Category:

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Sony DCR-PC55ESony Europe Press Release

Sony presents the world’s smallest and lightest miniDV camcorder* and ultra-modern designed DVD Handycam (*As of November 2004)

The world’s smallest and lightest MiniDV format camcorder* the DCR-PC55E and DCR-PC53E will be launched in February 2005. (*As of November 2004)
 
The modern designed engineering DVD Handycam, DCR-DVD7 will be launched in May 2005
Thanks to mobile-friendly size and features the camcorders are always ready for shooting and playing back, whatever the situation.

DCR-PC55E and DCR-PC53E
Wherever you go, whenever you shoot, the world’s smallest and lightest Handycam is always on your side. The tiny DCR-PC55E and its sibling DCR-PC53E are scarcely larger than the mini DV cassettes they use. Fully featured, they are packed with innovative technology such as a 3.0-inch Hybrid LCD monitor which simply swivels round to display your high-resolution video.

DCR-DVD7E
The new design of the DVD Handycam DCR-DVD7E offers a brand new shooting style for camcorders. All the convenience of DVD recording has been combined with modern styling in the futuristic DCR-DVD7E, supporting DVD-R/-RW/+RW compatible formats for shooting and playing back.

Sony Europe Press Release Sony presents the world’s smallest and lightest miniDV camcorder* and ultra-modern designed DVD Handycam (*As of November 2004) The world’s smallest and lightest MiniDV format camcorder* the DCR-PC55E and DCR-PC53E will be launched in February 2005. (*As of November 2004) The modern designed engineering DVD Handycam…

Canon EOS 10DDxO Labs Email Newsletter

The year is finishing on a very high note at DxO Labs, especially as regards our developments for Canon users. Judge for yourself:

New from DxO for your Canon EOS 10D  
We’re pleased to announce that DxO Raw Engine now supports the Canon EOS 10D. So now you can enhance your Raw-format images taken using the following lenses:
 
Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX Diagonal Fisheye
Canon EF15mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Canon EF50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF85mm f/1.2L USM
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG
Canon EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM
Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC
Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (I or II)
Canon EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Tamron AF28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR (or XR Di)
Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM (non IS)
Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF70-200mm f/4L USM

DxO Labs Email Newsletter The year is finishing on a very high note at DxO Labs, especially as regards our developments for Canon users. Judge for yourself: New from DxO for your Canon EOS 10D We’re pleased to announce that DxO Raw Engine now supports the Canon EOS 10D. So…

Photos ForeverMedia Magick UK Press Release

This is to respectfully introduce ourselves and for you to consider if our product may be of use to yourselves.  Our company, Media Magick UK, is promoting a new product on behalf of Photos Forever who have developed a new and revolutionary way to produce images that are extremely durable and fade resistant under any conditions, including outdoors.

This was developed by Mr. Charles Kelly B.S.C (hons) and is tested to the very highest level by the British Standards (Please see report attached).

This is a process whereby an image is put onto either aluminium, being the lighter, or steel.  Steel being the more solid looking but both are of equal quality and make little difference except for with regard to shipping costs.  A coating is then placed over the top and it is this coating that Mr. Kelly has developed.

Media Magick UK Press Release This is to respectfully introduce ourselves and for you to consider if our product may be of use to yourselves. Our company, Media Magick UK, is promoting a new product on behalf of Photos Forever who have developed a new and revolutionary way to produce…

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

HP Photosmart R707Fortune Magazine have published their round-up pf the best technology of 2004, which includes the HP Photosmart R707 (pictured) as the year’s best point and shoot camera:

“This 5-megapixel model produces impressive shots for a $350 camera, but the thing that makes it special is its friendliness for beginning digital photographers. The R707 uses adaptive lighting to help the user take the best possible images in difficult situations, and it also has a help system that analyzes photos and recommends steps the shooter can take to create better shots.”

Other photography award winners included the Canon i9900 as best printer (with Epson PictureMate as runner-up) and Canon 20D as best digital SLR (with Nikon D70 as runner-up).

Thanks to Sanj for the link.

Website: Fortune Magazine (subscribers only)

Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart R707

Fortune Magazine have published their round-up pf the best technology of 2004, which includes the HP Photosmart R707 (pictured) as the year’s best point and shoot camera: “This 5-megapixel model produces impressive shots for a $350 camera, but the thing that makes it special is its friendliness for beginning digital…

Sony AccuCORESony Press Release

16x DVD-R and DVD+R First New Sony Products to Feature AccuCORE Technology

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Dec. 20, 2004 - Sony Electronics today announced a new development in recordable DVD media with the introduction of AccuCORE™ technology, delivering an enhanced level of recording accuracy, compatibility and reliability.

Sony’s new 16x DVD-R and DVD+R media will mark the first new product introductions to feature AccuCORE, which will also be implemented in the company’s 8x recordable DVD products.

Consumers recording on discs with AccuCORE technology are expected to appreciate five key benefits: wider compatibility for DVD-R and DVD+R recordings with various types of drives or recorders at various speeds; faster addressing of the DVD-R format in high-speed dubbing and time-shift playback applications; stable writing capabilities for both DVD-R and DVD+R formats through reduced disc vibrations at high speeds; greater temperature adaptability for optimal performance during extended burning processes for all (DVD-R/-RW and DVD+R/+RW) formats; and improved archival reliability for long-term storage, also for all formats.

Sony Press Release 16x DVD-R and DVD+R First New Sony Products to Feature AccuCORE Technology PARK RIDGE, N.J., Dec. 20, 2004 - Sony Electronics today announced a new development in recordable DVD media with the introduction of AccuCORE™ technology, delivering an enhanced level of recording accuracy, compatibility and reliability. Sony’s…

FujiFilm FinePix S5500 ZoomThe Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the FujiFilm FinePix S5500 Zoom digital camera (also known as the S5100 in the USA), which has a 10x optical zoom and 4 megapixel resolution and is the successor to the popular FinePix S5000 Zoom.

Website: Index Digicam - FujiFilm FinePix S5500 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the FujiFilm FinePix S5500 Zoom

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the FujiFilm FinePix S5500 Zoom digital camera (also known as the S5100 in the USA), which has a 10x optical zoom and 4 megapixel resolution and is the successor to the popular FinePix S5000 Zoom. Website: Index Digicam - FujiFilm…

KODAK EASYSHARE CX7530Spanish website Quesabesde has reviewed the Kodak Easyshare CX7530, a 5-megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens, selling for US$299.

Website: Quesabesde - Kodak Easyshare CX7530 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak Easyshare CX7530

Spanish website Quesabesde has reviewed the Kodak Easyshare CX7530, a 5-megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens, selling for US$299. Website: Quesabesde - Kodak Easyshare CX7530 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak Easyshare CX7530

Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPHDigitalCameraInfo have just reviewed the PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH (also known as the Digital IXUS IIs), which packs 3.2 megapixels into the smallest digital ELPH camera ever made with an optical zoom. Estimated street price is $299.

“Like all digital cameras, the Canon PowerShot SD110 has its pros and cons. It is very compact and easy to fit in a pocket. It’s durable with its attractive stainless steel frame, so it can survive a few drops and bumps. The layout is simple to use, and the menus follow suit. The camera even sports a Print/Share button to ease the stress of transferring photos directly to a printer. This Digital ELPH has 3.3 megapixels on its 1/2.7-inch CCD. The SD110 retails for $299, but can be found online for $200. The lens is from Canon, which is known for its optics. However, this camera only has 2x optical zoom – a definite letdown.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH

DigitalCameraInfo have just reviewed the PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH (also known as the Digital IXUS IIs), which packs 3.2 megapixels into the smallest digital ELPH camera ever made with an optical zoom. Estimated street price is $299. “Like all digital cameras, the Canon PowerShot SD110 has its pros and cons…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3Pocket-Lint have just reviewed the new 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3.

“In terms of image quality, the Z3 produces excellent shots. Colours are brilliant, white balance is well controlled and although many of my shots were taken on an overcast day, detail is still superb, just look at my macro picture of a Tulip. Some noise is evident at higher ISOs however but overall, a great performance from an unusually styled digicam.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3

Pocket-Lint have just reviewed the new 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3. “In terms of image quality, the Z3 produces excellent shots. Colours are brilliant, white balance is well controlled and although many of my shots were taken on an overcast day, detail is still superb, just look at my…

Fuji FinePix F440 ZoomPCMagazine has just reviewed the compact 4.1 Megapixel Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom.

“In our daylight test shots, we saw a slight color shift toward orange, which looks artificial in some shots, though it can enhance skin tones. We noted decent exposure, contrast, and detail but also saw a certain amount of softness—about what we’d expect, given its pixel transition score. Our flash shots were dull and had significant clipping in the highlights—altogether less impressive pictures than the daylight shots. In real-world shooting, however, the pictures were better than we expected, given these test results.”

Website: PCMagazine - Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom

PCMagazine has just reviewed the compact 4.1 Megapixel Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom. “In our daylight test shots, we saw a slight color shift toward orange, which looks artificial in some shots, though it can enhance skin tones. We noted decent exposure, contrast, and detail but also saw a certain amount…

Canon EOS 1D Mark IICanon have released a new firmware version for the EOS 1D MKII DSLR.

This firmware update (version 1.1.0) includes the following additional functons and improvements:

Improvements to AF tracking in AI Servo AF.
Reduced the time between when the camera is turned on and when it is ready to shoot.
Support added for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E1.

Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Firmware

Canon have released a new firmware version for the EOS 1D MKII DSLR. This firmware update (version 1.1.0) includes the following additional functons and improvements: Improvements to AF tracking in AI Servo AF. Reduced the time between when the camera is turned on and when it is ready to shoot…

FujiFilm FinePix S5100CNET have just reviewed the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S5100 digital compact camera.

“The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 replaces the S5000, which we praised for its features and form factor but criticized for subpar image quality and shortcomings in its design. The new model offers the same 10X zoom lens and a handful of feature and performance improvements, although some design drawbacks remain. The biggest change is the sensor; the previous model’s 3-megapixel SuperCCD HR has been replaced with a conventional 4-megapixel CCD, and image quality is much improved. “

Website: CNET - FujiFilm FinePix S5100 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix S5100 Zoom

CNET have just reviewed the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S5100 digital compact camera. “The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 replaces the S5000, which we praised for its features and form factor but criticized for subpar image quality and shortcomings in its design. The new model offers the same 10X zoom lens and…

Concord Eye-Q 5062AFPC Magazine have listed their 10 worst products for 2004, including a category for digital cameras:

“John C. Dvorak seems to think that a $99 Concord camera is just the ticket. Well, if it’s anything like the Concord 5062AF—don’t walk, run to another product instead. This camera claims to be five megapixels, and I’m sure that in some engineering fantasy land it pushes that many electrons. At about $200, it’s probably the cheapest 5MP camera you’ll see. But in this case, cheap doesn’t equal good.”

Website: PC Magazine - Ten to Avoid—The Worst Products of the Year

Website: Read my Review of the Concord Eye-Q 5062AF

PC Magazine have listed their 10 worst products for 2004, including a category for digital cameras: “John C. Dvorak seems to think that a $99 Concord camera is just the ticket. Well, if it’s anything like the Concord 5062AF—don’t walk, run to another product instead. This camera claims to be…

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLRCanon have released a new firmware version for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.

This firmware update (version 1.0.3) includes the following additional functions and improvements:

1. Improvements to AF tracking in AI Servo AF.
2. Reduction in color differences between RAW and JPEG thumbnail images.

Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Firmware Update Version 1.0.3

Canon have released a new firmware version for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR. This firmware update (version 1.0.3) includes the following additional functions and improvements: 1. Improvements to AF tracking in AI Servo AF. 2. Reduction in color differences between RAW and JPEG thumbnail images. Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II…

Nikon Coolpix 8400The Danish website Akamera.dk have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400.

Website: Akamera.dk - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8400

The Danish website Akamera.dk have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400. Website: Akamera.dk - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8400

ATP 2GB SD Flash CardAuphan Online have published a review of the new 2GB SD memnory card from ATP Electronics.

“So to sum it up, I have to say ATP gets my highest recommendation as the card to buy.  The performance is up there, but I think most people will benefit more from the added security of knowing your data is kept in a vault, and I mean that quite literally.  Secure Digital is designed to secure your data, but the definition needs to be expanded to include secure from harm- not just theft.  What’s the point of having your data secure if it’s easily wiped out from accidentally leaving it in your jeans that went through the washer/dryer?  The peace of mind knowing you can throw this thing around as much as you want without worry is reassuring.”

Website: Auphan Online - ATP 2GB SD Card Review

Auphan Online have published a review of the new 2GB SD memnory card from ATP Electronics. “So to sum it up, I have to say ATP gets my highest recommendation as the card to buy. The performance is up there, but I think most people will benefit more from the…

Pure Digital Technologies Press Release

New Under-$20 Digital One-Time-Use Camera Makes Great Gift-Giving Affordable for Everyone!

Monday December 20, 6:01 am ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/—Looking for the perfect under-$20 holiday gift? Does someone on your wish list want a pricey digital camera that’s just not in the holiday budget? Just in time for the holidays, Pure Digital Technologies, a leading provider of digital photography solutions for the mass market, is now offering the world’s only Digital One-Time-Use Camera with Picture Preview, available in over 3,000 CVS stores nationwide. Priced at under $20, this is camera makes the perfect last-minute gift or stocking stuffer for parents and kids alike.
The CVS Digital One-Time-Use Camera with Picture Preview is the first camera to combine the most popular features of the fast-growing digital camera market with the wildly popular disposable format. Ideal for holiday parties, the ski slopes and other vacation getaways-the Digital One-Time-Use Camera is the prefect easy-to-carry choice for any occasion when a more expensive camera is better left at home. With digital cameras topping America’s holiday wish lists, holiday shoppers everywhere need only go as far as their neighborhood CVS store to find the perfect gift.

Pure Digital Technologies Press Release New Under-$20 Digital One-Time-Use Camera Makes Great Gift-Giving Affordable for Everyone! Monday December 20, 6:01 am ET SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/—Looking for the perfect under-$20 holiday gift? Does someone on your wish list want a pricey digital camera that’s just not in the holiday…

Micron Technology Press Release

Micron Ships First Production 2 Gigabit 90 Nanometer NAND Flash Memory Products Today

NAND flash memory complements Micron’s broad portfolio of memory and image sensor products

Boise, ID, December 20, 2004 – Micron Technology, Inc., today shipped the Company’s first production 2 gigabit (Gb) NAND flash memory products, hitting the target of its entry strategy into the NAND market. The demand for increased memory in mobile and mass storage applications positions NAND flash as one of the fastest-growing semiconductor segments. Micron’s entry into this space with next-generation 2Gb densities enables the Company to capitalize on this segment growth.

Micron Technology Press Release Micron Ships First Production 2 Gigabit 90 Nanometer NAND Flash Memory Products Today NAND flash memory complements Micron’s broad portfolio of memory and image sensor products Boise, ID, December 20, 2004 – Micron Technology, Inc., today shipped the Company’s first production 2 gigabit (Gb) NAND flash…

Monday, December 20, 2004

Konica Minolta DiMAGE E40Konica Minolta UK News

The Konica Minolta DiMAGE E40 has been introduced to the UK, in limited distribution.

This model represents the first DiMAGE E series model since the DiMAGE E323.

The primary features of the DiMAGE E40 are;
4 Megapixels
3x Optical Zoom
2.0” type LCD Monitor

In addition to the standard accessories a case and charger/mains power adapter are included. SRP £179.99

The limited quantities of this model are expected to be exhausted before Christmas.

Konica Minolta UK News The Konica Minolta DiMAGE E40 has been introduced to the UK, in limited distribution. This model represents the first DiMAGE E series model since the DiMAGE E323. The primary features of the DiMAGE E40 are; 4 Megapixels 3x Optical Zoom 2.0” type LCD Monitor In addition…

Phase One P25Luminous Landscape have published their full review of the 22-megapixel Phase One P25 medium format digital back.

“I’m going to start with the conclusion first, so as not to keep you in suspense. The Phase One P25 22MP digital back is the finest instrument for recording photographic images that I have ever seen or used in 40 years as a photographer. I know them’s fight’ words, but possibly by the end of this report you’ll understand why I’m making this bold statement.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Phase One P25 Review

Luminous Landscape have published their full review of the 22-megapixel Phase One P25 medium format digital back. “I’m going to start with the conclusion first, so as not to keep you in suspense. The Phase One P25 22MP digital back is the finest instrument for recording photographic images that I…