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Monday, December 12, 2005

Olympus SP-500UZDigitalCameraInfo 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.

“Olympus announced the SP-500 UZ digital camera in late August 2005, heading their new SP series. The ‘UZ’ refers to “ultra zoom;” this camera aims to make an impact in the increasingly popular ultra zoom segment of the digital camera market with its 10x optical zoom lens. The lens cannot be detached, but will accept conversion lenses when increased magnification or viewing angle are sought. The SP-500 UZ packs 6 megapixels and 27 shooting modes, ranging from fully manual to specific scene modes into its compact SLR-shaped body. The 4.15 x 2.93 x 2.8-inch digital camera applies a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels as well as an electronic viewfinder, providing users with multiple means of composition and image review. Also capable of recording VGA video at 30 frames per second, this ultra zoom aims to be the all-in-one solution for a wide range of photographers at a relatively low retail price of $379.99.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Olympus SP-500UZ Review

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DigitalCameraInfo 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. “Olympus announced the SP-500 UZ digital camera in late August 2005, heading their new SP series. The ‘UZ’ refers to “ultra zoom;”…

Nikon D50Shutterbug have published a review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.

“Small and lightweight for a Nikon digital SLR, the D50 resembles its larger sibling in many respects. (The switch from CompactFlash to Secure Digital cards is one reason for the smaller size.) The body is comfortable to hold thanks to the large handgrip and sports fewer analog controls for a “less complicated” appearance. Although not as rugged as the D70s, the camera feels solid, with very good build quality. All buttons and dials are well-marked, logically located, and easy to find. There’s no depth of field preview for evaluating the range of acceptable sharpness at various apertures, a problem for serious photographers in macro, nature, landscape, and other image making.”

Website: Shutterbug - Nikon D50 Review

Website: Read my Nikon D50 Review

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Shutterbug have published a review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR. “Small and lightweight for a Nikon digital SLR, the D50 resembles its larger sibling in many respects. (The switch from CompactFlash to Secure Digital cards is one reason for the smaller size.) The body…

Olympus SP-350The Czech webiste Digineff have reviewed the new Olympus SP-350, an 8 megapixel camera that offers a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.

Website: Digineff - Olympus SP-350 Review

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The Czech webiste Digineff have reviewed the new Olympus SP-350, an 8 megapixel camera that offers a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor. Website: Digineff - Olympus SP-350 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Nikon Coolpix P1DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera.

“Although Wi-Fi isn’t commonly used (yet) and the module of the Nikon Coolpix P1 has its limitations, we can expect a lot from this technique. At this moment it is still in its infancy but more and more people have a wireless network at home and the demand for Wi-Fi will certainly grow. In the future it will definitely be possible to log in directly so you can send a high quality picture from any hotspot to your family at home while you yourself are getting sunburned by the hot Spanish sun. I’d wish for a stronger battery then though, because continuous wireless transfer consumes loads of energy.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon Coolpix P1 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera. “Although Wi-Fi isn’t commonly used (yet) and the module of the Nikon Coolpix P1 has its limitations, we can expect a lot from this technique. At this moment it is still in its…

Canon SELPHY DS810CNET have just reviewed the Canon Selphy DS810 compact photo printer.

“The Canon Selphy DS810 is one mobile photo printer that you’ll probably want to leave at home, despite its estimated 29-cents-per-print economy. The Selphy’s three-color output, 9-by-9-by-4-inch, 4.2-pound design, and lack of battery support don’t stack up well against those of smaller, lighter transportable printers in this price range. Print quality was especially disappointing; our test output frequently looked flat, and the composite blacks (produced by combining cyan, magenta, and yellow; there is no black ink tank) were more of a dark, muddy green.”

Website: CNET - Canon Selphy DS810 Review

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CNET have just reviewed the Canon Selphy DS810 compact photo printer. “The Canon Selphy DS810 is one mobile photo printer that you’ll probably want to leave at home, despite its estimated 29-cents-per-print economy. The Selphy’s three-color output, 9-by-9-by-4-inch, 4.2-pound design, and lack of battery support don’t stack up well against…

Epson Stylus Pro R2400BIOS have reviewed the new Epson Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer.

“Ever since color inkjet printers made for photographic printing were introduced a significant portion of the photo community has felt they were left out because color inkjets have not provided a good solution for black and white photography compared to color. Now, Epson has responded with their new Stylus Photo R2400 that is really three printers in one. First, it is an even better color printer of RGB photographic images than the 2200 it replaces. Second, it also prints black and white with equally fine image quality. Third, it also provides the ability to reproduce CMYK press proof prints of exceptional quality.”

Website: Shutterbug - Epson Stylus Photo R2400 Review

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BIOS have reviewed the new Epson Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer. “Ever since color inkjet printers made for photographic printing were introduced a significant portion of the photo community has felt they were left out because color inkjets have not provided a good solution for black and white photography…

Panasonic DMC-FX9DigiCamReview have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels.

“The Panasonic Lumix FX9 is a very stylish ultra compact digital camera that provides very good 6 megapixel images. The camera improves on the FX7 with a high resolution screen, much better battery life, more megapixels, and much better video mode, yet is available for less that the FX7 was. The camera is very good, with good image quality and very good features. There are only one or two problems that may put you off buying this otherwise excellent camera - they are: high noise and high noise reduction that reduces details, and higher than average purple fringing. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives and I would definitely recommend this digital camera!”

Website: DigiCamReview - Panasonic DMC-FX9 Review

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DigiCamReview have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels. “The Panasonic Lumix FX9 is a very stylish ultra compact digital camera that provides very good 6 megapixel images. The camera improves on the…

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Saturday ShoutThis week’s Saturday Shout is a plea for help from PhotographyBLOG reader Alan, who’s looking for the perfect pocket digital camera that offers full manual controls. Alan wants a camera that he can carry at all times without noticing, and which offers advanced shooting modes like Aperture and Shutter Priority. It should also produce images with negligible amounts of noise, and be quick enough to capture those treasured family moments. Things like a big zoom range, RAW mode and good movie options are nice-to-have features, but not essential. So what would you recommend to Alan as the best camera for the job? Shout out now…

This week’s Saturday Shout is a plea for help from PhotographyBLOG reader Alan, who’s looking for the perfect pocket digital camera that offers full manual controls. Alan wants a camera that he can carry at all times without noticing, and which offers advanced shooting modes like Aperture and Shutter Priority…

Friday, December 9, 2005

Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days: New CamerasSanyo Xacti VPC-HD1exSinar m SystemMamiya ZD Available December 2005 New AccessoriesCreative Zen Vision:MSony VRD-MC1 DVDirect RecorderSigma 10-20mm Lens for Konica Minolta and PentaxPanasonic 50Gb Blu-ray DiscsKingston CompactFlash Ultimate Cards New SoftwareAdobe Design, Web and Video Bundles Other HeadlinesRicoh…

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1exSanyo Portugal have spilt the beans on a new version of their still / movie camera hybrid. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1ex is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.2 inch LCD screen and massive 10x optical zoom lens. Expect to see it officially appear at the CES show just after Christmas (found via Gizmodo).

Sanyo Portugal have spilt the beans on a new version of their still / movie camera hybrid. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1ex is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.2 inch LCD screen and massive 10x optical zoom lens. Expect to see it officially appear at the CES show just after…

onOne SoftwareonOne Software Press Release

onOne Software Offers Substantial Savings On Photoshop Plug-In Suite

PORTLAND, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 8, 2005—Plug-In Suite for Adobe Photoshop bundles four award-winning plug-ins together, delivering substantial value to digital photographers

Independent software developer, onOne Software, Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of their Photoshop Plug-in Suite, priced at $399.95. The Photoshop Plug-In Suite is a must-have collection of professional tools that deliver professional results. In the areas of scaling, masking, image enhancement and border/edge effects, the Photoshop Plug-In Suite, hands-down, provides the best solution in each category.

onOne Software Press Release onOne Software Offers Substantial Savings On Photoshop Plug-In Suite PORTLAND, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 8, 2005—Plug-In Suite for Adobe Photoshop bundles four award-winning plug-ins together, delivering substantial value to digital photographers Independent software developer, onOne Software, Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of their Photoshop Plug-in Suite, priced…

Epson America Press Release

Epson Redefines Future of Portrait Photography With New Epson Gemini(R) K3 Portrait Printing System

New Professional Portrait System Gives Photographers Quick and Simple Way to Take Control of Printing Process to Boost Image Quality, Productivity and Profits

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/—Epson America Inc. is introducing a new digital workflow system that is tailor-made for portrait photographers who are looking for an immediate and simple way to increase their productivity, image quality and profitability. The Epson Gemini K3 Portrait Printing System combines the benefits of Epson’s new, award-winning Epson UltraChrome K3(TM) photographic printing technology with new image management and enhancement programs that are designed to dramatically improve the way portrait photographers do business.

Epson America Press Release Epson Redefines Future of Portrait Photography With New Epson Gemini(R) K3 Portrait Printing System New Professional Portrait System Gives Photographers Quick and Simple Way to Take Control of Printing Process to Boost Image Quality, Productivity and Profits LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/—Epson America Inc. is…

Creative Zen Vision:MCreative UK Press Release

Creative Zen Vision:M Features Dazzling Colour Screen and Capacity for up to 120 Hours of Video, Thousands of Digital Photos or up to15,000 Songs

December 8th 2005 - Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, today introduced the Zen™ Vision:M, a cutting-edge 30GB video player, photo viewer and MP3 player.  Designed with a stunning, 2.5-inch, high-resolution 262,144 colour LCD screen, the Zen Vision:M displays rich, vibrant digital video and photos, full-colour menus and album art.  The Zen Vision:M will be available in gorgeous high-gloss black, white, blue, green or pink.

“When people see the Zen Vision:M, they tell us it’s incredibly cool,” said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative.  “We designed the Zen Vision:M with its mesmerising 262K colour screen to display four times the colour of competing portable video players, and to provide incredible battery life for video playback.  Plus, we offer people the freedom to choose their video in a variety of different formats, and to get subscription music or download tracks from a number of different sites on their player.”

Creative UK Press Release Creative Zen Vision:M Features Dazzling Colour Screen and Capacity for up to 120 Hours of Video, Thousands of Digital Photos or up to15,000 Songs December 8th 2005 - Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, today…

Kodak Picture Kiosk G4Kodak and Ritz Camera Centers Press Release

Kodak and Ritz Camera Centers Partner to Bring Kodak’s New Digital Photo Kiosks to 1100 Stores Nationwide; Just in Time for the Holidays, the New KODAK Picture Kiosk G4 Makes Digital Photography Faster and More Convenient for Consumers

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 8, 2005—Eastman Kodak Company and Ritz Camera Centers, the largest retail camera and imaging photo chain in the U.S., today announced a partnership to deploy Kodak’s new digital photo kiosks in all Ritz Camera stores across the country, totaling approximately 1,100 locations. Ritz Camera will be the first retailer to install Kodak’s new G4 kiosks, which make KODAK-quality digital print in just eight seconds - 35% faster than prior models.

Kodak and Ritz Camera Centers Press Release Kodak and Ritz Camera Centers Partner to Bring Kodak’s New Digital Photo Kiosks to 1100 Stores Nationwide; Just in Time for the Holidays, the New KODAK Picture Kiosk G4 Makes Digital Photography Faster and More Convenient for Consumers NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 8, 2005—Eastman…

Kodak UK Press Release

KODAK ROYAL Paper is now KODAK ROYAL Digital Colour Paper - Name change reflects consumer demand for high-quality digital prints at retail

LONDON December 7, 2005 — Meeting the demands of today’s digitally savvy consumer, Eastman Kodak Company today announced that KODAK ROYAL Paper, Kodak’s highest-quality consumer photofinishing paper, is now KODAK ROYAL Digital Colour Paper.  This change will enable photofinishers to better communicate to consumers that this is Kodak’s best silver halide paper for digital printing. Consumers will enjoy crisp, sharp, colour-saturated digital pictures that are available from this premium paper.

Kodak UK Press Release KODAK ROYAL Paper is now KODAK ROYAL Digital Colour Paper - Name change reflects consumer demand for high-quality digital prints at retail LONDON December 7, 2005 — Meeting the demands of today’s digitally savvy consumer, Eastman Kodak Company today announced that KODAK ROYAL Paper, Kodak’s highest-quality…

Ricoh UK Press Release

Ricoh EPMMC UK are pleased to announce the appointment of Alpha Digital Services Ltd as the distribution partner for their award winning digital camera range effective immediately. The Personal Multimedia Centre of Ricoh Europe B.V. is based in the UK and Germany and is one of the leading suppliers of DVD+RW/+R, drives, DVD media and digital cameras in the Pan-European market This appointment reinforces the commitment of Ricoh to the UK market and will continue to build on the success that Ricoh has enjoyed so far.

The Alpha Digital team have extensive knowledge and contacts within the photographic channel”, commented Dominic Wingent, National Sales Manager at Ricoh EPMMC (European Personal Multi Media Company). “We are confident that this appointment will further strengthen our position within the retail sector.”

Ricoh UK Press Release Ricoh EPMMC UK are pleased to announce the appointment of Alpha Digital Services Ltd as the distribution partner for their award winning digital camera range effective immediately. The Personal Multimedia Centre of Ricoh Europe B.V. is based in the UK and Germany and is one of…

USB All In One Executive Pen DriveCardmedia Press Release

Pen + USB Flash drive + PDA touch panel
Optional Laser/light pointer
Supplied in a metallic gift box

Cardmedia (Europe) Ltd has released the USB All in one Executive pen drive, a good quality pen combined with built in USB Flash memory to easily backup or transport your data.
The Executive pen drive is available with capacities ranging from 64MB up to 1GB, and is offered to end users from its eShop as well as to Corporate companies for logo printing service on bulk orders.

Cardmedia Press Release Pen + USB Flash drive + PDA touch panel Optional Laser/light pointer Supplied in a metallic gift box Cardmedia (Europe) Ltd has released the USB All in one Executive pen drive, a good quality pen combined with built in USB Flash memory to easily backup or transport…

InterVideo Press Release

InterVideo Files ITC Section 337 Complaint Against Dell Inc., Winbook Computer Corporation, and Cyberlink Corporation.

Seeks Permanent Exclusion Order and Permanent Cease and Desist Order Related to Patent Covering Personal Computer and Electronic Device Functions, Especially Concerning InterVideo’s InstantON Products and Technology.

Northampton UK December 7th, 2005 – InterVideo, Inc. (NASDAQ: IVII)), a leading provider of software solutions to tier-one consumer electronics and PC manufacturers, announced today that its subsidiary, InterVideo Digital Technology Corporation, has filed a Complaint under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the United States International Trade Commission, naming as respondents Dell Inc., Winbook Computer Corporation, Cyberlink Corporation of Taiwan, and Cyberlink’s U.S. subsidiary, Cyberlink.com Corporation.  The complaint asks the USITC to initiate an investigation into infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,765,788 (“the ’788 Patent”), entitled “Method and apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic device functions,” and to enter permanent exclusion orders and permanent cease and desist orders at the conclusion of the investigation.

InterVideo Press Release InterVideo Files ITC Section 337 Complaint Against Dell Inc., Winbook Computer Corporation, and Cyberlink Corporation. Seeks Permanent Exclusion Order and Permanent Cease and Desist Order Related to Patent Covering Personal Computer and Electronic Device Functions, Especially Concerning InterVideo’s InstantON Products and Technology. Northampton UK December 7th, 200…

Manfrotto Press Release

Professional Photographer Magazine honors Innovative Articulated Arm.

Bassano del Grappa, Italia (PRWEB) December 7, 2005—Manfrotto, the world’s leading manufacturer of photographic support products, is proud to announce the Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket among the select group of 2005 Hot1 award winners from Professional Photographer Magazine.

The prestigious Hot1 Awards honors professional photographic products that are revolutionizing today’s imaging industry, and is given to a product for its exceptional quality, innovation, design and performance.

Manfrotto Press Release Professional Photographer Magazine honors Innovative Articulated Arm. Bassano del Grappa, Italia (PRWEB) December 7, 2005—Manfrotto, the world’s leading manufacturer of photographic support products, is proud to announce the Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket among the select group of 2005 Hot1 award winners from Professional Photographer Magazine. The…

Pentax *ist DS2 Digital SLRDIWA member Steves Digicams has the first online review of the Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor.

“The *ist DS2’s default Image Tone setting of Bright produced well-saturated images right out of the camera. Colors were natural, but a bit soft; most users will prefer a hard sharpness setting, or the application of an image editor’s unsharp mask filter. The image noise was practically non-existant at ISO 200, at ISO 400 it’s still very clean, and at ISO 800 shadow noise becomes noticeable. At ISO 1600 noise becomes noticeable in highlights, but the images are quite usable. I would use ISO 3200 only if it made the difference between capturing an image or not. While noise is present at the higher ISO settings, the *ist DS2 compares favorably in this respect with the high-end prosumer digicams that overlap its price range.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax *ist DS2 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams has the first online review of the Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor. “The *ist DS2’s default Image Tone setting of Bright produced well-saturated images right…