Picture Services Network Press Release 07/01/04

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 7, 2004—The Picture Services Network (PSN), a subsidiary of the leading global association for the imaging industry, I3A, has launched a service to enable digital photograpy users to quickly and easily locate and connect to digital imaging service providers nearby or wherever it’s most convenient - with any camera, through any Web browser, to any photofinisher participating in PSN.

PSN is the heart of the CPXe specification suite developed by I3A’s Common Picture eXchange Environment (CPXe) initiative, which delivered Version 1.0 in February 2003 and has just begun working on Version 2.0. Based on a Web Services framework, the CPXe specification comprises open standards for the exchange of digital images and photo services orders via the Internet.

By incorporating CPXe, photographic device and software vendors give their customers easy connection to a range of digital photography services. PSN’s private UDDI-based Directory Service allows any CPXe-compliant application to present consumers with a list of participating service providers. PSN thus enables digital camera users worldwide to quickly and easily locate digital imaging service providers near them, or wherever it may be convenient for them to purchase available services, such as near a friend’s or relatives’ home.

For example, a digital camera user in rural Vermont, where a winter storm has closed the roads, could take pictures of Baby’s first birthday party, then use PSN to locate a suitable CPXe-compliant photofinishing service in Los Angeles. The retailer will receive her images and order information, then create a keepsake for the Baby’s grandparents, or simply a set of prints made in one hour, for pick up near their home in Century City.

Veo Press Release 08/01/04

SAN JOSE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 8, 2004—Veo, a leading provider of digital imaging products, today introduced a 1.3 megapixel camera designed to utilize Secure Digital IO(TM)(SDIO) card slots on select Tungsten(TM) handheld devices from palmOne, Inc. The Photo Traveler 130S(TM) is equipped with a true 1.3 megapixel sensor and standardized JPEG encoding, which allows users to easily transfer photos between devices or print 3"x5” photos directly from their handheld.

“With the release of our Photo Traveler 130S for Pocket PC, we were inundated with supporters who wanted the same great technology for the Palm OS platform,” said Tim Martin, Veo vice president. “We listened to our customers and today’s announcement answers all of those requests.”

The Photo Traveler 130S, priced at $99.99, will be available at major retailers in early February. The camera features an adjustable lens providing users with the flexibility of focusing on close or far away objects with crisp definition. Like the previous Compact Flash version of the Photo Traveler, the 130S can easily capture video clips, but takes the feature a step further by adding advanced audio/ video synchronization into the ASIC. The new 130S lens design now moves in a vertical orientation and features a “+10 design” to add additional degrees of freedom to the 180 degree swivel lens, making it more natural for users during self portrait and downward shots.

Actiontec Introduces the First Wireless Digital Media Player With Eight-In-One Reader for Portable Memory Cards

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 8, 2004—Brings Digital Music, Movie & Photos from PCs and Memory Cards to TVs and Stereos Without Wires  

Actiontec Electronics today announced the Actiontec Wireless Digital Media Player with Built-in Card Reader, the first product in its class that enables consumers to play digital images and music on their TVs and stereos from any of the eight major portable memory card formats used in digital cameras, digital camcorders and MP3 players. The VCR-sized appliance also wirelessly links computers to home entertainment centers for big-screen and big-speaker enjoyment of PC-based content ranging from downloaded music and movies to Internet radio.

With the player’s built-in card reader, users can insert any CompactFlash Type I or Type II, IBM Microdrive, MS Pro, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, MultiMedia or Secure Digital card into the machine, and the contents will play on the designated TV or stereo. As a result, digital home movies, digital camera photos and other images stored on the cards can be shared with friends and family from the comfort of the couch without first downloading them to a PC, and portable music files can be heard on the biggest sound system in the house.

In addition, digital music files housed on a PC can be played on the family stereo in their full audio glory without transferring them to CD, and Internet radio can be piped through the home stereo system instead of trapped in minuscule computer speakers. Users can also watch digital video from a family vacation or a child’s birthday party on the TV screen without converting it to videotape, view downloaded Internet movies without sitting in front of their PCs, and surf the Web using the television as their monitor.

Western Digital Corp. Press Release 08/01/04

Western Digital’s Media Center combines external hard drive with media readers

Western Digital Corp., Lake Forrest, Calif., USA, introduced its Media Center storage peripheral, combining a 250 GB WD Caviar SE hard drive, an 8-in-1 memory card reader, USB 2.0 hub and the company’s Dual-option Backup feature in one external storage device. Western Digital says its Media Center is the only storage peripheral that provides consumers with all-in-one functionality and an easier way to download and store files from a variety of digital accessories.

Western Digital’s Dual-option Backup system gives consumers the option to back up data either automatically or on-demand. Using an easy set-up wizard, users can schedule a recurring backup; a button glows blue to confirm that files will be backed up automatically. The Media Center and new external drives with Dual-option Backup are also capable of backing up data from multiple sources for consumers who have a number of drives and/or PCs and notebooks.

Combining external storage with a built-in card reader for space-saving convenience and easier downloading at the touch of a button, the Media Center is compatible with 8 major media card formats, including CompactFlash Type I and II, IBM Microdrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMedia Card and SD Card.

  Western Digital’s Media Center and new USB/FireWire external hard drives with Dual-option Backup are expected to be available this month through Western Digital’s retailers, distributors and the company’s online store. Suggested retail price for Western Digital’s Media Center 250 GB is US$399; suggested retail price for external USB 2.0/FireWire hard drives with Dual-option Backup 250 GB is US$349.

Pentax have released a firmware update for the *ist D digital SLR camera. These are the changes:

- You can use the HyM (hyper manual) function when your lens aperture ring is set to a position other than the “A” position.
- You can use EV compensation in the M (manual) mode.
- If you are using the auto bracketing mode and the camera automatically powers down after a period of inactivity, the auto bracketing mode will not be cancelled.
Note that turning off your camera normally will cancel the auto bracketing mode. This enhancement only applies when the *istD engages its auto-power-off function.
- The file format and file system of the *istD are compatible with the EXIF 2.21 and the DCF 2.0 standards.
When you set [Color Space] in the *istD custom function menu to [Adobe RGB], your TIFF and JPEG image file names will change from “IMGPxxxx” to “_IGPxxxx” where “xxxx” is a 4 digit numeral.

Website: Pentax USA

Picasa, Inc. Press Release 08/01/04

Digital Photos Can Now Be Displayed on the Living Room Television, Offering a Comfortable Way to View Slideshows that Friends and Family will Enjoy

Las Vegas, NV (Consumer Electronics Show) ?- January 8,  2004- Picasa, Inc.(tm),  the leading developer of software which enables photographers to effortlessly organize, manage and share digital photos, announced today it has added new functionality to its service to allow compatibility with the TiVo Series2TM DVR and TiVo’s Home Media OptionTM. Now enjoying your Picasa digital photo collection on the family room television is easy .

Digital pictures can be transformed into a home entertainment venue for Picasa users who also subscribe to the TiVo Home Media Option. Once a member downloads the TiVo Desktop software application at www.tivo.com,  select your favorite photos in Picasa and click the ‘Export to TiVo Series2 DVR’  button to enjoy high resolution digital details on your big-screen TV. 

“Picasa is committed to delivering its customers a variety of platforms that allow them to share and show their favorite photographs,” said Lars Perkins, CEO of Picasa. “The simplicity and control that are the hallmarks of TiVo now extend to the home network, making it fun and easy to enjoy digital photos stored on Picasa on the television in the family room rather than crowding around a PC monitor.”

In an effort to stem the flow of Consumer Electronics Show news, here are 3 photos taken at the end of 2003 in my girlfriend’s parent’s backgarden. Proof that you don’t need to venture far to find something to photograph, especially when you’re armed with a macro lens.

View more Winter photos

Konica Minolta Press Release 08/01/04

New Dynax 60: The SLR choice for families and enthusiasts alike

Langenhagen, January 8th, 2004

Konica Minolta helps users discover the joy and fun of SLR photography with the new Dynax 60, a camera that offers the sharpest, clearest, and best images in the world of visual arts. Nothing beats an SLR camera for families who want to have fun while learning about photography. And in terms of price, functionality, quality, and reliability, nothing can touch the new Dynax 60 from Konica Minolta.

Both novices and enthusiasts will appreciate features like Wide Center-Cross 9-Point AF Sensor for increased focusing confidence, Multi-dimensional Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Direct Manual Focus for fine-tuning focusing, and a continuous advance speed of 3 frames per second(1). All features are accessible to beginners as well as photography veterans, so everyone can shoot like a pro.

The Dynax 60 from Konica Minolta lets users experience what taking pictures is all about in a camera that brings back the thrill of SLR photography.

The new Dynax 60 builds on the sound foundations of successful previous series, complementing proven ease-of-use and superior functionality with a wealth of additional features to satisfy even the most demanding users.

It also boasts beauty and functionality. The metallic casing is a reflection of SLR reliability and robustness. The critical control areas of the camera, such as the mode / function dials and front grip, are coated in rubber and finished to minute detail, so you can move and take pictures quickly with complete confidence of control.

In the end, though, the Dynax 60 is all about joy-the joy of owning and using a high-spec SLR camera that offers easy-to-use fun and memories for the family and a whole new level of advanced functionality for enthusiasts.

Konica Minolta Press Release 08/01/04

New Dynax 40 perfect results every time

Langenhagen, January 8th, 2004

Konica Minolta has accomplished what everyone said couldn’t be done-combined the high image quality of SLR photography with unbeatable cost performance. Introducing the Minolta Dynax 40.

Ideal for those family pictures when everything has to be perfect and crystal-clear, the Dynax 40 is an easy-to-use SLR camera with unbeatable cost performance. The natural successor to the best-selling previous models, the Dynax 40 continues Minolta’s tradition of high-image-quality SLR photography.

After admiring the striking design, users of all levels with appreciate features like Wide 3-Point 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.

The International CES show in Las Vegas, USA, has started now and already there have been a number of new photography-related products announced, including:

Digital Cameras
- Kodak Easyshare LS743 and LS753
- Casio QV-R51
- Olympus C-760 Ultra Zoom
- Nikon Coolpix 3200 and 2200
- Panasonic Lumix Lineup

Film Scanner
- Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV

Multifunction Printer
- Canon MultiPASS MP390

No doubt there will be many more announcements before the end of the show, so make sure that you visit PhotographyBLOG to keep up with all the news.

Kodak Press Release 08/01/04

New KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 Digital Cameras Combine Sophisticated Style and Innovation to Expand Picture Sharing

Models Offer Stunning Image Quality with New Favorites Feature for Instant Sharing

LAS VEGAS, January 8 ? Eastman Kodak Company today announced two stylish additions to its EASYSHARE digital photography system, the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 zoom digital cameras. Both combine compact design, enhanced sharing features, superb image quality and ease of use to help people capture and enjoy those moments that make life enjoyable, whether at a birthday party or the ballet.

The cameras - whose sleek aluminum bodies are the size of a small mobile phone ? integrate Kodak’s new ‘camera favorites’ feature. With a touch of the red-jeweled Share button, people can put pictures into the cameras’ digital photo album for later viewing or printing. These pictures can then be shared anytime on the cameras’ large, 1.8-inch high-resolution indoor/outdoor LCD screens. The Share button also allows individuals to immediately select photos for printing and even e-mailing, with up to 32 e-mail addresses stored in the cameras’ memory.

Both the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 cameras feature a new, professional-quality SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 2.8X compact optical zoom lens and the new KODAK Color Science image processing chip for phenomenal image quality with rich color, accurate skin tones, low noise and precise exposure. The LS743 camera boasts 4 megapixel (MP) resolution and 16 megabytes (MB) of internal memory, allowing for rich detail as well as the ability to enlarge photos up to 20 x 30 inches. The LS753 camera goes one step further with 5 MP resolution and 32 MB of internal memory.

Casio Press Release 08/01/04

January 8th 2004 ? CASIO Electronics Co. Ltd, today announced the latest addition to its popular QV compact digital camera series, the new 5.0 megapixel QV-R51. Following the success of the QV-R3, the QV- R4 and most recently the R40, the new QV-R51 (as with all CASIO digital cameras) has been designed to be fast, stylish, compact and exceptionally easy to use.

CASIO continues to innovate in digital technology and has packed even more functionality than its previous compact digital cameras. Whilst retaining CASIO?s industry leading start-up time of just 1 second and an enviable 0.01 second shutter release lag time, the QV-R51 also features a large 2.0? LCD screen which enables easy viewing and editing of images.

The new QV-R51 features CASIO?s revolutionary Stack MCM*1 which radically improves the camera?s functionality and more importantly its battery life. The new Stack MCM technology reduces battery power consumption by up to 40%, thereby allowing the user to shoot as many as 900 photos (2 ? hours) on a single charge*2.

Other features include a 3x optical zoom, magnesium alloy body and CASIO?s easy to use BESTSHOT mode. With 21 pre-defined built in settings, users can take beautiful, clear shots in any lighting condition. Image quality is further enhanced by the camera?s unique noise reduction process, which helps users take even better images using the BESTSHOT modes. The QV-R51 also comes with a new seven point multi auto focus system ? increased from the five auto focus points in previous models ? for even easier, more accurate focusing.

In addition to the features that consumers have come to expect from CASIO digital cameras, the new QV-R51 also includes features such as ?Direct-On?, that lets you start the camera up in either record or play mode instantly. With all these features built into such a small camera, the new QV-R51 is likely to be one of 2004?s must have consumer gadgets. The new CASIO QV-R51 will be available in the UK from March 2004.

*1 Stack MCM (Multi-Chip Module): A technology that enables the mounting of high density chips on top of each other
*2 With the LCD switched off

Experience more action with the world’s smallest 10x zoom camera*

If you are looking for a 10x zoom, why not come to the founder of the ultra zoom range? Thanks to its longstanding experience, you may rely on Olympus for a lens that offers superior performance. The very bright (f2.8 - 3.7), high quality optical system comprises eleven elements arranged in seven groups and includes two aspherical lenses plus an ED element. These are normally only found in pro-level SLR cameras and significantly help reduce chromatic aberration. And this model is not only perfect for distant objects, but also lets you shoot from just 3cm away to create fascinating macro photos. With 3.2 million pixels, great quality prints are assured - even in sizes up to A4.

The camera’s optimised electronic viewfinder allows - unlike many optical viewfinders - precise framing of the shot and the resolution of 240,000 pixels means you enjoy a clear picture. Furthermore, so you don’t have to take your eye from the subject when shooting, all activated settings are displayed in the electronic viewfinder.

This model is versatile enough to match any user’s comfort level. In auto mode, it offers point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For those times when creative expression is desired, the aperture priority, shutter priority or full manual settings allow greater control.

But it is more than just a still image digital camera. The movie mode enables you to capture video with sound. For instance, you can record the winning goal being scored, accompanied by the jubilation of the crowd. The USB 2.0 AutoConnect interface ensures file transfer to the computer is now even quicker.

For newcomers as well as ambitious amateurs alike, the Olympus CAMEDIA C-760 Ultra Zoom gives the power of 10x zoom to even those with smaller budgets. The camera, which weighs just 280 grams, has the smallest and lightest 10x Ultra Zoom body ever*, so that you can take it virtually anywhere. Offering excellent image quality and a broad range of advanced features, it combines versatility and ease of use in one sleek package.

Main features
- 3.2 million pixels
- 10x optical zoom f2.8/3.7 (equiv. 42 - 420mm on 35mm camera) 
- Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Full Manual modes
- 4 scene programs (portrait, sports, night scene, landscape) 
- Super macro mode: shooting from as close as 3cm
- Movie recording function with sound
- 240,000 pixel electronic viewfinder
- USB 2.0
- PictBridge compatible

* as of December 2003

Nikon Press Release 07/01/04

Nikon(R) Announces Next Evolution of its Incredibly Successful Compact Digital Cameras With New Coolpix(R) 2200 and Coolpix 3200

Nikon Coolpix 2200 and Coolpix 3200 Place the Power Of Great Pictures In the Eager Hands Of Beginning Digital Photographers

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/—Gaining simplicity doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality.  Nikon Inc., the world leader in photography, and its new Nikon Coolpix 2200 and Nikon Coolpix 3200 compact digital cameras prove that ‘you can have it all’ in an affordable digital camera.  The latest additions to the award-winning Nikon Coolpix (http://www.nikoncoolpix.com) consumer line of products are both portable and capable, sharing a slim, new Coolpix body design, ultra-fast operation and a host of new and enhanced features to help digital snap-shooters get the best possible pictures out of their camera.
These exciting new Coolpix cameras build upon Nikon’s existing Scene Modes and Scene Assist features to deliver faster, better results without the hassle of haggling through menus and modes.

“The Coolpix 2200 and 3200 will resonate especially well for those looking for a small camera at a great price that’s really easy to use,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products for Nikon Inc. “Nikon’s heritage is in understanding picture quality, and these two new cameras make it easier than ever to take great quality images, anytime, anywhere.”

Panasonic Press Release 07/01/04

PANASONIC DEBUTS NEXT GENERATION LUMIX DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (January 7, 2004) ? Panasonic, the first consumer electronics company to feature world-renowned Leica DC lenses in its digital still cameras and camcorders, today announced its new Lumix digital camera line for 2004.

Representing the perfect balance of art and science, Lumix cameras seamlessly integrate superlative Leica optics with Panasonic?s unsurpassed digital electronics technology, allowing users to experience a new level of artistic expression while exploring a host of creative applications made possible by digital technology.

?The Lumix line has taken digital cameras to a new level of performance,? said Andrew Nelkin, Vice President of Panasonic?s Optical Group. ?Thanks to high-performance Leica DC lenses, and Panasonic?s unique image processing system, the Lumix cameras capture nuances unlike any other digital camera, and are capable of taking consecutive shots nearly as quickly as a motor-driven film camera.?

Konica Minolta Press Release 07/01/04

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 (January 7, 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.”

With an auto focusing system that is not available in flatbed scanners and a 16-bit A/D conversion and a wide dynamic range of 4.8, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV faithfully reproduces the rich variations in tone from light to dark of the original film image. Moreover, Multi-sample Scanning improves the scan data by reducing random noise.

Canon Press Release 07/01/04

Canon’s New Multifunction Printer Delivers End-To-End Solution For SOHO Markets; Canon MultiPASS MP390 Model Adds Fax Capabilities Creating a Full-Function Entry-Level MFP

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 7, 2004—Canon’s new MultiPASS(TM) MP390 Multifunction desktop photo printer delivers an end-to-end business solution for the home, small-office and home office users with high-quality photo printing, copying, scanning and newly added fax capabilities.

Built into a stylish and compact design, the MultiPASS MP390 multifunction printer allows users to manage their desktop space by combining many office functions into a single device. From printing photos, text and web pages to scanning images for homework projects, to copying receipts for household use, to sending or receiving black and white or color faxes, the new MultiPASS multifunction unit provides the versatility, convenience and quality needed by today’s consumers.

“We see strong growth in the multifunction printing market as consumers are asking for a single desktop solution that allows them to print, scan, fax and make photos at a cost-effective price point,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “Our new MultiPASS MP390 Multifunction Desktop Photo Printer combines high-quality with the convenience and simplicity of having printing, copying, scanning and picture-making in one product at an affordable price.”

Konica Minolta Press Release 07/01/04

New multimedia communication tool now accessible to ACDSee software users

Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 2004) ? Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announced today that they have developed a DiMAGE Messenger 2.0 Plug-in for ACDSee digital imaging software. The DiMAGE Messenger 2.0 Plug-in serves as a multimedia communications tool to link images, audio and text. ACDSee?s award-winning digital imaging software allows users to import, view, organize, print, enhance and share their digital photos.

?We?re very excited to have developed this customized version of our DiMAGE Messenger software for use with ACDSee?s popular and easy-to-use imaging software,? said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing for the Camera Division of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.  ?The combination of these two software programs enables savvy digital photographers to really get creative and have fun with their digital images.?

About.com have just published an interesting 5-page guide to creating panoramic images with a digital camera, including techniques for taking the photos and joining them together.

“Film has a lot to offer the panoramist, but with the increasing adoption of digital cameras, these potentially offer a much cheaper route to making digital pictures. Many digital cameras have a special ‘panorama’ mode to encourage this, and software for stitching several shots into a panorama is often provided with the camera.

Recently, I’ve been trying this out, both with a consumer camera, a small Canon Digital Ixus 400, and also with a Nikon D100 DSLR. The results are encouraging, although nothing commercially available can yet match the true panoramic camera loaded with film for ease of picture taking.”

Website: About.com - Digital Panoramics

The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has again updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look more colour prints and the first problems that Vincent has encountered. Epson UK have just announced the price and availability of the R800 printer - it will cost ?299 and will be in stores by the end of January.

Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review