Luminous Landscape have reviewed the Epson RD-1 digital rangefinder camera.

“When it comes to actually shooting (the whole digital / film issue aside for the moment), the camera is mostly a pleasure to use. This assumes though that one is used to the rangefinder esthetic. Frankly, unless one has grown up with or extensively used a real rangefinder camera, this is likely not to be the case. For a photographer used to SLRs the chances are that using the R-D1 (or any rangefinder for that matter) is going to be found to be a funky experience. But assuming that one knows what the breed is all about, there really isn’t that much difference between shooting with the R-D1 and a Voigtlander Bessa or even M Leica. “

Website: Luminous Landscape - Epson R-D1 Review

Digital Outback Photo have published a very interesting article today comparing the depth of field that can be obtained by the Nikon D2X and Canon EOS 1Ds Mk II DSLR cameras.

“If you are shooting where significant depth of field is required, the D2X will better serve your needs, producing more sharp pixels overall than the 1DsMII. Or, the D2X will be able to shoot at a higher shutter speed while obtaining the same DOF. When the wind is blowing, details like leaves or flowers can be obliterated by a too-low shutter speed. When it’s dusk, you may not be able to stop down to get DOF and still get a fast-enough shutter speed. You can raise the ISO on the 1DsMII, but that degrades picture quality. And in these examples, even f16 was not enough to make up for the disadvantage. Going beyond f16 on either camera seriously degrades overall image sharpness and contrast, though in this case perhaps it would be an improvement for the 1DsMII.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Depth of field—the shorter focal length advantage

DPReview 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.

“The DMC-FZ5 solves the only two reservations most people had about its predecessor (the DMC-FZ3); fairly low pixel count and slightly sluggish focus (especially at the long end of the zoom). It also adds a bigger, better screen, slightly better ergonomics and seems to have almost entirely removed the vignetting problem that plagued FZ3 shots. Put all these improvements together and you’ve got an incredibly powerful, incredibly compact camera capable of punching well above its weight.”

Website: DPReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Review

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Pocket Lint have published their review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 digital camera.

“Image quality is very good indeed. Colours are natural and bright, the in-camera processing provides plenty of detail, although highlights look a bit blown out on some spectral highlights. Higher ISO present a problem where noise and the affects of noise reduction processing clean away some detail but overall, very good.”

Website: Pocket Lint - Canon PowerShot A520 Review

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DIWA member and Danish website DigitalMagasinet have published their review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 digital camera.

Website: DigitalMagasinet - Canon PowerShot A520 Review

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The Czech website Digineff have reviewed the Ricoh R2, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 4.8x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Ricoh Caplio R2 is less than 26mm thick and has a battery life of around 500 shots. The Ricoh Caplio R2 is available now and costs £229.99 inc Vat.

Website: Digineff - Ricoh R2 Review

The Digital Journalist have reviewed the Epson RD-1 digital rangefinder camera.

“The rub with the R-D1 is that unless you want to put an auxiliary viewfinder on the hotshoe, and frame and focus through two different windows, the widest lens you can use is a 28mm. And because of the R-D1’s smaller-than-35mm chip, this gives you the equivalent of a 42mm lens in 35mm terms. The narrower angle of view can be restrictive, but it does force you to discipline yourself; you have to jockey for position a little more. I’m a one-film, one-lens guy anyway. The 21mm Leica lens would be ideal on the R-D1, about equivalent to 32mm, if only you didn’t have to compose with the separate finder.”

Website: The Digital Journalist - Epson R-D1 Review

Adobe Press Press Release

Adobe Press Updates Classroom in a Book Series With Creative Suite 2 Titles; Best-Selling Series Redesigned in Full Color and Enhanced With Insider Tips

BERKELEY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 8, 2005—Today Adobe Press announced its Classroom in a Book series of titles based on Adobe(R) Creative Suite 2 (CS2), the powerhouse software package containing all-new versions of Adobe Photoshop(R), Adobe InDesign(R), Adobe Illustrator(R), Adobe GoLive(R), plus the recently released Adobe Acrobat(R) 7.0 Professional. Adobe Press’ classic Classroom in a Book series debuted in 1993 and has since been translated into more than 20 languages and sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Now in color for the first time, these practical workbooks offer a rich and dynamic experience for readers being trained on the new CS2 software applications.

“The Classroom in a Book series has been wildly popular, inspiring readers and instructors for years to get the most out of their Adobe software applications,” said Kelly Ryer, Adobe Press Editor. “We are excited to debut the fresh color interiors and know that the redesign will offer an even more rewarding experience.”

Roxio Press Release

Roxio Easy Media Creator 7.5 Wins PC Magazine Editors’ Choice Award; ‘‘Easy Media Creator is Once Again the Best Package in Its Class’‘

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 11, 2005—Roxio(R), a division of Sonic Solutions(R) (Nasdaq:SNIC), the leader in digital media software, announced today that Easy Media Creator(TM) 7.5, the most comprehensive suite of CD and DVD authoring and burning, photo, video and music applications, surpassed all competitors to earn PC Magazine’s prestigious Editors’ Choice Award. Editors praise Easy Media Creator 7.5 for offering the broadest selection of features and delivering new applications they cite as being “some of the most successful components in the suite.” The complete review is currently available at PC Magazine online (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1781691,00.asp).

Canon USA Press Release

Canon U.S.A., Inc. Endorses the Independent WIR Certified Image Permanence Testing Program and Seal, Joining Epson, Hewlett-Packard, and Lexmark in Providing Consumers with Standardized Print Longevity Ratings

GRINNELL, Iowa—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 8, 2005—Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. (WIR), an independent test methods development and product testing company, today announced that Canon U.S.A., Inc. will participate in the new WIR Certified Image Permanence Testing Program. With comprehensive test data provided by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Canon will begin using the WIR Certification Seal with a range of qualified photo printing products.

“In addition to our own photo imaging permanence scale, we are providing customers the ability to see independent image permanence results that allow an easy comparison of the available photographic materials by supporting the new Wilhelm Imaging test certification Seal,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. “The new seal program provides an immediate, uniform test method to provide consumers with the information needed to understand the difference between various products used to print their digital photographs.”

Norwegian website Akamera.no have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA).

Website: Akamera.no - Olympus C-70 Zoom Review

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DigiCamReview have reviewed the 3 megapixel, 12x optical zoom Panasonic DMC-FZ3 digital camera.

“The camera is compact and is designed well - the camera feels very comfortable in my hands, and seems like a “real” camera. The camera is fairly compact considering the zoom power. The camera is easy to use, the menu system is easy to use and there is a good layout of buttons and controls. There is a good choice of features and options to suit all levels of experience, from shutter/aperture control to scene modes, as well as manual white balance, live histogram etc - although some may be dissapointed to find that there is no manual focus. The camera speed is good, with a okay switch on time, good focusing time, and good shutter response.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Panasonic DMC-FZ3 Review

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Adobe UK Press Release

STOCKLEY PARK, UK. — April 08 2005 — Adobe® Systems today announced the return of Adobe Live for 2005. Building on the success of last year’s event, Adobe Live will be even bigger and better than before, with a larger exhibition area plus a wider variety of seminars including demonstrations of the brand new Adobe Creative Suite 2. Once again, the event is free to attend and is taking place on May 26th and 27th at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

Adobe Live is designed to help creative professionals, from all areas of industry, get the most out of Adobe software. Three key themes take precedence this year: Digital Imaging, Publishing, Design and Advertising – so if you’re in print or web design, advertising or photography – make sure you don’t miss out!

The HP Photosmart 8750 is HP’s new top-of-the-range A3+ / 19x13 inch sized inkjet printer. The HP 8750 is a 9 colour inkjet printer that allows you to print colour and black and white borderless photos at up to 4800x1200-optimized dpi. When used with the HP Photosmart 8750, the new HP 101 Blue Photo Inkjet Print Cartridge is claimed to deliver noticeable improvements in images with intense blues, including landscapes, seascapes and sports photos. The HP 8750 also promises to produce truly neutral black and white prints by using a dedicated Grey Photo cartridge. Can the new kid on the block challenge the likes of Epson and Canon and become the A3 printer of choice? Read my review to find out.

Website: HP Photosmart 8750 Review

Following recent speculation, Nikon UK is pleased to confirm the launch of two new digital SLR cameras to be launched towards the end of April 2005.

Both cameras have been designed to meet the requirements of the entry-level digital SLR user. The first will position itself as successor to the Nikon D70, offering an upgraded version to this highly commended D-SLR. The camera will incorporate the latest in Nikon technology, whilst retaining the functionality and quality which has come to be expected from the D70.

In addition to this, Nikon will be introducing a second D-SLR, specifically designed for consumers looking to upgrade from a digital compact to the next level of digital photography. The camera will be affordable and easy to use, perfect for the D-SLR beginner.

More detailed information on both new products will follow shortly.

Photo-i have just reviewed VueScan from Hamrick Software, a third-party scanner software application.

“Just to keep the review totally fair, I scanned the same transparency on both the Epson 4870 and the Canon 9950F. Canon’s ScanGear (an interface which I don’t rate) did a very good job with the colours and produced some nice looking scans. EpsonScan and the 4870 also produced a good looking scan. VueScan made a mess of the Canon 9950F’s capabilities, but worked marginally better with the Epson scanner. I can only conclude that supporting over 400 scanners is too ambitious, perhaps this number should be reduced and more attention given to individual scanners.”

Website: Photo-i - VueScan Review

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

Website: FotoAparat - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo 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.

“The LZ2 has several subtle features that aim to make handling more comfortable; a shallow right-hand grip, a curved structure on the front for the index and middle fingers, and small edge on the back for the thumb. With such a shallow angle of the grip, my hand felt a little cramped after an hour or so of on and off usage (and I don’t have overly large hands as some other users might). This camera will be best for 20 minutes or so of continuous shooting, but could extremely get uncomfortable after that. The lightweight construction will enable users to shoot easily with some level of control with just one hand, though two are recommended, of course.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2 Review

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Just bought a new Canon digital SLR camera but confused about which flashgun you should buy to go with it? Bob Atkins has a handy overview of the Canon flashguns, including the new Canon Speedlite 580EX flashgun.

“If I was a typical amateur photographer who was looking for a new speedlite to go with a new DSLR, I’d probably go for the 420EX unless I was serious about flash photography. It has most of the features that average photogrpher is likely to need for single flash work. If you want to use multiple flash units, then the wireless control features of the 580EX makes it the better buy, but you’ll still need a 420EX (or another 580EX) as your wireless slave! The 580EX is also required if you want manual control of flash power and stroboscopic operation. It’s clearly a better and more capable flash, but it’s an extra $200.”

Website: Bob Atkins -  Canon Speedlites - 580EX, 420EX, 220EX

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

“he Canon PowerShot SD500 is in many ways a lovely camera and in many ways a frustrating one. On the plus side, it has an exterior design that combines form and function more elegantly than any point-and-shoot we’ve ever tested. A Digic II-powered image-processing system enables the SD500 to snap a limitless stream of 7-megapixel photos at a respectable clip, and its start-up time is tops in its class. Unfortunately, the camera’s downside is also substantial. Severe fringing, hit-and-miss focus, and high noise even at lower ISO settings bedevil the SD500’s photos. In the end, this is a camera that we really enjoyed shooting with but whose weak photo quality ultimately disappointed us.”

Website: CNET - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review

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