Konica Minolta Europe have released a new firmware update for the DiMAGE A2 digital camera.

DiMAGE A2 Firmware Update V112 Important Note: Please read carefully the DiMAGE A2 firmware update PDF for detailed instructions on how to update the cameras firmware!

Improvements:
1. Improved the symptom that visibility of LCD decreases depending on the subject brightness while using the Flex Digital Magnifier function.
2. Improved the symptom that LCD turns off or the camera cannot focus on the high brightness subject with the Flex Focus Point at the focal length of 100mm.
3. Improved the flash metering accuracy.
4. Changed the viewfinder operation from the viewfinder turns off immediately after leaving the eye to it remains 10 sec. when the display mode switch is at EVF.
This firmware supports Telephoto Converter ACT-100, Wide-angle Converter ACW-100, and DiMAGE Capture DCA-200, and updating to this firmware is recommended for the users of these accessories.

Website: Konica Minolta Europe Download Centre

CNET have just published their review of the Sony Cybershot DSC U40, a stylish 2-megapixel digicam available in four colors (silver, black, dark blue and red), which costs around $200.

“Smaller than an Apple iPod Mini and every bit as stylish, the 2-megapixel Sony Cyber Shot DSC-U40 offers easy point-and-shoot operation. And like Apple’s tr?s chic MP3 player, it comes in four colors: red, blue, black, and silver. In addition to looking slick, the U40 is fast. However, it has some drawbacks. There’s no optical zoom, and its 1-inch LCD can be hard to work with. Plus, its photo quality won’t exactly wow you.”

Website: CNET - Sony Cybershot DSC U40 Review

CNET have reviewed the ultra-thin Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004.

“The fifth addition to Konica Minolta’s ultracompact Dimage X line, with its signature internally zooming lens, the 3-megapixel Dimage Xg offers an amalgam of features from its forerunners and a few new tricks of its own. Both quick and versatile, this model makes an excellent tote-and-snap companion.”

Website: CNET - Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review

About.com have reviewed the Epson Stylus Photo R200 Printer, which offers direct CD/DVD Printing for only $99.

“Photo printers are becoming much more common as digital camera enthusiasts decide to print their own photographs rather than send the to a retail developer. As a result, print vendors are looking for ways to distinguish their products from the rest. Epson has found one way with their Stylus Photo R200. This compact, well-engineered, printer brings two advantages to the table: it’s inexpensive, and it has the ability to labels directly onto printable CD/DVD discs.”

Website About.com Reviews Epson Stylus Photo R200

DCMAG.co.uk have just published their review of the 3 megapixel Kyocera FineCam S3R.

“The S5R was amongst the first of Kyocera’s range of compacts to feature the powerful RTUNE chip. This technology is now finding its way into more mainstream and accordingly affordable cameras. With the RTune processor at its heart, the Finecam S3R has an excellent turn of speed and a minimal three second start up time. With the appropriate memory ? 16Mb is included in the bundle ? the S3R can capture three shots a second continuously. Should you wish to take video clips rather than a succession of stills, the S3R can record 640x480 AVI files at thirty frames per second, again only limited by the confines of the storage.”

Website: DCMAG.co.uk - Kyocera Finecam S3R Review

DCMAG.co.uk have reviewed the Fuji FinePix S3000 digital camera, which features 3.24 effective million pixels, 6X Fujinon optical zoom and digital movie recording. The S300 uses xD-Picture Card (16MB to 512MB) storage and its lens focal length is equivalent to 38-228mm on a 35mm camera. The list price for the S300 is £290 / $399.95.

“The one sticking point with the S3000 is the electronic viewfinder, a small LCD screen mounted within the eyepiece. A proper optical viewfinder is, to many enthusiasts, superior to an EVF, because if you?re shooting in less-than-perfect lighting with an EVF, gauging your composition becomes sheer guesswork. A sensor tries to overcome the disparities between light and shade, but you often lose detail in areas of shade, even if they may be intelligible in the final photograph thanks to flash.”

Website: DCMAG.co.uk - Fuji FinePix S3000 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix S3000

PCMagazine have published a round-up of 6 megapixel digital cameras, including the Casio EXILIM PRO EX-P600 (pictured), which they named as their Editor’s Choice:

“Even though it’s a bit pricey, this is a very good camera for the money, whether you’re a pro who wants a powerful pocketable camera or a beginner who wants a great camera to grow with.”

Thanks to Sanj for the link.

Website: PCMagazine - Six-megapixel Shooters Are Easy, Affordable

TrustedReview have just reviewed the 3 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 digital camera (found via Gizmodo).

“The LC50 is Panasonic’s entry level camera and with a price of £149.98 including VAT from Panasonic’s own online shop, it looks like a real bargain on the surface. What’s most impressive is that even at this price you’re getting a Leica lens, whereas the Sony entry level cameras don’t tend to come with Zeiss lenses. With this in mind, the big question is whether Panasonic has had to make any major compromises to squeeze in the Leica hardware and branding at such a low price point.”

Website: TrustedReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 Review

Photo.net’s latest article looks at the RAW, JPEG and TIFF file formats, explaining what they are and when to use them.

“There seems to be a lot of confusion among some new digital camera owners about exactly what the difference is between RAW, JPEG and TIFF files. This article is intended to be a very basic guide to these file types and how they are related in a typical digital camera.”

Website: Photo.net - RAW, JPEG and TIFF

The German website Photoworld have just published their review of the 5 megapixel Leica Digilux 2.

Website: Photoworld - Leica Digilux 2 Review

Michael Reichmann’s latest article over on his Luminous Landscape website is an excellent introduction to a subject that confuses a lot of digital photographers (myself included): printer colour management.

“The leading cause of confusion, anxiety and martial disharmony among photographers concerns printer settings. “What the hell are the correct settings for the dozens of buttons and dialogs in both the image editing program and printer driver?” This is the the most common question that I’m asked at seminars, and by e-mail (though usually somewhat more politely than this). But it does mirror the frustration that most people feel when confronted with the seemingly endless setting choices available.

Here then is a simplified and concise description of how to set your printing software to give the most reliable and accurate colour results. It is based on using Photoshop and an Epson printer, but should be comprehensible with most other programs and printers.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Understanding Printer Colour Management: A Brief Tutorial on Printer Settings

Canon USA Press Release 08/06/04

CANON’S LATEST MINI DV 2.2-MEGAPIXEL CAMCORDERS MERGE ADVANCED PHOTO FEATURES AND SHARP VIDEO USING DV PHOTO PLUS TECHNOLOGY

LAKE SUCCESS, NY, June 8, 2004 - Whether capturing the fireworks at a July fourth celebration or the expression of a child eating ice cream, Canon’s new vertically designed Optura 500 and Optura 400 Mini DV 2.2-megapixel camcorders provide consumers with high quality video and photos in a compact and easy-to-use package. Incorporating Canon’s DV Photo Plus technology, these eye-catching camcorders are shorter and smaller than their predecessors, take advantage of Genuine Canon Optics and advanced photo features often found in Canon’s line of PowerShot and EOS digital cameras.

“Two-in-one camcorders have become increasingly popular as technology provides consumers with these options,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). “Canon’s technological innovations and ability to seamlessly marry these two functions results in breakthrough products like the new Optura 400 and Optura 500 Mini DV camcorders. This is just the beginning for Canon in this arena.”

eFrameCentral.com Press Release 07/6/04

eFrameCentral.com Introduces New Digital Picture eFrame Just in Time for Father’s Day

Company offers a wide assortment of eFrames, ideal for Father’s Day gifts

Warwick, RI (June 7, 2004) - - eFrameCentral.com today announces the availability of a new digital picture eFrame by Pacific Digital just in time for Father’s Day. In addition to the new Pacific Digital eFrame, eFrameCentral.com is currently offering a number of its eFrames at greatly reduced prices.

eFrames are an excellent gift idea for Father’s Day, especially for anyone with a digital camera or those who enthusiastically embrace the newest gadgetry with a high-level “cool factor.” eFrames provide an amazing way for a father to display photos of his children and grandchildren.

Nikon Press Release 09/06/04

Nikon and TiVo Partner to Extend the Excitement of Digital Photography Into the Living Room

Professional Photography from Nikon’s Portfolio of Award Winning Artist’s Delivered to TiVo Series2 Subscribers With Home Network

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced a partnership with TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), to deliver professional photography images from world-renowned artists to all TiVo(R) Series2(TM) subscribers connected to a home network.  Beginning today, TiVo Series2 subscribers can view images from Nikon’s “Legends behind the Lens” through the home media features.  The first in a series of artist’s highlighted by Nikon will be Joe McNally, the award-winning photojournalist known for his incredible versatility, technical mastery and use of creative lighting to capture interesting and engaging photographs.

Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 09/06/04

New PocketWizard Upgrade Available for KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital SLRs

Supports DCS Pro 14n, DCS Pro 14nx and DCS SLR/n in U.S., Canada

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 09—Eastman Kodak Company today announced a PocketWizard upgrade for several of its digital SLR cameras.  The upgrade, available only as a service upgrade in the US and Canada, direct from Kodak, is compatible with the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro 14n, DCS 14nx and DCS Pro SLR/n digital cameras.

The PocketWizard is a digital radio triggering system that fires the flash and camera simultaneously to capture split second action at every angle.  It allows photographers more flexibility to position lighting where necessary without being tethered by a Synch cord. 

“The integration of the PocketWizard system inside the camera body is another way to get the most out of KODAL PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro 14n, DCS 14nx and DCS Pro SLR/n digital cameras and enhance professional photographers? workflows,” said John Witzel, Worldwide and US&C Marketing Manager, Eastman Kodak Company.

Concord Camera Corp. Press Release 09/06/04

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. ANNOUNCES CONCORD DV2020 COMPACT 5-IN-1 MULTI-FUNCTIONAL DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

All-in-One Digital Still, Digital Video, PC Cam, Digital Voice Recorder, & MP3 Player

MPEG-4 Compression for Long-Length, High-Quality Video Recording

Hollywood, FL, June 7, 2004 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENS), a leader in award-winning high-quality low-priced digital cameras, today announced the Concord DV2020 2 Megapixel 5-in-1 multi-function Digital Video camera. The Concord DV2020 features a 2 Megapixel digital still camera, digital video camera with MPEG-4 compression, PC Cam with instant PC video playing/recording capability, digital voice recorder, and MP3 player - all in one.

The Concord DV2020 was designed with the video photographer and digital photo taking enthusiast in mind. Encased in a sleek aluminum body, the camera’s familiar ‘video camera’ shape and 270 degree adjustable LCD make it comfortable for videographers to take video from any position, whether on the ground or above the head. The high quality 1.5” LTPS LCD is 117k pixels providing a higher LCD quality than the standard digital camera that has an 80k pixel LCD.

Josh Waller has just reviewed the Minolta Dimage F200, a 4 megapixel, 3x optical zoom compact digital camera with an aluminum body.

“The camera produces great images, with rich colour, low noise, and good detail. Ever so slightly soft images, that I personally think look better with a slight sharpen - perhaps this would be corrected if I set sharpness to “high”, instead of “normal” in the cameras settings - this is nothing to worry about too much though. Exposure is generally very good, occasionally images can be slightly dark however - depending on the subject matter.”

Website: Josh Waller - Minolta Dimage F200 Review

DigitalMagasinet have reviewed the new HP Photosmart R707, a stylish 5 megapixel digital camera.

“To many people it will not come as a surprise when I say that some of the earlier HP models weren’t amongst the best cameras. Some of the earlier models looked and feeled like they were designed by engineers, not by photographers. HP knew they had a problem, and in february 2004 they announced a change in strategy. They really want to become the market leader. HP Photosmart R707 is the first of the new models. We were a bit sceptical when we began testing this new camera… But to our surprise we have got a really excellent camera here.”

Website: DigitalMagasinet - HP Photosmart R707 Review (English)

Website: DigitalMagasinet - HP Photosmart R707 Review (Danish)

The winners of the May 2004 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for May was “Silhouettes” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery.

The entries were some of the best ever submitted for a PhotographyBLOG competition, making it very difficult for the panel of judges to choose the three winners:

1st Place
“Caldecotte” by MarkD
View this entry

Judges Comments:
“A powerful image as the sunlight breaks through the clouds down to the windmill.”

“This photo best depicts the theme silhouette and shows good use of subject and background with dramatic effect.”

Prize: 1 copy of Ulead PhotoImpact XL
Kindly donated by Ulead Systems.
http://www.ulead.co.uk

2nd Place
“Hill Walkers” by dapa_group
View this entry

Judges Comments:
“Beautiful colours, great composition, excellent positioning of the tree - what more can you say?!”

Prize: 1 copy of Picasa
Kindly donated by Picasa Inc.
http://www.picasa.net

3rd Place
“Sunset” by seanbolton
View this entry

Judges Comments:
“Beautiful color saturation and composition in this sunset photo.”

Prize: Photobird.com one-year subscription with 100 megabytes of storage space
Kindly donated by Photobird.com.
http://www.photobird.com

PLUS
All 3 winners get 15 free digital prints, kindly donated by MyPIXmania.
http://www.mypixmania.com

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone who took part!

Pentax USA Press Release 08/06/04

PENTAX PLANS DIGITAL SLR FAMILY EXPANSION

June 8, 2004 (GOLDEN, CO) - PENTAX Imaging Company, a division of PENTAX of America, Inc. has announced it is developing cameras for the entry level digital SLR category.  The first introduction is slated for Fall of 2004.

PENTAX entered the digital SLR market in the Fall of 2003 with the popular *ist D digital SLR that offers 6.1 megapixels (pictured), interchangeable lens compatibility, and one of the world?s smallest, lightest camera bodies in the digital SLR category. 

PENTAX introduced two DA series designed lenses to match the *ist D CCD size since the 2003 arrival.  The PENTAX-DA Zoom 16mm-45mm F4 ED AL shipped earlier this year and the smc PENTAX-DA 14mm F2.8 ED [IF] interchangeable wide-angle lens will ship in June 2004.

This latest announcement further demonstrates the PENTAX commitment to the digital SLR camera market including entry level photographers.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras.  For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses.  PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.

Website: Pentax USA