Wolverine Data Press Release

Wolverine Data Announces Distribution Deal with Costco.Com; Online Retailer Now Offers MVP 9060 60GB Portable Media Player

IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 25, 2006—Wolverine Data Inc. today announced it has signed a distribution deal with Costco (NASDAQ:COST) to sell one of its most popular products, the MVP 9060 60GB Portable Multimedia Storage and Player, on www.costco.com and Costco Business Centers. “This is a vital step in expanding distribution of our products,” stated Matt Mardini, president of Wolverine Data. “With Costco reaching sales of $6.37 billion in the last five weeks of 2005 alone, it is obviously a major force in retailing, and we’re proud to be associated with them.” The Wolverine(R) MVP 9060 is a 60GB portable media player and storage device that stores, writes and plays back up to 20,000 songs, 20,000 photos or 60 full-length movies downloaded from computers or through the unique built-in 7-in-1 memory card readers. Features include a razor-sharp 2.5-inch color LCD display with resolution of up to 720x480 pixels. Its Costco.com price is $349.99 (item #975634).

DigitalCameraReview have reviewed the new dual lens Kodak V570 camera.

“The top billing on this camera is the dual lens system, which Kodak has branded as RETINA. Now, just to clear any misconceptions up, the two Schneider-Kreuznach C-Variogon lenses are not used at the same time. One is used for ultra-wide angle shots (23mm equivalent), and the other lens provides the typical 3x optical zoom (39-117mm equivalent). When you operate the zoom rocker switch, an illustration on the LCD shows where you are in the range, and which lens is in use. To handle the two lenses, the camera also has two 5 megapixel sensors. Please note, if digital zoom is turned on, the camera will provide digital zoom for the zoom range between the ultra-wide lens and the wide end of the regular lens. Once digital zoom is turned off, there will be a “jump” between the two lenses. Also, you cannot use the ultra-wide lens in Macro or Landscape modes. Also, there are several scene modes where the ultra-wide lens is disabled. When you choose a mode, it provides some explanation text where this is denoted.”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - Kodak V570 Review

Website: Read my Kodak Easyshare V570 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Casio EX-Z120, a 7 megapixel camera Anti Shake DSP technology which reduces blurring caused either by shaking hands or moving subjects.

“The 3x optical zoom lens produced sharp results throughout its range, although with noticeable softness in the corners at full telephoto. Its 38 - 114mm (in 35mm equivalence) focal length range is typical for a camera in this class. At 38mm, there’s enough field of view for group portraits and landscapes, while its 114mm telephoto extreme will bring distant subjects a bit closer. The lens exhibits a very slight amount of chromatic aberration (purple fringing in high-contrast areas) and noticeable barrel distortion at wide angle, but the telephoto end of the zoom range is essentially distortion-free.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio EX-Z120 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo 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.

“The Fujifilm FinePix E900 is an ambitious camera – at 9 megapixels, its sensor has a higher resolution than Fuji’s DSLRs. The camera is equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens that equates to a variable focal length of 32mm to 128mm (35mm equivalent), providing users with a true wide-angle to moderate telephoto perspective. The 1/1.6-inch SuperCCD imaging chip supports a top ISO rating of 800, and the camera’s manual controls are both complete and convenient to use. With a list price of $499 and online prices closer to $400, the FinePix E900 has the features to be a worthwhile step-up from entry-level compacts. “

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review

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ePhotoZine have reviewed Alien Skin Exposure, an all-new plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and other compatible programs which claims to bring look and feel of film to digital photography.

“You could do most of the things you can here with the controls available to you in programs such as Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop, but not with the ease or clarity that Exposure allows. The program is so simple to use, and what makes it even more foolproof in mimicking your favourite film is that a series of presets have already been worked out for you. These include black & white films such as Kodak T-Max, Konica 750 Infrared and Fuji Neopan or colour films such as Kodachrome 25, Fuji Velvia 100 and Agfa RSX II.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Alien Skin Exposure Review

Here are the sample photos from my upcoming review of the 6 megapixel Fujifilm Finepix F11, a couple of days before the full review is online. The Fujifilm F11 is one of the few compact digital cameras (if not the only one) to offer a useable ISO range of 80-1600 - check out the handheld night photos to see the results that are possible at ISO 1600. I’ve also included the sample movie. Enjoy…

Website: Fujifilm Finepix F11 Photos

Samsung UK Press Release

Get Cash Back on the Award Winning Samsung Pro 815

… £50 cash back offer on Pro 815
… Valid for purchases between 1 Feb - 30 April 2006

Samsung Cameras is announcing a great cash back promotion throughout Spring offering purchasers of the multi-award winning Pro 815 digital camera the chance to claim back £50.*

The promotion will apply to Samsung Pro815’s purchased at all leading photographic retail outlets between 1 February and 30 April 2006.  Purchasers simply need to complete a form on the www.samsungcamera.co.uk website and send it to the featured address together with the camera serial number and proof of purchase (these items will be returned to the purchaser). A cheque to the value of £50 will then be sent to the new Samsung Pro815 owner.

Kodak UK Press Release

Kodak and Ingenico sign global deal to provide chip and PIN payment when getting prints from award-winning KODAK Picture Kiosks.

LONDON, January 24 2006 - Getting prints from your digital pictures has never been easier and is now more secure than ever with the collaboration announcement between Kodak and Ingenico, the world’s leader in secure payment transaction solutions. Initially available in the UK, with plans to roll out across Europe this year, the global agreement will see Ingenico supply a chip and PIN solution for Kodak picture kiosks at retail locations worldwide.

KODAK Picture Kiosk customers will now enjoy a faster more convenient experience using the Ingenico 5100 payment terminal that will allow them to by-pass shop queues and securely pay for their pictures while awaiting prints.

FilmLoop Press Release

FilmLoop Teams With Photobucket to Provide Photocasting Capabilities to the Web’s Largest Image Hosting Community; Partnership With Fastest Growing Web Site to Further Boost FilmLoop’s Tremendous Growth

PALO ALTO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 23, 2006—FilmLoop, Inc., a provider of free software that enables people and businesses to share, broadcast and find photos, today announced that its photocasting technology is now available to all members of Photobucket, the Web’s largest online image hosting site. Each of the more than 30 million albums hosted on the Photobucket site now have a “Loop It!” button; by simply clicking on the “Loop It!” icon, Photobucket’s more than 10 million registered users can now instantly create a FilmLoop “Loop” of their Photobucket album. The Loop can be shared directly with family, friends, and colleagues, or linked on Blogs and personal Web pages.

Unibind Press Release

Create Your Own Hard-Cover Photo Album Keepsakes in Only 3 Seconds!

January 23, 2006, Alpharetta, GA—Unibind http://www.unibind.com, the leading binding, laminating, and presentation system company, announced today that it will introduce PhotoBook Creator, the first low-cost do-it-yourself complete photo binding system for consumers, at next month’s Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show held in Orlando, Florida.  Priced at only $99.99, PhotoBook Creator makes it easy to create instant hard-cover 8 ½” x 11” personalized photo albums in only 3 seconds.

FotoNation Press Release

Saves Time, Money & Development Headaches by Ensuring Problem-Free Communication Between Digital Cameras and Other Devices - FotoNation is the Developer of PTP Standard and Led the CIPA Standardization of PTP-IP

Burlingame, California – January 23, 2006—FotoNation Inc. (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading imaging and connectivity solutions companies for the digital photography industry, announced today the availability of the new PTP-IP Analyzer. 

PTP-IP Analyzer is a software suite that tests and analyses firmware in digital imaging devices to the most rigorous and exhaustive extremes, ensuring that the embedded firmware is totally ready for market and operates in complete conformity to CIPA PTP-IP, the communications protocol connecting digital cameras to other devices, such as TVs, PCs, mobile phones, printers, in-store kiosks and other cameras.  The verification is carried out automatically, flagging any deviations from the standard, with a minimum amount of development time and cost.

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston’s New “Icons of Photography” Program Offers How-To Tips from World Renowned Photographers - Douglas Kirkland, Harry Benson, Barbara Bordnick, and Colin Finlay Among the “Icons” Who Share Tips, Techniques and Experiences at kingston.com

Fountain Valley, Ca - January 23, 2006 - Kingston® Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, has developed a partnership with several of the world’s most respected photographers to develop a forum on its Web site to educate and inspire photographers everywhere – professional and enthusiast. “Icons of Photography” showcases the photography of several world-class photographers and their tips, techniques and advice for taking better pictures.

PMDA Press Release

PMDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF VISIONARY AWARD: GRAHAM NASH AND MAC HOLBERT

Graham Nash from Rock Group Crosby, Stills, & Nash and Partner Mac Holbert Win Award for Inventing Digital Fine Art Printing

NY, NY, January 23, 2006—The PhotoImaging Manufacturers & Distributors Association (PMDA) http://www.pmda.com announced today that Graham Nash, award-winning photographer and legendary member of the rock group Crosby, Stills, & Nash and his partner, master printmaker Mac Holbert of Nash Editions, are winners of the prestigious PMDA “Visionary Award” for inventing digital fine art printing. The prestigious Visionary Award will be presented during the annual PMDA Awards Dinner, held the night before PMA on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at the Caribe Royal Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

ExpressDigital Press Release

ENGLEWOOD, CO—January 23, 2006 — ExpressDigital, the leading provider of digital workflow software, internet storefronts, and lab solutions, has won the Professional Photographer Hot1 Award for its ExpressDigital Darkroom software.

The Professional Photographer magazine Hot1 Awards represent a must-have list of this year’s hottest, most sought-after new products. Selected by a panel of working professional photographers, the awards are chosen based on innovation, overall quality and value for price. In its seventh year, the Professional Photographer Hot1 Awards are one of the biggest product competitions in the industry, representing 60 categories of gear from a couple hundred different companies.

Colour Confidence Press Release

- New ColorVision PrintFix PRO brings spectro-based printer profiling below £400 for the first time
- Bring your Eye-One Photo to the stand and watch the Eye-One iO make it fly
- X-Rite Pulse continues to attract new users to professional printer profiling

Birmingham UK, 24th January, 2006 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, are pleased to announce the first showing of an array of new products on stand E40 at ‘Focus on Imaging’, NEC, Birmingham from 26th February to 1st March. Two brand new products on show are the ColorVision PrintFix PRO, and the GretagMacbeth Eye-One iO. For more details on these products before visiting the show, go to www.colourconfidence.com

Fotolia Press Release

Fotolia Supplies Images for Popular Photography’s 2006 Digital Wizard Contest

NEW YORK, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/—Fotolia (http://www.fotolia.com), the global online social marketplace for stock digital images is partnering with Popular Photography & Imaging Magazine for the publication’s 2006 Digital Wizard Contest by providing the photos which entrants will be required to manipulate in order to create new images.

Creative hobbyists, professionals, and students can participate in the Digital Wizard contest for the chance to win a $1,000 grand prize and have the entry published in the July 2006 issue of Popular Photography & Imaging and posted on the magazine’s website. Entrants are required to use elements from at least four of 12 pre-selected photos, adding only filters or plug-ins, but no other images. The deadline for entries is midnight, March 31, 2006. For more information about the contest, see http://www.popphoto.com.

Trusted Reviews have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5, an ultra-slim 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The T5 has a nice if rather slow F3.5 - F4.4 Carl Zeiss lens, with a zoom range of 6.3 - 19.0mm, equivalent to 38 – 114mm. It also has a large 1/2.5in SuperHAD sensor, so in theory it should produce excellent results. However something has gone wrong somewhere because the image quality is disappointingly low. Colour rendition is seldom accurate and generally under saturated even in good light, the noise reduction and sharpening process reduces all fine detail to a homogenous blur, and even so image noise is present even in low-ISO shots.”

Website: Trusted Reviews - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 Review

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ePhotoZine have published a review of the Nikon Coolpix P2 Wi-Fi digital camera.

“Data transfer from the camera to a computer is fairly swift, I transferred a full 128MB card of photos in just under five minutes. The main problem I encountered was getting the camera to connect to the computer in the first place. Sometimes it would connect with no problems, other times it would not connect at all. I tried this on a couple of computers and the ease with which I could connect did vary drastically.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Nikon Coolpix P2 Review

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DCResource have published the first online review of the Samsung Digimax A55W, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a a 4.8X optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“While I like the idea of a low cost camera with a wide-angle lens, the Samsung Digimax A55W has too many annoyances to earn my recommendation. The A55W is as midsize plastic camera with a 4.8X zoom that goes from 28 to 135 mm. Despite being plastic, I found the A55W’s build quality to be good. The camera has a large 2.5” LCD display, though it didn’t seem as sharp as it’s pixel count (200k) would imply. Low light visibility was poor. The Digimax is a 100% point-and-shoot camera, with the only manual control being for white balance. You’ll get a nice selection of scene modes and colorful menus, though the latter could be better organized.”

Website: DCResource - Samsung Digimax A55W Review

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PMA 2006: The Casio Exilim EX-Z600 is introduced. 6 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD.

Casio Press Release

Stylish New Casio EX-Z600 Features Big 2.7-inch Super Bright LCD - Dramatically Improved Display Nearly 3X Brighter, Easier To See Outdoors

January 23, 2006, Tokyo, Japan - CASIO Europe GmbH, in conjunction with its parent company CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. announced the release of the latest addition to its EXILIM ZOOM digital camera series with the EX-Z600. The latest evolution in this popular series offers 6.0 megapixel high resolution photos in a stylish, compact, and pocket-sized package. The extra large 2.7-inch Super Bright LCD of the EX-Z600 is approximately three times brighter than the previous EX-Z500 model, producing an impressive luminance of 1200 candelas per square meter. This significant advancement makes the LCD of the Casio Exilim EX-Z600 easier to see, especially when viewed in the sunny outdoors. In auto mode, the LCD automatically adjusts to the brightness of the surrounding environment. The EX-Z600’s Super Life Battery now has an even longer battery life, supporting a staggering 550 shots per charge.