PMA 2006: The Kodak Easyshare V603 is announced today. 6.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, available in April for $299.95.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE V603 – 6.1-Megapixel, Compact Digital Camera Proves Big Things Come in Small, Sleek Packages - Kodak Continues to Fuse Style and Quality with KODAK EASYSHARE V-Series Zoom Digital Cameras

ROCHESTER, NY, February 17—Building upon the tremendous success of its award-winning line of KODAK EASYSHARE V-series digital cameras, Kodak debuts the V603, a compact camera that is the perfect mixture of style, performance and simplicity that can slide into almost any pocket. The KODAK EASYSHARE V603 Zoom Digital Camera is designed for people who want a small, stylish camera packed with innovative features to enhance the photography experience. It is the latest in the V-series line of cameras which features exciting digital advancements wrapped in sleek camera bodies while remaining true to Kodak’s signature ease-of-use. The tiny, 6.1-megapixel V603 features a SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.5” high-resolution display, in-camera picture enhancing features such as KODAK   PPERFECT TOUCH technology and multiple color and scene modes including panorama stitch.

PMA 2006: The Kodak Easyshare C643 and Kodak Easyshare C533 entry-level cameras are announced today. The C643 offers 6.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a large 2.4 inch LCD. The C533 offers 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 1.8 inch LCD.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE C–Series Digital Cameras Combine Compact Design, Simplicity and Outstanding Image Quality - Affordable C643, C533 Cameras Designed to Deliver High-Quality Images for Entry Level Enthusiasts

ROCHESTER, NY, February 17—Eastman Kodak Company today announced the EASYSHARE C643 and C533 zoom digital cameras that combine Kodak’s hallmark ease-of-use, quality and value, making it possible for entry-level picture takers to capture, share, organize and print pictures. “Kodak’s new C-Series cameras provide users new to photography with tools to capture and share their memories,” said Mary Hadley, General Manager, Digital Capture, Consumer Digital Imaging Group, Eastman Kodak Company. “The C643 and C533 are designed to give people the opportunity to get the best quality pictures beginning with their very first shot.” The new KODAK EASYSHARE C643 Digital Camera is an all-purpose solution for users who seek compact design and exceptional value - 6.1-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens and 5x digital zoom, large 2.4’’ LCD color display, 30 fps TV-quality video (VGA) with audio capture, and a wealth of on-camera picture-enhancing features.

Kodak Press Release

Kodak Introduces Improvements Across its Film Product Portfolio - Consumers and Professionals Worldwide Benefit From Kodak’s Commitment to Traditional Photography

ROCHESTER, NY, February 17—Demonstrating its continuing commitment to the traditional photography market, Eastman Kodak Company introduced improvements across its award-winning consumer and professional film product portfolio today at the Photo Marketing Association Show in Orlando, Florida, elevating the consumer photography experience for users of traditional products. “Actions speak louder than words. The traditional product portfolio improvements announced today represent solid proof that Kodak is committed to people around the world who capture images with film and one-time-use cameras,” said Mary Jane Hellyar, President, Film and Photofinishing Group and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “From unbeatable clarity and sharpness across our one-time-use camera line for consumers to improved PORTRA 800 color-negative film for professionals, these new benefits enable KODAK film users to achieve outstanding images.”

Bibble Labs Press Release

State-of-the-art noise reduction technology to be included in Bibble RAW processing software.

Austin, TX- 13:00 EST February 17, 2006. Bibble Labs Inc has reached an agreement with PictureCode LLC, developer of the best-of-breed Noise Ninja image noise reduction software application. Forthcoming versions of Bibble Labs’ award-winning RAW workflow software will feature fully integrated versions of Picturecode’s patent pending noise reduction technology. This will enable a new level of image quality in the raw workflow, especially for high-ISO images. “As pioneers of DSLR RAW software we have led the way in speed, feature set, and cross platform support. With the inclusion of PictureCode’s Noise Ninja™ technology, we are again raising the bar for integrated, fast workflow,” states Eric Hyman, President & CEO of Bibble Labs.

Kodak / Bibble Labs Press Release

Eastman Kodak Company and Bibble Labs today announced a cross-licensing and co-marketing agreement that will allow both companies to offer new, improved products to imaging professionals that further strengthens Kodak’s ‘Connect with Pro Quality’ products and programs. Under the agreement, Kodak is licensing to Bibble two proprietary technologies, the KODAK COLORFLOW Color Management Module (CMM) and the KODAK COLORFLOW ICC Input API. New versions of Bibble’s highly successful professional workflow software will integrate both of these technologies to create a best practices data path for generating finished files suitable for display and printing on KODAK output systems with minimal image adjustments. In return, Bibble is licensing to Kodak their RAW format library and conversion engine. Using this valuable tool in select KODAK output systems will enhance interoperability allowing for easier printing from RAW format files.

CameraLabs have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.

“The Olympus E-500 is a mixed bag with plenty of things going for it, but equally a number of aspects which could be considered deal-breakers by some photographers. Highlights of course include the SSWF anti-dust system, an impressively high level of information and control for a budget body, along with an increasing number of high quality lenses - check back in the future for full reviews of four Zuiko Digital models including the impressive 7-14mm ultra wide angle zoom.”

Website: CameraLabs - Olympus E-500 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio W10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, waterproof body.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio W10. Furnished with superior waterproofing and dustproofing, the Optio W10 is a 6.0 effective megapixels compact digital camera that packs a 2.5-inch LCD monitor and a 3X optical zoom lens into a slim, newly designed body. The Optio W10 was developed based on the PENTAX Optio WP series, which realizes the waterproof functionality for underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. While continuing the development concepts of sportiness, elegance, and leisure and the waterproof and dustproof performance for reliable use outdoors or during water sports, the Optio W10 offers improved LCD monitoring and movie recording. This model has been made more convenient and user-friendly with the addition of the new Face Recognition AF/AE function, which detects people’s faces in the picture frame and adjusts the focus and exposure accordingly.

PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio T10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, large 3 inch touch-screen LCD, thin 19.5mm body.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio T10 compact digital camera. The Optio T10 is distinguished by an extra-large 3.0-inch,high-definition LCD monitor for easy viewing and a touch-display control system that allows you to program the camera by simply touching icons on the panel as well as customize images directly on the panel. Along with the powerful raw performance of the camera’s picture quality and its 3X-optical zoom lens coupled with a slim body profile and a simple, intuitive interface, PENTAX has engineered a camera that puts the fun back into not only “taking” and “viewing” but also “creating” images with its playful touch-display control.

PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio M10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the PENTAX Optio M10 digital compact camera, which incorporates a host of user-friendly features and offers solid performance for a wide range of photographic applications. The Optio M10 is a reliable, popular-class model, combining a compact, lightweight body and simple operations with a versatile 3X optical zoom lens, 6.0 effective megapixels, a large, functional LCD monitor, and other user-friendly features. Coupled with its exceptional battery life, the Optio M10 offers fun, easy digital photography for a variety of occasions and applications to many different users, regardless of photographic skill and experience.

PMA 2006: The MINOX DC 6011 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.

Minox Press Release

MINOX DC 6011 slim, sleek and very trendy

This new compact digital camera from MINOX with its 6-megapixel sensor and 2.5 inch screen shows modern technology at its best! With dimensions of just 87x54x18mm, the new MINOX digital DC 6011 slim boasts an ultra sleek and very slender design, making it barely larger than the world famous Minox spy camera of years gone by. Contrary to what its outward appearance may suggest, the performance of the DC 6011 slim is not at all small! With an image resolution of up to six million pixels this new MINOX ranks in the top league of ultra-flat and highly compact digital cameras. A 3x optical zoom, large 2.5” TFT color monitor set in a smooth and elegantly designed stainless steel body, providing a stylish, attractive and modern camera that fits almost any purse or pocket.

PMA 2006: The MINOX DC 6011 is announced today. 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.

Minox Press Release

MINOX DC 5011: an ideal all-round camera - This new compact digital camera with its 5-megapixel sensor and 2.5 inch screen is at the sharp end of camera technology

The new Minox DC 5011 digital camera is a first class all-round performer with highly sensible features set in an elegant body and all at an attractive price. These include the superb 2.5 inch TFT colour screen, one of the largest available today, that makes mode selection easy and image viewing very convenient for more than one person at a time. The anti-reflection coating of the screen makes for comfortable viewing even in sunlight. The CCD image sensor built into an attractive but sturdy camera body delivers a resolution of up to 5 million pixels - the accepted average pixel rating for to-days compact digitals - will deliver high resolution images with plenty of ability for detailed enlargements as required.

Corel Press Release

Further details of Corel at Focus on Imaging 2006

Maidenhead, UK - 15 February 2006 - Corel Corporation today announced details of an amazing 20% discount offer on Corel Paint Shop Pro X, its latest flagship digital imaging software, which will run for one month from 15 February to 15 March 2006. For one month from 15 February, customers can purchase Corel Paint Shop Pro X and receive 20% off the standard SRP (£85) or 10% off the upgrade SRP (£41) - all prices exclude VAT.

Extensis Press Release

Extensis Portfolio Achieves Its Largest Revenue Quarter in Company’s Twelve-Year History - Release of digital asset management solution – Portfolio 8 – fuels record sales for Extensis.

Portland, Ore. – February 14, 2006 – Extensis, a division of Celartem Inc., today announced sales for its digital asset management (DAM) solution – Portfolio, have surpassed Extensis’ existing record for quarterly net revenue. Extensis finished the 2005 calendar year with a 39 percent growth over the preceding year for Portfolio sales while increasing the product’s total corporate workgroup revenue 204 percent over the same period.

OnAsia Images Press Release

OnAsia Images Announces Distribution Partnership with laif in Germany

BANGKOK, Thailand. – Feb. 15, 2006 – OnAsia Images (www.onasia.com) has announced a new distribution partnership with leading German photo agency laif (www.laif.de). Under the agreement laif, which is one of Germany’s most established agencies, will represent OnAsia’s growing archive of Asian images and features in the German speaking market. With a network of over 100 member photographers throughout the region and over 90,000 high resolution images available for download online, OnAsia offers unparalleled coverage of Asia.

Sony Europe Press Release

Sony launch customisable CD-R and DVD-R printable media range for a more professional finish

Paris, 15th February 2006 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division today announced it has launched its new CD-R and DVD-R printable media range for users who wish to customise discs with their own unique designs. Sony’s new comprehensive printable media range is easy to use, providing a top quality, professional finish, not achievable with adhesive labels.

Tamron Press Release

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di ll LD Aspherical (IF) Lens introduced

A lightweight, compact, fast standard zoom lens, designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras (APS-C Size), featuring true wide angle.

Two years after Tamron launched the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di lens as a standard, compact, fast standard zoom lenses, it remains highly popular with advanced amateur and professional photographers alike. Now Tamron, moving with market trends, has unveiled a new design for fast standard zoom lenses used exclusively for digital SLR cameras that covers the easy to use angles of view: the focal length is equivalent to 26-78mm* when converted to a 35mm format. In particular, the wide-angle focal length is established at 17mm (26mm equivalent) to obtain a wider angle of view than ordinary standard zoom lenses, while maintaining the remarkably lightweight and compact size of the earlier full frame zoom lens model.
*Tamron’s conversion ratio is 1.55 x.

Tamron Press Release

AF 28-200mm – High Power Zoom & AF 70-300mm Telephoto Zoom now available in Di Series

TAMRON announces the introduction of two up-graded popular Tamron lenses, both feature a Di optical sysem for use with digital and film cameras. Di (Digitally Integrated) is a designation Tamron gives lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance chatacteristics of digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras. The 28-200mm was the first generation of high-powered zoom lenses originally introduced in 1992. The current 28-200mm model makes use of XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass to achieve a remarkably lightweight and compact product that has won wide acclaim and this new version incorporates improved multi-coating for digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras. The 70-300mm offers a lightweight and compact zoom lens with macro capability that can now be used with digital cameras. By flipping a macro switch in the focal length range of 180mm to 300mm, a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at a minimum focus distance as short as 95cm is obtained, enabling close-up shots of objects that normally require the use of a specially designed macro lens.

Nikon Europe Press Release

Nikon Digital Imaging Software Business enhanced by Collaboration with American Developer, Nik Software, Inc.

Amsterdam, 14 February 2006. Michio Kariya, President of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to announce collaboration in the field of imaging software for digital cameras with American software developer, Nik Software, Inc., formerly nik multimedia, Inc. with Headquarters in San Diego, California. With this collaboration, the technologies of both companies will be merged to develop and market innovative software products based on new concepts.  This new relationship will enable a stronger presence and guarantee a leading role in the imaging software market. To further the success of this collaboration, Nikon has also made equity investment in Nik Software, Inc..

O’Reilly Press Release

Mimic the Masters of Fine Art with Photoshop CS2 O’Reilly Releases “Photoshop Fine Art Effects Cookbook”

Sebastopol, CA—For anyone who wants to shoot like Adams, print like Warhol, or paint like Van Gogh, “Photoshop Fine Art Effects Cookbook” (Beardsworth, O’Reilly, US $29.99) explains how to use Photoshop CS2 to transform everyday images into masterpieces that echo the genius of the world’s greatest photographers, printmakers, and painters. Readers don’t have to be trained artists or Photoshop experts to take advantage of Photoshop tools, techniques, and tricks of the trade for recreating the classic styles of favorite photographers and artists.

Square Group Press Release

Square to host FREE Aperture seminar in conjunction with Apple - All you need to know about post-production software for photographers

Monday 13th February 2006 – Due to overwhelming interest in Aperture, a post-production tool for photographers, Square Group is hosting a free seminar on the software in conjunction with Apple.  The event will take place on Thursday 16th March 2006 at The Design Museum, London. Designed from the ground up for professional photographers, Aperture provides everything you need after the shoot, delivering the first all-in-one post-production tool for photographers. Whether you are a fashion, wedding, sports, portrait, fine art, commercial or editorial photographer, Aperture’s colour managed workflow and flexible design tools will help you easily create stunning prints, customised contact sheets, elegant books and web pages as beautiful as the images you capture.