Leica Press Release

The Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, Solms, unanimously and jointly with the Company’s Board of Management, proposes measures to restore the capital base of the Company and to finance a restructuring. A simplified capital reduction by € 10.0 million to € 1.5 million will be proposed to the shareholders of the Company. Each three no-par-value shares are to be combined into one no-par-value share. Simultaneously, the capital reserve amounting to € 4.2 million will be released. Both measures will be implemented in order to offset depreciation and other losses totalling € 14.2 million.

DIWA member Steves Digicams have just reviewed the Casio Exilim EX-Z57, a compact 5 megapixel digital camera with a 2.7 inch LCD screen.

“Indoors it also performs well. Considering it lacks a focus-assist lamp, the AF system does an excellent job of focusing in low ambient lighting. Our indoor samples were sharp, well exposed, and skin tones appear natural. Its flash and 35mm wide angle equivalent zoom range are sufficient for most indoor situations; but don’t expect to illuminate the entire dance floor or reception hall. We achieved the best results shooting portraits of individuals or small groups. However, due to the position of the flash (just above the lens), you will notice that the majority of your “people” shots will have traces of Red eye, even when using its Red Eye Reduction mode. But a few seconds in any image editor/viewer will take care of this problem.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio Exilim EX-Z57 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Casio Exilim EX-Z57

Write a Review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z57

The Spanish website Fotopolis have posted their review of the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 digital camera.

Website: Quesabesde - 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

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted a review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33.

Website: Index Digicam - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33

Write a Review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new slimline 5 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z50 digital camera.

“The Casio Exilim EX-Z50 is one of the latest offerings from a company with a long history of innovation in the digital camera field. They promise the “Unexpected Extra” in their products, and the Casio EX-Z50 lives up to that billing, with no fewer than 23 special shooting modes, including ones for capturing and straightening images of white boards and business cards or other documents: Perfect for business or school note-taking. Compact, well-constructed, and stylish, the Casio Exilim EX-Z50 is a great “bring along” camera for casual outings, business, or vacation trips. Read on below for all the details on the Casio EX-Z50!”

Website: Imaging Resource - Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z50 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Casio Exilim EX-Z50

Write a Review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z50

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5. With a 12x image stabilized Leica lens, the DMC-FZ5 improves on the DMC-FZ3 by offering faster auto-focus and improved body design, as well as more megapixels.

Website: FotoAparat - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5

Write a Review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5

DIWA member and Danish website DigitalMagasinet have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.

Website: DigitalMagasinet - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5

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

“All things considered I’d say that the Canon Digital Rebel XT is the entry-level digital SLR to beat at this point in time. It offers nearly all of the features of the more expensive EOS-20D but for hundreds less. My biggest complaints are the soft images, especially using the kit lens at smaller apertures, and some build quality gripes that I’ll get into later. But for those ready to move up to something bigger and better, the Rebel XT is where it’s at.”

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

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT

Write a Review of the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT

DIWA member and Turkish website Diginorm have just posted their review of the 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.

Website: Diginorm - Pentax *ist DS Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax *ist DS

Write a Review of the Pentax *ist DS

Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens is announced. The Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras and has a constant aperture of f/5.6 throughtout its focal length. When the Sigma APO 300-800mm lens is used with the 1.4x EX or 2x EX Apo Tele Converters (optional), it becomes a 420-1120mm F8 MF lens or a 600-1600mm F11 MF lens respectively. The Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens costs £4999.99 and is available now.

From 300mm telephoto to 800mm ultra-telephoto this new lens provides a constant fast maximum aperture and is optimized for digital SLR cameras.

l New multi layer coating minimizes flare and ghost.
l Two Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements produce excellent image quality.
l The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides quiet, high-speed and precise auto-focusing and full time manual focus override.
l Accepts both 1.4X and 2X APO EX Tele-Converters (produces an ultra-telephoto zoom lens of 1600mm!)

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens.

This digitally optimized lens covers the ultra-telephoto range up to 800mm and has a fast maximum aperture. Its new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras. It incorporates two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements for effective compensation of chromatic aberrations and also ensure sharp, quality images.

Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens is announced. The 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is an ultra-telephoto lens that has been optimized for digital SLR cameras. By adding a teleconvertor, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens can be used as a 700ｍm Ｆ6.3 MF ultra-telephoto lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or as a 1000mm F9 MF ultra-telephoto lens with a 2X teleconverter. The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens costs £2999.99 and is available now.

Sigma UK Press Release

Fast maximum aperture telephoto lens optimized for digital SLR cameras.

l Most effective coating for minimizing flare and ghost.
l Two Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements produce excellent image quality.
l Accepts both 1.4X and 2X APO EX Tele-Converters. The lens can be used as a 700mm MF or a 1000mm MF ultra-telephoto lens. 

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 500 F4.5 APO EX DG HSM lens.

This ultra-telephoto lens has a fast maximum aperture, and also features a new super multi-layer coating, which optimizes the characteristics of digital SLR cameras.

Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer is introduced. The Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer has a 2.5-inch high-resolution display screen and stores up to 150 digital pictures. The Kodak Picture Viewer also has a SD/MMC memory card slot, is Pictbridge compatible and is compatible with any a KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Series 3 device. The Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer will be available in May for £99.99 RRP.

Kodak UK Press Release

Showcase and Share Digital Pictures “On the Go” with New KODAK EASYSHARE Picture Viewer

Credit Card-Sized Device Brings Favourite Memories to Life in the Palm of Your Hand

LONDON, 18 April — Eastman Kodak Company is making digital picture sharing more convenient, personal and portable by introducing its new EASYSHARE Picture Viewer, a pocket-sized “digital photo album” that fits in the palm of your hand.  Whether showing off recent vacation pictures, priceless memories or snapshots from life’s everyday moments, the Picture Viewer (£99.99 RRP; available beginning in May 2005) is designed for people who love to share favourite pictures on the go.

Adobe Press Release

Combined Company to Deliver Industry-Defining Technology Platform for Rich, Interactive Content

SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 18, 2005 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ADBE) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Macromedia (Nasdaq: MACR) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $3.4 billion.

The combination of Adobe and Macromedia will provide customers a more powerful set of solutions for creating, managing and delivering compelling content and experiences across multiple operating systems, devices and media. Together, the two companies will meet a wider set of customer needs and have a significantly greater opportunity to grow into new markets, particularly in the mobile and enterprise segments.

“Customers are calling for integrated software solutions that enable them to create, manage and deliver a wide range of compelling content and applications - from documents and images to audio and video,” said Bruce Chizen, chief executive officer of Adobe. “By combining our powerful development, authoring and collaboration software - along with the complementary functionality of PDF and Flash - Adobe has the opportunity to bring this vision to life with an industry-defining technology platform.”

Wacom Graphire Bluetooth pen tablet is announced. The Wacom Graphire Bluetooth is a 6” x 8” wireless pen tablet. The Wacom Graphire Bluetooth can be used up to 30 feet away from your computer and is priced at $249.99.

Wacom Press Release

First Wacom Wireless Pen Tablet for Photo Enthusiasts

The New Graphire Bluetooth, With Wacom’s Patented Cordless, Battery-Free Pen Technology, Provides up to 30 Feet of Wireless Freedom

VANCOUVER, Wash., April 15 /PRNewswire/—Wacom(R) Technology today announced the newest member of its Graphire(R) pen tablet family and the first Wacom pen tablet to incorporate Bluetooth(R) wireless technology. The new model, named Graphire Bluetooth, is expected to be warmly embraced by photo enthusiasts who seek the control and comfort of Wacom’s patented cordless, battery-free pen and the freedom of a wireless device. Mobile office workers, educators and aspiring digital artists will also appreciate the new device and the ability to work where and when they want. Available immediately, Graphire Bluetooth offers a 6” x 8” active area and is priced at $249.99.

The 50th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Krystof Krizstrong.

“I am graduating this year in the Birmingham Institute Of Art And Design in Visual Communication, Photography. I am working now on the project which turns together two cities Prague and London on an unusual link. I am sending you the images from another project which was called The Rust. The topic was about the time, about the imagination, about the abstraction, about the hidden images which are for the first view invisible, but they are real. There are the colours, the past, the future and heavy metal…”

Website: Portfolios: Krystof Kriz

DPReview have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).

“It’s not without reason that the IXUS/Elph range has proved so popular; the combination of size, design and materials, performance and decent image quality is a compelling one. The SD500 is no exception; it’s fast, easy to use and capable of producing first-class results in the right situations - and it has all the hallmarks of a design classic. But it’s not a camera without problems. Some, such as the rather erratic behavior of the AiAF ‘intelligent’ focus system, can be easily overcome (switch to center focus), others, such as the SD500’s tendency to miss fine low-contrast detail, will only really cause you a problem if you’re printing at sizes over about 8x10 inches.”

Website: DPReview - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon Digital IXUS 700

Write a Review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700

Pentax have posted a new firmware version for the 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.

Changes to V1.02
Correspond to the SD memory card greater than 1GB, also Version 1.02 include the additional function which was released at Version 1.01.

Detailed of Version 1.01
At the long time exposure situation such as astronomical photography, green noise might be generated partially on the image when the noise reduction is turned on. This phenomenon only occurs rarely under special shooting condition such as starry sky, and will never occur at the general situation that we are assuming. The version 1.01 will minimize this phenomenon as much as possible for the customer who use *istDS for this purpose.

Website: Pentax *ist DS Review v1.02 Firmware

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax *ist DS

Write a Review of the Pentax *ist DS

CNET have just reviewed the 5 megapixel Sony DSC-F88 digital camera.

“Sony’s latest jack-of-all-trades is a master of more than one. While its easy operation and versatile automated and manual exposure controls will please both beginners and more advanced photographers, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-F88 boasts very good macro capabilities and a robust burst mode perfect for action photography. Only a few spotty performance figures such as atrocious shutter lag under low-contrast lighting and a middle-of-the-road feature set limit this well-rounded 5-megapixel shooter.”

Website: CNET - Sony DSC-F88 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony DSC-F88

Write a Review of the Sony DSC-F88

Nikon D50 and D70s digital SLR cameras are to be officially launched on April 20th. In a brief statement on the Nikon website, Nikon apologise for the “unofficial release” of details about the D50 and D70s and name the release date as April 20th. Interestingly the Nikon D50 and D70s are still not referred to by name, just as “our new digital SLR cameras”.

Nikon Press Release

About Information of New Digital Camera Products

We would like to apologize for the unofficial release of news about our new products that has recently appeared on the Internet. News of our new digital SLR cameras is currently being prepared ahead of the official worldwide release on April 20. Our aim is develop and offer new products that fulfill your expectations. We look forward to your continuing patronage and appreciate your support for Nikon products.

UPDATE: The Italian website Dphoto have just published what they claim are the official product shot and specifications of the new Nikon D50.

http://www.dphoto.it/content/view/235/180/

Red Paw Media Press Release

Red Paw Media are pleased to announce the general release of their latest product, BleachBypass.

BleachBypass is a Photoshop-compatible plug-in designed to digitally simulate the traditional film “bleach bypass” technique.

The bleach bypass, or “skip bleach” technique involves the partial or complete skipping of the bleaching stage during the processing of a colour film. This prevents the silver from being removed from the negative, and the result is a contrasty image with muted colours. The technique is often used extensively in motion pictures, such as “Saving Private Ryan” and “Three Kings”.  It also gives a very pleasing, “film-like” quality to images, much like older, fast print film was used.