PMA 2006: Nikon Capture NX digital image editing software is announced today. Available in May 2006 for £119.99 / €179.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon Capture NX - Advancing full-scale digital image processing and editing

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation announces the new digital image editing software, Capture NX, featuring Nik Software, Inc.’s patented U Point™ technology. This new product, evolving from previously released Nikon Capture 4 software, gives digital photographers more powerful tools complimented by simple and visual operation for exploring NEF, JPEG and TIFF files potential for optimizing images. The new software is scheduled for delivery during Spring 2006.Advancing the world-acclaimed Nikon Capture concept, Capture NX releases not only the latest powers of Nikon’s Electronic Format (NEF) files; for the first time, it makes image processing of JPEG and TIFF files created by other cameras elegant and easy enough for any photographer to implement*. A user-friendly interface makes image editing more visually intuitive and provides access to all necessary enhancement tools. Nikon’s legendary expertise in creating innovative digital cameras and images has expanded the potential for high quality digital photography which will soon be complimented by Capture NX with its technology to maximize the potential for each compatible image. With performance, versatility and convenience it is the perfect match to any Nikon digital camera, as well as for any other camera brand that produces JPEG and TIFF files.

PMA 2006: Nikon View Pro image management software is announced today. Available in May 2006 for £34.99 / €50.

Nikon Press Release

High Speed and Versatile Performance with Image Management and Browsing to speed up and improve the professional digital workflow – Compatible with Capture NX and other Software.

New performance includes: Faster loading of thumbnails, faster NEF preview plus exclusive high speed processing, Action Keys, High Speed Image Management, IPTC Editing Performance, Versatile Display Modes for Image Comparison, Image Marking and FTP Transfer Compatibility

TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to introduce the versatile new Nikon View Pro software. The new Nikon View Pro is designed to make viewing and handling of large quantities of images faster, and with versatility to make the professional workflow more productive. As digital files grow in size and quality, professional photographers will appreciate Nikon View Pro’s enhanced image display, faster browsing of NEF RAW files, and the ease of editing IPTC information, all in a conveniently fast workflow.

PMA 2006: Nikon Pictmotion in-camera slideshow functionality is introduced in the new Coolpix S5 and S6 cameras.

Nikon Press Release

So much more than a slideshow, Pictmotion blends images, movies, music and visual styles to produce entertaining in-camera shows.

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is proud to announce Pictmotion – a unique new feature that makes it easy to share the joy of photography in a more entertaining, more advanced manner. Presently available with the newly released COOLPIX S5 and S6, this in-camera capability enables recorded image and movie files to be combined with music and visual styles to produce intuitive in-camera shows that take the fun of digital photography much further. Containing patented technologies provided by muvee Technologies Pte. Ltd., Pictmotion empowers the COOLPIX S5 and S6 with an embedded muvee-making function similar to the muvee feature previously available with Nikon PictureProject software – automatically analyzing selected images, movies, styles, music and settings to produce creative, compelling slideshow productions that are easy to make and exciting to show. And because the software is already in the camera, users can make and view their Pictmotion productions on the go, save them to memory, and enjoy playing them back again and again anywhere – without the need for a PC.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon launches a website dedicated to its COOLPIX Premium Features - The place to learn about and experience the advantages of the advanced features built into Nikon’s COOLPIX cameras

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of its new website dedicated to introducing the four sets of advanced functions that collectively comprise the COOLPIX Premium Features built into new Nikon COOLPIX cameras, which aim to make it easier and more fun to shoot, to achieve optimized images, and to share the fun with others. The site’s easy navigation and interactive graphic presentation is designed to let visitors experience the effects and advantages of each feature first-hand.

Sigma Press Release

Notice to customers using Sigma’s NA- i TTL type flashguns

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce firmware updates that bring refined performance to the EF-500 DG SUPER NA-iTTL and EF-500 DG ST NA-iTTL flashguns. This free firmware update service will be given to customers from February 20, 2006 onwards. This firmware update service will ensure compatibility of the above-mentioned flashguns with the i-TTL system of the D2X, D2H, D2Hs and D200 digital SLR cameras. This update service is only possible if the above flashguns’ back panel shows NA-iTTL marking. (This update service is not available if only “NA” is marked on the back of the flashgun). Concerning the EM-140 DG NA-iTTL, we will post further information regarding service procedure and time-scales in due course.

Epson Press Release

The Epson Stylus Photo RX640 and Stylus Photo R340 win iF product design award 2006.

Epson has won an iF product design award 2006 for the Stylus Photo RX640 all-in-one photo printer (pictured) and the Stylus Photo R340 photo printer. The iF product design awards, established in 1954, now rank amongst the most prestigious design competitions in the world. An international panel of top design experts critically examine and select the winning products from a total of around 2,300 entries from over 30 different countries each year. This year it attracted products from 37 nations. The Stylus Photo RX640 and Stylus Photo R340 were awarded in the Computer category.

Epson UK Press Release

21st February 2006 - Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) has started patent infringement proceedings in the English High Court against Medea International Limited in respect of UK patents belonging to Epson, which Epson believes are infringed by Medea International by importing ink cartridges compatible with Epson printers into the UK.  Medea International sells these imported cartridges in the UK under a number of brands, including Inkrite PhotoPLUS. Following rumours within the industry that Medea International is not infringing any UK patents by importing cartridges into the UK that are compatible with Epson printers, Epson has now chosen to set the record straight.

TrustedReviews have a good review of the large format Epson 4800 printer which uses the UltraChrome K3 inkset.

“‘Print quality on plain or photo paper, is very good. Black is dense and full, with the two supporting ‘light black’ inks, or as we techies call them, ‘greys’, providing smooth gradations of tone. When printing large format pages, costing on the basis of 20 per cent of an A4 page isn’t appropriate. We don’t think Epson’s basis for costing a photo print, 40 per cent of a page, is that realistic either. If you’re going to spend this kind of money on a printer, you’re going to be covering most of each page you print with ink – 80 per cent would be a more realistic average.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Epson Stylus Pro 4800 Review

Photo-i have taken a look at the new affordable Pantone huey monitor calibration device.

“The first thing that strikes me is its small size, its about the same size as a Wacom pen. The huey has eight tiny suckers which hold it in place on the screen and it can be used for both LCD and CRT screens (and laptops). I was reluctant to use this on the delicate surface of a LCD screen. The suckers need a slight amount of moistening, I resisted the temptation to lick the suckers and used a damp cloth. A small amount of pressure is required to make the huey stick to a LCD screen, but not enough to cause any damage. For CRT screens there isn’t a problem, just whack it on.”

Website: Photo-i - Pantone huey Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the new Olympus SP-350, an 8 megapixel camera that offers a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.

“The Olympus SP-350 features a 8.0-megapixel CCD, 3x lens, the availability of full manual exposure control and a flash hot shoe in a pocket-friendly, compact size. In addition to the camera’s automatic and manual controls, the SP-350 offers no less than 24 preset Scene modes, including a QuickTime Movie mode. With its small size, nice selection of creative controls, and high resolution sensor, the Olympus SP-350 is an excellent all-around camera suitable for novices and experienced amateurs alike.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Olympus SP-350 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

Website: Fotopolis - Canon EOS 5D Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer.

Website: Fotoaparat - Epson Stylus Photo R2400 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.

“At a manufacturer’s list price of $349.95, the FZ7 looks like a better value than comparable cameras. Its limitations, such as image noise in particular, won’t break the deal for some users. We did find the fit and finish disappointing. The plastic parts that make up the shell of the camera are thick and sturdy, but they don’t meet perfectly, so there are gaps and ridges where the camera was designed to be smooth. While some cameras at least aspire to look like jewelry, the FZ7 has a low-end aesthetic. Its range of manual controls and their ease of use should be particularly appealing to users who want to begin experimenting with controls. Newbie photographers who are content with the image quality could learn a lot by experimenting with the FZ7. “

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DPReview have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.

“The FZ5 was a camera that stood out in a very crowded market by virtue of an excellent lens, comprehensive set of photographic controls and fast, reliable operation. And most of the issues we did have - poor movie mode, fiddly manual exposure control, lack of external ISO control and poor low-light screen visibility have been addressed pretty convincingly in the FZ7.”

Website: DPReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

On a recent press trip to Lisbon, Portugal, I was given the opportunity to try out the new 28mm wide-angle zoom, 6 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 digital camera. Here are some sample images taken with a pre-production version of the FX01 - please note that they do not represent the quality of the final production version of the camera.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Photos

On a recent press trip to Lisbon, Portugal, I was given the opportunity to try out the new 10x zoom, 5 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera. Here are some sample images taken with a pre-production version of the TZ1 - please note that they do not represent the quality of the final production version of the camera.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Photos

PMA 2006: The Vivitar ViviCam X60 is announced today, proving that the megapixel race isn’t over yet. 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD, 6x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.

Vivitar Press Release

Oxnard, California–(February 13, 2006) – Vivitar today announced the launch of the new ViviCam X60, their new 10MP digital camera. According to Alan Tsao, Vivitar’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “The ViviCam X60 and the ViviCam X30 represent the epitome of Vivitar engineering for truly extraordinary photography. The ViviCam X60 provides the photographer with a 6x optical and an 8x digital zoom enabling the user to photograph subjects at great distances while keeping the image sharp and clear. The camera has a huge 2.8” color LTPS screen for easy viewing indoors or outdoors on the sunniest of days.”

PMA 2006: The Vivitar ViviCam X30 is announced today, proving that the megapixel race isn’t over yet. 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, 3x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.

Vivitar Press Release

Oxnard, California–(February 13, 2006) – Vivitar today announced the launch of the new ViviCam X30, their new 10MP digital camera. According to Alan Tsao, Vivitar’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “The ViviCam X30 and the ViviCam X60 represent the epitome of Vivitar engineering for truly extraordinary photography. The ViviCam X30 provides the photographer with a 3x optical and an 8x digital zoom and a large 2.5” color LTPS screen for easy viewing.”

PMA 2006: The affordable Mustek MDC-832Z is announced. 8 megapixels, 2 inch LCD, 3x optical zoom lens, available for just $249.99.

Mustek Press Release

Mustek Sees Growth Potential in U.S. Digital Camera Market, Will Unveil Newest Models at PMA 2006 Tradeshow

IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 16, 2006—Mustek, a leader in digital lifestyle electronics, today announced it would showcase its newest digital cameras and camcorders at the 2006 Photo Marketing Association Show (PMA) in Orlando, Fla. Spearheading Mustek’s introductions is the MDC-832Z, a stylish eight-megapixel digital camera boasting 3264 x 2448 resolution, a 3X optical zoom AF lens, a 2.0-inch LCD, 32MB of internal memory, 30 fps video recording (640 x 480) and an MSRP of only $249.99 (U.S.). The MDC-832Z, along with several other exciting Mustek launches, will be on display in PMA Technology Suite X15.

Ferrania Press Release

Ferrania claims clear lead in inkjet photo paper market with exclusive PerDura™ Technology - Photos printed on PermaPix™ Advanced Archival inkjet photo paper will last a lifetime

Orlando, Fla. — February 26, 2006 — Ferrania Technologies today is exhibiting its revolutionary DIMA and TIPA award-winning inkjet photo paper that offers consumers lifetime protection for their color photos.  PermaPix™ Advanced Archival inkjet photo paper from Ferrania features the company’s exclusive PerDura™ Technology, which protects color images from ozone, water and other environmental elements that typically degrade photo quality. Ferrania demonstrated the paper and exhibited packaging for the PermaPix™ brand at the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) Annual Conference in Orlando today, Booth #3364. The PermaPix™ Advanced Archival inkjet photo paper — which is available in 15-sheet 8.5” x 11” and 50-sheet 4” x 6” retail packages — allows consumers to print highly durable, archival photos with any ordinary inkjet printer, whether it uses dye-based or pigmented inks.  Ferrania, which began shipping the PermaPix™ paper last year, claims that the paper is a perfect solution for a widespread consumer need.