My favourite online print service, PhotoBox, is currently running a special promotion for anyone in the UK who has bought a digital camera in 2004. Well worth trying out if you qualify.

“As a special digital introductory offer, registered PhotoBox customers can claim 50 free prints when they send us a copy of a new digital camera invoice*. To qualify for this limited offer your invoice must be dated between 1st January and 30th April 2004 and include a digital camera purchase value of GBP200 or more (including VAT). You have until the end of April to take up this fantastic offer and get to know your new camera’s photographic capabilities.”

Website: Imaging-Info.com - PhotoBox Press Release

Digital Outback Photo have taken a look at a new feature for the Nikon D70 and D2H digital SLRs called “Dust Off” (part of the Nikon Capture software), which promises to quickly remove those irritating dust spots from your photos.

“Dust spots are a fact of the life of digital photographers using DSLRs with interchangeable lenses (only the Canon D30, D60, 10D and 300D seem to be less prone. We have the feeling that this maybe more luck than design because the Canon 1D and 1Ds show more dust).

Now Nikon came up with a neat idea to implement a feature in their D70 and D2h that allows to photograph a “dust map” photo and should help to reduce/remove dust from existing raw files.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Dust Removal

Digital Outback Photo have published an informative article on what you should look for in a RAW convertor (first published in Shutterbug magazine):

“To no real surprise, not all raw converters deliver the same benefits in the quality of the output and, more importantly, a good raw file workflow. All current raw file formats are proprietary. That is why every manufacturer features its own raw converter, which works only with files from that manufacturer.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Raw Image Convertor Essentials (PDF Format)

WebFormation, Inc. Press Release 29/03/04

WebFormation, Inc., leader in web development tools and Internet hosting, proudly announces beta 1 of ExposureManager; a service that makes displaying and selling photography online quick and effortless.

ExposureManager allows photographers to upload and display their photos. They are given complete freedom in the look and feel of their galleries, and are also able to customize a variety of templates through an easy-to-use interface.

Per gallery and per photo, the photographer has the option to sell prints, posters and other merchandise. To do this, a photographer selects which type and price the prints and/or merchandise he or she wishes to sell. ExposureManager?s systems will take care of billing the customer, the fulfillment of the order and the payment of profit to the photographer. The photo processing is handled by EZPrints in Georgia. Depending on upload speed, a photographer can upload photos and have them available for sale in just a few minutes!

Goethe-Institut Washington Press Release 29/03/04

Vampire Photo-Novel VLADRACUL Exhibition / Washington (USA) 2004
Goethe-Institut Washington
NW Washington, DC 20001-3718 / USA
May 19 - August 29, 2004

after the success in los angeles and hong kong johnny de brest brings his photo-novel “VLADRACUL” to washington.

johnny de brest’s photo-novel “vladracul”, a modern-day allegorical spin on the dracula tale, shot in berlin and poland. “vladracul” was culled from over 15.000 images, from brightly-lit contemporary clubs pulsating with under-currents of darkness to shots of auschwitz, that are simultaneously horrific and beautiful (LA WEEKLY).

Leaf America Press Release 29/03/04

Elmsford, NY - Leaf America and Mamiya, leaders in both the digital and analog photographic industry have teamed up to create the all-new Leaf Mamiya ProDigital Camera Solution for the U.S. market.

Since the start of the digital revolution, Leaf has focused its energy on the science of digital imaging, from capture to print. In fact, Leaf invented the first digital backs over ten years ago. Leaf is a product of Creo, one of the world’s largest producers of pre-press and printing equipment. It is this knowledge of the printing world that enables Leaf to produce state-of-the-art software to process digitally captured images without noise and artifacts.

Photographers see the benefit with the Leaf Capture V8 software, which converts captured files into clean, crisp images. According to Leaf, pixel count is less relevant than the quality of the file, and it is the Leaf software that makes the difference. In the traditional photographic world, Mamiya cameras and lenses have become the choice of today’s top professionals. Continuous innovation to create better, sharper images with truer color and contrast have kept Mamiya at the forefront of analog imaging. And, since Mamiya produces its own lenses, it is in a unique position to control every step in the design and manufacturing process to produce lenses that are ideally suited for both digital and film imaging.

Together, the seamless integration of the latest in high-tech digital imaging technology, coupled with the time proven optical performance of Mamiya cameras and lenses, create a unique synergy. The Leaf Mamiya ProDigital Camera Solution represents the culmination of years of research and development between Leaf and Mamiya to bring an integrated imaging system to photographers that utilizes both digital and film imaging.

The winner of the 17th PhotographyBLOG Photo of the Week contest is gav_davies with the entry “Elly”. 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 18th 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.

IMPORTANT: I have noticed several examples of what could be viewed as tactical voting, where a low rating has been left with no comment explaining why. Please try and leave a rating and a comment explaining what you think of the photograph and why you gave it that rating. The Photo of the Week contest is meant to be fun and also a way of offering constructive feedback to people. Please try to keep it that way.

The Danish website Digitalmagasinet.dk have just published an 11-page review of the 8 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital camera.

Website: Digitalmagasinet.dk - Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 Review

There’s a short but interesting roundup of 5 budget digital cameras over at TechTV, with budget meaning under $200 (found via ecoustics.com.

“Fujifilm has a habit of delivering fine sub-$200 cameras. The A210 continues the tradition, boasting a 3.2-megapixel sensor, fine optics, and a real zoom lens. The camera snaps stupendous looking photos, features a nice bright flash, and includes a 320 x 240 Motion JPEG movie mode. The included 16MB xD PictureCard will hold 19 shots at the best quality and 122 at the lowest quality.”

Website: TechTV - Good Budget Digital Cameras

Digital Outback Photo have posted a selection of shots taken with the new Nikon D70 and Kodak SLR/n digital SLR cameras. Take a look to find out what these cameras can achieve in the hands of two talented photographers.

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Nikon D70 Gallery

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Kodak SLR/n Gallery

Sony has just released firmware updates for the Cybershot DSC-F828 and DSC-T1 digital cameras.

The Firmware update Ver.2.0 resolves the following issues for both cameras:

1. Picture deleting issue using quick review function:
- If you delete a picture in the Memory Stick using the quick review function , and the Memory Stick contains more than 2 folders, it may occur that another picture in another folder is deleted or that you cannot delete the target picture at all

2. Picture that is copied from the computer gets damaged when transferred to a camera via USB.
- When you copy a picture from a computer to a camera via USB2.0 in Hi-Speed mode, it may happen that the copied file in the Memory Stick gets damaged.
- When you copy and delete a picture from a computer to a camera by USB several times, it may happen that the file in the Memory Stick is damaged.

Website: Sony - DSC-F828 Firmware Update

Website: Sony - DSC-T1 Firmware Update

Professional photographer Bjorn Rorslett has also published a review of the Nikon D70 DSLR (again found via digicamera.net).

“Nikon D70 has up to now been an interesting experience. The camera is inobtrusive, small and light-weight, yet a very capable performer. You do have to gear your attitude and working habits to embrace the possibilites supported by the camera, and not the annoyance of all those missing features of a professional camera prevent you from utilising the potential which still is there.”

Website: Bjorn Rorslett - Nikon D70 Review

Finnish photographer Petri Kekkonen has published a review of the Nikon D70 DSLR in English (found via digicamera.net).

“Based on somewhat inaccurate timings AF motor speed seems to be similar to that of Nikon F80. But the feeling I got while shooting both in the same conditions yesterday (using only central AF sensor on both) D70 feels like having a slight edge when it comes to snapping into focus. Also the sound of the AF motor is more civilised and silent.”

Website: Petri Kekkonen - Nikon D70 Review

Photobird.com Press Release 29/03/04

Simple-to-use Comments and Ratings, and secure Password-Protected Albums top the list

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - March 29, 2004 - Photobird.com, the easy way to share your photos around the world, today announced the immediate availability of exciting new features that make sharing digital photos even easier, more secure, and more flexible.  Some of the new features the Photobird.com website now supports include the ability to select different digital photo display sizes, the ability to password protect photo albums, and the choice to allow visitors to leave comments about your digital photos and photo albums, similar to a guest book.  A free trial and more information about the new features announced today are
available at www.photobird.com.

“Digital camera users want ease of use, control, and flexibility when they share their digital photos with friends and family.  These new features on Photobird.com give our customers the control and flexibility they have asked for, while still maintaining the ease of use and clean, professional design for which Photobird.com is known worldwide,” said Ed Krimen, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Photobird.com.  “Not only are these new features available to
subscribers at no additional cost, but they are completely optional to use, and subscribers can use them on the photo albums they choose.”

In this week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston takes a break and hands over to Steve Rosenblum, who treats us to a review of a Complete Digital Workflow Workshop from Cone Editions Press.

“Cone developed the first quad black inksets and software for the IRIS printer which he had been using previously to produce fine art non-photographic prints. He became very involved in IRIS printing techniques, training a generation of Giclee printers as well as becoming an IRIS dealer. As the IRIS organization began to fall apart in the 90’s and desktop inkjet printers emerged he became intrigued with the possibility that a quadtone system could be adapted to the Epson Stylus 3000 printer which was widely available and cost only a few percent of the $100,000 IRIS machines. Out of this effort at software and inkset development emerged the original PiezographyBW system.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Review: Cone Editions Press Complete Digital Workflow Workshop

LetsGoDigital have just finished their comprehensive report on the CeBIT Show, held in Hannover, Germany, last week. As with most things that LetsGoDigital do, the report is very detailed and superbly presented.

Website: LetsGoDigital - CeBIT 2004 Show Report

Fred Miranda has just released a new Photoshop plug-in for converting colour images to black and white, retailing at $29.90.

“This ultimate black and white FM Essential plug-in is packed full of carefully designed presets that automatically adjust for a wide range of looks, or you can use the manual modes for greater control and customizing options. It has 8 preset filter selections, 32 duotone presets, 18 tritone presets, 6 quadtone presets, 3 film grain presets and 4 dynamic range presets, and the best part is that you can preview your options and evaluate your work right away.”

Website: Fred Miranda - BW Workflow Pro Plugin

The Danish website Akamera.de have just published their usual detailed review of the entry-level Nikon Coolpix 2200 digital camera.

Website: Akamera.dk - Nikon Coolpix 2200 Review

Luminous Landscape have just reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 digital camera.

“The big news is that this is a 5 Megapixel camera. That means it can produce 8X10” prints (at 240ppi) without any ressing up. It also features a very large (2.5”) LCD that fills more than two thirds of the rear of the camera. This is a first-rate screen - viewable even in the brightest sunlight - and it better be - because the T1 doesn’t have an optical viewfinder. The LCD is it. This takes some getting used to, and the fact that it doesn’t swivel means that sometimes positioning the camera for a shot can be a bit awkward. But the compromise is worthwhile because of the camera’s small size.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 Review

Digital Outback Photo have started their review of the recently announced DSLR from Kodak, the 14 megapixel DCS Pro SLR/n.

“After the first day it is clear that the SLR/n is a much more interesting product than the 14n. We can hardly wait to use the SLR/c as we then can shoot with the same lenses on the 1Ds and the SLR/c. We consider the SLR/n a comeback of Kodak as a major player in the pro DSLR market.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n Experience Report