I’m still using 512Mb compact flash cards and a 20Gb portable storage device , but that hasn’t stopped Samsung from developing an 8GB NAND-type flash memory chip that “will allow designs of up to 16 gigabytes (GB) of storage on a single memory card. That 16GB of memory translates into storage of up to 16 hours of DVD quality video or 4,000 (five minutes per song) MP3 audio files.” God knows how much that will cost!

Thanks to Sanj for the link.

Website: ZDNet UK - Samsung clears the way for 16GB flash disks

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Aspheric lens gives new flagship CanoScan 9950F the edge

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new flagship to its CanoScan scanner range: the 4800 x 9600 dpi 48 bit colour depth CanoScan 9950F. The world’s first flat-bed scanner to offer 30-frame capacity for 35mm filmstrip, the 9950F also incorporates an aspheric element lens - Canon’s own ‘Super-Toric’ lens - for unsurpassed levels of clarity, contrast and image quality.

Canon?s new range-leader features FARE Level 3 - the ultimate infra-red film correction and enhancement system for precise, automatic dust and scratch removal, colour resaturation, plus grain and backlight correction. QARE Level 3 offers a similar correction and auto-retouching functionality for photo prints. A fast scan engine, moving backlight FAU, extremely efficient light capture system and USB 2.0 Hi?Speed / IEEE1394 FireWire connection combine to deliver super-quick 3.6 second previews and exceptionally fast scan times. The slim contours, aluminium hairline finish and robust build of the 9950F are consistent with its position at the top of the CanoScan range.

“New sensor, lamp and lens technologies introduced with the release of the 9950F are indicative of Canon?s commitment to producing superior solutions through Research & Development in scanning technology,” said Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland, Malcolm Hills. “With its capacity to scan a full roll of 35mm film in one operation, Canon expects this scanner to be the new first choice for serious professionals.”

The Canoscan 9950F will be available from November 2004 for £339 RRP inc.VAT / EUROS 489 RRP inc. VAT

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Canon’s new CanoScan 8400F: fast track to exceptional professional film scans

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the CanoScan 8400F - a premium film and document scanner. Featuring a 3200 x 6400 dpi CCD sensor, a 12-frame FAU (Film Adaptor Unit) and advanced FARE Level 3 technology, the 8400F delivers exceptionally detailed and accurate professional film scans.

Replacing the CanoScan 8000F, the 8400F is designed for maximum productivity with its new super fast scan engine. The moving light source within the FAU and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection add to the scanner’s blistering speeds. A fast warm up time enables scanning within 20 seconds of powering up, while previews can be viewed in just 2.1 seconds.

The CanoScan 8400F will be available from November 2004 for £179 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 259 RRP inc. VAT

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Canon’s new CanoScan 4200F makes 3200 x 6400 dpi scanning affordable

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the low cost, high performance 3200 x 6400 dpi CanoScan 4200F.  With a price tag similar to that of many entry level scanners, the 4200F features 48 bit colour depth, class-leading 2.6 second preview time, a film guide built into the FAU (film adapter unit) for quick and easy transparency scanning and a rapid warm up time of approximately 15 seconds.

A super fast scan engine and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface combine to deliver 2.6 second preview times, 12 second scan times (A4, full colour at 400 dpi)  and fast transfer of large hi-resolution images to the PC. The 4200F also features QARE Level 2 automatic retouching function for restoring old or damaged photographs.

A sleek design, smooth curves and granite-like finish match the scanner?s commanding performance and challenge the appearance of much higher priced models.

“The 4200F represents high-end scanner performance at an entry level price,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “With such exceptional price and performance, Canon expects this ground-breaking product to redefine the first-time scanner buyer market.”

The CanoScan 4200F will be available from November 2004 for £99 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 143 RRP inc. VAT

Canon UK Press release 21/09/04

Introducing the EOS-1Ds Mark II - Canon’s new 16.7 Megapixel Digital SLR extends studio photographer’s options

Canon, world leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its new flagship camera: the 35mm full-frame 16.7 Megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. The camera is expected to appeal to professional studio and commercial photographers.

Featuring a full-frame 36 x 24mm 16.7 Megapixel CMOS sensor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II produces images with outstanding colour rendition and dynamic range. It has sufficient resolution to produce files which convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24 bit colour depth, now considered standard acceptable size by leading international photo agencies and stock libraries.

Replacing the award winning 11.1 Megapixel EOS-1Ds, the camera is powered by Canon’s second generation DIGIC II image processor and is capable of firing at 4 fps for bursts of up to 32 frames in JPEG, or 11 frames in RAW. An optional wireless adaptor (WFT-E1 - also released today) delivers high speed IEEE802.11b/g wireless LAN and 100 Megabit per second wired LAN support.

Besides the inherent advantages of digital, such as immediate turn-around and elimination of film costs, it is the flexibility of the EOS 35mm SLR format which Canon expects to appeal to many studio photographers. For the first time, medium format image quality combines with access to the world?s most extensive range of professional lenses, spanning from 14mm to 1200mm.

“The EOS-1Ds Mark II is a tremendous achievement, it represents the pinnacle of Canon?s digital camera technology,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “With its resolution, image quality, immediacy of wireless and the power and flexibility of SLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark II offers the first real digital alternative to medium format, which has so far been the choice for mainstream commercial studio and location work.”

The EOS-1Ds MKII will be available from November 2004 for £5999.99 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 8699.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Canon extends applications of photo printers with new photo media

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has launched a number of new media products to expand their photo media range. This media extends the creative and practical applications of its latest photo printers. The new media includes:

- Double-sided photo paper Photo Paper Plus Double Sided PP-101D available in A4 and 13 x 18 cm (5” x 7”) sizes
- Two kits containing everything needed for creating a personalised digital photo album (Photo Album Kit PAK-101 ? available in A4 and 5x7 sizes)
- Credit card size glossy media (Glossy Photo Paper GP-401)
- Photo stickers (Photo Stickers PS-101)

Canon recently launched a range of futuristically designed ‘plug and print’ personal photo printers with its new PIXMA sub-brand, and today launched a range of compact photo printers with its new SELPHY sub-brand. With digital camera growth at an all time high, and the recent explosion in camera phone usage, home photo printing in Europe is also set to enjoy strong growth. Canon expects demand for different types of photo media to show a corresponding increase.

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of My Canon: an online customer relationship management (eCRM) portal at http://my.canon-europe.com. My Canon consolidates a range of existing and new online services, including the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY and Your Print.

Launched in 2003, Canon’s online CANON iMAGE GATEWAY offers owners of selected Canon digital imaging products the facility to upload images and video clips to create and share their own personal online photo galleries. The launch of the My Canon portal adds new options such as an online digital imaging desktop and an information centre, where users can obtain latest Canon product information, plus tips and tools designed to help realise their visual expression.

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

10 millionth Digital IXUS

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the global production of its 10 millionth Digital IXUS camera - otherwise known as IXY (Japan) and ELPH (America). The 10 millionth camera is expected to sell during October 2004.

Released in May 2000, the first Digital IXUS camera sold over 800,000 units world-wide and began a string of successes for Canon in the style-conscious digital compact camera market. The camera had a 2.1 Megapixel resolution and weighed 190g. By comparison, the latest Digital IXUS i5 has 5.0 Megapixels and weighs just 100g .

“We are delighted to achieve this important milestone,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The continuing success of the Digital IXUS brand confirms the importance of meeting the demands of the quality-conscious customer who has an appreciation for aesthetic and an uncompromising approach to technology, style and design.”

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Canon launches new range of compact photo printers - SELPHY

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of compact photo printers.  These new printers, called SELPHY, are designed to meet the increasing demand from people who want to enjoy high quality photos from their digital images quickly and easily. Enabling creation of lab quality prints, wherever and whenever necessary with no need for a PC. SELPHY is the epitome of Do-It-YourSELF PHotographY it makes printing photos from digital images as liberating, enjoyable, instant and simple as taking them. There are three new SELPHY printers in the range, each providing direct printing from any PictBridge compatible digital camera, digital video camera or Digital SLR. The SELPHY range comprises:

- SELPHY CP500 - compact, ultra high-speed (63 second borderless postcard photo prints ) superb quality 300 dpi dye-sublimation direct printer
- SELPHY CP400 - Super compact, fast (81 second borderless postcard photo prints?), superb quality 300 dpi dye-sublimation entry level direct printer
- SELPHY DS700 - Superb quality, 2 picolitre, 4800 x 1200 dpi ink jet printer that prints images quickly from all popular digital camera memory cards (85 second borderless postcard photo prints). A direct connection to the TV together with an easy to use remote control allows convenient image preview, selection and printing. Also capable of printing from IrDA compatible camera-phones

The SELPHY CP400 will be available from October for £119.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 172.99 RRP inc. VAT

The SELPHY CP500 will be available from October for £149.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 219.99 RRP inc. VAT

The SELPHY DS700 will be available from November for £199.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 289.99 RRP inc. VAT

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Stunning new Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30 join IXUS family

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the super stylish brother-sister cameras - the Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30. A breakthrough in lens material science has paved the way for the smallest ever cameras from Canon to feature a 3x optical zoom. These are also the first in the IXUS range to incorporate Canon’s DIGIC II processor.

With beautifully rounded curves and polished, all-metal bodies, Canon takes the IXUS design philosophy to new levels. These petite and desirable digital accessories feature ‘over-size’ 2.0” LCD displays and blistering DIGIC II performance processing power for super responsive shooting, superb image quality and instant playback.  DIGIC II also means that the length of video footage these cameras can shoot is limited only by the capacity of the SD card .

“Icons of design are created where art and technological breakthroughs fuse,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The new UA lens material developed by Canon?s research scientists led the way for our designers to take Yasushi Shiotani?s original IXUS design to a new, higher plane. We are thrilled with the result.”

The Digital IXUS 40 will be available from October 2004 for £319 RRP inc. VAT /  EUROS 460.99 RRP inc. VAT

The Digital IXUS 30 will be available from October 2004 for £249 RRP inc. VAT /  EUROS 359.99 RRP inc. VAT exclusively at Jessops

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Digital IXUS i5 - New jewel in Canon’s coolest range

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the exquisitely compact Digital IXUS i5 digital still camera - an undeniably chic new addition to the legendary IXUS collection. Available in four irresistible finishes - Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Bordeaux Red and Storm Grey - Canon’s smallest ever 5.0 Megapixel camera is the ultimate digital accessory, designed to make taking great pictures simple. Half the size of many mobile phones, the silky look-and-feel all-metal body weighs just 100g.

With a 6.5x digital zoom to close in on the action, the Digital IXUS i5 can shoot 180 second video clips with full sound and playback.  A Print/Share button enables one-touch photo-printing to any PictBridge compatible photo printer, including Canon’s new SELPHY lab-quality personal photo printers.  The look and feel of the SELPHY range perfectly compliments the IXUS i5 and together they produce stunning prints. For beach fun, skiing, snorkelling and surfing, an optional 3m depth all-weather case is available.

The Digital IXUS i5 will be available from November 2004 for £319 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 460.99 RRP inc. VAT

Canon USA Press Release 21/09/04

CANON’S SOPHISTICATED, STYLISH AND SLENDER NEW POWERSHOT SD200 AND SD300 DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS OFFER BIG SCREEN VIEWING IN POCKET-SIZED PACKAGES

Canon’s New Ultra Slim, Ultra Compact PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH Cameras Offer Image Excellence, Large LCD Screens and Small Size to Today’s Consumers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. Sept. 21, 2004 - Canon makes shooting and viewing brilliant high-quality digital pictures simple with two fast, sleek and slender new digital cameras. The 3.2-megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH and 4.0-megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH cameras combine large 2.0-inch LCD screens, cutting edge technology with UA Lens and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC II image processing technology into ultra compact 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.94 inch packages.

“Since the introduction of the first Digital ELPH model in May of 2000, Canon has gained an outstanding reputation for small, stylish compact cameras with excellent image quality,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “The new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH models embody the basic principles of the ELPH line - ultra compact, lightweight and highly elegant - while striving to produce the best image quality possible.”

Canon pioneered the stylish camera concept in 1996 with the first ELPH camera, an APS film model designed to take great pictures and fit stylishly into the consumer lifestyle. With each PowerShot Digital ELPH Canon introduces, the company continues to focus on style, fashion and the distinctive look and feel of the Digital ELPH line, a look that many competitors have subsequently tried to copy. Canon’s new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH cameras honor the ELPH heritage of ultimate style while incorporating the latest imaging technologies, like the DIGIC II image processor.

Canon USA Press Release 21/09/04

CANON’S FASHION FOCUSED POWERSHOT SD20 DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS FEATURE IMAGING EXCELLENCE IN FOUR ELEGANT NEW COLORS

Form Meets Function With Canon’s New Five-Megapixel Beauties That Feature Fashionable Fall Colors in Garnet, Midnight Blue, Zen Gray and Silver

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2004 - Whether accentuating the hottest new attire during a memorable night on the town, or a fun day of shopping with friends, style enthusiasts are sure to zoom in on the most picturesque fashion accessory this fall ? Canon’s five-megapixel PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras. The new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras combine excellent image quality with sultry sizzle - all the while keeping their slim, (3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches) modelesque figure.

A Fashionista Must-Have
Designed for the fashion conscious trendsetter, the PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH comes in four new, exclusive colors that are ready to snap up plenty of attention this season. No matter if it’s the glamorous look of Silver for a night of dancing, an elegant deep Midnight Blue during an evening under the stars, the rich, sophisticated tone of Garnet, or the tranquility of Zen Gray that will please anyone’s inner chi, there is a PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH camera to suit any occasion.

Canon’s new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras exude style. These new models replace last year’s superbly successful PowerShot SD10 Digital ELPH cameras, which debuted as the fall season’s sizzling new fashion accessory when mega-hot fashion designer and star costumer Patricia Field paired the SD10 Digital ELPH cameras with her latest line and her models wore the cameras down her 2003 “House of Field” Fashion Week catwalk.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 21/09/04

Fujifilm’s FinePix F455 Zoom: sharp looks and even sharper pictures

Release Date: 21 September 2004

New five megapixel addition to Fujifilm’s ultra-smart ‘F’ range of digital cameras

Fujifilm today announced the FinePix F455 Zoom, a sleek new model that increases Fujifilm’s already powerful presence in ultra-compact digital cameras. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a powerful sensor delivering five megapixel resolution and a 3.4x times optical zoom lens, balancing strength and style in a diminutive package exactly the same size as a standard deck of cards.

The FinePix F455 Zoom also boasts a high resolution, two-inch LCD screen, making it ideal for checking the five megapixel detail of your best shots.

Capable of low sensitivity settings of ISO 80, the FinePix F455 Zoom allows users to capture images of exceptional clarity, even in bright conditions. The five megapixel sensor also means that images can be enlarged without loss of quality or detail.

Furthermore, Fujifilm has developed a new battery system with reduced energy consumption, giving the FinePix F455 Zoom greater staying power. And with its xD-Picture Card memory (currently available in capacities up to 512MB), the FinePix F455 Zoom can store and download multiple images quickly and easily. This versatile camera also comes with a USB PictureCradle, useful for recharging batteries and parking your camera when not in use. PictBridge compatibility means that images can also be printed directly without the need for a PC or a Mac.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 21/09/04

London, UK, September 21, 2004 ? Fuji Photo Film (U.K.) Ltd. is launching the PhotoDisc CD-R ? a high quality recordable optical disc that uses the latest digital technology developed by Fujifilm to provide the optimum conditions for protecting and storing everyday digital photos.

Loss of a memory card or unexpected PC system errors are the risks which overshadow any digital photo collection, and although high street digital photo printing services are becoming more and more popular, increasingly people are neglecting to have their digital pictures developed into prints. The Fujifilm PhotoDisc CD-R provides a secure alternative; 10 times more stable than standard CD-Rs and specially designed for long-term photo archiving, the PhotoDisc CD-R provides optimum image quality for digitally recorded photographs and a lifetime guarantee to that effect. 

Identifiable by its distinctive packaging in the classic Fujifilm green, the PhotoDisc CD-R complements the existing range of digital cameras by offering the reliability and technological excellence you would expect.

To ensure that the PhotoDisc CD-R lasts a lifetime, Fujifilm has developed a black substrate which protects the recording layer from the harmful effects of ultra-violet and solar radiation ? the most common causes of image deterioration. Roger Moore, Strategic Business Manager, at Fuji Photo Film explains: ?Accelerated ageing tests using a Xenon Arc Lamp show that the reflection of the new PhotoDisc CD-R is dramatically more stable than others on the market, which is crucial for the storage of material as irreplaceable as digital photographs.?

With a storage capacity of 700MB, a transfer speed of up to 52x and an attractive retail price, the PhotoDisc CD-Rs are an inexpensive and straightforward way to ensure that your customers? precious images and the memories that go with them are protected.

Casio UK Press Release 21/09/04

CASIO UK is latest company to join the Photo Imaging Council

21st September 2004 CASIO Electronics Co. Ltd (UK) today announced its admission to the Photo Imaging Council. The membership is recognition of CASIO’s credibility as a fully-fledged member of the UK photographic community and as a manufacturer of market leading, innovative photographic products.

CASIO joins companies such as Canon, Fuji, Kodak, Nikon, Pentax and Sony as a member.

Phil Williams, head of UK digital imaging, commented: 2Casio is delighted to have become a member of the Photo Imaging Council. Our membership will allow us to play a part in the development of the photographic industry at what is such an exciting time for photography in the UK.”

As a member of the Photo Imaging Council, CASIO will be ever more aware of the constantly changing business opportunities for photography in the UK. Therefore, the programme of support and information offered by PIC will be invaluable.

Williams continued: “Casio will participate in a range of Photo Imaging Council activities and services to develop and promote the interest of the general public in all aspects of photography and imaging. Our membership will benefit our trade customers and also the end-users of our digital imaging products.”

The Hungarian website Index Digicam has just reviewed the Apacer Disc Steno CP-200 portable storage device, which can transfer image files or other data from flash memory cards to CD-R or CD-R/W discs without a computer.

Website: Index Digicam - Apacer Disc Steno CP-200 Review

The Danish website Akamera.dk have reviewed the Olympus Mju 410 Digital camera. The Mju 410 is encased in a full metal body with a silver finish, offers 4 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. The Mju 410 is the first Mju Digital model to feature TruePic Turbo, a new image processor which sharpens image clarity, contrast and colour for life-like results. Available now for £299.99 (inc VAT).

Website: Akamera.dk - Olympus Mju 410 Digital Review

Website: Read my review of the Olympus Mju 410 Digital

Award Winning How2Share Technologies Launches New Global Imaging Website with Free eCard Photo Card Service

PiXPO picture sharing software enables instant photo sharing, chatting and free web-hosting of shared images

Victoria, British Columbia - September 20, 2004 How2Share Technologies Inc. announced today the launch of a new website to power the PiXPO global picture sharing network, www.PiXPO.com.  The new site features the free PiXPOstcard service, to enable visitors to send customized photo eCards for free, as well as the ability to upload images directly to the PiXPO Global Picture Sharing network.  As a result, www.PiXPO.com now integrates the benefits of all three standard photo sharing methods (photo hosting websites, picture sharing software and e-mail) into one easy-to-use solution.

The new PiXPO website integrates picture sharing functionality, offers free membership to one of the leading digital picture sharing software programs on the market, and provides visitors with simple tutorials on how to share pictures instantly with friends, family or colleagues.  The PiXPO Network and image sharing software combines photo album management, secure photo sharing, and instant messaging to enable fast photo sharing without delays.  With PiXPO, users can send web-hosted invites by e-mail to their friends, family, colleagues and special groups, inviting them to view their sample albums online, or to chat and share their entire photo collections instantly over the PiXPO private network. 

Epson USA Press Release 16/09/04

EPSON ONCE AGAIN EARNS TITLE OF OFFICIAL PHOTO PRINTER OF MISS AMERICA PAGEANT

EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 Features Ultrachrome Ink Technology to Help Contestants Remember Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience With Brilliant Prints That Will Last for Generations

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - September 16, 2004 - Contestants competing for the title of Miss America 2005 this week will be able to share and preserve their memories of this pinnacle of achievement with photographs that will last for generations. For the fifth year in a row, pageant officials have selected an archival printer from Epson America Inc. as the competition’s official photo printer.

From rehearsals to the final competition itself, long-time Miss America photographer Bruce Boyajian is photographing contestants’ activities and then printing the images using the award-winning EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 to be sure the prints last. He chose the archival printer because it delivers an unmatched combination of stunning image quality and longevity on a variety of media types with light, water and smudge-resistant EPSON Ultrachrome ink technology.
“
Photography gives us the chance to relive our memories, and the best way to do that is to show the ultimate product, which is the print,” said Fabia Ochoa, group product manager, specialty photo printers, Epson. “Epson’s advances in print permanence have been designed to keep important memories, like this milestone in these women?s personal and professional achievement, lasting a lifetime.  For a tradition like the Miss America Competition, we know that the prints can?t just look good today but also must look good for generations to come.”