: The Canon PIXMA Pro9500 and Canon PIXMA Pro9000 A3+ professional printers are announced today. The pigment based PIXMA Pro9500 and dye based PIXMA Pro9000 will be available from Autumn 2006, priced at around £649.00 / €937.00 and £499.00 / €720.00 respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches professional quality PIXMA Pro series; PIXMA Pro9500 and PIXMA Pro9000  

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of the PIXMA Pro9500 and Pro9000 for professional photographers. A new series of A3+ professional-quality inkjet printers, PIXMA Pro offers users a choice: the Pro9500, using a 10-colour ink system featuring new formulation “Lucia” pigment ink, meets the most exacting commercial photographic requirements and delivers high quality, durable colour and monochrome output. The Pro9000 employs 8-colour dye inks and is suitable for general printing, especially high quality gloss photographs. PIXMA Pro printers leverage core Canon technologies – including FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering)  print heads – and benefit from the company’s experience in both consumer and professional print and capture markets. As a professional-quality range, new PIXMA Pro complements Canon’s EOS series of D-SLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras and broadens the PIXMA line up.

PMA 2006: The Canon PIXMA iX4000 and Canon PIXMA iX5000 A3+ printers are announced today. The PIXMA iX4000 and iX5000 are aimed at the SoHo market and will be available from April 2006, priced at around £249.00 / €360.00 and £329.00 / €475.00 respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon targets small business market with new PIXMA iX4000 and iX5000 A3+ printers

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of two new A3+ printers aimed at the small business market: the PIXMA iX5000 and PIXMA iX4000. The new products are designed to meet office requirements – delivering rapid, high quality prints for documents and graphics, while also continuing in the PIXMA tradition of producing high speed lab-quality photo prints. These are achieved with Canon’s FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology , which lies at the heart of PIXMA’s photolab performance. In addition to the new printers, Canon also launches two multifunctionals that also target the small business market: the PIXMA MP830 and PIXMA MP530. The new products strengthen the PIXMA range by bringing the sub-brand’s core values – designer styling and advanced technology for high quality, high speed photo printing – into the important small office and home office segment. “We are now strengthening the PIXMA sub-brand by focusing on the small business market,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Canon’s strategy is to drive the market by providing class–leading business devices that excel at producing high quality image prints, fast.”

PMA 2006: The wireless Canon PIXMA MP800R all-in-one is announced today. The PIXMA MP800R will be available from March 2006, priced at around £329.00 / €475.00.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches the PIXMA MP800R: The premium wireless photo All-in-One

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of the PIXMA MP800R – the premium PIXMA multifunctional photo All-In-One (print, scan and copy) with wireless connectivity. A wireless, networkable version of the PIXMA MP800, the new device delivers fast, superior quality print, scan and copy functions. It also offers PC-less printing from a huge range of devices with its integrated memory card, PictBridge, IrDA, and optional Bluetooth connectivity, as well as direct from 35mm film originals. “With increasing demand for wireless devices in the home, Canon continues to drive the home photo printing market by expanding its PIXMA multifunctional range,” says Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Our new flagship multifunctional with inbuilt wireless offers users the freedom to produce photo lab quality prints from anywhere in the home.”