Resco Press Release

Resco announces the release of the newest version of their popular Resco Photo Viewer, a device that allows users to view and edit digital photographs easily and quickly. The new version offers numerous improvements in terms of speed and memory.

Bratislava, Slovakia (PRWEB via Mobility Newswire) April 27, 2005—Resco , a leading provider of end-user mobile applications, today announced the availability of a new version of one of the company’s best selling applications, Resco Photo Viewer 5.30.

Resco Photo Viewer version 5.30 is an ideal enhancement product for a digital camera. It allows users to view photographs easily and quickly and to store them in the form of photo albums (which can later be edited and sent to other viewers). The slide show function allows users to present photo albums in a creative manner. Besides allowing users to organize a large number of pictures, it enables copying, cropping and resizing, and offers a plethora of other standard editing functions. Out of the box, it allows customers to add annotations in the form of text, sound or drawings.

PNY Technologies Press Release

Change the colour of your USB 2.0 flash key to suit your moods with the new Color Attaché range from PNY

Mérignac, France 27th April 2005, PNY Technologies is pleased to announce the launch of its new range of “Color AttachéTM” USB 2.0 Flash Drives.

The Color Attaché comes with interchangeable covers, allowing the user to change the colour of their flash memory drive, as often as they like to suit their professional or pleasurable frame of mind.

It is a fun accessory, which can hold vast amounts of valuable data, i.e. music, films, photos, professional files etc.

HP Photosmart M517 digital camera is quietly introduced. The Photosmart M517 is a 5 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera. Key differences between the new HP M517 and the exisiting Photosmart M417 camera are an 8x digital zoom, 32 MB internal memory and a bigger 2 inch LCD screen. The HP Photosmart M517 also features exclusive HP technologies like adaptive lighting. Pricing and availability of the HP M517 to be announced.

Ricoh Caplio GX8 is announced today. The Ricoh Caplio GX8 is an 8.24 megapixel update of the Ricoh Caplio GX, which has a 5 megapixel sensor and which I reviewed here. The Ricoh GX8 has a 28mm wide-angle zoom lens that can be expanded to 22mm with an optional wide conversion lens. The Ricoh GX8 takes only 1.3 seconds from start up to taking the first shot and can capture 16 frames in 2 seconds. The Ricoh Caplio GX8 also features aperture priority, shutter priority and manual exposure modes plus exposure compensation and auto-bracketing. No details yet on price and availability of the Ricoh Caplio GX8.

Ricoh Press Release

Ricoh launches the Caplio GX8, 8-megapixel successor to the popular GX

Tokyo, Japan, 26th April 2005. Ricoh announces the Caplio GX8, an 8-megapixel successor to the popular Caplio GX. The GX8 Combines a 28mm wide-angle zoom digital camera with outstanding performance and expandability, all in a sleek and compact aluminum die-cast body featuring the signature rubber handgrip. In addition to offering lightning fast operation and astounding macro mode capabilities that have long distinguished Ricoh digital cameras, the Caplio GX8 boasts superb flexibility, connecting to a wide array of accessories and instruments, such as wide conversion lens, external shutter release, and even a telescope. With such a plethora of tools on board, the photographic possibilities are limitless.

Samsung Digimax Pro 815 is launched. The Samsung Digimax Pro 815 is an ultra-zoom digital camera that looks like a digital SLR (but isn’t), with a massive 15x optical zoom equivalent to a focal length of 28-420mm and an enormous 3.5 inch LCD screen. Other features on the surprising Digimax Pro 815 include a continuous shooting speed of 2.5 fps, start-up speed of less than 1 second and a hotshoe for external flashguns. No word yet on how many megapixels the Samsung Digimax Pro 815 will actually have, although the “8” in the name strongly suggests that it will use an 8 megapixel sensor.

The Samsung Digimax Pro 815 seems to be the real-life incarnation of a mystery camera that Samsung were displaying as a concept drawing at the PMA show back in February (pictured). At the time I commented “In a PMA Show of few real surprises, Samsung’s banner at the back of their stand hints at an ultra-zoom model, which would be quite a departure for a company that specialises in compact, easy to use and stylish digicams with a 3x optical zoom. Samsung obviously wouldn’t comment further on the mystery digital camera - time will tell if it actually makes it beyond the designer’s drawing board.” Well, it looks as though that camera has made it into production as the Samsung Digimax Pro 815.

More details and pictures of the Samsung Digimax Pro 815 can be found on this Chinese website:

Website: PCOnline.com.cn - Samsung Digimax Pro 815 (Chinese)

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

” The Kodak Z740 is what we would term a true Point & Shoot digital camera, an easy-to-use family camera for capturing all those precious moments. Then print them out using the Printer Dock Series 3 at the touch of a button—even without turning your computer on! If you do not want to post-process any images in an image editing software, the Kodak Z740’s default settings produce images that are sharp and rich in colours straight out of the camera.”

Website: Photoxels - Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare Z740

Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare Z740

DPReview 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.

“In an increasingly crowded 7MP compact market, the Coolpix 7900 has much to recommend it. Design, build and ease of use are excellent, and there is a surprising amount of power hidden in the extensive menus, offering control over focus, metering, white balance and so on for those who like to tweak. The novice market the 7900 is aimed at will surely welcome the hand-holding approach of the scene and scene assist modes, and the overall responsiveness makes using the camera a real pleasure. Features such as Best Shot Selector (which takes a burst of shots as you hold down the shutter, then chooses and saves only the sharpest one), D-Lighting, Face-Piority AF and In-Camera Red-Eye Fix (which works virtually every time) add value to an already well-priced camera.”

Website: DPReview - 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

The Spanish website Quesabesde have posted their review of the new entry-level Olympus C-370 Zoom (this camera is known as the Olympus D-535 Zoom in the USA).

Website: Quesabesde - Olympus C-370 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus C-370 Zoom

Write a Review of the Olympus C-370 Zoom

Photo-i have completed their interactive review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 II film scanner, the successor to the popular Scan Elite 5400 model.

“Konica Minolta along with a handful of other manufacturers still believe that there is a market for a dedicated film scanner, they are probably right, but I do think that we are seeing the tail end of this specialist piece of equipment, especially one that only caters for 35mm film. The scanner performed well above expectations by producing excellent scans time after time with hardly any user intervention. The scanner software was very good and gave sufficient control to produce superb quality scans. Scanning times were very fast, but noisy - the scanners whirrs and buzzes away. I didn’t like the film feed system, you have to juggle the holder until the scanner takes the bite and pulls it in, a bit like trying to feed a sleepy dog.”

Website: Photo-i - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 II Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 II

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 II

The Hungarian website IndexDigicam have published the first online review of the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1, a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom that incorporates an Optical Image Stabilizer to reduce the effects of camera shake. The DMC-LS1 also features a 2 inch LCD screen and a battery life of 215 photos.

Website: IndexDigicam - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1

Write a Review of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1

TrustedReviews have published the first online review of the new 7 megapixel Samsung Digimax V700.

“All in all the V700 is a good, and nearly great camera, and compares well with competing models from Olympus, Sony and others. It ought to sell well, and anyone who buys one will not be disappointed. If only Samsung had Sony’s advertising budget this could be the most successful camera that the company has ever produced. Only time will tell if it achieves the success it deserves.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Samsung Digimax V700 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Samsung Digimax V700

Write a Review of the Samsung Digimax V700 Zoom

DigitalCameraInfo 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.

“The design of the Fujifilm FinePix F10 incorporates ergonomically pleasing features such as a finger grip on the front and a thumb divot on the back of the body to supply additional support and control when shooting. It does this without sacrificing style for comfort. The slightly raised finger grip has an embossed FinePix logo across it, which actually helps keep the fingers in place — blatant advertising with a secondary, practical application - nice touch. The grip is just large enough to supply comfort and support without adding much bulk; the height is not as exaggerated as some compact models, such as Canon’s A-series cameras. A divot on the back of the camera provides a comfortable space for the right thumb to rest when it’s not toggling with the zoom lever just above, though unfortunately, there is no texture to the surface. These seemingly insignificant features go a long way in terms of comfort and handling aid for the F10.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - 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 and Turkish website Diginorm have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).

Website: Diginorm - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon Digital IXUS 700

Write a Review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700

Pocket-Lint have just reviewed the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner.

“Finding the right scanner, that faithfully captures all the detail in a photograph is like looking for the Holy Grail, we are all looking to find the right scanner, that will deliver quality at a reasonable price. Epson have a good history in flatbed scanners. The Perfection 3200 and 4870 PHOTO, came very near in our quest, medium and large format film scans are excellent, but for 35mm film they still fall short. In January we will see a new model the Perfection 4990, I hope this one will take us a step nearer the ultimate goal. Then there is the new dedicated film scanner, the F-3200. I am not quite sure what to make of this one yet. Let me take you on a Step by Step review of this scanner and see whether £500 is going to be a wise investment.”

Website: Pocket-Lint- Epson F-3200 Film Scanner Review

CNET have posted their review of the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 digital camera.

“This replacement for the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P150 adds no significant capabilities to the skimpy feature set of its predecessor. However, it retains its position as one of the most compact 7-megapixel models, offering good performance, outstanding battery life, and adequate photo quality. While competitors such as Pentax and Olympus offer lots of bonus features and zoom ranges longer than the P200’s 3X zoom, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm equivalent) optics, this Sony upgrade is a good choice for casual snapshooters who want to make big prints and can live with nagging color-balance problems. Photo enthusiasts looking for shutter- or aperture-priority controls, TIFF or raw file formats, or other extra features should check out the competition.”

Website: CNET - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200

Write a Review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200

Kodak UK Press Release

Company to adopt Teams in Harrow and Hemel Hempstead in support of young people

Hemel Hempstead, April 25th 2005 - Kodak will be supporting the unique work of The Prince’s Trust in the areas of two of its key UK sites in support of young people facing barriers into work or further education. Kodak will adopt a Team of young people between 16-25 for a 12-week programme of personal development in both Hemel Hempstead and Harrow, with the specific aim of recruiting a proportion of participants from community disability groups.

Team Details:
Hemel Hempstead - Start Date 13th June at West Herts College on the Dacorum Campus in association with Watford YMCA
Harrow - Start Date 26th September at The Lodge, Harrow-on-the-Hill in association with Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College

100 Cameras Inc. Press Release

Unique Project Seeks to Capture the Astounding and Ordinary Moments of American Life

100 Cameras to Traverse the Country with Cameras, Photographers, Film and Imagination in Tow

Seattle, WA – April 25, 2005 – 100 Cameras Inc. is about to embark on a unique journey encompassing thousands of miles of road, a hundred cameras, a bunch of photographers and many, many rolls of film. The Seattle-based group has turned their joint fascination with cameras and road trips into a medium-spanning project that seeks to capture the image and essence of the American life that dwells next door, up the street and a hundred miles down the road.

Photographs allow us to see and reflect on the past, be it our own, our family’s, or our country’s. Yet each camera also has a history of its own. 100 Cameras has collected machines that reflect the different phases in American history, echoing the aesthetics and technical innovation of various eras. From the earliest cameras developed for amateurs and children to the pop culture defining Polaroid of the 60’s and 70’s, to the cell phone cameras of the new millennium, the design, marketing and subsequent embracement of photography as our culture’s mirror is a fascinating metaphor for the American landscape.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been awarded four best product medals in this year’s Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) awards. Cementing its place as the only imaging technology innovator to have leading edge products through the entire digital imaging chain, Canon took the main awards in each of the camera, printer and projector categories.

· “Best A4 Photo Printer in Europe, 2005” for its PIXMA iP8500 printer
· “Best Professional Digital SLR Camera in Europe, 2005” for its EOS-1Ds Mark II camera
· “Best Entry Level Digital SLR Camera in Europe, 2005” for its EOS 350D camera
· “Best Photo Projector in Europe, 2005” for its XEED SX50 projector

As you can see (or not…), there is currently a problem with graphics not loading across the site. The Gallery is closed for the moment. Normal service will be restored today, hopefully sooner rather than later…

UPDATE: Everything is now showing again - please leave a comment here if you experience any problems.

With the recent controversy over the encryption of white balance data in Nikon D2x digital SLR RAW files still raging, the launch today of OpenRAW, “a group of photographers and other interested people advocating the open documentation of digital camera RAW files” is very timely indeed.

“Most camera manufacturers use a proprietary file format to store the raw data from their digital cameras. In the short history of digital photography, manufacturers have dropped support for asset management applications, abandoned settings from older RAW processor versions and changed the methods of storing basic camera settings without documentation. The undocumented changes in RAW file formats have already cost users of RAW images time and money.”

Website: OpenRAW

OpenRAW Press Release

4/25/2005 - For Immediate Release: OpenRAW Web Site Launched;Confronts Issues Crucial to Quality Digital Photography and Archiving of Photographic Images

The OpenRAW Working Group launched a website today at http://www.OpenRAW.org designed to solve issues crucial to the future of photography.

Digital technology is revolutionizing the photography industry, and an emerging part of that technology is the set of RAW camera file formats. Most professional photographers prefer using RAW image capture because it offers the highest quality and the greatest creative control.

The grass roots OpenRAW group arose out of photographers’ frustration with camera manufacturers’ refusal to openly document their proprietary RAW file formats. That lack of file format information inhibits innovation, limits image processing choices, and endangers the long-term accessibility of millions of photographs. The goal of the new website is to obtain complete documentation by manufacturers of their RAW file formats.