Luminous Landscape have posted a report on Photo Plus Expo, an annual photography show currently being held in New York, USA.

“Konica / Minolta was showing their Maxxum 7D, which will start shipping in a few weeks (early November). The big news here, in addition to it being the first DSLR from that company, is the built-in Anti-Shake, which provides image stabilization with almost all lenses. I am field testing the 7D right now, and hope to have a review online before the end of the month. The retail price will be approximately $1,600, which makes it just slightly more expensive than a prime competitor such as the Canon 20D, at $1,500. Not enough of a price difference to matter to someone with a commitment to Minolta lenses, or someone with a desire for Anti-Shake in the body.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Photo Plus Expo Report

FujiFilm US have just announced the price of their long-delayed DSLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. The body-only minimum advertised price is $2,499, significantly more than either the Canon EOS 20D or Nikon D70, but significantly less than the higher-end DSLRs.

Samsung have now issued the press release for their 5 megapixel cameraphone.

Samsung Press Release 20/10/04

- A true digital convergence product that combines a gamut of innovative technologies including a “true color” LCD (16 million colors), Text-To-Speech conversion capability, as well as a 5-megapixel CCD camera.
- The “stretch” design protects the lens and LCD while providing a digital camera feel

SEOUL, Korea - October 20, 2004 - Samsung Electronics unveils the world’s first mobile phone (model: SCH-S250) equipped with a 5-megapixel camera. Just one year after the introduction of its first 1-megapixel camera phone and 3 months after its first 3.2-megapixel camera phone, Samsung proves its technological prowess again with this revolutionary product.

The CCD (charge-coupled device) camera and high-sensitivity flash allow the user to take the same quality pictures one gets from a top-end digital camera. Similar to Samsung’s premium grade camera phones, the S250 can also function as a camcorder. The 92MB onboard memory can store up to 100 minutes of video (320x240), and a 32MB auxiliary memory is included as a standard feature. The shutter speed is as fast as 1/1,000 th of a second, allowing the user to film beautiful landscapes as well as subjects as close as 10 cm. The S250 can be connected to a TV to display video during shooting or to show footage that has already been recorded in the mobile phone.

DPNow have published a review of the book “Adobe Photoshop CS one-on-one” by Deke McClelland, aimed at beginner and intermediate Photoshop users.

“The book is supplemented by a CD ROM containing twelve easy to follow, bite-size, video lessons, averaging nine minutes. These are presented by the author in four sets: navigation/colour correction, select/crop/edit, masking/focus/layers and type/styles/output. McLelland narrates the tutorials in a clear and engaging manner ? it never gets boring.

Although there are nearly two hours worth of lessons on the CD, the sheer breadth and depth of Photoshop CS means that the topics covered are addressed in a reasonably simplified manner rather than in depth. I’ve been a Photoshop user for about three years now, but I personally learned some useful tips from the lessons.”

Website: DPNow - Adobe Photoshop CS one-on-one Review

DCResource have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 40).

“Although I think image quality has gone downhill a bit since its predecessor, that doesn’t stop me from putting the Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH high on my list of favorite ultra-compact cameras. It’s got a stylish, ultra-thin metal body, a 3X zoom lens, a big 2-inch LCD, first-rate movie mode, and robust performance. The SD300 is about 1/3 inch thinner than the S410 and it’s small enough to go everywhere with you. The lens is still 3X, though its new design lends itself to increased purple fringing and blurry edges, the main image quality issues that I found.”

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH

Sony Press Release 21/10/04

SONY DIGITAL PHOTO PRINTER PICKS UP THE PACE

UP-DR150 Sets New Speed and Quality Standard for Event Photos, Digital Kiosks

CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2004 (PMA Fall Conference Booth # 717) - Sony Electronics today enhanced its line of digital photofinishing products with the introduction of the UP-DR150 digital photo printer, a dye sublimation printer that is now the fastest in its class of professional photo printers.

Designed to deliver quality prints and rapid turnaround in retail, studio, in-field event and kiosk applications, the UP-DR150 also offers high-volume roll printing, durable print heads, and a simple front-access design to minimize maintenance.

“We continue to accelerate the expansion of the digital photofinishing market and its technologies with the introduction of the UP-DR150,” said Jay Dellostretto, vice president for digital photofinishing in Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Business Solutions Company. “Retailers and photographers can effortlessly deliver the prints their customers want faster and better than ever, making retail digital photofinishing an even more compelling offering.”

Nikon USA Press Release 21/10/04

Nikon Showcases Cutting-Edge New Products and Initiatives at PhotoPlus Expo 2004

Show Activities to Expand Nikon’s Position as the World Leader in Photography

PHOTOPLUS EXPO, BOOTH 715 - NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2004 - Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, will be at this year’s PhotoPlus Expo to exhibit a variety of exciting new products and initiatives. Attendees may visit Nikon at booth #715 at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York City, October 21 - October 23, to see the most advanced digital and film photography equipment, and learn about all the resources and services Nikon makes available.

Nikon’s entire Total Imaging System will be on display at PhotoPlus Expo, demonstrating the complete solution Nikon offers in photography and imaging applications. The award-winning Nikon Coolpix line of digital cameras will be featured at the Nikon booth, including the new Nikon Coolpix 8800, Coolpix 8400, and Coolpix 4800. The exciting new Nikon D2X and sophisticated D70 professional digital SLR cameras, the complete range of Nikkor lenses, Nikon’s range of Speedlights, 35mm compact cameras, and Sports and Recreational Optics will also be available. Nikon will also feature the innovative Coolscan V ED, Super Coolscan 5000 ED and Super Coolscan 9000 ED film scanners. The display will also exhibit the complete range of 35mm film SLR cameras, like the fantastic new F6.

Epson America Inc. Press Release 21/10/04

THE EPSON R-D1 - THE WORLD’S FIRST RANGEFINDER DIGITAL CAMERA BEGINS SHIPPING IN UNITED STATES ON NOV. 1

New Digital Rangefinder System is the First Digital Camera to Support L/M-Mount Lenses

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 21, 2004 - Epson America Inc. has achieved another digital photography breakthrough with the introduction of the EPSON R-D1-the world’s first rangefinder digital camera.  This camera was introduced in Japan earlier this year and will now be shipping in the United States in early November.
 
The EPSON R-D1 marks a significant milestone in the industry by combining the classic feel and precision engineering of a traditional rangefinder camera with the latest digital technology.  It is the first digital camera allowing photographers to use revered L- and M-mount lenses.
 
The EPSON R-D1 links the future with the past - a new digital camera with a classic rangefinder feel.  The EPSON R-D1 is comprised of a magnesium alloy exterior and an aluminum die cast body, combining digital technology with the traditional feel of a finely tuned instrument.  The camera features a 6.1 megapixel APS C-size CCD sensor with a 1.53 magnification factor for an image resolution up to 3008 x 2000 pixels, easily producing output of 16” x 20” and beyond.  The Epson R-D1 supports a RAW mode as well as two JPEG modes.  Both JPEG modes incorporate PRINT Image Matching II technology for optimal prints. 

FlashFixers Press Release 21/10/04

FlashFixers Announces ImageRecall 3 Now Recovers More Image Formats Than Any Other Digital Photo Recovery Software Including RAW Formats

ImageRecall 3 also adds new speed enhancements and an upgraded user interface, making it the fastest, easiest and most complete solution available for digital image recovery.

PhotoPlus-New York, NY-October 21, 2004-Keeping pace with advances in digital photography, FlashFixers announces ImageRecall 3 now offers expanded recovery support for all known camera RAW and standard image formats, as well as sound, video, Microsoft Office and Adobe pdf files. Additional improvements in usability, performance and speed, result in recoveries that are more than 60 percent faster than previous versions and a more satisfying user experience.

“Most photographers at some point will experience the frustration of lost images,” notes Kevin Bordley, ImageRecall’s product marketing manager. “ImageRecall 3 acts like an insurance policy and brings easy and affordable file recovery within reach of anyone owning a digital camera.”

The 39th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Katarzyna and Mariusz Wloczysiak.

“We are a couple involved in creating fine art nude photographs of Kasia, the model for Mariusz. Living together and sharing common interests facilitates photo adventure and the result is presented in our website. We work together in photography on the exclusive basis, which is also a factor of enhanced mutual understanding in photo shoots.

Nude photography has been our favourite field since our first meeting in June 2003. Mariusz was at that time seeking a model who would like to commit herself to long-term co-operation and Kasia responded to this challenge.

As we are now progressing in our photography, we are all the time trying to express new ideas, which cross our minds. We would like to convey the message of human beauty, respect for nudity and appreciation of the feminine in our work.”

Website: Portfolios: Katarzyna and Mariusz Wloczysiak

JP Distribution Press Release 21/10/04

JP Distribution is pleased to announce the Gepe Card SafeTM range.

Digital memory cards are now used in almost every electronic device such as digital cameras, video cameras, MP3 Players, cell phones, PDAs, etc. For these devices different type and sizes of cards are used. All cards have one point in common however; the personal value of their contained data that needs to be protected. For transport, safekeeping and optimal protection of these memory cards Gepe has developed the unique Card SafeTM series.

A special feature of all Card SafeTM models is the innovative MultiCard insert. Each card space can be used for different card types. Without having to change the insert MMC/SD cards, Smart Media, Memory Stick or Compact Flash cards can be stored tightly and safely. The design and special material used, protect the cards from shocks and keeps them securely in place, whilst the unique, Anti-Static lining material prevents valuable data from being erased, or damaged, due to electrostatic effects.

All models of the Card SafeTM series have special viewing windows on the top, and bottom, which are positioned over the card so you can see which space is taken by which card, even if the box is closed. It makes organization easier.

Peter iNova Press Release

DSLR: Nikon D70 is a new eBook from authors Peter iNova and Uwe Steinmueller.

Geared to the D70 photographer, the eBook reveals a depth of techniques, lore, secrets, work-arounds and surprises found nowhere else. Disclosures reveal the camera, lenses and system accessories of this highly capable dSLR and give D70 photographers a distinct edge as they track down and capture images of many kinds. Numerous images are interactive on the page, and hyperlinks connect ideas all through the eBook. Some open your Internet browser and link you instantly to pages on the Web.

The D70 eBook comes with all display software needed for Mac and Windows.

DSLR: Nikon D70, 446 pages, 1100 images, illustrations, animations and graphics: $49.95 US plus shipping.

—Special $6.50 Off All Shipping for Photography Blog Customers—
Order the DSLR: Nikon D70 eBook now and save $6.50!!

Kodak yesterday reported a sharp incrase in its profits for the 3rd quarter of this financial year, exceeding Wall Street expectations. Signs that Kodak’s push towards digital is paying off? Maybe, but losses in its traditional film and camera businesses still caused the share price to fall by 8%.

“The world’s biggest film manufacturer, which is navigating a tough transition to filmless photography, said it earned $US479 million, or $US1.67 a share, in the July-September period, up from $US122 million, or 42 cents a share, a year ago.

Excluding restructuring costs and a gain of $US434 million, or $US1.51 a share, from the sale of its historic remote sensing systems business, profits were $US226 million, or 79 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call expected earnings of 72 cents a share.”

Website: Sydney Morning Herald - Kodak benefits from digital sales surge

Samsung have just introduced the world’s first 5 megapixel camera phone in. The SCH-S250 features 92MB onboard memory, 32MB auxiliary memory, shutter speed up to 1/1,000th second and the ability to photograph subjects as close as 10 centimeters. The phone also has an MP3 player, a TV function and mobile banking.

”“Our development of a five-megapixel camera phone will boost the competitiveness of the South Korean mobile phone industry,” Samsung president Lee Ki-Tae said in a statement.

“At the same time, I would like to see our technological advances contribute to the growth of the global mobile phone industry,” he said.”

The Yahoo story linked to below ends with the interesting statement “South Korea’s top mobile carrier, SK Telecom, said it would introduce 10-megapixel camera phones produced by Samsung by the end of this year.”!

Website: Yahoo - Samsung develops world’s first five-megapixel camera phone

Adobe have just published a series of new articles about digital photography, written by some of the leading experts in the industry. “From the Digital Negative (DNG) specification to industry-leading Adobe Photoshop CS software, Adobe offers essential tools for digital imaging. Explore these papers and primers - written by some of the biggest names in the industry - to learn more about the new world of digital photography.

Website: Adobe - Digital Photography White Papers and Primers

The German website Photoworld.de have posted a review of the 6 megapixel Casio EXILIM PRO EX-P600 digital camera.

Website: Photoworld.de - Casio EXILIM PRO EX-P600 Review

Imaging Resource have just cast their beady eye over the new 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3.

“High barrel distortion at wide angle, but low pincushion at telephoto. Good sharpness in the corners, variable chromatic aberration. Optical distortion on the Z3 was slightly higher than average at the wide-angle end, where I measured approximately 0.9 percent barrel distortion. The telephoto end fared much better, as I found only 0.05 percent pincushion distortion there. (While high at the wide angle end of its range, this is much less distortion overall than it’s common to find in long-zoom digicam lenses.) Chromatic aberration was low at wide angle to “normal” focal lengths, but increased to a rather high level by the time I got to maximum telephoto.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Konica
Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3

The Polish website Fotopolis have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera.

Website: Fotopolis - Nikon Coolpix 5200 Review

CNET have reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH.

“Images were crisp, with good saturation and accurate exposures, although there was a tendency to overload highlights, and we noticed some purple fringing around backlit areas. Flesh tones tended to be a little yellow. Noise wasn’t a problem until we used higher ISO settings (ISO 200 and 400), and the SD20 has automatic noise reduction for exposures of 1.3 seconds or longer.”

Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH Review

Norwegian website Akamera.no have posted a review of the Nikon Coolwalker MSV-01, a 30GB portable image storage device for the organisation of digital images.

Website: Akamera.no - Nikon Coolwalker MSV-01 Review