Category:

Monday, October 31, 2005

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USMCanon 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.

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…

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.

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 -…

Microsoft Color Control Panel AppletMicrosoft 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

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…

Apple ApertureThere’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

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…

Canon PIXMA iP5200DIWA 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

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…

Olympus mju DIGITAL 800Imaging 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

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus mju DIGITAL 800

Write a Review of the Olympus mju DIGITAL 800

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…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6CNET 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

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Z6

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta Z6

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…

Fujifilm FinePix Z1 ZoomThe 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

Check the Latest Prices for the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom

Write a Review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom

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 Check the Latest Prices for the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom Write a…

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USMThe-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

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…

Olympus mju DIGITAL 800PC 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

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus mju DIGITAL 800

Write a Review of the Olympus mju DIGITAL 800

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…

Pentax Optio S5zDigitalCameraReview 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

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax OptioS5z

Write a Review of the Pentax OptioS5z

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…

Olympus µ (mju) DIGITAL 600The Czech website Digineff have reviewed the Olympus mju DIGITAL 600 digital camera which has 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen, a weatherproof metal body and a 3x zoom lens.

Website: Digineff - Olympus mjuDIGITAL 600 Review

Website: Read my Olympus Mju Digital 600 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus mju DIGITAL 600

Write a Review of the Olympus mju DIGITAL 600

The Czech website Digineff have reviewed the Olympus mju DIGITAL 600 digital camera which has 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen, a weatherproof metal body and a 3x zoom lens. Website: Digineff - Olympus mjuDIGITAL 600 Review Website: Read my Olympus Mju Digital 600 Review Check the Latest Prices for…

Kodak EasyShare LS755DIWA member and Turkish website Diginorm have taken a look at the 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare LS755 digital camera.

Website: Diginorm - Kodak EasyShare LS755 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare LS755

Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare LS755

DIWA member and Turkish website Diginorm have taken a look at the 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare LS755 digital camera. Website: Diginorm - Kodak EasyShare LS755 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare LS755 Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare LS755

Canon PowerShot S2 ISSpanish Quesabesde have published their review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera.

Website: Quesabesde - Canon PowerShot S2 IS Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS

Write a Review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS

Spanish Quesabesde have published their review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera. Website: Quesabesde - Canon PowerShot S2 IS Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS Write a Review…

Friday, October 28, 2005

Olympus Mju Digital 600The compact 6 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 600 continues Olympus’ line of weatherproof digital cameras. The Mju 600 is resistant to water spray, although it won’t survive being dunked in a tank of water! Other standout features include automatic brightening of the LCD screen in low-light, a red-eye mode that fixes photos that are stored in the Mju Digital 600’s memory, and a mode which reduces blurry images caused by camera shake or a fast-moving subject. A 2.5 inch LCD screen and 23 scene modes round off the specification. Does the Olympus Mju Digital 600 deserve a place in your pocket? Find out in my review.

Website: Olympus Mju Digital 600 Review

The compact 6 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 600 continues Olympus’ line of weatherproof digital cameras. The Mju 600 is resistant to water spray, although it won’t survive being dunked in a tank of water! Other standout features include automatic brightening of the LCD screen in low-light, a red-eye mode that…

Luminous Landscape editor Michael Reichmann explains how he keeps his digital photos safe in his latest article.

“When traveling on a shoot, as soon as a card is full it is removed from the camera and placed into an Epson P2000 (or equivalent) where its files are copied to the Epson’s hard drive. Once the card has been copied it is removed and then placed in a metal card wallet. The card is placed inside facing backwards so that it can easily be identified as an exposed card. Since the Epson 2000 has a 40GB drive there is more than enough storage for even the busiest day’s shooting. It can also copy more than ten 2GB cards on a single charge, so using it in the field without AC power is not an issue.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - When Failure is Not an Option

Luminous Landscape editor Michael Reichmann explains how he keeps his digital photos safe in his latest article. “When traveling on a shoot, as soon as a card is full it is removed from the camera and placed into an Epson P2000 (or equivalent) where its files are copied to the…

Olympus E-500Fancy a digital SLR camera, but don’t want to pay too much for it? Less than £400, I hear you say? Well, thanks to Olympus and Amazon, it’s now possible, as the 8 megapixel Olympus E-500 DSLR with 14-45mm lens is on sale now at Amazon UK for a staggeringly low £389.99! Best of all, the E-500 seems to be getting good reviews…

Website: Amazon - Olympus E-500 for £389.99

Fancy a digital SLR camera, but don’t want to pay too much for it? Less than £400, I hear you say? Well, thanks to Olympus and Amazon, it’s now possible, as the 8 megapixel Olympus E-500 DSLR with 14-45mm lens is on sale now at Amazon UK for a staggeringly…

CNN are reporting that Canon have just announced a 9.3% drop in profits for the last quarter - yes, that’s right, a drop as opposed to the usual rise.

“Canon attributed the fall in profit—its first in seven quarters—to the absence of a big pension gain booked in the same period last year. “If it hadn’t been for this, we would have maintained our profit growth momentum. Our business hasn’t worsened,” Toshizo Tanaka, Canon Senior Managing Director, told a press conference.”

Canon digital cameras continue to sell well (tell us something we didn’t already know!)...

Website: CNN - Canon ‘shutters’ at 9% profit drop

CNN are reporting that Canon have just announced a 9.3% drop in profits for the last quarter - yes, that’s right, a drop as opposed to the usual rise. “Canon attributed the fall in profit—its first in seven quarters—to the absence of a big pension gain booked in the same…

Pixmantec RawShooter Premium 2006Pixmantec Press Release

ANNOUNCING THE ULTIMATE RAW WORKFLOW TOOL - $59.00 OCTOBER ONLY!

Copenhagen, October 28th 2005: Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec announce the release of the latest addition to their Photographers’ Toolbox applications for the camera RAW format, RawShooter | premium 2006. Building on the incredible success of the FREE RawShooter | essentials 2005 product (now with several hundred thousand copies installed worldwide), RawShooter | premium 2006 provides unsurpassed RAW workflow functionality and professional image quality at an unbeatable competitive price. In addition to a state of the art feature set, RawShooter | premium 2006 adds camera RAW support for several new DSLRs including the Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 1D II N.

Pixmantec Press Release ANNOUNCING THE ULTIMATE RAW WORKFLOW TOOL - $59.00 OCTOBER ONLY! Copenhagen, October 28th 2005: Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec announce the release of the latest addition to their Photographers’ Toolbox applications for the camera RAW format, RawShooter | premium 2006. Building on the incredible success of…

Fujifilm Underwater Strobe KitFujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm today announces the launch of its compact Underwater Strobe Kit, for sub-aqua photography at depths of up to 60m. The equipment is designed to fit the entire range of Fujifilm underwater housings, and is compatible with almost all brands of digital cameras and underwater housings currently on the market.

The Underwater Strobe Kit provides that vital extra burst of light, meaning colour and tone can be recorded more naturally, and giving underwater shots greater clarity and depth of colour for mesmerising underwater images.

Fujifilm UK Press Release Fujifilm today announces the launch of its compact Underwater Strobe Kit, for sub-aqua photography at depths of up to 60m. The equipment is designed to fit the entire range of Fujifilm underwater housings, and is compatible with almost all brands of digital cameras and underwater housings…