Brought to you by Digital Outback Photo, fotoespresso is a brand new, hot off the virtual press, newsletter that reports news, trends, new techniques and tools for digital photography. Its focus is on digital photography workflow and making the life of digital photographers easier. There’s not much content there at the moment, but it’s definitely worth signing up for and keeping an eye on.

Website: fotoespresso.com

Digital Outback Photo’s have got hold of the new Canon EOS 20D and have started their usual diary-like Experience Report about Canon’s 8 megapixel DSLR.

“Finally we received our 20D review sample. This is a very interesting camera. Not so much because of the 2MP more compared to the Canon EOS 10D but because it seems that this camera gets close in terms of low noise to the much more expensive EOS 1D Mark II which we own and like. We will do lot of comparisons between the 20D and the 1D Mark II.

We also take the 20D to Photokina as our only camera and then after Photokina we will focus mainly gaining real world experience. Please be patient.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon EOS 20D Experience Report

DCResource have today reviewed Canon’s new entry-level digital camera, the PowerShot A400.

“Despite its low price, the Canon PowerShot A400 doesn’t compromise on image quality. Aside from the occasional fuzzy background detail, the A400 takes very good photos, not bad for a camera costing about 150 bucks! While not the smallest camera around, the A400 (in your choice of four colors) is easy to take wherever you go. It’s well-designed and doesn’t feel cheap like some other entry-level cameras. Probably the biggest flaw on the A400 (if you can call it one) is the lens. It’s not the 2.2X zoom that bothers me; rather, it’s the fact that the lens starts at 45 mm—not great for indoor shots.”

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot A400 Review

Technology website AnandTech have just reviewed the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-F88 digital camera.

“During our review, we discovered several strengths of the DSC-F88. We found it to have pretty good line resolution for a 5MP compact camera. It also proved itself to be very fast both in startup and shot-to-shot times. The battery life on this camera is incredible for a compact camera. Overall, we were impressed with the F88’s color reproduction as well. Like most current digicams, the F88 showed a slight yellowish cast when set to Auto WB in Tungsten lighting. However, when set to Incandescent, the color was pretty accurate. In our daylight WB samples, the F88 showed very accurate color reproduction. This camera showed very impressive noise control in low-light/long exposure scenarios. We also found the camera to have fairly intuitive menu layout.”

Website: AnandTech - Sony DSC-F88 Review

Depth of field is one of the most crucial things to understand if you ever want to become more than a snapshoot photographer. Bob Atkins has a decent article which attempts to explain what it is, with some info about how it works with digital SLRs like the EOS 10D.

“Depth of field is also NOT directly related to background blur. Depth of field equations tell you over what range of distances objects will appear to be acceptably sharp (or at least not unacceptably unsharp). It tells you nothing about how much blur there will be of objects well outside the depth of field. That’s governed by different physical parameters and determined using totally different equations, and it’s something I intend to address in a future article.”

Website: Bob Atkins- Digital Depth of Field

The Norwegian website Akam.no have published a review of the new Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica.

Website: Akam.no - DMC-FZ20 Review

The 34th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Jason Hawkes.

“Over the last fifteen years, Jason has produced over twenty books, and has been commissioned to photograph many prestigious advertising campaigns that have taken him around Europe and the US. Clients Include :

Nike, Nat West, Rolex, London Eye, BP, Royal Air Force, UBS Warburg, HM Land Registry, Hewlitt Packard, Anchor Butter, Railtrack, Ordanance Survey, Mobil, American Airlines, Orange, Hydro

His work has covered specific locations, such as London, Provence and South Carolina, to covering themes such as historical or pre-historical locations. His latest books include, The Low Country, capturing the state of South Carolina, and Aerial, a technical overview of his work.
He has won numerous awards including two D&AD awards, the Association of Photographers award. His work has been feature reviews in numerous publications such as The Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, Creative Review , BJP etc

In the Summer / Autumn 2003 Jason held major exhibition of sixty of his images of Britain at the London Eye, on the bank of the Thames. The exhibition lasted five months and was fully sponsored by the British Airways London Eye.”

Website: www.jasonhawkes.com

Website: Portfolios: Jason Hawkes

Pocket Lint have just reviewed what is sure to be a popular digital camera, the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot A95:

“We liked the camera better once we moved the shooting mode dial into what Canon calls the Creative Zone. This is where you can start playing with the aperture settings and shutter speed. Selecting a low aperture for portraits gave us our favourite shots. The beauty of any digital camera is being able to experiment. We ignored the rule book and took hundreds of shots with different settings, viewing the results on the LCD.”

Website: Pocket Lint - Canon PowerShot A95 Review

Dual DIWA Awards to Nikon: Gold Award to D70 and Silver to COOLPIX 8700

24. September, 2004: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating digital imaging websites, today announced that two Nikon digital cameras have been awarded for outstanding test results. On all accounts, the Nikon D70 satisfied the DIWA testing experts, who honoured its overall performance with a DIWA Gold medal in the category of digital system cameras. Also another high-quality Nikon digital camera, the compact megazoom model COOLPIX 8700, has passed the rigorous DIWA tests with excellent results, qualifying for a DIWA Silver medal.

The Nikon D70 took the D-SLR market to new heights by introducing exceptional features and qualities at a very reasonable price. Although the camera is targeted for advanced amateurs, also numerous professional photographers have found the D70 to deliver exceptionally good value for money. The DIWA testing team confirms this impression. Numerous individual reviews conclude that the Nikon D70 qualities are indisputable, regardless of the price issue.

The Nikon COOLPIX range of high-performance digital compact cameras is topped by the 8 Megapixel COOLPIX 8700. Several reviews, based on the comprehensive DIWA testing procedure, confirmed that the camera performs better than many of its rivals, with scores well within the DIWA range for a Silver medal.

The 6 megapixel FinePix F810 was first announced a couple of months ago and was only going to be released in Europe. Now FujiFilm have announced that this model will also be sold in the USA.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Press Release 23/09/04

NEW FUJIFILM FINEPIX F810 DIGITAL CAMERA SHOOTS IN STANDARD OR WIDESCREEN FORMATS

Super CCD HR Sensor and New Processor Provide Speed and Quality

VALHALLA, NY, September 23, 2004—For consumers who enjoy viewing their digital still images or movie clips on widescreen TVs or monitors, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. announces the FinePix F810, the latest addition to Fujifilm?s extensive digital camera line. Featuring the same high quality Super CCD HR sensor, new image processor and 4x zoom lens found in the recently introduced FinePix E550, the new F810 provides the additional versatility of shooting in either standard (4:3) or widescreen (16:9) formats.

The FinePix F810 offers 6.3 million effective pixels and can capture up to 4048 x 3040 recorded pixels (12.3 million) in standard mode or 3968 x 2232 recorded pixels (8.9 million) in widescreen mode using Fujifilm?s proprietary Super CCD HR (High Resolution) sensor system. The sensor offers expanded sensitivity, from ISO 80 for superb image quality to ISO 200 and 400 for high performance and ultra-high ISO 800 (at 3MP mode or less) for low light or fast action photography.

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S3100 digital compact camera.

“Ergonomics were good. The controls are well placed, and the menu system was very easy to navigate. Its large handgrip allows you to steadily hold the camera when using its telephoto capabilities and gives it a nice secure feeling. It offers users both an LCD and EVF (Electronic ViewFinder), and they are equally-functional; you can setup the camera, and compose and review your images on either one. I favored the LCD for camera setup and image review, and the EVF for shooting; switching between the two needs only a touch of the conveniently-located EVF/LCD button. However, they only cover about 88% of the captured image, so you have to factor this in when framing a shot.”

Website: Steves Digicams - FujiFilm FinePix S3100 Review

DPReview have just reviewed the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera.

“I must admit I fully expected to be underwhelmed by the P150, and didn’t expect the 7MP CCD to offer any significant advantage over the 5MP version used in many cameras, including the existing P100. So it came as a pleasant surprise to discover that the P150 is capable of capturing considerably more detail without a significant increase in noise, and that some of the problems of fringing and lack of dynamic range have been fairly convincingly addressed.”

Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-P150 Review

DigitalCameraInfo have posted the first review that I’ve seen of Canon’s new entry-level digital camera, the PowerShot A400.

“There is a slight lift on the front face of the Canon PowerShot A400 that’s paired with a scallop on the back of the body, providing a secure grip for the right hand thumb and index finger. I found myself often having to hold the camera in awkward positions when using the viewfinder or when viewing the LCD in close proximity. The left hand basically has to fend for itself, a conundrum I solved by holding the camera body at the top and the base, as otherwise my fingers would block the lens or mask the internal flash.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon PowerShot A400 Review

For a limited time, Sybex is offering you an extraordinary deal—two of our most popular and acclaimed digital photography books for the price of one:

Color Confidence: The Digital Photographer’s Guide to Color Management by Tim Grey (US $44.99)
http://www.sybex.com/newsletter/4316

Photo Finish: The Digital Photographer’s Guide to Printing, Showing, and Selling Images by Jon Canfield and Tim Grey (US $29.99)
http://www.sybex.com/newsletter/4348

Just go to http://www.sybex.com/news/specialdeals to buy both books for only $44.99!

With these two highly practical, interrelated titles you’ll learn all the pro tricks to effective color
management and digital output production, so you can take full control of your images and achieve the finest results possible.

This special deal is just the start of Sybex’s Digital Photography Spotlight campaign so make sure you check http://www.sybex.com regularly for new exciting offers.

Praise for Color Confidence:
“Clearly written, beautifully illustrated and contains everything that a photographer needs to know about this oft-times confusing subject.”
?Michael Reichmann, The Luminous Landscape, www.luminous-landscape.com

Praise for Photo Finish:
“A must-have book for all photographers.”
—John Shaw, johnshawphoto.com

Delkin Devices Inc. Press Release 23/09/04

DELKIN LAUNCHES HIGH CAPACITY 2GB & 4 GB PRO MEMORY CARDS

Delkin Devices Inc., maker of premium quality eFilm memory cards and other innovative products for camera stores worldwide, today announced some major new additions to its high-speed eFilm PRO Card line. The new eFilm CompactFlash (CF) PRO Cards for high-end SLR digital cameras.

High-capacities of 2 & 4 Gigabytes now join the existing PRO Card capacities of 128MB, 256MB, 320MB, 512MB & 1GB.

Delkin PRO cards are Delkin’s premium series of memory cards designed to quench the professional photographer’s thirst for speed. The Delkin eFilm CF PRO Cards are solid-state, and designed to be fast and durable for extensive shooting in the most extreme conditions.

To achieve this standard in quality, Delkin developed an innovative new technology called DQD (patent pending). The eFilm PRO cards are the only product on the market currently with DQD technology. DQD is a design and quality verification process that improves the performance of CF cards and is a Delkin exclusive. Innovative ideas like DQD enable Delkin to offer the best warranty in the business.

ExpoDisc Inc. Press Release 23/09/04

ExpoDisc Unveils Digital Warm Balance Color Filter at PhotoPlus Expo

Provides Fast, Accurate Color at Capture for Photographers and Videographers

ExpoDisc, Booth 570, PhotoPlus Expo
October 21-23, 2004 Jacob Javits Convention Center New York

NEW YORK, NY (September 23, 2004) - ExpoDisc Inc., the pioneer in diffusion filters that allow photographers to fine-tune color balance at capture, today announced the ExpoDisc Digital Warm Balance Filter.  The new filter is designed for professional photographers, videographers, and serious amateurs.

The new filter produces custom color at the point of capture. Photographers no longer have to shoot through extra glass, carry inconsistent and cumbersome cards, or spend hours on the computer in post-production color correction.  Users just need to read and set white balance with the ExpoDisc Digital Warm Balance filter in place before shooting to produce portraits and landscapes with warmer, more pleasing colors.

The Digital Warm Balance Filter is a calibrated, colored diffusion filter with a bias that forces the digital camera to add precise quantities of red and green color to a neutral balance.  The filter is excellent for warming (or balancing) skin tones in indoor or outdoor portraits and scenery.  It decreases color temperature; adds healthy skin tone to images shot in open shade or overcast conditions; slightly reduces the bluish cast on overcast days or at high noon; reduces excess blue from flash indoors or in daylight flash-fill; as well as warms sea, sky and high altitude shots.

Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 22/09/04

Kodak Reports Significant Progress in Digital Growth Strategy; Reiterates EPS Forecast of $3, Sales of $16 Billion Forecast in 2006

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 22, 2004—Eastman Kodak Company, at a meeting with investors today, will report significant progress in the digitally oriented growth strategy that the company presented last year.

Kodak will indicate that it expects sales of digital products and services to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 36% between 2003 and 2007. The company previously projected a growth rate of 26% between 2002 and 2006.

For the period of 2003 to 2007, the company is now projecting total revenue to grow at a rate of 7% to 8%. Although the current forecast envisions a more rapid decline in the traditional business, that decline is offset by a higher rate of growth in digital products and services, allowing the company to maintain its target for total sales of $16 billion by 2006.

J.D. Power and Associates Press Release 22/09/04

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Kodak, Sony and Canon Top Rankings in First Ever Digital Camera Satisfaction Study
 
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 22, 2004—Study Measures Satisfaction with Camera Performance Now that Digital Has Gone Mainstream  

Kodak ranks highest in customer satisfaction in two digital camera segments, while Sony and Canon each rank highest in one, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study(SM) released today.

The inaugural study measures the satisfaction of digital camera owners across four price segments: $199 and less; $200-$399; $400-$599; and $600 or more. Overall digital camera satisfaction is based on performance across four factors: performance, connectivity, cost and appearance.

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new HP Photosmart 375 compact photo printer.

“If all you need to print is 4x6” photos and you want to be able to do that at home or in the field - without a computer - and/or without an AC power cord - then this may just be your next printer. The HP 375 can handle every current digicam flash memory format via its four built in card slots. Out of the box this printer can directly read and print from CompactFlash (Type I or II, Microdrive), SmartMedia, Secure Digital / MMC, Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo (with adapter) or xD-Picture Cards.”

Website: Steves Digicams - HP Photosmart 375 Compact Photo Printer Review

In his latest eassay Michael Reichmann explains what he thinks separates a snapshot from a fine-art photograph.

“Every photographer is a snapshooter at heart. I don’t know of a fine art photographer, regardless of their pretentious, who didn’t also take snapshots. Especially pictures of members of their family, and in particular children and babies. It simply goes with the territory of being a photographer and of having taking photographs as a way of life. It’s how we see the world and how we share it with others.

Most of the time these family photos and snapshots end up in an album, and occasionally, if they’re really good, as a framed print. But once in a very rare while an image can rise above its origins and become a fine art print. This essay is a detailed look at the esthetic as well as the technical decisions that went into the making of Baby and Watering Can, seen above.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - From Snapshot to Fine Art