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Kodak executive Willy Shih has just announced his resignation. Not that interesting at first, but more so when you learn that Shih was largely responsible for turning around the fortunes of the struggling manufacturer and making Kodak one of the leading digital camera companies today.
“Shih came to Kodak in 1997 at a time when the company was struggling to find its footing in consumer digital photography. Over the course of the next six years, he helped organize and create a business that now does $1 billion in sales of digital cameras, printers, paper and related accessories. The year he arrived, Kodak lost more than $400 million in digital imaging; the consumer digital business is now profitable.”
Website: Democrat and Chronicle - Kodak’s digital pioneer to leave
Kodak executive Willy Shih has just announced his resignation. Not that interesting at first, but more so when you learn that Shih was largely responsible for turning around the fortunes of the struggling manufacturer and making Kodak one of the leading digital camera companies today. “Shih came to Kodak in…
The Sanyo Xacti C1 is quite unlike any other digital camera available today, looking more like a tiny version of a digital camcorder than a conventional digicam. It has been designed like this principally because it allows you to record both 3.2 megapixel still images and 640x480, 30fps MPEG-4 movies. Other notable features include a macro mode that allows you to get as close as 2cms away from the subject, and a 5.8 optical zoom lens that is equivalent to 38?220mm on a 35mm format camera. So is the Sanyo Xacti C1 the perfect fusion of still and moving images, or just a compromise between the two? Read on to discover the answer.
Website: Sanyo Xacti C1 Review
The Sanyo Xacti C1 is quite unlike any other digital camera available today, looking more like a tiny version of a digital camcorder than a conventional digicam. It has been designed like this principally because it allows you to record both 3.2 megapixel still images and 640x480, 30fps MPEG-4 movies…
The 42nd PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Patricio Burraco.
“I’m Patricio, from Cachari, Argentina. I’m sending some of my pictures. As you can see, I like BW approach to people and nature. Nothing formal here!. Even pets or little details in my own backyard offers me great chances of getting colorful pictures, including my friends doing joking “and interesting” faces to my lens!
There’s a couple of pics covering some flowers or details in my garden, five close-ups of my brother in BW/sepia, in the trainyard, and two of my cat, Pappo. There’s also a picture of my town’ railway station. Almost a desert, as you can see. The stunning red picture was a Photoshop Elements approach to a BW picture of other friend, Pablo, the “Beer Dude”, as he is know here.
Technically speaking, my camera is a F828, which is astounding, and I love. Really great to get BW, real color or saturated color photos. Each picture is less than 100kb in size, because Net’s problem handling full 8Mpx images (in the future it will be milliseconds to download, but for now, 56kps is a cool speed) :-D”
Website: Portfolios: Patricio Burraco
The 42nd PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Patricio Burraco. “I’m Patricio, from Cachari, Argentina. I’m sending some of my pictures. As you can see, I like BW approach to people and nature. Nothing formal here!. Even pets or little details in my own backyard offers me great chances of…
The German book “Die digitale Dunkelkammer” (‘The Digital Darkroom’) has won the “Deutsche Fotobuchpreis 2004” awarded by the “Borsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels”. It was picked among 200 entries by a jury of photographers, booksellers and book designers in the category “textbook/manual”.
The book teaches about the processing of digital images once they leave the camera. It targets pro photographers, ambitious amateur photographers, pre-press professionals, and students of design.
The German book “Die digitale Dunkelkammer” (‘The Digital Darkroom’) has won the “Deutsche Fotobuchpreis 2004” awarded by the “Borsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels”. It was picked among 200 entries by a jury of photographers, booksellers and book designers in the category “textbook/manual”. The book teaches about the processing of digital images…
Lecia Press Release 19/11/04
Internet chat on November 23rd, 2004 informs on the recent developments LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R
The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R, which was presented at the photokina 2004, is being anxiously awaited by a great number of customers. We are pleased over the positive resonance that we have received and are working diligently with our partners in order to get serial production underway. The photographic results have exceeded our expectations. We are sure that with the DIGITAL-MODUL-R we have achieved a high quality and long lasting solution for our
customers.
On November 23rd, 2004 we will hold an internet chat in which we will inform you on the recent developments and the beginning of the first deliveries. Starting at 5 pm local time, a competent Leica team will answer your questions on the LEICA DIGITAL-R. We would be pleased to welcome you at the Leica internet chat.
To participate in the Leica chat all users have to be registered. Further information on the registration to the Leica chat are available http://www.leica-camera.com/markt/forum/chat/index_e.html
Lecia Press Release 19/11/04 Internet chat on November 23rd, 2004 informs on the recent developments LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R, which was presented at the photokina 2004, is being anxiously awaited by a great number of customers. We are pleased over the positive resonance that we have received and are…
The manual for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR is now available on KM’s USA website as two separate downloadable files (2.75 MB and 2.98 MB). Thanks to Cameron Hill for the tip-off.
Website: Konica Minolta 7D Manual
The manual for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR is now available on KM’s USA website as two separate downloadable files (2.75 MB and 2.98 MB). Thanks to Cameron Hill for the tip-off. Website: Konica Minolta 7D Manual Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D
FotoBuzz Press Release 20/11/04
We’re proud to announce the first release of the FotoBuzz viewlet. With just a few small changes to your existing website you can have image commenting.
This release of FotoBuzz requires PHP or Python support on your server and version 7 of the Flash Player. Since comments are actually stored inside your images, there is a current limitation that your images must be on the same server as the FotoBuzz script files.
The download includes a sample page to test your setup and our how to page shows you how to modify your existing pages to support FotoBuzz.
Give it a try and let us know what you think! Finally, comment on images the way you were always meant to!
FotoBuzz Press Release 20/11/04 We’re proud to announce the first release of the FotoBuzz viewlet. With just a few small changes to your existing website you can have image commenting. This release of FotoBuzz requires PHP or Python support on your server and version 7 of the Flash Player. Since…
DIWA Press Release
Amsterdam, 19. November 2004: Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) today announced that an Innovation Award is granted to the revolutionary Fujifilm Image Intelligence System.
Remarkable image processing software was disclosed by Fujifilm at the international Photokina 2004 trade show. Combining modern computer technologies and 70 years of photographic expertise, Fujifilm made this intelligent imaging system possible. The core of this exciting innovation is formed by the sophisticated Scene Classification, Face Detection and Face Recognition functions, all playing key roles in the development of future products.
Even the basic information revealed at this moment is highly convincing, with enormous potentials for both amateur and professional applications. One of these features is the ?Scene Classification? that allows automatic recognition of various image characteristics to secure correct exposure and image processing. The second innovation is the Face Detection technology, which is capable of automatically optimizing skin tones, cropping portrait pictures and eliminating red eyes from flash pictures. The most surprising technology is the Face Recognition feature, which will automatically detect and identify human faces and sort pictures accordingly.
DIWA finds these new innovations highly interesting, as they may prove extremely useful for amateur photo albums as well as professional ID and security systems in the future.
DIWA Press Release Amsterdam, 19. November 2004: Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) today announced that an Innovation Award is granted to the revolutionary Fujifilm Image Intelligence System. Remarkable image processing software was disclosed by Fujifilm at the international Photokina 2004 trade show. Combining modern computer technologies and 70 years of…
About Photography’s latest article, Sharpening & Workflow, is a great introduction to the trciky subject of sharpening, as well as reviewing two popular software tools, PhotoKit Sharpener and FocalBlade.
“FocalBlade (FB) is designed as a single pass sharpening plugin, and seems to me the ultimate of its type. It allows you to separate the sharpening of edges from the sharpening of surfaces and also offers to attempt to fix sharpening haloes. One advantage of the plugin is that it can be used in either novice or expert mode. Another useful feature is the ability to save presets. “
About Photography’s latest article, Sharpening & Workflow, is a great introduction to the trciky subject of sharpening, as well as reviewing two popular software tools, PhotoKit Sharpener and FocalBlade. “FocalBlade (FB) is designed as a single pass sharpening plugin, and seems to me the ultimate of its type. It allows…
FujiFilm have just released 4 sample images taken with their long-delayed DSLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. The 4 images have been saved as JPEGs in Photoshop CS.
FujiFilm have just released 4 sample images taken with their long-delayed DSLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. The 4 images have been saved as JPEGs in Photoshop CS. Website: FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Sample Images Check the Latest Prices for the FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro
Kodak publishes a monthly online magazine aimed to professional photographers. Issue 10 of ProPass magazine includes articles on the new KODAK PROFESSIONAL 1400 Digital Photo Printer, Kodak’s new Pro Lab Locator and an interesting look at the topic of Image Stability:(found via Rob Galbraith).
“You’ll often see stability reported as, ‘Resistance to light fade’ or ‘Light fastness, good for 75 years,’” says LaBarca. “It may also say, ‘...75 years, when stored behind glass’ or ‘when stored in protective sleeves.’ All those statements are clues that they’ve only tested for light fade. ‘Behind glass’ presumably protects the print from ozone, other atmospheric pollutants, and humidity. So, most of the claims that you see today are claims for light fastness only.”
Website: Kodak ProPass Magazine - Issue #10
Kodak publishes a monthly online magazine aimed to professional photographers. Issue 10 of ProPass magazine includes articles on the new KODAK PROFESSIONAL 1400 Digital Photo Printer, Kodak’s new Pro Lab Locator and an interesting look at the topic of Image Stability:(found via Rob Galbraith). “You’ll often see stability reported as…
Imaging Resource have published their usual comprehensive review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.
“Low image noise is one of the real standout features of the EOS-20D, particularly at very high ISOs (1600 and 3200). The chart above compares the 20D’s image noise levels against those of other d-SLRs, but as I’ve noted in the past, graphs like this tell only part of the story, because they don’t reveal what the image noise actually looks like. In the case of the 20D, its noise pattern is particularly fine and tight-grained, which makes it much less visually apparent and objectionable than that of many cameras. At the same time, the 20D’s noise-suppression technology does an excellent job of holding noise in check, without losing subject detail in areas of subtle contrast.”
Imaging Resource have published their usual comprehensive review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “Low image noise is one of the real standout features of the EOS-20D, particularly at very high ISOs (1600 and 3200). The chart above compares the 20D’s image noise levels against those of other…
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. It’s packed to the rafters this month with some great articles - here are my highlights, in no particular order:
- Just Another Tool?
“I look at my cameras as tools. Just as any good craftsman worth his salt, I take care of them, and maintain them. But while I may have some affection for some of my older cameras, I’m not invested in them emotionally the way that some photographers are. I look at the whole digital-versus-film debate the same way. I can make professional quality images with either format. So the question is not which format is better, but rather which is best for the job at hand?”
- Let The Weather Affect Your Photography!?
“You can stay in bed if you choose, but not me! I’ve discovered that the rest of the time, those drizzly days, those cold days, those foggy days, those snowy days have all brought me some of my most exciting photographic experiences. As I’ve mentioned in past articles, effort plays an important part in the process and in letting the weather affect your photography.”
- Just Burn it to Disk - Not So Fast!
“How big of an issue is it? At PhotoPlus I spoke with a Fuji Rep. He told me that while consumer film sales continue to decline, pro film sales have seen a sharp increase in the past year. Why? As pros have gotten burned by disks they couldn’t read and high migration costs when upgrading systems they’ve reassessed their work flows. Archivally stored slides will last a lifetime and they can be easily scanned, worked in Photoshop, and distributed to clients and publishers.”
Website: Vivid Light Photography - Issue #39
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. It’s packed to the rafters this month with some great articles - here are my highlights, in no particular order: - Just Another Tool?“I look at my cameras as tools. Just as any good…
The Polish website Fotopolis have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA).
Website: Fotopolis - Olympus Mju Mini Review
The Polish website Fotopolis have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA). Website: Fotopolis - Olympus Mju Mini Review Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus Mju Mini
DPReview have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera.
“The DX7590 is a camera that rewards those prepared to take the time to learn how to use all its functions and to work around its foibles - you start getting better and better pictures the more you use it. Quite how this fits in with the ‘EasyShare’ concept I’m not sure, though Kodak has done a fairly good job at combining sophisticated features with genuine ease of use. The 7590 may have a friendly interface and cartoony icons, but it is stuffed to the gills with enough features to keep even the most enthusiastic photographer happy.”
DPReview have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera. “The DX7590 is a camera that rewards those prepared to take the time to learn how to use all its functions and to work around its foibles - you start getting better and…
DigitalCameraInfo have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera.
“The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 packs a load of features into a relatively compact 12.3 ounces. The 10x optical zoom lens, flash accessory connector, and 32MB of internal memory launch this camera into the ranks with higher end models. These features, paired with 5 megapixels, make the EasyShare DX7590 a good buy at $499.95. This camera would be great for an entry-level or intermediate user.”
DigitalCameraInfo have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera. “The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 packs a load of features into a relatively compact 12.3 ounces. The 10x optical zoom lens, flash accessory connector, and 32MB of internal memory launch this camera into the…
Several PhotographyBLOG readers have let me know about a 1 Gigapixel picture created by Dutch research and technology laboratory TNO, which is made up of 600 component images. The giant-sized image is available on their website, where you can zoom in to see how much detail the image contains.
“The largest digital panoramic photo in the world has been created by researchers in the Netherlands. The finished image is 2.5 billion pixels in size - making it about 500 times the resolution of images produced by good consumer digital cameras.”
Website: BBC - How to make a gigapixel picture
Website: Gigapxl Project
Several PhotographyBLOG readers have let me know about a 1 Gigapixel picture created by Dutch research and technology laboratory TNO, which is made up of 600 component images. The giant-sized image is available on their website, where you can zoom in to see how much detail the image contains. “The…
Kodak has caught up with Sony in the USA digital camera market, according to an IDC report. selling only 10,000 less units than Sony’s 1 million during the third quarter of the current financial year. Canon was third with 800,000 sales.
“The investments that Kodak has made in digital imaging are really starting to pay off,” Chute said. “They’re not just the low-cost guys now; they’re starting to get higher marks for product quality. And Kodak is much more aggressive in pursuing a proliferation strategy with partners like Dell.”
Website: CNET News - Kodak catches up with Sony in camera sales
Kodak has caught up with Sony in the USA digital camera market, according to an IDC report. selling only 10,000 less units than Sony’s 1 million during the third quarter of the current financial year. Canon was third with 800,000 sales. “The investments that Kodak has made in digital imaging…
CNET have published a review of the new Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica.
“We suspect that Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ20—clad in either cool black (FZ20K) or shiny silver (FZ20S)—will soon replace the DMC-FZ10 as a bit of a cult favorite among megazoom aficionados. The new model offers a stunning, optically-stabilized 12X Leica zoom lens that reaches out to 432mm (35mm equivalent), 5-megapixel resolution, and some worthwhile performance improvements. If you love supertelephoto photography, this Panasonic looks like the camera to beat.”
Website: CNET - Panasonic DMC-FZ20 Review
CNET have published a review of the new Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica. “We suspect that Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ20—clad in either cool black (FZ20K) or shiny silver (FZ20S)—will soon replace the DMC-FZ10 as a bit of a cult favorite among megazoom aficionados…
CNET have published their review of the Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom digital camera.
“We got the same good image quality with this camera as with the C-770 Ultra Zoom: consistent exposures; rich, detailed shadows; and highlights that didn’t wash out easily. This camera, however, offered just 320x240-pixel, 15fps movies with adequate sound. If you’re looking for 640x480, 30fps clips, spend the extra $100 and get the C-770.”
CNET have published their review of the Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom digital camera. “We got the same good image quality with this camera as with the C-770 Ultra Zoom: consistent exposures; rich, detailed shadows; and highlights that didn’t wash out easily. This camera, however, offered just 320x240-pixel, 15fps movies with…