Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new Pentax OptioMX digital digital camera, which features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability.

“Good macro in normal mode, astonishing in “Super” macro mode. The Optio MX performed well in its normal Macro mode, capturing a minimum area of 2.98 x 2.23 inches (76 x 57 millimeters). Resolution was very high, showing a lot of fine detail in the dollar bill, coins and brooch. All four corners of the frame are soft, with the right side of the image being the worst, but this is fairly common in digicam macro modes, in my experience. In Super Macro mode, the camera focuses incredibly close, with a minimum area of 0.99 x 0.75 inches (25 x 19 millimeters). However, getting light in to the subject is nearly impossible at the very closest range. - The MX’s manual states the minimum focus distance in Super Macro mode as “0 cm”.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax OptioMX Review

Sony Press Release 24/08/04

SONY’S MEMORY STICK PRO MEDIA ADDS 2GB CAPACITY, PLUS FASTER READ AND WRITE SPEED OPTIONS

Entire Line-up Offers Reliable Performance Under Wider Temperature Range

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24, 2004 - Sony Electronics is providing Memory Stick PRO media users with an expanded range of enhanced media that not only offers higher capacities and are high-speed read and write capable, but are also compatible with a vast array of current Memory Stick PRO devices.

The updated Memory Stick PRO (High Speed) media features capacities of up to 2GB in the standard-size media and 1GB in the Memory Stick PRO Duo media size and are designed to support both read and write speeds of up to 80Mbps (10MB/s.). Among the fastest in the flash media industry, this higher speed will be especially beneficial for transferring data-intensive images, such as high-resolution digital photos, to and from PCs and other devices that may incorporate a high-speed parallel data transfer interface in the future.

Kodak Press Release 24/08/04

Enhances Kodak’s capabilities to provide CMOS Image Sensors targeted to Consumer Markets
Rochester, N.Y., August 24—Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) has signed an agreement to purchase the Imaging business of National Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:NSM), which develops and manufactures complimentary metal oxide semiconductor image sensor (CIS) devices.  Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

As part of this agreement, Kodak will acquire certain assets, including intellectual property and equipment, and plans to hire approximately 50 employees currently supporting National’s Imaging business.  Most of the employees are based in Santa Clara, Calif.  These assets will become part of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions organization, which currently designs and manufactures image sensors for professional and industrial imaging markets.

A very sad day for Ilford, as the UK-based supplier of traditional photographic materials has been forced to go into adminstration. The entire business could now be sold as a going concern by the appointed adminstrator, Grant Thornton.

Grant Thornton said: “Although growth and profitability in its digital inkjet business has continued to accelerate, the decline in the black and white photography market, in which Ilford Imaging has a major share, has continued. This, combined with the weakness of the dollar and major de-stocking, has led to losses.”

Ilford’s inkjet digital business, which is based in Switzerland, has been unaffected and will continue to trade normally. Ilford Imaging was founded in 1879 and is the world’s leading supplier of dyes for inkjet photo printers and is the second-largest manufacturer of inkjet photo paper.

So potentially another loss for the film market, after the announcement last week that Agfa were withdrawing from the photography business.

Website: The Telegraph - Ilford Imaging reaches the final frame

Website: The Guardian - Digital revolution threatens Ilford jobs

Photoxels have reviewed the Fuji FinePix S7000 Zoom, which is an updated version of the very popular 3 megapixel FinePix S602 Pro Zoom and features a brand new 6 megapixel 4th Generation Super CCD HR sensor.

“The FinePix S7000 wins our OriGenial Seal of Approval for the way it has implemented its controls, EVF, Menu System, Manual Focus, etc. into a package that is both intuitive and enjoyable to use. Basically, the camera gets out of the way and allows you to concentrate on the picture. Very few digital cameras can make that sort of claim.”

Website: Photoxels - Fuji FinePix S7000 Zoom Review

Website: Read my Fuji FinePix S7000 Zoom Review

Now that the new Canon DSLR, compact digicams, flash, lenses, film SLR and film compact (phew!) have been officially announced, the usual flood of previews, reviews and first looks has started. You may wonder exactly how someone can review a camera that was only announced late last night - well, in the case of DCResource, they have known all about Canon’s announcements for the last few months.

So here, in alphabetical order, is a list of the websites and their articles about the new kit:

DCResource
Canon EOS 20D - Preview
Canon EOS 20D - Sample Images
Canon Powershot G6 - Review

Digit.no
Canon EOS 20D - Preview and Sample Images

DPReview
Canon EOS 20D - Preview and Sample Images
Canon Powershot G6 - Preview

e-Fotografija
Canon EOS 20D - Beta Test
Canon Powershot A95 - Review
Canon Powershot A400 - Review

Imaging Resource
Canon EOS 20D - First Look
Canon EOS 20D - Sample Images

Index Digicam
Canon EOS 20D - Preview
Canon Powershot G6 - Preview
Canon Powershot S70 - Preview
Canon Powershot A95 - Preview and Image Samples
Canon Powershot A400 - Preview and Image Samples

Luminous Landscape
Canon EOS 20D - Review Part 1
Canon EOS 20D - Review Part 2 (including sample images)

Photo.net
Canon EOS 20D - Preview

Rob Galbraith
Canon EOS 20D - Review

Steves Digicams
Canon EOS 20D - First Look
Canon Powershot G6 - First Look
Canon Powershot A95 - Review
Canon Powershot A85 - Review
Canon Powershot A400 - Review

Torontopics
Canon Powershot G6 - Links

If you spot anything else of interest around the web, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list.

SmartDisk Corporation Press Release 23/08/04

Fort Myers, Fla., August 23, 2004 - SmartDisk Corporation announced today that its FlashTrax portable, palm-sized digital multimedia device now displays histograms, the graphic representation of the range of image tones in a photograph. Histograms are especially helpful to professional photographers when reviewing digital shots on location.

“FlashTrax provides full detail on the tonal range of an image, solving one of the most challenging aspects of field photography,? said Charles Klinker, Vice President, Marketing for SmartDisk. ?Current FlashTrax owners can download this newest feature through firmware available at the SmartDisk Web site.”

DO Labs Press Release 23/08/04

DXO OPTICS PRO ADDS IMMEDIATE SUPPORT FOR LEADING 8 MEGAPIXEL PROSUMER CAMERAS

DxO Optics Pro expands support beyond Digital SLRs to include the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 and Sony F-828 prosumer models

Paris, France, August 23, 2004 - DO Labs, a software company focused on research in image processing to enhance image quality, announces immediate support in its awardwinning DxO Optics Pro software application for the popular Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 and the Sony F-828 8 megapixel digital cameras. DxO Optics Pro automatically corrects digital image faults such as Distortion, Vignetting, Blur and Lateral Chromatic Aberration. Previously available only for leading Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, DxO Optics Pro version 1.1 now extends support to high-end prosumer models.

“Many serious photographers are attracted by the compact, feature rich 8 megapixel cameras such as the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 or the Sony F-828. Adding the image enhancement possibilities of DxO Optics Pro software to these models redefines what can be expected from a prosumer digital camera,” said Luc Marin, vice president of Business Development Photography, DO Labs.

SanDisk Press Release 23/08/04

SanDisk CompactFlash Memory Card Survives Blast That Destroys Camera—and Records Moment of Impact
 
Razing of old highway bridge across the Mississippi River created a more powerful than expected back-blast for photographer and camera gear on the ground. Photo courtesy of Southeast Missourian. 
 
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Aug. 23, 2004—Photographer Was Nearly Too Close in Attempting to Photograph the Dynamiting of a 76-Year-Old Span on the Mississippi River  

When a demolition crew set off an explosion to bring down an old highway bridge on the Mississippi River, newspaper photographer Don Frazier was so close that his hair stood on end. His digital camera, positioned on a tripod at an even closer point to remotely capture the event, fared much worse. It was blown to bits.

But to Frazier’s amazement, there on the ground, inches from the shattered remnants of his new pro-level camera, was his SanDisk(R) 256MB CompactFlash(R) card, which he had owned since 1999. Surprisingly, except for a few nicks, it was unscathed, even though it had been blasted from the camera chamber. And when he inserted the card into a PC reader, up popped an image that has astonished everyone who’s seen it.

Amazon is now listing the new range of Canon digital cameras that were announced on Friday last week (except for the EOS 20D DSLR). They will all be available on September 15th - if you want to be first in the queue you can pre-order them from Amazon using the following links:

Sanyo Japan have announced an update of the Xacti C1 digital camera/camcorder. According to Gizmodo, who have a stronger grasp of Japanase than me, the new C4 model has a few extra features, including video stabilizer, 4 megapixel CCD and a 1.8 inch LCD screen. The video quality hasn’t changed from the previous model though - it’s still 640 by 480 pixels at 30 frames per second.

Website: Gizmodo - Sanyo Xacti C4

VOSONIC IC-DRIVE VP3610

9 in 1 Portable Storage Device with 20GB or 40GB capacity
- Fast connection with USB 2.0 & LCD Panel -
- Ultra Compact Design -
- MP3 Jukebox Player -

The Vosonic IC Drive is a compact version of the X’S-Drive Pro VP300 and provides the same features: copy from any memory card all the files to the internal Hard Drive, fast USB 2.0 compatible interface, LCD panel to indicate detailed Working status, File transfer and battery power level, and MP3 Music player.

The IC Drive VP3610 includes a 1.8 inches hard drive which allows a much more compact design in comparison to the XS Drives using 2.5 inches hard drives.

It displays on its 2.5 inches LCD screen detailed information such as the names of files being transferred and the transfer progress status.

The 38th Photo of the Week contest is now closed.

I have choosen what I think are the best photographs in my opinion. Now it’s your turn to vote for the overall winner of the contest. A Public Poll has been setup on the PhotographyBLOG Forums and you have 7 days during which you can vote for your favourite photo from the ones that I have chosen. Voting will end on Monday 30th August. The Poll will then be closed and the overall winner announced.

Vote now for your favourite image from the Photo Of The Week 16th-22nd August 2004 contest

Minox Press Release 19/08/04

MINOX DC 6311 - Very small, ultra compact, great looking but sporting over 6 million pixels!
The MINOX DC 6311 with 6.36 million pixels is one of the smallest digital cameras of its kind and its elegant stainless steel body is host to a most impressive range of features. The 3x optical zoom and the large 2” TFT color monitor make this small, attractive and well priced digital camera a very nice camera to own and use.

The MINOX DC 6311 features a CCD image sensor with 6.36 megapixels and boasts a fast, high-performance multi-coated MINOCTAR lens. The 3x zoom lens with autofocus allows the user plenty of freedom to concentrate on actual picture composition while still operating the easily selectable shutter speeds and apertures. A combination of the 6.36 megapixel sensor and the MINOCTAR lens, together with the cameras electronics and the software of the MINOX DC 6311, ensures dynamic images with expected natural color rendition. The added option to select manual mode - for night-time, sports or portrait photography as examples - opens up new areas of creativity for the discerning amateur or ‘snap-shooting’ pro’s. The automatic white balance ensures correct exposure, even in difficult lighting conditions, providing the user with natural colors and the correct setting for the subject in view, every time. The four flash functions make use of the best available lighting conditions for the best use of flash at all times. A fast image sequence and minimal shutter release delay allow for spontaneous snapshots just when you need them. A whole new range of creative photographic possibilities are opened up by the inclusion of the video and voice recording features.

Minox Press Release 19/08/04

MINOX DC 4211 - Digital camera with stylish slim line design

The MINOX DC 4211 is another milestone in the segment of small and flat digital cameras: 4.2 million pixels, 3x optical zoom as well as a large 2” TFT color monitor in an elegant aluminum body make this powerful digital camera a prestigious item which perfectly combines function and design.

The MINOX DC 4211 has a CCD image sensor with 4.2 megapixel and boasts the fast, high-performance MINOCTAR lens with multiple coating. The 3x zoom lens has an autofocus feature and gives the user freedom for creative picture composition. Thanks to the individual adjustment to the 4.2 megapixel sensor the MINOCTAR lens, together with the electronics and software of the MINOX DC 4211, provides highly dynamic images with natural color rendition. The automatic white balance ensures the right exposure, even in difficult light, providing the user with natural colors and the correct setting for the subject in view, every time. The four flash functions enable the ideal adjustment of the shot to the outside conditions. A fast image sequence and minimal shutter release delay allow spontaneous snapshots whatever the situation.

Thomas Hawk has got sick of being prevented from taking photographs by over-zealous coffee-shops and museums, so much so that he’s started a resource to record camera policies in various San Francisco locations.

“My concept is to begin a resource for photoblogers, in San Francisco initially, but more broadly later, to point out the camera policies of various public spaces in privately owned venues. I will continue to update this document as I continue to research this important issue in the Bay Area and abroad. I welcome comments on the project and feedback on the idea.”

Sounds like a good idea that could work on a more global scale.

Website: Thomas Hawk’s Digital Connection

The fourth issue of AK47.tv is out now. This is an online art photography magazine, published bimonthly, which showcases images from both fine arts and documentary photographers. It looks very similar design-wise to 28mm.org, but it’s mainly flash-based and features less photographers (5 in total this month).

Website: AK47.tv - August/September 2004 Issue (#2)

Photographic Magazine have just reviewed the new 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera.

“One of the most obvious improvements is apparent the first time you look through the A2’s new high-performance electronic viewfinder. With 922,000 pixels, this high-density VGA-quality display offers nearly four times the resolution of the DiMAGE A1 (or any other currently available digicam, for that matter). While still not as sharp as a TTL optical viewfinder, this EVF boasts a variety of benefits not found on a conventional viewfinder, including a full-information data overlay, automatic light amplification under dim conditions, and tilting from 0??90? for convenient shooting at odd angles.”

Website: Photographic - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Review

Photographic Magazine have reviewed the 8-colour Canon i9900 printer, which can create a 13 x 19-inch borderless photograph in under three minutes and has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi. The printer is available now for a suggested list price of $499.

“The i9900’s MicroFine Droplet Technology and 6144-nozzle printhead deposit 122 million two-picoliter droplets per second, and the high-speed printhead significantly increases throughput. In fact, borderless 4x6 prints take only about 40 seconds to generate, while 81/2x11 and 13x19 prints can be made as quickly as 50 and 180 seconds respectively. That’s really fast for a printer with a list price of $499.99.”

Website: Photographic - Canon i9900 Printer Review

Photographic Magazine have published their review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR.

“Exposures were accurate in most shooting situations we encountered using the 3D Color Matrix system, so we used the center-weighted and spot systems only to assure that they worked. The camera has a good dynamic range, and moderately contrasty scenes recorded with enough detail throughout that a little tweaking in Photoshop produced good detail from sunlight through open shade.”

Website: Photographic - Nikon D70 Review