This week Olympus announced the world’s first digital SLR camera with live preview on the LCD screen. This innovation enables framing of shots without the need to look through the viewfinder, and will prove an attractive proposition to anyone who is used to compact digicams. The E-330 is based on the previous E-300 design, however, which didn’t prove too popular with consumers, and the new model will set you back £900, which is more than a Canon EOS 20D. So does the new E-300 get your blood racing, or do you think it will go down in history as the first, but not the best? Would you pay £900 for it? And do you think all the other manufactuers will quickly follow suit and release their own live-view SLR cameras? Shout out now…

Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days:

New Cameras
Pentax *ist DL2 DSLR
Olympus E-330 DSLR (pictured)
Olympus SP-320
Olympus mju 810
Olympus mju 720 SW
Olympus mju 700
Olympus FE-160
Olympus FE-150
Olympus FE-140 and Olympus FE-130
Olympus FE-115
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7
Casio Exilim EX-Z600

New Accessories
Olympus Underwater and Outdoor cases
Wolverine MVP 9060

Other Headlines
£50 Cashback on Samsung Pro 815
Sony DSLR in Summer 2006

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Plustek OpticFilm 7200i film scanner, which incorporates SilverFast’s Infrared Smart Removal of Defects (iSRD) technology and is priced at just £199/$399.

“The scanner turns out very detailed scans from black & white film, producing a good range of tones. It does struggle to reproduce extreme tones from the darkest areas of the film because of its limited Dmax, but this problem doesn’t detract much from the overall quality of the scanned image. The iSRD function will not work with black & white film and has to be disabled. This is common for most scanners employing an infrared dust and scratch removal system, only Digital ICE 4 available on the Nikon Coolscan V has overcome this problem.”

aePhotoZine - Plustek OpticFilm 7200 Review

PMA 2006: The Pentax *ist DL2 digital SLR camera is announced today. New features include 8 scene modes, 5 point wide-area AF system, and a new digital preview function which allows confirmation of depth of field, exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the PENTAX *ist DL2 lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera to offer the fun and excitement of high-quality digital SLR photography to many levels of photographers — especially first-time digital SLR users. Developed as a proud successor to the popular *ist DL, this new digital SLR inherits many of its predecessor’s popular features, including a compact, lightweight and easy-to-hold body and a simple, accessible operation system. At the same time, it provides several improvements and additions, such as an increased number of AF sensor points and eight user-friendly Scene Modes. As a result, it delivers greatly enhanced overall cost performance to its users. PENTAX believes that the new *ist DL2 is an ideal starter camera for many different users around the globe, ranging from photographic novices and family snapshot enthusiasts to current digital-compact and film-SLR users who want to take up digital SLR photography.

Cobra Digital Press Release

Cobra Digital Debuts Value-Priced DC7550Z Digital Camera Featuring Power Zoom, 7.0 Megapixel Output - Sub-$200, High Performance Camera for Personal Use Includes 2.4” Color Display, Autofocus, 3X Optical/5X Digital Zoom

Cobra Digital, makers of affordable digital imaging products, announced today its new DC7550Z digital camera, a powerful combination of performance and value for the hobbyist or anyone interested in capturing top quality photos.  Incorporating a 3X optical and 5X digital power zoom lens, the DC7550Z delivers exceptional photographic images in resolutions as high as 7 megapixels, with a wide range of convenience features also included. Cobra Digital’s DC7550Z offers users a large, 2.4” TFT (110K pixel) liquid crystal display, making it easy to compose any kind of shot.  The 32MB flash memory and SD slot (card not included) with mass storage driver support ensures enough storage for a full day’s shooting, while the 2,592 x 1,944 pixel CCD sensor provides razor sharp imaging.

A number of websites have previews, interviews and, well, just views, about the new Olympus E-330 with its, ermm, live preview functionality. Here’s a roundup…

E330 Interviews
Website: Quesabesde
Website: DigitalCameraInfo

E330 Previews
Website: Quesabesde
Website: DPReview
Website: Imaging Resource

BonusPrint Press Release

Don’t say it with flowers - Create an original Valentine’s Day photo-gift online

Bonusprint is urging lovers across the UK to bin the flowers this Valentine’s Day in favour of something more original – a gift personalised with pictures of you and your special someone.

A personalised card, for example, can demonstrate how special your loved one is to you. An online tour at www.bonusprint.co.uk explains how to upload and create the high-quality cards, which cost from just 99p. You can choose the perfect photo, border, caption and message for your loved one and have it delivered straight to your door. Some of the best examples that customers have made include a picture of pink furry handcuffs with “Are you tied up for Valentine’s Day” on the outside and “Do you want to be?” as the message on the inside.  Another has a picture of a long chimney leaning at a slight angle with “Thinking of You” on the front…

DIWA member Steves Digicams have just reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD430 (also known as the Digital IXUS WIRELESS), which features automatic wireless image transfer, wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC and ships with a wireless print adapter.

“One of the most noticeable features on this model is the wireless capability. As stated above, this will allow you to transfer images to your PC, control the camera remotely or print images from your printer without having to get out a USB cable or download to a computer. I was very surprised at how well the SD430’s wireless system works. We had no problems connecting to our D-Link router to test the remote capture software.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PowerShot SD430 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

PCMagazine have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare P880 digital camera. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24–140 mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“Over the past year, however, with D-SLR prices falling to well under $1,000, we’ve started to wonder how long manufacturers will continue to make enthusiast lines. The P880s cost dangerously close to what you’d pay for some low-end D-SLRs. Our thinking is: If you’re going to pay this much, why not spend a pinch more for the superior picture quality you’d get with a D-SLR? To compete, enthusiast cameras have to be nearly flawless all around or offer unique functions—such as versatile video capabilities—that you won’t find on models in the next category up.”

Website: PCMagazine - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have published their review of the new Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom, a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 32-128mm and an ISO range of ISO 80 to ISO 800.

Website: Digit.no - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

PMA 2006: The Olympus E-330 with live preview is announced today. 7.5 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, Supersonic Wave Filter, £900 in the UK, available in March.

Olympus UK Press Release

World’s first digital SLR with continuous live view*

London, 26 January 2006 – With its new E-330, Olympus introduces the fourth SLR body in the award winning Olympus E-System and expands the horizons of photography by including live view on the LCD screen of a digital SLR for the first time*. This ground-breaking innovation enables framing of shots without the need to look through the viewfinder, allowing users of the Olympus E-330 to remain aware of what’s going on around them while they shoot – a significant advantage for reportage or sports photographers. As the image is relayed live on a large bright LCD screen measuring 2.5”/ 6.4cm framing the subject is made much easier in situations when using a conventional viewfinder is too awkward, such as when photographing underwater. And as the large LCD on the Olympus E-330 can be tilted or swivelled to virtually any angle, the versatility of the Olympus E-330 is extended even further.

PMA 2006: The Olympus SP-320 is introduced. 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, full range of shooting modes, RAW format, £230 in the UK, available in April.

Olympus UK Press Release

Explore your creative potential - the Olympus SP-320 giving control back to the photographer

London, 26 January 2006 – With the new Olympus SP320 ambitious photographers can let their imaginations run wild. In addition to an impressive 25 special scene modes, the camera has Programme, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and full Manual exposure control, plus manual and automatic focussing, leaving the photographer free to choose the settings they need, to achieve their desired effects. Boasting a 7.1 million pixel CCD the SP-320 has enough resolving power to record scenes in stunning detail. The precision 3x optical zoom of the SP320 gives even more flexibility and a histogram function enables exposure information to be displayed on the large 6.4cm LCD screen whilst the shot is being taken, to give expert photographers the opportunity to fine-tune their exposure for the perfect result. The SP-320 is a highly specified camera and for extra versatility a range of optional accessories is available, including lens converters and an underwater casing. Featuring a slim wedge-shaped design with ergonomic grip the SP320 is surprisingly robust for a camera with so many features that retails for just £230. Expect to see the Olympus SP-320 in all good camera shops April 2006.

PMA 2006: The Olympus mju 810 is announced. 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, stainless steel, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, £330 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

Looks great – and so do the photos - the Olympus mju 810 – small in size, big in features

London, 26 January 2006 – With BrightCapture Technology and the ability to compensate for camera shake the Olympus mju 810 is ideal for photography in near dark situations, which presents something of a dilemma to photographers – as the camera looks so good that they’ll want to keep it in the light where other photographers can admire it! Olympus BrightCapture Technology is a must for those who want to capture the ambiance of a night time scene, without spoiling the mood by using flash. It increases the camera’s sensitivity to light allowing perfectly exposed shots to be recorded using natural light, even when the sun has gone down, and at the same time brightens the camera’s LCD screen to make it easier to frame photos. The slim-line stainless steel body of the Olympus mju 810 is weatherproof*, protecting its hi-tech interior from water, dust and snow, which might just come in handy as first deliveries are expected in March – in good time for April showers! The 8 million pixel, 3 x zoom Olympus mju 810 will be priced at around £330, available from all good camera dealers.

PMA 2006: The Olympus mju 720 SW is here. 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof and shockproof body, BrightCapture Technology, £300 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

The Olympus mju 720 SW – a tough act to follow - when the going gets tough, the tough buy the mju 720 SW

London, 26 January 2006 – Designed to take the knocks, bumps and other trials of daily life with ease, the exceedingly tough Olympus mju 720 SW heralds a brand new era in digital photography. Waterproof to 3m* and resistant to falls from up to 1.5m*, this attractive yet incredibly robust camera can take pretty much anything life throws at it – whether that’s being showered with champers or dropped into a mountain stream. And as the Olympus mju 720 SW has been blessed with a 7.1 million pixel CCD and 3 x optical zoom and Olympus’s BrightCapture Technology it can endure virtually any photographic demands asked of it as well. BrightCapture Technology uses all of the information from the CCD to make the 6.4cm LCD screen significantly brighter, and boosts the camera’s light sensitivity to reduce the need to use flash.

PMA 2006: Introducing the Olympus mju 700. 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, available for £230 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

Low light need never be a problem again - the Olympus mju 700 with BrightCapture Technology

London, 26 January 2006 – It’s a problem we’re all familiar with, the atmospheric lighting in bars, candlelit restaurants and at concerts looks great but flash photography leaves everyone looking like they’ve been caught in a headlights of an oncoming juggernaut. Luckily the Olympus mju 700 has the perfect solution built in. Olympus’s innovative BrightCapture Technology allows the 7.1 million pixel mju 700 to take perfectly exposed shots in low light without having to use flash, so all of the romance, drama and excitement of the occasion are perfectly preserved. And as BrightCapture also boosts the power of the camera’s large 6.4cm LCD screen, there’s no more groping around in the dark to frame photos either. A weatherproof* metal body slim enough to slip into a pocket means that the µ (mju) 700 can be taken anywhere and, as a choice of four exciting colours are available there’s something for everyone. The great looking µ (mju) 700 will available in shops from March priced at around £230.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-160 is announced. 6 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, available at Dixons, Currys and PC World stores in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

6 million pixel photography for beginners and hobbyists

London, 26 January 2006 – Anyone opting for the new Olympus FE-160 will find themselves snapping away like a pro within minutes of opening the box. The new 2.8x zoom, 6 million pixel camera has been designed very much with trouble-free photography in mind, but not at the expense of picture quality. The camera’s lightweight, slim metal body exudes style and is compact enough to be slipped into a bag or pocket ready for use at a moments notice. At 6.4cm, the large LCD makes taking photos and viewing the results dead easy. Most of all, beginners will really appreciate the camera controls that are virtually self explanatory. The attractively-priced FE-160 is the perfect solution for all beginners and hobby photographers alike and will be available exclusively at Dixons, Currys and PC world stores from April.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-150 is unveiled. 5 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, £160 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

5 million pixel photography for beginners and hobbyists - The Olympus FE-150, an easy way to take great photos

London, 26 January 2006 – Anyone opting for the new Olympus FE-150 will find themselves snapping away like a pro within minutes of opening the box. The new 3x zoom, 5 million pixel camera has been designed very much with trouble-free photography in mind, but not at the expense of picture quality. The camera’s lightweight, slim metal body exudes style and is compact enough to be slipped into a bag or pocket ready for use at a moments notice. At 6.4cm, the large LCD makes taking photos and viewing the results dead easy. Most of all, beginners will really appreciate the camera controls that are virtually self explanatory. The attractively-priced FE-150 is the perfect solution for all beginners and hobby photographers alike and, from April, will be available from all good camera shops for around £160.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-140 and Olympus FE-130 are introduced. 6 and 5.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 and 2.0 inch LCDs, £170 and £140 in the UK respectively.

Olympus UK Press Release

Great value fun and quality - No nonsense photography with the Olympus FE-130 and FE-140

London, 26 January 2006 – Ideally suited for budget-conscious hobby photographers who want to start shooting right away, the FE-130 and FE-140 match good quality with easy operation and a great appearance. Based on a no nonsense “one button, one function” design principle, these two cameras offer exceptionally easy operation that in no way compromises the quality of the photos they produce. Featuring 5.1 and 6.0 million pixel resolution respectively, photos taken with the FE-130 and FE-140 have enough detail to withstand printing even at larger sizes. The versatility of 3x optical zoom lenses makes it easy to frame subjects without having to continually move the camera backwards and forwards, as does the cameras’ respective 5.1cm and 6.4cm LCD screens, which also prove very handy when showing off pictures already taken to friends and family.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-115 is announced today. 5 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 1.5 inch LCD, £120 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

Digital photography as easy as one, two, three - the Olympus FE-115, an easy introduction to digital photography

London, 26 January 2006 – The Olympus FE-115 is not only easy to use, it delivers great quality 5 million pixel photos at a very affordable price. With a 2.8x optical zoom lens and a 1.5 inch LCD screen even photo novices will have a great time using the FE-115. They’ll be able to find their way around the camera’s various functions in no time, as the controls are conveniently positioned and most buttons have just a single dedicated function. In addition, the ergonomically-designed, lightweight silver body coupled with 28MB of internal memory and xD-Picture Card compatibility make the FE-115 great for long-lasting photo fun. It will be available from February 2006 priced at around £120.

PMA 2006: A new range of Olympus underwater and outdoor cases are announced today.

Olympus UK Press Release

Swim and shoot - see what’s beneath the waves with Olympus underwater and outdoor cases

London, 26 January 2006 – Outdoor pursuits such as swimming, snorkelling and diving are some of the most fun and memorable activities of any summer holiday. So why is it that these moments are rarely seen in holiday snaps? Now there can be no more excuses for letting memories of coral reefs and marine life fade, they can live be captured forever using Olympus digital cameras safely housed in one of a range of waterproof cases. Olympus underwater and outdoor cases are constructed from durable yet lightweight polycarbonate and retain all camera functions providing photographers with full shooting control. And with models available that are waterproof to 3m, 40m or 60m*, there’s sure to be a solution for everyone’s underwater shooting needs – whether professional or holiday maker.