Thom Hogan has just reviewed the Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, which is the newest addition to a growing range of lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras. This lens currently ships with the Nikon D70 in kit form.

“Sharpness is excellent throughout the range, with f/8 being the point of maximum sharpness on my sample pretty much across the entire focal length range. Even at f/3.5 (or 4.5 at the tele end) in the corners this lens remains an very good performer—much better than you’d expect for the price. I’d be more comfortable about using this lens wide open if it weren’t for the vignetting, but if you’re a Capture user and shoot NEF, you can safely ignore that comment, as Capture’s Vignette control handles this lens perfectly.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED Lens Review

The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer.

Website: Akam.no - Epson Stylus Photo R300 Review

Weighing in at a whopping 7-11Mbs, Canon have released 4 sample images for their new 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. One for broadband users only I think! Canon have even indulged us by including a night photograph amongst the samples, taken with a 15 sec shutter speed.

Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Official Sample Images

PhotographyBLOG has joined forces with the No.1 European online photo processing service myPixmania to offer you a great range of affordable online printing and storage services. Prices start from just 8p per print and you automatically get 10 free prints when you register for a free account. myPIXmania uses Fuji Professional Paper which is widely recognized in the specialized press as being the standard for digital paper, and your photos will be processed within 24 hours. You also recieve a free photo album with unlimited space.

Register for a free myPixmania account

GretagMacbeth Press Release 20/09/04

The new ProfileMaker 5 from GretagMacbeth

GretagMacbeth will show new ProfileMaker 5 professional color management solutions for the photographic digital workflow

New vertically focused ProfileMaker 5 packages provide price/performance advantages for color management workflows in prepress-publishing, multicolor packaging-textile printing and studio photography

Regensdorf, Switzerland, September 20th, 2004 - GretagMacbeth, the worldwide technological leader in color measurement and management solutions will show at Photokina ProfileMaker 5 solutions to the photographic industry. In hall 14.1, booth A034 GretagMacbeth will show the latest generation of its comprehensive, high-end color management solutions for professionals in color critical environments. The new ProfileMaker 5 solutions has been introduced to the European market for the first time at Drupa.

ProfileMaker 5 software is now packaged in three, vertically focused solutions - PM5 Publish Pro, PM5 Packaging Pro and PM5 Photostudio Pro - that provide optimal price/performance levels for professionals in prepress-publishing, multicolor packaging-textile printing and studio photography environments. Each solution is designed to provide only the functionality required for each specific workflow, thereby maintaining ease of use. Individual functional modules and additional tools are also available giving users the flexibility to expand their packages as their needs grow.

Princess Cruises Press Release 20/09/04

Princess Cruises has today announced that it will extend the deadline for their Escapes Photography Awards due to the volume of interest being shown by professional and amateur photographers.

The deadline has been extended to 1 October.

Pieter van der Schee, head of brand marketing, Princess Cruises says, “We’ve had thousands of high quality entries already but given the stature of the awards we want to make sure as many people as possible are given time to enter.”

With a prize of ?10,000 for the winning professional entry and luxury Princess cruises for the winning amateur entries, interest in the competition has gone from strength to strength, leaving the illustrious judging panel with some very hard decisions.

2 official images taken with the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR have just been posted on konicaminolta.com. Both are available to view at 100% magnification, so you can judge for yourself what the quality is like.

Thanks to Zoltan Arva-Toth for letting me know :-)

Website: Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Official Sample Images

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.