DCResource have just reviewed the new Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom, which has a 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor, large 2.5-inch LCD screen and offers a battery life of 325 shots.

“The EX-Z750 has plenty of features to talk about as well. It has tons (and I mean tons) of scene modes that even extend to movie mode. If you want manual controls, they’re all here, though I don’t like the limited aperture choices. Speaking of movie mode, the Z750’s is excellent. You can record high quality VGA (30 fps) video until the memory card is full. Thanks to Casio’s use of the MPEG-4 codec file sizes are small and a high speed memory card is not required. The downside is that Mac compatibility isn’t the best. The camera offers several movie modes and you can edit your “films” when they’re done or grab frames from them.”

Website: DCResource - Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom

Write a Review of the Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom

The PhotographyBLOG server was upgraded last night, which should result in faster and more reliable performance across the site. There are a couple of issues that I am aware of, notably the inability to upload photos in the Gallery (you can still leave comments on existing photos). Oh, and email is offline too, so don’t try emailing me! If you experience any other odd behaviour, please let me know by leaving a comment in reply to this post.

UPDATE Midday CET: The gallery is now fixed and you should be able to upload photos again. Plus my email is back, which is nice…

Kodak Easyshare V550 and Kodak Easyshare V530 digital cameras are announced today. The Kodak V550 and Kodak V530 both have 5 megapixel sensors, 3x optical zoom lenses and 2.5inch LCD screens. The Kodak V530 camera will be available in July 2005 for US$349. The Kodak V550 camera will be available in June for US$399.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE V-Series Digital Cameras Fuse Video and Still Photography; Sleek, Compact Models Smaller than a Deck of Cards

Kodak Pairs Style with Substance in KODAK EASYSHARE V550 and V530 Zoom Digital Cameras; Leave the Camcorder Behind with Built-In Video Capabilities

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 17—Fresh for the summer season, KODAK EASYSHARE V-series digital cameras were unveiled today in cities around the globe. Two models—each smaller than a deck of playing cards—are designed for trendsetters who seek high-style, compact personal electronics that combine phenomenal quality, performance and simplicity.

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston Technology Launches New “Ultimate” Line of SD Cards

Aimed at professional digital users SD Ultimate Cards’ use 133X Speed

[17 May 2005] Kingston Technology today announced the further expansion of its Secure Digital (SD) Card product line with the release of new ultra-performing ‘Ultimate’ SD cards, initially shipping in 512-MB and 1-GB capacities.

The new SD Ultimate cards offer significant performance benefits over the current Standard and Elite Pro lines of SD cards, including 133X super-fast transfer rates of larger size files—ideal for the photographic demands of enthusiasts and professional digital camera users.

Canon USA Press Release

Canon Unveils imagePROGRAF W6400 and W8400 Large Format Printers Combined with New Software Solution  

PHILADELPHIA—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 17, 2005—Canon U.S.A., Inc. (NYSE:CAJ)—Canon imagePROGRAF W6400 and W8400 Printers with New Proprietary Software Offer Complete Workflow Solution for Creating, Processing, and Printing

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of office imaging systems, ink-jet technology and digital photography, today announced the new imagePROGRAF W6400 and W8400 pigment ink large format printers. Engineered to satisfy the most demanding print applications, the recent additions to Canon’s large format portfolio bundle exceptional printing speeds and enhanced image quality with a brand new suite of workflow software. The new W6400 and W8400 printer systems address an expanded spectrum of large format output environments and requirements, including corporate, print for pay and photo retail operations as well as photography and the fine art markets.

Canon UK Press Release

Stylish Canon Digital IXUS 40 opens window into footballers’ lives

‘The Other Side of Football’ – beyond the beautiful game

Over 100 elite European footballers and football personalities including Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Francesco Totti and Andriy Shevchenko show us ‘the other side of football’ with images taken on a Canon Digital IXUS 40

LONDON, May 17, 2005 – More than 100 of Europe’s leading footballers, referees, sports commentators and pundits welcomed a stylish Canon Digital IXUS 40 into their lives to produce a collection of highly personal images, which offer true insight into what drives and inspires them, their lifestyle and interests beyond the ‘beautiful game’.

PhotoshopNews have a couple of great articles about the new Epson R2400 and 4400 photo printers.

“The R2400 is MUCH MORE NEUTRAL than the 2200 when printing in the Advanced B&W mode. The 2200 suffers from considerable hue wandering, particularly between green/magenta, throughout the luminance range from black to white. The R2400 does a MUCH better job of reaching the neutrality of that found in traditional silver gelatin prints.”

Website: PhotoshopNews - Epson R2400 and Ultrachrome K3 Ink Report

Website: PhotoshopNews - Interview with Greg Gorman about the New Epson Printers

The Czech website Digineff have published a short review with sample images of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera.

Website: Digineff - Nikon D70s Review

Website: Read my Nikon D70s Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon D70s

Write a Review of the Nikon D70s

Bob Atkins has published a detailed and favourable review of the new Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF), a new high performance ultra wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors.

“Overall the Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) shows good performance. Sharpness is consistant across all apertures and focal lengths, flare is very well controlled and vignetting is very slight. There is visible chromatic aberration and barrel distortion, especially at the shorter focal lengths. However in extreme wideangle lenses of this type such aberrations are probably to be expected.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Review.

Pocket-Lint have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix 7900, a 7 megapixel digital camera featuring a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.

” Nikon has distilled most of the good bits from this camera’s Coolpix predecessors, creating an almost perfect point and shooter. Image stabilisation would be nice and some perfecting of the AF system would be even nicer, but otherwise the Coolpix 7900 is very accomplished, particularly when you realise you can make prints up to A3, at an output resolution of 200dpi, or even bigger if you know what you’re doing thanks to its 7MP sensor. A near perfect Nikon point and shooter at a neat price too.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 7900

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 7900

Nikon have released a new firmware version for the 6 megapixel D70 digital SLR.

Issues addressed with firmware version 2.0

1. Performance of the 5-area AF system has been improved (Dynamic area and Closest subject AF-area modes).
1. Changes have been made to the design of menu displays.
2. Page-size settings can now be applied from the camera with direct printing from a PictBridge-compatible printer.
3. The number of exposures remaining, displayed in the control panel and viewfinder, when shooting at an image-quality setting of NEF (RAW) or NEF+JPEG Basic has been changed (the number is calculated based on the size of compressed RAW file).
Maximum number of exposures displayed when a 256-MB CompactFlash memory card is used:
Version 2.00:  NEF (RAW):  approx. 44 exposures; NEF+JPEG Basic:  approx. 39 exposures
Version 1.03 or earlier:  NEF (RAW):  approx. 23 exposures; NEF+JPEG Basic:  approx. 21 exposures
4.  The default setting for camera clock has been changed from 2004.01.01 to 2005.01.01. Now you cannot set the clock back to a date before 2004.12.31.
5. A problem that sometimes caused communication between the camera and computer to be unexpectedly terminated when using Nikon Capture Camera Control has been corrected. (Windows)

Website: Nikon D70 Firmware (Windows)

Website: Nikon D70 Firmware (MAC)

DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom, which has an ISO range of 80 to 1600, Super CCD sensor with 6.1 megapixels and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

Website: Digit.no - Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom

Write a Review of the Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S1, a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with a 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens.

“The overall conclusion is that there are hardly any disadvantages on the Nikon Coolpix S1. Bearing in mind the target group at which the Nikon is aimed at, there are no comments from our side. Regarding the speed, the Nikon S1 could be optimised here and there. An enhancement of the shutter speeds, to a slower and faster shutter speed would be desirable. Also speed could be gained with focussing, it takes a while before the flash is recharged completely and the camera has a limited range of ISO sensitivities up to ISO 400. Besides this, the optical zoom lens could do with more stops when zooming from wide angle to telephoto and vice versa.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon Coolpix S1 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix S1

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix S1

Bonusprint Press Release

~ Save, back-up and print to keep photos safe ~

Digital camera users are in danger of losing their precious memories if they do not take steps to preserve their photos, warns Bonusprint. To keep them safe, they must learn to save, back-up and print their images.

According to the photo printing company, the growing popularity of digital cameras has given people a false sense of security - that storing images on the computer or digital camera is enough. However, what is overlooked is what happens to their priceless memories if the camera or computer is lost, stolen or corrupted, for example.

Bonusprint Press Release

~ Save, back-up and print to keep photos safe ~

Digital camera users are in danger of losing their precious memories if they do not take steps to preserve their photos, warns Bonusprint. To keep them safe, they must learn to save, back-up and print their images.

According to the photo printing company, the growing popularity of digital cameras has given people a false sense of security - that storing images on the computer or digital camera is enough. However, what is overlooked is what happens to their priceless memories if the camera or computer is lost, stolen or corrupted, for example.

Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM lens is launched with a retail price of £1799.99 in the UK. The Sigma 300mm lens is compatible with both film and digital SLR cameras, featuring a new multi-layer coating to reduce flare. The Sigma 300mm F2.8 lens also features Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor for silent auto-focusing. The Sigma 300mm lens is available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon-D, Konica-Minolta and Pentax fittings.

Sigma UK Press Release

Fast maximum aperture F2.8 telephoto lens optimised for digital SLR cameras.

l Multi layer lens coating minimises flare and ghost.
l Two ELD (extraordinary low dispersion) glass elements produce excellent imaging capability.
l Accepts both 1.4x and 2.0x EX Teleconverters to produce 420mm F4 and 600mm F5.6 Autofocus ultra telephoto optics.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 300 F2.8 APO EX DG HSM lens.

A versatile, fast aperture telephoto lens for both digital and film SLR cameras. Two ELD glass elements reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum and also ensure sharp, quality images of high contrast.

PixelGenius Press Release

Chicago, IL - May 13th, 2005 - PixelGenius LLC announces updates to PhotoKit, PhotoKit Color and PhotoKit Sharpener for use with Adobe Photoshop CS2. The updates are free for all registered users and available for download from: http://www.pixelgenius.com/downloads.html

PhotoKit: Analog Effects Toolkit
PhotoKit is a photographer’s plug-in toolkit comprising 141 effects that offer accurate digital replications of analog photographic effects. PhotoKit’s image enhancements and adjustments are designed to work in a way familiar to photographers. A simple dialog calls up the PhotoKit tool sets, where you can easily select the desired image effect, and let PhotoKit do the work and greatly improve your digital photography workflow. Compatible with Adobe Photoshop 6, 7, CS and CS2.

HP Harajuku Lovers digital camera is announced. Designed by Gwen Stefani, the Harajuku Lovers camera is based on the 4.1 megapixel HP Photosmart R607 digicam and only 3,000 will be made. As well as the digital camera, you also get an number of accessories if you’re lucky enough to actually find one of the Harajuku Lovers models, including a Gwen Stefani DVD (naturally), case and charms designed by Gwen herself. All of this for just $249. Or you could go and buy the newer and better-specced HP R717 instead (review coming on Thursday).

HP Press Release

HP AND GWEN STEFANI LAUNCH LIMITED EDITION “HARAJUKU LOVERS” DIGITAL CAMERA—ONLY 3,000 PRODUCED

HP (NYSE:HPQ)(Nasdaq:HPQ) today announced the availability of Gwen Stefani’s custom-designed HP digital camera exclusively at www.hp.com/buy/gwen.

Designed for her fans, the limited edition (only 3,000 produced) “HP Photosmart R607 Harajuku Lovers Digital Camera by Gwen Stefani” is styled in turquoise and white with maroon-colored accents, including hearts and Japanese kanji and katakana characters. The camera retails for $249 and features a host of stylish extras, including a carrying case and charms designed by Gwen herself.

The Nikon Coolpix 4600 is a stylishly designed 4 megapixel compact digital camera that was first announced at the PMA show back in February 2005. The Coolpix 4600 is one of the first Nikon digital cameras to feature the new D-Lighting technology, which intelligently lightens overly dark images, and Advanced Red-eye Reduction, which automatically detects and corrects red-eye in most situations. The Nikon Coolpix 4600 has a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 34-102mm on a 35mm camera, a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 16 different scene modes to help you take better pictures. This is one of the first Nikon digital cameras that I have reviewed, so did the Coolpix 4600 impress me with both its cutting-edge features and overall design? Carry on reading to find out.

Website: Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review

Pixel Outpost Press Release

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 16 /PRNewswire/—Pixel Outpost, a company with its roots in color management and digital print innovation, today announced the launch of a new Internet print service that focuses solely on large format prints.  Designed for both novice and expert digital photographers, Pixel Outpost creates new options beyond the 20-inch x 30-inch photo paper enlargements that are readily available.  The service makes it very simple for consumers to get affordable, high-quality, poster-size digital prints on canvas or paper up to 60 inches wide.

“The increase in the average resolution of digital cameras sold today enables consumers to finally get affordable large format digital prints that look great,” said Stephen Kozel, President of Pixel Outpost.  “We are dedicated to making it easy for all digital camera users to create big memories.”