“The image quality is stunning as is the case with all Canon cameras. The Canon DIGIC image processor has never disappointed me with final visual results; the colours are great and don’t present any noticeable distortions. Where this camera falls behind in my view is clarity and detail which makes perfect sense; it is a 3.2 megapixel camera and thus can only capture that much detail, the reduced amount of detail this camera captures results in less defined images that are low in clarity. When compared to the PowerShot Pro1, which has an 8 megapixel CCD, this camera is a mere toy. But for those who are beginners and need a good camera to learn with this is an ideal choice that won’t empty your wallet.”

Website: ByteSector - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Review

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the F6, the latest of the legendary F series cameras. The F6 is the sixth in the F series lineup, inaugurated with the Nikon F in 1959. The series evolved gradually, with the original Nikon F being supervened by the F2 (1971), F3 (1980), F4 (1988) and the critically acclaimed F5 in 1996. Each of these cameras inherits select elements from its predecessors, including the legendary Nikon F mount, while offering the latest innovations to meet the increasingly diversified needs of professional photographers. A great number of Nikon F series cameras and Nikkor lenses are being put to the test day after day in various locations around the world - years, even decades, after their initial launch. The new Nikon F6 promises to uphold Nikon?s tradition of innovation and enduring value.

The F6 includes the latest Nikon advances, such as the 11-area AF system for exceptionally high-speed autofocus operation with outstanding accuracy, and the Creative Lighting System for incomparable flash photography. And Nikon?s proprietary 3D Color Matrix Metering system has been refined for improved accuracy in scene reading.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED, a new high speed super-telephoto professional lens for Nikon digital and 35mm SLR cameras. The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED offers Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, focus preset functions, Meniscus front element and is the first Nikkor lens to feature Nikon’s Nano-Crystal anti-reflective coating, delivering the very best professional quality to sports and action photography.

With Silent Wave Motor Autofocus Performance, Internal Focusing, Nikon ED Glass for extra-low dispersion, and G design for use with Nikon SLR models that feature Command Dial and Sub-Command Dial control, the AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED proves extremely popular among professional photographers.

The lens features optimum performance among Nikon’s selection of compatible SLR models, including the newest selection of 35mm SLR models and the new Nikon F6 and all of Nikon?s D-Series Digital SLR cameras - D1, D1H, D1X, D2H, D100 and D70 as well as the newly announced D2X.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the TC-E3PF, an advanced new 3x telephoto converter born of unique Nikon technology for use with the new 8-megapixel Coolpix 8400. Smaller and lighter, the TC-E3PF illustrates how Nikon is taking existing lenses and redesigning them for “go anywhere” convenience.

In conventional telephoto converters, a lens with a pronounced convex shape is used to refract the light received through the first element to a greater degree. This results in the desired reproduction ratio, however chromatic aberration can occur. In the event that a convex ED lens is used, such chromatic aberration is corrected; however the refractive limitations of such a lens make it difficult to reduce overall dimensions.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon are pleased to announce the D2X, a new professional digital SLR camera which delivers 12.4 effective megapixels for both high-precision and high-speed performance.

Since the launch of the D1 series in 1999, all Nikon digital SLR cameras from consumer-class to professional models, have utilized Nikon DX-format image sensors of the same size. Following in the footsteps of the D2H, the D2X provides the same performance and design innovations combined with a Nikon DX-format image sensor that delivers a higher pixel-count. Improved image quality is achieved by incorporating a new CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor with an effective pixel-count of 12.4 megapixels.

Added to this, shooting speed in continuous shooting mode has been increased by using a 4-channel output method with the improvement of the speed of transferring image data from the image sensor to a memory card. This improvement allows the D2X to capture 12.4 megapixel JPEG images or RAW image at a rate of 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode. Continuous shooting at a rate of up to 8 frames per second is possible by using a High Speed Cropped function that crops the center of an image at 6.8 megapixel resolution.

In addition to the new dual-area image sensor, all image-processing functions have been either newly developed or refined. Tone characteristics have been improved with both analog and digital processing for optimum colour distribution. Moreover, the enhanced accuracy of digital processing in the ASIC provides smoother shading in gradual colour changes, important for subjects such as a blue sky with very subtle tone changes within the blue range.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to introduce the Coolpix 8800. The 8-megapixel Coolpix 8800 carries a high-powered 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a Vibration Reduction (VR) System - a first for the Coolpix range.

The Coolpix 8800 is designed for serious photographers who aspire to take the highest quality images. With its 10x zoom, it also targets those who require higher zoom power and those who benefit from its fully loaded yet completely portable design. The extremely versatile Coolpix 8800 meets their requirements, as well as demands from those who want state of the art image quality and even greater ease of use. And for those who want to expand their options, the Coolpix 8800 offers a range of lens converters,speedlights and other accessories.

The Coolpix 8800 carries 8.0 effective megapixels for ultra high-definition photography. Your image clarity is ensured because of the professional quality, 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. With its 35-350mm focal range (35mm equivalent), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and produce amazingly sharp and clear images.

The lens of the Coolpix 8800 incorporates the Vibration Reduction System - a first for the Coolpix range. VR automatically detects and compensates for the small camera movements that cause image blur. This offers the user the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower without the risk of camera vibrations blurring your image. Along with Normal Mode, which enables remarkably clear handheld shots, Active Mode helps to ensure a smoother view in shaky conditions, such as shooting from a moving vehicle. Thanks to VR, users can achieve sharp and clear images when shooting in low light or when taking handheld telephoto and macro shots. It even works with the accessory telephoto converter lens at 600mm (35mm equivalent).

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

New 8.0 million pixel Coolpix 8400 with exceptional wide-angle 24-85mm zoom

Nikon are pleased to announce the introduction of the Coolpix 8400, a high-quality compact digital camera combining 8.0 effective megapixel performance, versatile 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) zoom capability, fast AF and a host of other features.

With a 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range the Coolpix 8400 offers exceptional wide-angle zoom capability and macro shooting from as close as 3cm (1.2 inches). Packing an impressive 8.0 megapixels, the Coolpix 8400 has the ability to produce images with amazingly high resolution. Furthermore, printing can be carried out without the need for a PC as the camera offers the direct print convenience of PictBridge. The Coolpix 8400 is also a ?system? camera, offering a variety of optional lens converters and other accessories.

Fast autofocus makes it easy to capture unexpected moments and the lightweight, high-strength magnesium body enables simple handling in all situations. The addition of a 134,000-dot Vari-Angle TFT LCD monitor makes it easy to compose shots from above the head, from the waist or other imaginative angles. The Coolpix 8400 is both simple to hold and visually attractive due to its Nikon D-SLR-consistent design created by industrial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon, a world leader in film and digital cameras, today announced the introduction of the Coolpix 4800 - a high quality compact digital camera combining 4.0 effective megapixel performance, a versatile 8.3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens and a range of functions that make operation exceptionally easy.

One of the most distinctive features of the Coolpix 4800 is its powerful 8.3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. Offering a focal range equivalent to that of a 36-300mm lens in 35mm photography and fast 1.3-second operation across its entire range, it enables all kinds of compositions ranging from wide-angle scenes to close telephoto shots. Within its compact body dimensions, it incorporates one lens with two aspherical surfaces in addition to its two ED glass lens elements, and it also has a macro function which offers shooting from as close as 1cm (0.4 inches).

Despite its wide-ranging capabilities, the Coolpix 4800 is easy to operate. Its lightweight body is more compact than any other digital camera in its class, and it has a well designed grip that makes it easy to hold while shooting. Furthermore, all the mode dials and controls are located on the back of the camera body to enable more intuitive control and each button has one function to eliminate confusion. A high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) adds compositional accuracy with a 97% field of view during shooting, and the Coolpix 4800 also features a large 1.8-inch LCD monitor too, which is ideal for both the shooting and viewing of images.

DP-Now has published prices for the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D, lenses and software which was announced earlier today, as well as their first impressions of the camera. The body-only Dynax 7D has a guide price of £1,149.99.

“Is a six megapixel entry into the market enough at this stage? And is a body-only price tag of ?1149 the right price? We haven’t been informed, so far, of any kit deals so it looks like the 7D plus the new 17-35mm f/2.8-4 (25.5-52.5mm equiv.) adds up to ?1569.98. Of course a lot of Konica Minolta’s target customers will already have a gadget-bag stuffed with Minolta-fit lenses.”

Website: DP-Now - Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

dpnow.com Press Release 15/09/04

Digital Photography Now (dpnow), the UK-based digital photography Web site magazine, has revealed a brand new look and feel today. “We have achieved our aims of improving site navigation and making better use of our visitors’ high resolution monitor displays as well as providing a fresh and professional new look to the site,” explains Ian Burley, dpnow’s editor who founded the site over three years ago.

Today’s news coincides with the one thousandth article published since dpnow moved to new publishing technology in February last year.

“But this is just the start. Over the next few months a number of substantial under-the-skin enhancements can now be made to the content management system that underpins dpnow,” says Burley, adding: “and this will enable us to improve the content to our visitors and opportunities and service quality to our commercial partners.” Since the site was launched in August 2001, this is the third major revamp of the site’s technology and the first major visual redesign.

SanDisk Press Release 15/09/04

SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 15, 2004—
New Price Points for Shoot & Store Line Aimed at Accelerating the Adoption of “Consumable” Usage Model for Flash Cards as Permanent “Digital Negatives” 

Delivering on its previously announced strategy to grow the consumable market for flash memory cards, SanDisk(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) has introduced new, lower prices for its Shoot & Store(TM) line of flash storage cards that are sold in supermarkets, drug stores and other mass-merchant outlets.

Effective August 30 in the U.S. market, the 50-photo* (32-megabyte) card, priced previously at $14.99, now has a suggested retail price of $9.99. The price of a 100-photo* (64MB) Shoot & Store card has been reduced from $24.99 to $14.99. These price changes are being applied throughout the Shoot & Store product lineup, which consists of CompactFlash(R), SD(TM), Memory Stick PRO(TM) and, in the next 30 days, xD-Picture Card(TM) (in 32MB capacity).

Shoot & Store, introduced in February, is aimed at consumers who want the convenience of leaving their flash cards with professional photo finishers or who don’t want to download images to a computer or a disk. In the U.S. alone, this line of affordable cards is currently sold in more than 10,000 stores.

After weeks of rumours, dodgy product shots and their own teaser website, Konica Minolta have at last officially announced their first DSLR, the 6.1 megapixel Dynax 7D (Maxxum 7 in the USA). No news yet on pricing.

Konica Minolta Press Release 15/09/08

KONICA MINOLTA DYNAX 7D

Unterfohring, September 2004

The World’s first*1 Digital SLR camera with revolutionary, body-integral, Anti-Shake technology

Konica Minolta is delighted to unveil the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. This groundbreaking 6.1 Megapixels resolution, interchangeable lens digital camera is the World’s first digital SLR to contain a body integral CCD-Shift, “Anti-Shake” (camera shake compensation) technology that enhances picture quality, performance and improved handling characteristics.

The Dynax 7D is compatible with the full range* of Dynax AF lenses.

The Konica Minolta Dynax 7D is an interchangeable lens digital SLR camera that inherits many of the high specifications and much of the Award winning performance from the Dynax Series SLR cameras.

Introduced in 1985, the Minolta 7000; the first 35mm film SLR with body integrated AF system designed to use interchangeable AF lenses.

The new model’s high technological standards and heritage make it an intensely appealing camera.

The Dynax 7D is a digital SLR created using a broad range of sophisticated photographic technologies each developed with years of camera making experience and expertise.

The unique built-in CCD-Shift type “Anti-Shake” technology endows the new camera the first digital SLR to feature body-integral Anti-Shake function. The key benefit of Anti-Shake is it can support all Dynax AF lenses. *2 Anti-Shake technology allows photography with reduced blur due to camera shake, even when shooting dimly lit scenes or when using telephoto lenses and shooting macro subjects without the aid of flash or a tripod.

Konica Minolta have also announced 2 new lenses, a wide-angle and a standard zoom, which can be used with their new Dynax 7D (Maxxum 7 in the USA) DS:R, or any Dynax film SLR. No news yet on pricing.

Konica Minolta Press Release 15/09/08

Konica Minolta introduces two new Zoom lenses: Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 17 - 35 mm F2.8 - 4 (D) and Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 28 - 75 mm F2.8 (D)

Unterfohring, September 2004

Each designed to provide optimum image quality when used with the new Dynax 7D Digital SLR or a Dynax Film SLR.

Features:

1. A large aperture zoom lens and wide angle zoom lens with excellent performance. Both new zoom lenses offer superior handling characteristics making them ideal in a diverse range of shooting situations

2. Beautiful defocused image made possible by circular aperture blades. Using a round aperture enhances the defocused image with smooth gradations and depicts scenes like the mind’s eye - naturally!

3. A Distance encoder is incorporated for accurate, high-precision ADI* Flash Metering
When attached to the Dynax 7D, the new lenses can provide additional important information on in-lens focus distance calculations, which is used to further enhance the flash lighting performance and exposure accuracy when using either the built-in flash or external flash units such as the “Program Flash 5600HS(D),” “Program Flash 3600HS(D),” or the “2500(D).”

* ADI (Advanced Distance Integration)

This is the surprise announcement from Konica Minolta today; the 8 megapixel DiMAGE A200 bridge style camera, which incorporates the anti-shake technology and a swivelling LCD monitor. I think this is a new addition to the Konica Minolta range, rather than a replacement for the A2.

Konica Minolta Press Release 15/09/08

Unterfohring, September 2004

An 8.0-Megapixel SLR-type Digital Camera with Handy Vari-Angle LCD Monitor and Anti-Shake Function with CCD-Shifting

The DiMAGE A200 is a portable 8.0-megapixel SLR-type high performance digital camera that’s perfect for everyone from novices to camera enthusiasts. Equipped with Anti-Shake technology, a CCD-Shift mechanism that can reduce handheld camera shake. Easy to capture sharp images, even in low lighting and without the use of a tripod.

With the rotating 1.8-inch TFT Vari-Angle LCD monitor, the photographer has always got a clear viewpoint for shooting artistic angles or taking flawless self-portraits. What’s more, the DiMAGE A200’s simplified operation means that everyone can make use of its advanced specifications that maximise picture taking opportunities and the fun of photography.

The 2/3-inch CCD with 8.0 million effective pixels and the high-performance Konica Minolta GT APO lens combine to give incredibly faithful smooth-toned colours. With its new advanced LSI engine and CxProcess? III image-processing technology the DiMAGE A200 delivers high speed and stress free image processing with low power consumption. Its ability to suppress noise and give exceptionally accurate colour reproduction means that users still get high-quality images every time.

Even novice users can avoid blurry pictures thanks to the proprietary Anti-Shake technology that employs a unique CCD-Shift mechanism. This stabilising system is connected directly to a CCD sensor that quickly responds to camera shake thus producing finer images in dim light and with telephoto shots. Especially helpful when using the 4x digital zoom (maximum equivalent of 800mm) and high-performance 7x optical zoom (28 to 200mm). The DiMAGE A200’s Anti-Shake technology is activated with the simple touch of a button. Its three focusing areas; Wide Focus Area, 11-point Selectable AF Area, and Flex Focus Point, combine in the DiMAGE A200 ensure that the subject is always in perfect focus.

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 15/09/04

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES NEW IMAGE EDITING AND ENHANCING SOFTWARE

Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE Master software further enhances the creative opportunities for photographers using DiMAGE digital cameras

Mahwah, NJ (September 15, 2004)—Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. introduces the new image editing and enhancing software DiMAGE Master to coincide with the launching of the world’s first digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera with body-integral anti-shake technology, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D. DiMAGE Master is optional software designed to improve creative workflow for professional and advanced digital camera users. The software’s newly developed 3D Lookup Table technology for RAW processing enables more accurate color reproduction, and can process any RAW images taken by Konica Minolta digital cameras. Diverse image management operations, such as viewing, classifying, correcting, printing and more, can be performed in the three main operating windows.

“Serious digital photographers will especially appreciate the ease-of-use and enhanced workflow that DiMAGE Master software permits,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo imaging U.S.A., Inc. “Konica Minolta software engineers recognize that efficient image management is a vital tool for today’s’ digital workflow. We are pleased to make this powerful software application available to photographers using our digital cameras.

DigitalCameraInfo have just reviewed the Canon Powershot S1 IS digital camera, which offers 10x image stablised zoom, 3 megapixels and high-quality 640 x 480 video at 30 frames/second with sound.

“The Canon PowerShot S1 retails for US $399. Although this low price seems great when evaluating the 10x optical/3.2x digital zoom, a positive judgment of the camera is somewhat diminished when the 1/2.7 inch 3.2 effective MP CCD and imaging performance are added to the mix. The considerable size and bulk of the PowerShot S1 make it a camera more suited for static, homebound situations.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Review

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new 5 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix E510 Zoom.

“As the mid-range model of its 2004 “E” series camera line, Fuji equipped the FinePix E510 with a 5.0 megapixel imager while retaining the same features of the entry-level E500 we reviewed earlier in 2004. Like the E500, the E510 allows the beginner to obtain good results in Auto mode and offers the intermediate user several Scene modes with optimized exposures for special subjects or lighting. The needs of advanced users are met with Manual, Aperture-priority and Shutter-priority shooting modes, as well as control of exposure compensation, ISO and White Balance.”

Website: Steves Digicams - FujiFilm FinePix E510 Zoom Review

Fred Miranda released two new sharpening plugins yesterday - one for the Canon EOS 10D and one for the Nikon D70:

The Canon 10D CSpro II and Nikon D70 CSpro plugins were just released!—These new customized Photoshop plugins use a sharpening technology specific designed to accommodate Canon 10D and Nikon D70 files respectively. They are compatible with JPEG files straight from the camera or TIFF/JPEG files converted from RAW or NEF files.

They are compatible with Photoshop 6, 7, and CS. Also compatible with Photoshop Elements 1 and 2.0. Both Mac and PC versions are available.

Website: Fred Miranda

Digital Photography Blog have published a handy guide to online photo processing and printing sites, which coincidentally includes a link to my own online print services review.

“Along with the rise of the digital camera, the past year or so has seen a large number of Online Photo Processing and Printing services appear one the web. Its difficult to sort through the different options - especially when many of them seem to have a very similar online presence and special offers.

We’ve found a few sights that have tested many of them and have collated them below for your convenience. Feel free to add your own experiences of online photo processing and printing services below in our comments section.”

Website: Digital Photography Blog - Online Photo Printing

The Danish website Akamera.dk have published their review of the new Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom digital camera.

Website: Akamera.dk - Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom Review