Epson Stylus Photo R1800 has been announced today by Epson UK. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. The Stylus Photo R1800 will retail in the UK for £399.99 inc Vat and $549.99 in the USA. As the older Epson Stylus Photo 2100 currently costs over £400, this sounds like a bargain to me (especially as I paid over £500 for the Epson 2100 in early 2004!).

Epson UK Press Release

EPSON(r) introduces new bench-mark A3 photo printer for photo enthusiasts and semi professional photographers

The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 photo printer, the latest addition to Epson’s photo printer portfolio, is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers.

February 2005 - Epson announces the launch of the Stylus Photo R1800 printer. Available from April 2005, it is to feature many of the award-winning capabilities of the successful Epson Stylus Photo R800.  The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 now delivers border-free printing up to an A3 format, enabling photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers to print images large enough for photographic exhibitions.

The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 delivers unsurpassed print performance in an A3 photo printer. High definition images are achieved through Epson’s UltraChrome(tm) Hi-Gloss pigment ink, which is delivered in 1.5 picolitre (pl) droplets to capture the finest details.  It includes Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Blue, Red, Photo Black, Matte Black and Gloss Optimizer Technology. The inclusion of red and blue ink increases the colour gamut and colour space, primarily making it closer (and in some areas wider) than Silver Halide, essential for photographers requiring premium colour reproduction.  The Gloss Optimizer provides a smooth gloss finish to prints for exceptional premium glossy and semi-gloss prints.

Canon EOS 20Da is quietly introduced by Canon Japan. The 20Da is a new version of the Canon EOS 20D digital SLR camera that has been modified to make it suitable for astro or infra-red photography. The “hot mirror”, which filters out the infrared part of the colour spectrum, has been removed from the 20D a, and it also has a partially transmissive mirror, which allows for live focusing on the LCD monitor on the rear of the camera. The Canon EOS 20Da als has a new noise reduction capability specifically for high ISO use. No news yet on availability and price outside of Japan (stay tuned!).

Website: Canon Japan - Canon EOS 20Da

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

Write a Review of the Canon EOS 20D

Kodak and Lexar Press Release

Kodak and Lexar Expand Flash Memory Card Line-Up to Include Popular Mobile Card Formats

CANNES, France—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 14, 2005—miniSD, Reduced Size MMC (RS-MMC), MMCmobile Formats Make It Easy to Print, Share, and Store Pictures Anytime, Anywhere

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) and Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR) today announced the further expansion of the KODAK flash memory card line to include popular formats for mobile devices including mobile camera phones and PDAs.

“Generations of people have trusted Kodak to help them take and preserve pictures. Our introduction of the new KODAK memory cards is yet another way of extending such trust and reliability to the mobile imaging market,” said Claudio D’Amico, general manager, worldwide memory business, Digital and Film Imaging Systems, Eastman Kodak Company. “The mobile memory card formats—miniSD, Reduced Size MMC, and MMCmobile cards—will be competitively priced and offered at retail locations where memory cards and mobile devices are currently sold.”

Konica Minolta today launches a Cashback Promotion for the Dynax 7D digital SLR. From 14/02/05 until 15/4/05 any purchaser of the Dynax 7D within the UK and Republic of Ireland can also purchase a lens** and/or Program Flash 5600HSD Flashgun and receive up to £150.00 cashback. Consumers within the Republic of Ireland can claim up to €216.00. Click the link below to see the list of lenses and a link to a PDF version of the cashback voucher.

The Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z55 fits into the ultra-compact family of digital cameras, being about the same size as a credit card at just 8cms by 6cms and weighing a mere 130g. Despite its diminutive dimensions, Casio have still managed to include both a 5 megapixel CCD sensor and a massive 2.5-inch LCD screen which dominates the rear of the camera. In addition, the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z55 has a 3x optical zoom, a battery life of around 400 shots and no less than 23 different Scene modes to help you achieve the correct exposure. So is the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z55 the ultimate, carry-with-you-everywhere digital camera? Read my extensive review to find out.

Website: Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z55 Review

Konica Minolta UK Press Release

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging (UK) Limited Management Restructure

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging (UK) Limited announces changes to management positions.

By mutual agreement Laurie Moore, Sales and Marketing Director stands down with immediate effect. Laurie Moore joined Minolta (UK) Limited in 1993 as General Manager of the Photographic Division presiding over record growth, notably between 1993 to 2003, quadrupling turnover and profitability. Laurie played a major role in the successful merger of Konica and Minolta in 2003. He leaves Konica Minolta having established a firm foundation for growth and continued strength within a competitive marketplace.

Pocket-Lint have published a brief review of the Olympus C-470 ZOOM (also known as the D-590 Zoom), a digicam with four megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 1.8” anti-glare LCD screen.

“This is a nice, compact machine and one that brings 4-megapixels to the masses at a superb price. But the smoothing of detail by over processing means the larger prints made possible by the high resolution are not what they could have been, so the C-470 is good rather than great.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Olympus C-470 ZOOM Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus C-470 ZOOM

Write a Review of the Olympus C-470 ZOOM

DIWA member and Danish website Digital Magasinet have published a review of the new Canon BubbleJet i9950 printer.

Website: Digital Magasinet - Canon BubbleJet i9950 Review

The Czech website Digineff have reviewed the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 digital camera, which incorporates anti-shake technology and a swivelling LCD monitor.

Website: Digineff - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200

The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens is announced today. Designed for digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors, the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens offer a focal length equivalent to approximately 16-32mm (assuming a 1.6x focal factor). The Sigma 10-20mm lens will fit Sigma, Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras. Price and availability to be confirmed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Super wide-angle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras

- Compact and lightweight ultra wide-angle zoom lens
- Covering an extensive angle of view of 102.4° to 63.8°
- Three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and three aspherical lenses produce top quality optical performance by controlling aberrations
- Inner focusing system ensures the length of the lens remains unchanged whilst focusing
- HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system complete with full time manual focus override
- Minimum focusing distance of 24cm (9.4”) at all focal lengths

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens.

The super wide-angle capability of the 10-20mm zoom makes it a very powerful tool for both indoor and landscape photography. It is specifically designed to optimise results with digital SLR cameras encorporating APS-C size image sensors.

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC lens is announced. Designed for use with digital SLR cameras, the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC lens covers wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths and features an inner focusing system so that the front of the lens does not rotate. The Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC lens is available for Sigma, Canon, Nikon, and Pentax digital SLRs. Price and availability to be confirmed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Compact, Lightweight Superzoom lens with high zoom ratio 1:11

- Exclusively designed for use with digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras.
- High zoom ratio 1:11
- Compact and Lightweight construction with diameter of 70mm (2.8”), length of 78.1mm (3.1”) and weight of 405g./14.3oz.
- Minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) at all focal lengths

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC lens.

This high zoom ratio lens is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements and two hybrid aspherical lenses offer the utmost correction for all types of aberrations, and enable this extended range super zoom lens to be housed in a compact and lightweight construction of 70mm (2.8”) diameter, and 78.1mm (3.1”) in length, and weighing just 405g/14.3oz. The new lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum colour balance. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) at all focal lengths and has maximum magnification of 1:4.4.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is a fast large aperture lens designed for digital SLR cameras. When used on a DSLR with an APS-C sized sensor, the 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is equivalent to approx. 52mm. The Sigma 30mm lens is available for Sigma, Canon and Nikon cameras. Price and availability to be confirmed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM

- Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4
- New special lens coating reduces flare and ghosting in digital SLR cameras
- Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and a hybrid aspherical lens provide the utmost correction for all types of aberrations
- Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens.

This large aperture 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens is designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration.

Sigma are launching DG EX versions of 10 telephoto lenses. The Sigma DG EX lenses are optimised for use with digital SLR cameras. The 10 new Sigma EX DG telephoto lenses join the 13 other EX DG models in the same digital lens range. Prices and availability to be confimed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Sigma Launches DG Version of Ten Telephoto Lenses

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of ten DG EX telephoto lenses.
The recent rapid growth of the digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera market has greatly increased the demand for digitally optimised lenses.

The Sigma Corporation began production of the DG wide-angle lens series in 2000. This range has grown to include 13 models by February 14th 2005. Sigma is now launching ten new EX DG telephoto lenses including three fixed focal length telephoto lenses. The EX DG telephoto lens series is designed to deliver ultra high performance with digital SLR cameras.

The following lenses are all fully dedicated and matched to work with our 1.4x and 2x tele converters giving the utmost in image quality. All these lenses come complete with matched lens hoods and fitted padded cases. HSM focusing is used extensively throughout the range.

Pentax *istDS Silver is introduced by Pentax UK. The *istDS Silver is a silver-coloured version of Pentax’s popular digital SLR, with the same specification as the black version. Price and availability of the Pentax *istDS Silver are to be confirmed.

Pentax UK Press Release

PENTAX Adds a Silver-Coloured Version to Its Popularly Priced Compact Digital SLR Camera

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of a silver-coloured version to the popular PENTAX *istDS digital SLR camera. Named the PENTAX *istDS Silver, it offers the same user-friendly features and high-standard specifications as the original black-coloured version, except for its body colour. With a choice of two attractive colours, the *istDS now extends outstanding manoeuvrability, simplified operations and an affordable price to a broader range of quality-conscious digital SLR users.

The PENTAX Optio50 has been announced by Pentax UK. The Optio50 is an easy to use and compact digital camera with a 3x zoom lens and 5 megapixels. The price of the Optio 50 is £149.99 and it will be available in April.

Pentax UK Press Release

The PENTAX Optio50 — the Compact Digital Camera Enabling Even Novices to Achieve Impressive Images with Easy Operation

PENTAX introduces the new Optio50 — a compact, lightweight digital camera that makes digital photography easy for virtually anyone. Incorporating a handy “Simple” mode, it allows the user to quickly choose an icon that matches the subject at hand and have the camera select all the optimal settings automatically for the best possible results. And to ensure easy use continues no matter where you go, the Optio50 has also been designed to be powered by AA batteries, which are widely available internationally. But to be worthy of the PENTAX name, of course, ease of use is simply not enough. Indeed, the Optio50 offers the power and clarity of a 3X optical zoom lens and the sheer detail and high-level resolution of 5.0 effective megapixels, making it as sharp at shooting as it is easy to use.

Pentax OptioS5n unveiled by Pentax UK. The OptioS5n is a stylish and compact 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD screen. The Optio S5n will cost £249.99 and be available in March.

Pentax Press Release

The PENTAX OptioS5n — a Stylish Digital Camera Combining a 2.0-inch LCD monitor, Ultra-compact Dimensions, High Performance and Exceptional Ease of Use

PENTAX introduces the new OptioS5n — a stylish and compact digital camera with ultra-compact, lightweight appeal. What’s more, it also offers the power of 5.0 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens incorporating PENTAX’s unique Sliding Lens System. Developed in line with the OptioS series concept of being “stylish and ultra-compact to enable it to be worn like an accessory”, there’s so much more to the OptioS5n than its stylish, elegant appearance. Indeed with an easy-to-see 2.0-inch large LCD monitor, a useful Mode Palette function that simplifies shooting and playback and the advantage of MPEG-4 file format for high-quality, extended duration movies, the OptioS5n is every bit as versatile as it is attractive.

O’Reilly Press Release

The Magic of Digital Artists Revealed

O’Reilly Releases “Creating Photomontages with Photoshop: A Designer’s Notebook”

Farnham, UK—Photomontages are multiple images artfully combined. When joined together, they assume a new and more complex definition that, if done well, is both believable and aesthetically thrilling. Imagine fresh laundry taking flight from a clothes dryer, a woman posed inside a perfume bottle, or a triptych that shows the play of light and shadow over the facade of a building at different times during the day. In “Creating Photomontages with Photoshop: A Designer’s Notebook” (Rodarmor, O’Reilly) well-known French artists reveal the techniques used in creating these and other projects.

ColorVision Spyder2 Plus has been announced by Datacolor ahead of PMA 2005. Dubbed the “Digital Darkroom in a Box”, Spyder2 Plus is a suite of tools for colour calibration and digital imaging. ColorVision Spyder2 Plus has a recommended price of $269.

Datacolor Press Release

Datacolor Announces ColorVision Spyder2 Plus, The ‘Digital Darkroom in a Box’ Provides ‘Start to Finish’ Accurate And Affordable Color on Monitors and in Print

ORLANDO, FL, Photo Marketing Association Show (PMA) – February 19, 2005 – Datacolor, a world color technology leader, today announced ColorVision® Spyder2 Plus™ (“The Digital Darkroom in a Box™”), a complete digital package for on screen and final output color accuracy. This new PANTONE® COLORVISION® product debuted today at the photo industry’s premiere press event, SNEAK PEAK, at the International PMA trade show, which runs from February 20 - 23 in Orlando, Florida. (ColorVision Booth No. 1908.)

ColorVision Spyder2 Plus provides a full suite of tools for anyone working with digital images and is frustrated by color discrepancy between the monitor image and final printout.  Based on ColorVision’s award-winning color display and output technology, Spyder2 Plus is combined (for FREE) with the latest digital imaging software from Adobe®–its hot new PhotoShop® Elements 3.0.

Datacolor Press Release

ColorVision Digital Imaging Products From Datacolor At Industry’s Premier Photography Show

A family of color correction tools for the photo digital imaging market on display at internationally attended PMA 2005

Orlando, FL, Photo Marketing Association Show (PMA) – February 9, 2005 Datacolor, a world color technology leader, unveils breakthroughs in its ColorVision® digital photo imaging product line at one of the industry’s most important international shows. Photo Marketing Association (PMA) serves over 18, 000 members in more than 100 countries.  Its 2005 Annual Convention and Trade Show runs from February 20 - 23 in Orlando, Florida.

The PANTONE® COLORVISION® family of products will be showcased at the ColorVision Booth No. 1908 at PMA 2005. The newest member of the family product line, ColorVision® Spyder2 Plus™ (The Digital Darkroom In a Box™) will debut at the show’s premiere press event, SNEAK PEAK on Saturday, February 19th, 2005.

Epson Stylus Photo R1800 has been announced by Epson America, according to a news item over at Imaging Resource. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed in July last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. I concluded my review by saying “Now, if Epson were to bring out an A3 version of the Stylus Photo R800, and I’m sure they will, one day, hopefully, fingers crossed, then that will definitely be the perfect photo printer.” The Stylus Photo R1800 will retail in the USA for $549.

Website: Imaging Resource - Epson announces Stylus Photo R1800