The Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera is announced. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor. The Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR (body only) will ship in September 2005 for under $800 US.

Pentax Press Release

Pentax Expands Digital SLR Offerings with New Model, Lens and Flash

Golden, CO. (August 21, 2005) - Pentax Imaging Company announced today it will continue to expand its digital SLR line with another new model and accessories. The latest model, the PENTAX *ist DS2 digital SLR camera, comes equipped with a large, high-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and a high-magnification glass pentaprism viewfinder for a large, clear view at every stage of digital photography from shooting to playback to editing. With its enhanced operability and maneuverability, the new *ist DS2 assures high-quality digital SLR photography to photographers of all levels.

Canon Europe Press Release

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of 13 designer PIXMA photo printer models, including 5 multifunctionals. The launch meets a rapidly accelerating photo printer market, which has grown by over 123% in 2004.

The next generation PIXMA printers are up to 58% faster than previous models, in some cases producing borderless photolab quality prints 10x15cm in approx 36 seconds. “People are placing increasing importance on speed and print quality,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “That we can increase both simultaneously is the key competitive advantage of Canon’s FINE technology”.

With this new PIXMA range Canon will focus on communicating photo print speeds rather than traditional document page per minute (ppm) figures.”With the increasing demand for photo printers consumers expect a more transparent indicator of how fast they can print a photo” said Jensen.

The Canon PIXMA iP6600D printer is announced today. The Canon iP6600D offers 6 ink photo quality, 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution, 1 picolitre Micro Nozzles and FINE print head. Direct printing is supported on the iP6600D with a range of built-in image enhancement features, including Red-eye Correction, Image Optimiser and Face Brightener via a large 8.9 cm colour LCD. The Canon PIXMA iP6600D uses the new ChromaLife100 systemt for prints resist fading for 100 years when album-stored. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP6600D printer to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new photo direct PIXMA iP6600D – with ultimate connectivity.

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the addition of a new high-speed photo direct printer to the PIXMA line-up: the PIXMA iP6600D. The stylish printer features cutting edge FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology for fast, superb quality photo prints. With a host of in-built photo enhancement features, the iP6600D can print direct from a range of sources: popular memory cards , PictBridge compliant digital cameras, or mobile phones using a built in IrDA port or optional Bluetooth adaptor.

The Canon PIXMA iP5200 and Canon PIXMA iP5200R printers are announced today. The Canon iP5200 and Canon iP5200R both offer 1 picolitre, 9600 x 2400 dpi, 5 ink printing and can print a 10 x 15 cm photo in 36 seconds. Both the iP5200 and iP5200R use the new ChromaLife100 system which produces prints that resist fading for 100 years when stored in an album. The iP5200R can also be networked via any Wi-Fi or standard wired Ethernet connection. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP5200 and Canon PIXMA iP5200R printers to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

Super fast, 1 picolitre photo prints: PIXMA iP5200 and PIXMA iP5200R

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the addition of two premium photo printers to its PIXMA range – the 1 picolitre , 9600 x2400dpi PIXMA iP5200, and wireless version PIXMA iP5200R.

Replacing the already super-fast PIXMA iP5000 and iP4000R, the photo printers feature upgraded FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print heads with over 3,500 individual nozzles. A 10 x 15 cm photolab quality borderless photo print outputs in approx 36 seconds.

The Canon PIXMA iP4200 printer is announed today. The Canon iP4200 is a 1 picolitre, 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution inkjet printer which replaces the iP3000. The iP4200 uses the ChromaLife100 system which produces prints that resist fading for 100 years when stored in an album. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP4200 to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s 1 picolitre PIXMA iP4200: exceptional quality, exceptional value

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August, 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the high-speed PIXMA iP4200 – the first personal photo printer at this price point to feature 1 picolitre ink droplets and 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution. Replacing the popular PIXMA iP3000, the iP4200 produces borderless 10 x 15cm photo prints in approx 51 seconds .

A FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head and five-ink ContrastPLUS technology generate high contrast, professional photolab quality results.

“The offer of a 1 picolitre printer at this price point represents another PIXMA landmark,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The speed, functionality and print quality delivered by this printer are compelling, and represent excellent value for money.”

The Canon PIXMA iP1600 and Canon PIXMA iP2200 printers are announced today. The Canon iP2200 and Canon iP1600 printers have a resolution of 4800 x 1200dpi and use the new ChromaLife100 system for prints that resist fading for 100 years when album-stored. The iP2200 can also use the CL-51 and PG-50 high yield cartridges for greater economy. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP1600 and Canon PIXMA iP2200 to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

PIXMA’s fresh, new entry-level printers are faster than ever.

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today continues its commitment to providing affordable high quality entry-level photo printers with the release of the PIXMA iP1600 and the PIXMA iP2200 – featuring 4800 x 1200dpi, and 2 picolitre droplet size.

Maintaining PIXMA’s reputation combining smart design with cutting edge FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology, these slim-line models produce a borderless photolab quality 10 x 25cm photo print in approx. 70 and 55 seconds respectively , significantly faster than the printers’ predecessors.

The Canon PIXMA MP800 is announced today. The Canon MP800 is an all in one printer, scanner and copier that can produce a 10 x 15cm photo print in approximately 36 seconds. The MP800 offers 9600 x2400 dpi, 1 picolitre , 5 ink photo printing and a large 8.9cm colour LCD for image preview, enhancement and cropping. The Canon MP800 has a film adapter unit for 35mm film/transparency scanning and a 2400x4800 dpi high resolution flatbed scanner. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA MP800 to be announced.

Canon Europe Press Release

Canon’s new PIXMA MP800: the ultimate PIXMA photo centre.

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of the PIXMA MP800 – the premium PIXMA multifunctional photo centre. Offering PC-less printing from virtually any source or device, the sleek designer unit integrates PictBridge, IrDA, optional Bluetooth and memory card connectivity, plus a Film Adapter Unit for direct scan-to-print from 35mm film.

With its FINE (Full-Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head, the MP800 uses significantly more colour nozzles than the equivalent top model of any other brand to produce 10 x 15cm lab-quality photo prints in approx 36 seconds.

The Canon PIXMA MP500 is announced today. The Canon MP500 incorporates Canon’s new ChromaLife100 system, 1 picolitre droplets and 96002 x 2400 dpi prinring resolution. A 1200 x 2400 dpi high resolution flatbed scanner and a large 6.3cm colour LCD screen complete the MP500 feature set. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA MP500 to be announced.

Canon Europe Press Release

Canon introduces the 1 picolitre PIXMA MP500 photo centre

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of the PIXMA MP500 3-In-1 photo centre for the advanced home user with a 1 picolitre 9600 x 2400 dpi FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head.

For long lasting fade-resistant prints, the MP500 features the new ChromaLife100 system. When used in conjunction with genuine Canon media, ChromaLife100 produces prints that resist fading for 100 years when stored in an album. Prints exposed unframed to the effects of the air resist fading for 10 years if printed on Photo Paper Pro (PR-101)  .

The Canon PIXMA MP450 is announced today. The Canon MP450 is an all in one printer, scanner and copier that can print 10 x 15cm borderless print in approx. 55 seconds. The MP450 offers a 4.7 cm colour LCD screen for printing without a computer and has a 1200 x 2400 dpi high resolution flatbed scanner. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA MP450 to be announced.

Canon Europe Press Release

Canon’s PIXMA multifunctional offers unparalleled connectivity

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the launch of its new direct photolab multifunctional, the high-speed 4800 x 1200 dpi, 2 picolitre PIXMA MP450.

Capable of printing a photolab quality 10 x 15cm borderless print in approx. 55 seconds, the designer 3-In-One print/scan/copy device offers direct photo printing via a range of sources: from popular memory cards , PictBridge compliant digital cameras and digital video camera, or mobile phones using the built-in IrDA ports or optional Bluetooth adaptor. A 4.7 cm colour LCD display is included for image preview and selection when printing without the computer.

The Canon PIXMA MP150 and Canon PIXMA MP170 all in ones are announced today. The Canon MP150 and Canon MP170 replace the PIXMA MP110 and PIXMA MP130. Both new products offer 2 picolitre droplet 4800 x 1200 dpi performance, whilst the MP170 also has a built-in memory card reader. The Canon PIXMA MP150 and Canon PIXMA MP170 use Canon’s ChromaLife100 system and produce borderless photo prints in approx. 55 seconds. Scanning is at 1200 x 2400 dpi resolution. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA MP150 and Canon PIXMA MP170 to be announced.

Canon Europe Press Release

Canon boosts performance in home PIXMA multifunctionals

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the launch of two photolab multifunctionals, the PIXMA MP150 and PIXMA MP170. Replacing the popular PIXMA MP110 and PIXMA MP130, these models offer designer styling, high-speed and superb quality photo printing, plus scanning and colour copying in a single compact unit.

With 2 picolitre droplet 4800 x 1200 dpi performance from FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print heads, both models produce photolab quality prints direct from PictBridge compatible digital still and digital video cameras. With its built in card slot, the MP170 also offers direct photo printing from all popular memory cards.

DIWA member LetsGoDigital 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.

“The Pentax *ist DL is a wonderful camera to work with. It’s nicely small, but certainly not too small. The camera also feels solid despite of its light weight. After activating the camera, the Pentax *ist DL is almost immediately ready to shoot and the buttons are within reach. The viewfinder functions fine and reviewing the images on the giant monitor is a joy. Also the menu benefits from the large monitor. No remarks can be made about the excellent menu, only that I would have liked to see the light metering and auto focus option outside the menu. “

Website: LetsGoDigital - Pentax *ist DL Review

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The Praktica Luxmedia 5303 is announced. The Praktica 5303 is a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.4 inch LCD screen and 16mb internal memory. The Praktica Luxmedia 5303 also offers a built-in MP3 player.

Praktica Press Release

Luxmedia 5303 – Melodic colours

Not many inventions in the field of entertainment electronics have influenced the way we consume media in the last couple of years. Digital cameras or MP3 players are certainly on top of the list. Both share an easy to use handling and the possibility to erase unwanted recordings in an instant. That way they quickly became favourite gadgets and must-haves to either escape from the reality or to keep it.

With its brandnew Luxmedia 5303 Praktica is fusing both technologies into one high-end product, which fullfills the highest dreams. Behind a 3x optical zoom a 5.1 mega pixels CCD sensor assures high quality images that can be viewed on the 2.4” TFT screen immediately. The dashing black body smoothes the composition and makes the camera a real eye-catcher.

The Praktica Luxmedia 5203 is announced. The Praktica 5203 is a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.4 inch LCD screen and 32mb internal memory.

Praktica Press Release

Luxmedia 5203 – The world on 61 millimeters

Small pictures were yesterday. The times of focussing an object through a tiny monitor are definately over. Gone are days that left you with uncertainty if the pictures you took were really good. With 2.4” screensize (ca. 6.1 cm) Praktica introduces with it’s Luxmedia 5203 a new way of taking photos.

A compact design and an intelligibly organized menu allows an intuitive handling of this high-quality product. The symbiosis of a 3x optical zoom and a 5.1 mega pixels CCD sensor results in razor-sharp images which are instantly viewable on the 61 millimeters monitor.

Hungarian website Index Digicam have reviewed the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60, which has a large 2.5inch LCD screen (but no optical viewfinder), 5 megapixels and a sliding lens cover.

Website: Index Digicam - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 Review

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Imaging Resource 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.

“The Fujifilm FinePix Z1 is among Fujifilm’s latest ultracompact digital cameras, and offers a great combination of ease of use, style, and image quality (particularly at higher ISO sensitivities). Based on a fifth-generation Super CCD HR chip design, the Fujifilm Z1 offers good resolution in a pocket-friendly body, with a resolution of 5.1 megapixels. With a prism-folded 3x zoom lens that contributes to the camera’s compact size, and straightforward user interface, the Fuji Z1 is an excellent take-anywhere point and shoot model that should appeal to novice users and more experienced shooters alike. It has a refined feel that is best experienced to appreciate.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom Review

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ePhotoZine have just reviewed the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di Lens. The 17-35mm lens has a fast aperture of f/2.8 at its widest angle. The lens gives an angle of view equivalent to 28-55mm on a digital SLR camera (as most digital SLRs have APS-C sized CCDs).

“The optical performance of this lens is both extremely good while at the same time being quite disappointing! The results from the centre of the lens, especially at the wide end, are very good indeed. Unfortunately, the fall-off in quality towards the edges at the wide end was more than we expect nowadays. Conversely, the 35mm end had better results coming from the edges than at the centre, but remember, this lens was designed originally for 35mm film cameras, and this phenomenon has appeared before and we have put it down as a plus point. This wide-ranging performance does not stop purely with sharpness either.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8 Di Lens Review

DCResource have just reviewed the eagerly-anticipated 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.

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 is darn close to the perfect ultra zoom camera. It has a fast 12X optical zoom lens (though not as fast as on its predecessor), optical image stabilization, full manual controls, a high resolution LCD and electronic viewfinder, and a VGA movie mode. The big disappointment on the FZ30 was the higher than average noise levels, especially at high ISO sensitivities.”

Website: DCResource - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review

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DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a comparative review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, Nikon Coolpix S1 and Sony Cybershot T5 compact digital cameras.

Website: e-fotografija - Fujifilm Z1, Nikon S1, Sony T5 Review

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

“The Pentax S5z surprised us with its substandard color performance, earning just a 3.73 overall color score. Many colors produced by the camera were extremely under-saturated, resulting in a dull overall color pallet, while others stayed completely from their intended hue. Cooler tones, namely tones in the blue and green channels, were grossly inaccurate, and some orange tones shifted colors to near white (#16 and green #11). While many compact digital cameras earn low scores on color accuracy tests, none we’ve tested so far have strayed so significantly from the ideal tones. The S5z, like many compact cameras, will consistently produce images with inaccurate color tones; however, the problem is severe enough on the S5z to render many of the produced images unusable.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Pentax OptioS5z Review

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CNET take a look at the new Pentax OptioS5z, which has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and a 5 megapixel sensor.

” Pentax seems to be taking the penta in its name to heart these days. With no fewer than six 5-megapixel models on the market, the company contributes even more than most manufacturers to this burgeoning group of digital cameras. The lead entry is the Pentax Optio S5z, a pocket-size camera offering a 3X optical zoom, high-resolution movies, and a large LCD. The Pentax’s feature set goes a step beyond point-and-shoot but lacks the manual exposure controls that would take the Optio S5z to the next level.”

Website: CNET - Pentax OptioS5z Review

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