NPPA Press Release

DURHAM, NC (March 9, 2005) ­ The National Press Photographers Association, the society of professional photojournalism, today said that Newsweek magazine’s use of an altered photograph of Martha Stewart on its cover last week was “a major ethical breach.” Stewart’s head was superimposed upon the body of a model who was photographed separately in a Los Angeles studio, and the composite image was published on Newsweek’s cover.

“NPPA finds it a total breach of ethics and completely misleading to the public,” NPPA president Bob Gould said today. “The magazine’s claim that there was a mention on Page 3 that it was an illustration is not a fair disclosure. The average reader isn’t going to know that it isn’t Martha Stewart’s body in the photograph. The public often distrusts the media and this just gives them one more reason. This type of practice erodes the credibility of all journalism, not just one publication.”

The website Whichlens.com has published a comparative review of the new Canon EOS 350D DSLR versus it’s bigger brother, the EOS 20D. Thanks to Mark Cho for letting me know.

“The 20D shutter seems to fire slightly quicker than the 350D. The blackout between shots is also slightly shorter on the 20D. The 350D is still very responsive, but a small difference between the two is present. The 20D has a faster, longer continuous shooting mode of around 24 frames at 5fps versus the 350D’s approximate 15 frames at 3fps. I say approximate because the number of continuous frames at 5 or 3fps depends on the speed of the card being used. Nonetheless, there is a difference in the size of the buffer and for sports and fast action shooters, the 20D would be the preferable camera.”

Website: Whichlens.com - Canon EOS 350D Review

Imagenomic Press Release

NOISEWIRE, 03/10/05 - Imagenomic, LLC today announced a new release for its popular Noiseware Plug-in for Windows and Mac OS X.

For Noiseware Professional and Standard Plug-in Editions, version 3.2 adds new /Multiple Preview and Bracketing/ features that provides for increased versatility and productivity.

The /Multiple Preview/ feature allows the user to compare different filter settings by simply switching between preview tabs. The/ Bracketing/ feature automatically generates a preset series of previews for suppression and noise level filter settings for quick assessment via one-click operation.

This new software version of the Noiseware Plug-in is available for immediate download from Imagenomic’s website: (www.imagenomic.com and www.noiseware.com).

Samsung SGH-i300 smartphone is announced at CeBIT 2005. The Samsung SGH-i300 features a 1.3 megapixel camera and a 3Gb hard drive which can store up to 1,000 music files. Price and availability of the Samsung SGH-i300 to be announced.

Samsung Press Release

Samsung’s SGH-i300 Offers Incredible Storage as the World’s First Music Smartphone with 3GB HDD

SEOUL, Korea—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 10, 2005—Samsung Electronics, a premium provider of mobile phones, exclusively unveils the world’s first 3GB HDD embedded music smartphone, the SGH-i300, at CeBIT 2005.

This development follows its 2004 introduction of the world’s first 1.5GB hard disk drive phone. This 3GB handset is the first phone featuring “Plug & Play Files-to-go,” which allows the phone to function as a removable hard disk drive. Businessmen and students can easily transfer files to / from their computers, as well as store and transfer files in any format conveniently.

Pretec C-Flash memory card is introduced at the CeBIT show in Hannover, Germany. The Pretec C-Flash format is one third the size of a RS-MMC or miniSD card. The Pretec C-Flash cards will be available in a capacity of 1GB by Q2 of 2005.

Pretec Press Release

PRETEC Introduces C-Flash Next Generation Super Small Flash Memory Card

HANOVER, Germany—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 10, 2005—PRETEC Electronics Corp., creator of the smallest USB flash drive in the world since 2002, is introducing today a new generation of flash memory card and module, C-Flash, at CeBIT 2005 (Hall 23, D30) in Hanover.

With physical size of 17mm x 12mm x 1.0mm, about 1/3 the volume of RS-MMC or miniSD, C-Flash is one of the smallest form factor flash memory cards in the world. Taking advantage of the built-in smart card (SIM card) support, multimedia mobile phones utilizing C-Flash will require a smaller footprint for the memory card allowing for new designs not previously possible with existing memory card formats. Multiple interface functions such as MMC/SD and USB make C-Flash the most versatile flash memory card in the world. Supporting the most popular high capacity flash IC today such as those from Micron, Renesas, Samsung and Toshiba, C-Flash supports the widest range of flash sources for any small form factor card (Table 1).

Sandisk Cruzer Profile flash storage drive is introduced at CeBIT. The Sandisk Cruzer Profile is a USB 2.0 hi-speed flash storage drive with fingerprint identification technology. The Sandisk Cruzer Profile will ship in April for $199.99 for the 1Gb version and $99.99 for the 512Mb version.

Sandisk Press Release

SANDISK INTRODUCES CRUZER PROFILE, A SECURE USB FLASH STORAGE DRIVE WITH FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION

New Device Offers High-Level Protection For Your Data

HANNOVER, GERMANY, MARCH 10, 2005 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced the Cruzer® Profile, a portable, hi-speed USB 2.0 flash memory storage drive with added personal security capability to safeguard data, images, presentations and other personal information.* Fingerprint identification technology embedded in the device helps restrict access to only the designated user(s) of the Cruzer Profile. The Cruzer Profile was introduced at the annual CeBIT Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1, Stand 4E6.

The stylish, compact Cruzer Profile, about the size of a pack of gum (dimensions: 60mm long, 24mm wide and 14mm in height), will be sold in 512 megabyte (MB) and one gigabyte (GB)** capacities, and includes dual LED’s. One LED indicates USB functionality and data transfer and the second one provides proper status during enrollment and authentication of the biometric fingerprint.

2 Gigabyte SanDisk Cruzer Titanium flash storage drive is introduced at CeBIT. The SanDisk Cruzer Titanium is a USB 2.0 hi-speed flash storage drive made from an advanced Titanium alloy. The SanDisk Cruzer Titanium will ship in April for $249.99.

Sandisk Press Release

SANDISK DOUBLES THE CAPACITY AND STRENGTHENS ITS CRUZER TITANIUM LINE WITH LIQUIDMETAL’S ADVANCED TITANIUM ALLOY

2-Gigabyte SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Offers Extraordinary Mechanical Strength, Style and Encryption Software to Safeguard Important Data

HANNOVER, GERMANY, MARCH 10, 2005 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced the addition of a 2-gigabyte (GB)* Cruzer® Titanium to its award-winning line of portable flash drives. Cruzer Titanium is a sleek, USB 2.0 hi-speed flash storage drive that is virtually indestructible and designed to physically protect the valuable data of business and power users. The announcement was made at the annual CeBIT Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1, Stand 4E6.

Cruzer Titanium will be manufactured using an advanced Titanium alloy from Liquidmetal® Technologies, commonly used for aerospace, medical devices, sporting goods and other applications that require lightweight strength and the ability to withstand extremes of temperature. This unique alloy is approximately 2.5 times the strength of titanium.** . Its superior strength, hardness, high corrosion and wear resistance make it ideal for the Cruzer Titanium.

Sandisk 1 gigabyte XD-Picture Card is introduced at CeBIT. The Sandisk 1 Gb XD Card is aimed at owners of Olympus and Fuji digital camera owners. The Sandisk 1Gb XD-Picture card will ship in April for $139.99 in the U.S.

Sandisk Press Release

New High- Megapixel Olympus And Fuji Cameras Spark Demand For High-Capacity xD-Picture Cards

HANNOVER, GERMANY, MARCH 10, 2005 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today doubled the capacity of its xD-Picture Card™ and introduced a one gigabyte (GB)* version (Type M) of the popular flash memory card. The announcement was made at the annual CeBIT show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1, Stand 4E6.

The announcement follows the introduction last month of 10 new, four megapixel and higher digital cameras by Olympus and Fuji that are fully compatible with the 1GB xD-Picture Card.

Susan Park, SanDisk’s xD product marketing manager, said, “These new Olympus and Fuji digital cameras are all in the four-to-seven megapixel range, and consumers who buy them are going to benefit significantly by using high capacity flash storage cards. Higher megapixel cameras and video recording features typically require higher data storage capacities. Our new 1GB xD-Picture Card will ensure that consumers can take plenty of pictures each time they use their camera and not worry about running out of memory capacity.”

Ulead Press Release

Ulead VideoStudio 9 Meets Video Editing Needs of Both Novices & Hobbyists

Novices can make movies instantly with automated DV-to-DVD Wizard while hobbyists have complete creative control with powerful features such as Chroma Keying and Flash Animation Overlays

CeBIT (Hannover, Germany) – March 10, 2005 – As more and more consumers use digital camcorders, cameras, and camera phones to take videos and photos, all too often these digital memories never reach their intended audience. To help consumers begin sharing these memories as fun-to-watch DVD movies and slideshows, Ulead Systems, Inc., a 15-year developer of digital media software, debuts VideoStudio 9, the newest version of its easy-to-use and powerful video editing software. Ulead designed VideoStudio 9 to make it scalable, with three different video editing modes, to meet the skill level and various project demands of both novices and hobbyists.

Ulead Press Release

Ulead Announces DVD MovieFactory 4 Disc Creator – New Version of DVD Burning & Creation Software for Videos, Photos, Data and Music

Latest version of DVD Creation Software Takes User-Friendly Layout to Next Level while Offering Convenient Quick-Drop Task Icons, and Creative DVD Menu Design Tools

CeBIT (Hannover, Germany)– March 10,  2005 – Ulead Systems, Inc., a 15-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, announces Ulead® DVD MovieFactory™ 4 Disc Creator, the latest version of its all-in-one consumer-level DVD creation software for the PC.  DVD MovieFactory 4 Disc Creator offers useful digital media tools such as the ability to burn audio DVDs, fit dual layer DVDs to a single layer disc and quickly sync music to an MP3 player. At the same time, it enables consumers to turn videos and photos into DVD movies and slideshows to watch on TV with a professional-looking DVD menu. DVD MovieFactory 4 Disc Creator is the right fit for anyone who wants a variety of tools to handle their digital media as well as the ability to create polished home movies, slideshows and business presentations.

Canon UK Press Release

IDC names Canon number one in European digital camera market for third consecutive year

· International Data Corporation (IDC) annual research positions Canon in first place for Western European digital camera sales in 2004
· 58% annual growth recorded for Western European digital camera market in 2004
· Canon supports predicted 2005 D-SLR market growth with launch of the EOS 350D

Figures released by analyst house IDC confirm that Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is the market leader in Western European digital camera sales for the third consecutive year.

Canon increased its leadership position in 2004 to claim a 16.8% share of the entire Western European digital camera market, which saw total shipments across all brands exceed 25 million units . With sales of 4.2 million units of digital SLR (D-SLR) and compact digital cameras in 2004, Canon has achieved an increase of over 66.6% on equivalent sales in 2003. 

According to IDC research, 38.4 million (24.4%) of all households in Western Europe own a digital camera. This trend looks set to continue with household penetration rates expected to increase further in 2005.

Konica Minolta UK Press Release

Konica Minolta AF DT ZOOM 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 (D), AF DT ZOOM 11-18mm F4.5-5.6 (D), and AF DT ZOOM 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 (D) lenses to become available in Autumn 2005

Konica Minolta announces the development of three new “DT” lenses – interchangeable Digital Technology (DT) lenses designed for the Dynax Series digital SLR cameras, including the Dynax 7D.

These new zoom lenses will expand the line up of Konica Minolta interchangeable lenses for Dynax Series cameras. The DT lenses employ a new optical system that is specifically designed for digital SLR cameras, including the Dynax 7D, which incorporate an APS-C size CCD image sensor. Konica Minolta plans to launch these Digital Technology (DT) Lenses Worldwide in the Autumn of 2005.

Providing interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras with an optical system optimised for the popular Dynax 7D, meets the needs of users who would prefer to take ultra-wide-angle pictures, users who would like to take pictures with a compact standard zoom, and users who would like to easily take telephoto shots without interchanging the lens.

“Today’s digital photographers require the same versatility and high quality images that they’ve come to expect with their previous Dynax 35mm cameras” said Paul Genge, Product Manager, Konica Minolta Photo Imaging (UK) Limited. “The announcement of these new DT lenses confirms our message to photographers everywhere that Konica Minolta recognises the importance of the Dynax 7D SLR as a central building block for their digital camera systems.”

The HP Photosmart 375 allows you to print 6x4 inch colour and black and white borderless photos at up to 4800x1200-optimized dpi in the comfort of your own home. The HP Photosmart 375 is a thermal inkjet printer that can be used without a computer. It has a built-in memory card reader (supporting 7 different formats) and can also be connected to any PictBridge-compatible camera. Using the supplied HP Bluetooth Wireless Adapter, you can make prints from any Bluetooth compatible device. So is the HP Photosmart 375 the ultimate portable 6x4 inch printer? Read my review to find out.

Website: HP Photosmart 375 Review

Adobe Press Release

SAN JOSE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 8, 2005—Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE - News) today announced that Hasselblad and Leica Camera AG are among the first camera manufacturers to commit to support the Digital Negative Specification (DNG). Hasselblad will work to allow export to the Digital Negative (.DNG) file format and Leica plans to include native support within their new camera models. Just a few months after Adobe announced the free Adobe DNG Converter, which translates all Photoshop® supported raw photo formats into the new universal .DNG file format, Hasselblad and Leica, along with respected software companies Phase One (Capture One), DxO Labs, Extensis Portfolio and iView, have rallied around this single unified file format for archiving raw files.

Thanks to Dave Trayers for letting me know.

Mike Johnston’s “Sunday Morning Photographer” column this month urges you to forget digital and go buy yourself a film camera instead…

“The F100 is a superb used buy. Being a Nikon and being so clearly the near-pro, hyper-hobbyist body in the film lineup, it’s just the kind of camera that was lapped up in the thousands by well-heeled amateurs who love photography but may not get to shoot much. In that these are just the sort of folks who are offloading their film gear lately to finance the digital wallet drain, the used market is awash with good used F100s. $600 will get you a fine one almost anywhere, and I’ve even seen perfectly good ones dip into the high $400 range. The F100 might not be quite the perfect modern camera (that’s the F6’s role), but it’s the most perfect modern camera anybody’s ever been able to buy for five hundred bucks.”

Website: The Sunday Morning Photographer: Just to be Contrary

Fujifilm have released a new firmware update for the 4.1 Megapixel Fuji FinePix F450 Zoom.

This Firmware (Ver.2.10) update incorporates the following issues:
- LCD monitor automatically increases gain in dark scenes for easier composition.

Website: Fuji FinePix F450 Zoom Firmware Update

Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix F450 Zoom

Write a Review of the Fuji FinePix F450 Zoom

Fujifilm have released a new firmware update for the 4.1 megapixel Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom.

This Firmware (Ver.2.10) update incorporates the following issues:
- LCD monitor automatically increases gain in dark scenes for easier composition.

Website: Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom Firmware

Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom

Write a Review of the Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom

Kodak Press Release

Kodak Introduces Free Professional Plug-In Actions for ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS Software Users, and Updates DIGITAL SHO Professional Plug-In to Support 16-bit Images

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 8—Eastman Kodak Company today introduced new Actions for its professional suite of image correction and enhancement plug-ins that work in Adobe Photoshop CS Software. The Actions expand automatic image correction capabilities by optimizing the plug-ins for creating unique effects and more beautiful pictures.  The Actions require Adobe PHOTOSHOP CS Software and the professional versions of the plug-ins. Once the Actions are loaded into the Actions Palette and played, they perform in a fully automatic mode but can be modified by advanced users for custom results. With this introduction, there is a unique Action available for each of the four professional plug-ins: DIGITAL ROC Professional Plug-In for color restoration; DIGITAL SHO Professional Plug-In for revealing details hidden in shadows and highlights; DIGITAL GEM Professional Plug-In for reduction of noise and grain; and DIGITAL GEM Airbrush Professional Plug-In for smoothing skin surfaces.

BIOS magazine have just reviewed the Lexmark P315 portable photo printer.

“Lexmark’s latest printer makes printing 6x4in. photos a snap. Competing directly with Epson’s excellent PictureMate (£127 ex. VAT), the P315 portable photo printer slightly undercuts Epson’s offering and still manages to integrate a 2.5in. LCD preview screen (the PictureMate’s LCD is fixed and monochrome only), but its build and output quality are equally poor. The P315 is a really disappointing offering from a company with so much printing experience.”

Website: BIOS Magazine - Lexmark P315 Printer Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Lexmark P315

Write a Review of the Lexmark P315

DIWA member and Norwegian website digIT have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA).

“Although Olympus praise the model for high performance, the results were still quite surprising. I had not expected such good image quality from a compact model with 7.1 Megapixel and 5x zoom.”

Website: digIT - Olympus C-70 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus C-70 Zoom

Write a review of the Olympus C-70 Zoom