Samsung Camera Press Release 12/02/04

SAMSUNG ADDS 1350Ti TO ITS POPULAR MAXIMA LINE OF 35MM POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERAS

SECAUCUS, N.J., (February 12, 2004) - Samsung Camera today announced the launch of its new Maxima 1350Ti fully automatic 35mm point-and-shoot camera. The new camera features a 38-135mm Samsung SHD (Super High Definition) lens with aspherical elements for extra sharpness and a built-in flash with a maximum range of 37.7 ft with ISO 400 film. The camera covers a wide range of focal lengths and works perfectly for shooting any subject—indoors or out.  The built in Quartz Date feature offers advanced imprinting capabilities, allowing the user to record the date and time of every photo right on the negative.  With an approximate street price of $99.99, the Samsung Maxima 1350Ti camera combines affordability and ease-of-use with outstanding image quality.

“Despite the tremendous growth of digital photography, many consumers still want the familiarity and convenience of a 35mm, point and shoot camera,” said Ken Gerb, Senior Vice President, Sales for Samsung Camera. “Samsung has long been a leader in providing top quality, affordable products for those consumers, and will continue to do so as long as the demand exists.”

There has been no official press release from Epson or Cosina, but Imaging Resource are reporting that the two companies have joined forces and are showing at PMA an interchangeable lens rangefinder digital camera that accepts Leica M-type lenses. Apparently more information about this mysterious camera will be forthcoming in March; until then Imaging Resource have 5 photos that you can take a look at.

Website: Imaging Resource - Epson/Cosina Interchangeable Lens Digital Rangefinder

Steves Digicams is the third website in the last couple of days to publish their Preview of the new 8-megapixel Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom digital camera.

“When manually focusing you get an onscreen distance gauge (in feet or meters) and a magnified center view which makes it easier to actually “see” the proper focus. The C-8080 features iESP multi-pattern AF (autofocus) TTL system (contrast detection), Spot AF, Selective Spot AF and Full Time AF. Auto or Manual focus with 240 steps.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom Preview

DIMA Press Release 13/02/04

Nine digital cameras were named winners in the 2004 DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out today at the PMA 2004 Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nev., USA.

Over 50 digital camera entries and 13 manufacturers participated in the 8th Annual DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out, which took place on Friday, Feb. 13, at the DIMA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. Participating camera manufacturers captured images in four live-model studios.

Images from the point-and-shoot cameras were printed on three different digital minilab systems including the Agfa D-Lab 2 Plus supplied by Agfa Corp., the Fuji Frontier 370 supplied by Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc., and the Noritsu 3101 supplied by Noritsu America.

Images from the Prosumer/Professional category were output through a G4 Power Mac running Adobe PhotoShop CS and printed on an Epson Photo Stylus 9600 inkjet printer, supplied by Epson America Inc. Color management support for the DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out was provided by GretagMacbeth, using Sony Artisan displays donated by Sony Electronics.

Argus Unveils Four New Digital Cameras Under $50, Including the Market’s Lowest-Priced Models With Color LCD Screens - New 1700 Series Set for Apr

PR Newswire via NewsEdge Corporation : LAS VEGAS, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/—PMA Show, Suites X20-22—Argus Camera today announced a new Argus 1700 Series of entry-level digital cameras that will include the market’s least expensive models with full-color LCD screens and external memory card slots, plus one of the lowest-priced digital cameras with a 1.3-megapixel resolution. Cameras in the series will be available at major mass market retailers in April..TABLE The series will include:—The Argus DC 1710 (MSRP $39.99), a VGA model with a color LCD display and an 8MB internal memory capable of storing up to 117 photos.—The Argus DC 1730 (MSRP $44.99), identical to the DC 1710 with the addition of an automatic flash.—The Argus DC 1750 (MSRP $49.99), featuring an external slot that is compatible with SecureDigital/MultiMedia (SD) Cards for unlimited image capacity and easy printing at photo finishing kiosks, plus VGA resolution, an 8MB internal memory, an automatic flash, and a color LCD display.—The Argus DC 1770 (MSRP $44.99), a 1.3-megapixel model with a 4x digital zoom, a text-based status LCD, an SD Card-compatible external memory card slot, an 8MB internal memory, and an automatic flash.

Panasonic Press Release 12/02/04

PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW 5-MEGAPIXEL LUMIX DIGITAL STILL CAMERA WITH LEICA LENS AND FULL MANUAL CONTROLS

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 13, 2004) - Once again Panasonic revolutionizes the world of digital photography with the new DMC-LC1 Lumix camera.  The DMC-LC1 has a digital brain but the heart and soul of a finely crafted 35mm camera, right down to its controls.  A true breakthrough in digital camera craftsmanship, the 5-megapixel DMC-LC1 brings a traditional photographic experience to the digital world, evoking the look, feel, precision, and responsiveness of a 35mm camera.  Zoom, focus and aperture are manually controlled by ring settings on the lens; shutter speed is controlled by a dial located on the top of the unit.  And, like all of Panasonic’s Lumix models, the DMC-LC1 features a high-performance Leica lens for extraordinary image rendering.

The DMC-LC1 combines unrivalled Leica optics with Panasonic’s most advanced digital electronic technology to create a camera that allows photographers to experience a new level of creative expression.  The camera’s full manual operation serves as a natural extension of the photographer’s hands and eyes.

Leica lenses retain a legendary reputation for creating images that capture the most delicate nuances of light and shade, the elusive ambience of “air”, and subtle gradations of color.  The new DMC-LC1 incorporates a finely crafted, F2.0 - 2.4 Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens (13 elements in 10 groups) with zoom capability equivalent to 28 - 90mm on a 35mm camera.

Imaging Resource have already posted their usual detailed profile of the new DSLR from Kodak, the 14 megapixel DCS Pro SLR/n, which was announced yesterday.

“Kodak’s new DSC-SLR/n digital SLR is a strong update to their previous Pro 14n model, with very similar specifications, but greatly improved performance in several key areas. The enhancement that will undoubtedly be the most welcome for prospective users is its greatly improved noise performance, thanks to a redesigned CMOS sensor chip, a change in fabrication provider, and a redesigned analog electronics board. At the same time, Kodak has improved the SLR/n’s image processing, revamped the calibration algorithms to improve responsiveness, and improved its power management. Other SLR/n enhancements include a unique long-exposure/ultra-low ISO mode that lets you capture up to 60-second exposures at ISO 6 for exceptionally low image noise and unique time-exposure creative effects.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n Preview

Imaging Resource have also published their Preview of the new 8-megapixel Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom digital camera.

“We’ll have to wait for a production model before we’ll know what sort of photos the C-8080 snaps, but based on its specs and features, it appears to kick the bar up another notch for high-end prosumer digicams. (And stay tuned, there are yet other 8 megapixel cameras coming just a little later this year as well!)”

Website: Imaging Resource - Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom Preview

DCResource has posted a detailed Preview of the new 8-megapixel Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom digital camera.

“The camera does very well in the shutter lag department, as well. I didn’t notice it at all until slow shutter speeds like 1/8 sec), and even then, it was barely noticeable.

Shot-to-shot speed is excellent, with a delay of just over one second, assuming you’ve turned off the post-shot review feature. When in TIFF mode, the camera will be locked up for about 18 seconds while the image is being written to the memory card. In RAW mode, the delay is around 13 seconds.”

Website: DCResource - Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom Preview

Microtek Press Release 13/02/04

Microtek Announces XPan Support for ArtixScan 120tf Multiformat Film Scanner

High-resolution film scanner is now enhanced with XPan support of 35mm x 78mm panoramic film

Las Vegas, NV (February 13, 2004) - Microtek, a leader in digital imaging for over 20 years, announced here at PMA today expanded 35mm panoramic film support for the ArtixScan 120tf, its awardwinning multiple-format film scanner.

With the newly added XPan support, the ArtixScan 120tf is now able to accommodate scanning of 35mm x 78mm panoramic film, in addition to supporting 35mm slides, 35mm filmstrips, and four sizes of medium-format film, including 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, and 6x9. Three film holders that can accommodate all of the above-mentioned film types are included with the scanner: a four-frame 35mm slide holder; a six-frame 35mm filmstrip holder that also accommodates two strips of the newly supported 35mm panoramic film; and a holder for the medium-format film.

Microtek Press Release 13/02/04

Microtek ScanMaker 6100 Pro Offers Exceptional Film-Handling Features

For under $300, the ScanMaker 6100 Pro Offers New EZ-Lock Film Holders plus Superior Software Package including SilverFast Ai 6.0 and Adobe Photoshop Elements

Las Vegas, NV (February 13, 2004)—Microtek introduced at PMA today the ScanMaker 6100 Pro, a high-resolution scanner that offers superior film-handling capabilities, incorporates new accessories for multiformat film scanning, and includes an exceptional software package designed for high-level imaging productivity.

Featuring 48-bit color and 6400 x 3200-dpi optical resolution, the ScanMaker 6100 Pro is the ideal workhorse for the prosumer, amateur photographer or anyone working closely with film media, boasting of several film-handling and productivity-enhancement features specifically built for the scanner.

Microtek Press Release 13/02/04

Microtek ScanMaker i900 Delivers Powerful Imaging Features for Print & Film

For under $600, the ScanMaker i900 Offers Dual Media design, Emulsion Direct scanning, and PictuRescue with DIGITAL ICE Photo Print Technology & ColoRescue

Las Vegas, NV (February 13, 2004)—Microtek announced at PMA today the availability of the ScanMaker i900, a 3200-dpi, Dual Media, multiformat film scanner offering a host of exclusive and superior technologies including DIGITAL ICE Photo Print Technology, automatic color correction, glassless film scanning with Microtek’s exclusive E.D.I.T. system, and a robust software package - all for under $600.

Designed for graphic artists, photographers and publishing professionals who require greater productivity in today’s demanding business environment, the ScanMaker i900 is the first professional scanner to integrate Microtek’s exclusive PictuRescue system featuring DIGITAL ICE Photo Print Technology, which dramatically decreases the time to reconstruct surface-damaged photos. With the ScanMaker i900, cracks, tears, creases and scratches can be fixed automatically at least 10 times faster than manual techniques.

Microtek Press Release 13/02/04

Microtek ScanMaker i320 Surges with High Resolution & PictuRescue System

New ScanMaker i320 Offers 3200-dpi Scanning and Photo Reconstruction with Digital ICE, plus Color Restoration for both Print and Film

Las Vegas, NV (February 13, 2004) - Microtek announced here at PMA today the availability of the ScanMaker i320, the next-generation model of the ScanMaker i300 and a 6400 x 3200-dpi flatbed scanner that packs Microtek’s exclusive PictuRescue, a first-to-market system for photo reconstruction and restoration of prints and film.

PictuRescue incorporates Kodak’s DIGITAL ICE Photo Print Technology and Microtek’s
ColoRescue, the twin pillars of an integrated hardware and software combination providing the world’s only automatic photo reconstruction solution. With DIGITAL ICE, physically damaged and blemished photo prints that are torn, creased, cracked, and scratched are restored to like-new condition. And with ColoRescue, automatic color recovery and control can be achieved for faded photos and film originals, restoring them to their original vibrant colors.

With the addition of the ScanMaker i320, Microtek now offers a family of three photo reconstruction and restoration scanners, including the new professional-class ScanMaker i900, as well as the previously launched ScanMaker 6800.

Microtek Press Release 13/02/04

Microtek Introduces Three New Digital Cameras at PMA

Take-it D3, M-300, & MV-330 are all sleek, stylish, and versatile cameras for easy on-the-go use Las Vegas, NV (February 13, 2004) - Microtek introduced here at PMA today three new digital cameras aimed at the budding or amateur photographer, each featuring 3.1-or-higher-megapixel CMOS sensors, LCD screens with intuitive on-screen displays, digital and playback zoom, a variety of flash modes, USB connectivity, and built-in internal flash with expandable memory. The three new cameras are the Take-it D3, the M-300, and MV-330.

Konica Minolta Japan have posted 5 sample images from the Minolta DiMAGE A2 on their website, 2 of which show-off the anti-shake system.

Website: Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Sample Images

Kyocera Press Release 13/02/04

NEW KYOCERA FINECAM M410R DIGITAL CAMERA

Designed To Capture All The Action, 4.0 Megapixel Camera Offers High-Powered 10X Optical Zoom and High-Speed Lens

RTUNETM Technology Ensures Unlimited Continuous Shooting at Even In New Auto Focusing Mode

Somerset, NJ - Kyocera Optics, Inc., the imaging industry arm of Kyocera Corporation, announces it?s most advanced RTUNE digital camera yet, the sleek and powerful Kyocera Finecam M410R. Targeted to prosumers who demand the very best, especially when trying to capture sports or action images, this 4.0 Megapixel camera utilizes Kyocera?s revolutionary RTUNE image processing for incredibly fast, continuous shooting at 3.3 frames per second and a brand new Auto Focus (AF) Mode that allows for continuous AF shooting as well. Photo buffs will also love the high-powered 10X optical zoom, the high-speed f/2.8-3.1 lens, integrated USB 2.0 for faster image transfers and a brand new high-precision Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

GretagMacbeth Press Release 13/02/04

Two new ColorChecker targets from GretagMacbeth help digital photographers improve process to capture great color

Las Vegas, NV; February 12, 2004 - GretagMacbeth, the worldwide technological leader in color measurement and management solutions, today announced two new color targets - the GretagMacbeth ColorChecker White Balance card and ColorChecker three-step Grayscale card - designed to help digital photographers easily and efficiently achieve accurate, consistent color results by providing quick reference points to balance color and establish optimum lighting from the start of a photo session. The two new targets are aimed at professional and high end prosumer photographers as well as professionals in the video cinematography and graphics arts markets.

GretagMacbeth Press Release 13/02/04

GretagMacbeth announces new ProfileMaker 5 professional color management solutions at PMA 2004

Three new vertically focused ProfileMaker 5 packages designed for best price/performance, targeting specific color management workflows for studio photography, prepress-publishing and multicolor packaging-textile printing markets

Las Vegas, NV; February 12, 2004 - In booth R114 here at PMA 2004, GretagMacbeth, the worldwide technological leader in color measurement and management solutions, is introducing ProfileMaker 5, the latest generation of its comprehensive, high-end color management solution for professionals in color critical environments.

New ProfileMaker 5 software is now packaged in three, vertically focused solutions - PM5 Photostudio Pro, PM5 Publish Pro and PM5 Packaging Pro - that provide optimal price/performance levels for professional studio photography, prepress-publishing and multicolor packaging-textile printing. Each solution is tailor designed to provide only the functionality for each specific workflow maintaining ease of use, while also providing the capability to expand the package as the needs of the users grow.

Leica Press Release 12/10/04

The Leica Camera Group is working on digital solutions for Leica M and Leica R systems

Convertible bonds will provide the financial framework for the innovation strategy

The Leica Camera Group of Solms, Germany, plans to use the proceeds of the sale of convertible bonds to create the financial basis for its innovation and distribution strategy. The emphasis of the development work that is already in progress is on hybrid concepts that combine digital technology with proven analog products.

“Well over one million high-grade Leica lenses for the Leica R- and Leica M systems await a solution for being used optimally in conjunction with digital technology.

Our approach to digital cameras for existing lenses conforms to our philosophy of decades-long system compatibility and to our belief that the optics are the decisive elements for outstanding photographs - not the analog or digital path to those photographs”, states chief of technology Ralf Coenen.

The Hungarian website Index Digicam has found time during all this PMA madness to post a review of the 3 megapixel, 3x optical zoom Pentax Optio 33LF digital camera.

Website: Index Digicam - Pentax Optio 33LF Review