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

Apacer Press Release 23/09/04

Apacer introduces Share Steno CD211 - the world’s first stand-alone 2-way portable USB storage device with USB2.0 OTG and LCD panel

(Taipei) The world’s first two-way portable USB storage device equipped with USB2.0 on-the-go interface, and LCD panel will be available from your local Apacer dealer this September. The Share Steno CD211 is specially designed for travelers, professional photographers, users of USB storage devices, and users who need an external hard drive.

“Users don’t want to worry about the capacity of their digital camera’s memory card when on a trip, especially if they don’t want to carry a laptop computer all the time,” says Lawrence Lo, vice president of Apacer, “the Share Steno CD211 is a stand-alone, two-way portable USB storage device that uses a standard 2.5” hard disk, and allows users to connect directly to a digital camera, MP3 player, flash drive, card reader or other USB devices, and quickly and easily save their pictures, music, or other files.”

According to Lawrence Lo, vice president at Apacer, the Share Steno CD211 allows users to copy data from and to various USB storage devices without connecting to a PC. For example, from the memory card on a digital camera to the Share Steno CD211, or users can transfer music files from the Share Steno CD211 to an MP3 player, as if it was an MP3 library with super capacity!

DCResource have just reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 digital camera, which features fastest-in-class startup, 8x optical “Mega-Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design.

“For those seeking a real bargain in the ultra zoom category, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 is it. You’ll have to give up a few things compared to the competition, but overall it’s a great camera for the money. You won’t find too many cameras with a street price well below $300 that have this many features.”

Website: DCResource - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 Review

Jenoptik Press Release 23/09/4

Freedom without compromise.

JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH is setting standards in portable digital medium format photography with its new Eyelike eMotion22.

The Eyelike eMotion22 from JENOPTIK is the high quality digital back for untethered and tethered operation.

Fast, high resolution, lightweight and elegant are the key words describing the new Eyelike eMotion22. JENOPTIK presents its latest digital camera back for medium-format and high-end view camera. Fully designed for untethered use, it sets new standards. Low power consumption, a lightweight, yet stable design together with a completely revised housing and board design guarantee images of outstanding quality. They also allow photographers to fully concentrate on their work when taking pictures.

Consequently Mobile
The Eyelike eMotion22 has been specifically designed for portable use.
It features a built-in 2.2 inch display, a lithium-ion battery which is rated for up to 2.5 operating hours, and an internal memory with a maximum storage capacity of 140 images.

The camera back is immediately ready for use without requiring any additional memory cards. For extended memory space, the Eyelike eMotion22 provides an option to save data on type I
and II Compact Flash cards. Storage capacity can thus be increased up to 520 images, without having to rely on a heavy, mechanically susceptible harddrive. The display and all other components have been selected with special focus on low power consumption for superior battery lifetime performance. A secondary benefit of this design package is that camera heating effects are reduced to a minimum level, which allows for noise-free images of highest quality.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 23/09/04

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro: the digital SLR that’s tuned for image quality

Release Date: 23 September 2004

Any photographer who has thought hard about their choice of film, and whose work is geared towards ultimate image quality, will understand the appeal of the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro.

Representing the company’s pursuit of film photography standards for the digital world, the FinePix S3 Pro introduces Fujifilm’s unique Super CCD SR II - dual pixel technology that is technically inspired by the structure of silver halide crystals in colour negative film.

The new sensor produces 12.34 million effective pixels in 6.17 locations, combining 6.17 million high-sensitivity S-pixels and the same number of low-sensitivity R-pixels. Thanks to a newly developed image processor, the FinePix S3 Pro achieves exceptional image quality with a fourfold increase in dynamic range over non-SR Super CCD sensors, rich colour reproduction, high signal to noise ratio (lower noise at higher sensitivities) and tonality that was previously impossible to generate with digital cameras.

The FinePix S3 Pro’s designers have been able to make full use of Fujifilm’s extensive colour film expertise. For instance, rather than force photographers to shoot in RAW mode and spend time on an extensive workflow process, Fujifilm has introduced Film Simulation Modes, dynamic range presets and colour space selection.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A Press Release 22/09/04

Proprietary Technology Gives Fujifilm’s New Inkjet Photo Paper an Advantage over Competitive Products; New Photo Paper Broadens Fujifilm’s Printing Options

VALHALLA, N.Y. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Sept. 22, 2004—Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., one of the world’s pioneering companies in the field of digital imaging products and services, has expanded its line of inkjet photo paper. By applying its 70-year history of imaging know-how and manufacturing excellence to its inkjet product line, Fujifilm is poised to expand its presence in this growing segment, valued at over $450 million and projected to grow to nearly half a billion dollars in 2005.**

With the addition of Gallery Select and Family photo paper along side the acclaimed Premium Plus product, Fujifilm now has a broad home printing solution that works with all inkjet printers, delivering smooth, glossy prints with crisp detail, contrast and definition. Gallery Select provides long-lasting, professional quality photos ideal for special occasions and framing. The high quality, Premium Plus photo paper makes brilliant prints for photo albums. And the affordable, instantly dry Family photo paper is ideal for home, office and school projects.

Both Gallery Select and Premium Plus feature the company’s proprietary Super Performance Technology, which is derived from Fujifilm’s renowned film coating production process, and provides a technological advantage over competitive products. This patented difference means that Fujifilm’s photo paper has more coating layers than all competitors’ and delivers better color control and accuracy, resulting in crisper detail, whiter whites and deeper, more brilliant colors. In addition, this technology provides greater longevity, especially in the highest quality photo paper, Gallery Select.

Microsoft Press Release 22/09/04

Microsoft Announces Canon’s Support of Media Transfer Protocol in Digital Still Cameras

Improved Image Acquisition and Camera Control Capabilities Enable New Possibilities for Digital Imaging Industry

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Microsoft Corp. today announced that its new Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) will be supported by Canon Inc., a leader in the field of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon, one of the market leaders in adopting and promoting Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP), now plans to incorporate support for MTP into its future digital camera product offerings. This announcement coincides with next week’s 2004 Photokina trade show and signifies a premier industry relationship for Microsoft, introducing one of the most advanced technologies yet for image acquisition to a Windows(R)-based PC.

Based on the popular PTP, MTP enables the transfer of media such as images to and from a broad range of devices, while delivering enhanced device management and significant performance improvements for today’s new classes of portable media devices. MTP over IP (MTP/IP) extends the applicability of this exciting technology to networked and wireless devices. Canon’s adoption of MTP/IP for its future wireless digital cameras will significantly improve the image acquisition experience for both consumers and professionals, enabling ubiquitous, high-performance connectivity. Among its benefits, MTP/IP provides vastly improved support for transferring large quantities of data from a device, while also enabling faster thumbnail viewing for photographers with large storage media in their devices. MTP/IP also eliminates much of the complexity inherent in wireless connectivity for professional photographers and will enable new scenarios for all enthusiasts.

ColorVision/Pantone Inc. Press Release 22/09/04

Datacolor and Pantone Debut COLORVISION Spyder2; New Color-Management Technology Provides Unparalleled Accuracy and Ease-of-Use

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. & CARLSTADT, N.J. - (Business Wire) - Sept. 22, 2004 ColorVision, the digital imaging unit of Datacolor, and Pantone Inc., the global authority on color, will unveil COLORVISION(R) Spyder2(TM), the next generation of affordable color-management technology, at the Photokina International Trade Show in Cologne, Germany, on Sept. 28, 2004, and at GRAPH EXPO in Chicago on Oct. 10, 2004.

The Spyder2(TM) colorimeter, the latest addition to the PANTONE COLORVISION product line, delivers a new level of on-screen color accuracy. The sleek, redesigned, dual-phase hardware features precise calibration and highly accurate ICC profiles for CRT, LCD and laptop displays. The new software and graphical user-interface provide ease-of-use previously unavailable in professional-level monitor calibration products.

Based on the research and development work of ColorVision’s physicists, the Spyder2 state-of-the-art optical science and new light detectors deliver a five-fold increase in sensitivity. Additionally, the new filter pack system and patent-protected light baffle further increase the accuracy of on-screen color measurement. Improvements to the calibration software utilize sophisticated gray-balance and tonal-response algorithms to produce superior color images, including exceptionally smooth gradient steps, life-like flesh tones and neutral grays.

Shortcut Press Release 22/09/04

As of September 28th the start of a fruitful cooperation between Shortcut and Canon Germany is a fact. As a science company Shortcut develops and publishes high-grade graphic software technology. The multiple award winning Shortcut PhotoZoom with its S-Spline technology will be bundled with Canon’s large format printers.

Canon has recently update there line of Large Format, and very determined to become one of the leading players.

Canon will bundle Shortcut’s PhotoZoom Pro with every large format printer W2200 and W6200 sold. PhotoZoom is a revolutionary, patented and awarded technology (including CeBIT award) that offers the best tools available for the enlargement of digital images.

The Norwegian website Akam.no is one of the first to review the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. If anyone can supply me with a translation, that would be great!

Website: Akam.no - Canon EOS 20D Review