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Monday, December 20, 2004

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/nKodak 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

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…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3The 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

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

Nikon Coolpix 4800Hungarian 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 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

Konica Minolta DiMAGE E40Hungarian 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

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

Pentax Optio S5iDPReview 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

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…

Nikon Coolpix 8800Nikon 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

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…

HP Photosmart R707The 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 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

Ricoh Caplio R1The 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 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

Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P700The 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

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

Thom Hogan has published his photography predictions for 2005. For 2004, 16.5 out of 31 of Thom’s stabs in the dark actually came true, so head over there now to find out what the future holds…

“The D100 gets dumped and replaced, and four new DSLRs get announced, three released in 2005. That makes the lineup D50 (new announcement), D70, D80 (new announcement and ship), D2h, D2h 2nd Edition, D2x, and the full-frame-but-not-available-in-2005 D3. So you want to know what the details for the new models are? Well, I’ve already described them all, actually. See here. D80 and D2h 2nd Edition would be early 2005, D50 and D3 late 2005. [5 predictions total: 1 drop, 4 new]”

Website: Thom Hogan’s 2005 Predictions

Thom Hogan has published his photography predictions for 2005. For 2004, 16.5 out of 31 of Thom’s stabs in the dark actually came true, so head over there now to find out what the future holds… “The D100 gets dumped and replaced, and four new DSLRs get announced, three released…

Epson Stylus Photo R300TrustedReviews have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer.

“This is a commendable photo printer for the money, which produces very high quality prints on a variety of media. However, there’s a query over its ability to feed plain paper consistently, and don’t be tempted to rush out a text document on it – the text speed is low. If you go for one of these, it’s worth paying the extra for the colour LCD screen at purchase, rather than upgrading later.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Epson Stylus Photo R300 Review

TrustedReviews have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer. “This is a commendable photo printer for the…

Willamette Photography Press Release 20/12/04

Corvallis Photographer, Juan-Carlos Torres, of Willamette Photography is being featured as the wedding photographer of the month in the November/December issue of Studio Photography and Design Magazine.

“I am very proud of this honor.” said Torres. “Studio Photography and Design Magazine features only the best wedding photographers in the nation.”

After visiting his web site the editor of Studio Photography and Design Magazine contacted Juan Carlos to offer him the privilege to be feature in such prestigious national magazine.

Juan Carlos Torres and his wife Sandra document weddings in a comprehensive way. They go beyond photojournalism to incorporate an artistic and fashion approach to wedding photography that makes the romantic dreams of their couples come true.

For more information contact Juan-Carlos Torres at (541) 753-9903 or visit his websites www.juancarlosphoto.com and www.willamettephoto.com

Willamette Photography Press Release 20/12/04 Corvallis Photographer, Juan-Carlos Torres, of Willamette Photography is being featured as the wedding photographer of the month in the November/December issue of Studio Photography and Design Magazine. “I am very proud of this honor.” said Torres. “Studio Photography and Design Magazine features only the best…

SAA and PicScout Identify Uses and Misuses of Rights Managed Photographs On the Internet.

December 17, 2004.  The StockArtistsAlliance (SAA) and PicScout have launched a joint trial using the high technology PicScout Image Tracker Service to investigate Internet use of photographs.

“We are very pleased with the opportunity to work with PicScout. In the first few days of using the Image Tracker Service we have already received our first matches” said Betsy Reid, SAA Executive Director. As part of the trial, SAA members provided PicScout with their own copyrighted Rights Managed images that were not licensed for Internet use and are distributed by leading stock photography providers such as Getty (GYI) Images and Corbis.

SAA and PicScout Identify Uses and Misuses of Rights Managed Photographs On the Internet. December 17, 2004. The StockArtistsAlliance (SAA) and PicScout have launched a joint trial using the high technology PicScout Image Tracker Service to investigate Internet use of photographs. “We are very pleased with the opportunity to work…

Acer CR-6530Acer Press Release

Acer announces the launch of a new range of Digital Cameras to meet the Digital Convergence

Capturing Your Digital Life

London– 16th December 2004 – Acer, one of the world’s leading drivers of the convergence between PCs and Digital Entertainment, further enhances its range of home entertainment devices with the launch of three stunningly fast Digital Still Cameras (DSC), Acer CR-5130, Acer CS-5530, and Acer CR-6530, designed to bring yet an additional digital innovation into the Digital Home.

In the Digital Home, PCs and electronic devices increasingly work together to provide digital media content to share amongst an audience of several people. With the introduction of a range of compact and easy-to-use Digital Cameras, Acer continues its unmatched drive towards a complete range of user-friendly digital entertainment devices to allow the growing number of home users to fully enjoy the power and flexibility of digital media.

Acer Press Release Acer announces the launch of a new range of Digital Cameras to meet the Digital Convergence Capturing Your Digital Life London– 16th December 2004 – Acer, one of the world’s leading drivers of the convergence between PCs and Digital Entertainment, further enhances its range of home entertainment…

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Photoxels have posted a great introductory guide to night photography:

“Night photography has an attraction all its own. There’s something about scintillating lights from office windows hanging in the dark of the night—a modern version of the starry skies—that appeal to us. Whether it’s a city skyline, lamp posts on a dark and deserted street, or the front of your house all decked out with holiday lights, the challenge of capturing the mood of a night scene depends on whether your digital camera is capable of night photography and on a couple of simple techniques.”

Website: Photoxels - Night Photography

Photoxels have posted a great introductory guide to night photography: “Night photography has an attraction all its own. There’s something about scintillating lights from office windows hanging in the dark of the night—a modern version of the starry skies—that appeal to us. Whether it’s a city skyline, lamp posts on…

Adobe Photoshop CSAdobe have just made a Beta version of Adobe Camera RAW (part of Photoshop CS) available for download.

The Camera Raw 2.4 beta has added support for the following cameras:

* Canon EOS 20D
* Canon PowerShot S70
* Canon PowerShot G6
* Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
* Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200
* Konica Minolta MAXXUM 7D
* Nikon D2X

Website: Rob Galbraith - Adobe Camera RAW 2.4 Beta

Website: Download Adobe Camera RAW 2.4 Beta (Windows)

Website: Download Adobe Camera RAW 2.4 Beta (MAC)

Adobe have just made a Beta version of Adobe Camera RAW (part of Photoshop CS) available for download. The Camera Raw 2.4 beta has added support for the following cameras: * Canon EOS 20D * Canon PowerShot S70 * Canon PowerShot G6 * Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II * Konica Minolta…

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterEpson America have released new drivers (v5.5aA) for the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer.

Website: Epson America - Stylus Photo Drivers Download

Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800

Check the Latest Prices for the Epson Stylus Photo R800

Epson America have released new drivers (v5.5aA) for the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. Website: Epson America - Stylus Photo Drivers Download Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 Check the Latest Prices for the Epson Stylus Photo R800

More news of digital camera price decreases from the Denver Post, as they report that 76 percent of Americans are giving an electronic gift this holiday season, with a digicam topping the list:

“Consumers paid $649 for a 1.5-megapixel Canon PowerShot digital camera in 1999, for example. This fall the average price for a 3-megapixel camera was $207, according to the NPD Group in Port Washington, N.Y. The research group expects prices of the entry-level cameras to fall below $200 during the holiday season.”

Website: Denver Post - Digital cameras getting holiday focus

More news of digital camera price decreases from the Denver Post, as they report that 76 percent of Americans are giving an electronic gift this holiday season, with a digicam topping the list: “Consumers paid $649 for a 1.5-megapixel Canon PowerShot digital camera in 1999, for example. This fall the…

Both digital camera and memory card prices fell in the USA during October, ahead of the holiday season:

“Digital camera prices fell 7.4 percent to an average of about $192 as manufacturers released new models and discounted older lines to take advantage of expected heavy demand during the holiday season.

“New high-end models in the six- to seven-megapixel range have begun hitting the market, forcing prices down across the board and delivering exceptional values in the largest segment of the market, the three-megapixel category,” said NPD analyst Stephen Baker.”

Website: Yahoo News - Cameras Lead Gadget Price Declines in October

Both digital camera and memory card prices fell in the USA during October, ahead of the holiday season: “Digital camera prices fell 7.4 percent to an average of about $192 as manufacturers released new models and discounted older lines to take advantage of expected heavy demand during the holiday season…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200Steves Digicams have reviewed the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 digital camera, which incorporates anti-shake technology and a swivelling LCD monitor.

“Konica Minolta’s A200 is a refinement of the 8-megapixel DiMAGE A2 we reviewed earlier this year. The A200 offers improved shooting performance and a new fully-articulating LCD monitor/viewfinder, but discards the A2’s 3-D Predictive Focus, Subject Tracking and EVF articulation. It retains the high-quality Minolta GT 7X optical zoom lens and the effective Anti-Shake feature of its predecessor. The A200 offers operating modes simple enough for beginners to use, yet provides the rich features demanded by the advanced photographer.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200

Steves Digicams have reviewed the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 digital camera, which incorporates anti-shake technology and a swivelling LCD monitor. “Konica Minolta’s A200 is a refinement of the 8-megapixel DiMAGE A2 we reviewed earlier this year. The A200 offers improved shooting performance and a new fully-articulating LCD monitor/viewfinder…