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PMA 2006: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is announced. 6 megapixels, 12x zoom with optical stabilizer, 2.5 inch LCD.
Panasonic UK Press Release
New Digital Camera DMC-FZ7 Combines 12x Optical Zoom with MEGA O.I.S. in a Compact Body
Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model 6.0-megapixel DMC-FZ7 with MEGA O.I.S., Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates the hand-shake, incorporating a 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 36mm to 432mm on a 35mm film camera) LEICA DC lens. Differing from the FZ30 with manual focus ring and manual zoom ring, which was already released and highly evaluated by prosumers, the FZ7 is more compact and easy to carry while preserving the same powerful zoom capability and manual controllability. It is the heir to the 5.0-megapixel DMC-FZ5, but enhanced its excellence not only with the total number of pixels but also with other innovative technical improvements such as incorporation of joystick which allows easy manual control on focusing in addition to the manual exposure setting. The 1.8-Inch LCD monitor for FZ5 has become large as 2.5-Inch for FZ7 gaining much brightness even in the low-lit situations thanks to the pixel-mixed readout method performed at the CCD. Furthermore, the adoption of 710 mAh big battery extends the battery life realizing 320 pictures shooting per a single charge. Last but not least, the FZ7 gains the High Sensitivity mode for one of the new scene modes that allows shooting at Max. ISO 1600 setting as another anti-blurring measure in addition to the MEGA O.I.S.
PMA 2006: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is announced. 6 megapixels, 12x zoom with optical stabilizer, 2.5 inch LCD. Panasonic UK Press Release New Digital Camera DMC-FZ7 Combines 12x Optical Zoom with MEGA O.I.S. in a Compact Body Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model 6.0-megapixel DMC-FZ7 with MEGA O.I.S., Optical…
Through the Lens Press Release
StudioFlow 2.0 extends functionality and ease of use for professional photographers
Through the Lens, Inc. today announced it will be previewing at Imaging USA the latest version of StudioFlow, the all-in-one software tool designed specifically for professional photographers. StudioFlow 2.0 will be available in early February.
StudioFlow simplifies the business of photography by providing complete, end-to-end workflow management. From marketing to clients and scheduling the photoshoot, to proofing, ordering final prints and preparing invoices, StudioFlow saves time and money by making the process easier and faster.
Through the Lens Press Release StudioFlow 2.0 extends functionality and ease of use for professional photographers Through the Lens, Inc. today announced it will be previewing at Imaging USA the latest version of StudioFlow, the all-in-one software tool designed specifically for professional photographers. StudioFlow 2.0 will be available in early…
Rob Galbraith has a fascinating article about using the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR underwater.
“There’s no way to be sure, but Alex Mustard could well have been the first person to jump in the ocean with a Nikon D2X. He got his camera in late February 2005, on the first day they were available in Britain. More surprisingly, he was able to get an underwater housing for it almost simultaneously. The Austrian housing manufacturer, Subal, had used the nearly identical body and controls of Nikon’s D2H to develop a housing for the D2X before it had even shipped. A plane ticket to the environs of the Red Sea completed the recipe, and a week after taking delivery on Nikon’s flagship digital SLR, in early March 2005, Mustard had it submerged in seawater, just where he wanted it.”
Website: Rob Galbraith - Beneath the waves with the Nikon D2X
Rob Galbraith has a fascinating article about using the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR underwater. “There’s no way to be sure, but Alex Mustard could well have been the first person to jump in the ocean with a Nikon D2X. He got his camera in late February 2005…
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, a 10.3 megapixel compact camera with an APS-C sized sensor that allows for a “live” preview.
“With the introduction of the Sony Cybershot DSC-R1 digital camera, Sony once again raises the bar another notch. The new image sensor opens up the way for an entirely new line of high resolution digital cameras that might benefit from the large format image sensor. Lately a lot of compact format 8+ Megapixel digital cameras have been introduced, most of which encounter an excessive amount of noise from 200 ISO. When Sony choose to make the image sensor available to their competitors, we will be likely to see more digital cameras with the same CMOS sensor. For now however, Sony is free to benefit from the position they have created for themselves. The Sony Cybershot R1 will get more than its fair share of attention.”
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, a 10.3 megapixel compact camera with an APS-C sized sensor that allows for a “live” preview. “With the introduction of the Sony Cybershot DSC-R1 digital camera, Sony once again raises the bar another notch. The new image sensor opens…
DigiCamReview have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with Fujifilm’s new 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensor with Real Photo Technology (also known as the S5200 in the US).
“Image quality is good, the images have good colour, with good saturation, contrast, and detail, with low noise. Image quality problems were higher than average purple fringing, and slightly soft images (although sharpness can be increased in-camera). The camera did a good job focusing even in low light thanks to the focus-assist lamp. I did not notice vignetting in photos, nor did I notice barrel or pincushion distortion. There is a good range of image sizes, and a good choice of compression options. The macro mode is good, 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 problem. The movie mode is good, providing 640x480 and 30 frames per second with sound.”
DigiCamReview have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with Fujifilm’s new 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensor with Real Photo Technology (also known as the S5200 in the US). “Image quality is good, the images have good colour, with good saturation…
DCViews 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.
“But despite all the extra functions and gadgets does the E-500 deliver the goods? After our complaints about the exposure system of the E-300 in February, we were really curious to see if the new camera possessed the same erratic behaviour with dark or light areas in the central area of the frame. We are pleased to say that the E-500 showed none of these characteristics and delivered constant and well balanced exposures all the time. The 49-segment ESP metering system worked as it should do. And also centre weighted and spot metering delivered consistent results as could be expected from a class camera like this one.”
Website: DCViews - Olympus E-500 Review
DCViews 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. “But despite all the extra functions and gadgets does the E-500 deliver the goods? After our complaints about the exposure system of the E-300 in February…
Dan’s Data have reviewed the Lensbaby 2, a lens for SLR cameras that brings one area into sharp focus whilst creatively blurring the rest of the photograph.
“It doesn’t take long to figure the Lensbaby out. The instant feedback of peering through the viewfinder while wiggling your camera’s snout around helps a lot. The Lensbaby is also very solidly made. When you’re pulling on the concertina to get the closest possible focus (which is less than five inches; if you find yourself doing this a lot, the optional Macro Kit could be an idea…), it never feels as if the lens end is going to pop off, or the camera end’s going to wedge itself into the mounting ring, or do some similarly awful thing. The concertina part is easier to squish right up, though, because there’s no point to squishing it to the absolute max. You get to infinity focus before you get to maximum squish.”
Website: Dan’s Data - Lensbaby 2 Review
Dan’s Data have reviewed the Lensbaby 2, a lens for SLR cameras that brings one area into sharp focus whilst creatively blurring the rest of the photograph. “It doesn’t take long to figure the Lensbaby out. The instant feedback of peering through the viewfinder while wiggling your camera’s snout around…
DigitalCameraReview have published their review of the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. The DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432 millimeters), 5 megapixel CCD and 2.5 inch LCD screen.
“The H1 is an excellent general-purpose digital camera that consistently delivers very good quality images. Colors are bright, hue accurate, very contrasty, and slightly over-saturated. There is no visible noise at the ISO 64 and ISO 100 settings—ISO 200 images show minor noise and ISO 400 images are noisy, but less so than most of the H1’s competition. Chroma noise (blotching) is a bit above average and Chromatic aberration is also above average, but well controlled.”
DigitalCameraReview have published their review of the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. The DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432 millimeters), 5 megapixel CCD and 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The H1 is an excellent general-purpose digital camera that consistently delivers very good quality images. Colors are bright…
DCResource have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.
“While it’s not the perfect digital SLR, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D is an excellent value—and the only entry-level D-SLR with image stabilization built right into the body. Even with a couple of flaws it’s still easy to recommend the 5D. The Maxxum 5D is a midsized digital SLR with a plastic body and metal frame underneath. It feels nice and solid in your hands—and it’s actually a little heavy compared to some of the competition. Build quality is very good, and I found the camera easy to hold.”
Website: DCResource - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
DCResource have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera. “While it’s not the perfect digital SLR, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D is an excellent value—and the only entry-level D-SLR with image stabilization built right into the body. Even with a couple of flaws it’s still easy…
DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder.
“The Olympus SP-500 UZ is overall a well-built and fun-to-use digital camera. The camera is relatively light and compact for an ultra zoom but you’ll have to carry it slung over your shoulder or hung around your neck (or stashed in a backpack). Operations and shutter lag times are average. The large grip makes handling very comfortable.”
Website: Photoxels - Olympus SP-500UZ Review
DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder. “The Olympus SP-500 UZ is overall a well-built and fun-to-use digital camera. The camera is relatively light and compact for…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have the first review of the Pentax Optio WPi digital camera, an updated version of the waterproof Optio WP camera with a larger 2 inch LCD screen and 6 megapixel sensor.
“The WPi features a Pentax 3x optical zoom that helps produce sharp images throughout its range, with average barrel distortion at wide angle and slight pincushioning at full telephoto. The operation of the optical zoom is smooth and quiet, but not continuous; it moves through its 38-114mm range in 10 distinct steps, more than adequate for composing most shots. The 9-point autofocus system did very well in most situations, however it would benefit greatly from a focus-assist lamp when shooting in low ambient lighting; focus will fail more often than not in these conditions.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have the first review of the Pentax Optio WPi digital camera, an updated version of the waterproof Optio WP camera with a larger 2 inch LCD screen and 6 megapixel sensor. “The WPi features a Pentax 3x optical zoom that helps produce sharp images throughout its…
The 64th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Bernard Mataigne.
“I was in Havana during the spring of 2005. It was a great experience. People are nice in a city that is breaking up. I have tried to reflect that in those pictures. Photography is an old passion. And it’s a travel through self and the world. Those are clichés, but real. The fun of it, is to take pictures. As Cartier-Bresson said: “The photographic firing, has always been my passion. Bang! That’s it.” Sometimes the bang! is great. Sometimes it’s more like a missed deed… and I try to navigate through that.”
Website: Bernard Mataigne
The 64th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Bernard Mataigne. “I was in Havana during the spring of 2005. It was a great experience. People are nice in a city that is breaking up. I have tried to reflect that in those pictures. Photography is an old passion. And it’s…
Olympus have been running a series of ad campaigns during January that all promise a new “Solution” on January 26th, with the 3rd and final one appearing at the end of last week. Here are all 3 teaser ads for your enjoyment - don’t forget to post your guess about what the new product will actually be…
Website: Olympus Teaser #1
Website: Olympus Teaser #2
Website: Olympus Teaser #3
Olympus have been running a series of ad campaigns during January that all promise a new “Solution” on January 26th, with the 3rd and final one appearing at the end of last week. Here are all 3 teaser ads for your enjoyment - don’t forget to post your guess about…
Sony have announced plans to release their first digital SLR camera in Japan in the summer of this year, following Konica Minolta’s withdrawal from the camera market last week and the transfer of their DSLR technology to Sony. In a report on Macworld of all places, Sony executive vice president Yutaka Nakagawa stated that Sony were aiming to capture 20% of the DSLR market, although he didn’t give any kind of timeframe in which that would happen. A worldwide release of the Sony DSLR will follow shortly after. Sony are one of the top 3 manufactuers in the compact digital camera sector and recently released the innovative DSC-R1 camera (pictured). It will be very interesting to see if they can repeat that kind of success in an area that Canon and Nikon currently dominate.
Website: Macworld - Sony plans digital SLR launch in mid-year
Sony have announced plans to release their first digital SLR camera in Japan in the summer of this year, following Konica Minolta’s withdrawal from the camera market last week and the transfer of their DSLR technology to Sony. In a report on Macworld of all places, Sony executive vice president…
After Nikon’s decision last week to end sales of it’s film-based camera products, Konica Minolta have gone one better (or worse, depending on how you look at it) by announcing that they are quitting the photography market completely with almost immediate effect. This surprising announcement came from a company with a lot of heritage, and perhaps even more importantly, some truly innovative products, including a pair of great digital SLR cameras in the Dynax/Maxxum 7D and 5D. So where did Konica Minolta go wrong? Was it entirely attibutable to the recent merger between the two companies? Is Konica Minolta’s decision the right one, at a time when DSLRs are becoming ever more popular? And more importantly, do you the consumer really care? Shout out now…
After Nikon’s decision last week to end sales of it’s film-based camera products, Konica Minolta have gone one better (or worse, depending on how you look at it) by announcing that they are quitting the photography market completely with almost immediate effect. This surprising announcement came from a company with…
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days:
New Cameras
Konica Minolta Leaves Photo Industry
Samsung GX-1S DSLR
New Ricoh Camera at Focus on Imaging 2006
New Accessories
XS-Drive MP3 VP3650
Carl Zeiss ZF Lenses for Nikon SLR Cameras
Lexar 133X CompactFlash and Secure Digital Memory Cards
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO Lens
Pantone huey Monitor Calibration Tool
New Software
Adobe Camera Raw 3.3
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3
Adobe Production Studio
Other Headlines
30 Million Canon EF Lenses
Digital Cameras Dominate Professional Photography by 2010
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days: New CamerasKonica Minolta Leaves Photo IndustrySamsung GX-1S DSLRNew Ricoh Camera at Focus on Imaging 2006 New AccessoriesXS-Drive MP3 VP3650Carl Zeiss ZF Lenses for Nikon SLR CamerasLexar 133X CompactFlash and Secure Digital Memory CardsSigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO LensPantone huey…
Ricoh are attending this year’s Focus on Imaging Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham at the end of February. Not only do they have Andy Earl talking about his photography, Ricoh will also be unveiling a brand new addition to their range. Stay tuned for more details…
Ricoh UK Press Release
First time at Focus for Ricoh !
Andy Earl, top photographer from the music industry, will present a series of talks on the Ricoh stand.
Ricoh are delighted to announce that Andy Earl, photographer within the international music business, will be doing a series of talks on the Ricoh stand, N2, at Focus on Imaging 2006. Earl has had a highly successful career in the music scene with over 120 record sleeves and thousands of portraits including ones of Madonna, Robbie Williams and Paul McCartney. Earl has just opened an exhibition of his photographs taken of Johnny Cash at the Blink Gallery, London.
Ricoh are attending this year’s Focus on Imaging Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham at the end of February. Not only do they have Andy Earl talking about his photography, Ricoh will also be unveiling a brand new addition to their range. Stay tuned for more details… Ricoh UK…
ILFORD Photo Press Release
How long would £500 of ILFORD black-and-white photo products last the average enthusiast photographer? Quite a while? That’s one aspect of a new ILFORD Photo-sponsored black-and-white print competition which offers to immortalise the winners’ prints.
Image on a Box - ILFORD Photo has launched its first UK photo print competition since the company’s restructuring last year with a set of unique prizes for the winners. In addition to receiving ILFORD Photo products to the value of £500 and £250 for first and second places respectively, and £100 each for third and fourth, the four winners will have their images printed on boxes and envelopes of ILFORD Photo paper.
ILFORD Photo Press Release How long would £500 of ILFORD black-and-white photo products last the average enthusiast photographer? Quite a while? That’s one aspect of a new ILFORD Photo-sponsored black-and-white print competition which offers to immortalise the winners’ prints. Image on a Box - ILFORD Photo has launched its first…
Belkin Press Release
Belkin Wins CNET Best of CES Award at 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show; The Belkin CableFree USB Hub Is Honored By CNET as the Best in the Peripherals Category
LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 19, 2006—Belkin Corporation today announced that it has received a CNET Best of CES Award in the Peripherals category for its CableFree USB Hub, the industry’s first USB Hub that does not require a cable to connect to the computer. The Best of CES Awards were produced and judged by CNET, who announced the winners Saturday, January 7, at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Selected by CNET’s unbiased, expert editors, winners were recognized as the hottest products in their respective technology categories for their unmatched innovation and creativity, and their ability to excite consumers and make their way into everyday life. CNET’s editors received and reviewed hundreds of entries, and combed the CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award.
Belkin Press Release Belkin Wins CNET Best of CES Award at 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show; The Belkin CableFree USB Hub Is Honored By CNET as the Best in the Peripherals Category LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 19, 2006—Belkin Corporation today announced that it has received a CNET Best of CES Award…
ASMP Foundation Press Release
The ASMP Foundation is pleased to announce grants to five non-profit groups working to educate photographers—and to announce that it has begun accepting applications for the next grant cycle. Applications for summer 2006 grants are due by May 15.
The five recipients are:
* AINA Photo, a Paris-based branch of AINA, Afghanistan’s Media and Cultural Center (www.ainaworld.org), trains Afghan men and women in photojournalism. Its goal is to build local talent and foster free expression, in a country where even the possession of photographs was forbidden by the Taliban. The agency has received a grant of $1,500 for its “Afghanistan through Afghan eyes” program to help support photojournalism students develop their skills.
ASMP Foundation Press Release The ASMP Foundation is pleased to announce grants to five non-profit groups working to educate photographers—and to announce that it has begun accepting applications for the next grant cycle. Applications for summer 2006 grants are due by May 15. The five recipients are: * AINA Photo…