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 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

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.
Support added for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E1.

Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Firmware

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 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

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 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

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 Firmware Update Version 1.0.3

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

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 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

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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

Kodak have released a new firmware version for their DCS range of digital SLR cameras, including the 14 megapixel DCS Pro SLR/n (pictured).

The new firmware offers the following changes:
- Fixed a problem that occasionally caused some Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems to restart when capturing bursts of images directly to the host computer while tethered via the IEEE 1394 interface.
- Fixed an intermittent problem that generated incorrect header data in DCR files that prevented the images from being opened by Photo Desk.
- Fixed a problem that caused green and magenta blocking in some ERI JPEG images. Although ERI JPEG image quality is improved when viewing/processing images using ERI FFM version 1.0, some artifacts will still be present. Further artifact reduction will be achieved when using ERI JPEG images from firmware version 5.3.0 with ERI FFM version 2.0 (which was not yet available at the time of this release).
- Added a Manual Mirror Prerelease option that uses the shutter button to raise the mirror and the OK button to open the shutter and capture the exposure.

Website: Kodak DCS Firmware

The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the 7 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-V3.

Website: Quesabesde - Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3

Hungarian website Index Digicam have just posted their review of the 4 megapixel, 8.3 optical zoom Nikon Coolpix 4800.

Website: Index Digicam - Nikon Coolpix 4800 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 4800

Hungarian website Index Digicam have published the first online review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE E40 digital camera.

Website: Index Digicam - Konica Minolta Dimage E40 Review

DPReview have reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S5i.

“In an ever-growing sub-compact market the Optio S5i has much to recommend it; it’s probably the lightest - and one of the smallest - in its class, has fast focus, no discernible shutter lag, lots of useful features and is a real joy to use. It’s also very well priced for a 5MP compact. On the downside the image quality is good, but not great, the low light focus is a little hit and miss (though better than you’d expect given the lack of an illuminator) and the LCD can be difficult to see in dim conditions. That all said, my only serious problem with the Option S5i was the poor shot-to-shot performance and unimpressive burst mode.”

Website: DPReview - Pentax Optio S5i Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax Optio S5i

Nikon have released a new firmware version for the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.

Issues addressed with firmware version 1.4
A problem that caused pictures taken continuously at an image-quality setting of [RAW] to have a magenta tint overall when viewed in PictureProject or Nikon Capture has been corrected.
A problem that caused recording problems for pictures taken continuously at an image-quality setting of [EXTRA] has been corrected.

Website: Nikon Coolpix 8800 Firmware

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8800

The Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the new HP Photosmart R707, a stylish 5 megapixel digital camera.

Website: Digit.no - HP Photosmart R707 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart R707

The Norwegian website Digit.no have published their review of the Ricoh Caplio R1 digital camera.

Website: Digit.no - Ricoh Caplio R1 Review

Website: Read my Review of the Ricoh Caplio R1

The Czech website Digineff have just posted their review of the 7 megapixel Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P700.

Website: Digineff - Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P700 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P700