Epson Stylus Pro 4400, Epson Stylus Pro 7400 and Epson Stylus Pro 9400 large format printers are announced today. The new Stylus Pro 4400, Stylus Pro 7400 and Stylus Pro 9400 all use Epson UltraChrome four colour ink technology to provide a high-end solution at a low cost of ownership for the POS, CAD and GIS. A variety of media is supported by the Stylus Pro 4400, Stylus Pro 7400 and Stylus Pro 9400 including 1.5mm thick card on sizes ranging from A2 to A0+. Print speeds on the 4400, 7400 and 9400 are up to 26m2/Hr at a high resolution output of up to 2880 x 1440 dpi. Each printer can be left unsupervised and they all use large capacity ink cartridges. Price and availability of the Epson Stylus Pro 4400, Epson Stylus Pro 7400 and Epson Stylus Pro 9400 to be announced.

Check out the photo gallery from the European Press Launch

Epson Press Release

Epson® launches the most advanced range of high production colour printers for the POS, CAD and GIS markets

A new range of printers brings POS, CAD and GIS markets high productivity, good quality output, flexible media support and ease of use at a low cost of ownership.

May 10, 2005 – Launched today, Epson unveiled the latest additions to the Stylus Pro range of large format inkjet printers for design professionals. Comprising of the Epson Stylus Pro 4400, the Epson Stylus Pro 7400 and the Epson Stylus Pro 9400, the new range combines Epson UltraChrome™ ink technology with the latest print technologies to redefine the standard for high speed, high quality large format digital colour printing.

The new line of printers combines a unique set of features to make it one of the most cost-effective, fast and flexible range of printers for design professionals in the Point of Sale (POS), Computer Aided Design (CAD), Geographic Information System (GIS) and corporate markets. Professionals can print most types of applications including precision line drawings and vibrant colour presentations. Furthermore, the range supports a variety of media, including 1.5mm thick card on sizes ranging from A2 to A0+.

More news from Konica Minolta today includes a UK price reduction and new kit introduction for the Dynax 7D digital SLR camera. The Konica Minolta Dynax 7D is now priced at £899.99 body-only, plus it is also available in kit form with the AF 28-100mm f3.5-5.6 (D) lens for £999.99.

As well as the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D pricing and introduction of the DiMAGE E500 and DiMAGE X60 digital cameras, Konica Minolta have also announced the discontinuation of the following models: DiMAGE G400, DiMAGE Xg and DiMAGE E50.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500 is introduced today. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500 is a compact 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical lens equivalent to 32-96mm in 35mm format. The E500 features a 2 inch LCD screen with an easy to view menu system. The Konica Minolta E500 has 12Mb built-in storage, 5 Digital Subject Program modes and uses Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500 will cost £149.99 and is available in May.

Konica Minolta UK Press Release

Konica Minolta introduces the affordable new 5 Megapixel DiMAGE E500 digital camera. Featuring a 5 Megapixel CCD, large 2-inch LCD, and 3x optical zoom lens, the compact and lightweight DiMAGE E500 is small enough for photographers to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone.

This very affordable and very uncomplicated DiMAGE E500 provides photographers with unparalleled value in a 5 Megapixel digital camera featuring a 3x optical zoom lens. Its point-and-shoot simplicity makes it easy enough for the whole family to use.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 is introduced. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 is an updated version of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X50. The Konica Minolta X60 has a large 2.5inch LCD screen (but no optical viewfinder), 5 megapixels and a sliding lens cover. Other new features on the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 include a fast 0.5 second start-up time, super macro mode that allows focusing up to 2cms away, and 15MB internal memory. The DiMAGE X60 will ship at the end of May. Price is $349.99 in the US and £229.99 in the UK.

Konica Minolta UK Press Release

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60

5 Megapixel Digital Camera with 3.0x Optical Zoom and Large 2.5-inch LCD

Konica Minolta introduces the DiMAGE X60, a digital camera with the fastest-in-class startup time, non-protruding 3.0x optical zoom, and 5 Megapixel CCD. It also has a 2.5-inch LCD - even larger than previous models and big enough for family or friends to gather around and enjoy viewing images together. The DiMAGE X60 - high quality images in a fun-filled, easy-to-share package.

Panasonic DMC-FX8 is announced today. The Panasonic DMC-FX8 is an updated version of the Panasonic DMC-FX7, principally offering enhanced battery life via a larger capacity lithium-ion battery and use of Venus Engine PLUS. VGA size movies at 30 fps are another new feature on the DMC-FX8, plus 3 additional scene modes and a faster auto-focus system. The DMC-FX8 is available in four different colours (silver, black, blue and pink). Price and availability of the Panasonic DMC-FX8 to be announced.

Panasonic Press Release

Stylish and Compact 5-megapixel 3x Zoom, DMC-FX8 with MEGA O.I.S. Affording More Than Double-Extended* Battery Life

*Panasonic in-house comparison with DMC-FX7

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model DMC-FX8, a true heir to the world-renowned 5.0-megapixel 3x optical zoom DMC-FX7 with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), with substantially enhanced battery life. The DMC-FX8 boasts high picture quality, large LCD, compactness and stylish design, all those desired for a compact camera. Not only that, FX8 also incorporates the highly commended MEGA O.I.S. while extending the battery life over two times as long as that of the previous FX7, by increasing the included lithium-ion battery capacity by 162% and adopting the power-saving Venus Engine PLUS.

Kyocera Yashica EZ 5030 is introduced in a limited number of countries worldwide. The Kyocera Yashica EZ 5030 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with 16Mb internal memory, 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 34-102mm and a 1.8 inch LCD monitor. The Kyocera EZ-5030 offers auto and manual exposure modes and an ISO range of 100-400. The EZ 5030 supports the SD/MMC memory card formats. DCViews are reporting that the price is around €190 and it will be available in Australia, Italy and the Czech Republic. Despite Kyocera recently announcing that they were no longer going to sell digital cameras, the Kyocera Yashica EZ 5030 indicates that they will continue to release new products, at least in some parts of the world.

DIWA member Steves Digicams has published the first online review of the 4 megapixel HP Photosmart M22 digital camera.

“The M22 is another addition to the popular Photosmart series and includes many of the innovative features found on HP’s higher-end models like Adaptive lighting and in-camera red eye removal. This is an “entry-level” point-n-shoot that boasts a 4-megapixel imager combined with a HP Precision 36.7mm (equivalent) fixed focal length lens. Aimed more at the beginner, it offers fully automatic operation coupled with various help screens, and also includes a full Help menu that describes various features and controls of the camera. For those who want to be a little more creative, the M22 offers 9 pre-programmed scene modes.”

Website: Steves Digicams - HP Photosmart M22 Review

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AnandTech have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.

“There is no doubt about it. The Canon EOS 350D is incredibly impressive for an entry-level digital SLR. In virtually all of our tests, it performed on par with its older and more expensive prosumer brother - the Canon EOS 20D. One of the biggest performance upgrades from the original digital rebel is the DIGIC II image processor. The DIGIC II processor provides the 350D with blazing fast processing speed and very low-noise images. In our timing tests, the 350D proved to be just as fast as the 20D, which is leaps and bounds faster than the original DRebel (300D). It has a remarkable startup time of 0.31 sec and, of course, shutter lag is of no concern.”

Website: AnandTech - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review

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DigitalCameraReview have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.

“In the end, the Digital Rebel XT is a quality camera with more than enough flexibility to keep a large majority of consumers happy as well as professionals. Canon poised the XT to help recapture the market share of dSLRs lost to Nikon’s excellent D70 which captured 40% of dSLR sales (according to Nikon that is). The XT is a major upgrade from the Digital Rebel in just about every aspect, but it is not a large downgrade from the EOS-20D. In this respect, it seems that Canon and Nikon will lead the dSLR revolution at this pace… and it will be interesting when Nikon reveals the D50 and D70s and how these compare to Canon’s current lineup (The paper specs from Nikon look fantastic however)!”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Canon Digital IXUS 50, a 5 megapixel digital camera with stainless steel finish that is Canon’s smallest ever 5.0 Megapixel optical zoom camera. The Canon IXUS 50 features a 3.0x zoom, a large 2.0” LCD screen and high quality VGA video clips at 30fps.

“The user friendliness stands out, the camera looks beautiful, a great design and a superb finishing touch. The concept of the IXUS series of digital cameras seems to have passed with flying colours. The image quality is excellent and the good thing about it is that it happens automatically. Although the exposure is automatic it is still possible to adjust ISO sensitivity and white balance to your own desires. Besides that, the Canon Digital IXUS 50 lets you set the shutter speed manually. These settings offer the beginning as well as the more creative user more freedom to experiment or to get acquainted with the basic elements of (digital) photography.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Canon Digital IXUS 50 Review

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Ordering prints of your photos via an online photo processing service is big business. With the recent boom in digital camera sales, demand for easy and affordable printing has never been higher, and using an internet based photo service is one of the ways to satisfy that demand. To find out what actually happens to your images after you click the Upload button, I was recently invited to take an exclusive behind the scenes look at myPIXmania, one of Europe’s biggest online photo finishers.

Website: Behind the Scenes at myPIXmania

The Olympus C-500 Zoom (called the Olympus D-595 Zoom in the USA) is a 5 megapixel compact digital camera that was first announced at the PMA show back in February 2005. Aimed firmly at the beginner market, the Olympus C-500 Zoom has a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera, a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 19 different shooting modes, including a manual mode that gives you control of shutter speeds and apertures. The Olympus C-500 also has a built-in help system, something that has been introduced on quite a few recent entry-level cameras, and a Super Macro mode that allows you to focus as close as 2cms from your subject. Does the Olympus C-500 Zoom have enough features and useability to make it stand out from the dozens of other sub-£200/$300 digicams that line the shelves? Find out in my latest review.

Website: Olympus C-500 Zoom Review

Adobe has released new versions of Adobe Camera RAW and Adobe DNG Convertor.

Camera Raw 3.1 update
Support for the following cameras has been added.

  * Canon EOS Rebel XT (EOS 350D/EOS Kiss Digital N)
  * Nikon D2X
  * Olympus EVOLT E-300
  * Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom

Adobe DNG Convertor is a free utility that converts files from more than 75 cameras to the Digital Negative (DNG) format. Version 3.1 adds support for the cameras listed above.

Website: Adobe Downloads

PCMagazine have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera.

“In an effort to decrease the presence of the PC in consumer-level digital imaging, Kodak has been concentrating on developing digital cameras that specialize in ease of use, direct connection to printers, and photo sharing. The company’s latest superzoom, the 5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare Z740, has plenty of consumer-oriented features and controls, but Kodak seems to have skimped a bit on the most important aspect of a camera: image quality.”

Website: PCMagazine - Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the HP Photosmart R717, a 6.2 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens in a stylish stainless steel body.

“I was pleased with the overall image quality when using 6MP *** mode. Its 3x optical zoom lens produces tack sharp results through out its range. The majority of our outdoor test shots were well exposed, and colors were nicely saturated. I did noticed an average amount of noise in High/Low contrast areas, but there was an improvement over the R707. The Adaptive Lighting feature was useful when shooting either indoors or outdoors; when using it, the camera increases the gamma of the image to better enhance the detail of objects in low contrast (shadow) areas, but the image quality does suffer a little, if you’re not going to print anything larger than an 8x10” you should be fine.”

Website: Steves Digicams - HP Photosmart R717 Review

Website: Read my HP Photosmart R717 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory.

“Overall, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7 pulls in a lot of desirable features for its retail price of $449.95. This isn’t exactly a stellar deal unless you will really use all of the functions and features. It’s like a pricey pair of shoes; if you’re going to wear them a lot, get them - no matter the price and you’ll probably get your moneys worth. The W7 upgrades from the W1 with 7.2 effective megapixels, but keeps the same 2.5-inch LCD screen that the W series is now known for with a slight decrease in screen resolution.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Sony DSC-W7 Review

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The-Digital-Picture.com have reviewed the new Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM lens.

“Contrast is the Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM Lens’ optical shortcoming. I found that most of my shots needed some healthy contrast boost in post-processing (or a positive in-camera contrast setting). I could easily tell which image was taken with the Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM Lens when looking at comparative shots on a monitor. The 300 f/2.8 IS has much better contrast than the Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM Lens (it is still better with the Canon 1.4x Extender installed). The Canon 100-400mm L has somewhat better contrast when the vignetting does not get in the way. Low contrast is by far my biggest dissapointment with the 400 DO.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture.com - Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM Lens Review

DIWA Press Release

Canon’s latest digital SLR camera, the budget friendly EOS 350D, has passed numerous DIWA tests with remarkable scoring results. Its low price, combined with outstanding image quality, high speed processing and fast response, qualified for a Gold Award from DIWA’s comprehensive and mercyless testing procedure.

Amsterdam, 6. May, 2005 - DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Canon EOS 350D digital SLR.

EOS 350D is an entry-level D-SLR camera, but performs in many ways better than many of its more expensive rivals. The specifications are outstanding for its class, piloted by its 8.2 Megapixel low-noise CMOS image sensor and the super-powerful on-board DIGIC II image processor. This enables instant startup and super-fast response, as well as high speed continuous shooting, image processing and storing. Even at highest resolution, the EOS 350D can shoot a minimum of 14 frames bursts at 3 frames per second.

DIWA member and German website digitalkamera.de have reviewed the 5 megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2, which features a 6x optical zoom lens and an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake.

Website: digitalkamera.de - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2 Review

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DCResource have published a review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory.

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7 is a very capable 7.2 Megapixel camera. It offers very good image quality, robust performance, limited manual controls, support for conversion lenses, excellent battery life, and a nice movie mode. The DSC-W7 is a fairly compact camera that probably won’t fit in your back pocket, but it’s still small enough to take just about anywhere. The body is made almost entirely of metal, and it feels very solid. The controls are well-placed and it’s easy to operate. The W7 has a redesigned 2.5” LCD display that’s both easy to see in bright outdoor light as well as dimly lit rooms.”

Website: DCResource - Sony DSC-W7 Review

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