The Tamron AF55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II MACRO LD lens is introduced today. The Tamron 55-200mm lens is designed for digital SLR cameras with APS sized (24mm x 16mm) sensors. Price and availability to be announced.

Tamron USA Press Release

TAMRON INTRODUCES AF55-200MM F/4-5.6 DI II LD MACRO

A Telephoto Zoom Designed for Exclusive Use with Digital SLR Cameras - Available at an Affordable Price

September 20, 2005, Commack, New York—Tamron announced the winter delivery of the AF55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II MACRO LD (Model A15), a new tele-zoom designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with smaller-size image sensors* that will be available at an affordable price.

*Di (Digitally integrated)-II lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers. This lens is not designed for use with 35mm film cameras or digital SLR cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm.

Sony UK Press Release

Sony announces full line up of Digital Imaging products

With Christmas not far away people are starting to think about the best way to capture all the family action and party spirit. Just in time, Sony is pleased to announce its family of digital imaging products for this year’s festive season. Sony is offering a full range of models that combine sleek design, synonymous with the Sony brand, with cutting edge technological functions.

For classic Sony style check out the Sony Cyber-shot T7 featuring the slimmest frame of all Sony’s digital still cameras - just 9.8mm thick*, combined with a stainless steel body for a slick finish, the T7 is the ideal gift to slip in your loved ones stocking. Despite the tiny dimensions of the T7 it boasts 5.1 effective Megapixels for the ultimate in picture quality.

Photoxels Press Release

TORONTO, ON., Nov. 1, 2005 - On your mark! Get ready! Click! …For the great Photoxels Digital Photography Contest, running from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2005. Calling all Canadian amateur photographers of all skill levels to send us your best digital shots and win great prizes. Sponsors are: FUJIFILM Canada, PANASONIC Canada and EPSON Canada. Enter your photos in four (4) Categories: PEOPLE, LANDSCAPE, MACRO (CLOSE-UPS), and SPORTS/ACTION. For more information and official rules, go online to http://www.photoxels.com/digital-photo-contest.html

ReaSoft Development Press Release

Image Converter Supports Over 340 Image Formats, Processes RAW Files From Any Digital Camera.

ReaConverter 4.0 is a professional image converter for designers, digital artists and photographers.  The program supports virtually every known image
file format, popular and obscure, a total of over 340 different kinds of image files.  In addition to that, the program supports RAW files for all popular digital camera brands (CRW, CR2, DNG, DCR, NEF, RAW, RAF, X3F, ORF, SRF, MRW, BAY, PEF) and works with PostScript based files (PDF, EPS, PS, AI).

Besides converting images from one format to another, ReaConverter is capable of performing batch image editing operations - rotating or resizing images, adjusting brightness or contrast, applying various filters, stamping images with a watermark to multiple images with one button click.

DPReview have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom, a new 9 megapixel digital camera with a 28-300mm lens with twist-barrel zoom control (also known as the S9000).

“I think - with the possible exception of the Panasonic FZ30 - it’s fair to say the S9000 is the about as close any manufacturer has ever come to producing a fixed-lens camera that offers real SLR-like handling and operation. It certainly looks like a DSLR, and at lower ISO settings it produces results you have to look at very closely before you can see they’re not from one. On the other hand it is in many ways frustratingly far from offering a true alternative to an SLR; high ISO performance is good for a small-sensor camera, but simply doesn’t compare to even the cheapest entry-level SLR. Raw performance is painfully slow, and the lack of any tools to actually process the resultant files means the S9000 doesn’t offer a true ‘out of the box’ raw solution.”

Website: DPReview - Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom Review

Website: Read my Fujifilm Finepix S9500 Zoom Review

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DesignTechnica have reviewed the new Kodak EasyShare One Wi-Fi digital camera.

“Welcome to the brave new world of Wi-Fi digital cameras. And no matter what Kodak says it’s not for faint-hearted but someone who’s very comfortable working with wireless networks. I have to confess even I called the very helpful hotline to work out some issues (1-800-23-KODAK ext 12). Still the EasyShare One is the start of something very new in consumer digital imaging with Nikon and Canon following in its footsteps. And we’re sure others will follow in the years ahead. Kodak is to be highly praised for trying to cut through the Wi-Fi gobbledegook and making the camera as simple to use as possible. Although I would love to see some improvements on the camera side and a lower price, Kodak is to be commended for taking this wireless leap.”

Website: DesignTechnica - Kodak EasyShare One Review

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TrustedReviews have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom, a new 9 megapixel digital camera with a 28-300mm lens with twist-barrel zoom control (also known as the S9000).

“Since its introduction in 2001 there has been much debate over Fuji’s SuperCCD technology and its use of interpolation, and some reviewers remain skeptical, but the fantastic level of detail in the images produced by the S9500 should settle any arguments once and for all. In the eight years that I’ve been reviewing digital cameras, the only one I’ve seen with better image quality is the Canon EOS 1DS MkII, which at £4700 is nearly 12 times the price of the S9500. Focus, exposure, contrast, colour rendition, sharpness and noise control are all absolutely superb. In fact, as the sample pictures will show, it is astonishingly noise-free even at 800 ISO.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom Review

Website: Read my Fujifilm Finepix S9500 Zoom Review

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Sony Europe Press Release

New CompactFlash (TM) Type II hard disk drive with unique Cybercapture (TM) technology delivers increased storage capacity for all photo enthusiasts and professionals

Paris, 31 October, 2005 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division today announced the launch of its first 5GB CompactFlash™ Type II media, under the new COMPACTVAULT™brand. The new COMPACTVAULT provides the latest addition to Sony’s removable media range, enabling storage of up to 1600 images (1) or four hours of MPEG 4 recording. The one-inch hard disk drive boasts a native transfer rate of up to 96.7Mbps, which is further maximized when the COMPACTVAULT is used in conjunction with future Cybercapture enabled products, providing even faster recording of images and higher quality of videos, in what is termed AV mode.

Wiley Press Release

Gone Wild is the new series of full-color how-to books for design professionals and enthusiasts.  The series is designed to give those with basic graphic design skills the tools they need to create innovative, mind-blowing visual effects.  Each book provides lively, step-by-step instructions for creating amazing art using a particular software program.  The lavish illustrations and minimal text allow designers to dive into the fun stuff without a lot of dry explanations or theory.  Tips and suggestions found throughout the books will jump-start readers’ imaginations and have them creating spectacular effects in no time.

Canon USA have issued a Service Notice for the new Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, about the lens flare problem that we reported last week.

Canon USA Service Advisory

We have recently discovered a problem with early production samples of the EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens in which flare occurs at an unacceptable level under certain conditions. The flare is most obvious in the wide zoom and wide aperture settings. (See attached picture.)

The problem affects all EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM lenses with a control number less than UT1000. With apologies for the inconvenience involved, we ask customers to check the control number on the back of the lens.

NAPP Press Release

Photoshop TV Launches to Immediate Success; Video Podcast from NAPP Hits No. 2 in iTunes in a Matter of Days - Offers Viewers Prizes for Tuning In

TAMPA—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 28, 2005—On Monday, October 24, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) launched a new video podcast - Photoshop TV.

Hosted by the “Photoshop Guys” (Scott Kelby, Dave Cross and Matt Kloskowski), Photoshop TV immediately began climbing the charts of Apple’s iTunes podcasts to hit number 2 on October 28, leaving heavyweights such as NPR, Al Franken and ESPN in their dust. The cast saw over 6,200 subscribers in its first 72 hours.

The free cast is a half-hour guide to Adobe(R) Photoshop(R), digital photography and imaging. Photoshop TV offers viewers tutorials and quick tips for mastering Photoshop, presented as well as creative industry news and interviews.

Microsoft have released a Color Applet for the Windows XP Control Panel, which allows you to manage ICC color profiles and ICM 2.0 color settings across the system.

Using the Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet, you can:
• Install and uninstall ICC color profiles
• Inspect, rename, and compare two different color profiles
• View a 3D graphics plot of color profile color gamuts
• Associate color profiles with devices such as printers, monitors, and scanners
• Apply custom color gamut adjustments to one or more displays on the fly
• Set up display calibration reminders at intervals you specify

Website: Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet

There’s a great article about the newly-launched Apple Aperture over at Rob Galbraith which looks beyond the marketing blurb.

“Based on what we know so far about Aperture, its most direct competition would seem to be be Capture One PRO. There are many ways that the two programs are similar in design concept (though they of course look very different), and both contain a similar range of adjustment tools. Phase One’s RAW conversion application does some things that Aperture doesn’t, including offering tethered operation with certain camera models. Plus, it has the ability to use custom camera profiles. On the other hand, Aperture has image management and image output capabilities that don’t exist in Capture One Pro, and Apple has done more to capitalize on the architecture in Mac computers for maximum speed of operation.”

Website: Rob Galbraith - Bringing Aperture into focus

DIWA member Steves Digicams has published a review of the new Canon PIXMA iP5200 printer.

“The iP5200 is another of Canon’s 5-color printers that leaves me wondering why I own and use the 8-color i9900. When I see just how good the photo prints look when using only the three primary colors (cyan, magenta and yellow), I don’t know why I need those other ink colors, or the added expense. With the 1-picoliter size ink droplets the prints are virtually grainless. I can only visually see imperfections after scanning a print at 600dpi and then zooming in really close. Holding a 4×6” print in my hand and getting it as close as possible, I can see nothing to complain about at all. For the average to the hypercritical user I am sure that this printer will satisfy your photo printing as well as your everyday printing needs. The color is simply brilliant, the prints last and you’ll certainly not be waiting for this printer to do its job.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PIXMA iP5200 Printer Review

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam.

” The Olympus Stylus 800 Digital is yet another evolution in Olympus’ popular line of Stylus digital cameras. To my eye, it’s one of the best Stylus models to date, able to accommodate a broader range of shooting conditions than its predecessors, and with a very solid “feel” in the hand. With relatively compact dimensions, stylish design, and nice array of features, the Stylus 800 Digital could be a good match for novices and others interested in a compact, rugged, and highly portable camera. Its all-weather body design means it can go just about anywhere, and its below-average size makes it quite at home in your shirt pocket. You get an 8.0-megapixel CCD, a very large 2.5-inch LCD monitor, a good-quality lens, and an excellent selection of shooting modes, making the camera very versatile in a variety of situations.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 Review

Website: Read my Olympus Mju Digital 800 Review

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CNET have published their review of the Konica Minolta Z6, which updates the popular Z5 and features a 6 megapixel sensor, 12x zoom lens and 2 inch LCD screen.

“One of several 12X-zoom cameras on the market, the 6-megapixel Konica Minolta Dimage Z6 differs in only a few respects from its 5-megapixel predecessor, the Dimage Z5. In addition to the resolution bump and the silver face-lift, the Z6 provides a slightly larger image buffer and, unfortunately, a lower-resolution movie mode. However, the Z5’s primary attractions remain: 12X zoom, Anti-Shake technology, and a well-rounded feature set that includes manual exposure controls. Keen-eyed photographers might fuss about image quality, but the Konica Minolta Dimage Z6 offers enough benefits at an affordable price to attract enthusiasts who want an SLR-like feel and a long-reach lens.”

Website: CNET - Konica Minolta Z6 Review

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The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a large 2.5inch LCD screen and 3 optical zoom.

Website: Akam.no - Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom Review

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The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the new Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, which features a fixed aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range and an Image Stabiliser that allows shutter speeds of 3 stops slower than normal.

” The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens is very sharp wide open at most focal lengths and shows only very slight improvement when stopped down. The one exception is toward the longer focal length range (near and including 105mm) where slight softness (sharp vs. very sharp) is noticeable wide open. Stopped down 1/3 stop to f/4.5 brings the very sharp description back at 105mm. I find that 24-105 L images take sharpening very well. In real life, with regular sharpening, f/4 shots at 105mm are very sharp and show little improvement stopped down - even to f/8. Corner sharpness is very good. Full frame user will see slight softness in the extreme corners.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture - Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens Review

PC Magazine have just reviewed the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam.

“With all the storms that have battered the U.S. in the past few months, perhaps Olympus has the right idea in giving the Stylus 800 an all-weather finish. You won’t be able to take the camera underwater (use the Pentax OptioWP for that), but its water-resistant finish will withstand drizzle or light rain. Unfortunately, despite having a good price ($399.95 list) for an 8-megapixel camera, excellent on-screen help, an all-weather finish, and other cool features, the Stylus 800’s picture quality keeps it from being a real compact contender.”

Website: PC Magazine - Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 Review

Website: Read my Olympus Mju Digital 800 Review

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DigitalCameraReview have reviewed the Pentax OptioS5z, which has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and a 5 megapixel sensor.

“The complex lens design results in some minor but noticeable loss of sharpness at longer shooting distances and corners that are a bit soft throughout the zoom’s range. Barrel distortion (straight lines bow out from the center) is moderate and pincushion distortion (straight lines bow in toward the center) is about average. Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) is well controlled but visible in high contrast color transition areas. Optical performance was better than expected (I expected to see some vignetting and maybe even a little coma) but the zoom’s performance is actually quite good (for such a tiny and complex optic). The S5z’s Macro performance is exceptional, especially so for an ultra compact digicam.”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - Pentax OptioS5z Review

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