Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm F3.5-4.5G IF-ED is the newest addition to a growing range of lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras.

With a practical wide-angle to telephoto zoom range of 18mm to 70mm, it offers the analogue 135 format equivalent to 27-105mm for general photography with Nikon D series digital SLRs.  It also enables anyone to start shooting digital SLR photography, irrespective of the current camera system they might own.

This is the first lens of its class to be offered in DX format, enabling a wide focal length range ratio. It effectively upgrades two existing AF Nikkors - it is smaller, lighter and more versatile than the existing AF 28-105 while offering a greater zoom range than the similarly sized AF 18-35.

The DX 18-70mm incorporates three ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and colour fringing, and aspherical elements to spread the light intensity evenly across the image circle with minimal distortion. The new lens continues the trend of G-type lens without aperture ring to offer precise 1/3 step aperture control via the camera body.

The AF-S DX 18-70mm lens incorporates Nikon’s exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast and quiet auto focus performance, whilst internal focus technology maintains lens size and balance.       

The lens is available either in kit form with the D70, or separately, for users of all Nikon D series cameras that share the DX Format sensor standard. 

The estimated RRP for the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm F3.5-4.5G IF-ED is ?299.99

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon COOLPIX 8700—A new flagship for the Nikon COOLPIX series with 8.0 effective megapixels and an 8x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 8700 Digital Camera.

With an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 8x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 8700 is positioned as the lineup?s newest flagship model. It delivers unmatched image quality—a hallmark of all Nikon products—and offers an advanced ergonomic design which greatly enhances operational ease and comfort.

The camera primarily targets users who already explore advanced forms of photographic expression, but are unsatisfied with current compact digital cameras. The COOLPIX 8700 meets their demands, especially those that require state-of-the-art image quality, higher zoom power and even greater portability and ease of use. Anyone in search of an extremely versatile, high-quality digital still camera will find the COOLPIX 8700 loaded with possibilities.

The COOLPIX 8700 carries an astonishing 8.0 effective megapixels for ultrahigh-definition photography. The clarity of your images is ensured by the professional-quality 8x Zoom-Nikkor lens. With its 8.9 - 71.2mm focal range (equivalent to 35 - 280mm in 35mm [135] camera format), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and give you clear and crisp image reproduction. In addition, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is optimized, which helps the new high-definition CCD image sensor make the most the incredible optical performance. The result is remarkably clear, natural images with unparalleled detail and contrast. The basic performance of the COOLPIX 8700 has also improved. This includes faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF operation in low light.

The camera incorporates four exposure modes: Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] combine to give you the greatest degree of creative control possible. The COOLPIX 8700 also offers [AUTO] mode, in which the camera automatically selects appropriate exposures and shutter speeds, giving users high-quality point-and-shoot capability. And for striking images in practically any situation, the new COOLPIX features 12 versatile [SCENE] modes. Simply select the mode appropriate to your lighting conditions, and the camera is able to automatically adjust the focus, flash, contrast, sensitivity and white balance.

The COOLPIX 8700 features many advanced digital controls, such as BSS (Best Shot Selector), AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-Best Shot Selector) mode, Noise Reduction mode, Saturation Control and White Balance Bracketing. These are often crucial to obtaining optimum image quality. To help ensure that you don?t miss those unexpected or fleeting moments, the COOLPIX 8700 also has a 5 shot buffer mode. Versatility is further enhanced by handy, innovative features such as movie capability with audio and the Time-lapse movie mode, which is ideal for observational recording.

The newest member of the COOLPIX family comes equipped with a large, Vari-angle LCD monitor for increased visibility—even during bright daylight. Moreover, the improved high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) offers greater contrast and a clearer images. And the compact, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body has been designed for maximum durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting.

New Framing guides on the LCD monitor offer an optional means of achieving ideal composition, and the new real-time histogram display lets you select the best exposure value while shooting. For those who desire more creative freedom when editing, the COOLPIX 8700 also offers RAW data image mode.

The COOLPIX 8700 comes loaded with all the essential accessories: a battery and charger, an A/V cable, a USB cable and the comprehensive Nikon View software package. The camera is also compatible with a host of optional accessories, including wideangle, telephoto and fisheye converters. It can also be fitted with a Lens Hood that uses lens filters. In addition, the COOLPIX 8700?s accessory shoe accommodates a number of Nikon?s external Speedlights.

This incredible array of features and quality accessories helps make the COOLPIX 8700 a truly special achievement in digital photography.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the Coolwalker MSV-01; a 30GB portable image storage device for the organisation of digital images.

The Nikon Coolwalker is a stylish and powerful storage device that offers an invaluable solution to the organisation of thousands of large resolution image files of all formats produced by today’s high-resolution digital cameras.

Featuring a large 2.5 inch TFT monitor and easy to use Menu the Coolwalker guides you through the process of efficient image management on the move, with practical PC-less options to share and print work later.

Compatible with all major image file formats (JPEG, TIFF) as well as NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) Raw files produced by Nikon Digital SLRs and certain Coolpix digital cameras and a variety of popular storage media formats. 

Transfer and organise your digital images
The Coolwalker has 30GB of storage capacity, translating to over 10.000 2MB* image files. *E.g. a typical 6Mp camera JPEG Fine. Images are transferred quickly via the Compact FlashTM 1 / II media slot to free up your camera media card to continue shooting in the field.  Optional adaptors are available for SD, MMC, SM and MS media formats as well. Images are automatically stored by date and folder creation is simple through the plain language Menu interface displayed on the large TFT monitor.

Browse and Save
The large 2.5 inch TFT monitor makes instant browsing of thumbnails in the field easy and conserves camera battery power for shooting pictures, rather than playing them back. Full image playback functions are offered such as Rotate, Zoom, Histogram and EXIF shooting data displayed.  The large screen and Nikon’s ergonomic four-way Multi selector style pad makes delete, move, copy, rename operations easy, supported by a straightforward 5 language Menu: En, De, Fr, Es, Jp.

Share images
Once your output is organised into an extensive mobile photo album, images are easy to share with family, friends or colleagues without the need of a PC. Just connect the Nikon Coolwalker to a TV or projector (PAL/NTSC), using the included remote control and present your slide show playback. 

Print direct (PictBridgeTM compatible)
It also enables a PC-less solution for printing your images. Just plug the Coolwalker in to any PictBridge(tm) compatible printer for PC-free printing.

Long Life Battery
The Coolwalker can operate for up to two hours, due to the powerful rechargeable Lithium Polymer Nikon EN-EL6 battery and charger/AC adaptor (included). 

Freedom to move around
The Nikon Coolwalker is a complete solution for anyone who enjoys digital photography but risks getting lost in the organisation and archiving of their work. Internal shock absorbers protect the hard disk in the field and in the office, providing a safe secure location for your precious digital image archive.

Hans Gaarlandt, Marketing Executive Prosumer Film and Digital products says: “Extensive research tells us that customers are rapidly embracing the benefits of digital photography, but losing their way when it comes to organising them for sharing later. Everyone wants to be taking pictures instead of filing and captioning them! But the most pleasure from your digital photography comes in sharing them quickly and easily, instead of browsing around folders on your PC screen.

The Nikon Coolwalker combines two major benefits for the digital camera user: it frees up your expensive CF card capacity, say, on holiday or a business trip, without the need for a PC.  Once you return home, you can view your digital photo album with family, friends or colleagues using the simplest viewing medium of them all, television”.

Estimated recommended retail price ?399.99

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon are pleased to announce the new SB-600 speedlight - the latest member of the Creative Lighting System.

The perfect i-TTL flash partner for the new Nikon D70 digital SLR, the SB-600 offers increased opportunities for creative flash photography when using zoom lenses, off camera or in wireless multiple flash arrangements.

Featuring a powerful GN of 30 (35mm at ISO 100), full directional bounce flexibility and an easy to use LCD display, the SB-600 offers an effective solution for anyone who is seeking a lightweight, compact but powerful lighting solution for their digital photography.

I-TTL
The SB-600, similar to the SB-800, features Nikon’s new i-TTL Balanced Fill Flash technology, compatible with both the new Nikon D70 and the professional Nikon D2H. I-TTL uses two powerful monitor pre-flashes to enable accurate flash exposures, especially in bright lighting conditions.  For the first time, the Nikon D70’s 1005-pixel Matrix Metering sensor is used instead of a separate 5-segment Balanced Fill flash sensor found in previous Nikon SLR cameras.

Multiple Wireless Flash
Groups of SB-600 can also be included in the Nikon Creative Lighting System of completely automatic I-TTL Multiple wireless flash arrangements for a quick and easy studio lighting on the move. When set up as a Remote flash, groups are wirelessly controlled by using the exclusive new ‘Commander’ function of the Nikon D70. This function offers wireless control in either TTL, AA or Manual modes, set via the camera menu. The D70 pop up flash uses Nikon’s Advanced Data Communication method of coded pulses of flash output to transmit a variety of flash mode instructions to Remote flash. After exposure the SB-600’s beep confirms firing. 

Zoom and Output control steps
The SB-600 has a focal length zoom range from 24,28,35,50,75,80mm and 14mm with the fold down diffuser that covers the most popular lens focal lengths. Manual output control ranges from Full Power to 1/2; 1/4; 1/8; 1/16; 1/32 and 1/64 with 1/3 EV steps. 

The SB-600 also features wide AF area illumination for the latest 11-Area Multi-CAM2000 AF system, Modeling flash triggered from camera, Auto FP High Speed Sync, FV Lock and Flash Colour Communication. 

The SB-600 is a fully powerful and featured Speedlight that offers excellent handling balance when used with compact digital SLR’s such as the Nikon D70 and Nikon D100, especially when using short telephoto lenses.  The SB-600 also comes complete with AS-19 Speedlight stand, and soft case SS-600. Available from May.  Estimated RRP is ?229.99.

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon has announced the new software application entitled “Picture Project”, which is based on information gathered during a worldwide study into customer expectations and requirements.

Everything in ten minutes
Picture Project has been designed so that users will feel totally at ease with the software in under ten minutes. It addresses the core need to organise, edit and use the many images that digital camera owners create, presenting them in a series of easy to access Collections that free the user from the need to understand a computer hard disk.

Picture Project includes a number of useful functions to enhance digital images that rely on the proprietary image-processing knowledge of Nikon specialists, presented in easy-to-understand tools such as “colour boost” and “auto enhance”.

Future Expandability
Picture Project can be enhanced by the purchase of third-party plug-in software, which add darkroom and optical filter effects as well as image enhancements that are only possible by digital manipulation.

The first filters to be available have been created by Nik Multimedia and follow on from their acclaimed set of digital filters for Adobe Photoshop. Nikon UK already offers a limited set of Nik Multimedia filters as a free-of-charge bonus to customers who register their products for the Fotoshare service.

Portfolio
With the announcement of Picture Project, Nikon has signalled an intention to expand its’ software portfolio, delivering a compelling mix of value-enhancing complimentary software with every Nikon digital product supported by a catalogue of higher-function products.

Olympus UK Press Release 28/01/04

To accompany the launch of the new C-5060 WZ digital camera, Olympus has announced a range of new accessories especially designed for the camera.  The C-5060 WZ offers a 27mm-110mm equivalent wide angle zoom, the widest currently available on the market today.  It is also one of the fastest digital cameras with a start-up time of just 3 seconds and a release time lag of 0.4 seconds.
     
For those sweeping landscape shots, the C-5060 WZ wide-angle conversion lens reduces the focal length by a factor of 0.7x (taking the zoom range to 19mm) without requiring the aperture to be changed. Furthermore a tele converter lens increases the focal length by a factor of 1.7x (taking the zoom range to 187mm) and a macro conversion lens enables you to get up close and capture finer details.

These C-5060 WZ conversion lenses are the first to feature a bayonet mount and can be quickly attached to the camera via a new CLA-7 conversion lens adapter.  Olympus also offers three different filters that may be screwed to the front of the C-5060 WZ?s lens. A UV filter and polarising filter both optimise the creative possibilities of the camera, and a protective filter prevents the camera?s lens from being smudged or scratched.

The C-5060 WZ is compatible with a power battery holder [B-HLD20] and rechargeable batteries [PS-BLM1] which provide considerably more power, permitting longer shooting sessions. The power battery holder features an additional shutter release button plus zoom lever with lock function to allow comfortable vertical-portrait framing. The rechargeable PS-BLM1 batteries deliver an impressive performance of 1500 mAh and take just 120 minutes to recharge.

DCViews have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.

“We have found this Canon A80 to be a very versatile camera. This was largely due to the wide range of manual exposure modes, which made it possible to use our creativity to the full. It offers excellent image quality at an affordable price. The swivelling LCD monitor is a nice enhancement, which makes it ideal for capturing candid shots, while the two custom exposure modes allow you to save your favourite settings to be available at the turn of a button without the need to consult the camera menu.”

Website: DCViews - Canon Powershot A80 Review

The Turkish website DigiNorm have posted their review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera.

Website: DigiNorm - Sony DSC-F828 Review

Imaging Resource have taken a break from reviewing digital cameras by taking a look at the Zenon MagneFlash 57Plus flash unit. This is a specialized flash that “is ideal for illuminating objects photographed at close range, especially highly reflective objects.”

“The Zenon MagneFlash line is nearly, nearly, nearly the simple solution we’ve wanted. Our only reservation, really, is that it isn’t designed to light up a room of family and friends at a party. But it’s wonderful for macro shots and portraits and it plays very, very well with all sorts of digicams. So let’s take a look.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Zenon MagneFlash 57Plus Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the new iLife ‘04 software for the Apple Mac. Is is worth upgrading, and is it actually all that easy to do so? Find out in this review…

“Well, an upgrade is an upgrade. Our little trials and tribulations express our disappointment in how this one flies, certainly, but we’d rather be using the new versions than the old versions, just as a matter of policy (since it lets us install the inevitable updates).

We’d just rather be using them for free in the case of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and iTunes. We can live without GarageBand, which is certainly worth $49. But it’s a different kind of iLife (or it would have been called iCaramba).”

Website: Imaging Resource - Apple iLife ‘04 Review

Breeze Systems Press Release 27/01/04

27th January, 2004: Breeze Systems today announced another innovative product for users of Canon?s Digital SLR cameras (EOS-1DS, EOS-1D, 10D, Digital REBEL,  300D). Professionals can now use Breeze Systems highly regarded software to control the EOS-1DS and EOS-1D as well as Canon?s midrange DSLR cameras.

Use DSLR Remote Pro to
- See large high quality previews of shots on your PC within seconds
- Gain unrivalled control of settings for Canon cameras during tethered operation
- Enable tethered operation of the camera from a distance
- Store images directly onto the hard disk of a PC ready for onward transmission (e.g. by FTP to a picture desk)
- Automate addition of IPTC data to images as they are downloaded
- Enable customers to view pictures while you continue shooting
- Preview images in black and white or color

Use the large preview image to display
- Flashing highlights to indicate over-exposed areas
- Grid overlay to assist accurate alignment
- Black and white
- Focus point overlay

DSLR Remote Pro has been developed by Chris Breeze, who has established a worldwide reputation for digital camera software (including BreezeBrowser, Downloader Pro,10DRemote, PSRemote, D30Remote) over several years. DSLR Remote Pro is available from Breeze Systems website at an introductory price of US$129.

DSLR Remote Pro runs on Windows and is available on a 15 day free trial from Breeze Systems website - http://www.breezesys.com

After 2 weeks and 2 days, my PC is finally up and running again, just in time for PMA in February :-) It turned out to be a faulty motherboard - buying a replacement on eBay for £18 and swapping it for the old one has fixed the problem (which you may recall was a complete system shutdown, 10-30 seconds after booting-up). During that 2 week period I’ve managed to answer emails and keep the site updated, but I haven’t been able to do any reviews etc. So expect to see some new stuff in early February. 2 weeks without a PC was not a great experience and something that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy…not that I have any enemies, at least to the best of my knowledge, but you get the idea :-)

Hardware Zone have published a detailed review of the 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4 digital camera, an ultracompact model which is small enough to fit inside an empty Altoids tin.

“For some time now, we have been witnessing the decrease in size of ultra-compact cameras within the digital realm. With the arrival of the Pentax Optio S, and now the Pentax Optio S4, the meaning of the word ?ultra-compact? has been totally redefined. The whole camera is so puny, it manages to fit neatly inside an empty Altoids tin can (similar in size to a Strepsils tin can), making for an inexpensive hard camera case if you fancy that idea. Though small on size, it is certainly not meager in features as you will find out in this review.”

Website: Hardware Zone - Pentax Optio S4 Review

In his latest article Michael Reichmann reminds us all to immerse ourselves in the moment and take a proactive approach to photography, backed up by some great images taken with the Sony DSC-F828 digicam.

“As I photographed I noticed another photographer working the scene. Like me he walked around the pier area taking his photographs. Once the sun had risen and it was time to head back to the hotel for coffee our paths crossed and we chatted for a few minutes. I’d noticed that he’d not been shooting very much, and so I asked him how he’d made out. “Not great,” he said. “I only took a few shots because not much was happening.”

During the 60 minutes that I’d been out shooting I had taken 130 frames.”

Website: Luminous Landscape: Telling The Story

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Fuji FinePix A210 Zoom digital camera. The A210 has 3.2 million megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. It retails for $279.99.

“Fuji FinePix digicams have always been associated with good image quality and color, with solid performance even at the lower-end of the line. With a 3.2-megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom lens, the A210 offers the same great point-and-shoot convenience as the earlier A200 model, but with greater flexibility. Overall, it’s a solid entry-level model, offering good resolution and an optical zoom lens at an exceptional price.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix A210 Review

Olympus UK Press Release 27/01/04

It’s not just the Olympus E-System that stands out from the crowd; the online firmware update service for this digital SLR system is also extremely sophisticated. The service is highly-automated, checking the firmware and downloads used, then installing a new version if necessary. Furthermore, the process is straight forward and takes just a few minutes.

Owners of Olympus E-System products who wish to use this service should update Olympus Viewer or Olympus Studio software to Version 1.1 or later by opening the ‘software update menu’ in the current version of their program. 

Using the new version of Olympus Viewer or Olympus Studio software, and an Internet connection, the user then simply needs to open the ‘Firmware Update’ function in the ‘Help’ menu. This initiates a check of the firmware in the camera body and any connected lens and flash. If necessary, the latest version can be automatically downloaded and installed.

“With the Olympus E-System, we have broken the mould and produced a truly ground-breaking digital SLR system. This new firmware update service is also an example of our commitment to the best solution,” says Heino Hilbig, Department Manager Marketing, Imaging Systems Europe.

The firmware update service goes into action on 28 January 2004. Users who do not have an Internet connection may contact authorised distributors or the European Customer Support Centre for information on updating their equipment. 

Olympus Viewer and Olympus Studio
Olympus Viewer software is supplied with the Olympus E-1 digital SLR camera. It allows the user to download, view, edit, organise and print images. The optionally available Olympus Studio features a number of additional highlights, such as direct control of the camera from a computer, batch processing and rapid processing of RAW files.

* Compatible with Windows OS: 98SE, 2000, XP and Mac OS: 9.1-9.2.2, 10.1.3-10.3.
Supported interfaces: USB1.1/USB2.0/IEEE1394.

The website LTL Imagery have recently published a number of articles which deal with the thorny issue of colour management and monitor calibration. If your prints don’t look like the image on your monitor, then give these articles a try…

Introduction to Color Management

Accurate Monitor Display

Monitor Calibration

Website: LTL Imagery

Ulead Systems, Inc. Press Release 26/01/04

DVD MovieFactory 3: A Complete DVD Creation Suite with Integrated Video Editing Tools and Extensive Support for a Wide Range of Consumer Electronic Formats and Device.

Northampton January 26th, 2004 - Ulead Systems, Inc., a leading developer of video, image and DVD software, announces Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3, a major upgrade of its PC consumer-level DVD creation software.  DVD MovieFactory 3 offers a rich, integrated suite of DVD creation tools for all DVD and CD burning needs. The software makes it simple for anyone, from home users to business managers, to create polished DVD movies, photo slideshows and quickly burn music and data to disc. DVD MovieFactory 3 offers significant enhancements such as motion menus and chapter buttons with real-time preview, and enhanced video editing tools such as the ability to add transitions and text to videos and photos. The software provides extensive and in-depth compatibility for all DVD formats including video recorded on set-top DVD recorders and DVD camcorders.

“We have put the broadest and deepest support for all DVD Video formats under the hood of an easy-to-master and feature-rich DVD creation suite,” said Mark Wurdemann, Marketing Manager at Ulead, UK. “Now consumers can create DVD titles from any content they desire and customize it over and over again on re-writable media. This is a major step towards DVD totally replacing VHS tape! By leveraging our leadership in consumer video editing and photo slideshow creation tools, DVD MovieFactory 3 is one of the easiest-to-use, all-in-one DVD creation programs available in the market today.”

Finnish photographer Petteri Sulonen has just published 2 more excellent articles on his website Petteri’s Pontifications. “Kwik ‘n’ Dirty Color Management” is a how-to article on setting up a simple color managed system for processing digital photos. “Is Slide Really Better?” is an investigation into the qualities of slide, negative, and Canon 10D RAW digital, from the point of view of an amateur photographer.

Website: Petteri’s Pontifications: Kwik ‘n’ Dirty Color Management

Website: Petteri’s Pontifications: Is Slide Really Better?

The winner of the 10th PhotographyBLOG Photo of the Week contest is izo with the entry “nord”. There are no prizes as such for this contest, but the winning photo is displayed on the PhotographyBLOG homepage for a week, and the winner can display the Photo of the Week logo on their website if they wish.

The 11th Photo of the Week contest is now open. This is a weekly photography challenge where you decide who the winner is by voting for your favourite photos. It’s an open contest with no set theme and you can enter as many photos as you like.