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Friday, July 23, 2004

Katharine HuntThe 21st PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Katharine Hunt .

“These photos are of the flora and fauna of South Florida. I have been very inspired since I moved down here nearly 10 years ago. They were shot primarily with a Pentax ZX-5.”

Website: http://groups.msn.com/KatManDesigns/shoebox.msnw

Website: Portfolios: Katharine Hunt

The 21st PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Katharine Hunt . “These photos are of the flora and fauna of South Florida. I have been very inspired since I moved down here nearly 10 years ago. They were shot primarily with a Pentax ZX-5.” Website: http://groups.msn.com/KatManDesigns/shoebox.msnw Website: Portfolios: Katharine Hunt…

Tellingly subtitled “Just Wait 32 Seconds”, the latest Luminous Landscape article looks at the effect of light on a landscape photograph.

“On my recent workshops in Iceland (July, 2004), I would often drive right past potentially interesting subjects, simply because the light wasn’t happening. People would say, why don’t we stop for a shot, and my reply would be - because the light sucks. Other times I would stop to take a photograph and people would say - what do you see? My answer would be - the light is great, so let’s look around for worthwhile subjects.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - It’s About Light

Tellingly subtitled “Just Wait 32 Seconds”, the latest Luminous Landscape article looks at the effect of light on a landscape photograph. “On my recent workshops in Iceland (July, 2004), I would often drive right past potentially interesting subjects, simply because the light wasn’t happening. People would say, why don’t we…

Panasonic  DMC-FZ20They were only announced 2 days ago, but DPReview already have previews of 4 of the new Panasonic digital cameras, including the DMC-FZ20 (pictured).

Website: DPReview - DMC-FZ20 Preview

Website: DPReview - DMC-FZ3 Preview

Website: DPReview - DMC-FX2/FX7 Preview

They were only announced 2 days ago, but DPReview already have previews of 4 of the new Panasonic digital cameras, including the DMC-FZ20 (pictured). Website: DPReview - DMC-FZ20 Preview Website: DPReview - DMC-FZ3 Preview Website: DPReview - DMC-FX2/FX7 Preview

Ricoh Caplio GXDp-Now have published their First Look at the 5 megapixel Ricoh Caplio GX digital camera.

“Alas, the Caplio GX is a frustrating disappointment. The camera is nice to use and to hold. OK, there are some irritations, like the flash system charging lock-out and the occasional reticence to shoot when ordered, but overall - the Caplio GX is a camera that looks and feels like it should take great pictures, but it doesn’t.

We always print test shots because examination on the screen can be misleading. But if anything the printed results made things even worse for the GX, showing up noise issues in an even harder light.”

Website: DP-Now - Ricoh Caplio GX First Look

Website: Read my Review of the Ricoh Caplio GX

Dp-Now have published their First Look at the 5 megapixel Ricoh Caplio GX digital camera. “Alas, the Caplio GX is a frustrating disappointment. The camera is nice to use and to hold. OK, there are some irritations, like the flash system charging lock-out and the occasional reticence to shoot when…

HP Photosmart 7760The Norwegian website Akamera.no have just reviewed the HP Photosmart 7760 photo printer, which features six-ink color printing at up to 4800-optimized dots-per-inch.

Website: Akamera.no - HP Photosmart 7760 Review

The Norwegian website Akamera.no have just reviewed the HP Photosmart 7760 photo printer, which features six-ink color printing at up to 4800-optimized dots-per-inch. Website: Akamera.no - HP Photosmart 7760 Review

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterThe Stylus Photo R800 is a 7 colour, 5760 x 1440 optimised dpi inkjet printer that offers borderless printing at print sizes up to A4 and is aimed at the professional and amateur photographer. It uses UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks, which have previously only been used in the Epson 2100/2200 A3 printer. These pigment inks are archival quality, offering print life of over 80 years on certain papers. As if that wasn’t enough, Epson have also introduced Red and Blue inks, which create a colour gamut rivalling that of silver halide photos, and they have reduced the ink droplet size to just 1.5 picolitres. So is the Stylus Photo R800 the ultimate A4 photo printer? Read my review to find out.

Website: Epson Stylus Photo R800 Review

The Stylus Photo R800 is a 7 colour, 5760 x 1440 optimised dpi inkjet printer that offers borderless printing at print sizes up to A4 and is aimed at the professional and amateur photographer. It uses UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks, which have previously only been used in the Epson 2100/220…

Kyocera Finecam SL400RNow I really have seen everything! Kyocera are trying to cash in on the iPod craze by launching 5 new variations of their 4 megapixel Finecam SL400R digital camera, which match the 5 different iPod Mini pastel colours. The “new” digicams will only be available in Apple’s Ginza store and Apple’s online shop, costing ?44,000 ($401, £218). Are they the epitome of cool? Or a desparate attempt to shift a 6-month old digital camera? Only you can decide…

Website: The Register - Kyocera offers iPod Mini-matching digicams

Website: Original Kyocera Finecam SL400R Announcement

Now I really have seen everything! Kyocera are trying to cash in on the iPod craze by launching 5 new variations of their 4 megapixel Finecam SL400R digital camera, which match the 5 different iPod Mini pastel colours. The “new” digicams will only be available in Apple’s Ginza store and…

Kodak this week announced bigger than expected job losses as a direct response to a more rapid decline in sales of its film products. Initial predictions were for a 7 to 9 % drop worldwide in the company’s film sales. There will actually be a 10 percent to 12 % drop this year, causing Kodak to cut 3,500 to 4,000 jobs, rather than the 2,500 to 3,500 jobs that it predicted back in January. It’s not all bad news for Kodak, however, as its profits actually rose to $154 million in the second quarter of this financial year, up from $112 million a year ago. Purchases of Kodak digital cameras, self-service printing machines and accessories doubled, with PictureMaker kiosks proving especially popular (found via DPReview).

Website: Democrat and Chronicle - Digital fires up Kodak’s profit

Kodak this week announced bigger than expected job losses as a direct response to a more rapid decline in sales of its film products. Initial predictions were for a 7 to 9 % drop worldwide in the company’s film sales. There will actually be a 10 percent to 12 %…

Sony have become the founding sponsor of the Scottish National Photography Centre, which is set to open in Edinburgh on Calton Hill, the site originally earmarked for the Scottish parliament. I’ve not heard anything about this project before, but that may be because the planning is in its very early stages.

Michael Shea, the SNPC chairman and former press secretary to the Queen, said: “Sony UK’s support is a significant vote of confidence for the visual arts in Scotland. There is a gratifying surge of interest in photography in the UK, with exhibitions delivering tremendous audience figures. With new centres for photography opening throughout Europe, Scotland’s distinct photographic legacy deserves a focal point to celebrate and advance this most democratic of all contemporary art forms.”

The SNPC will include exhibition space, a gallery, educational forum and conservation centre.

Website: Scotsman.com - £1m focus for photography centre

Sony have become the founding sponsor of the Scottish National Photography Centre, which is set to open in Edinburgh on Calton Hill, the site originally earmarked for the Scottish parliament. I’ve not heard anything about this project before, but that may be because the planning is in its very early…

The new website NEAsia have reported that Matsushita, which markets Panasonic products, is set to boost its digital camera production capacity by 75% a month to 350,000 units in August. No surprise really after yesterday’s lauch of 5 new Panasonic digital cameras. Interestingly is aiming to sell 8 million units in 2006, 8x more than the number that they achieved in 2003. Quite an agressive plan considering the competition!

Website: NeAsia - Matsushita to Lift Digital Camera Output Capacity by 75%

The new website NEAsia have reported that Matsushita, which markets Panasonic products, is set to boost its digital camera production capacity by 75% a month to 350,000 units in August. No surprise really after yesterday’s lauch of 5 new Panasonic digital cameras. Interestingly is aiming to sell 8 million units…

You all seem to be saying that camera phones are not the way forward in the latest PhotographyBLOG Poll, but a recent report from the LG Economic Research Institute suggests that 40% of digital cameras will actually be camera phones by 2008. The same report also says that 5 megapixel camera phones will be released in South Korea in 2004. Yes, this year.

Website: Reiter’s Camera Phone Report - Camera phones to take 40 percent of digital camera market by 2008

You all seem to be saying that camera phones are not the way forward in the latest PhotographyBLOG Poll, but a recent report from the LG Economic Research Institute suggests that 40% of digital cameras will actually be camera phones by 2008. The same report also says that 5 megapixel…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2The Danish website Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 have today reviewed the 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera.

Website: Akamera.dk - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Review

The Danish website Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 have today reviewed the 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera. Website: Akamera.dk - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Review

Sony Press Release 19/07/04

NEW SONY MEMORY STICK MEDIA PRICING

SAN DIEGO, July 19, 2004 - Sony Electronics is making it easier and less expensive to capture and store high-quality digital video and high-resolution digital images by lowering the suggested retail price of Memory Stick PRO and Memory Stick PRO Duo flash media.

Beginning today the 512MB full-size Memory Stick PRO media will be priced around $180. The 256MB Memory Stick PRO card will be available for about $90. Memory Stick PRO media provides high-capacity storage for a variety of digital files. Sony has also reduced the price of its 512MB Memory Stick PRO Duo media to about $250 and the 256MB Memory Stick PRO Duo media has been reduced to about $95.

At one-third the volume and half the weight of a standard-size Memory Stick card, the tiny media is used in small digital devices, including cellular phones, wearable portable audio players and pocket-sized digital cameras. The Memory Stick PRO Duo media features all the same benefits of standard-size Memory Stick PRO cards offers.

Sony Press Release 19/07/04 NEW SONY MEMORY STICK MEDIA PRICING SAN DIEGO, July 19, 2004 - Sony Electronics is making it easier and less expensive to capture and store high-quality digital video and high-resolution digital images by lowering the suggested retail price of Memory Stick PRO and Memory Stick PRO…

There was some confusion yesterday about the Panasonic digital camera launch, as it turns out that they are releasing different models in different regions of the world. Well, I was confused anyway :-)

So just to clarify things, here are the models that Panasonic are releasing in the USA:

- DMC-FZ3 - 3-Megapixel - Late summer 2004 - $399.95
- DMC-FZ15 - 4-Megapixel - Late summer 2004 - $499.95 (this is the USA-only model)
- DMC-FZ20 - 5-Megapixel - Late summer 2004 - $599.95
- DMC-FX7 - 5-Megapixel - August - $499.95
- DMC-LC80 - 5-Megapixel - August - $349.95

and here are the models that are being released in Europe:

- DMC-FZ3 - 3-Megapixel
- DMC-FZ20 - 5-Megapixel
- DMC-FX7 - 5-Megapixel
- DMC-FX2 - 4-Megapixel (this is the Europe-only model)
- DMC-LC80 - 5-Megapixel

And finally, here’s the press release for the camera that I missed out yesterday, the DMC-FX2.

Panasonic Press Release 21/07/04

Super Slim Compact Digital Camera DMC-FX7/FX2

Incorporate Advanced MEGA O.I.S. with Large LCD Monitor

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX models 5.0-megapixel DMC-FX7 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-FX2, incorporating 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 105mm on a 35mm film camera) and MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). The DMC-FX5/FX1, the world’s first compact camera with MEGA O.I.S., have been developed thoroughly into the DMC-FX7/FX2. DMC-FX7 has achieved the conspicuous downsizing by approx. 33% ( 94.1 x 50.0 x 24.2 mm ) compared to FX5/FX1, while adopting the 2.5” large LCD monitor. DMC-FX2 is the same in size with 2.0? LCD monitor. Both models have enhanced their excellence not only with the compactness and total number of pixels, but also with a long list of technical improvements as in the image processing LSI and in the accuracy of O.I.S.

There was some confusion yesterday about the Panasonic digital camera launch, as it turns out that they are releasing different models in different regions of the world. Well, I was confused anyway :-) So just to clarify things, here are the models that Panasonic are releasing in the USA: -…

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Bottle Cap TripodOn the day when Sony announces a 7 megapixel digital camera, I find this product much more innovative and strangely more refreshing. Yes, it’s the World’s first bottle cap tripod, originating from none other than Japan. A veritable bargain at $9.99, but unfortunately it’s already completely sold out :-)  (found via Still Journal)

Website: Yahoo Shopping - Bottle Cap Tripod

Somewhat inevitably, now that the commercial version has sold out, somoen has posted instructions for making your own :-)

Website: Homemade Bottle Cap Tripod

On the day when Sony announces a 7 megapixel digital camera, I find this product much more innovative and strangely more refreshing. Yes, it’s the World’s first bottle cap tripod, originating from none other than Japan. A veritable bargain at $9.99, but unfortunately it’s already completely sold out :-) (found…

Sony DSC-P150Sony Press Release 20/07/04

SONY’S NEW CYBER-SHOT DSC-P150: WORLD’S SMALLEST 7.2 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA

SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2004 - Sony’s new Cyber-shot DSC-P150 is the world’s first compact point-and-shoot digital camera in the marketplace loaded with 7.2 megapixels, putting breathtaking, near-professional-quality photos in your shirt pocket or handbag. It will be available in September for less than $500.

The P150 camera yields an image size of 3072 x 2304 - making it the first pocketable camera capable of capturing enough pixels to make 300-dpi 8” x 10” enlargements.

The P150 has also been empowered with Sony’s own recently introduced Real Imaging Processor? circuitry that ensures fast start-up and shot-to-shot times, and puts extra speed and performance behind automatic features such as auto focus and auto exposure. That means you’ll never miss that one-in-a-million shot because the camera is always ready to take great pictures.

“Not only does the Cyber-shot P150 camera offer tremendous value, it takes incredibly vivid and lifelike digital photos, capturing color and detail previously unavailable in such a compact camera,” said Greg Young, general manager for Sony Electronics Digital Still Camera marketing.

Sony Press Release 20/07/04 SONY’S NEW CYBER-SHOT DSC-P150: WORLD’S SMALLEST 7.2 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2004 - Sony’s new Cyber-shot DSC-P150 is the world’s first compact point-and-shoot digital camera in the marketplace loaded with 7.2 megapixels, putting breathtaking, near-professional-quality photos in your shirt pocket or handbag. It will…

Panasonic  DMC-FZ20Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04

THREE NEW 12X ZOOM MODELS WITH OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER LEAD OFF PANASONIC’S LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA LINE

First Company to Utilize Leica Lenses in Digital Still Cameras Is Also First To Combine 12x Zoom with an Optical Image Stabilizer

Secaucus, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Panasonic introduces the first digital cameras to combine 12x optical zoom with an optical image stabilizer.  Integrating unrivalled optical and digital technologies with ergonomic design, Panasonic’s three new 12x zoom Lumix models achieve a level of performance never before seen in digital cameras.  New models DMC-FZ3 (3-Megapixel), DMC-FZ15 (4-Megapixel) and DMC-FZ20 (5-Megapixel) feature a versatile, high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with powerful 12x zoom (equivalent to a 35 ? 420mm zoom lens on a conventional 35mm film camera) and F2.8 brightness throughout the entire zoom range.  With their extraordinary telephoto features and precision image stabilizers, these cameras are engineered to capture every detail of distant or quick-moving subjects with superb brightness and clarity.

Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer automatically detects and optically compensates for hand movement by shifting internal lens elements, enabling the user to capture crisp, clear, distortion-free ultra-telephoto or macro shots of distant or moving subjects, even in low lighting conditions.

“Photographers, especially those who shoot sports, wildlife or live performances, know that it’s difficult to get sharp images if they are using a long lens on a handheld camera. The zoom accentuates every little movement of the hand,” commented Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic.  “We?ve incorporated the technology we developed for our camcorders to create Panasonic?s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer, a true optical image stabilizer that uses the full capacity of the camera?s CCD to compensate for hand jitter.” 

Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04 THREE NEW 12X ZOOM MODELS WITH OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER LEAD OFF PANASONIC’S LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA LINE First Company to Utilize Leica Lenses in Digital Still Cameras Is Also First To Combine 12x Zoom with an Optical Image Stabilizer Secaucus, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Panasonic…

Panasonic  DMC-FX7Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04

PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW LUMIX 5 MEGAPIXEL, ULTRA COMPACT CAMERA WITH OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER

Secaucus, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Panasonic’s new model DMC-FX7 5-megapixel Lumix digital camera packs a wealth of advanced technology and easy-to-use features in a sleek, compact package.  It’s the first compact digital camera to feature both an Optical Image Stabilizer, and 2.5” LCD.  Incorporating a high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens,  the DMC-FX7 combines the ease and convenience of digital utility with the expressiveness of film photography.

Scheduled to begin shipping to retailers in August, the DMC-FX7 will be available in black or silver.  The unit will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.95.

“Everything about the DMC-FX7 is designed to allow anyone to get high-quality results, whether composing a scene or catching the action on the fly,” said Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic?s Optical Group.  “Consumers who use a camera this small and lightweight are particularly troubled by image quality problems due to inevitable hand movement.  With the DMC-FX7, Panasonic has corrected this problem by including an optical image stabilizer.  It intuitively compensates for any hand movement, so that every shot is beautifully crisp and clear.”

Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04 PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW LUMIX 5 MEGAPIXEL, ULTRA COMPACT CAMERA WITH OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER Secaucus, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Panasonic’s new model DMC-FX7 5-megapixel Lumix digital camera packs a wealth of advanced technology and easy-to-use features in a sleek, compact package. It’s the first compact…

Panasonic DMC-LC80Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04

PANASONICS NEW 5-MEGAPIXEL POINT-AND-SHOOT LUMIX CAMERA COMBINES SOPHISTICATED FEATURES WITH SIMPLE OPERATION

SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Joining Panasonic’s celebrated Lumix camera line is the new DMC-LC80.  Compact and lightweight, this 5-megapixel model packs some of today’s most advanced digital camera technology into a fun, easy-to-use camera that anyone can enjoy.

“Sophisticated features coupled with simple operation make this camera perfect for first-time digital camera users as well as experienced photographers,” said Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic?s Optical Group.

The DMC-LC80 Lumix camera will be available beginning this August and will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $349.95.

Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04 PANASONICS NEW 5-MEGAPIXEL POINT-AND-SHOOT LUMIX CAMERA COMBINES SOPHISTICATED FEATURES WITH SIMPLE OPERATION SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Joining Panasonic’s celebrated Lumix camera line is the new DMC-LC80. Compact and lightweight, this 5-megapixel model packs some of today’s most advanced digital camera technology into a…

Canon EOS 1D Mark IIThe Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.

Website: Index Digicam - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II. Website: Index Digicam - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Review