About.com have published their review of Picasa, a software program from Picasa Inc. that allows you to manage and organize your digital photos.

“Since my original review, I took another look at Picasa version 1.6. Picasa is now integrated with Hello, Picasa’s own peer-to-peer photo-sharing and instant messaging program. Hello is a separate download that both you and anyone you want to share with will need to install. This version of Picasa shows improvements to the clarity of the timeline and slide show display, but Picasa 1.6 still lacks several essential features. There are no CD archive options, no 5x7 print option, no zoom control, no manual enhance, no annotation features, and sharing options are limited.”

Website: About.com - Picasa Review

Dabs.com are now listing the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer and the various cartridges. The R800 has an RRP of ?299 - Dabs are listing it for ?269.07 inc VAT. The UltraChrome pigment inks are priced at ?11.75 inc VAT for the 7 colour cartridges and ?7.05 inc VAT for the Gloss Optimizer cartridge.

Website: Dabs.com

Nikon Europe have released firmware version 1.3 for the Coolpix 4500 digicam today.

About this firmware:
A problem with flash photography using the Remote Cord MC-EU1 which sometimes produced images that were underexposed,  has been corrected.
 
Compatible OS:
Windows 98 SE
Windows 2000
Windows ME
Windows XP

Website: Nikon Coolpix 4500 Firmware Update 1.3 - Windows

Website: Nikon Coolpix 4500 Firmware Update 1.3 - Macintosh

Practical Photography Press Release

Everything you need to know about ?Still Life? photography.

Still life is all about turning everyday objects such as bottles, vases, and candles and turning them into interesting subjects for still life photographs. In other words, household objects into art. The latest issue of Practical Photography will teach you:

- To learn how to use a rooms ambience to your advantage
- To use natural window light to get the best out of still life photography
- How the most unusual objects can create fantastic photographs
- The best Digital and Film techniques

Plus…

Improve your portrait photography.
Read about top pro photographer Herbie Knott, who has snapped people such as Margaret Thatcher when she was Prime Minister, as he reveals the strategy behind his portrait sessions and suggests the ways that anyone can take great portrait shots at home.

The February issue of Practical Photography is on sale NOW, is just ?3.10 and is available at all good newsagents.

DON’T FORGET! If you signup to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter, you could win a 3-month subscription to Practical Photography magazine!

Subscribe to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter

As usual with the release of a major new camera, several websites have already got their sticky little fingers on pre-production units and have provided First Look reports for you. Even more impressively, the Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published a number of sample images from the new EOS 1D MKII. And the camera was only announced this morning!

So without further ado, here are some handy links for you to follow…

UPDATE 11:43 - Canon have asked e-Fotografija/DP-Now to remove the sample images… :-)

Website: Canon Japan - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Product Page

Website: e-Fotografija - Canon EOS 1D Mark II First Impressions (in English)

Website: DPReview - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Preview

Website: Dphoto.us - Stephen Eastwood’s Hands On Impressions

Website: Rob Galbraith - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Preview Report

Canon Press Release 29/01/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29th January, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, sets new standards in professional photography with the announcement of the EOS 1D Mark II. Combining formidable speed and exceptional resolution, the EOS 1D Mark II delivers approx. 8.5 frames per second at 8.2 Megapixels, taking over from Canon’s EOS-1D as the most powerful D-SLR camera in the world.

Canon has integrated three new technologies to deliver the EOS 1D Mark II’s high-speed / high-resolution combination: Canon’s next generation DIGIC II processor, a new CMOS sensor, and a new extra large buffer system. These technologies work in concert to deliver 40 frame bursts at 8.5 fps in JPEG, or 20 frame bursts in RAW mode. This high level of performance can be achieved in either Single Shot AF or AI Servo AF mode.

“With commanding speed and phenomenal image quality, the EOS 1D Mark II sets a new performance benchmark for sports and news photographers,” says Mr. Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “With nearly double the resolution of the EOS-1D, the EOS 1D Mark II also opens the digital SLR realm to the areas of fashion, nature and event photography”.

Canon Press Release 29/01/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29 January 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the professional series EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM ultra high magnification zoom lens. With an approx. 11x zoom range covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto, Canon’s latest dust and moisture proof ‘white lens’ is designed to appeal to professional EOS photographers looking to reduce lens changes and the number of lenses they need to carry.

Canon Press Release 29/01/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29 January 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM telephoto zoom lens. A new triple-layered diffractive optical element (DO) has enabled Canon to produce a 70-300mm lens less than 10cm long. The lens also includes Canon’s Image Stabilisation technology to dramatically reduce camera shake, compensating for approximately three stops in shutter speed without any perceptible increase in image blur. A virtually silent ultra-sonic motor (USM) gives the lens extremely fast autofocus.

“This lens is symbolic of Canon’s leadership in precision optics”, said Mr. Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe, at the lens’ launch. “Canon stands alone as the only company to have successfully commercialised Diffractive Optical elements in camera lenses, and the results speak for themselves.”

Full time manual focusing, a circular aperture diaphragm, and a zoom ring lock mechanism to fix the lens at the shortest focal length are all built in. The lens boasts image quality approximating that of Canon’s L series professional lenses. It is likely to appeal to professional photojournalists and serious advanced amateurs with a need to contain the size and weight of equipment carried.

Canon Press Release 29/01/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29 January 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the DVK-E2. Designed to work with the EOS-1Ds and new EOS-1D Mark II D-SLR cameras, the DVK-E2 provides the facility to prove that images taken with the EOS-1D Mark II have not been altered, tampered with or manipulated in any way. The DVK-E2 is the successor to Canon’s DVK-E1 and will work with both the EOS-1Ds and the EOS-1D Mark II.

Recent well-publicised cases involving image-tampering by news agencies have identified a strong need for a system capable of verifying the originality of digital photographs. Without such a kit it is impossible for an agency to identify whether or not a given image has been enhanced or manipulated.

ISO certification
With the capacity to detect the slightest (single bit) discrepancy, the DVK-E2 kit is expected to be popular amongst law enforcement, insurance, news and other agencies that have a need to verify the legitimacy of digital images. Canon is applying for ISO 15408 certification (evaluation criteria for IT security) for the Data Verification Kit to further validate its application. The acquisition of ISO 15408 certification will give international recognition to the originality of images shot with the EOS-1D Mark II or EOS-1Ds whilst in data verification mode.

How it works
The kit consists of a dedicated SM (secure mobile) card reader/writer and verification software. When the appropriate function (Personal Function 31) on the EOS-1D Mark II or EOS-1Ds is activated, a code based on the image contents is generated and appended to the image. When the image is viewed, the data verification software determines the code for the image and compares it with the attached code. If the image contents have been manipulated in any way, the codes will not match and the image cannot be verified as the original.

Compact and easy to use
The SM cards used with the kit are the same size as an SD card. The tiny SM card reader/writer is barely bigger than the cards it takes. It draws the power it requires from the USB port of the computer to which it is connected. The software is Windows 2000/XP compatible. Up to 100 images can be evaluated simultaneously, simply by selecting the images and clicking ‘Verify’.
The kit supports English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Chinese languages.

Photoxels 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.

“The Minolta DiMAGE Z1 shines in all respects. If you are learning about digital photography, or you are looking for the perfect present for someone who is starting out in digital photography, and you like its futuristic look, then you won’t go wrong with the Minolta Z1.”

Website: Photoxels - Minolta DiMAGE Z1 Review

BenQ Press Release 23/01/04

Ultra-fresh and exciting, the BenQ DC S30, my Digital Music Camera
 
Europe 23rd of January, 2004 ? BenQ proudly announces the BenQ DC S30. The BenQ DC S30 is one of the first in its class to combine the ability to take photographs, play music, record voice memos, and shoot continuous amount of video ? making it an all-in-one personal digital entertainment center. In addition, the BenQ S30 features 3.34 Mega-pixels, 3X optical zoom, and an 180? flip-out LCD preview screen.

Music On-The-Go
Not only can the BenQ DC S30 be used for taking photographs, but it also enables users to enjoy the integrated both FM radio and MP3 playback function to satisfy their needs and indulge in their favorite music. Furthermore, the BenQ DC S30 acquires an integrated speaker that allows play-out music and is bundled with Q-Music software for easy music editing. Also, with the fine MSRE (Metal Resonance Sound Effect) system, the DC S30 delivers superb audio quality despite its diminutive size, making you enjoy the excellent audio enjoyment.

Non-stop Enjoyment
Armed with a lithium-ion battery and unique DRS (Dual Recharge System), BenQ DC S30 users will no longer have to be dependent on recharging power indoor whilst using an adapter. With its DRS it is now possible to recharge outdoor by connecting an USB cable to your notebook to reload the battery life of your S30. Enjoyment regardless where you are! 

Ultra-hip Design, fresh and exciting
The BenQ DC S30 boasts a neatly outlined magnesium alloy casing with a smooth tasty-tangerine tone that shows freshness and energy with an unique personal style. The camera?s color LCD screen can flip-out a full 180? that gives users the flexibility to capture images from virtually any angle, including self-portraits.

Continuous Video Recording
The BenQ DC S30 has the ability to capture continuous lengths of video, making it a completely functional compact digital camcorder. Supporting the ASF format, the BenQ DC S30 not only provides advanced video quality; but also allows users to record longer with the same amount of storage. With a 256MB memory card, up to 70 minutes of incessant video can be stored. Voice memos can be added up to 20 seconds long to captured photographs. The BenQ S30 will be available in February.

She?s fresh, exciting, she?s so exciting to me, the new BenQ DC S30, my Digital Music Camera.

LetsGoDigital have been burning the midnight oil to bring you a very detailed and exclusive First Look at the Nikon D70 digital SLR, which was officially announced yesterday. As usual, LetsGoDigital’s article is impeccably presented and full of useful insights into what will surely be one of the big sellers of 2004.

“A feeling of high quality dominates when we take the camera into our hands. Nikon has not been tempted to make concessions to the quality of the housing. A very neatly finished body with a clear hand grip, a metal mount and an easy accessible control panel at the back of the camera. The camera lies perfectly in the hand. Users of the traditional Nikon F100 camera will recognise certain details of the housing. The beginning photographer will get spoiled by experiencing this body that until recently was only available for the semi-professional or dyed-in-the-wool amateur photographer!”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon D70 First Look

If you didn’t know already, PMA 2004 is due to start on February 12th in Las Vegas, USA. This is the largest photographic trade show of the year, where all of the major and minor manufacturers show off their product lines for 2004. We’ve already seen some major announcements from Nikon and Canon this week, and you check back here regularly to catch up with all of the latest news as it happens. You could also spend a little time checking out the following sites, which have dedicated PMA 2004 preview pages.

Website: Luminous Landscape - PMA 2004

Website: LetsGoDigital - PMA 2004

Website: DPReview

It was only announced by Nikon yesterday, but CNET have already published their first take on the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera.

“Competition between the 8-megapixel upstarts and the increasingly cheaper dSLRs will make digital-camera choices even tougher. Enthusiasts will have to decide if they want an SLR’s flexibility and feel or a higher resolution. The 8700 is slated to ship in late February for $999. We’ll keep you posted.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix 8700 First Take

HP Press Release 28/01/04

HP Photo Printing Systems Offer Professional-quality Black and White Photos that Resist Light Fading for 115 Years

Third-party research confirms industry leading fade resistance and image quality

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 28, 2004
HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced third-party test results confirming that HP’s recently introduced black and white capable photo printing systems offer customers professional-quality black and white photos that resist noticeable light fading for 115 years.(1)

Last year, the company introduced several HP Photosmart printers that produced professional-quality black and white photos. HP asked Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. the leading worldwide independent image permanence laboratory, to test a representative HP printer (the HP Photosmart 7960) for black and white fade resistance in normal indoor display conditions, when used with the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, using their standard test methods (see http://www.wilhelm-research.com for details), determined that these black and white prints resist fading for up to 115 years when tested under glass.

“It’s important for customers to understand that any credible comparisons of photo permanence must be derived from identical test methodologies,” said Nils Miller, senior ink and media scientist, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. “Wilhelm Imaging Research employs the most stringent and widely used test methodology on fade resistance. In addition, Wilhelm tests and publishes results for all major brands, which enables customers to make fair and credible comparisons between brands.”

Ricoh claims that the 3.24-megapixel Caplio G4 has a shutter response time of just 0.14 seconds, exceeding the speed of a conventional 35mm camera and making it the world’s fastest in its class in terms of shutter response time. In addition, the Caplio G4 has a very fast start-up time of 1.9 seconds, which allows you to capture the desired shot with a minimum of delay. Does the sheer speed of the Ricoh Caplio G4 make it stand out from the crowd? Read on to find out.

Website: Ricoh Caplio G4 Review

I looked up from writing the Ricoh G4 review, prompted by lightning and thunder, and saw this outside. Snow in North London - whatever next?!

(the wonky colour balance is a combination of taking the shots in JPEG mode instead of RAW, leaving Photoshop to its own devices via Auto-Levels, and me being too lazy to fix it…).

HP Press Release 28/01/04

YOU Can Win 15 Minutes of Fame in Digital Photography Contest Sponsored by HP and Project Greenlight

People encouraged to share their stories through digital photos via launch of worldwide contest

London, Jan. 28 2004 - HP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina and Project Greenlight executive producers Ben Affleck and Chris Moore have announced a worldwide digital photography contest titled “YOU Take Five!” at the recent Sundance Film Festival.

The contest gives people from around the world the chance to become an on-set photographer for Miramax’s third Project Greenlight independent film (which might also see them on television in the accompanying series set to air on Bravo) as well as earn a walk-on role in the movie and have their photo essay, or “YOUstory,” featured in an HP (NYSE:HPQ) advertisement.

“Our partnership with Project Greenlight brings together the best of technology and entertainment to inspire and empower a new generation of film-makers and photographers,” said Fiorina. “Technology today is helping to democratise creativity. Through the “YOU Take Five!” contest we hope to uncover many new and exciting artists.”

The contest, sponsored by HP and in partnership with Project Greenlight, supports HP?s advertising campaign, “YOU +hp,” which was launched in late 2003 and is designed to inspire individuals to see the photo in everything. The campaign showcases HP’s complete digital photography line-up ? from cameras and printers to PCs, ink and paper.

Details and a product shot of the successor to the Canon EOS 1D digital SLR were leaked by Canon France early this morning. The snappily-named Canon EOS 1D MK2 will have a number of improvements over the older model, including:

- 8-megapixel CMOS sensor
- 1.3x crop factor (same as the 1D)
- 8.5 frames per second shooting rate
- Buffer can hold up to 40 full-size JPEGs or 20 RAW files
- ISO 50-3200
- New E-TTL flash system
- New Digic processing system
- 1/250 sec flash sync
- Maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th second
- RGB Histogram
- Firewire support
- Accepts Compact Flash type II and SD cards

Two new lenses were also accidentally announced at the same time.

Canon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM
Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera that delivers Nikon’s patented digital and photographic performance, high resolution, sharp detail and accurate, vivid colour combined with a new level of advanced functions and automated operation: the Nikon D70.

Continuing the heritage of hallmark Nikon digital performance established with the launch of the D1 and successful introduction of the Nikon DX Format in1999, the D70 stands ready to expand the digital SLR camera market.  Designed for a broad range of customers, from novices to serious and experienced photo enthusiasts, the D70 allows photographers to easily adopt digital technology into their existing camera system, or to begin building a system that will bring ongoing enjoyment in the future.

The D70 employs the popular Nikon DX Format sensor and Nikon F lens mount design. This maintains seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses while allowing photographers to take full advantage of high quality DX Nikkor lenses, designed exclusively for Nikon’s D-series digital SLR cameras and optimised to achieve outstanding centre-to-edge-to-corner image quality. Developed concurrently as a perfect match for daily use with the D70 and compatible with all Nikon D-Series SLR models, the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED combines top performance and outstanding value.

The D70 is ready to use the instant it is turned on. The 5-area autofocus system is fast and precise, and includes an AF-assist illuminator to help maximize performance even in dark shooting conditions. It can shoot a rapid 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures (when using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk SDCHF256MB CompactFlash(tm) card) thanks to improved buffer memory handling, faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater system bus bandwidth.

Controls are located for easy access and smooth operation. Menus are presented clearly and in plain language on the large LCD monitor. All the camera’s systems have been optimised to deliver quick response. And, innovative new shooting options have been added to simplify the photographic process, whether controlled manually or via advanced automatic operation. Nikon’s seven new automated Digital Vari-Program selections accessed from the new Mode dial offer a combination of personal control and powerful automatic operation that helps achieve great results under even the most complex shooting conditions. 

Shutter speeds of 30 to 1/8,000 sec. ensure full creative control. The built-in auto pop-up flash can synchronize at shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec. for great fill flash effects. Sensitivity can be set between ISO 200 to 1600 or controlled automatically across the same range of settings to maximize available light.

A new 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor featuring wider dynamic range and a higher signal to noise ratio produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details suited for making large prints, or for cropping for creative detail.

The D70’s advanced System LSI processor is programmed for next generation performance to produce the finest in vivid colours and clarity, while maximizing the speed of file compression, memory buffer handling, simultaneous recording of JPEG and NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) files, and near-instant LCD image display.

Nikon’s acclaimed 3D Colour Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel sensor assures accurate auto TTL white balance. Six different manual white balance modes, preset white balance, and white balance bracketing are also available for full creative control. Exposure compensation and flash exposure compensation combine with auto exposure bracketing to further aid in achieving the perfect shot.

The rechargeable high-energy EN-EL3 lithium-ion battery that earned high acclaim in the D100 delivers the power to shoot up to 2,000 images(1) on a single charge.  The D70 also comes with a battery holder, which lets you use disposable batteries as well, should the need or desire arise.

Diverse playback options, versatile custom settings, a USB interface for easy connectivity or direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer, and a bevy of other features packed into the lightest and most compact Nikon digital SLR camera to date make the D70 the best performing camera in its class.

The estimated retail price of the D70 body is ?799.99
The estimated RRP for the D70 Kit is ?999.99
The camera will be available from April / March