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Thursday, May 6, 2004

Konica Minolta DiMAGE XgThe Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have reviewed the ultra-thin 3 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004 in February.

Website: e-FotoGrafija - Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review

The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have reviewed the ultra-thin 3 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004 in February. Website: e-FotoGrafija - Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review

Nikon Coolpix 3700A new firmware version, 1.2, has been released for the Nikon Coolpix 3700 by Nikon Europe.

The following improvements have been made with firmware version 1.2.
- A problem was found with certain brands of Secure Digital memory cards which meant that some images are not visible after download to computer also that some images could not to be displayed during camera playback. This problem has been corrected with firmware version 1.2.
- An issue with the brightness levels of movies which varied when recorded under certain lighting conditions has been corrected.
- Corrections to city names and English error messages in the Time Zone option of the SET-UP menu have been made.

Website: Nikon Coolpix 3700 Firmware 1.2 (Windows)

Website: Nikon Coolpix 3700 Firmware 1.2 (Macintosh)

A new firmware version, 1.2, has been released for the Nikon Coolpix 3700 by Nikon Europe. The following improvements have been made with firmware version 1.2. - A problem was found with certain brands of Secure Digital memory cards which meant that some images are not visible after download to…

Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Fuji FinePix F610 ZoomThe FinePix F610 Zoom is the successor to the popular FinePix F601, and like its predecessor it has the same upright format. The major difference between the two models is that the FinePix F610 Zoom features the brand new 6 megapixel 4th Generation Super CCD HR sensor. The FinePix F610 Zoom also borrows a feature from the professional FinePix S2 Pro digital SLR - both cameras have 2 LCDs on the rear, displaying shooting information on one LCD screen, and devoting the primary 1.8” screen to the image. So is the FinePix F610 Zoom a clever fusion of innovative features, or just a confused mish-mash of ideas? Read on to find out.

Website: Fuji FinePix F610 Zoom Review

The FinePix F610 Zoom is the successor to the popular FinePix F601, and like its predecessor it has the same upright format. The major difference between the two models is that the FinePix F610 Zoom features the brand new 6 megapixel 4th Generation Super CCD HR sensor. The FinePix F61…

Express Digital DarkroomExpress Digital Press Release 05/05/04

EXPRESS DIGITAL SHIPS EXPRESS DIGITAL DARKROOM IMAGING WORKFLOW SOFTWARE

Integrates with Labtricity.com Network of Photo Labs & PhotoReflect.com Internet Storefront to Sell Photos

Protects Photo Libraries with USB Darkroom Key for Secures Images

Englewood, CO - May 5, 2004 - Express Digital, the leading provider of professional digital imaging workflow, e-commerce and lab connectivity solutions for the digital photographer, announced today at the Photo Imaging & Design Expo in San Diego shipment of Express Digital Darkroom integrated imaging workflow software for the emerging professional, advanced amateur, digital enthusiast, and professional digital photographer looking to maximize the functionality and investment in their digital camera purchase. 

Express Digital Darkroom provides everything a digital photographer needs for complete photo management, printing and promotion, including wide-ranging image capture; proofing and editing; comprehensive photo storage and management; extensive image enhancement tools and connectivity to Adobe PhotoShop; print fulfillment with Express Digital?s Labtricity network of labs; tracking packages and orders; and Internet publishing and storefront integration to sell photos online with Express Digital’s PhotoReflect Internet storefront. 

Express Digital Press Release 05/05/04 EXPRESS DIGITAL SHIPS EXPRESS DIGITAL DARKROOM IMAGING WORKFLOW SOFTWARE Integrates with Labtricity.com Network of Photo Labs & PhotoReflect.com Internet Storefront to Sell Photos Protects Photo Libraries with USB Darkroom Key for Secures Images Englewood, CO - May 5, 2004 - Express Digital, the leading provider…

NHJ Foxz2Two new reviews of cheap digital cameras prove that you can get a decent digicam for less than $100. Gadget Madness have reviewed the Che-ez! Foxz2, and The Inquirer have taken a look at the Umax (Yamada) Astrapix 550. One camera was judged to be rubbish, the other a veritable bargain.

“If you can’t tell, I’m annoyed I wasted my time on this camera. I’ve been watching Che-ez! camera for a long time. I even emailed and faxed their offices in 2001 to try to convince them to sell me the Che-ez! Cracker. They wouldn’t, so I’ve anxiously been waiting to get my hands on one of their cameras.

If this camera was $30 I’d be happy. I paid $99, and I’m not happy. It’s going back to the store today.”
(Gadget Madness)

“Can it be considered as a good buy? The Astrapix 550 provides with fantastic value for money especially considering the state of the competition for that sum of money. It might have a number of shortcomings but everything is forgiven when the price is considerd. It can be purchased at ebuyer.com.”
(The Inquirer)

Website: Gadget Madness - Che-ez! Foxz2 Review

Website: The Inquirer - Umax (Yamada) Astrapix 550 Review

Two new reviews of cheap digital cameras prove that you can get a decent digicam for less than $100. Gadget Madness have reviewed the Che-ez! Foxz2, and The Inquirer have taken a look at the Umax (Yamada) Astrapix 550. One camera was judged to be rubbish, the other a veritable…

Canon PowerShot Pro 1Photoxels have reviewed the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1, which was announced by Canon just before the start of the PMA 2004 trade show.

“I am very partial to compact digital cameras and the Canon PowerShot Pro1, with its compact size, superb build and handling, excellent image quality, and professional features, comes close to as perfect as a digital camera can be for me. Now, if only Canon would put its APS-sized CMOS image sensor into it….”

Website: Photoxels - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Review

Photoxels have reviewed the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1, which was announced by Canon just before the start of the PMA 2004 trade show. “I am very partial to compact digital cameras and the Canon PowerShot Pro1, with its compact size, superb build and handling, excellent image quality, and professional…

Epson Perfection 3170The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a review of the Epson Perfection 3170 flatbed scanner.

Website: Index Digicam - Epson Perfection 3170 Scanner Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a review of the Epson Perfection 3170 flatbed scanner. Website: Index Digicam - Epson Perfection 3170 Scanner Review

Olympus CAMEDIA C-60 ZOOMDCResource have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Olympus CAMEDIA C-60 ZOOM.

“In terms of photo quality, I was a bit disappointed with the C-60. Photos are well-exposed and colorful, but noise levels are higher than average, most likely due to the tightly-packed pixels on the 1/1.76” sensor. I also noticed some strange horizontal lines in some of my photos, which may just be specific to my camera.”

Website: DCResource - Olympus CAMEDIA C-60 ZOOM Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus C-60 Zoom

Write a Review of the Olympus C-60 Zoom

DCResource have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Olympus CAMEDIA C-60 ZOOM. “In terms of photo quality, I was a bit disappointed with the C-60. Photos are well-exposed and colorful, but noise levels are higher than average, most likely due to the tightly-packed pixels on the 1/1.76” sensor. I also noticed…

The Norwegain website Akamera.no have published a test of 3 Canon 50mm lenses - the Canon EF 50mm 1.8 Mark II, Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM and Canon EF 50mm 2.5 Compact Macro. There are an excellent set of comparitive sample shots so that you can see the differences between the lenses, even if norwegian isn’t one of your strong points.

Website: Akamera.no - Canon 50mm Lenses Test

The Norwegain website Akamera.no have published a test of 3 Canon 50mm lenses - the Canon EF 50mm 1.8 Mark II, Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM and Canon EF 50mm 2.5 Compact Macro. There are an excellent set of comparitive sample shots so that you can see the differences between…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2The Spanish website Foto Imagen Digital have just reviewed the new 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera.

“In the A2 the anti-shake works in many situations as an real ANTI-NOISE system, because allows the photographer to keep the noise under control with low sensibilities in dim light conditions, where other 8mpx cameras simply can’t. If such feature is really usefull is in THIS KIND of camera.”

Website: Foto Imagen Digital - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Review

The Spanish website Foto Imagen Digital have just reviewed the new 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera. “In the A2 the anti-shake works in many situations as an real ANTI-NOISE system, because allows the photographer to keep the noise under control with low sensibilities in dim light conditions, where…

Tuesday, May 4, 2004

Charlie MoreyThe fourth PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Charlie Morey.

“Four decades of experience, rich in traditional photography, photojournalism, journalism, creative writing, graphic design and computer graphics has prepared self-taught digital artist Charlie Morey for his latest endeavor, producing fine art gicl?e prints based on computer-enhanced digital photographs and marketing them via the World Wide Web and other media.

Morey’s photography experience began in 1965 with a second-hand 35mm Minolta viewfinder camera, purchased at a pawn shop in Bangor, Maine, and used to launch a 30-year period of creating fine-art black-and-white prints.

In 1974, a career change to journalism/photojournalism and an upgrade to Nikon SLR cameras further enhanced his visual experience, as the editorial position offered opportunities to travel and photograph much of Europe and segments of the Far East. Producing both images and words to describe his experiences for publication, Morey’s depth of understanding and creative/emotional development increased manifold during the fast-paced 22-year period in print media.

In 1994, Charlie discovered the World Wide Web. In 1995, he launched CYBERpress Publishing Company, a web-development firm, and began applying his art to digital media, designing interfaces and creating content during the dot-com boom. In 1996, Morey left print media behind and began working fulltime for such companies as EarthLink Network, idealab!, Tickets.com and Mail2World to create the visual “front end” for their complex web systems.

He bought his first digital camera, a floppy-disk Sony Mavica MVC FD-91 with a resolution of less than one megapixel, in 2000 and created CYBERpress Galleries to display his work to the world. A year later, he upgraded to a higher-resolution Sony Mavica MVC CD-1000 and launched digitalphotography.tv, his current fine-art photography gallery complex and digital photography portal. And in September, 2002 he upgraded once again to a state-of-the-art Nikon D100 (just in time for his annual Maine Fall Foliage pilgrimage) to support his full commitment to the joy and business of creative photography.”

Website: Portfolios: Charlie Morey

The fourth PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Charlie Morey. “Four decades of experience, rich in traditional photography, photojournalism, journalism, creative writing, graphic design and computer graphics has prepared self-taught digital artist Charlie Morey for his latest endeavor, producing fine art gicl?e prints based on computer-enhanced digital photographs and marketing…

KODAK EASYSHARE Printer DockEastman Kodak Company Press Release 04/05/04

Expanded EASYSHARE Digital Photography System Simplifies Picture Taking and Sharing

Company Introduces New Printer Dock With PICTBRIDGE Compatibility, Three New Digital Cameras, Software Update

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 4—Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled additions to its EASYSHARE consumer digital photography system that further simplify picture taking and sharing, led by a second generation EASYSHARE printer dock that works with multiple brands of digital cameras. The redesigned product allows people to make real, waterproof KODAK 4x6-inch photos at home in as little as 90 seconds.

Making the printer dock compatible with cameras from other manufacturers via PICTBRIDGE technology reflects Kodak?s commitment to simplifying the way people take, organize, share and print digital photos. The new products also demonstrate the company?s determination to accelerate its participation in the fast-growing market for digital cameras and accessories, part of a broader corporate strategy to generate profitable growth from digital markets. Kodak is the fastest-growing digital still camera brand, according to a recent global study by IDC.

New products also include three EASYSHARE digital cameras and the latest version of EASYSHARE software for WINDOWS OS. All combine Kodak?s hallmark ease-of-operation with performance features to deliver premium-quality digital pictures and prints.

Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 04/05/04 Expanded EASYSHARE Digital Photography System Simplifies Picture Taking and Sharing Company Introduces New Printer Dock With PICTBRIDGE Compatibility, Three New Digital Cameras, Software Update ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 4—Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled additions to its EASYSHARE consumer digital photography system that further simplify picture…

Nikon D70The Polish website Fotopolis have published their review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR.

Website: Fotopolis - Nikon D70 Review

The Polish website Fotopolis have published their review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR. Website: Fotopolis - Nikon D70 Review

The latest article in Digital Outback Photo’s “The Art of Digital B/W” series looks at a technique for converting a color photo to B/W, tweaking the B/W result and keeping the color photo in the same file.

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Layer based B/W Conversion

The latest article in Digital Outback Photo’s “The Art of Digital B/W” series looks at a technique for converting a color photo to B/W, tweaking the B/W result and keeping the color photo in the same file. Website: Digital Outback Photo - Layer based B/W Conversion…

Panasonic DMC-FZ10 LumixDCMag.co.uk have just posted their review of the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix ultrazoom digital camera.

“So, what about the final image quality? The Leica lens, at least, doesn’t disappoint. Long zooms are notoriously prone to distortion but, while there’s a little barrelling, vignetting and a hint of purple fringing at wide-angle, the rest of the range is optically sound. Snap a complex scene in bright sunlight and the sharpness is exceptional; even the tiniest details leap out.”

DCMag.co.uk - Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix Review

DCMag.co.uk have just posted their review of the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix ultrazoom digital camera. “So, what about the final image quality? The Leica lens, at least, doesn’t disappoint. Long zooms are notoriously prone to distortion but, while there’s a little barrelling, vignetting and a hint of purple fringing at wide-angle…

According to an article by NE Asia Online, over 50% of homes in Japan now own at least one digital camera, a dramatic increase from 32% a year earlier. The article is based on a monthly survey by the Japanese Cabinet Office.

Website: NE Asia Online - Digital Cameras, DVD Players Spreading Fast in Japan

According to an article by NE Asia Online, over 50% of homes in Japan now own at least one digital camera, a dramatic increase from 32% a year earlier. The article is based on a monthly survey by the Japanese Cabinet Office. Website: NE Asia Online - Digital Cameras, DVD…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1STEVEN TYLER ROCKS NEW AD CAMPAIGN FOR SONY ELECTRONICS’ CYBER-SHOT DSC-T1 DIGITAL CAMERA

SAN DIEGO, May 3, 2004 - Bringing together two industry originals, Sony announced that Steven Tyler, lead singer of renowned band Aerosmith, will appear in a broadcast advertising campaign premiering tonight on CBS.

A rock star like no other, Tyler is boldly creative, uniquely stylish, incredibly powerful, and like Sony, he just keeps getting better.

The TV commercial, “Slo Mo,” which begins airing today between 9:30-10:00 p.m. during CBS’ Two and a Half Men, will run on network and cable channels through July. Starring alongside Tyler is the Cyber-shot DSC-T1 digital camera, Sony’s pocket-sized camera that is always ready to take great pictures. The DSC-T1 comes to life in just over a second, ensuring that you’re always able to capture life’s moments as they happen whether they feature family, friends or famous rock stars.

STEVEN TYLER ROCKS NEW AD CAMPAIGN FOR SONY ELECTRONICS’ CYBER-SHOT DSC-T1 DIGITAL CAMERA SAN DIEGO, May 3, 2004 - Bringing together two industry originals, Sony announced that Steven Tyler, lead singer of renowned band Aerosmith, will appear in a broadcast advertising campaign premiering tonight on CBS. A rock star like…

Monday, May 3, 2004

Jernej BurkeljcaThe third PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Jernej Burkeljca.

“Over the past few years there has been an increase in popularity of urban mountain bike racing in Slovenian cities. Bikers and organisers drew inspiration from their dual, downhill and 4X racing experience and came up with the BikeFight. A race against time or between two riders over various man made obstacles, from ladders to big jumps with some destroyed bike parts and injuries to make it all worthwhile.

The primary reason in the beginning was probably just to provide a novelty for the riders, keep the scene alive and have some fun in the process. In addition to that it helps promote mountain biking to the general public who are reluctant to climb uphill for a DH race where they only see riders for a fraction of a second. Urban races are set up in a way that you are able to see the majority of the course from any position and it usually works. Great music, lots of fun, plenty of action and many fans on the sidelines keep everything going on hard.”

Website: Portfolios: Jernej Burkeljca

The third PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Jernej Burkeljca. “Over the past few years there has been an increase in popularity of urban mountain bike racing in Slovenian cities. Bikers and organisers drew inspiration from their dual, downhill and 4X racing experience and came up with the BikeFight. A…

The winner of the 22nd PhotographyBLOG Photo of the Week contest is tootsie (for the 2nd week running!) with the entry “Fur on Legs”. There are no prizes as such for this contest, but the winning photo is displayed on the PhotographyBLOG homepage for a week, and the winner can display the Photo of the Week logo on their website if they wish.

The 23rd Photo of the Week contest is now open. This is a weekly photography challenge where you decide who the winner is by voting for your favourite photos. It’s an open contest with no set theme and you can enter as many photos as you like.

Click here to read the Photo of the Week Rules.

The winner of the 22nd PhotographyBLOG Photo of the Week contest is tootsie (for the 2nd week running!) with the entry “Fur on Legs”. There are no prizes as such for this contest, but the winning photo is displayed on the PhotographyBLOG homepage for a week, and the winner can…

The May issue of the monthly photography magazine 28MM, with 12 new galleries, is now online.

On display in the May issue of 28MM:

- Organics - Revisited, by Hannah Foerster
- The Fremont Solstice Celebration, by Ron Hammond
- 120 in Amsterdam, by Jim Green
- Botanicals & Butterflies, by Gordon McGregor
- Ourspace, by Caroline Moore
- Streets of San Francisco, by Ben Needham
- Musicians, by Walker Pickering
- Heavy Metal, by John Setzler
- 48 Hours, by Eliot Shepard
- Heavy Tread, by Steve Smart
- My New York, by Christopher Todd
- A Holga Adventure at Bent’s Fort, by Riley T??rn

Cover Photo: Gordon McGregor

Website: http://www.28mm.org

The May issue of the monthly photography magazine 28MM, with 12 new galleries, is now online. On display in the May issue of 28MM: - Organics - Revisited, by Hannah Foerster - The Fremont Solstice Celebration, by Ron Hammond - 120 in Amsterdam, by Jim Green - Botanicals & Butterflies…