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Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Pentax *ist DLPocket-Lint have reviewed the new entry-level Pentax *ist DL digital SLR camera. The Pentax *ist DL is a 6.1 megapixel DSLR which features a 2.5 LCD screen and light 16 ounce body.

“But, the great thing about this camera, is that being a Pentax, you can customise it to suit your tastes and working practises, and sure enough, after quite a bit of time spent adjusting the metering zones, the AF settings, the white balance, the auto exposure compensation, the flash compensation, the colour saturation, the contrast and the partridge in the pear tree, I started to get some usable pictures. But surely that’s not the point. This camera is aimed at those making the bold step into digital SLR photography and should produce impressive results straight from the box. In my opinion it doesn’t.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Pentax *ist DL Review

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Pocket-Lint have reviewed the new entry-level Pentax *ist DL digital SLR camera. The Pentax *ist DL is a 6.1 megapixel DSLR which features a 2.5 LCD screen and light 16 ounce body. “But, the great thing about this camera, is that being a Pentax, you can customise it to suit…

Nikon Coolpix S4PCMagazine have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S4, which has 6 megapixels and a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens that is equivalent to 38-380mm.

“Nikon’s latest superzoom, the Nikon Coolpix S4, is designed so that the lens and the body can rotate independently of each other. This swiveling design was first introduced on the Coolpix 900 a number of years ago, and the last Nikon to have it was the 4X optical Coolpix 4500. It’s a wonderful design, especially useful for Hail Mary shots or shooting over crowds. Unfortunately, we found the pictures taken with the S4 to be a bit disappointing.”

Website: PCMagazine - Nikon Coolpix S4 Review

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PCMagazine have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S4, which has 6 megapixels and a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens that is equivalent to 38-380mm. “Nikon’s latest superzoom, the Nikon Coolpix S4, is designed so that the lens and the body can rotate independently of each other. This swiveling design was first introduced on…

Olympus SP-500UZDesignTechnica 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 10x Olympus SP-500UZ is in the thick of a tough fight with Canon, Kodak, Konica-Minolta and Sony, all battling for photographers who want powerful zooms that are great for all-around use, especially vacations. It has some good things going for it and some negatives. Most you can live with but I had a tough time dealing with the uneven focusing.”

Website: DesignTechnica - Olympus SP-500UZ Review

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DesignTechnica 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 10x Olympus SP-500UZ is in the thick of a tough fight with Canon, Kodak, Konica-Minolta and Sony, all battling for photographers…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1The Spanish website Quesabesde 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: Quesabesde - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 Review

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The Spanish website Quesabesde 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: Quesabesde - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Apple ApertureDigital Outback Photo have just reviewed Apple’s Aperture software.

“Aperture retains some severe deficiencies, e.g. speed when applying several corrections/filters in RAW conversion quality or when stamping lifted metadata or settings to several images. Noise in dark areas (RAW images) seem to be much stronger than we Adobe Camera Raw, RawShooter or Capture One. It will definitely take Apple some time to rectify all shortcomings. Some of their design decisions may not be the best ones (e.g. embedding basic RAW conversion into the operating system – though Microsoft may do this soon, as well). Aperture will not replace Photoshop in the near future, and Apple may be well advised not to try this for some time.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Apple Aperture Review

Digital Outback Photo have just reviewed Apple’s Aperture software. “Aperture retains some severe deficiencies, e.g. speed when applying several corrections/filters in RAW conversion quality or when stamping lifted metadata or settings to several images. Noise in dark areas (RAW images) seem to be much stronger than we Adobe Camera Raw…

Panasonic DMC-FZ30CNET 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.

“As their prices converge, it’s getting more difficult to decide whether to buy a digital SLR or a sophisticated megazoom camera such as the 8-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30. The successor to the 5-megapixel FZ20, the FZ30 is also equipped with optical image stabilization, a solid feature set, and a 12X zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with a 35mm-to-420mm focal range (35mm-camera equivalent). The FZ30 is far less expensive than a dSLR, for which you’d need two or more image-stabilized lenses to gain the same focal range. Though the dSLR would give you better performance, additional features, and better image quality, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 is a viable alternative for photographers who want maximum flexibility for a (relatively) small cash outlay.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review

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CNET 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. “As their prices converge, it’s getting more difficult to…

Monday, December 12, 2005

Competition WinnerThe winners of the November 2005 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for November was “Autumn Close-ups” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:

1st Place
“Dropped” by Oly M
View this entry

Prize: 1 copy of Powerretouche Full Pro Pack
Kindly donated by Powerretouche.
http://powerretouche.com

The winners of the November 2005 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for November was “Autumn Close-ups” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners: 1st Place “Dropped” by Oly MView this entry Prize: 1 copy of Powerretouche Full Pro…

Ricoh Caplio R3Given the huge amount of interest in the Ricoh R3, I’ve decided to publish the sample photos from my upcoming review a few days before the full review is online. Enjoy…

Website: Ricoh Caplio R3 Photos

Given the huge amount of interest in the Ricoh R3, I’ve decided to publish the sample photos from my upcoming review a few days before the full review is online. Enjoy… Website: Ricoh Caplio R3 Photos

NikoniansNikonians Press Release

New Podcast Show with Regular Photography News

The worldwide community Nikonians introduces “The Image Doctors”, a new bimonthly talk radio program.

(PRWEB) December 11, 2005—Nikonians (www.nikonians.org) is pleased to announce the debut of a new “talk radio” program which recently joined its podcast lineup. “The Image Doctors” is a 30-minute talk show centered on all aspects of photography and the Nikonians community. Hosted by the photographers Jason Odell and Rick Walker, “The Image Doctors” brings a new dimension to the Nikonians experience every two weeks.

Nikonians Press Release New Podcast Show with Regular Photography News The worldwide community Nikonians introduces “The Image Doctors”, a new bimonthly talk radio program. (PRWEB) December 11, 2005—Nikonians (www.nikonians.org) is pleased to announce the debut of a new “talk radio” program which recently joined its podcast lineup. “The Image Doctors”…

Alien Skin Software Press Release

Raleigh, NC (December 8, 2005)- Alien Skin Software today announced Exposure, an all-new plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® and other compatible host programs. Exposure brings the look and feel of film to digital photography. Photographers can now digitally simulate current and discontinued film stocks, as well as recreate a signature look as a one-click effect. Moreover, saturation, light temperature, dynamic range, softness, sharpness, and the addition of realistic grain can be managed in one step.

Foremost a film simulator, Exposure is based on the detailed analysis of real world film stocks. A photographer can now quickly and easily evoke the vivid colors of Velvia®, the rich blacks of Kodachrome®, or the sensitivity of Ektachrome®. Exposure includes presets that emulate the warmth, softness, and realistic grain of dozens of real world film stocks, both color and black and white. Plus, any preset can be the starting point for a signature look, adjusted it to suit a particular subject, or applied to a batch of images using Photoshop Actions.

Alien Skin Software Press Release Raleigh, NC (December 8, 2005)- Alien Skin Software today announced Exposure, an all-new plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® and other compatible host programs. Exposure brings the look and feel of film to digital photography. Photographers can now digitally simulate current and discontinued film stocks, as well…

Fantasea Line FP-1Fantasea Line Press Release

Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 digital cameras with WiFi. The FP-1 housing, due for release Dec. 15th, is ideal for underwater and outdoor photographers who enjoy the cameras’ automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures easily and creatively. The Fantasea FP-1 housing insures the most compact design for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls.

Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and camping, and for family activities around the swimming pool or at the beach. The Fantasea FP-1 will protect the Coolpix cameras from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

Fantasea Line Press Release Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 digital cameras with WiFi. The FP-1 housing, due for release Dec. 15th, is ideal for underwater and outdoor photographers who enjoy the cameras’ automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures…

Fantasea Line FS-1Fantasea Line Press Release

Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix S1 and S3 digital cameras. The FS-1 housing, dedicated to these two new ultra-slim Nikon digital cameras is compactly designed for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls.

The Fantasea FS-1 housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers who prefer to use the cameras automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures easily and creatively. Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and camping, and for family activities around the swimming pool or at the beach. The Fantasea FS-1 will protect the Coolpix cameras from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

Fantasea Line Press Release Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix S1 and S3 digital cameras. The FS-1 housing, dedicated to these two new ultra-slim Nikon digital cameras is compactly designed for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of…

AnnotureTow.com Press Release

Introducing Annoture, a metadata bridging solution for Aperture and iView MediaPro! With Annoture, you’re just a click away from sharing metadata between these two popular image management and cataloging applications. Spend more time working with your decisive moments than worrying about double-entry and incomplete metadata!

Annoture lets you transfer annotations from iView MediaPro catalogs to Aperture projects and albums and back. This two-way transfer of IPTC and metadata information means you are not tied to any one application for your image management and workflow needs. Annoture also features a modular interface that can be extended to support additional applications in the future.

http://www.tow.com/software/annoture/

Tow.com Press Release Introducing Annoture, a metadata bridging solution for Aperture and iView MediaPro! With Annoture, you’re just a click away from sharing metadata between these two popular image management and cataloging applications. Spend more time working with your decisive moments than worrying about double-entry and incomplete metadata! Annoture lets…

GradFilter Photoshop Plug-inRed Paw Media Press Release

Red Paw Media are pleased to announce the general release of their latest product, GradFilter.

GradFilter is a plugin for Photoshop (and compatible hosts such as Paint Shop Pro and Irfanview) that digitally adds blended color graduated filter effects to your photographs.

* Simulate solid color, single and dual-color graduated filters, and centre spot circular single and dual-color graduated filters.
* Change the rotation and hardness of the graduated effect.
* On-screen guides showing where the middle and edges of the grad filter are positioned.
* Save and load useful settings - dozens of presets are supplied.
  These include: Blue sky, Blue, Centre spot, Fluo, Magenta-Yellow, Neutral, Rebalance, Olive, Sepia, Sunset, Tobacco, and Vignette effects.
* 8-bit and 16-bit image support.

Red Paw Media Press Release Red Paw Media are pleased to announce the general release of their latest product, GradFilter. GradFilter is a plugin for Photoshop (and compatible hosts such as Paint Shop Pro and Irfanview) that digitally adds blended color graduated filter effects to your photographs. * Simulate solid…

Kodak Easyshare V550The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen.

Website: Akam.no - Kodak Easyshare V550 Review

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The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen. Website: Akam.no - Kodak Easyshare V550 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Fujifilm FinePix E900 ZoomDIWA member Steves Digicams 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 E900’s image noise characteristics are very good. Noise is essentially absent at ISO 80 and 100. Shadow noise becomes detectable at ISO 200, and noticeable at ISO 400. At ISO 800, noise is noticeable throughout the image, but not to the extent that it is unusable. The E900’s noise reduction process does reduce fine details at ISO 800, but users will appreciate having ISO 800 available more than they will regret the loss of detail.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams 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 E900’s image noise characteristics are very good. Noise is essentially…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9DCResource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The most notable feature on the DSC-T9 is its optical image stabilizer. The T9 is one of only a small handful of ultra-compacts with image stabilizers (the others being from Panasonic and Konica Minolta), and it sure comes in handy when you’re taking shots in not-so-great lighting. While it won’t work miracles (like stopping motion blur), it will allow you to use slower shutter speeds than you could otherwise. The stabilizer can be used in movie mode, as well.”

Website: DCResource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 Review

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DCResource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The most notable feature on the DSC-T9 is its optical image stabilizer. The T9 is one…

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