I/OMagic Press Release

IOMagic Enhances its Portable Storage Line-Up with Release of its GigaBank(TM) 8.0; Easy to Use, Pocket-Size 8GB(a) Storage Device is Targeted to Mobile Consumers

IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 19, 2006—I/OMagic Corporation (OTCBB:IOMG), a leading provider of data storage products, announced today that it is set to ship to retailers the latest product in its portable storage line-up, the new GigaBank(TM) 8.0. The GigaBank(TM) 8.0 has a capacity of up to 8GB(a) of storage space in a miniature and lightweight USB 2.0 unit, designed to store MP3s, video and photos as well as back up documents or transfer files.

Sigma Notice

Firmware update notice for Sigma’s Nikon fit flashguns (NA i-TTL version)

To our valued customers, In response to recent inquiries, concerning the use of the Nikon NA-iTTL version of Sigma EF500 DG Super and Sigma EF500 DG ST flash units, and the EM140 DG Macro Flash, with the Nikon D200 Digital SLR camera, we would direct you to the compatibility chart on our website, which states that these flashguns currently do not support either the D2X, D2H or D200 i-TTL system.

To overcome this, we will be offering a free-upgrade service to our customers, who own these flash units. This free upgrade aims to respond to the demand of our customers, by providing greater compatibility with Nikon fit Sigma flashguns (EF-500 DG SUPER NA-iTTL, EF-500 DG ST NA-iTTL, and EM-140 DG NA-iTTL).

Canon Press Release

TOKYO, January 19, 2006 — Canon Inc. today announced the achievement of a new lens-production milestone as production of the company’s EF lenses passed the 30-million mark.

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) SLR cameras began in 1987 at the company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Canon produced its 10-millionth EF lens in August 1995, its 20-millionth in February 2001 and, a mere five years later, has now reached the 30-million plateau. This achievement reflects users’ high level of satisfaction with the performance and quality realized by EF lenses, as well as the service offered through Canon’s marketing operations.

Adobe have officially released Camera Raw 3.3 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Support for the following cameras has been added in this update.

Canon EOS 5D, Canon EOS 1D Mark II N, Canon EOS 20Da
Kodak EasyShare P850, Kodak EasyShare P880
Fujifilm FinePix E900, Fujifilm FinePix S5200/5600, Fujifilm FinePix S9000/9500
Mamiya ZD
Nikon D200
Olympus E-500, Olympus SP-310, Olympus SP-350, Olympus SP-500UZ
Pentax *ist DL, Pentax *ist DS2
Sony DSC-R1

Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.3 (Windows)

Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.3 (Mac)

PCMagazine have just reviewed the new Canon IXUS i Zoom digital camera (also known as the SD30). The Canon IXUS i Zoom is a 5 megapixel model with a 2.4x optical zoom lens and 1.8 inch LCD screen.

“Small, sleek and stylish, the Canon PowerShot SD30 Digital Elph ($399.95 list) comes in four bold colors—gold, red, purple, and black. It’s easy to slip into a shirt pocket or handbag. But the slick packaging doesn’t quite make up for this ultracompact’s mediocre performance. It’s not the cheapest ultracompact on the market, and on our tests, we found it to be just an average camera in slick clothing.”

Website: PCMagazine - Canon IXUS i Zoom Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The Danish website Akam.no 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.

Website: Akam.no - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DPReview 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.

“Kodak has been quite clever with the P880, identifying a niche in the ‘prosumer’ market that isn’t filled by the likes of the Panasonic FZ30, and filling it. Taken as an overall package the P880 offers little to differentiate it from its main competitors, but for those who like to ‘shoot wide’ it is almost in a class of its own.”

Website: DPReview - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

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Some shocking news to wake up to this morning - Konica Minolta has announced that it is leaving the camera and photo business (both digital and film) by March 31st 2006. I’d heard a couple of days ago that Konica Minolta had dropped out of the Focus on Imaging UK trade show - now it transpires that the company is pulling out of the photo industry for good. Digital SLR camera assets concerning Konica Minolta’s Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system have been transferred to Sony, although it’s unclear yet exactly what that means. Konica Minolta has made some great cameras, with their recent 7D and 5D digital SLRs being particularly good, but it seems that they just haven’t been able to compete with the bigger players.

Konica Minolta Press Release

Konica Minolta Announces Withdrawal Plan for Camera Business and Photo Business

Konica Minolta has long been a leading company in photo imaging business covering wide range of imaging from input to output. In addition, we have provided inspiring products and services by fusing our unique technologies.

In camera business, we have expanded picture-taking opportunities by developing innovative technologies such as the world’s first autofocus cameras. In 1962, our camera, well-accepted for its high reliability, boarded on the US’s first manned spaceship “Friendship 7.” Also, ever since introduction of the world’s first body-integral autofocus SLR camera, Maxxum/Dynax series, in 1985, SLR cameras have become more popular among picture-takers, and we have succeeded in selling 16 million units of interchangeable lenses since then.

However, in today’s era of digital cameras, where image sensor technologies such as CCD is indispensable, it became difficult to timely provide competitive products even with our top optical, mechanical and electronics technologies.

CNET have reviewed the new dual lens Kodak V570 camera.

“The typical ultracompact digital camera often has your back up against a wall when equipped with a wide angle that affords no better than the equivalent of a 35mm-to-39mm view. Eastman Kodak has a better idea: including a second, ultrawide 23mm (35mm-camera equivalent) fixed-focal-length lens that broadens your viewpoint when faced with tight spots or breathtaking panoramas. The stylish Kodak EasyShare V570 mates this wide-angle lens with a separate 39mm-to-117mm 3X zoom lens. Each lens has its own sensor, thanks to a folded optical path that accommodates a 5-megapixel pair. The ultrawide lens is the perfect complement for the V570’s in-camera panorama-stitching feature, which can capture a full 180-degree vista with only three shots.”

Website: CNET - Kodak V570 Review

Website: Read my Kodak Easyshare V570 Review

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Steves Digicams is first out of the blocks with a review of the Sanyo Xacti VPC-C6 hybrid still/moving digital camera.

“The overall image quality when using its 6-megapixel High mode is good. Our outdoor sample images were nice and sharp thanks to its internal 5x optical zoom lens and 5-point AF system. The lens covers an above average range of 38 - 190mm (35mm equivalent), offering a great deal of versatility over your typical 3x zoom lens. We noticed moderate barrel distortion at full wide-angle, with slight pin cushioning present at the telephoto extremes. The zoom mechanism is smooth and quiet throughout its range, allowing it to be used while recording video. The majority of our shots were well exposed and showed pleasing color saturation.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sanyo Xacti DMX-C6 Review

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DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount.

Website: Fotopolis - Samsung GX-1S Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Digital Outback Photo have cast a critical eye over Portfolio 8, the latest version of the digital image management (DAM) software tool.

“Portfolio includes a feature called FolderSync, which allows you to synchronize the contents of folders (with or without sub folders) with your Portfolio catalogue. In previous versions, the synchronization was done manually by clicking on the Sync button. The nugget that Extensis added in Portfolio 8 is automated synchronization of folders, either immediately when changes are detected or on a timed schedule. This is exciting news! Why? Because automated synchronization immediately picks up any changes you make to your images, thus enabling you to implement a metadata-driven workflow in which Portfolio becomes a “super Adobe Bridge”.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Portfolio 8 Review

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels.

“Though Panasonic was late offering a wide array of digital cameras, they’ve produced some excellent and very popular digicams in the last few years; particularly in the long zoom category. The Panasonic Lumix FZ30 combines a 12x optically stabilized zoom lens with a 8.0-megapixel sensor, a host of features, and a new burly look designed to entice novice and enthusiast in a market that’s swinging toward the SLR. (The Panasonic FZ30 is very similar to the FZ20 model, the biggest difference being its 8.0-megapixel CCD vs the 5.0-megapixel chip on the FZ20, and a handful of minor control updates. It is not an SLR.) True to its Leica heritage, the Panasonic FZ30’s long zoom shows very good optical quality, and the rest of the camera happily measures up as well. Read on for all the details, but if you’re in the market for a long-zoom digicam with optical image stabilization, the Panasonic FZ30 looks like a good bet.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The new XS Drive MP3 VP3650 replaces the current XS Drive Pro with an improved user interface and a much more compact unit as well as explicit xD compatibility. The XS Drive MP3 complements our range by offering the users the access the content of the Hard Disk through a browsable file/folder structure, as well as allowing to listen to MP3 music. The XS Drive VP3650 retails for £169 incl VAT for the 20GB version and £199 incl VAT for the 30GB. A 40GB version of the VP3650 will be available in February.

Cardmedia Press Release

Lewes, 17th of January 2006 - Cardmedia (Europe) Ltd, the official UK distributor for the manufacturer XS Drive, has announced the availability of the XS-Drive MP3 VP3650, a new Portable Storage Device and MP3 player with blue backlight LCD display. This versatile device is aimed at the photographic market with its memory card back up function and the high capacity of its hard drive, and provides an additional MP3 function as well as files browsing with Copy and Delete operations.

The XS-Drive MP3 VP3650 is a compact portable Hard disk to backup your memory cards in the field. It benefits from 20, 30 or 40GB of capacity from its internal 1.8” Hard disk giving you a large back up device which is also pocket-sized, portable, lightweight, multifunctional device.

Carl Zeiss have announced a new range of lenses for the Nikon F mount, after weeks of teaser campaigns on their website, and numerous leaks elsewhere on the web. First up is the Planar T* 1,4/50 ZF lens, followed by the Planar T* 1,4/85 ZF, both to be released in “Spring 2006”. The Planar T* 1.4/50 ZF will cost 499.00 EUR and the Planar T* 1.4/85 ZF 999.00 EUR (excluding VAT). Several more Zeiss ZF lenses will be introduced during 2006.

Carl Zeiss AG Press Release

Carl Zeiss AG of Oberkochen, Germany is about to introduce ZF, a new range of interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras, both analog and digital. ZF lenses bring the highly acclaimed Carl Zeiss image quality to the Nikon SLR camera system, which has been the preferred equipment of millions of professional and ambitious amateur photographers for decades. ZF lenses can also be used on the Sinar m professional digital camera and a multitude of industrial video cameras.

ZF lenses provide Nikon F-mount cameras with the creative potential and phototechnical performance available so far only in the Contax system. In addition, ZF lenses incorporate new technical advances from the ZEISS Ultra Prime®, Master Prime® and DigiPrime® lenses for motion picture cameras. Results have been seen in feature films like “Lord of the Rings”, “Alexander”, “King Arthur”, “Air Force One”, “Collateral”, “King Kong” and many commercials and music clips.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 will be available in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese in February 2006. Suggested retail pricing is £329 for the full product, £149 for upgrade, and £85 for the student and teacher edition. (All prices exclude VAT).

Corel Press Release

New Suite Delivers a Higher Standard of Ease of Use and Graphics Power for Design Professionals and Business Users

Maidenhead, UK - 17 January 2006 - Corel Corporation today unveiled the latest version of its award-winning graphics suite, CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X3. With more than 40 new and enhanced features, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 will be available for purchase to customers around the world in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese in February 2006.
Whether they are design professionals on deadline or small business owners creating their own marketing materials, customers will enjoy a significant productivity boost from CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3. The suite simplifies the design process for projects of any scale, including logo creation, professional marketing brochures, and eye-catching signs. Customers choose CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 because it delivers a combination of superior design capabilities, speed, ease of use, and affordability that’s unmatched in the graphics software industry.

PictoColor Press Release

PictoColor Releases iCorrect EditLab Pro 5.0 Color Correction and Color Editing Software for Photoshop Users

New digital photo software features advanced auto black and white conversion, auto sepia tone, sharpening, and noise removal for turning everyday pictures into fine art images.

January 17, 2006—Burnsville, MN, USA, PictoColor Corporation has released iCorrect EditLab Pro 5.0 (http://www.pictocolor.com/editlabpro.htm), a new version of its highly acclaimed color correction and color editing software. The new version features advanced automatic black and white conversion and automatic sepia tone for sophisticated artistic effects.  In addition, iCorrect EditLab Pro 5.0 now includes sharpening and noise removal technology for enhanced image quality and productivity.  Version 5.0 builds on iCorrect EditLab Pro’s tradition of fast and easy color correction and color editing by offering sophisticated, yet easy to use black and white conversion and toning tools for adding an additional level of expression to an image.  As photographers continue to rediscover the timeless beauty of black and white photography, iCorrect EditLab Pro 5.0 will help them turn everyday shots into stunning fine art images.

Wacom Press Release

Wacom(R) Penabled(R) Technology Delivers Advanced Digital Pen Performance to Industry’s First Total Solution for Electronic Paper

Portable Electronic Reading and Writing Application from iRex Technologies Employs Wacom’s Digital Pen Technology Featuring Enhanced Pressure-Sensitivity for Superior Control

TOKYO, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/—Wacom Co. Ltd, the leading electronic pen technology manufacturer, announced today that its Penabled cordless, battery-free pen technology has been selected for iRex Technologies’ electronic paper applications—the first complete solution for portable electronic reading and writing. The solution delivers the established easy to read, low-power advantages of electronic paper with the capability to get content from various sources (e.g. Internet, PC or flash memory cards), as well as the ability to capture user input with Wacom’s Penabled technology.

Slide Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/—Slide announced today official support for watching iLife/iPhoto ‘06 photocasts on Macs, PCs, and any Flash- enabled web browser.

“With Slide, anyone can now watch Apple photocasts on any computer desktop or even on popular websites like eBay and Xanga,” said Max Levchin, CEO of Slide. Levchin continues, “Last week at MacWorld, Steve Jobs coined a great phrase for sharing photos—‘photocasting’ or broadcasting photos via RSS feeds like podcasts. The Slide Player was built from the ground up to watch and share photo RSS feeds, just like iPhoto photocasts. We’re happy to be the first company to announce compatibility and support for iPhoto photocasts.”

O’Reilly Press Release

Working Smarter and More Creatively with CS2 O’Reilly Releases “Adobe Creative Suite 2 Workflow”

Sebastopol, CA—“The Creative Suite isn’t just a bundle of Adobe creative products; it’s a product in and of itself,” say Jennifer Alspach, Shari Nakano, and Steve Samson in their preface to the new “Adobe Creative Suite2 Workflow” (O’Reilly, US $49.95). “Once you start using it that way, you’ll become immensely more efficient and realize all sorts of capabilities you never knew were there.”

Adobe CS2 combines full versions of the acclaimed Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, InDesign, and GoLive—each an amazing standalone application. But this book, the authors promise, “is designed to get you thinking about how the Creative Suite products interact with each other.” When used in conjunction with the other CS2 applications, each tool becomes endlessly powerful. That means users can become more creative and productive.