Lexmark delivers its fastest speeds yet with new inkjet printers and All-in-Ones

—New ink technology allows for long-lasting photo output—

Lexmark International, the printer manufacturer, today unveiled new printers and All-In-One (AIO) products to satisfy an array of consumers, from home users printing photos to small office/home office (SOHO) professionals seeking colour-enhanced documents.

“With each product generation, Lexmark offers more features and enhanced technology to meet the demands of our most discerning consumers,” said Paul Kreutzer, Director, Consumer Product Division. “Lexmark’s products are well known for their professional print output and colour graphic qualities, and these new products deliver impressive colour output in less than a minute.”

OLYMPUS TO LAUNCH 3 NEW UNDERWATER DIGITAL CAMERAS

Asia Pulse Businesswire via NewsEdge Corporation : TOKYO, March 10 Asia Pulse - Olympus Corp. (TSE:7733) plans to launch three new digital camera models usable both underwater and on land, marketing them together with special waterproof cases.

Until now, digital cameras have been used mainly on land. But Olympus has decided that demand for underwater cameras is set to grow, both from professional photographers and ordinary consumers, as diving is becoming an increasingly popular sport in Japan and overseas.

The first of the new models—the Camedia C-8080 Wide Zoom, priced at about 130,000 yen—will have top-of-the-line features: 8 megapixels, a 5x optical zoom, and a durable polycarbonate resin body that withstands water pressure at a depth of 40 meters.

Serif Press Release

SERIF LAUNCHES ‘PHOTOPLUS 9’

New version of acclaimed digital image-editing package now boasts Adobe Photoshop? Import and Export

Serif (Europe) Ltd - the UK’s leading independent desktop publishing, design and graphics software developer - today announced the launch of PhotoPlus 9, the latest version of their award-winning digital image-editing program.

PhotoPlus 9 (Price ?79.99) is Serif’s most comprehensive photo-editing package to date, offering advanced level tools that allow everyday users, enthusiasts and digital-imaging professionals to easily import, manipulate and export image files. Combining easy-to-use professional features with an exceptional price tag, PhotoPlus 9 is clearly set to become the number one choice when working with photographs and images for the Web, multimedia and the printed page.

New Photoshop? (.PSD) Import and Export now allows PhotoPlus 9 to maintain most layer types and effects from imported Adobe Photoshop files and translate them into editable PhotoPlus layers and effects. Fully integrated PDF Export adds further flexibility for sharing digital image creations.

Winferno Press Release

Winferno’s SnapZip is First to Compress and E-mail Photos With Ease

Zip and e-mail any file or photo format including JPEGs, easy for anyone to use, and fully compatible with other compression programs

BOSTON - February 17, 2004 - Everyone likes to take photos and then share them with family, friends and co-workers. A quick way to share photos is to e-mail them. However, as photos are very large files, e-mailing these can cause long delays, they can freeze a computer while trying to send, or even fail to be sent due to the size. Winferno Software announced SnapZip(tm) for users that like to e-mail photos but haven’t found an easy-to-use solution up until now. SnapZip is the only program that allows users to easily zip and e-mail photos with one mouse click, and is compatible with other leading Zip programs.

The most efficient way to send large files is to compress or ‘zip’ them before e-mailing. Up until now, there wasn’t a user-friendly compression program available and of the programs that exist, none can compress photos, and offer compatibility with other Zip programs. For the first time, users don’t have to fuss with complicated programs and have a solution to e-mail photos with ease. SnapZip intelligently uses a combination of “lossless” and “lossy” compression on
photos and documents.

With Winferno Software’s SnapZip, zipping large files reduces the size of the file an average of three to four times. Even multiple photos can be saved in one zipped file and then quickly and easily e-mailed. There is no learning curve to SnapZip. An easy-to-use graphical interface guides the user to simply drag and drop files to zip them. Once the file has been zipped, the program instantly asks the user if they would like to e-mail the zipped file, and then automatically creates an e-mail in the user’s default e-mail program with the files attached.

The About Graphics Software website has a handy list of software applications that all claim to be able to effectively remove noise from digital photos or to reduce or removing artifacts from too much JPEG compression. Some of the names are familiar - Noise Ninja, Neat Image - some of them aren’t, but if you’re wondering which one to try first, the last link on the page is to Michael Almond’s Noise Reduction Tool Comparison. Michael has compared no less than 18 different software packages so that you don’t have to.

Website: About Graphics Software - Noise, Grain, Artifact Reduction Tools

Website: Michael Almond’s Noise Reduction Tool Comparison

My first taste of the Tenerife Carnival was at the opening parade in Santa Cruz, which was a prelude to the main parade happening a week later. Curiously the event was scheduled to start at 7pm, just as night was falling, which made for some interesting shooting conditions given the speed at which the perfomers walked/danced past us. The parade was a very colourful affair, despite the gloomy light, and there were some great costumes - watch out for the Michael Jackson troupe, coming soon :-)  First up are the chickens and the clowns…

From a technical point of view, these photos were all taken in near-darkness, with only the streetlamps and a Canon 420ex flashgun providing the light. Consequently my new Tamron 28-75mm Di lens was locked at a wide-open aperture of F/2.8 and ISO was set to 800 on the Canon EOS 10D. Despite this shutter speeds ranged from anywhere between 1/125th and 1/10th second, which resulted in the “creative blur” found in most of the shots. The Tamron lens performed very well, with the autofocus locking on to the subject despite the dark conditions, and the f/2.8 aperture blurring the backgrounds nicely. The 28-75mm (equivalent to 45-120mm on the 10D) zoom range proved very versatile for this event and I used the lens exclusively all night. I’ll be posting a review of this lens soon.

Epson Japan Press Release 10/03/04

Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) has launched the Epson Rangefinder Digital Camera R-D1*1, the world’s first rangefinder digital camera, in partnership with Cosina Corporation.

Technical collaboration
Epson has helped transform the world of photo printing into the digital world by developing inkjet printers and other digital photo printing technologies. Among the critical technologies behind the stunning quality of Epson’s digitally rendered photos is digital image processing - technology for optimizing digital data as a high-quality photo image. Digital image processing technology is already being used in Epson’s printer drivers, high-resolution scanners and other input and output devices, but Epson had been looking for new potentially intriguing applications for it, as well. It was while scouting the possibilities that Epson met up with Cosina, a company that can boast some of the world’s foremost original optical technologies.

Cosina has developed outstanding original optics technologies in the production of camera lenses while still maintaining a rigorous fidelity to the historic photography heritage. Epson felt that if the companies were to use the rangefinder camera platform - a platform that is being left in the wake of progress toward the digital age - and if they were to merge Epson’s digital image processing technology with Cosina’s advanced optics technology, they might be able to discover some completely new creative photographic possibilities. This idea led to collaboration between the two companies, with engineers from both sides paying uncompromising attention to detail during product development. Thus was born the R-D1.

The R-D1 dares to swim against the high tide of fully automatic electronic digital cameras. It is a digital camera that still manages to feel like a traditional manual camera, for people who appreciate the peculiar satisfaction that comes with the ability to use an analog camera well. In other words, the R-D1 is simultaneously a state-of-the-art digital camera that offers outstanding performance and image quality, and a throwback that offers camera buffs the look and feel of a vintage film camera, as well as the joy of skillfully using their camera as a tool.

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 digital camera, which should be available in your local photography shop now.

“Sony’s Cyber-shot line of digicams have consistently proven themselves to be versatile performers, with high build quality, providing numerous innovations in the digicam marketplace. Now, the DSC-T1 breaks new ground in the subcompact category, packing more features into a smaller space than pretty much anything else out there.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 Review

The Slovenian website e-Fotografija has posted an extensive review of the Nikon D70 digital SLR, Nikon’s new entry-level DSLR, with lots of sample images to look at. The review is available in English, so you don’t need to try and find a translation service.

Website: e-Fotografija - Nikon D70 Review

CNET 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 $399.95.

“With a 6X optical zoom, decent close-up capabilities, and compatibility with add-on lenses, this 3.2-megapixel camera will please point-and-shooters who like versatility. However, mediocre performance, a lack of manual focus and exposure controls, and some vexing quirks relegate the Fujifilm FinePix S3000 to also-ran status for more-advanced photographers.”

Website: CNET - Fuji FinePix S3000 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix S3000

UNIQUE NEW SOURCE BOOK FROM ASSOCIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHERS LAUNCHES FEB 23RD

The most comprehensive new annual photography source book for 20 years - AOP04 - is to be published by the Association of Photographers - the leading international professional photographic body.

AOP04 showcases work by 390 professional photographers from the UK and the rest of the world. However as all the photographers featured are members of the Association of Photographers, AOP04 guarantees an unparalleled base standard of photographic skill - reflecting the rigorous requirements of AOP membership.

Featuring a broad selection of images from advertising, design, fashion and editorial, AOP04 covers a larger range of categories and styles than conventional source books. This is combined with a clear, clean, uniform grid system which allows the user to navigate easily and logically from photographer to photographer. It is comprehensively indexed and searchable by name, speciality and location - making AOP04 the indispensable tool for sourcing and commissioning work from the world?s best photographers.

Epson Press Release 11/03/04

Want family from Newport set to feature as ‘The EPSON Family’

After an exhaustive, six month search covering the length and breadth of the country, EPSON, the world’s leading digital imaging company is set to announce the Want family from Newport as the country’s most typical family. Mr & Mrs Want and their two children will now become ‘The EPSON Family’ and will embark on a unique social experiment. Starting on 15th March this, until now, unknown family will be propelled into the public eye for a period of 100 days on their very own web site, www.the-epson-family.co.uk, that aims to prove that even typical family life can often be anything but.

The Want family will have their lives documented via a continuous stream of photographs and images that will constantly be uploaded and updated throughout the 100 days starting in mid-March. The Want family photos along with those captured by an array of established celebrity photographers including Lord Lichfield, Richard Young and Tim Flach will be exhibited in a top London gallery in June of this year as part of a high profile exhibition entitled “A 100 days in the life of a typical British family.”

Olympus Press Release 11/03/04

Olympus E-System Development Leader receives PMDA 2004 Technical Achievement Award

Olympus is delighted to announce that Mr. Yasuo Asakura, development leader of the E-System digital SLR camera system, has been presented with the ‘2004 Technical Achievement Award’ by the Photo Imaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA). Mr. Asakura is a Group Leader in the Research and Development Department at the Imaging Systems Group of Olympus Corporation.

Mr. Asakura joined Olympus in 1981. Early in his career, he was involved in the development of the OM series of 35mm film SLR cameras and L series of 35mm film cameras. He was later appointed development group leader for the E-10 and E-20 integrated-lens digital SLR cameras. In addition to his work on these advanced, high-quality film and digital cameras, the PMDA award also honours his role as a leader in the development of the Olympus E-1 and Olympus E-System. The award was presented to Mr. Asakura at an awards dinner held on the eve of the recent PMA 2004 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas.

Established in 1939, the PMDA is an association of camera manufacturers and sales companies that plays a central role in promoting imaging industry activities. Each year, the PMDA presents awards to those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of imaging-related products, services and activities.

Sara Cubitt, Head of Marketing Communications of Olympus UK comments, “The E-1 digital SLR camera represents a union of superior optical technology and advanced digital technology, and was developed according to the most detailed design concept. The system stands at the apex of digital camera performance and we are proud that the developer of the E-System has been honoured with this prestigious award”.

Ricoh Press Release 10/03/04

Ricoh Announces The European launch of the Caplio 400G Wide.  Capture a Wider Image With This High Performance, Water and Dust Resistant, Digital Camera

March 2004.
Following on from the success of the 300G last year, Ricoh are proud to announce the Caplio 400G Wide. This model has the same characteristic tough body of its predecessor, the Caplio 300G, and is the perfect choice for taking pictures in the rain, in sandy, or in dusty environments. The new wide 28-85mm zoom lens allows you to capture a wider image with sharp focus and not compromise on any detail - it’s wider, faster, better.

Ricoh has taken digital imaging a step forward with the introduction of its wide lens technology. Zoom lenses for digital cameras generally do not compare favourably with those for conventional 35mm cameras. The main reason for this is because digital camera lenses require more peripheral light. Ricoh was able to overcome this handicap through a unique arrangement of eight lens elements in three groups. The first group, the most important for realising a wider lens, comprises three lenses, one of which is a concave, Meniscus aspherical lens, made of low-dispersion glass with a high refractive index. With the Caplio G4 wide and now the Caplio 400G Wide, users no longer have to make any sacrifices in zoom performance for the convenience of a digital camera.

Steves Digicams have also reviewed the new flagship model of the Canon Digital IXUS fleet, the 5.0 megapixel Powershot S500 (known as the Digital IXUS 500 outside North America), which was announced at the start of February.

“The camera’s auto focus system is as robust as its image processing and is enhanced by a focus assist lamp that insures proper focus lock even in total darkness. The auto focus employs a very accurate 9-point AF system that does its job quickly, even when the subject is not in the center of the frame.  If the LCD is on you’ll see which of the nine AF points were used for the focus lock. The Macro mode has excellent coverage from six inches to about two and a half feet and controls the flash perfectly even at the closest range.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon Powershot S500 Review

Steves Digicams have also taken a look at the 4.0 megapixel Canon Powershot S410 (known as the Digital IXUS 430 outside North America).

“The 3x zoom lens exhibits moderate barrel distortion in full wide angle and a little pin cushioning at full telephoto but no more than most zoom lenses and better than some. The zoom mechanism is smooth and fairly quiet and the control is conveniently located around the shutter button. The optical viewfinder although a bit small has a good eye point and covers about 90% of the captured image, it lacks any dioptric adjustment.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon Powershot S410 Review

Steves Digicams are first off the blocks with a review of the ultra-thin Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004.

“The DiMAGE Xg seems to be a downgrade of the popular DiMAGE Xt and features the same 3.2-megapixel imager and f/2.8 “folded” 3X zoom lens, but is missing the Audio/Video output capabilities. Also, the Xg can not be used with a charging cradle. The only upgrade found was the ability to record movies at 30fps with the XR (Extended Recording) movie mode that captures 320x240 or 160x120 size motion video with audio.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the FinePix A205 Zoom digital camera, which has 2 megapixels and costs around $199.95.

“With a 2.0-megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom lens, the A205 offers the same great point-and-shoot convenience as its “big brother” the A210, but with a little less resolution. There’s still plenty of image here to make good-looking 8x10 prints though, so the A205 is great for people looking to really pinch their pennies yet still get good picture quality.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix A205 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fujifilm FinePix A205

DCResource have published a quick comparative test of the Nikon Coolpix 8700, Canon PowerShot Pro1, and Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom, using the highest JPEG quality and lowest ISO value for each camera. All of the images are available as full-sized originals.

Website: DCResource - 8 Megapixel Shootout

The Danish website Digitalmagsinet.dk are the first to review the new flagship model of the Canon Digital IXUS fleet, the 5.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 500, which was announced at the start of February.

Website: Digitalmagasinet.dk - Canon Digital IXUS 500 Review