Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY PACKS PERFORMANCE AND SIMPLICITY INTO NEW RANGEFINDER-STYLE CYBER-SHOT W1 CAMERA

Camera’s Large 2.5-Inch LCD Screen Makes Sharing Images Just as Fun as Capturing Them

LAS VEGAS (PMA 2004, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Once you play with Sony’s new five-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1 camera, you will realize the adage of not judging a book by its cover also applies to digital cameras.

Available in May for about $400, its small size (a little larger than a deck of cards) belies the performance within, which is largely attributed to the inclusion of Sony’s new Real Imaging Processor circuit. Designed specifically for the special tasks of digital cameras, the new processor aids in fast camera response times and extended battery life with up to 340 shots between power charges.

Either as a step-up model for those who have tried digital photography or those who are looking to cross-over from film cameras, the Cyber-shot W1 camera allows users to explore the possibilities of photography digitally.

“As digital music improved music, the new Cyber-shot W1 is an example of Sony’s way of improving photography digitally,” said Greg Young, Sony Electronics’ director of digital camera marketing.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY PROMOTES ‘WORRY-FREE’ PHOTOGRAPHY WITH NEW CYBER-SHOT CAMERA LINE-UP

Benefits of Real Imaging Processor Find Their Way to Entire Line-up

LAS VEGAS (PMA 2004, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Amid the flurry of high-tech/high-end digital cameras introduced at the annual digital imaging trade show, Sony demonstrates its keen sense of consumer needs with the introduction of its new Cyber-shot compact P- and basic P-series cameras, designed for taking great pictures simply.

So that the cameras’ settings can be quickly determined behind-the-scenes, Sony incorporated its new Real Imaging Processor circuit on the new Cyber-shot DSC-P100, -P93, -P73 and -P41 cameras. Measured in fast start-up and shot-to-shot times rather than megahertz, key benefits of the processor translate into making the Cyber-shot cameras always ready to great pictures. All cameras will be available this May.

“Throughout the coming years, we’ll see a greater number of people trying out a digital camera for the first time, and we’re making sure that Cyber-shot cameras improve upon their film camera experience,” said Greg Young, Sony Electronics’ director of digital camera marketing.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY ACCELERATES STANDARD MEMORY STICK MEDIA WITH FASTER SPEED AND NEW COLOR

USB Reader/Writer with Triple Memory-Card Slots Adds Versatility

LAS VEGAS (PMA, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Sony Electronics is equipping Memory Stick media users for the digital future by adding the ability to read data at high speeds and copyright protection as standard features on all Memory Stick media available at retailers nationwide.

Updated Memory Stick media will start shipping this spring in 32MB, 64MB, 128MB and 256MB (total 128MBx2) capacities. A striking cobalt-blue color will distinguish the new line from its purple predecessor.

When used with compatible (4-pin parallel), high-speed Memory Stick media-enabled hardware, users can enjoy read speeds that are up to four times faster than current standard Memory Stick media. The new media will allow users to speed up viewing their digital images on a compatible camera and streaming video storage. Sony expects device compatibility to remain constant or even increase, given that the media will be interoperable with both serial and parallel interfaces.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY BRINGS LAB-QUALITY PHOTO PRINTING INTO THE LIVING ROOM

New At-Home Photo Printer Offers PictBridge Technology for Printer Compatibility and Multiple Flash Memory Card Slots

LAS VEGAS (PMA, Booth # M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - With digital camera sales in the U.S. now outpacing traditional camera sales, Sony Electronics is set to answer the question, “How do I share all these pictures?” with an easy-to-use, PC-free home photo printer.

The company’s new DPP-EX50 PictureStation printer is a dedicated, at-home photo printer that, like Sony’s other printers, uses dye-sublimation technology, to create durable, lab-quality prints. The model also incorporates both Memory Stick PRO and CompactFlash media slots, as well as two USB ports - one in the front for connection to a digital camera or camcorder and one in the back for connection to a PC.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

NEW SONY PHOTO VAULT MINI CD-R STATION ENABLES PORTABLE DIRECT-FROM-CAMERA CD BURNING

Features Standard USB Interface for Direct Image Downloads, Allows Viewing of Digital Images on TV

LAS VEGAS (PMA, Booth #M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Offering a portable, PC-free solution for burning photos directly from digital still cameras to mini CD-R, Sony introduces Photo Vault Mini CD-R Station.

Weighing only 8 ounces, Photo Vault Mini CD-R Station adds convenience and flexibility to digital photography storage. Users can burn images directly from their camera to 8 cm mini CD-R using the Photo Vault device’s standard USB interface. Photo Vault also features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television’s standard AV input.

“Photo Vault is the perfect travel companion for anyone who owns a digital camera,” said Michael Lucas, director of marketing for consumer and convergent media products in Sony Electronics’ Media and Applications Solutions Division. “It eliminates the worries of exceeding the capacity on a camera’s memory card, or of needing a computer to store and view your digital pictures. Additionally, the mini CD-R format can instantly preserve the images for archiving, sharing or future printing.”

Pentax USA Press Release 12/02/04

PENTAX USA ANNOUNCES NEW STATUS AS “THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (February 11, 2004)...PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. announced a new tagline and the launch of an innovative marketing strategy for the legendary camera manufacturer’s extensive line of digital cameras. 

PENTAX tagged the line, “THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET” to illuminate Optio digital cameras’ significance in the Internet Age.

“For more than half a century, PENTAX has delivered better and easier ways to capture and share images. By being THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET, Pentax underscores the recognition that digital photography in the Internet age has forever changed this process,” said Jim Kast, vice president of marketing, PENTAX USA. 

Pentax Press Release 12/02/04

PENTAX Unveils First Optio Digital Still/Movie Camera With $400 Price Tag and Adds a Second Lens for Digital SLR

GOLDEN, Colo.—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. has announced the introduction of the first PENTAX Optio(R) digital still/movie camera - the OptioMX.
The innovative, palm-sized OptioMX features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability. With advanced design and the compact signature dimensions of the Optio line of digital cameras, the OptioMX features an ergonomic grip handle and an articulating LCD monitor that swivels horizontally and vertically to frame subjects exactly as you prefer.

OptioMX marks the legendary manufacturer’s first step into the production of full-capacity digital video and PENTAX has priced the camera under $400. For optimal results in panoramic settings, a wide conversion lens will be available as an accessory to the OptioMX, and the digital video camera will ship to dealers in June 2004

A second PENTAX digital product under development - a wide-angle interchangeable lens for the *ist D digital SLR - also has been announced. The smc PENTAX-DA 14mm F2.8 ED (IF) is extremely compact, measuring 2.7 inches long and 3.3 inches in diameter. Featuring the reliable PENTAX KAF lens mount and high-performance 12-element, 11-group optics, it offers a focal length of 14mm (equivalent to 21.5mm in the 35mm format), and a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 inches. An innovative Quick-Shift Focus system enables the lens user to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring. The PENTAX-DA 14mm also offers a 77mm-size filter thread for quick, effortless mounting and removal of a filter.

These latest PENTAX digital developments will be showcased under glass at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association’s (PMA) Show in Booth C140 from February 12-15 in Las Vegas.

PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, Pentax technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With corporate headquarters located in GOLDEN, Colorado, PENTAX U.S.A., INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX CORPORATION.

Editor’s Note: This camera is known as the Dynax 60 in the UK and Europe

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 12/02/04

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE NEW MAXXUM 70 35MM SINGLE-LENS REFLEX CAMERA

Fully featured compact SLR features high-performance autofocusing, state-of-the-art exposure metering, and a wide range of exposure control modes at an affordable price

Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces today a new stylish, fully featured and very affordable 35mm Single-Lens Reflex camera - the Maxxum 70. Featuring a Wide Center-Cross 9-Point autofocusing (AF) Sensor for increased focusing confidence, Multi-dimensional Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Direct Manual Focus (DMF) for fine-tuning focusing, and a continuous advance speed of 3 frames per second*1, this camera is perfect for both novices and enthusiasts alike.

“The new easy-to-use Konica Minolta Maxxum 70 brings back the thrill of SLR photography,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “The Maxxum 70 is the perfect SLR camera for photographers who want to have fun while learning about photography. And in terms of price, functionality, quality, and reliability, the Maxxum 70 is in a class by itself.”

Editor’s Note: This camera is known as the Dynax 40 in the UK and Europe

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 12/02/04

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE NEW MAXXUM 50 35MM SINGLE-LENS REFLEX CAMERA

Fully automatic operation provides the point-and-shoot simplicity that the beginning photographer depends on

Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces today an affordable new entry level 35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera - the Maxxum 50. Featuring a Wide 3-Point autofocusing (AF) System for increased focusing confidence, Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Full-Auto Program for no-fuss shooting, and Subject Program Selection for the best photos in any situation or lighting, this film camera is ideal for photographer of all skill levels.

“Konica Minolta’s easy-to-use new Maxxum 50 provides outstanding image quality with the added versatility of our line of high quality interchangeable lenses,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “With the introduction of this new camera Konica Minolta has accomplished what everyone said couldn’t be done?combined the high image quality of SLR photography at a very affordable price.”

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 12/02/04

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES NEW CONSUMER FILM SCANNER

Affordable new DiMAGE Scan Dual IV film scanner allows first time users and advanced users alike to produce high-quality scans from 35mm and Advanced Photo System film

Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) ? Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the new easy-to-use DiMAGE Scan Dual IV film scanner, a successor to the popular DiMAGE Scan Dual III. The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV incorporates a number of features found only on high-end scanners, allowing it to faithfully and accurately reproduce film images into digital files quickly and easily. In addition, it uses a new high performance 3-line color 3200 dpi CCD sensor and an advanced optical system specifically designed by Konica Minolta for film scanning. This enables this affordable 35mm and Advanced Photo System* film scanner to deliver high image quality.

“The economical new DiMAGE Scan Dual IV delivers high quality images sure to satisfy any photo enthusiast’s imaging needs,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “The easy to use DiMAGE Scan Dual IV produces digital image files that equal or surpass more expensive film scanners and offers quality not available in flatbed scanners.”

Epson Press Release 11/02/04

NEW EPSON STYLUS? PHOTO RX600 SCAN-PRINT-COPY DEVICE CREATES PHOTO CENTER FOR BOTH TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL IMAGES IN ANY HOME

EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 Not Only Scans, Prints and Copies Photos, but also Previews and Restores Old Slides, Transparencies and Traditional Photos into Brilliant Reprints

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Feb. 11, 2004 - Epson is launching its most advanced scan-print-copy device to date with the new EPSON Stylus Photo RX600.  This photographic all-in-one is designed to not only view, scan, copy and print photographs without a computer, but also restore old slides, negatives and traditional printed photographs.  The end results are true photographic quality prints using Epson?s superior six-color photo inks at resolutions as high as 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi.

“The Stylus Photo RX600 is without a doubt the ultimate do-it-all solution for either traditional or digital photography,” said Steve Semos, product manager, Epson.  “This product offers outstanding versatility for virtually any photographic project, not to mention everyday printing and copying.  Furthermore, it incorporates several of Epson’s most advanced photographic technologies such as Easy Photo Fix color restoration software, memory card slots, and a 2.5-inch high-quality color LCD viewer, all for a very attractive price of $349.”

Alera Technologies Press Release 11/02/04

The New DVD/CD Digital Photo Copy Station copies directly from your Memory Card to DVD or CD without a computer

Las Vegas, NV February 11, 2004 - Alera Technologies, developer and manufacturer of Advanced DVD and CD Duplicating and Publishing Solutions introduced today at PMA 2004 the DVD/CD Digital Photo Copy Station, the world’s first Memory card to DVD/CD copier, and the first in a family of Desktop Digital Imaging solutions from Alera Technologies. Both the resolution of digital cameras and the capacity of digital photo memory cards are increasing at an astonishing rate making this development particularly important. Now professional photographers, photo enthusiasts, and commercial photo labs, all can have the ability to safely store up to 4.7GB of valuable digital photos on one convenient removable disc. Photos stored on optical storage media are recognized as being more secure and far less subject to damage than those stored on a hard disk drive.

“With the resolution of digital cameras rapidly increasing, the size of even a single digital photo file can be huge. And with recent developments pushing the capacities of photo memory cards to 4GB and beyond, professional and Prosumer photographers have been demanding a way to quickly and safely store growing volumes of valuable digital photographs. It is important to be able to free up precious memory card space for more pictures and the DVD/CD Digital Photo Copy Station is the first product available to copy to DVD, successfully and safely backing up even the largest memory cards,” stated Perry Solomon, President and CEO.

dotPhoto Press Release 11/02/04

dotPhoto Lets Pro & Amateur Photographers Sell Photos Online with No Start-up Costs

Las Vegas, NV - February 12, 2004 - dotPhoto, Inc. (www.dotphoto.com), a leading photo-sharing and digital photography web site, announced today at Photo Marketing Association (PMA), a simple solution for pro and amateur photographers to sell photos online. With no start-up costs, dotPhoto makes it easy for digital photographers to enter the world of e-commerce and sell digital photos, prints, and gifts to clients they could not have reached before. Through dotPhoto’s advanced e-storage and e-commerce solutions, portfolios of thousands of never-before-seen talented photographers are now accessible to online customers all over the world.

Photographers simply open a free account, upload their photos and set the custom sales price of their digital photos for a wide variety of downloads, print sizes and photo gift items. dotPhoto pays the photographer the difference between the custom price and dotPhoto’s standard price in a monthly check (less a small handling fee). All photos are completely secure, password-protected and encrypted.

Epson America Inc. Press Release 11/02/04

The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 Printer Offers Direct CD/DVD Printing for Only $99; New High Quality Six-Color Photo Printer is Rich with Features and Low in Price

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 11, 2004 Epson America Inc.‘s latest printer, the EPSON Stylus Photo R200, is ideal for digital imaging enthusiasts who want to print frame-ready photos and personalize home music and movie collections at an affordable price. With an estimated street price of $99, six individual ink cartridges, ultra-fast print speeds, and direct CD/DVD printing, the EPSON Stylus Photo R200 is the perfect solution for versatile, high-quality home printing.

“The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 offers the ideal combination of quality, performance, versatility, and value for home-users, photo enthusiasts and amateur photographers alike,” said Lowell Wolf, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. “This powerful family-friendly printer brings quality and convenience home—at a truly exceptional value.”

SmartDisk Corporation Press Release 11/02/04

Fort Myers, Fla., February 11, 2004 - SmartDisk Corporation announced today that its FlashTrax portable, palm-sized digital multimedia device has been selected by PHOTO Electronic Imaging (PEI) Magazine as a recipient of its 2003 Cool2 Award for “Best Storage and Display”. The award honors products that reflect exceptional quality, innovation, design, value for price and performance. During 2003, FlashTrax was also awarded the Photomarketing Association?s DIMA Award and the Professional Photographer?s Association HOT1 Award. FlashTrax is being showcased in Booth A180, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center at the PMA International Convention and Trade Show, February 12-15.

“We’re honored that PEI magazine has recognized FlashTrax for the Cool2 Award. This award is especially gratifying as it represents satisfaction by the many professional photographers using FlashTrax,” noted Charles Klinker, Vice President, Marketing for SmartDisk.

Sandisk Press Release 11/02/04SanDisk Introduces Highest Capacity CompactFlash Card—First 4 Gigabyte Card That Can Be Used in Any CompactFlash Digital Camera

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 11, 2004 Offers Great Compatibility, Maximum Storage Capacity and Flexibility; Based On SanDisk’s Advanced Technology

SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today introduced the first 4-gigabyte (GB) CompactFlash(R) card that can be used in any CompactFlash digital camera or device. The new card can store more than 2,000 high-resolution pictures, or more than 1,000 digital songs or 8 hours of MPEG 4 video.(a)

The 4GB SanDisk CompactFlash card features an advanced design from SanDisk that allows it to operate in cameras that use either the FAT16 or FAT32 file formats. It is the only CompactFlash card of its capacity and compatibility level that is available in the popular Type I format and fits into any CompactFlash slot.

The new 4GB SanDisk CompactFlash card was introduced at the annual Photo Marketing Association trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in booth L-70, South Hall, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Sandisk Press Release 11/02/04

SanDisk Announces Availability of the World’s Fastest CompactFlash Cards

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 11, 2004 2 Gigabyte SanDisk Extreme and Ultra II CompactFlash Cards Offer Blazing Speed and Huge Capacities; Will Ship This Month To Selected Retailers Worldwide

SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today introduced the 2 gigabyte (GB) SanDisk Extreme(TM) and SanDisk Ultra II CompactFlash(R) cards, the largest capacities available for its comprehensive line of high-performance CompactFlash cards for digital photographers. The announcement was made at the Photo Marketing Association International trade show where SanDisk is showing its products in booth L-70.

SanDisk Extreme and SanDisk Ultra II cards are targeted primarily at the professional digital camera and ‘prosumer’ market where 4 megapixel or higher resolution digital cameras require significantly faster digital film cards. Each card features a minimum write speed of 9 megabytes per second (MB/sec.) and a minimum read speed of 10MB/sec.(a)

SanDisk Extreme and Ultra II CompactFlash cards are consistently rated the fastest CompactFlash cards by a significant margin according to photojournalist and industry consultant, Rob Galbraith. His comprehensive CompactFlash Performance Database includes real-world test results from more than 48 CompactFlash cards tested in Digital SLR cameras from Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Pentax and others (www.robgalbraith.com).

Sandisk Press Release 11/02/04

SanDisk Offers the Widest Range of Memory Stick PRO and PRO Duo Flash Storage Cards in the World

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 11, 2004 SanDisk Leads In Capacity By Designing And Manufacturing Memory Card Format Pioneered By Sony and SanDisk

SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today announced the addition of the 128 megabyte (MB) Memory Stick(R) PRO(TM), and 128MB Memory Stick PRO Duo cards to its product line. SanDisk now offers the industry’s broadest range of Memory Stick PRO and PRO Duo cards with capacities that range from 128MB to 2 gigabytes (GB) and 128MB to 512MB respectively.

The addition of 128MB capacities allows SanDisk’s retailers to offer the Memory Stick PRO and PRO Duo cards at a price point below the 256MB capacity, which was previously the lowest capacity for these card formats. The new cards were introduced at the Photo Marketing Association International tradeshow where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth #L-70 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Sandisk Press Release 11/02/04

SanDisk Announces Shoot & Store, the World’s First “Consumable’’ Flash Memory Cards for Digital Cameras

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 11, 2004 Inexpensive Cards Offer Permanent Storage, Eliminate Computer Downloading And Will Reach Mainstream Consumers in Drug Stores, Supermarkets, Convenience Stores

SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today announced a new line of inexpensive flash memory cards designed to allow users to save their pictures indefinitely without using a computer for downloading, thus giving millions of consumers a major incentive to switch from film to digital photography and providing them with a durable, permanent way to store a lifetime of images. With an initial suggested retail price of $14.99 each—a breakthrough in the industry—the Shoot & Store(TM) cards are expected to allow people to order prints on a “cost-of-use” basis that is equal to or less than that of traditional analog film. And they won’t have to worry about leaving expensive flash memory cards with retail photo finishers.

The announcement was made at the annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) trade show in Las Vegas where SanDisk is demonstrating products in booth L-70 in the South Hall of the Convention Center.

I’m not sure if these pictures are the real deal or someone’s artistic impression, but there are rumours circulating about a new Minolta DSLR and less convincingly about a new Olympus digital compact. Pictured above is the Minolta Dynax 7d, below is the Olympus c8080 Wide Zoom. I believe that both manufactuers will make their PMA announcments in the next few days, so you won’t have too long to wait to find out if these rumours are true or not.



UPDATE: 4.34 PM
There are now some specifications circulating for 2 new Olympus digicams:

Olympus Camedia C-8080 Wide Zoom
- Effective pixels 8.0
- 4X Optical Zoom - 27-110mm (35mm Equiv)
- F2.8-F4.8
- Min shutter 30 Seconds + Bulb
- Max shutter 1/8000 sec
- Sensor 1/1.8 ” (7.18 x 5.32 mm)
- Macro focus to 3 cm
- ISO Settings: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800
- New super noise reduction processor
- NOISE FREE IMAGES UP TO ISO 400
- xD Picture Card
- Hot shoe

Olympus Camedia C-788 Ultra Zoom
- Effective pixels 8.0
- 10X Optical Zoom - 35-350mm (35mm Equiv)
- F2.0-F2.8 with IS
- Min shutter 20 Seconds + Bulb
- Max shutter 1/4000 sec
- Sensor 1/1.8 ” (7.18 x 5.32 mm)
- Macro focus to 5 cm
- ISO Settings: Auto, 100, 200, 400
- New super noise reduction processor
- NOISE FREE IMAGES UP TO ISO 400
- External flash via adapter (no hot shoe)
- xD Picture Card

Again this may be completely made-up, so don’t shoot the messenger :-)