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Monday, December 6, 2004

Casio EXILIM EX-S100Casio seem to be pursuing a policy of slowly releasing new coloured versions of some of their more popular digital cameras. This time it’s the turn of the 3.2 megapixel EXILIM EX-S100 to be released in a new winter white version.

Casio UK Press Release 06/12/04

CASIO announces UK release of Limited Edition White EXILIM CARD EX-S100

CASIO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. has announced that it is to bring to the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the popular EXILIM CARD EX-S100 digital camera in ultra cool high-gloss white. The EX-S100, in white or silver, is the world?s smallest digital camera with an optical zoom lens; and the white version, which will be available from January 2005, is sure to appeal to the style conscious.

Like its silver counterpart, the white EXILIM CARD EX-S100 is a sleek credit card size 3.2 megapixel camera equipped with a 2.8x optical ceramic zoom lens, a world first developed by CASIO, and a large 2.0” colour TFT LCD screen. It sports a snow white finish overlaid with a smooth, glossy coating.

Casio seem to be pursuing a policy of slowly releasing new coloured versions of some of their more popular digital cameras. This time it’s the turn of the 3.2 megapixel EXILIM EX-S100 to be released in a new winter white version. Casio UK Press Release 06/12/04 CASIO announces UK release…

IC Media Corporation Press Release 06/12/04

Enables Compact 3, 4 and 5 Megapixel Camera Modules for Camera Phones and Other Mobile Devices

Santa Clara, CA- Dec. 6, 2004:—IC Media Corporation, a leading developer of CMOS image sensors, today announced the successful development of the industry’s first CMOS image sensors using a 2.575 x 2.575 micron pixel.  The test vehicles using this pixel were 3 and 4 megapixel sensors. These devices were developed using an extension of IC Media’s proprietary EmeraldPixelTM architecture, which offers an industry-leading 25 degree acceptance angle. The sensors also incorporate certain optical enhancement technologies to improve quantum efficiency.

IC Media Corporation Press Release 06/12/04 Enables Compact 3, 4 and 5 Megapixel Camera Modules for Camera Phones and Other Mobile Devices Santa Clara, CA- Dec. 6, 2004:—IC Media Corporation, a leading developer of CMOS image sensors, today announced the successful development of the industry’s first CMOS image sensors using…

Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPHThe Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a joint review of the 4 megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 40 (also known as the PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH) and the 3 megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 30 (also known as the PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH).

Website: Index Digicam - Canon Digital IXUS 30/40 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon Digital IXUS 40

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a joint review of the 4 megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 40 (also known as the PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH) and the 3 megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 30 (also known as the PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH). Website: Index Digicam - Canon Digital IXUS 30/4…

Canon PowerShot G6The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted their review of the new 7 megapixel Canon PowerShot G6.

Website: Akamera.dk - Canon PowerShot G6 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot G6

The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted their review of the new 7 megapixel Canon PowerShot G6. Website: Akamera.dk - Canon PowerShot G6 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot G6

Sunday, December 5, 2004

Popular Photography have published a handy, easy-to-understand overview to the different file formats that digital cameras use.

“When an image is captured by your camera’s digital sensor, a series of settings are applied as alterations to the original raw data. In many high-end cameras, this raw data can be retrieved “un-touched” as a RAW file, but most digital cameras save your photos as JPEGs. In addition to “alterations” for sharpness, white-balance, and the rest (which are either selected by the camera’s default settings or set by you), the choice of file format that the image is saved in can have a profound affect on overall quality. Get it wrong, and there’s little that can be done even in Photoshop.”

Website: Popular Photography - File Formats Made Easy

Popular Photography have published a handy, easy-to-understand overview to the different file formats that digital cameras use. “When an image is captured by your camera’s digital sensor, a series of settings are applied as alterations to the original raw data. In many high-end cameras, this raw data can be retrieved…

The latest Sunday Morning Photographer column from Mike Johnston discusses which is the bast lens for a Leica. That should spark off a bit of heated debate!

“In the last issue of the newsletter, unfortunately, what with all my gushing about the new 50mm and all the other lens-related stuff, I left out the promised “best lens for a Leica” recommendation. Readers, of course - well, okay, a few of you - let me have it. Herewith, for your holiday lens purchase enablement, are my thoughts.

The best basic lens for a Leica, in my humble opinion, is a 35mm f/2 Summicron (or an equivalent Voigtlander or Konica lens). As for which version, take your pick ? they’re all good enough, although the later the better. If finances are a factor, try looking for a 35mm f/2.8 Summaron, or the very nice little Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5. Summarons sell for $400 to $600 or so, and the C/V lens, which is actually quite a sweet little lens, can be had for less than $300.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - The Best Lens for a Leica

The latest Sunday Morning Photographer column from Mike Johnston discusses which is the bast lens for a Leica. That should spark off a bit of heated debate! “In the last issue of the newsletter, unfortunately, what with all my gushing about the new 50mm and all the other lens-related stuff…

Digital Outback Photo have written a tutorial about tonality tuning and also offer their first commercial plugin/action tuning toolkit.

“Most of us have the desire to get the final image from the raw converter and we probably can get close. But once you start printing and want to get optimal quality you will start tuning. This article will deal only with the aspect of tonality tuning. In principle it all comes down to some sort of subtle dodge & burn. But with many images it can get very tedious if done only manually. Fortunately Photoshop provides powerful tools to streamline this process. The whole process is based on layers in Photoshop. If you want to learn more to understand layers for the use in photography then have a look at our e-books.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Tonality Tuning

Digital Outback Photo have written a tutorial about tonality tuning and also offer their first commercial plugin/action tuning toolkit. “Most of us have the desire to get the final image from the raw converter and we probably can get close. But once you start printing and want to get optimal…

Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPHThe Danish website Digital Magasinet have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 40 (also known as the PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH).

Website: Digital Magasinet - Canon Digital IXUS 40 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon Digital IXUS 40

The Danish website Digital Magasinet have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 40 (also known as the PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH). Website: Digital Magasinet - Canon Digital IXUS 40 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon Digital IXUS 40

Saturday, December 4, 2004

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DA member of the Photohobby.net forums has posted an extensive review of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR.

“I’ve asked for printing for 2 size with Lambda machine, 30 and 50 inches. Of course, the software come with the machine taken care of the interpolation. After inpect closely with the shop owner, we conclude that Extra Fine from 7D can blow up to 30 inches very nicely. While the 50 inches may beyond its limit a bit but view from the proper distance the image still look acceptable. The good thing is 7D file seem to have the best color while compare with other DSLR, almost no need to touch up any color of the file straight from camera. KM has nicely done indeed with their image processing algorithm, CxProcess III, which take quality of the file to the next level in DSLR market.”

Thanks to songsin sungkhawaetai for letting me know!

Website: Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

A member of the Photohobby.net forums has posted an extensive review of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR. “I’ve asked for printing for 2 size with Lambda machine, 30 and 50 inches. Of course, the software come with the machine taken care of the interpolation. After inpect closely with…

Canon Speedlite 580EX FlashThe Italian website PhotoRevolt have just published a review of the new Canon Speedlite 580EX flashgun, which has a guide number of 58 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and an adjustable angle of coverage suitable for wide lenses to 14mm.

Website: PhotoRevolt - Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash Review

The Italian website PhotoRevolt have just published a review of the new Canon Speedlite 580EX flashgun, which has a guide number of 58 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and an adjustable angle of coverage suitable for wide lenses to 14mm. Website: PhotoRevolt - Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash Review

ASMP LogoAmerican Society of Media Photographers Press Release 03/12/04

December 3, 2004 - The American Society of Media Photographers has published a statement that is highly critical of Conde Nast’s newest contract for freelance photographers. Although that contract ostensibly allows photographers to retain their copyrights, it comes very close to assigning all the rights to Conde Nast - not just for the images that are selected for publication, but also for the outtakes.

In particular, the contract gives Conde Nast an exclusive on all the images taken as part of the assignment. The exclusive lasts for 90 days from first publication - or, for a cover story, a full year. Unpublished images, however, remain embargoed indefinitely.

American Society of Media Photographers Press Release 03/12/04 December 3, 2004 - The American Society of Media Photographers has published a statement that is highly critical of Conde Nast’s newest contract for freelance photographers. Although that contract ostensibly allows photographers to retain their copyrights, it comes very close to assigning…

Canon PowerShot S1Photoxels have just reviewed the Canon Powershot S1 IS digital camera, which offers 10x image stablised zoom, 3 megapixels and high-quality 640 x 480 video at 30 frames/second with sound.

“The Canon PowerShot S1 IS is our recommended digital camera for someone starting in photography and desiring a full featured and affordable ultra zoom model.

Not only does the Canon S1 continue the PowerShot S series tradition of high-quality and easy-to-use digital cameras, it also incorporates some high-end features usually found only in more expensive prosumer models.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Review

Photoxels have just reviewed the Canon Powershot S1 IS digital camera, which offers 10x image stablised zoom, 3 megapixels and high-quality 640 x 480 video at 30 frames/second with sound. “The Canon PowerShot S1 IS is our recommended digital camera for someone starting in photography and desiring a full featured…

Panasonic  DMC-FZ20The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the new Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica.

Website: Index Digicam - Panasonic DMC-FZ20 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Panasonic DMC-FZ20

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the new Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica. Website: Index Digicam - Panasonic DMC-FZ20 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Panasonic DMC-FZ20

Epson Stylus Pro 4000Digital Outback Photo have started a diary-like review of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 inkjet printer.

“The 2200 is gone, because I see no benefit to having both the 2200 and the 4000. Don’t get me wrong. I have no qualms with the 2200. It is a great printer in its own right. However, in my situation the 2200 and the 4000 serve the same purpose. They both have dual matte & glossy blacks and they both can print 12 inches wide but the prize goes to the 4000 because it can use 220ml cartridges and print up to 17” wide, not to say anything about its much higher speed and it’s industrial quality built.”

Digital Outback Photo - Epson 4000 Experience Diary

Digital Outback Photo have started a diary-like review of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 inkjet printer. “The 2200 is gone, because I see no benefit to having both the 2200 and the 4000. Don’t get me wrong. I have no qualms with the 2200. It is a great printer in…

FujiFilm FinePix S5100Imaging Resource have just reviewed the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S5100 digital compact camera.

“The previous Fuji FinePix 2800 and 3800 Zoom cameras were exceptional values for the money, and the updated Fuji FinePix S5100 offers the same great value with the addition of a 4.0-megapixel CCD and a longer 10x zoom lens. The S5100’s higher resolution is a welcome improvement, providing great image quality for a budget-priced digital camera, and its 10x optical zoom is excellent for distant subjects. Its color is more accurate than that of most consumer digicams, although that means it’s less saturated on bright colors than most consumer cameras. My only real complaint about its images is that they tend to be a little contrasty.”

Website: Imaging Resource - FujiFilm FinePix S5100 Review

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S5100 digital compact camera. “The previous Fuji FinePix 2800 and 3800 Zoom cameras were exceptional values for the money, and the updated Fuji FinePix S5100 offers the same great value with the addition of a 4.0-megapixel CCD and a longer…

FujiFilm FinePix E550 ZoomDigitalCameraInfo have just posted their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550.

“The Fuji FinePix E550 received an overall color score of 7.49, indicating strong color accuracy and naturalistic representation of tones. As you can see in the chart above, few of the produced tones are “spot on,” however, most do not stray too significantly from their ideal. The E550 earned an 8.01 overall mean color error score, which is very high. This score reflects the averaged variance from each tone and indicates the overall accuracy of the camera. The camera’s accurate representation of color is facilitated by minimal over-saturation of hues, an element of great exaggeration on many digital cameras. The subtle shades produced by the FinePix E550 result in a realistic overall representation of scene and naturalistic portrayal of color.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Fuji FinePix E550 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix E550

DigitalCameraInfo have just posted their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550. “The Fuji FinePix E550 received an overall color score of 7.49, indicating strong color accuracy and naturalistic representation of tones. As you can see in the chart above, few of the produced tones are “spot on,” however…

Pentax Optio S40First announced back in February (and now already superceded by the Optio S50), CNET have posted their review of the Pentax Optio S40, a 4 megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera sporting a sleek aluminum design.

“Flexible automatic-exposure options, easy manual focus, and histogram-assisted exposure adjustments will please snapshooters who want to fine-tune pictures on the fly, but the Pentax Optio S40 lacks the manual controls enthusiasts look for. This ultracompact, 4-megapixel Pentax loses points for its average image quality and performance, but its biggest shortcomings are found in optical and LCD viewfinders that give you the worst of both worlds.”

Website: CNET - Pentax Optio S40 Review

First announced back in February (and now already superceded by the Optio S50), CNET have posted their review of the Pentax Optio S40, a 4 megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera sporting a sleek aluminum design. “Flexible automatic-exposure options, easy manual focus, and histogram-assisted exposure adjustments will please snapshooters who want…

Olympus C-70 ZOOMCNET have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA).

“Packed with more than three-quarters of a million pixels per ounce, this Olympus C-7000Z is typical of the breed of compact alternatives to a digital SLR or an EVF-equipped camera. Full manual controls; your choice of JPEG, TIFF, or raw file formats; versatile movie features; and a 5X zoom lens that takes you out to 190mm (35mm equivalent) as well as focuses to less than one inch in macro mode are among this camera’s more interesting assets. The only extras a serious photographer could wish for would be support for add-on lenses and an external flash connection; this camera is otherwise ready for just about anything you can throw at it.”

Website: CNET - Olympus C-70 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus C-70 Zoom

CNET have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA). “Packed with more than three-quarters of a million pixels per ounce, this Olympus C-7000Z is typical of the breed of compact alternatives to a digital SLR or an EVF-equipped camera…

Friday, December 3, 2004

BibbleBibble Labs Press Release 02/12/04

Bibble Labs announces competitive upgrade program for C1 users.

Discounted price upgrade to Bibble 4.1 with Canon EOS 1ds Mark 2 Support and Hihglight recovery.

Austin Texas (December 2nd, 2004) - Bibble Labs today announced the availability of limited time special upgrade pricing for existing licensees of Phase One’s C1 product who wish to acquire the latest version of Bibble Pro 4.1

Through December 20th, 2004 existing C1 users will be able to purchase Bibble Pro 4.1 for the special price of $99 by providing qualifying proof of purchase for any version of C1. For more details on the program, please visit us on the web at http://www.bibblelabs.com/c1.html.

Bibble Labs Press Release 02/12/04 Bibble Labs announces competitive upgrade program for C1 users. Discounted price upgrade to Bibble 4.1 with Canon EOS 1ds Mark 2 Support and Hihglight recovery. Austin Texas (December 2nd, 2004) - Bibble Labs today announced the availability of limited time special upgrade pricing for existing…

Canon CanoScan 9950FPhoto-i have solved their recent problems and completed their interactive, diary-like review of the new high-end Canon CanoScan 9950F flatbed scanner.

“For 35mm film scanning the 9950F is a pace nearer, but still not there. The scans were far too soft. However, with careful use of Unsharp Masking in Photoshop (or Elements) good quality scans can be achieved. If you only intend printing 6x4, A4 or A3 prints, then the quality will be more than sufficient. For high quality magazine standard scanning you are still going to have to look elsewhere. With medium and large format film, this scanner produced outstanding quality, I would not have any second thoughts about using this scanner for my professional work flow (I stopped using film four years ago).”

Website: Photo-i - Canon CanoScan 9950F Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon CanoScan 9950F

Photo-i have solved their recent problems and completed their interactive, diary-like review of the new high-end Canon CanoScan 9950F flatbed scanner. “For 35mm film scanning the 9950F is a pace nearer, but still not there. The scans were far too soft. However, with careful use of Unsharp Masking in Photoshop…