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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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

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.

It’s been quite a week for Olympus as they announce a restructure involving 4,000 job losses, following a recent sharp decline in profits. Falling prices are blamed for Olympus’ loss-making camera division. Olympus shares fell by 3% following the announcement.

“It aims to reduce its global workforce by 4,000 employees to 10,000 by the end of September, mostly by suspending hiring at two Chinese plants. The move marks the first drastic restructuring in the digital camera industry to include consolidation of manufacturing facilities, the financial daily said.”

Website: Forbes.com - Japan’s Olympus to overhaul digital camera ops; to cut 4,000 jobs

Website: BusinessWeek Online - Olympus closing plants in Japan

Kodak have had a lot of success recently with their Easyshare line of compact photo printers. Now they look set to introduce a range of bigger photo quality inkjet printers, at least according to a report by Reuters.

“Photo-quality consumer inkjet printers will be announced in mid-2006 by Kodak, which believes its technology is superior to that in current models, Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross said following a briefing with the Rochester, New York, company.

Kodak spokesman Dave Lanzillo reiterated that inkjet printers are part of its growth plan, but declined to comment on the likelihood of a 2006 product launch.”

Website: Reuters - Kodak seen selling consumer inkjet printers in ‘06

More Kodak news is the announcement yesterday of a new CEO, with Dan Carp retirng and being replaced by Antonio Perez.

Website: Yahoo News - Perez to Replace Carp As Kodak CEO

Thanks to Sanj for letting me know.

Phase One Press Release

CAPTURE ONE 3.7 - Available for download

Capture One 3.7 with new features & increased stability

What’s new in PRO/DB?
One of the major news in Capture One 3.7 PRO is tethered support for Canon cameras as well as new RAW file support for Canon 350D/G6, Nikon D2X, Olumpus E-300/C7070 and Pentax *istDS. Also, the new noise suppression slider will enhance the overall quality of your images.

The PRO Mac version provides you with the ability to use current image adjustments sliders to create special styles that can then be applied to individual images and saved as your personal styles.

Pixmantec Press Release

Pixmantec Demonstrate Impressive Dedication To Community Relationship Management

Copenhagen May 11, 2005 – Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec ApS announce the appointment of Michael Tapes, as Executive Consultant. Michael Tapes, owner of RawWorkflow.com, will be head-up of Pixmantec community relationship using his extensive experience having previously held a similar responsibility for Capture One RAW conversion software.

Kenneth Laerke, Pixmantec CEO comments “Michael will manage our popular online communities and will serve our users with knowledge and integrity ensuring that they will get the best possible response to their product queries. With the unprecedented success of RawShooter essentials 2005 we aim to continue our valued community service and support and ensure that we provide the most up to date and best quality information available. Having a dedicated community manager clearly demonstrates our commitment to being the most responsive and innovative RAW workflow company in the market today.”

Total Training Press Release

Carlsbad, CA, May 12, 2005—Total Training™, Inc., a pioneer in engaging and innovative video-based training for popular software programs, today announced NewMedia AV as its newest UK trade distributor. NewMedia AV will market Total Training’s CD- and DVD-based video series for mastering Adobe’s print, web, and video software applications.

“We are delighted to be working with Total Training,” said Rob Pickering of NewMedia AV. “Total Training’s comprehensive videos are just what Adobe users need to develop a new skill or refresh existing knowledge. By providing resellers with a local source, it will now be easy for users to buy Total Training products and receive local customer support.”

“NewMedia AV will be instrumental in expanding the reach of our premium quality video training. We look forward to our new partnership with NewMedia AV and the opportunity to provide visual training to creative professionals around the world,” said Jerry Yen, VP of Sales & Marketing at Total Training, Inc.

Mike Johnson explains why 40mm is his favourite focal length in the latest Sunday Morning Photographer column.

“40mm has long been my favorite focal length for 35mm cameras. I got “turned on” to the focal length when I interviewed Sally Mann for Camera & Darkroom magazine in the 1980s. She told me she had supported her artwork by doing lots of small freelance jobs, including many for the local military academy. She said she used Olympus OM cameras, and that, if she were going to do any artwork in 35mm, she would use the 40mm Zuiko. We talked about the focal length for a while, but all I remember now is Sally saying that 40mm is “about right.” That’s what started my interest in 40mms.”

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer - Why 40mm?

DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the waterproof Pentax OptioWP digital camera.

“While not intended for the fully manual control market, this sleek and small camera fits perfectly into the pocket of any traveling consumer wherever they go, regardless of rain or snow. This camera can operate free of the bulky and cumbersome add-on protective cases that other manufacturers sell in an attempt to waterproof their cameras. This camera comes with a moderate 1/2.5 inch 5 MP CCD and a 3x optical, 4x digital zoom lens. Its 2.0-inch LCD is large considering the petite and slender overall form of the camera, but the low pixel count of the screen displayed a poor overall image that is difficult to see in daylight, let alone underwater. The OptioWP can record in six still image settings and two movie settings, which offers some shooting versatility to the traveling vacationer. But if having a waterproof camera isn’t essential, then this camera doesn’t really seem like a sensible option.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Pentax OptioWP Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax OptioWP

Write a Review of the Pentax OptioWP

Successor to the popular Caplio R1, the Ricoh Caplio R1V is a powerful 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle, 4.8x optical zoom in an exceptionally slim 25mm body. TrustedReviews have published their review of the Ricoh Caplio R1V.

“Concerning the all-important photography tests, the R1V performed well. It focused quickly and accurately, coped well in low-light situations and its extra-wide zoom range offers a lot more versatility than most cameras in its class. Colour rendition was generally excellent, although the landscape mode, which biases the camera towards blue and green, tended to produce rather unnatural-looking tones, making trees and grass look like plastic and any human skin tones look like something from a George Romero movie.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Ricoh Caplio R1V Review

Write a Review of the Ricoh Caplio R1V

CNET 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 7.2-megapixel Z750 is the impressive spiritual successor to the handsome Exilim EX-Z55, a camera with admirable looks but disappointing image quality and a dearth of manual features. It offers the same 2.5-inch screen and trendy sub-inch-thick jeans-pocketable design as its forbearer but brings a host of new features to the table, as well as solid performance and very good image quality. Though it still lacks some of the advanced manual features found in Casio’s larger but similarly priced EX-P700, we’re willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. If you’re a photographer who craves style but also has a creative itch, the EX-Z750 is one of the few cameras we’ve seen that adequately addresses both.”

Website: CNET - 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