Epson America / Sprint Press Release

New Option Makes it Easy and Convenient for Sprint Customers to Print Camera-Phone Photos

Orlando, Fla. (Photo Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show) – Feb. 18, 2005- Epson America Inc. and Sprint (NYSE: FON) have teamed to make it easier and more convenient for Sprint customers to print photos stored in their Picture MailSM online albums on their home printers using a new feature for the site, Print at Home.

Beginning this spring, Sprint customers using Picture Mail will have the option to print the photos stored in their online album directly to their home printer, regardless of brand, using Epson’s popular Print at Home capabilities at no additional cost. Family and friends who receive a Picture Share can also use this feature at no additional cost.

Kodak Easyshare Z7590 and Z730 digital cameras are announced. The Kodak Easyshare Z7590 has 5 megapixels, 10x zoom lens and wil cost $450. The Kodak Easyshare Z730 has 5 megapixels, 4x zoom lens and wil cost $350. Both the Z7590 and Z730 will be available in May 2005.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE Z7590 and Z730 Digital Cameras Deliver Greater Picture Range via Extended Zoom

Z-Series Designed to Bring Everyday Picture Takers Closer to their Subjects

ORLANDO, Fla., February 18 — Eastman Kodak Company today announced two additions to the new line of KODAK EASYSHARE Z-Series digital cameras, which now features four models with extended optical zoom lenses up to 10X. The KODAK EASYSHARE Z-Series cameras help everyday picture takers get closer, better, more creative shots.

The new KODAK EASYSHARE Z7590 (10X optical zoom, 5 megapixel resolution, US$449.95 MSRP) and Z730 (4X optical zoom, 5 megapixel resolution, US$349.95 MSRP) digital cameras combine fast-performing, point-and-shoot flexibility with the photographic control achieved through extended optical zoom lenses. They join the previously announced EASYSHARE Z740 and Z700 cameras, which are now shipping.

smc PENTAX DA 50mm-200mm F4-5.6 ED lens has been announced by PENTAX Imaging Company, designed for use with the *ist D and the *ist DS digital SLR cameras. The smc PENTAX DA 50mm-200mm F4-5.6 ED lens features a responsive “Quick-Shift Focus System” and is equivalent to 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format.

Pentax Press Release

Golden, CO. (February 17, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a compact, lightweight, interchangeable telephoto zoom lens for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras.  The smc PENTAX DA 50mm-200mm F4-5.6 ED is the fifth DA-Series lens offered by the photo manufacturer.

Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX KAF-mount digital SLR cameras including the *ist D and the *ist DS digital SLRs, the new lens offers 4X zoom coverage in the telephoto range.  Further, the lens features an angle of view from 31.5 degrees to 8.1 degrees (equivalent in focal length from 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format).

Lexar Press Release

Lexar to Demonstrate LockTight Digital Imaging Security Solution at PMA

PMA 2005 Feb. 17, 2005 Lexar Media, Inc., a leading marketer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today announced that the company will demonstrate its LockTight(TM) CompactFlash digital image security solution, at the upcoming PMA show in Orlando beginning Sunday, February 20. Lexar’s LockTight flash memory cards incorporate a high level of flash memory card security, while maintaining digital camera performance. Nikon’s D2X is the first camera to incorporate this new technology and address the security need of its customers.

SEEFILE INTRODUCES SOFTWARE FOR MAKING ONLINE CATALOGS EASY AND CHEAP FOR DESIGNERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND LABS

News Highlights…
—The Mac-based software allows users to easily post their photos, artwork, text files and PDFs online in minutes;
—As an introductory promotion, SeeFile and its dealers are combining a 10-user version of the software with Apple’s new Mac mini for $995.
—For more information, please visit the SeeFile website (www.seefile.com) or contact their Boston offices at 617-262-2464.

ORLANDO—February 17, 2005—At the Photo Marketing Association’s (PMA) annual conference, SeeFile, a Boston-based start-up, will introduce a software package that not only simplifies the process of creating online catalogs, but makes the process and maintenance quite affordable. The Macintosh-based software is aimed at photographers, designers, and smaller graphic arts shops who are looking for a way to promote their work and interact with customers on the Internet. Traditional solutions to this problem have cost as much as $50,000. The SeeFile system is being introduced at PMA for an early adopter’s special price of $995, including hardware.  Once plugged into a network, it provides instant Web access for any images stored on the system.

SmartDisk Press Release

FORT MYERS, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 17, 2005—SmartDisk Corporation, a leading provider of portable, network and multimedia storage products and technologies, today introduced FotoChute(TM), a USB On-The-Go photo storage device.

“Pocket-sized FotoChute offers a fast, convenient and easy way to directly transfer digital photos from your camera,” states Charles Klinker, Vice President of Marketing for SmartDisk. “Simply plug FotoChute into the USB port of your camera and, with one touch, copy and safely store your photos.” FotoChute holds over 20,000 photos (at 800KB file size) on the internal 20GB hard drive and can be connected directly to a PC to offload images to share with family and friends.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon continues commitment to analogue camera market with the Sure Shot 130u Mark II Date

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the Sure Shot 130u Mark II Date – a fully automatic 35mm lens shutter camera with a 3.4x zoom lens. Lightweight and compact, the camera features 3-point AiAF with a high AF speed, and a Light Guide zoom flash. With six shooting modes, a signal beeper and five custom functions, the Sure Shot 130u Mark II Date is designed for ease of use and versatility.

Canon UK Press Release

Simplicity from Canon’s new MV880X digital video camera

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new flagship to the MV800 digital video camera series: the 1.33 Megapixel MV880X. The camcorder is designed to appeal to style conscious first time buyers looking for quality, simplicity and high resolution 16:9 mode. With its dark metal finish, the MV880X combines Canon’s easiest ever operation with uncompromising build quality and precision optics.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new advanced image stabiliser MVX40 series digital video cameras

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the release of two new optical image stabilizer digital video cameras, the 2.2 Megapixel 14x zoom MVX45i and 10x zoom MVX40. Drawing on Canon’s heritage in digital still camera development, the two digital video cameras incorporate many advanced digital still camera features, functions and effects that surpass that of many purpose-built digital cameras. Both models feature 16:9 widescreen mode, built in stills flash, and Super Bright 2.5” colour LCD screen.

OLYMPUS INTRODUCES NEW UNDERWATER HOUSINGS FOR EVOLT E-300 DIGITAL SLR, ZUIKO DIGITAL SPECIFIC LENSES, AND FL-36 FLASH

High Performance of a Digital SLR is Taken to a New Level with Camera Body, Lenses and Flash Reaching Depths of Up to 180 Feet in Heavy-Duty Housings

Melville, New York, February 17, 2005 – Olympus today announced the PT-E01 Underwater Housing for the EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR, as well as a series of housings ports for several E-System Zuiko Digital Specific™ Lenses and the FL-36 Flash. Specifically designed for the EVOLT E-300 camera and the Zuiko Digital Lenses, these durable housings enable underwater imaging aficionados to explore digital photography in the beauty of the undersea world.

Olympus USA Press Release

OLYMPUS INTRODUCES NEW UNDERWATER HOUSINGS FOR STYLUS 500 AND C-7070 WIDE ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERAS

Cameras Reach Depths of Up to 130 Feet Thanks to Heavy-Duty Housing Construction, LCD Hood Cuts Down Glare for Viewing and Shooting Images  

Melville, New York, February 17, 2005 – Olympus today introduced the PT-026 Underwater Housing designed for use with its Stylus 500 digital camera, and the PT-027 Underwater Housing for the C-7070 Wide Zoom. These stylish and durable transparent polycarbonate housings support underwater digital imaging enthusiasts and are also ideal for use during activities that call for ultimate protection from the elements such as snowboarding, fishing, kayaking, or even in certain industrial situations.

Concord Camera Press Release

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. INTRODUCES EASYSHOT—THE ULTIMATE FAMILY-FRIENDLY POPULAR PRICED DIGITAL CAMERAS

8 Megapixel & 5 Megapixel Digital Cameras Offer Key Features, such as One-Touch ImageEnhance™, Extra-Large 2.5-Inch LCD & Direct Print Capabilities

Hollywood, FL, February 17, 2005—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENSE), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, affordably-priced image capture products, announced the unveiling of the new EasyShot line at the Photo Marketing Association Trade Show PMA on February 20th 2005.  The ultimate line of family-friendly digital cameras, EasyShot was designed to offer unsurpassed ease of use, advanced features at popular prices, and an exciting new look and feel that family memory keepers and first-time digital camera users will prefer.

Concord Camera Press Release

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. Breaks $100 Price Barrier With World’s First 5 Megapixel Super-slim Digital Camera for Only $99

Hollywood, FL, February 17, 2005—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENSE), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, affordably-priced cameras, announced today that it will introduce the Concord 5042, the world’s first 5 megapixel super-slim digital camera priced at only $99.00, at next week’s Photo Marketing Association Trade Show (PMA) in Orlando, Florida.  The Concord 5042 and higher performance Concord 5040 at $129.00, pack a powerful 5 megapixel sensor into ultra-slim designs, that offer consumers more pixels for the price than ever before.

Canon Digital IXUS 50 is launched, 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 IXUS 50 will be available from early April 2005 for £319.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches its smallest ever 5.0 Megapixel optical zoom camera – the Digital IXUS 50

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the 5.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 50. Based on the sleek compact body shape of recently released Digital IXUS 40, the superbly finished stainless steel Digital IXUS 50 features a similar range of new features introduced with its big brother, the Digital IXUS 700.

Canon Digital IXUS 700 is introduced today; a 7.1 megapixel digital camera, the Canon IXUS 700 features a 3.0x optical zoom, large 2.0” LCD and high quality VGA video clips at 30fps. The IXUS 700 has a silky finish and distinctive curves, while rounded contours exaggerate an already slender body. The Canon Digital IXUS 700 8% lighter than the previous top-of-range Digital IXUS 500. The IXUS 700 will be available from late March 2005 for £399.

Canon UK Press Release

7 Megapixel Digital IXUS 700 flagship sets new standards in style

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new flagship to the IXUS range, the 7.1 Megapixel Digital IXUS 700. With a host of new features and a unique ‘Perpetual Curve’ contoured design, the camera’s brushed stainless steel ‘titanium grey’ exterior continues the IXUS tradition of pushing compact camera design into new territories.

Canon SELPHY CP600 Compact Photo Printer has been introduced. The SELPHY CP600 is battery-powered and incorporates Canon’s DIGIC II image processing engine. The dye sublimation CP600 offers 100 years light fastness and supports 100 x 150mm, credit card size, mini-stickers and 100mm x 200mm wide media. The Canon SELPHY CP 600 will be available from early April 2005 for £199.

Canon UK Press Release

Mobile SELPHY CP600 Compact Photo Printer first to incorporate DIGIC II

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the battery-powered SELPHY CP600 Compact Photo Printer. The new flagship to the SELPHY range offers 69 second portable photo prints direct from any PictBridge compatible digital camera or digital video camera via USB connection. When connected to Canon’s latest Digital IXUS cameras, print times decrease to just 63 seconds.

Canon PIXMA MP760 Multifunction Photo Centre is a new multifunctional printer which includes a Film Adapter Unit for 35mm film scanning, plus a a 2.5 inch colour LCD screen. The photo printer on the MP760 offers 4800 x 1200 dpi and 2 picolitre ink droplets. The PIXMA MP760 will be available from March 2005 for £299.

Canon UK Press Release

Film-capable PIXMA MP760 Multifunction Photo Centre tops Canon range

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the PIXMA MP760: Canon’s first high-end inkjet multifunctional product (MFP) to feature a Film Adapter Unit for 35mm film scanning. Designed as a comprehensive platform for photo printing from both digital and analogue sources, the device is Canon’s first MFP to feature a 2.5” colour LCD screen and simple user interface for quick image previews, adjustment and printing without a PC.

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is announced. The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro is equivalent to the popular EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM when used on the EOS 20D, EOS 300D and the new EOS 350D digtal SLR cameras. The EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens will be available from March 2005 for £349.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens – New for Canon D-SLRs

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens. Targeted at advanced and creative D-SLR photographers, the lens exclusively fits those digital EOS cameras with an APS-C size sensor and an EF-S lens mount - the EOS 20D, EOS 300D and the new EOS 350D. Featuring a true 1:1 macro magnification ratio, the lens has a focal length equivalent of 96mm in the 35mm format. This very closely matches the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon’s most popular single focal length lens.

Canon EOS 350D is announced today. The EOS 350D (called the EOS Digital Rebel XT in the USA) is an updated version of the popular Canon EOS 300D DSLR. The EOS 350D Digital features a new APS-C size 8 Megapixel CMOS sensor. The Canon EOS 350D is powered by the same DIGIC II image processor found in Canon’s professional series D-SLR cameras. The EOS 350D features 3 frames per second, 14 frame burst operation, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface, simultaneous RAW and Large JPEG writing and 0.2 second start up time. The Canon EOS 350D will cost £749.99 and be available in March.

Canon UK Press Release

Introducing the new EOS 350D - Canon upgrades world’s best selling Digital SLR

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the upgrade to its hugely popular EOS 300D Digital SLR - the 8.0 Megapixel, 3 frame per second EOS 350D. The launch completes a refresh of the entire Digital EOS line-up and confirms Canon’s commitment to Digital SLR research and development.

On the day that I fly out to PMA, Canon decides to announce its latest products (sigh). Thanks to everyone who has emailed me to let me know about the pre-release rumours, releases and the post-release gossip. The official press releases are sitting in my inbox, but after an 9 hour flight I need to go and get something to eat :)