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Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Nikon Coolpix 3100Nikon have released a new firmware version for the Coolpix 3100, a 3-megapixel digital camera that was first announced back in February at PMA 2003.

Issues addressed with firmware version 1.3
The camera’s transfer button can be used with PictureProject to transfer pictures to a computer.
A problem that caused pictures of bright subjects taken with firing of the built-in Speedlight to be under-exposed has been corrected.

Website: Nikon Coolpix 3100 Firmware - Windows

Website: Nikon Coolpix 3100 Firmware - MAC

Nikon have released a new firmware version for the Coolpix 3100, a 3-megapixel digital camera that was first announced back in February at PMA 2003. Issues addressed with firmware version 1.3 The camera’s transfer button can be used with PictureProject to transfer pictures to a computer. A problem that caused…

Nikon D2HRob Galbraith is reporting that the Nikon D2H DSLR seems to have been drastically reduced in price in the USA. You can pick up Nikon’s 4MP digital SLR for under $2000.

“While we’ve not received official confirmation from Nikon USA yet, we have heard from three reputable U.S. dealers of Nikon pro gear. Each indicates that the street price of the camera - complete with battery, charger and other basic accessories - is now about US$1999 or thereabouts, down from US$3000-US$3200 just last week.”

Website: Rob Galbraith - Price of Nikon D2H plummets in USA

Thanks to Ralph Wagner for sending me the link.

Rob Galbraith is reporting that the Nikon D2H DSLR seems to have been drastically reduced in price in the USA. You can pick up Nikon’s 4MP digital SLR for under $2000.“While we’ve not received official confirmation from Nikon USA yet, we have heard from three reputable U.S. dealers of Nikon…

Canon EOS 20DThe Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.

Website: Quesabesde - Canon EOS 20D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. Website: Quesabesde - Canon EOS 20D Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

Epson F-3200 Film ScannerPhoto-i have started an interactive review of the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner.

“Finding the right scanner, that faithfully captures all the detail in a photograph is like looking for the Holy Grail, we are all looking to find the right scanner, that will deliver quality at a reasonable price. Epson have a good history in flatbed scanners. The Perfection 3200 and 4870 PHOTO, came very near in our quest, medium and large format film scans are excellent, but for 35mm film they still fall short. In January we will see a new model the Perfection 4990, I hope this one will take us a step nearer the ultimate goal. Then there is the new dedicated film scanner, the F-3200. I am not quite sure what to make of this one yet. Let me take you on a Step by Step review of this scanner and see whether £500 is going to be a wise investment.”

Website: Photo-i - Epson F-3200 Film Scanner Review

Photo-i have started an interactive review of the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner. “Finding the right scanner, that faithfully captures all the detail in a photograph is like looking for the Holy Grail, we are all looking to find the right scanner, that will deliver quality at a reasonable price. Epson…

Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0The German website PhotoWorld.de have posted their review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0.

Website: PhotoWorld.de - Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for Adobe Photoshop Elements 3

The German website PhotoWorld.de have posted their review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0. Website: PhotoWorld.de - Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 Review Check the Latest Prices for Adobe Photoshop Elements 3

Nikon Coolpix 8400Imaging Resource have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400.

“Image noise on the 8800 was interesting: At the ISO 50 and 100 settings, image noise was visible but quite tolerable, particularly at ISO 50, where what noise there was, was very fine-grained. At ISO 200, details were slightly obscured by the anti-noise processing, the noise levels were higher, and the noise was less fine-grained, but still within a range that I think most users would consider acceptable. At ISO 400, the noise was much stronger, more subject detail was lost, and the noise pattern became much coarser, although it was still tighter than that in many cameras. I personally wouldn’t consider the Coolpix 8400 to be usable at ISO 400 for large prints, but it would be fine for 4x6 snapshots.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8400

Imaging Resource have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400. “Image noise on the 8800 was interesting: At the ISO 50 and 100 settings, image noise was visible but quite tolerable, particularly at ISO 50, where what noise there was, was very fine-grained. At ISO 200, details…

Pentax Optio S5iImaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S5i.

“Overall, the Optio S5i is amazingly full-featured for a subcompact model, delivering good (although slightly understated) color and tone in an incredibly tiny package. If you’re looking for an ultra-compact camera with a full feature set, the Optio S5i is hard to beat. The camera’s 5.0-megapixel CCD produces very high resolution images, and the camera offers a wide range of preset shooting modes and exposure control options to suit a range of user levels. Excellent for travel and as a “take anywhere” camera, the Pentax Optio S5i arguably packs more photographic capability per cubic inch than anything else on the market.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax Optio S5i Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax Optio S5i

Imaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S5i. “Overall, the Optio S5i is amazingly full-featured for a subcompact model, delivering good (although slightly understated) color and tone in an incredibly tiny package. If you’re looking for an ultra-compact camera with a full feature set, the Optio S5i is…

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DThe Polish website FotoPolis have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR.

Website: FotoPolis - Konica Minolta 7D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

The Polish website FotoPolis have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR. Website: FotoPolis - Konica Minolta 7D Review Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Earthbound Light is running a weekly series of photography tips; the latest one looks at using Levels in Photoshop to correct the exposure of your digital photos.

“So, you’re trying to learn how to optimize your photos in Photoshop. Nothing radical, of course. Basically just the digital equivalent of what has been done in the traditional darkroom for years. With any number of ways to do even simple things, Photoshop can seem a bit overwhelming at first though. We looked last week at Brightness and Contrast and discovered why they really don’t work that well. Now it’s time to follow though on my promise to explain why Levels is a much better alternative.”

Website: Earthbound Light - The 1-2-3 of Photoshop Levels

Earthbound Light is running a weekly series of photography tips; the latest one looks at using Levels in Photoshop to correct the exposure of your digital photos. “So, you’re trying to learn how to optimize your photos in Photoshop. Nothing radical, of course. Basically just the digital equivalent of what…

Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590Pocket-Lint have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera.

“However, the two compression – or quality – settings of Standard and Fine don’t give enough control. I’d go as far as to say the extra million pixels over its forbear make no difference in terms of detail captured and here’s why.

Even the top quality ‘Fine’ setting compresses images to heavily meaning details in shots such as landscapes become smoothed away. While this is not an issue (or even noticeable) on ‘standard’ 6x4-inch prints, on larger prints over A4 for example, the lack of detail becomes evident and a sort of blocky smudging.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Kodak EasyShare DX7590 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare DX7590

Pocket-Lint have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera. “However, the two compression – or quality – settings of Standard and Fine don’t give enough control. I’d go as far as to say the extra million pixels over its forbear make no…

Canon PowerShot A75The Danish website DigitalMagasinet have just reviewed the new 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A75.

Website: DigitalMagasinet - Canon PowerShot A75 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot A75

The Danish website DigitalMagasinet have just reviewed the new 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A75. Website: DigitalMagasinet - Canon PowerShot A75 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot A75

Canon EOS 20DDCResource have published what can only be described as an enthusiastic review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.

“I’ll be blunt: the Canon EOS-20D is the best reasonably priced digital SLR that I’ve tested. And by reasonably priced I meant under $2000. There’s so much to like about the 20D, I don’t know where to start. Photo quality is excellent, with photos having an ultra smooth look to them. Color and exposure were both accurate. Personally I’d crank the sharpness up another notch, but that’s just me. Noise levels are very low, even at ISO 1600—try that with your fixed-lens camera!”

Website: DCResource - Canon EOS 20D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

DCResource have published what can only be described as an enthusiastic review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “I’ll be blunt: the Canon EOS-20D is the best reasonably priced digital SLR that I’ve tested. And by reasonably priced I meant under $2000. There’s so much to like about…

Pentax Optio S30DigiCamReview.co.uk have just reviewed the 3 megapixel, entry-level Pentax Optio S30 digital camera.

“Apart from slightly soft images - which can be corrected by changing the in camera sharpness setting - the Pentax Optio S30 produces excellent photos. The images have rich saturated colour, and good detail. Images have fairly low noise. There is little purple fringing. Image compression doesn’t seem to cause jpeg artifacts, and there is a very good range of image sizes and compression options. The macro mode is average, but the super macro mode is excellent. The flash didn’t cause problems when the subject was close - and performed brilliantly in super macro mode. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be good. The movie mode is better than average, recording unlimited videos at 30fps with sound. When inside, the camera does a fairly good job of focusing, the flash is fairly decent, colours are very good, although images are slightly soft.”

Website: DigiCamReview.co.uk - Pentax Optio S30 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax Optio S30

DigiCamReview.co.uk have just reviewed the 3 megapixel, entry-level Pentax Optio S30 digital camera. “Apart from slightly soft images - which can be corrected by changing the in camera sharpness setting - the Pentax Optio S30 produces excellent photos. The images have rich saturated colour, and good detail. Images have fairly…

Fujifilm FinePix A330 ZoomCNET have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A330 Zoom, a digital camera that offers 3 million effective pixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and a sturdy but stylish body.

“We were pleasantly surprised by this camera’s image quality. Our test shots, even of a moving freight train, were generally well exposed and sufficiently sharp. The FinePix A330 has a tendency to slightly underexpose, but we see that as a plus since it rarely clipped highlights. We can more easily live with less detail in the shadows. Image noise was minimal, and the FinePix A330 did a nice job with macro shots. All in all, we think most snapshot photographers will be pleased.”

Website: CNET - Fujifilm FinePix A330 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix A330 Zoom

CNET have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A330 Zoom, a digital camera that offers 3 million effective pixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and a sturdy but stylish body. “We were pleasantly surprised by this camera’s image quality. Our test shots, even of a moving freight train, were generally well exposed and…

Lexar USB FlashCardLexar Media Press Release 13/12/04

FREMONT, CA, December 13, 2004 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, today announced a new USB card form factor designed for universal and superior interoperability to bring next generation storage, connectivity and utility products to a broad variety of computing, consumer electronics and mobile electronics devices.

The new USB card form factor is based on the USB Type A connector as outlined in the Universal Serial Bus Specification. A mere 12 millimeters wide, 4.5 millimeters high and 31.75 millimeters long the card is no longer than the diameter of a penny. At half the width and a little more than twice the height, it is volumetrically similar to an SD card. The rugged, sturdy metal housing is intended to make the USB card suitable for use in a range of environments.

Lexar Media Press Release 13/12/04 FREMONT, CA, December 13, 2004 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, today announced a new USB card form factor designed for universal and superior interoperability to bring next generation storage, connectivity and utility products to a broad…

Fuji FinePix F450 ZoomFujifilm USA Press Release 13/12/04

Fujifilm’s Mini Digital Camera Wins Top Product Awards for Technology Innovation and Design; Fujifilm Finepix F450 Digital Camera Honored by Fortune and Popular Mechanics

VALHALLA, N.Y.—(Business Wire)—Dec. 13, 2004—Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has been honored with two prestigious awards recognizing its FinePix F450 consumer digital camera. The sleek digital camera was named one of Fortune’s “Top 25 Best Products of the Year,” while Popular Mechanics selected the camera for its annual top gear picks - “Wish List ‘05.”

With its slim and square metal body, the Fujifilm FinePix F450 fits easily into most palms, pockets and small handbags, while packing an imaging punch of 5.2 million pixels and a 2-inch LCD screen. Perfect for parties and special events, this stylish digital camera is now available for approximately $399.

Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix F450 Zoom

Fujifilm USA Press Release 13/12/04 Fujifilm’s Mini Digital Camera Wins Top Product Awards for Technology Innovation and Design; Fujifilm Finepix F450 Digital Camera Honored by Fortune and Popular Mechanics VALHALLA, N.Y.—(Business Wire)—Dec. 13, 2004—Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has been honored with two prestigious…

Seagate Pocket Drivewidth=Seagate Technology Press Release 13/12/04

5GB Seagate Pocket Hard Drive to Be Featured at CES, With Seagate’s Expanding Array of Consumer Innovations

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 13 /CNW/— (NYSE: STX), the world’s leading developer of consumer electronics hard drives, announced today that the Seagate USB 2.0 Pocket Hard Drive has won the 2005 CES Innovation Award, given by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to honor outstanding design and engineering excellence in consumer electronics. A panel of prominent industry designers, engineers and journalists judged more than 750 product entries on criteria including user value, aesthetics, innovative design, quality and contributions to the quality of life.

Seagate Technology Press Release 13/12/04 5GB Seagate Pocket Hard Drive to Be Featured at CES, With Seagate’s Expanding Array of Consumer Innovations SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 13 /CNW/— (NYSE: STX), the world’s leading developer of consumer electronics hard drives, announced today that the Seagate USB 2.0 Pocket Hard Drive has…

Samsung MMCmicro memory cardSamsung Press Release 13/12/04

Samsung Electronics Develops Removable, Thumbnail-Sized Memory Card for Mobile Phones

SEOUL, South Korea—(Business Wire)—Dec. 14, 2004 - Samsung announced today that it has developed an extremely small, low-power multimedia memory card (MMC) for mobile phones. The Samsung MMCmicro memory card has been designed to overcome a major hurdle in cell phone design—achieving high performance with a low-power, removable memory card, now smaller than the size of a thumbnail.

With dimensions of only 12x14x1.1mm, Samsung’s new “MMCmicro” device is one-third the size of today’s common reduced-size multimedia cards (RS-MMC). Samsung said that the design of its low-power card makes it easy to incorporate removable memory into progressively smaller mobile phones. Each card can operate on 1.8 or 3.3 volts of power.

Samsung Press Release 13/12/04 Samsung Electronics Develops Removable, Thumbnail-Sized Memory Card for Mobile Phones SEOUL, South Korea—(Business Wire)—Dec. 14, 2004 - Samsung announced today that it has developed an extremely small, low-power multimedia memory card (MMC) for mobile phones. The Samsung MMCmicro memory card has been designed to overcome a…

HeyPix!Wind-Up Labs Press Release 13/12/04

HeyPix! Revolutionizes Digital Photography, Links Online Sharing and Desktop Management to Build Interactive Photo Sharing Community

Wind-Up Labs’ HeyPix! first digital photo service to combine desktop organization, Internet sharing, online social networking and blog photo integration

Arlington, MA – December 13, 2004 – Wind-Up Labs today announced the launch of HeyPix!, a revolutionary online photo sharing service and desktop application that combines the best attributes of desktop photo organization with advanced online photo sharing and blogging capabilities.

Digital photography is ubiquitous, but the sharing of digital photos has been limited to sending out slow, cumbersome email attachments or sharing via print-focused Web-based services. HeyPix! represents the next generation in digital photo sharing. By tightly integrating a powerful desktop photo organizer with an online photo sharing service, HeyPix! makes it easy for users to organize their photos on the desktop and create dazzling photo albums on the web. Sharing is a simple one click operation and users manage both the photos on their computer and their online photo albums using a rich desktop interface.

Wind-Up Labs Press Release 13/12/04 HeyPix! Revolutionizes Digital Photography, Links Online Sharing and Desktop Management to Build Interactive Photo Sharing Community Wind-Up Labs’ HeyPix! first digital photo service to combine desktop organization, Internet sharing, online social networking and blog photo integration Arlington, MA – December 13, 2004 – Wind-Up Labs…

Monday, December 13, 2004

Nikon Coolpix 5200PC Magazine have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera.

“There’s a lot to like about the Nikon Coolpix 5200: It’s small, handy, and stylish, and it’s jammed with great features. It takes reasonably sharp pictures. It could be speedier, though, and exposure and color-accuracy issues prevent it from receiving top honors.”

Website: PC Magazine - Nikon Coolpix 5200 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 5200

PC Magazine have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera. “There’s a lot to like about the Nikon Coolpix 5200: It’s small, handy, and stylish, and it’s jammed with great features. It takes reasonably sharp pictures. It could be speedier, though, and exposure…