It seems that some enterprising Russian programmer has hacked the Canon EOS 300D firmware to create a new version that contains some of the custom functions found on the more expensive and complex EOS 10D. Apparently the following functions have been added:

1. Set button functions:
  a. change quality
  b. change settings

2. Make a shot without a flash card
  1. available
  0. not available

3. Flash synchro in AV mode
  0. auto
  1. 1/200

4. RAW+JPEG writing
  0-5 - size of embedded JPEG image

There’s a LOT of discussion about the undoubtedly illegal and warranty-invalidating new firmware version over on the DPReview Canon EOS 300D forum, and it looks as though it works for many people. If it was my camera, I don’t think I would touch it with a very long bargepole, even it it does work…

Website: DPReview - “New” Canon EOS 300D Firmware

Website: DPReview - “New” Canon EOS 300D Firmware Risks/Benefits

Canon Europe have recently released updates to several programs that is ships with its digital cameras. Upgrades for ZoomBrowser, the File Viewer Utility and the Remote Capture Utility are now available. Just go to the following webpage, pick your camera from the list and all of the relevant updates will be shown.

Website: Canon Europe Software Updates

The Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the Pentax *ist D digital SLR, awarding it 77% overall.

Website: Digit.no - Pentax *ist D Review

A couple of weeks ago I visited a part of London that I’d never been to before, round and about Battersea Power Station. This is an iconic London structure that is now disused, but is happily being preserved as an integral part of the redevelopment of the surrounding area. I got there at mid-afternoon to find the sun shining brightly behind the building, so I decided to underexpose and turn the power station into a silhouette. I wasn’t convinced at the time that I’d achieved any noteworthy photos, but looking back at them tonight I’m more than happy.

View more Battersea Power Station photos

Shortcut PhotoZoom Pro is a software program that promises to resize your photos without losing any quality. I needed a program like Shortcut PhotoZoom Pro for two reasons. I wanted to create a 30x20 inch print at 254dpi from a Canon EOS 10D source file, and I also needed to interpolate some 10D files up to 48Mb in size for submission to an image library. So did Shortcut PhotoZoom Pro deliver on its promises? Find out in my review.

Website: Shortcut PhotoZoom Pro Review

Lastolite Press Release 03/02/04

Micro Apollo ? More Light Control Possibilities From Lastolite.

The Micro Apollo range from Lastolite provides the ideal solution to combat the harsh lighting of flash photography that can be a problem for most photographers. Suitable for all types of photography, both indoor and outdoor, the Micro Apollo range of portable, compact light modifiers achieve studio quality light diffusion while eliminating the need for larger light boxes and softboxes. With its professional easy-to-use design, the Micro Apollo is an essential piece of equipment for weddings and all other types of social photography.

Whether using film or digital, the Micro Apollo?s results show a wider and softer diffusion than the standard integral diffuser: red-eye and hot spots are reduced meaning lower contrast, more natural looking photographs all for a very affordable price.

The lightweight, fully collapsible Micro Apollo range of light modifiers are made from durable diffusion material. They are designed to pack away easily and quickly into a camera bag and will fit most makes of hot-shoe and Metz hammerhead flash guns via Velcro fasteners.

The Micro Apollo is now available in three sizes:

Lastolite Micro Apollo 45 20 x 13 cm (8 x 5 inch) ?26.99 inc. Vat
Lastolite Micro Apollo 60 25 x 18.5 cm (10 x 7.5 inch) ?29.99 inc. Vat
Lastolite Micro Apollo XL 41 x 25 cm (16 x 10 inch) ?39.99 inc. Vat

JP Distribution distributes the Lastolite range. For any further information on the full Lastolite range please visit www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

The 4800 x 9600 dpi EPSON Perfection 4870 Photo flatbed scanner that was first announced by Epson USA at the start of January has appeared in the Epson store, complete with a recommended retail price of $449.99. The Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer is also listed at $399.00. Thanks to David White for letting me know.

Website: Epson USA - Epson Perfection 4870 PHOTO

DO Labs Press Release 30/01/04

Breakthrough Software Application for Digital SLR Camera Users
Eliminates Blur, Distortion, Chromatic Aberration And Vignetting

Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) ? DO Labs, a software company focused on research in image processing to enhance image quality, today announces DxO Optics Pro, a revolutionary software solution designed for professional and expert photographers. DxO Optics Pro delivers genuine and perceptible quality improvements by automatically correcting images for:

- Distortion
- Chromatic aberrations
- Vignetting
- Blur (lack of perceived sharpness)

“Isn’t it frustrating that the more you pay for high-end digital cameras or lenses, the more you feel their limitations?” asks Jerome Meniere, CEO of DO Labs. “The brighter a lens, the softer it is wide open, the wider the range of a zoom lens, the greater the distortion, the higher resolution the sensor is, the more visible chromatic aberration becomes. DxO Optics PRO will help demanding photographers get the best possible image quality from their equipment, at any settings”

“DxO Optics Pro can be thought of as a ‘software corrective lens’ for your DSLR,” explains Dr. Guichard, DO Labs? Chief Scientist. “We have created objective, laboratory-grade precise mathematical models of each fault, and developed fully automatic algorithms to remedy them”.

The Finnish website Finclockers have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Z1. This digicam has a 10x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 38-380mm 35mm camera zoom, which in combination with the digital zoom offers a 40X zoom range (found via digicamera.net).

Website: Finclockers - Minolta DiMAGE Z1 Review

CNET have published a brief First Take on the new Canon EOS 1D MKII.

“The Mark II features an 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor; a full-resolution, 40-shot, 8.5-frame-per-second drive mode; a top shutter speed of 1/8,000 of a second; dual CompactFlash and SD media slots; and 45-point autofocus—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The camera’s flexibility will appeal to a broad range of professional photographers and (very) serious amateurs.”

Website: CNET - Canon EOS 1D Mark II First Take

the Danish website Akamera.dk have reviewed one of Nikon’s top-of-the-range prosumer digital cameras, the 5 megapixel CoolPix 5400.

Website: Akamera.dk - Nikon Coolpix 5400 Review

Epson Press Release 01/02/04

EPSON(r) enhances range to deliver high quality, economy and durability to home photo printing with the Stylus Photo R200

The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 features a unique 6-colour inkjet system, high resolution and new ink formula in individual cartridges, to deliver long lasting, quality prints

1st February 2004: Launched today, the Stylus Photo R200 extends EPSON’s Stylus Photo printer range to offer a cost-effective device that delivers premium quality, durable photographs.  The device features a new 6-colour inkjet system for glossy, highly detailed photographs, an ultra-high print resolution for maximum definition and a new ink formula for long lasting quality prints. With the Stylus Photo R200, EPSON is the first vendor to bring cost saving benefits of individual cartridges and CD/DVD printing1 to the home and digital camera user at this price.

Responding to the growth of the digital camera market and the increased demand for printing photos at home, this printer has been designed for recent digital converts with an eye for premium quality at an affordable price.  EPSON’s MicroPiezoTM print head offers users an optimised print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi - the highest in the market, combined with dot sizes as small as 3 picolitres. With 90 nozzles used per colour the results provide fine detail, smoother gradations, vivid and detailed photographs at fast speeds - a 10x15” photo can be printed in approximately 36 seconds.
   

Pentax Press Release 02/02/04

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: LATEST PENTAX DIGITAL CAMERA JUST THE FIT FOR NEWCOMERS

GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004)...Feeling a little daunted by digital?  Help is on the way inside the new PENTAX Optio30 digital camera.  This latest PENTAX camera is designed for newcomers with little or no digital photography experience making it a perfect answer for a growing demand for quality, easy-to-use digital. 

In addition to 3.2 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom, and the signature, compact dimensions of the PENTAX digital brand, the Optio30 sports a simple, but revolutionary, menu prompt that provides helpful, tutorial messages about frequently used digital camera functions.  With a simple touch, this feature will guide new, and old, hands through the camera?s array of digital features.  Expertise is the last thing you need to go digital with PENTAX—just turn on the Optio30 and shoot! 

The PENTAX Optio30 makes digital easy and fun!  Equipped with PictBridge, a new direct-print standard released by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA), the Optio30 connects directly to your printer so you may print images without a personal computer!  You also may record a favorite shot on the start-up screen and select customized wallpaper choices for the menu screen on the ample 1.6 inch LCD monitor.  In addition to a variety of conventional picture modes (Landscape, Nightscene, Nightscene Portrait, Portrait, Surf and Snow, Flower), the innovative Optio30 virtual mode dial features new lifestyle-oriented modes including Pet, Party, and Food.

Pentax Press Release 02/02/04

PENTAX PACKS BIG MONITOR ON A LITTLE DIGITAL: NEW OPTIO S4i CAMERA BOASTS FIRST PENTAX CRADLE CHARGE

GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004)  PENTAX USA packs a hefty 1.8 inch LCD monitor for larger viewing and focusing on the tiny, new Optio S4i digital camera. With 4.0 megapixels and a 3X optical zoom, this latest Optio digital camera also features the first PENTAX digital cradle-style lithium ion recharge base unit.  The rechargeable unit design makes it so easy to recharge the Optio S4i.  Simply set the camera in the recharge base until it ready to use again.

Featuring the legendary smc PENTAX lens and the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to retract fully when the camera is off lens, the Optio S4i is sleek and compact enough to carry everywhere.  With the optional, acrylic waterproof housing that is newly-designed for the Optio S4i, everywhere may well include the exciting world of underwater digital photography!  For optimal results, the Optio S4i now features both Marine Picture and Marine Movie modes to capture drama of blue underwater hues.

Pentax Press Release 02/02/04

NEW PENTAX OPTIO S40 CAMERA PAVES THE WAY FOR DIGITAL NEWCOMERS

GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004)  Will 2004 be the year you go digital?  The new PENTAX Optio S40 is a 4 megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera that is loaded with the features to help you on your way!  Sporting a sleek aluminum design and the signature, compact dimensions of the PENTAX Optio digital brand, the Optio S40 features an exciting, new “help” function.  Offering simple-to-understand explanations in a regular or enlarged font for easier viewing, the “help” function guides new, and old hands, through the camera?s array of digital features with a simple touch. 

The PENTAX Optio S40 makes digital easy and fun!  The buttons and controls of the Optio S40 are placed in easy reach for ready-to-shoot positioning.  The shutter release button and all the manual buttons are enlarged for easy manipulation.  Featuring the legendary smc PENTAX lens and the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to retract fully when the camera is off lens, the Optio S40 is sleek and compact enough to carry everywhere. Plus, with the optional, acrylic waterproof housing that is newly-designed for the Optio S40, everywhere may include the exciting world of underwater digital photography! 

The New York Times has published a useful article today which gives a good overview of the current state of the memory card market, and which also considers its future (found via Visually Speaking).

“Even as the flash memory business is growing rapidly over all, however, some formats are losing market share. And within the next five years, analysts say, a few will disappear altogether.

“In the long term, two memory formats will survive, Memory Stick and SD,” said Nelson Chan, senior vice president for SanDisk, the only company licensed to make and sell every flash memory format, which includes MultiMediaCard, SmartMedia and xD-Picture Card.”

Not everybody agrees with that. But in the last year, the SD memory card’s monthly market share has surged. By last November, 42 percent of all aftermarket flash memory cards sold in the United States were in the SD format. CompactFlash, its closest competitor, accounted for under 26 percent, according to the NPD Group, a market analysis company.”

Website: New York Times - Memory Evolution: Survival of the Smallest

Nature Photographers Online Magazine has been updated for February with some new articles and an excellent cover photograph. “Out with the Old and In with the New” looks at the ritual of replacing old photography gear with new and improved gear, whilst I wish “Quick Lessons in Computer Maintenance, Disaster Recovery, and Data Backup: Part 2” had been published about a month ago, before my PC’s motherboard decided to give up the ghost…

Website: Nature Photographers Online Magazine

The website Nomads’ Land, run by photographer Jean-Francois Maion, has recently published an excellent article which looks at the challenges of taking a digital camera, in this case the Canon EOS 10D digital SLR, to an environment as extreme as the Himalayas:

“Is digital photography up to the challenges of extended outdoor adventures in harsh conditions? A year ago, I would probably have answered: no. As a trekker and mountain climber, it was actually the main reason why I stuck with my film SLR.

That is, until this spring, when I could not resist the call of the new EOS 10D. And when I embarked this autumn on a climbing expedition to the Himalayas, I intended to photograph digital.”

Website: Nomads’ Land - Digital Photography in the Wilderness

Ulead Systems Press Release 02/02/04

Photo Explorer 8 Digital Photo Album Offers a Complete Digital Photography and Media Management Tool for the PC for only £24.99

Northampton, January 2004 - Ulead Systems, Inc., a leading developer of image editing, video editing and DVD authoring software, today announced the retail launch the Ulead Photo Explorer 8 Digital Photo Album, the most complete media management tool for the PC for acquiring, organizing, converting and sharing images, video and other media files.

The renamed, Photo Explorer 8 Digital Photo Album, provides a new format for easily and conveniently managing and finding photos according to file name, prefix, personal rating and date.

The software’s ability to pre-scan a folder and create image thumbnails both from a hard drive and CD allows users to quickly browse thumbnails and create a CD catalogue that can be used as a reference without inserting the CD into the drive. Its new auto-slicing tool saves time by slicing multiple scanned images to separate them into single images. Vast improvements in speed and performance, along with enhanced slideshow capabilities, and new, multiple interface layouts, make Digital Photo Album a fine-tuned and dynamic tool for digital media management.

Kodak Press Release 02/02/04

New KODAK EASYSHARE CX7430, CX7300 and CX7220 Digital Cameras Simplify Picture-Taking, Sharing and Printing

Latest Models Pair High Image Quality with Great Value; Compatible with the KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock for At-Home Prints in as Little as 90 Seconds

ROCHESTER, N.Y., February 2 - Building upon its popular EASYSHARE consumer digital photography system, Eastman Kodak Company today introduced three new digital cameras in the EASYSHARE CX line: the CX7430 camera, with 4 megapixel (MP) resolution and 3X optical zoom; the CX7300 camera, with 3 MP resolution and a fixed-focus lens; and the CX7220 camera, with 2 MP resolution and 2X optical zoom. All offer one-touch picture sharing, outstanding picture quality and Kodak?s hallmark simplicity of operation.

EASYSHARE camera owners can quickly select pictures for printing and e-mail - with up to 32 e-mail addresses stored right on the camera - with a touch of the exclusive, red-jeweled “Share” button. The CX7430 model also integrates Kodak?s new camera favorites feature for storing multiple pictures in an on-camera digital photo album. Each picture can then be shared anytime on the camera?s 1.6-inch indoor/outdoor LCD screen, or printed in as little as 90 seconds with the KODAK EASYSHARE printer dock 6000.

“Life moves at an incredibly fast pace these days, so capturing both everyday and once-in-a-lifetime moments with a digital picture becomes all the more important,” said Rowan Lawson, director of worldwide digital product marketing for Kodak?s Digital & Film Imaging Systems operation. “The newest additions to the KODAK EASYSHARE CX camera line give moms and others on the run great looking pictures without hassle, all at an affordable price. Whether those pictures are shared on the camera’s LCD screen, e-mailed, or printed, they’ll bring smiles to the faces of friends and family for years to come.”