The German website Photoworld.de have published a review of the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1, which was announced by Canon just before the start of the PMA 2004 trade show.

Website: Photoworld.de - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Review

The Norwegian website Akamera.no have reviewed the 4 megapixel Casio Exilim EX-Z40, which was first announced at the end of February.

Website: Akamera.no - Casio Exilim EX-Z40 Review

Forgent Networks Press Release 22/04/04

AUSTIN, Texas—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 22, 2004—Forgent(TM) Networks (Nasdaq:FORG) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Compression Labs Inc., has initiated litigation against 31 companies for infringement of United States Patent No. 4,698,672 (the ‘672 Patent) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division. Over the last two years, Forgent’s intellectual property business has generated approximately $90 million from licensing the ‘672 Patent to 30 different companies in Asia, Europe and the United States. Forgent has sought to reach agreements on numerous occasions with all these companies, but as of today, none of the defendants have chosen to license. Forgent has retained Jenkens & Gilchrist, a national law firm, and The Roth Law Firm, of Marshall Texas, to represent it in the litigation.

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

“I’ve been a fan of Minolta’s “X” line of subcompact cameras since the original version was first introduced nearly three years ago. Ultra-compact digicams often seem to involve a lot of compromises and tradeoffs, but the DiMAGE Xg takes very nice photos under a wide range of conditions, offers a decent range of exposure control (exposure compensation and white balance adjustments), and has surprisingly long battery life for a subcompact model. You do give up a little resolution relative to the best full-sized three megapixel cameras, and I’d really like to see a more accurate viewfinder, but there’s plenty of resolution here to make sharp 8x10 prints.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review

LetsGoDigital are reporting that Sony are set to release the ultra-expensive Qualia 016 digital camera in the USA. The Sony Qualia 016 measures 2.72 x 0.66 x 0.94 inches (69.1x16.8x24mm) and weighs just 50g. In order to eliminate the blur caused by tiny movements of the hand, the 016 takes up to 4 pictures in very rapid succession and then combines them into one image.

The Qualia 016 will be available this Spring and costs just $3,900!

Website: LetsGoDigital - Sony unveils QUALIA ultra compact digital camera

The Independent newspaper yesterday published a very interesting article about the longevity of CD-Rs, or rather the lack of it.

“But an investigation by a Dutch personal computer magazine, PC Active, has shown that some CD-Rs are unreadable in as little as two years, because the dyes in the CD’s recording layer fade. These dyes replace the aluminium “pits” of a music CD or CD-Rom, and the laser uses that layer to distinguish 0s from 1s. When the CD is written, the writing laser “burns” the dye, which becomes dark, to represent a “1” while a “0” will be left blank so that if the dye fades, there’s no difference; it’s just a long string of nothing to the playback laser.”

So are DVD’s, which I’ve recently started using, a better alternative? Apparently not…

“Recordable DVDs are not off the hook either. The “dye chemicals” in write-once DVDs are similar to CD-R, though recording density and disk construction differ. “We’re in the process of testing DVDs and we’re sure that the same problems will occur,” said Horlings, who plans to publish his findings soon.”

So how do you currently archive your treasured photo collection? Cd-Rs? DVDs? Hard drives? Good old reliable film? Sounds like a great topic for the PhotographyBLOG Poll :-)

Website: The Independent - Ever decreasing circles

PC Magazine have compared all 5 of the latest 8-megapixel digital cameras from Canon, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus and Sony.

“We tested five of the latest 8MP cameras, priced from $999 to $1,100. They share many features, including 3,264-by-2,448 maximum resolution, metal bodies, extended (but noninterchangeable) zoom lenses, electronic eye?level viewfinders, intelligent hot shoes for strobes, pop-up flashes, autofocus assist beams, and RAW file capabilities (RAW is a lossless file format that preserves images in an unprocessed state for later manipulation).

If image quality is your paramount concern and you have around $1,000 to spend on a camera, we still recommend a true digital SLR (such as the Canon Digital Rebel or Olympus E1). But for those who want the ease of a point-and-shoot but the image quality of a higher-end model, these new models might be just right.”

Website: PC Magazine - 8-Megapixel Digicam Review

The website Boston.com have published a guide to the cheaper end of the monitor calibration market, looking at ColorPlus from ColorVision, Eye One Display from GretagMacbeth and a software program called DisplayMate (found via Digicamera.net).

“To test whether calibration had any effect on my printouts, I output photos before and after running ColorPlus. There was virtually no difference between the two images; they both looked good. Does that mean that the calibration didn’t work? Not necessarily.

ColorPlus did make significant changes to my monitor display, bringing it more in line with the printouts. Colors popped a bit more and the screen wasn’t as bright.”

Website: Boston.com - Monitor calibration for home users

BenQ Press Release 22/04/04

BenQ Launches a New Generation of Stylish Scanners

Europe, 22nd of April, 2004 - BenQ announces the release of five new scanners, the 5150C, 5000, 5550, 6550T and 7550T. Following the heels of the BenQ 5250C, these five new models continue BenQ’s tradition of bringing consumers stylish scanners, with great functionality.

A new addition to BenQ’s CIS series scanner family, the BenQ 5150C scanner is ideal for the design conscious and discerning user, whether at home, work or school. Providing 1200 dpi resolution scans with 48-bit colors, easy compatibility with your notebook or PC and a USB connection that doubles as the power cord, the BenQ 5150C also features a sleek and contemporary exterior that is perfect for any modern home or office decor.

PhotographyBLOG has now teamed up with Amazon.com to offer you a range of photography products. PhotographyBLOG receives a small commission for every purchase that you make, so you will also help to support the future of this website. Simply visit the shop and click the product that you want to buy, or click the Amazon button, and you will be taken to the Amazon.com website.

Visit the PhotographyBLOG Shop (USA)

Rex Features Press Release 22/04/04

REX FEATURES CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
PRIVATE PARTY - MAY 5TH
PARTY & PRESS VIEW - MAY 6TH

Rex Features, the UK’s largest independent photographic agency, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this May with the commissioning of a unique multi-screen installation, “THE WORLD ACCORDING TO REX”. After a launch party in London, the exhibition will go on tour as a 21st century showcase for a selection of striking images taken from Rex Features’ diverse archive of over 15 million pictures.

Designed by Antidote with Michaelides and Bednash, and constructed by Inflate, “THE WORLD ACCORDING TO REX” installation is a work of art in itself: a four-metres long and two-metres-high inflatable containing eight LCD screens which act as a mobile exhibition space.

Breeze Systems Press Release 22/04/04

Downloader Pro 1.3 adds support for Canon EOS-1D Mark II and Sony DSC-F828 cameras

22nd April 2004: Breeze Systems today released Downloader Pro 1.3. This simple but powerful tool enables photographers to transfer images to a PC at the touch of a button, renaming and storing them with file and directories names chosen by the user. It includes sophisticated handling of IPTC data, automatic lossless rotation of JPEGs and support for downloading from card readers and portable hard drives.

The new release allows users to :
- View thumbnails of images to be downloaded
- Gain even greater control when automatically sorting images as they are downloaded
- Use the camera model name mapping function to give meaningful names identifying the camera used to take pictures e.g. when different members of the family have their own camera this function can be used to download images to separate directories e.g. D:PhotosJohnsPro1, D:PhotosSuesD70
- Simplify workflow by automating the creation of sets of related directories for each download directory e.g. Vacation2004originals, Vacation2004working, Vacation2004final (using the new Directory Maker plug-in)
- Download raw images from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Minolta, Fuji, Pentax and Sony cameras and use shooting data for directory and image naming. Supported cameras include the new Canon EOS-1D Mark II, Canon PowerShot Pro1, Nikon D70, Minolta DiMAGE A2, Olympus C8080WZ and Sony DSC-F828
- Play WAV or AVI files

Downloader Pro has been developed by Breeze Systems whose products include BreezeBrowser, DSLR Remote Pro and PSRemote. Downloader Pro runs on Windows and costs US $29.95. It is available on a 30 day free trial from Breeze Systems’ website www.breezesys.com.

Serif (Europe) Ltd Press Release 22/04/04

Software to suit all home and business publishing needs

Serif (Europe) Ltd - the world’s leading independent publisher of desktop publishing, design and graphics software - is delighted to announce the forthcoming release of three packages into their Productivity Range:

- Business Publishing Suite PDF Edition with PagePlus 8 PDF Edition, PhotoPlus 8 and MediaPlus
- Home Creativity Suite with PagePlus 8, PhotoPlus 7 and DrawPlus 5
- Desktop Publishing Suite with PagePlus 8, DrawPlus 6 and 3DPlus 3

Offering high functionality, ease of use and great value for money, these Suites have been put together with Serif’s core values in mind to offer complete software solutions to all computer users, whether for home or business projects.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 22/04/04

Fujifilm UK is today celebrating the sale of its two millionth digital camera, which marks the highest number of digital cameras sold by a manufacturer in this country.  The company has achieved impressive sales figures across the full range of its cameras since it first started shipping them in 1996, and this latest milestone is indicative of the vibrancy of the UK digital camera market.

Fujifilm has launched a series of popular cameras in recent months, which have worked to enhance the company’s UK digital camera sales.  In particular, products such as the FinePix F700 Zoom have made it all possible.  This camera - described recently as ‘the true photographer’s compact’ by professional photography publications - has won 17 awards to date, and has been praised by industry experts and consumers alike.  Tellingly, it was a shipment of FinePix F700 Zooms that brought sales to the landmark two million figure.

Michael Reichmann has published a new article, “Cloning Out the Can”, considers the subject of altering images and asks how far you should go.

“That photographs can be altered doesn’t really concern me. They always have been and always will. A more interesting discussion to my mind is that of degree. This is a real issue that every photographer has to deal with on an almost daily basis. It has nothing really do with digital vs. traditional means and media - but again simply is an ethical question that photographers have long had to deal with.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Cloning Out the Can

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

“With the exception of an occasional problem with moire, the Nikon D70 is the best camera you can buy for under $1300 (if you already have a few Nikon lenses, the price for the body-only kit is just $999). The D70 takes excellent pictures, though they are marred by moire patterns that show up way too often for a camera like this. There are many ways to try to get around it, and by all means: experiment! Photos are very sharp, with accurate color and exposure, and no purple fringing to speak of.”

Website: DCResource - Nikon D70 Review

Olympus UK Press Release 22/04/04

Olympus is delighted to present a series of events at The Hospital to support the Annie Leibovitz American Music exhibition. The activity is intended to offer aspiring digital photographers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced and revered professionals whilst creating an open forum to discuss the merits of the medium.

LECTURES
Celebrated international photographer, Lord Lichfield will present the first lecture on the evening of Monday April 26th. Lichfield will discuss his distinguished career and will focus on his transition from traditional film images to his recent digital work. A question and answer session will follow the talk.

A panel discussion on Tuesday April 27th will bring together a selection of radically differing viewpoints on the use of image in media. Panel members include Bob Kirwin, Times Picture Editor, Jasmine Montgomery, Brand Strategist at Futurebrand and a Creative Director of advertising agency, Lowes. Popular life style journalist Martin Deeson will chair the panel.

WORK SHOPS
On Saturday April 24th Olympus will be running a digital portraiture workshop from 11.00 ? 16.30 in association with the editorial team from Photography Monthly. A series of short talks, demonstrations and practical exercises over the day are designed to improve the skills of all attendees. A personalised tour of American Music follows each workshop.

DPReview have just reviewed the new 8-megapixel Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom digital camera.

“My first impression of the C-8080 Wide Zoom was, “at last a prosumer camera that feels as though it is worth its price tag”. The C-8080 is built to a higher standard than any of the other eight megapixel digital cameras (save maybe the Sony DSC-F828), with a thick, high grade metal body simple rubber coating and innovative yet unfussy control layout. This is a camera which feels as well put together as a much more expensive digital SLR, you just know it’s going to last. Olympus also broke the mold with the C-8080’s design and although initially the camera controls may seem complex it all falls into place and changing settings (almost any setting, they’re all there) become fast and logical.”

Website: DPReview - Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom Review

Website: Read my review of the Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom

DPReview have reviewed the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1.

“The PowerShot Pro1 is a camera designed to be familiar to current Canon owners, easy enough to use for first time buyers and yet still provide a semiprofessional feel and feature set. Canon has borrowed from its professional lens line to put an L quality label on the lens system to indicate that this is a new lens and it has been designed to fulfill the high resolution requirements of an eight megapixel CCD. In use the Canon felt slightly slower than I was expecting, certainly not much faster than the G5 and I didn’t see any marked improvement in speed overall from that camera.”

Website: DPReview - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Review

DPReview have published their review of the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera.

“At first the Coolpix 8700 looks like a simple upgrade for Nikon, take the Coolpix 5700 body, the same lens and controls and drop in an eight megapixel CCD. However it’s clear that the 8700 has changed quite a bit under the skin, the camera starts more quickly (although is still not fast in that respect), feels more responsive and has slightly faster shot to shot times. From a design point of view it has a fairly standard ‘SLR-like’ prosumer digital camera look, nothing radical but not particularly inspired either.”

Website: DPReview - Nikon Coolpix 8700 Review