Olympus Enhances Digital Cameras with New ‘TruePic TURBO’ Image Processor

MELVILLE, N.Y.—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 Superior Imaging Quality and Faster Processing Speed Instantly Deliver Remarkable Images

Olympus today announced that its latest digital camera models - the C-8080 Wide Zoom, C-770 Ultra Zoom, C-765 Ultra Zoom, Stylus 410 Digital, D-580 Zoom and D-540 Zoom - now incorporate TruePic TURBO(TM), an innovative new image processor that significantly improves image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback.

“Digital camera image quality and performance are directly affected by three main components: the camera lens, the image sensor, and the image processor,” said Richard Campbell, product marketing director for digital, Olympus America Inc. “Of these components the image processor plays a pivotal role as the ‘brains’ of the digital camera. Olympus cameras with TruePic TURBO produce clearer and more color-accurate photos and have noticeably faster startup and shot-to-shot recycle times.”

The major benefits of the Olympus TruePic TURBO(TM) Image Processor are enhanced image quality and processing speed. The name TruePic TURBO itself communicates these attributes - the “true-to-life” high image quality that produces sharp, clear, and realistic images, and the high-speed “turbo” response that enables users to capture images of fast-paced action.

Olympus Press Release 12/02/04

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. And Sigma Corporation To Support Fourthirds System Standard For Dedicated Digital SLR Camera Systems

Olympus Corporation (President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa) is pleased to announce the addition of three more firms to the roster of companies supporting the FourThirds System standard for digital SLR camera systems. The three firms (in alphabetical order) are: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.* (best known for its “Panasonic” brand products), Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. and Sigma Corporation. The FourThirds System standard continues to be open to all, and the participation of additional firms is being encouraged.

DP-Now have posted an interesting press release today: who would have thought that you can now buy a 5-megapixel digital camera for just ?199! OK, so the Centon DC5 may not be the most stylish or advanced 5 megapixel camera available, but just take another look at that price-tag…

Website: DP-Now.com - Centon DC5

HP Press Release 12/02/04

HP Photosmart R707 digital camera with HP Instant Share

Overview
The stylish HP Photosmart R707 digital camera with HP Instant Share features HP?s exclusive Real Life Technologies, which includes technologies such as Adaptive Lighting Technology and HP Image Advice ? essentially making it hard to take a bad picture. The HP Photosmart R707 also features the world?s first in-camera, red-eye removal to instantly touch-up photos and memories. With two additional shooting modes - sand and sun, and document capture - users have more options to assist in taking outstanding photos.

Its durable, stainless-steel construction, coupled with a unique, ergonomic grip that is exclusive to HP cameras, feels great and keeps the camera steady for quick, one-handed shots.

Pantone Press Release 12/02/04

Pantone Introduces ColorVantage Inks for Canon Desktop Printers; Offers Professional-Quality Color to Consumers

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 Now Offers Digital Photographers Expanded Choices With Support for Additional EPSON(R) Wide-Format Printer Models

Pantone, Inc., the global authority on color and 40-year provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced new PANTONE ColorVantage(TM) dye-based inks for the popular Canon brand of desktop printers, bringing professional-quality reproduction to consumers and photo hobbyists. In addition, the company announced expanded support for EPSON wide-format printers with its ColorVantage pigmented inks designed for the professional market.

Pantone began shipping the PANTONE ColorVantage family of products in November 2003 with support for several wide-format EPSON printers. At PMA, Pantone will showcase these and the newly supported Canon and EPSON models in its booth and demonstrate how to achieve accurate color from input to output. As part of this demonstration, the company will also highlight the Spyder(TM) monitor calibrator from the PANTONE ColorVision(R) product line working in conjunction with the PANTONE ColorVantage inks and papers to deliver vibrant, true-to-life output.

HP Press Release 12/02/04

HP Revamps Digital Camera Lineup, Increases Investment to Become a Top Vendor

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 R&D Investment in Imaging and Printing Simplifies Capture, Share and Print Experience for Consumers

HP (NYSE:HPQ) (Nasdaq:HPQ) today unveiled plans to revamp its digital camera lineup as part of an aggressive strategy to become a leading vendor. The new camera line will include the introduction of eight cameras with revolutionary consumer industrial design and exclusive HP technology to improve image processing and ease of use for mainstream consumers. Industry-first improvements include HP In-Camera Red-Eye Removal, which instantly removes red-eye from photos right on the camera without using a PC.

The revamp is the result of a significant increase in HP’s digital camera research and design efforts, nearly doubling the investment dollars in the past 18 months as part of HP’s overall $1 billion-plus research and development budget in imaging and printing.

Additionally, HP is bolstering its retail efforts with comprehensive online and in-store training programs for sales representatives in more than 4,500 stores across the United States. HP trainers reach approximately 15,000 store associates every week, assisting associates in understanding how HP products work better together—from capture to share to print.

Kodak Press Release 12/02/04

New KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital SLR Camera Delivers High Resolution, Broad ISO Performance; Extended Burst Depth

Next-Generation Camera Offers Medium-Format Image Quality, 35 mm Flexibility

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 12 - Strengthening its commitment to push the boundaries of high-end digital camera technology while delivering outstanding image quality and ease of use, Eastman Kodak Company unveiled the new KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro SLR/n digital camera.

The latest addition to Kodak’s venerable professional camera portfolio, the DCS Pro SLR/n digital camera contains a new high performance imaging system with an entirely new 35 mm size CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, which delivers 14 million pixels with a total available ISO range of 6 to 1600.

Built on an F-mount compatible body, the DCS Pro SLR/n is ideally suited for wedding photographers and uniquely addresses the needs of event, portrait, commercial and advanced amateur photographers as well.

“The DCS Pro SLR/n combines the best of medium format image quality with the convenience and flexibility of 35 mm photography. Its high ISO provides excellent performance in low-light settings and captures images with stunning detail that wedding and event photographers expect. It also creates amazing images at low ISOs using long exposures,” said Madhav Mehra, General Manager, Professional Digital Capture. “We’ve accelerated the evolution of the digital SLR with this camera. The DCS Pro SLR/n is able to merge high-resolution and the best image detail with a broad ISO range.”

Duracell Press Release 12/02/04

DURACELL CP1 PRISMATIC BATTERY POWERS HP PHOTOSMART R707 DIGITAL CAMERA

High-Power, Disposable Battery Addresses Consumer Demand for More Power Choices in Smaller Devices

LAS VEGAS, NV, February 12, 2004 - Duracell today announced that its new Duracell CP1 lithium primary prismatic battery is compatible with the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera with HP Instant Share. The HP Photosmart R707 digital camera, announced today at PMA, leverages the new battery’s potent power supply and thin profile to fuel its advanced technology. Disposable in nature, the Duracell CP1 acts as an “always ready” power source for the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera, providing interchangeability with a rechargeable battery.

The unique design of the Duracell CP1 represents the first ever high-power lithium primary prismatic battery designed specifically for digital cameras. The new shape of the battery was developed after a survey of digital camera owners indicated that 75% of the respondents preferred to have a choice between rechargeable and primary (disposable) power when using a digital camera. Measuring only seven millimeters thick, the Duracell CP1 enables digital camera manufacturers like HP to create thinner profile cameras that accept both a primary and rechargeable source of power. With the Duracell CP1, digital imaging leaders now have the ability to offer a lower-cost, “ready-to-go” alternative to secondary batteries. For consumers, the battery provides an ideal portable power source for the spontaneous nature of photography.

Olympus haven’t made any official announcements yet, but the 8 megapixel CAMEDIA c-8080 Wide Zoom is definitely on the way. Lumoinous Landscape have made an announcement on their PMA page and DCResource have already posted a preview (accidentally or otherwise). It looks like a cross between the current c-5060 and e-10 cameras.

According to the DPReview forums, there are at least 5 other new additions to the Olympus digital camera lineup, so stay tuned for the official press releases…

Website: Luminous Landscape - PMA 2004 Report

Website: DCResource - Olympus c-8080 Preview

Website: DPReview - Olympus Forums

In his latest article Michael Reichmann names and shames a number of camera manufacturers who have released shoddy goods in the last few months. As the digital camera market grows and grows, are new products being introduced before they are ready?

“A lot of products pass across my desk for review. Software, hardware, cameras, gadgets, lenses, accessories ? essentially anything and everything to do with photography. The purpose of this brief commentary is to point out a concern that I have been developing regarding the quality of a number of the products that I have seen in recent months.

Simply put, many of them are sub-par. They are poorly designed, have obvious flaws, and in my opinion simply aren’t ready for market.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Clearing the Air

Hi-Touch Imaging Technologies Press Release 12/02/04

Hi-Touch Imaging Technologies introduces New Large Format Printer at Las Vegas - See the ultimate in quality and value

Las Vegas, Feb 12th , 2004 - A global leader in thermal transfer technology, Hi-Touch Imaging Technologies will be demonstrating its line of consumer dye-sublimation photo printers this week at the 2004 PMA Show in Las Vegas. The new large format printer will be targeting more home use end-users as well as professional event photographers. Hi-Touch has aggressively introduced their cost per 4?x6? print at a competitive 40? per print. A 50-Photopaper pack comes with a ribbon cartridge and 50 sheets of photo paper good for 50 prints carrying a retail price of $20. This compares favorably with other dye-sublimation brands whose costs per print are in the 55-85? range. Hi-Touch will be releasing specifications for its new photo printer capable of 5x7 and 6x8 inch prints at Las Vegas PMA 2004. The specifications and demonstrations of the new digital photo printers will be available at the Hi-Touch booth (#H94).

Phase One Press Release 12/02/04

PMA CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NV, February 12, 2004 - Phase One, the world leader in professional digital imaging camera backs and software, is pleased to announce its critically-acclaimed C1 RAW Workflow software now supports the full Canon line of DSLRs on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

This new major release adds support for the Canon 300D Digital Rebel to all Windows versions as well as the Canon, 10D, D60 and D30 to all Macintosh versions, in addition to the 1Ds and 1D.

Fuji, Nikon, and Olympus shooters can soon join as well
In May, C1 will support Nikon D2h/D70/D1h/D1x/D100 as well as Fuji S2 on both Win and Mac platforms. Current C1 Windows versions already offer support for Nikon 1Dx (PRO/SE) and D100 (PRO/SE/LE). Phase One has received many requests about adding camera support from photographers using Nikon, Fuji, and Olympus DSLRs. From May (Olympus soon after), these shooters can benefit from the superior image quality and unique workflow efficiency C1 provides.

Canon have launched an official website for their new professional DSLR, the EOS 1D Mark II. The site includes 8 full-sized sample images so that you can judge how good the 8 megapixel images are. Canon have thoughtfully included a selection of action, portrait and night-time shots.

Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Official Site

Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Sample Images

The Canadian digital photography website Digitalreview.ca posted some sample images yesterday taken with a production version of the Nikon D70 and the new 18-70mm lens, at different ISO speeds (200-1000).

“We have just posted a series of images taken with a production level Nikon D70 digital SLR camera (Firmware Ver 1.0) and using the new Nikon AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF zoom lens.

From what we have noticed, compared to the Nikon D100 digital SLR, the Nikon D70’s white balance settings seem to be geared to be a little warmer.

Our overall impressions of the D70 so far are very favorable. The Nikon D70’s Auto WB, metering (1005-segment RGB 3D meter) and low light noise suppression is very good. (See images below taken at 1000 ISO)

The new Nikkor AF-S DX 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED zoom is certainly also an impressive lens. Sharpness and edge to edge detail all looks very good.”

Website: Digitalreview.ca - Nikon D70 Sample Images

DCResource have published a comprehensive review of the 4 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE G400 digital camera, which is actually exactly the same model as the Konica KD-420Z.

“While not my favorite camera of the bunch, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400 is a solid performer. Probably its most impressive trick is the ultra-fast startup time—really amazing. It also takes very good photos, though they’re slightly noisy. The camera did surprisingly well in our redeye test, as well. While the G400 starts up quickly, the autofocus performance wasn’t as impressive—especially in low light.”

Website: DCResource - Minolta DiMAGE G400 Review

Pretec Press Release 12/02/04

World’s Highest Speed CF Card Pretec 80X Cheetah CompactFlash

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 Pretec Electronics Corp., the 2nd company in the world offering CompactFlash memory card (CF) card since 1995, is demonstrating the world’s highest speed CF card at Pretec booth #H71 of PMA show here at Las Vegas Convention Center.

With write speed more than double the leading brand’s high speed CF card in the market today, users of Pretec CF cards can enjoy the exciting multimedia experience in applications such as high resolution digital cameras, where faster write speed means lower set-up time between pictures. Tested with WA(1) enabled Kodak Professional DCS Pro 14n (under current firmware), the industry’s highest resolution (14 mega-pixels) digital SLR camera, which displays the write speed of the CF card, Pretec Cheetah CF card scores at 4.9MB/s; while SanDisk Ultra II/Extreme (write speed 9MB/s) is displayed at 2.9MB/s and Lexar Media WA enabled 40X (write speed 6MB/s) is at 4.2MB/s.

Micro Solutions Press Release 12/02/04

Micro Solutions showcases RoadStor portable media player at Photo Marketing Association show

Diverse product allows viewing and sharing of digital photos, audio and video, with or without a computer

LAS VEGAS - Feb. 12, 2004 - Micro Solutions, Inc. is showcasing its new RoadStor portable media player at Booth No. 181 at the Photo Marketing Association show. This diverse product is compact yet powerful enough for viewing, copying, toting and sharing digital photos, audio and video almost anywhere, with or without a computer. It combines a digital photo viewer, CD burner, DVD player and MP3 player all in one package, making it the first device available that will let users burn CDs directly from storage cards.

With its own snap-on rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that delivers two hours of continuous play time, and at about the size of a VHS tape, RoadStor travels easily. Simple to operate, it connects directly to a TV and works as a stand-alone device or as a PC or Mac accessory.

“RoadStor is the perfect digital camera accessory,” said Pat Barron, vice president of sales at Micro Solutions. “It alleviates the problem of running out of room on a digital camera’s memory card by letting users burn digital photo CDs right from the storage cards. And it does this without a computer. With RoadStor, users don’t need to delete any digital photos, buy additional, costly memory cards, or lug a laptop with them to occasionally transfer the card’s contents onto it to make room for more pictures. It’s also great for sharing photos from lifetime events, such as weddings and graduations, as well as vacation pictures among family and friends.”

POLAROID UNVEILS ALL-NEW INSTANT CAMERA LINE DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S CONSUMER AND BUSINESS IMAGING PROFESSIONAL

- New Polaroid Cameras Adopt New Technology for Even Better In-the-Moment Image Capture -

LAS VEGAS and WALTHAM, Mass., - February 12, 2004 - Polaroid Corporation will debut its fresh and innovative line of new instant cameras at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) International Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 12-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. From classic to advanced, the new Polaroid camera line continues the company’s technology heritage of delivering images in the moment by offering a wide range of stylish and compact cameras. The all-new line features four Polaroid One600 instant cameras, including the One600 Classic, One600 Ultra, One600 Pro and One600 JobPro, along with the fashionable and compact re-designed iZone 200 instant camera for teens and the Image1200 for high-end users.

“Given the popularity of the Polaroid One introduced a year ago, we wanted to build on that success and expand the instant camera line. The new expanded line of cameras brings fresh innovations for more customers to experience or re-experience the value of instant photography,” stated Jeff Hopper, vice president and chief marketing officer, Polaroid Corporation. “Nothing captures the moment `now’ like a Polaroid picture. And, with our new camera offerings, consumers and business users alike can capture high quality, vivid images instantly for work or for play.”

Polaroid Press Release 12/02/04

POLAROID SHOWCASES NEW PROFESSIONAL MEDIUM FORMAT INSTANT FILM LINE

- Polaroid Type 80 Series Presents Five New Film Emulsions Offering Less Wasted Space,
Lower Cost And Superior Esthetics -

LAS VEGAS and WALTHAM, Mass., - February 12, 2004 - Polaroid Corporation this week will showcase its technologically advanced Polaroid Type 80 series of professional medium format films at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) International Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 12-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Featuring both black and white and color pack films, the new Type 80 line offers professional photographers a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to other proofing film formats. Additionally, Polaroid has teamed up with NPC Photo Division to develop a new camera back that accepts the Type 80 line, which also will be displayed at the show.

“The new Polaroid Type 80 films are a better match for the medium-format size of conventional films,” stated Stuart Strong, senior marketing manager, professional photography, Polaroid Corporation. “We are confident that commercial, social and portrait photographers will come to rely on the accuracy, consistency and quality of these new films, whether they are being used for proofing, fine art or final art.”

Nikon Press Release 12/02/04

NIKON ANNOUNCES WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL CAMERAS THAT REMOVE RED-EYE AUTOMATICALLY, RIGHT IN THE CAMERA

‘The Power Is In Your Pocket’ With the New Nikon Coolpix 5200 and Coolpix 4200

MELVILLE, NY, February 12, 2004 - 2 cameras. 5.1 and 4.0-megapixels. Nikon In- Camera Red-Eye Fix, an industry exclusive. Nikon’s pro-quality grade ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. PictBridge-enabled, for direct printing to compatible printers. An all-metal body weighing in at just 5.5 ounces. Now that we have your attention, Nikon continues its sweep in 2004 as it announces two sexy new consumer digital cameras - the Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200. No matter what your lifestyle, a Nikon Coolpix digital camera provides a way to capture it.

The Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200 pack power, flexibility and portability into one beautiful and easy-to-use design. These latest additions to the award-winning Nikon Coolpix (www.nikoncoolpix.com) line of consumer products offer ultra-fast operation and a brand new digital “bag of tricks,” sporting new and enhanced features like fixing red-eye right in the camera, enjoying built-in memory to store extra photos and having the full range of Nikon’s Scene Modes at your fingertips, to help every shooter take masterful shots on the go or on the job.

“The Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200 come at a great time when consumers are beginning to look for more power packed into a smaller package,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The Coolpix 5200 is the perfect travel companion, powerful enough to take on vacation yet small enough to pocket. The Coolpix 4200 provides enough versatility to stowaway in a briefcase or shoulder the burden for small business applications. Any way you use them, these newest additions to the Coolpix line are well-suited to go anywhere and easily take great pictures.”