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Saturday, May 14, 2005

Nikon Coolpix 4600DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February.

“I was happy with the image quality in 5-Megapixel Fine mode. When using the camera outdoors, most of our samples were sharp and colors were nicely saturated. We noticed average amounts of noise in high/low contrast areas, with slight traces of Chromatic Aberration (purple fringing around highlights.) The “Auto” white balance setting worked well in most shooting conditions, however it did struggle under some very mixed lighting, causing images to be a bit too warm.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review

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Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 5600

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February. “I was happy with the image quality in 5-Megapixel Fine mode. When using the camera outdoors, most of our samples were sharp and colors were nicely saturated. We noticed average amounts…

Nikon Coolpix 4600DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4600.

“Despite its small size, the ergonomics are very good. The well-shaped handgrip allows for a comfortable feel in you hands, and the controls are well organized. Its 1.8-inch color LCD is used for image review, preview, access the menus and serves as the camera’s data display. We found it was easy to use in both bright and dim lighting, being bright enough to use as a viewfinder on the sunniest of days, and intensifying the live image in low-ambient lighting for indoor shot composition.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 4600

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 4600

DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4600. “Despite its small size, the ergonomics are very good. The well-shaped handgrip allows for a comfortable feel in you hands, and the controls are well organized. Its 1.8-inch color LCD is used for image review…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.

“Konica Minolta could also pay some attention to the image quality. Especially regarding the signal/noise ratio. I’d expect cleaner images at ISO 100 by now. To use ISO 320 sensitivity only in an emergency; I can live with that. I admit there are many pixels on a small surface. The overall image quality is fine, no comments about it. They are fine and useful images. Nothing more, nothing less. But this also goes for many cameras in this class.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

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Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera. “Konica Minolta could also pay some attention to the image quality. Especially regarding the signal/noise ratio. I’d expect cleaner images at ISO 100 by now. To use ISO 320 sensitivity only in…

Fujifilm FinePix F10 ZoomCNET 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.

“Usable high-ISO sensitivities, good photo quality, and a brawny battery highlight the appeal of the 6-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F10. It’s a compact point-and-shoot package that includes a 3X optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD that’s usable under a variety of difficult lighting conditions. Photo enthusiasts might be disappointed by the lack of manual controls for exposure and focus and by the image quality, which is long on latitude but suffers from fringing that pulls it up short. Snapshooters who like lots of scene modes will find only five to choose from, but fans of this camera’s special features will find its shortcomings merely minor annoyances.”

Website: CNET - Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom Review

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CNET 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. “Usable high-ISO sensitivities, good photo quality, and a brawny battery highlight the appeal of the 6-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F10. It’s…

Epson UK Press Release

Following the highly successful sponsorship in 2004, Epson is proud to announce its continued support for the Association of Photographers (AOP) by sponsoring the 2005 AOP awards.

As a brand synonymous with top quality photographic production, Epson places high emphasis on the importance of maintaining excellent working relationships with the photographic industry. By continuing to work with the AOP in 2005, Epson will have the opportunity to join with the photographic stars of both the present and future, working together to ensure that the photographic image continues to be the most powerful form of communication available.

Epson UK Press Release Following the highly successful sponsorship in 2004, Epson is proud to announce its continued support for the Association of Photographers (AOP) by sponsoring the 2005 AOP awards. As a brand synonymous with top quality photographic production, Epson places high emphasis on the importance of maintaining excellent…

Kodak EasyShare Z700DigitalCameraReview have published their review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700, a 4 megapixel digital camera with 5x optical zoom lens.

“The Z700’s color is very good, which isn’t surprising since Kodak’s Color Science processor has a reputation for producing accurate color. Here’s what I did find surprising, the Z700 has the most neutral color balance of any P&S digicam I’ve used to date.  Reds are a bit warm and blues are a little bright, but neither is garish or over the top.  Consumer grade digicams typically punch up red & blue a bit because casual photographers like bright colors, especially red and blue.  ISO 80 and ISO 100 images are virtually noise free, but ISO 200 images show some very minor pattern noise.  ISO 400 images show above average pattern noise. The Z700 has a slight tendency toward overexposure (outdoors in auto mode) and there is some minor chromatic aberration (in high contrast color transition areas, especially at maximum aperture), but overall the Z700’s image quality is excellent.”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - Kodak EasyShare Z700 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare Z700

Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700

DigitalCameraReview have published their review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700, a 4 megapixel digital camera with 5x optical zoom lens. “The Z700’s color is very good, which isn’t surprising since Kodak’s Color Science processor has a reputation for producing accurate color. Here’s what I did find surprising, the Z700 has…

Friday, May 13, 2005

Nikon Coolpix 7900Imaging Resource 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’s Coolpix line of consumer digicams has always been well-received, appreciated for their image quality and ease of use. The Nikon Coolpix 7900 continues that trend, upgrading the design with a 7.1-megapixel CCD and a vibration reduction mode for capturing less-shaky handheld movies. The Coolpix 7900 is a good choice for anyone who wants an easy to use camera that delivers good-looking pictures with pleasing color and plenty of resolution. For those willing to delve just slightly deeper than “just pushing the button,” its extensive scene modes and unique framing-assist options greatly extend the camera’s capabilities, making it easy to bring back good-looking shots of what might otherwise be difficult subjects. All in all, a good choice for the point & shoot user looking for an easy to use, compact digicam with a surprising range of capabilities. Also an appealing option for the more advanced shooter looking for a “pocket” camera.”

Website: Imaging Resource - 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

Imaging Resource 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’s Coolpix line of consumer digicams has always been well-received, appreciated for their image…

Wacom Press Release

Wacom partners with Adobe for Adobe Live Events around Europe

WACOM Europe GmbH is a partner of the Adobe Live 2005 Tour, which will be taking place throughout Europe from May 10th to June 28th. The Adobe Live Tour will stop in London from May 26th to 27th at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

Live demonstrations will offer creative professionals including illustrators, typographers, photographers, graphics and industrial designers, the chance to see first hand the benefits of using Wacom¹s pen technology together with the new Adobe Creative Suite 2 (CS2). On show will be the Intuos3 pen tablet system, the Cintiq 21UX Interactive Pen Display and the new Intuos3 Art Marker - Wacom¹s first pen that can recognise the rotation of the pen tip, as well as its angle and pressure. This pen can be used to simulate all sorts of markers, brushes and calligraphic tools on a
computer. Adobe Illustrator CS2 and Adobe Photoshop CS2 already support the new functionality of the Intuos3 Art Marker, opening up new opportunities in the field of design.

Wacom Press Release Wacom partners with Adobe for Adobe Live Events around Europe WACOM Europe GmbH is a partner of the Adobe Live 2005 Tour, which will be taking place throughout Europe from May 10th to June 28th. The Adobe Live Tour will stop in London from May 26th to…

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLRPopular Photography claims that Canon’s 16 megapixel 1Ds Mark II digital SLR camera produces better image quality than ISO 100 film.

“I’d say it’s settled. ISO 100 color negative film may capture a bit more detail than the 1Ds Mark II under ideal lighting conditions, with a great lens, and on a supersteady tripod. But for its better color and lower noise, the “Color Image Quality” award goes to Canon’s $8,000 digital SLR. Seeing is believing…or is it vice-versa?”

Website: Popular Photography - Can a 16.6mp SLR really outclass ISO 100 color film?

Popular Photography claims that Canon’s 16 megapixel 1Ds Mark II digital SLR camera produces better image quality than ISO 100 film. “I’d say it’s settled. ISO 100 color negative film may capture a bit more detail than the 1Ds Mark II under ideal lighting conditions, with a great lens, and…

Nikon D70Popular Photography have compared no less than 9 of the latest digital SLR cameras to find out which is the right one for you.

“DSLRs provide the most control over your pictures, the most flexibility to adapt to different shooting—and the most satisfaction. As enjoyable as digital compacts and EVFs may be, sooner or later you’re going to run into frustrating limitations. You need more lens reach. Or bright, clear, reflex viewing. Or more flash options. Or more control over the image quality and file size. Or higher image quality. These are what DSLRs give you.”

Website: Popular Photography - The Great DSLR
Shoot-Out

Popular Photography have compared no less than 9 of the latest digital SLR cameras to find out which is the right one for you. “DSLRs provide the most control over your pictures, the most flexibility to adapt to different shooting—and the most satisfaction. As enjoyable as digital compacts and EVFs…

Leica Digital-Modul-RAn open letter on Leica’s website announces that the German company have delayed the release of their long-awaited Digital-Modul-R. “A few last software problems” are blamed for the delay - “Although these do not impair the basic function of the module, they have to be remedied before it is fully ready for production.” The new release date for the 10 megapixel Digital-Modul-R digital back will now be announced at the end of May.

Website: Leica’s Open Letter

An open letter on Leica’s website announces that the German company have delayed the release of their long-awaited Digital-Modul-R. “A few last software problems” are blamed for the delay - “Although these do not impair the basic function of the module, they have to be remedied before it is fully…

The Empirical PhotographerMike Johnston of Sunday Morning Photographer fame has let me know that his first photography book, The Empirical Photographer, has just been published and is now available for $26.99.

“I’ve been writing about photography since 1988. I was East Coast Editor of CAMERA & DARKROOM magazine, Editor-in-Chief of PHOTO TECHNIQUES magazine, and currently write for BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY (U.K.) and CAMERA ARTS (U.S.). I write a popular regular column on the web called THE SUNDAY MORNING PHOTOGRAPHER that is published at The Luminous Landscape, Photo.Net, and Steve’s Digicams, and is translated into Polish, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Greek. I also publish a small independent photography newsletter called THE 37th FRAME.

THE EMPIRICAL PHOTOGRAPHER is a very select collection of the best of my critical articles, show reviews, and essays. It includes several articles that garnered attention when first published, including “The Fashion Photographer’s Nightmare: Richard Avedon in the American West,” “Photography’s Quiet Giant,” about the retirement of John Szarkowski from MoMA, which A.D. Coleman said was “the most beautifully written essay” ever to appear in the magazine in which it was published, and my article on Helen Levitt, which Miss Levitt said was one of the three best things that have ever been written about her work.”

Download a 50 page sample
Bearpaw Booksellers

Mike Johnston of Sunday Morning Photographer fame has let me know that his first photography book, The Empirical Photographer, has just been published and is now available for $26.99. “I’ve been writing about photography since 1988. I was East Coast Editor of CAMERA & DARKROOM magazine, Editor-in-Chief of PHOTO TECHNIQUES…

ProcessFXRed Paw Media Press Release

London, U.K.—May 12, 2005

Bring your images to life - ProcessFX transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Red Paw Media (www.redpawmedia.com) is pleased to announce the release of its latest plug-in filter for Photoshop compatible applications, ProcessFX.

ProcessFX digitally simulates traditional film cross-processing techniques, creating skewed color effects that range from the subtle to the extreme.

Cross-processing is a technique used in traditional photography where C-41 print film is processed in the chemicals meant for the processing of E-6 slide film, or vice versa. Images processed in this way are easily recognisnisable, with their strangely altered colours and contrast.

Red Paw Media Press Release London, U.K.—May 12, 2005 Bring your images to life - ProcessFX transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Red Paw Media (www.redpawmedia.com) is pleased to announce the release of its latest plug-in filter for Photoshop compatible applications, ProcessFX. ProcessFX digitally simulates traditional film cross-processing techniques, creating…

Comic Lifeplasq Press Release

PLASQ RELEASES COMIC LIFE 1.1 UPDATE

South Carolina, USA and Melbourne, Australia (May 12, 2005) - plasq today announced the immediate availability of Comic Life 1.1 (Update) 
for Mac OS X.

Comic Life 1.1 takes advantage of Tiger’s tremendous CoreImage technology by providing a variety of instant filters that transform your photos into comic book illustrations. Choose from 16 different effects from high contrast black and white all the way to beautiful painted styles. It’s the perfect feature for giving your creations an authentic look. (Requires Mac OS 10.4)

Also new in 1.1 is video capture from your iSight (and other) video cameras. Now you can develop your creations entirely within Comic
Life, fast - from taking photos, all the way to printing. Great for parties and other spontaneous fun.

plasq Press Release PLASQ RELEASES COMIC LIFE 1.1 UPDATE South Carolina, USA and Melbourne, Australia (May 12, 2005) - plasq today announced the immediate availability of Comic Life 1.1 (Update) for Mac OS X. Comic Life 1.1 takes advantage of Tiger’s tremendous CoreImage technology by providing a variety of instant…

OurPicturesOurPictures Press Release

OURPICTURES LAUNCHES NEW VERSION OF AWARD-WINNING SOFTWARE FOR THE EASY SHARING, PRINTING AND ARCHIVING OF DIGITAL PHOTOS

Never Lose A Precious Digital Photo Again! New Groundbreaking Service - OurPictures PictureSafe - Automatically Backs Up and Archives Entire Digital Photo Collections

More Choices for Printing Digital Photos! OurPictures Expands Retail Choices for consumers to Include More Than 25,000 Retail Locations Including Wal-Mart, Costco and Longs Drugs

Palo Alto, Calif., May 12, 2005 - – OurPictures, Inc., a leading provider of complete digital photo solutions for retailers and consumers, announced today that the company has launched a new version of their award-winning software complete with several groundbreaking new features and services including OurPictures PictureSafe. Unlike other services available to consumers, OurPictures PictureSafe automatically archives and backs up entire digital photo collections, keeping them safe from computer viruses, theft and computer crashes. To coincide with the new software launch, OurPictures also announced an expanded retail print network that includes an agreement with digital image processing solutions provider Silverwire to leverage the company’s thousands of independent networked photofinishers and retail chains. In addition, OurPictures is offering consumers even more choices when it comes to the online ordering of digital photo prints by adding Wal-Mart, Costco and Longs Drugs to their retail network, which now includes more than 25,000 doors.

OurPictures Press Release OURPICTURES LAUNCHES NEW VERSION OF AWARD-WINNING SOFTWARE FOR THE EASY SHARING, PRINTING AND ARCHIVING OF DIGITAL PHOTOS Never Lose A Precious Digital Photo Again! New Groundbreaking Service - OurPictures PictureSafe - Automatically Backs Up and Archives Entire Digital Photo Collections More Choices for Printing Digital Photos! OurPictures…

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Pentax Optio S5zPentax OptioS5z is introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S5z (pictured) has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and a 5 megapixel sensor. The Optio S5z features Pentax’s Sliding Lens system to help make it extremely compact and light. The PENTAX Optio S5z will be available in the UK in July for £249.99.

Pentax UK Press Release

An Evolving Classic – Introducing the Pentax OptioS5z

The latest addition to the award winning OptioS family, the OptioS5z boasts the style and function of its predecessors, but with an enlarged 2.5-inch LCD screen

Pentax is delighted to introduce the new OptioS5z — a stylish, compact and lightweight digital camera combining an easy-to-view 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 3X optical zoom and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels.  Developed in line with the qualities benchmarked by its predecessors, the OptioS5z combines style, function and ease of use, all contained within an ultra-compact and portable frame.

Pentax OptioS5z is introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S5z (pictured) has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and a 5 megapixel sensor. The Optio S5z features Pentax’s Sliding Lens system to help make it extremely compact and light. The PENTAX Optio S5z will be…

Pentax Optio SViPentax Optio SVi is announced. The Pentax Optio SVi is identical in terms of features to the Pentax Optio SV. The Pentax SVi has a 5 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens (36mm - 180mm) and a 1.8 inch LCD screen. A cosmetic change in appearance seems to be the only real improvement to the Optio SVi , plus a reduced price tag when compared to the SV. The Optio SVi will cost £249.99 in the UK and be available in June.

Pentax UK Press Release

The Pentax OptioSVi — a Compact Digital with the Power of 5.0 Effective Megapixels, the Versatility of 5X Optical zoom and an Enhanced New Design

Pentax is pleased to introduce the new OptioSVi — a compact, lightweight digital camera designed specifically for power with portability.  With 5X optical zoom capability, it gives users a greater freedom of composition, and the new improved grip ensures comfortable handling that adds to shooting confidence.

Pentax Optio SVi is announced. The Pentax Optio SVi is identical in terms of features to the Pentax Optio SV. The Pentax SVi has a 5 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens (36mm - 180mm) and a 1.8 inch LCD screen. A cosmetic change in appearance seems to be the…

Pentax Optio S55Pentax OptioS45 and Pentax OptioS55 are introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S55 is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S55 features a Help mode that displays function explanations. The Optio S45 has 4 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S55 will cost £229.99 in the UK and be available in June. The Optio S55 will cost £169.99 in the UK and be available in June/July.

Pentax UK Press Release

Digital photography just got even easier

Pentax introduces two entry-level compact digital cameras

Pentax is delighted to announce the launch of two entry-level digital compact cameras, the OptioS45 and the OptioS55. Both feature a large, easy-to-view LCD monitor, making composition simple. Each offers all-round functionality that will appeal to any user, regardless of their experience or budget. The cameras also feature 3x optical zoom and 12 picture modes to ensure all picture environments can be supported.

Pentax OptioS45 and Pentax OptioS55 are introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S55 is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S55 features a Help mode that displays function explanations. The Optio S45 has 4 megapixels, a 2.5 inch…

Kodak EASYSHARE Picture ViewerThe Mossberg Solution have taken a look at 2 different ways of storing and sharing your digital photos whilst on the move - the Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer (pictured) and the iPod Camera Connector (plus an iPod Photo of course!).

“There’s no doubt that using the iPod Photo with a Camera Connector offers greater versatility for storing and viewing photos than the Kodak EasyShare Picture Viewer. But if you can’t afford an iPod Photo and you’d like a way to bring your digital memories with you on the go, the Picture Viewer is a less expensive, lightweight option. Just don’t count on it for heavy photo storage, especially without expanding the memory with an SD or MMC card.”

Website: The Mossberg Solution - New Ways to Store and View Digital Pictures

The Mossberg Solution have taken a look at 2 different ways of storing and sharing your digital photos whilst on the move - the Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer (pictured) and the iPod Camera Connector (plus an iPod Photo of course!). “There’s no doubt that using the iPod Photo with a…

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ Western European Digital Photography Study Reveals Strong Regional Differences in Digital Camera and Print Behaviour

LUTON, U.K.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 11, 2005—Germany and the U.K. are the most mature digital camera markets in Europe, according to a new study from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures that details European digital camera and printing behaviour.

Although Europe is still in the early adopter stage of the digital camera market, significant growth is expected in 2005, with household penetration expected to reach 40% by the end of this year.

Replacement cameras are helping to drive the market. European consumers are paying premium prices for replacement and additional cameras to obtain the brands and features they desire, which is good news for camera manufacturers.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ Western European Digital Photography Study Reveals Strong Regional Differences in Digital Camera and Print Behaviour LUTON, U.K.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 11, 2005—Germany and the U.K. are the most mature digital camera markets in Europe, according to a new study from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures that details European digital…